Ditch the grey skies and soak up some sun on these terrific terraces

Ditch the grey skies and soak up some sun on these terrific terraces

by Louise Albania Italy Portugal Spain , , ,
  • Winter travel tipped to beat 2.9% increase of 2013/14 season (Eurostat)
  • EU air passenger traffic up 5.6% in October (Airports Council International)
  • Outdoor sun terraces available from as little as €35,000 (Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa)

As the nights draw in and those early morning starts seem ever colder, the idea of sitting outside and soaking up the sun may seem like a distant dream, but the perfect outdoor terrace is actually a lot closer than you might think.

According to Eurostat, the pursuit of winter sun expanded over the 2013/14 season, with 15.4 million more nights spent in hotels and similar establishments within the European Union, an increase of 2.9% on the previous year. The 2014/15 season looks to be a good one too thus far, with the Airports Council International reporting an increase of 5.6% in passenger traffic at EU airports in October.

Some of the main increases in air passenger traffic were recorded in Spanish and Italian airports, while the Eurostat figures put Spain and Italy as two of the three most popular winter tourist destinations. With their warm climates, pretty beaches and short travel time from the UK it is easy to see why many of these tourists want more than just a hotel room and opt for a second home overseas instead. Martin Dell, Director of leading Spanish property portal Kyero.com, explains,

“Being able to bask in the sunshine over the winter months is hugely appealing to buyers from colder countries. For such buyers, outside space is extremely important and a property with a decent outdoor terrace can easily command a price premium over one without.”

It is a fact well understood by Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, whose properties feature outdoor areas in the forms of gardens, balconies and roof terraces. Each development also has at least one communal swimming pool for those wishing to take the plunge over the winter months. Sea views, golf views and wide terraces are all tempting buyers at the company’s latest site, the delightfully designed Miraval on the Costa del Sol, where prices start from €245,000.

Over in Italy, luxury holiday home company Appassionata also appreciates the value of outside space. The urban fractional townhouse Casa Tre Archi comes complete with three outdoor terraces, including a large roof terrace with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Owners can enjoy the three bedroom/three bathroom property for five weeks per year from just £65,000.

For buyers looking a little way beyond Spain and Italy, Portugal and Albania offer plentiful sunshine over the winter months and are both exceptional value for money as holiday destinations. Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, observes,

“Being outside and enjoying the sunshine is just part of the way of life here in Portugal. From spacious apartments overlooking the sea to detached villas with their own pools, everything is geared towards maximising sunshine. It’s a wonderfully relaxed approach to life.”

In Albania, soaking up rays is also at the top of holidaymakers’ priority lists, as the generously appointed balconies and terraces of the country’s first high-end resort, Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa, demonstrate. With prices starting from as little as €35,000 the resort has something for all budgets, so those who think that a second home with a stunning outdoor sun terrace is beyond their budget may just need to think again.

For more information please contact:

Kyero.com:www.kyero.com

Taylor Wimpey España:+44 8000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Appassionata: +39 073 465 8775 or www.appassionata.com

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

Searching for the ultimate Christmas gift? Why not a second home in Spain!

Searching for the ultimate Christmas gift? Why not a second home in Spain!

by Louise Spain
  • Key-ready holiday properties with 5% cash discount for festive buyers (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • UK residents spent 611.5 million nights overseas in 2013 (ONS)
  • Spain is UK’s favourite destination, attracting 11.7 million visitors last year (ONS)

When you’re a kid, Christmas is packed with the promise of sleigh bells in the snow, feasting on chocolate and the wonderment of seeing that Santa has delivered the presents when you wake up on Christmas morning. As a teenager, it’s a time for no school and for asking your parents for over-priced goods that you wouldn’t normally get. When you become a parent, it’s about making it perfect for the little ones and starting the cycle again.

But what about those whose children are past the age of believing in Father Christmas or even so grown up that they have flown the nest? While the holiday period is still full of excitement, it can be tricky to find the perfect gift after so many previous Christmases (and birthdays!) of having done just that.

All is not lost though. This year, Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, has the ultimate Christmas gift in mind – a second home in Spain. He comments,

“Surprising your partner and family with a Christmas gift on this scale has to be the ultimate present! You’re giving them the gift of years of happy holidays and memories to come. I’m not sure there’s anything to top that. The towns along the coast here are twinkling with Christmas lights and all manner of festive events are planned to run from now through until the New Year.”

Spain is the UK’s favourite travel destination, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), with 11.7 million visits last year (an increase of 5.8% over the 2012 figure). In mainland Spain, on the Costa Blanca, Taylor Wimpey España’s La Vila Paradis – Villajoyosa resort is offering festive purchasers a discounted price of €225,000 for its well thought out two bedroom apartments. The gated development boasts swimming pools, communal gardens and stunning sea views over Paraiso beach.

Alternatively, on the Balearic Island of Mallorca, the Cala Magrana III development has key-ready apartments from just €230,000, with a 5% cash discount for any buyer who legally completes before the end of the year. Porto Cristo marina, Cala Anguila beach and some of Mallorca’s best golf courses are all close to these contemporary apartments.

ONS figures show that visits abroad by UK residents increased by 3.5% in 2013 over the previous year, with 611.5 million nights spent overseas. Why not pick up the ultimate Christmas gift this year by buying a house in Spain and push this figure even higher in 2015?

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Award-winning investment agency launches new B2L development in UK’s next garden city

Award-winning investment agency launches new B2L development in UK’s next garden city

by Louise United Kingdom
  • 55,000 new homes per year to be built until 2020 (HM Treasury)
  • Bicester to see 13,000 new homes built as UK’s next garden city project (HM Treasury)
  • Brand new luxury B2L apartments in Bicester available from £184,950 (Property Frontiers)

The Government has confirmed the location of its second garden city – the historic market town of Bicester in Oxfordshire. Best known for its extensive retail offering, Bicester is one of the fastest growing and most dynamic towns in the county.

The garden city initiative is based on the concept used previously in the creation of Milton Keynes. Essentially, it sees a planned community developed through the building of housing in a carefully designed layout, packed with parks, trees and other greenery. Ebbsfleet in Kent had been chosen as the first of the government’s modern garden cities and now Bicester has been selected as the second.

Community planning in this way is nothing new, as the development of Milton Keynes is testament to. It is one of the ways in which the government ensures that there is sufficient housing stock for the UK’s exponentially increasing population through its National Infrastructure Plan. Chief secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, comments,

“New houses support economic growth and are a crucial element of a fair society, so I’ve prioritised the investment of almost £2bn to ensure we can build on average 55,000 new homes a year until 2020.”

13,000 of those new homes will be in Bicester, with a new railway station planned as well in order to serve the expanded population. But it is not solely through government efforts that Bicester will be adding to its housing stock, as Ray Withers, Chief Executive of Property Frontiers, explains,

“Any city can only grow to its full potential through a mixture of public and private initiatives and Bicester is no exception. The government has ambitious plans for the town, but the housing shortfall needs to be addressed now, not just in the future. That’s why companies such as Property Frontiers are working with local developers to ensure that high quality accommodation arrives in Bicester as soon as possible.”

Property Frontiers, which specialises in buy-to-let opportunities in leading UK cities, has announced the launch of a new development in the heart of Bicester. As with all of the company’s investment opportunities, Westbury Court, located within the £70 million redeveloped Pioneer Square will consist of high spec apartments that are perfect for young professionals either working in Bicester or commuting into Oxford or London. Withers comments,

“One of the key features we look for with each of our buy-to-let developments is its proximity to transport hubs. A good location is essential for attracting professional tenants, so we assess each opportunity in terms of both its connections for work purposes and also for leisure time. That way tenants have the perfect blend of everything they need to access right on their doorstep.”

Westbury Court will allow property investors interested in profiting from buy-to-let homes in the UK’s leading cities an early chance to be a part of Bicester’s future, and with such ambitious plans in place, it’s certain that that future is going to be an exciting one. Prices start at £184,950 with 75% LTV mortgage finance available and in excess of 6% yield expected.

For further details, contact Property Frontiers or call the team on +44 1865 202 700.

How to dress (your property) for success – top tips from Taylor Wimpey España

How to dress (your property) for success – top tips from Taylor Wimpey España

by Louise Spain
  • “Comfort, quality and the exquisite aesthetic” are the order of the day
  • Outdoor furniture more important than indoor for sun-kissed locations
  • Taylor Wimpey España takes care of the furnishings so that buyers can relax from the moment they arrive

Dressing a property to wow potential buyers is a skilled art. Mirrors need to be strategically placed in order to maximise light while avoiding glare. Pictures need to complement the colour scheme while remaining neutral in order to suit a wide range of tastes. The sofa needs to have just the right number of cushions to show how delightfully comfortable it will be the moment the viewer sits down.

While it’s true that those viewing a property are buying it based on its location and other fixed attributes such as the number of rooms and the layout, the way that it is dressed can have a massive impact.

When it comes to dressing show properties for new developments, particularly those overseas that will be bought as second homes, the design becomes even more important. As Spain’s leading homebuilder, Taylor Wimpey España is well aware of the importance of dressing a property for success. Sales and Marketing Director Marc Pritchard comments,

“For many of those interested in buying a second home in Spain, first impressions are everything. They need to walk through the door of the property and get ‘the feeling’ straight away; to know that the property is perfect for them.”

With construction beginning on the company’s new Miraval development this month, Taylor Wimpey España’s Costa del Sol designer, Ana García, will once more be hard at work. The first phase of the development consists of 27 two and three-bedroom apartments, along with a large communal swimming pool and prettily landscaped gardens. Prices start at €240,000.

As with all Taylor Wimpey España’s properties, Miraval has been designed with outdoor living very much in mind. For many purchasers, outdoor furniture is even more important than indoor furniture, as their intention is to spend as much time outdoors as possible. As plans for Miraval’s furniture begin to take shape, we pinned down the Taylor Wimpey España designer to find out her top tips for furnishing a second home overseas.

What are the three key points you keep in mind when furnishing a Taylor Wimpey España apartment?

Comfort, quality and the exquisite aesthetic. I ensure that there is an affinity between the interior and the exterior qualities of the individual apartments and the building as a whole, so that the furnishings complement the design of the development.

How important is the interior design of an apartment in attracting a buyer, compared with the build quality, communal areas and location?

The importance of the interior design is huge. The key to it is to make each apartment different, reflecting in each one the personal taste of each individual and granting them the comfort that they demand for their lifestyle.

Do holiday home owners and full-time residents differ in what they want when furnishing a new apartment?

Yes. The most common difference between them is that the long-stay resident usually demands more functional furniture, whereas holiday home owners may opt for something more stylish and exciting. This is because furniture in a home that is used all the time will undergo more stress than furniture in home that is used part-time, so it needs to be more durable while still looking fantastic.

Which is your favourite room to furnish in an apartment and why?

For me, each room is important as the others when we are furnishing and garnishing. However, I do make a point of taking special care of the areas where the purchasers are going to spend the most time, like the living room and the terrace.

Is there anything else we should know about the role that interior design plays in selling Taylor Wimpey España apartments?

Our experience of dealing with foreigners who are buying property in Spain has shown us that it takes some time for them to get to know an area, which can make it hard for them to find everything they might need to buy for their new home. We try to solve this problem by meeting as many of their needs in advance as possible. That way they can enjoy their holidays without having to worry about where they might be able to buy tablemats or pillow cases!

 

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Property Frontiers does it again winning not 1 but 3 awards at glamorous OPP event

Property Frontiers does it again winning not 1 but 3 awards at glamorous OPP event

by Louise United Kingdom
  • Best Agency – Europe – Gold
  • Best Property Investment Advisor – Silver
  • Best Global Agency – Silver

The glitz and glamour of the OPP Awards for Excellence ceremony is an event to which all those in the overseas property sector look forward each year. The gala dinner provides a rare opportunity for all those in the industry to gather together and discuss the past year’s successes with like-minded individuals.

The event also sees industry leaders recognised and rewarded for their hard work over the past 12 months, with awards covering 30 different categories. This year, specialist property investment company Property Frontiers was delighted to receive awards in three categories:

Best Agency – Europe – Gold

Best Property Investment Advisor – Silver

Best Global Agency – Silver

Ray Withers, Chief Executive of Property Frontiers, comments on his company’s success,

“It was wonderful to receive not one but three awards at this year’s OPP Awards for Excellence event. The team here at Property Frontiers has worked incredibly hard this year and it’s been a fantastic 2014 for the company. We’ve sourced some amazing opportunities for our clients, particularly buy-to-let opportunities in the UK.

“When you’ve been this busy it can sometimes be difficult to pause and evaluate your successes, but this is exactly what the OPP event has allowed us to do. The dinner and awards ceremony gave me the chance to reflect on just how far the company has come in the past year and inspired me to achieve even more during 2015.

“Our focus at Property Frontiers is always on our clients and on ensuring that we present them with nothing but the best investment opportunities. Taking home three OPP Awards for Excellence has confirmed that we have got it right when it comes to this ethos. I am delighted with such an accomplishment.”

In such a dynamic sector, award winners come and go and there were a surprising number of new entrants to the industry taking home awards at the 2014 ceremony. However, the inclusion of Property Frontiers in three of the 30 categories shows that there is still plenty of merit in providing solid investment opportunities as one of the sector’s core players. It is a position that the company plans to maintain as it heads into 2015, as Withers concludes,

“We have some big plans in place for 2015. With such a fantastic appetite for buy-to-let investments in the UK we’ve got some particularly exciting opportunities lined up in some really hot new locations. Of course I’m keeping one eye on overseas developments as well, looking out for that signature blend of security and strong returns that is perfect for Property Frontiers’ clients. 2014 was a great year for us, but 2015 is going to be even better. I’ve never been more excited about the future.”

For further details, contact Property Frontiers or call the team on +44 1865 202 700.

 

Portugal’s a fair way to go for some of Europe’s best golf courses

Portugal’s a fair way to go for some of Europe’s best golf courses

by Louise Portugal
  • UK has over 4 million golfers (BGIA)
  • Golf properties some of most in demand Portuguese homes (Ideal Homes Portugal)
  • Quinta do Lago home to 2 award-winning courses (World Golf Awards)

Portugal has long been a top holiday hotspot for those seeking beautiful beaches, challenging walking breaks or just plentiful sunshine. The low cost of living makes Portugal a popular destination for family holidays, while the balmy climate attracts everyone from young couples to those enjoying their golden years.

Now, the Airmiles Value Tracker from Totally Money has revealed that Portugal’s Algarve is one of the top five best value golfing destinations in the world. The Algarve boasts an impressive number of golf courses, which range in quality and formality in order to provide something for both the amateur golfer and the wannabe pro.

The twin jewels in the Algarve’s golfing crown are the resorts of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago. Both offer championship-quality courses that have been carefully designed to blend challenging holes with the area’s natural beauty, including stunning sea views.

Vale do Lobo has two outstanding courses, the Royal and the Ocean, both based on the concepts of Sir Henry Cotton. The courses have hosted the Portuguese Open on two occasions, so players can know they are playing the same holes as the greatest golf players of our day. The resort also benefits from the Royal Spa wellness centre, which is perfect for relieving the strain of a hard day on the fairway.

Property at Vale do Lobo is considerably more expensive than in less well known areas of the Algarve, but bargains can still be found. This three bedroom, two bathroom villa, for example, set in a tranquil area and with private garden and approval for a pool, has recently been reduced from €495,000 to €395,000.

Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, comments,

“Golf properties are some of the most popular homes that our buyers are looking for. From permanent residences to luxury second homes in the sun, Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago offer discerning buyers some of the Algarve’s most beautiful contemporary properties.”

As one of the Algarve’s most exclusive resorts, Vale do Lobo has attracted a number of celebrity buyers over the years, with former Dragon Duncan Bannatyne the most recent high profile purchaser. Indeed, celebrity-spotting at the swanky Monty’s bar has become something of a trend on a local level.

The prestigious resort of Quinta do Lago is also popular with celebrities. Another stunning golf resort, it has the proud claim of receiving a World Golf Award 2014 for its North Course, which was voted Europe’s Best New Golf Course. Meanwhile, Quinta do Lago’s South Course was voted Portugal’s Best Golf Course.

Property at Quinta do Lago is understandably pricey, with some stunning properties available. This six bedroom villa with generously proportioned pool is available for €3.3 million. More affordable properties in the area are also available, such as this spacious and well-designed two bedroom apartment for €315,000.

With just over 4 million golfers in Britain (according to the British Golf Industry Association) and 29 million in the US (based on figures from the National Golf Foundation and US Census Bureau), Portugal’s top level courses are guaranteed to remain popular with holidaymakers from both sides of the pond, whether on an occasional basis or thanks to a second home purchase in one of these delightful resorts.

For further details of properties currently available in Portugal, call Ideal Homes Portugal on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email enquiries@idealhomesportugal.com or visit www.idealhomesportugal.com.

7 things I’ve learned from 7 years in Italy

7 things I’ve learned from 7 years in Italy

by Louise Italy

Leaving behind the country in which you were born in search of unknown adventures overseas isn’t for everyone. It takes a certain combination of courage, vision and perhaps a dash of foolishness to abandon everything familiar and jump in to a new world feet first.

Seven years ago, Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, founder of fractional ownership company Appassionata, did just that. With numerous family members in tow she left the UK for the depths of rural Italy, settling in the stunning Le Marche region to start a new venture and a new life. Now, seven years later and following the hugely successful launch of the company’s latest luxury holiday home, Casa Tre Archi, Dawn shares her insights into what she did right, what she would do differently and why every family should produce their own wine!

7 things I’ve learned from 7 years in Italy

1. Sign language is your friend

I began learning Italian as soon as I knew we were going to move here, but my language skills were still awful when I arrived. However, my stuttering attempts were well received by the welcoming locals and with that and an extensive range of gestures I managed to befriend local artisans and antique sellers tucked away in tiny villages. These new acquaintances enabled me to design the interiors of the Appassionata properties with a signature blend of antique pieces and bespoke Italian items.

2. Embrace everything

One of the things the family and I definitely got right was our open approach. We came to Italy willing to embrace and absorb everything, from trying unusual local delicacies to soaking up the culture. It’s a spirit that we maintain to this day and is part of the reason that we manage to pour so much of our love of Italy into each property that we renovate.

3. Beware bureaucracy!

If there was one thing that I would do differently if I had to move to Italy again it would be to meditate until I learned the art of patience before I arrived! Paperwork here is a long, slow process. A calm approach is essential and planning for delays is an important part of any process that is likely to involve any paperwork that is out of the ordinary. Which, when you are an expat, is just about all paperwork!

4. Make your own wine

Italy has such amazing cuisine and I feel very lucky to have had the chance to explore Le Marche so thoroughly, tasting my way around the seasonal recipes that have been cooked here for generations. What has also inspired me is Italian wine. Our first two fractional ownership properties were nestled in the countryside with a fabulous estate spread around them. Hand-planting hundreds of vines may have been a tiring task, but it was worth it when we finally got to taste the wine made as a result of our hard work. It was a process that involved the whole family and one that the owners of the two properties enjoy being a part of each year.

5. Be open to friendships from all sides

I have felt very welcomed by the locals here in Le Marche and have made some strong friendships since moving here. I’ve also made some great business partnerships and of course some that blur the boundaries between the two. An open, friendly approach is definitely something that goes down well in rural Italy. One individual that I have been lucky enough to meet is Andrea Ribichini, who I have had the pleasure to go into business with through my other venture, Appassionata Boutique.

Taking the time to get to know business contacts is important. Thankfully, with so many wonderful restaurants and some great golf courses in the area, doing this in Le Marche really does seem to be more pleasure than business.

6. See the funny side

Just like any other business venture, renovating properties in Italy has the scope for things to go wrong. Delays can crop up for all manner of reasons, but I’ve learned to see the funny side and be creative in my approach to resolving problems, which has definitely helped.

7. Expect the unexpected

Even after a decade of living here, Italy is still packed full of surprises for me. From unexpectedly rescuing a horse to discovering ancient, hidden frescoes in the palazzo that we are renovating, Italy never fails to charm, surprise and excite. Appassionata’s latest renovation, Casa Tre Archi, is an urban property that allows owners to experience the pleasure of true Italian town life – a world away from the touristy cities with their overpriced chain stores. I can’t wait to see the owners of Casa Tre Archi’s fractions begin to discover the Le Marche that I have come to know and love over my seven years here.

 

Shares in Casa Tre Archi are available from £65,000 for five weeks’ exclusive use per year. For more information visit www.appassionata.com or contact the Appassionata team on +39 33154 13225.

 

Retire to Spain and enjoy a longer life plus a 5% cash discount!

Retire to Spain and enjoy a longer life plus a 5% cash discount!

by Louise Spain
  • Spanish life expectancy higher than in the UK (WHO)
  • Spain tops list of retirement destinations for Brits (MGM Advantage)
  • 5% cash discount on retirement properties on Mallorca (Taylor Wimpey España)

The Foreign Office estimates that some 800,000 Brits live in Spain for all or part of each year. The number of those residing permanently is uncertain but best estimates put the figure as being somewhere between 250,000 and 400,000 people.

Spain’s attractions as a retirement destination are clear for all to see, as Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, observes,

“The Spanish lifestyle is hugely appealing to those who have lived and worked all their lives in the UK. The warmth of the Spanish sun, the beautiful beaches and the laidback way of life are a world away from the prospect of retirement in the UK.

“The low cost of living in Spain is also a draw. Quite simply, retirees can get more for their money here in Spain as their pensions stretch further. From food to property, pensioners can take advantage of lower prices in order to indulge in a level of luxury that retirement in the UK would preclude.”

Spain’s proximity to the UK also makes it a popular destination for those looking to enjoy their retirement in the sunshine. Short flight times and cheap fares make it easy for family members to visit, meaning that retirees don’t need to feel isolated from their loved ones just because they have moved overseas.

Those retiring to Spain can even enjoy increased life expectancy, with World Health Organization data showing life expectancy in Spain as 82 years, as opposed to 81 in the United Kingdom.

The global economic downturn briefly impacted on Spain’s popularity as a retirement destination for Brits, but the latest MGM Advantage survey has shown that the Iberian country has regained the top spot, with 13% of the 2,000 Britons who were polled voting for sunny Spain as their retirement destination of choice.

It’s not just mainland Spain that is proving such an attractive destination for pensioners, but also the Spanish islands. Mallorca, where retirees can pick up stunning key-ready properties at Taylor Wimpey España’s Cala Magrana III development from just €230,000, is. With communal pool and lush gardens, the site offers buyers contemporary accommodation with easy access to both the beach and Mallorca’s excellent golfing facilities.

As a special offer, Taylor Wimpey España will apply a 5% cash discount to any buyer who completes their purchase at Cala Magrana III before 31 December 2014, giving those who dream of picking up the ultimate overseas retirement property this side of Christmas an added incentive.

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Italy – a great place to do business?

Italy – a great place to do business?

by Louise Italy
  • Italian business confidence up to 96.0 in October (ISAE/ISTAT)
  • Prices reverse trend to rise 0.1% in October (Consumer Price Index)
  • Thriving business Appassionata praises Italy’s business environment

“Italy is a great place to do business.”

A bold claim perhaps, given Italy’s much-documented economic woes over recent years, but for British expat Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs and her family team behind fractional ownership holiday home business Appassionata, one that rings true.

The Appassionata team moved to Italy back in 2004, long before the global economic crisis took hold. In fact, when the economy began to falter, they had already committed to the purchase and redevelopment of a collection of tumbledown farm buildings in rural Le Marche – an area known as a more authentic (and affordable) Tuscany.

Not one to be swayed from her vision of turning the buildings into two luxury holiday homes, nestled in an estate packed with vines and olive trees, Dawn carried on with her usual blend of inspiration and determination. She comments,

“When the global economic crisis began we were part way through renovating Estate Giacomo Leopardi and I knew that there was no turning back. We simply had to make the business work. What surprised me, given the repeated headlines about how much Italy has been struggling, was how quickly buyers wanted to be a part of the Appassionata dream – buyers from here in Italy, as well as from overseas.

“It turns out that with the right idea, a business can survive and even thrive in difficult economic conditions. I am sure that some of our friends thought we were barmy to carry on in the face of such circumstances, but I truly believe that Italy is a great place to do business. It has certainly proven so for Appassionata.”

The first of Appassionata’s luxury retreats, Casa Giacomo, was ready for launch in April 2011. It was divided into ten shares, each of which entitles the owner to five weeks’ use per year. All ten fractions had sold by May 2012. Casa Leopardi, the second house on the estate, was ready for owners to use by June 2012. By November 2013, nine of the ten fractions had been sold. The remaining share was purchased a year later.

Now Appassionata’s third holiday home has been released to the market, with fractions costing from £65,000. Casa Tre Archi is located in the delightful medieval town of Petritoli and boasts three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a generously proportioned roof terrace with breath-taking views to the sea over the rolling countryside. Three fractions have already sold, despite the property only being ready for use in the autumn.

With business confidence on the up (it reached 96.0 in October 2014, ending a four month decline, according to figures from ISAE/ISTAT), it will be interesting to see how quickly the remaining seven fractions of Casa Tre Archi are snapped up. It may be too early to speak of a full recovery so far as the Italian economy is concerned, but positive indicators are in place and the Consumer Price Index has reported a growth of 0.1% in prices in October, which is a good turnaround from the September figure of -0.4%. The year on year figure has also risen to 0.1%.

Further weight is added to the argument of Italy’s being a welcoming business environment by Appassionata’s other venture, Appassionata Boutique. A designer handbag line launched by Dawn and created in partnership with a local artisan who has worked for almost all of Italy’s big fashion houses, Appassionata Boutique has rapidly become a favourite of those who love high-end bags, both in Italy and beyond its borders.

“Italy has certainly been through some tough times,” concludes Dawn, “but with the right approach and the right idea it has been possible for both Appassionata and Appassionata Boutique to grow healthy businesses here. If we can achieve this level of success during the hard times, I can’t wait to see what the good times bring!”

For more information visit www.appassionata.com or contact the Appassionata team on +39 33154 13225.

Portugal’s secret coastline – how to find the Algarve’s hidden gems

Portugal’s secret coastline – how to find the Algarve’s hidden gems

by Louise Portugal
  • Live 10 minutes from the beach for €79,000 (Ideal Homes Portugal)
  • Praia da Marinha named one of top ten beaches in Europe (Michelin Guide)
  • Discover everything from family friendly beaches to hidden coves while finding the perfect property on an inspection trip (Ideal Homes Portugal)

Portugal, like every popular coastal tourist destination, finds its beaches packed with visitors from May to September. While the vast expanses of sand at beaches like Praia da Rocha have plenty of room for everyone, certain cove beaches, such as Praia Dona Ana at Lagos, can feel rather too crowded during the peak of the summer. During those times, many locals slip quietly away and head instead for some of Portugal’s most beautiful – and most tucked away – beaches.

As the winter sets in across the UK, Portugal has been enjoying an unusually warm October and November, prompting many to book a last minute winter break in the sunshine and giving them the opportunity to discover some of the incredible beaches that areas such as the Algarve have to offer.

Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, observes,

“Once you have lived in Portugal for a while, particularly in the Algarve, you manage to come by some very useful information in terms of local beaches. Many holidaymakers delight in visiting the beaches near Albufeira and Vilamoura, and Lagos certainly has some charming spots. However, to avoid the crowds in mid-summer you need to know how to veer from the path a little, as many of our clients who purchase second or primary residences in Portugal soon discover.”

Perhaps one of the most surprisingly quiet beaches during the summer months is Praia da Marinha. Named by the Michelin Guide as one of the top ten most beautiful beaches in Europe, Praia da Marinha is very much hidden in plain sight. It is easily accessible, has some fantastic diving trails mapped out and presents an idyllic, picture-postcard beachscape. Despite these attributes, the fact that Praia da Marinha’s nearest town (Caramujeira) is off the tourist trail means the crystal clear waters are remarkably undisturbed.

Holiday homes nearby are extremely varied and include everything from bank repossessed apartments from €79,000 to luxurious, four bedroom villas costing in the region of €1.75 million.

For a family-friendly beach, the eastern Algarve’s Praia Verde is an excellent option. The undulating sand leads to the creation of a series of shallow pools, which are perfect for even the smallest of beachgoers to splash in. As the beach is tucked away along a bumpy, pothole-riddled road many turn back before reaching it, ensuring that there is space for everyone over the summer months.

Praia Verde is located close to the town of Tavira, which with its picturesque river, ancient castle walls and pretty cobbled streets provides the perfect location for a day of laidback sightseeing. Properties in the area range from spacious two bedroom/two bathroom apartments, available from €116,000, to stunning contemporary villas costing in excess of €1.5 million.

Those who like the water would do well to seek out Pego do Inferno while in the Tavira area. This stunning waterfall plunges into a deep natural pool where a select group of those who have managed to find it swim and frolic with the fish while hardy locals dive from the branches of the tress above.

A stone’s throw from the Algarve, just over the Guadiana River, which separates Portugal from Spain, lies a true locals’ secret. Praia Fluvial de Alcoutim is a tiny, manmade river beach nestled in a shallow valley where both time and the breeze seem to stand still. It is backed by a large grassy area dotted with perfect spots for barbecues, while a small cluster of wooden huts sells cans of pop and ice cold beers.

The nearby town of Vila Real do Santo Antonio provides some excellent shopping, as well as ferry rides across the Guadiana to Spain. Apartments in Vila Real do Santo Antonio can be picked up for as little as €169,000 for three bedrooms and two bathrooms.

From hidden coves that are only accessible by sea to secret beaches that only the locals can reveal, the Algarve has some true gems for those who love being by the sea. Ideal Homes Portugal is offering inspection trips to the Algarve from £149 and the local team would be delighted to share their knowledge of Portugal’s secret coastline with all those who book.

For further details of properties currently available in Portugal, call Ideal Homes Portugal on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email enquiries@idealhomesportugal.com or visit www.idealhomesportugal.com.