Amanda Shiel takes a look at some of the finest developments in this picturesque country
Campiglia Marittima, Tuscany
The 8 century Castle of Campiglia (Campiglia Marittima) will be renovated and converted into studio, one- and two- bedroom apartments. All work is being carried out by local artisans, using materials sympathetic to the original construction.
Residents will have full access to an indoor pool and solarium. Located in the small village of Campiglia Marittima, in the Alta Maremma region of Tuscany, the castle itself is surrounded by parkland and has views across the Gulf of Fallonica, looking towards Corsica.
Both Ryanair and British Airways have regular flights from London to Pisa and the Castle of Campiglia is just 50 minutes drive from the airport.
Only two apartments remain, to be completed in the second semester of 2008. Prices start at €500,000. Contact Chesterton International on 0207 201 2070 or visit chesterton.co.uk/international.
Tuscany
Set in the hills between San Vincenzo and Campiglia Marittima in Tuscany, this five-bedroom villa with sea views will feature a large living space, gym, internal swimming pool and an external infinity pool.
The two-storey stand-alone villa is designed using bio-architectural principles – which aim to combine building practices with an understanding of the natural surroundings. The end result is to build developments which are as sustainable and in harmony with the natural environment as possible.
Villa Colle is 50-minutes drive from Pisa airport which is served regularly by flights from the UK. Completion is expected for the end of 2008. Priced at UK £1,500,000. Contact Chesterton International on 0207 201 2070 or visit chesterton.co.uk/international.
Borghini, Tuscany
Located an hour away from Pisa airport in the Tuscan countryside, Villa Borghini was restored from a castle in 1752. This two-story detached villa is currently being renovated and will consist of 500sq m of living space. Views of the countryside are available from the property and there is a large garden to enjoy the outdoors. Some original features such as the wall of the old castle, the classic high ceilings and the brickwork still remain in tact. These features will be retained in the restoration project. Pisa airport is served regularly by flights from the UK. Price upon application.
Contact Chesterton International on 0207 201 2070 or visit chesterton.co.uk/international.
Le Marche
Located on the Eastern coast with 180 km of Adriatic coastline, this is an agricultural region of mostly unspoilt rolling countryside. Bounded by the magnificent Sibillini Mountains, which form part of the National Park and Nature Reserve, this is a wonderful area in which to live and invest – and coastal property is especially good value.
There is a wide variety of towns and resorts along the coastline, including Fermo, Grottammare and San Benedetto, and the surrounding countryside is dotted with unspoilt, pretty villages where life takes on a restful air.
Current properties include two-bedroom apartments at Rotella, a restored fort, priced at £82,000/€118,000 and a typical Le Marche style house at Massignano, set in three acres, just 3kms from the sea and with sea views. In need of restoration. Priced at £131,000/€190,000.
Contact Casa Ttavella or visit casatravella.com.
Liguria
Colletta di Castelbianco is a beautifully restored 13 century hilltop village set midway between Genoa and Nice. Just 15 minutes away from the sea, the stone built houses and narrow streets combined with a charming little square, patios and garden terraces make it unique.
The original project was to restore the abandoned village with a strong technological angle. Homeowners have come together and taken this hedonistic life style one step further into the 21 century by creating and running a business centre in the village. As a result, a 150sq metre building has been converted, providing two business rooms and bringing cyber heaven via Broadband and the Internet to owners and visitors alike. Already hailed as one of the first high speed e-villages in Europe, the completion of the business centre has now enhanced that characteristic and makes the whole project even more sustainable.
The business centre also provides an opportunity for home owners to rent, out of season, to those who are looking for a break but also need to have constant contact with their businesses, family and friends via telecommunications. The centre is intended to increase the flow to Colletta during winter months and is open to villagers and visitors alike, subject to terms and conditions.
Access to Colletta is via Nice or Genoa, with airports being around 60/90 minutes drive away.
Delightfully renovated homes are currently available, all of which enjoy high speed connection for internet, satellite television and telephone connection to the village switchboard. Owners also benefit from the village’s communal gardens, swimming pool, sauna and summer open air theatre.
Studios are priced from €137,000 (approx £92,549), one-bedrooms from €184,000 (approx £124,300), two-bedrooms from €318,000, (approx £214,823) and three-bedrooms from €416,000 euros, (approx £281,026). Anticipated gross rental return of around four - eight per cent pa.
Contact Realinvest International on 0207 376 7919 or visit realinvest.co.uk.
Calabria
Italy’s exceptional tax legislation also makes Calabria a tasty investment. The ‘Uso Fruto’ law ensures that property owners don’t fall foul of inheritance tax; while buyers who own their property for more than five years also escape the capital gains tax. The introduction of insurance bonds under Italian law also guarantees 100 per cent return on investment should there be any problems during the development stage, lowering the risk of investment to virtually zero.
Calabria is a land of contrasts with summer temperatures reaching a steamy 40°C in the low lands, whilst temperatures in the mountains fall below zero during winter. This unique location literally means you can ski in the morning and enjoy après-ski beach style, soaking up the Mediterranean sun; perfect for an indecisive couple or family who just can’t agree on a holiday option.
Situated just south of Naples with miles of uninterrupted white sandy beaches and a delicious lifestyle on the doorstep, Jewel of the Sea consists of exceptional beachfront apartments, townhouses and villas. From one- to four-bedrooms, all properties are situated within a gated community, with 24 hour attendants and private parking.
One-bedroom apartments are priced from £59,000. A one-bedroom beachfront hideaway is priced at £77,000.
Contact McLaren Properties on 01543 268333 or visit mclarenproperties.com.