With its history, culture, natural beauty, famously friendly people and famously good wine, Italy has charmed generations of holidaymakers. This country has seen an upsurge of UK interest, not only from tourists but from relocators and investors as well. And there is a wealth of wonderful property currently on the market in some of Italy’s most sought-after wine-making regions.
We start in Umbria, with its beautiful green landscapes criss-crossed by the Appennine mountains. In central Gioiella, Nina’s House is an imposing detached house on three floors. It was converted some time ago to enable the owners to let out to groups of different sizes.
There is a large garden and spectacular views over the countryside. The property is ideal for those looking for a rental unit or bed and breakfast as income and as a family house, such is its size and layout. Nina's House is on the market for just £226,667 (€340,000). Available through Brian French & Associates. Contact 0870 730 1910.
Also on the market through Brian French is La Vigna, a semi detached house with swimming pool in a hamlet amidst fabulous farmland. Located just 1.5 km from Castiglione del Lago, the old house was totally reconstructed about six years ago and appears new.
It has operated successfully as a home for the owners and with rental accommodation for tourists. There is a garden of 1,300 sq m which includes productive vines that make the red wine from which the property takes its name.
This is an ideal and affordable home cum investment property, ideally located for use as a base for sightseeing in Umbria and Tuscany. La Vigna is on the market for an amazing £236,667 (€355,000). Call 0870 730 1910.
'These properties, and many others on our books, show that you can purchase land and a home for the price of a one bedroom flat in the UK,' says Steve Emmett of Brian A French & Associates. Another thing to consider, he says, is that 'a great many homes offer the potential or opportunity for additional income whether from vines, olives, bed and breakfast or rental, which often appeals to purchasers'.
For those in search of something grander – and who have a budget to match – a trip to neighbouring Tuscany is in order. This is, of course, wine country and Podere Sant'Alberto allows the owner to be a part of this proud Tuscan tradition.
This remarkable property is located in a farming area and dates back to the 14th century. The small holding is 12 hectares of mixed woodland, fallow pasture, olive groves and, of course, vineyards – and this is the special thing about this property.
Sant'Alberto is more than a Tuscan house; it will appeal to anyone who wants wine-making to be a part of their life.
There is an older vineyard, planted about 37years ago with Sangiovese and white grapes mixed with olive trees in a traditional manner. The new vineyard is planted with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon and was established in 2001. There are 1.2 hectares under vines with 3,600 vines per hectare. There are approximately 0.4 hectares each of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Additional areas could also be cultivated with vines.
The main house comprises two reception rooms and five bedrooms. There is a one bedroom guest cottage and a barn together with cantina, garage and underground cantina. There is also a fermentation building and a swimming pool.
'This is a unique home for the right person', says Emmett of Brian A French & Associates who are currently marketing the property and who originally sold it to the current owners. 'It can bring a lifetime of enjoyment, satisfaction and profit and the property .'
The property is set amidst typical Tuscan rolling hills about ten minutes from Monteriggioni, with a view of San Gimignanoon. The property is priced at £1,466,667 (€2.2 million). Call Brian A French & Associates 0870 730 1910.
And in the Marche region near Jesi, in the middle of the Verdicchio grapes valley, Villa Torno is a luxury house with spectacular views of the local castles. Completely restructured ten years ago under the guidance of an architect, this home has high-quality materials and is wired for 21st-century communication, including ISDN.
Only eight minutes from Raffaello Sanzio airport, with its daily flights from London, this home is very accessible. For further information visit the website villaforsaleinmarche.it.