Overseas - Thursday, October 18, 2007

Amanda Shiel takes a look at some top notch developments offering the very best facilities for skiers

Sofia, Bulgaria

The Vitosha Mountain, which acts as an imposing backdrop to the city of Sofia, is home to the Aleko Ski Resort which is swiftly accessed from Sofia’s Simeonovo district by way of a 22km cable car ride lasting less than half an hour. Aleko is the highest ski resort of Bulgaria, has 29km of ski runs and is environmentally protected as the country’s first Natural Park. During the winter months the snow begins to cloak the Vitosha Mountain in December and remains stable till late Spring reaching a thickness of 1.5 metres. This impressive 120-day ski season has temperatures dipping down to -6ºC, ideal conditions for slalom and cross-country skiing. After the thaw visitors can enjoy trekking, walking and the clear mountain air plus some terrific slopes for paragliding.

Comprising studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, each property commands a view of the imposing mountains or the attractive cityscape. Facilities at Sofia Ski Resort are numerous ranging from indoor and outdoor swimming pools, children’s pool and playground, spa and sports centre through to a kindergarten, restaurants, coffee shop, pharmacy, shops, bars and nightclubs. Properties themselves boast gas central heating, ski equipment storage, internet and phone connection, cable TV and fitted kitchens and bathrooms. Underground parking and furnishing packages are optional.
Prices at Sofia Ski Resort start from £40,100 for a studio, £38,200 for a one-bedroom and two- bedrooms from £87,200. Several payment options are available with installments payable up until completion scheduled for October 2008 and the developer has implemented a rental guarantee of five per cent for the first two years from completion. Contact Dream Homes Worldwide on UK freephone 08000 193 847, Irish freephone 1800 805 006 or Spain 00 34 952 908 803. Alternatively, visit dreamhomesww.com.

Ontario, Canada

Red Leaves is a five-star resort community located in 1,400 lovely acres in Muskoka, Ontario. The resort is set on a mile of coveted Lake Rosseau waterfront. It is convenient to get to from the UK, being about a two-hour drive from Toronto’s Pearson International Airport.
Muskoka has the reputation for being the most luxurious holiday home destination in the province; indeed it is not hard to find £1.5 million price tags. Yet you will also find good-quality properties for as little as a tenth of that price.

It has year-round facilities: in winter you’ll find cross country skiing, snow tubing and snowmobiling in a 700 acre nature reserve; the rest of the year there visitors can enjoy a Nick Faldo-designed championship golf course, as well as kayaking, waterskiing, hiking, mountain biking, swimming pools and a sauna and spa.
Visit redleavesmuskoka.co.uk or call 0845 130 8768.

Newfoundland, Canada

In Newfoundland, over half of the buyers at Humber Valley Resort are from the UK. This all-season holiday destination, located in the western part of the province, is an excellent spot for both enjoyment and investment.
The resort is accessible via a five-and-a-half-hour flight from the UK, followed by an easy 20-minute drive. The fact that there is a time difference of only three-and-a-half hours makes it even easier to adjust.

Visitors can choose from an amazing list of activities, some organised and others at the whim of the holidaymaker. For golfers there is an 18-hole championship River Course designed by Doug Carrick. For dining and relaxing there is the Eagle’s Perch clubhouse and restaurant and the Beach House bar and restaurant, all overlooking the sandy beaches of Deer Lake.
Buyers here are given the best of both worlds: they can use the apartment for up to 30 days a year without forfeiting the annual rental guarantee of six per cent of the purchase price; this deal applies for the first two years.
Prices currently range from CA$360 to CA$525. Call 020 8605 9530 or visit newfoundproperty.com.

In Quebec, Mont Tremblant is Canada’s oldest and most established ski resort – and it is bringing in the buyers. And these purchasers have the choice of a range of properties, from lovely chalet-style homes for under CA$200,000 to jaw-droppingly luxurious estates priced at more than CA$5 million.

Mont Tremblant is the highest point in the Laurentians, which is the world’s oldest mountain range. Skiers will find a top-notch experience – after all, Tremblant has been recognised as the top resort in eastern North America. Golfers are also well served, with championship golf courses. And water sports enthusiasts will be delighted by the wide range of activities available on the 14km Lac Tremblant. Tennis, equestrian, fishing – pretty much every sport or activity you can think of is catered for.
With the new Mont Tremblant International Airport, the resort is very well connected to a range of UK cities. And with billions of dollars of investment by the Canadian and Quebec governments, the infrastructure and level of amenities in this already excellent spot are set to get even better.
Visit monttremblantrealestate.com to find out more.

Switzerland

Thermes Parc in the Portes du Soleil and Leukerbad will comprise of 128 spacious and fully furnished one- and two- bedroom luxury apartments.
Residents will be able to enjoy 650km of skiing located near to development. Geneva Airport can be reached just under two hours. Prices start from £160,000.
Four-bedroom, four bathroom chalets are available at Leukerbad, the largest Alpine thermal baths and spa resort. Properties are south facing, measure 150m2 and are located five minutes from the village. Priced from £390,000.

For investors focusing on challenging skiing, then Les Collons in the Four Valleys offers access to Verbier, through a network of 400km of slopes and 92 lifts. At an altitude of 1850m and views of the famous Matterhorn, this resort has retained its village charm. Under two hours from Geneva, the pistes offer superb, uncrowded skiing.

Three-bedroom apartments in Les Muses, located 400m to the lift, are available from £315,000. Four-bedroom, three3 bathroom chalets, situated 50 metres from the village, are priced from £520,000.
Those Investors looking for an as yet undiscovered location should look at the beautiful chocolate box village of Vercorin in the stunning Val D’Anniviers, which offers 220km of skiing for all levels. At an altitude of 1350m and under two hours from Geneva, this traditional village is very popular with the Swiss and offers investors a real taste of the ‘true’ Switzerland. Hameau de Liches comprises three luxurious three-bedroom chalets with magnificent views of the valley and village. Prices start from £385,000.  
For more details visit alpinepropertyinvestments.co.uk.

Three Sisters Mountain Village, Alberta, Canada

Three Sisters Mountain Village is a four-season alpine resort community covering approximately 2,000 acres of land within the town of Canmore. It is located in the Bow River Valley at the foot of the Canadian Rockies, five minutes east of Banff National Park and an hour’s drive west of Calgary.
The developers creating this community are offering a wide range of properties, including detached family homes, townhouses, apartments and mountain chalets.

The Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club, designed by Gary Browning, features an 18-hole course that plays to a par-72 and provides mountain views every step of the way. Measuring some 7,195 yards from the back tees, the course provides vistas of the Rocky Mountains and offers 18 expertly-designed holes that wind through some of the world’s most spectacular terrain, creating a unique golfing experience. Featuring exposed bedrock formations, rock outcrops, rolling creeks, towering firs and lakes, it provides an engrossing round for every level of golfer.
Prices start at CAD $580,000 (approx £253,126).
Contact Newfound Property International on +44 (0) 20 8605 or see newfoundproperty.com.

Dubai as a buying destination has indeed shot to the top of the international market, in tandem with its full-on pursuit of a 15 million-visitors-per-year tourist trade. And if this goal sounds a little far-fetched, that is only because you are not factoring in the quite staggering self-belief that this jewel of the United Arab Emirates has.

Peter Riddoch, CEO of major developer DAMAC Properties, says, ‘It’s grown at an exponential level; it’s not stopping. They do say “Build and they will come” – and that’s true.’
Crucially, he says, infrastructure is keeping pace – and a far-sighted approach to ensuring the best possible air connections is also set to pay off. The forthcoming Dubai World Central International Airport in Jebal Ali will, on its completion in 2020, be able to cope with 125 million passengers a year. ‘They’re making Dubai a regional hub,’ he says.

When the 15 million people arrive, there will be no shortage of things to do. There is the world class golf course at Arabian Ranches Golf Club, camel racing, horse racing, polo, water sports of all descriptions, 70 kilometres of beautiful sandy beaches, incredible shopping – even snow skiing and tobogganing at a fabulous indoor winter sports centre at the Mall of the Emirates. There is, in short, everything. And it’s an extremely high-quality everything – and however crazy Dubai can sometimes seem, the components also make a strange kind of sense.
Buyers face a wide choice of properties, from smart apartments to roomy family villas. A new development seems to be announced daily, each exhibiting the astonishing ambition that Dubai is quickly becoming known for.
The world has seen several markets open up to foreign ownership in the past decade or so: India has become quite a force within the world property scene, while others such as Egypt and Cape Verde are also attracting buyers. Dubai remains the destination, however, Riddock says. ‘The reason Dubai will always be at the front of this is it has marketed itself so well. It’s not the only place that allows non-residents to buy but it’s the one that when people do buy there, they know that everything will be fine.

Certainly, those who invest will know that every marketing muscle will be strained to make sure that there are tourists to fill the investment properties. Its year-round appeal makes it perfect for those who want all-season occupancy.

‘We don’t have seasons in Dubai,’ says Abdullah bin Suwaidan, deputy manager of missions  for Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing. ‘We have high season and very high season.’
But where to buy? The prospective investor is by no means deprived of choice. And that is not set to change anytime soon, if DAMAC Properties has anything to do with it. Riddoch has announced plans by the company to triple the company’s annual output, from 3,000 to 9,000 by the year 2010. He says, ‘DAMAC Properties will continue to develop in Dubai across the residential and leisure sectors.’
DAMAC Heights is a 90-storey tower in Dubai Marina which features exclusive penthouses, duplexes, and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Designed by world-class architects Aedas, the tower offers world-class amenities such as men’s and women’s health clubs, steam and sauna facilities, gymnasium, swimming pools, nursery and day-care centres, barbecue area, banquet area, golf simulator and games room.

Owners of the penthouses and duplex apartments will have access to a luxury yacht maintained by DAMAC Properties, a private cinema, personal gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, jet spa and sauna. Prices at DAMAC Heights start from £254,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.
For further information about DAMAC Properties visit damacproperties.com or call 0207 499 9001.
Meanwhile, another iconic Dubai location is The World, where Landmark International is
selling property. The World is a master development made up of a collection of 300 man-made islands in the shape of the world, just off the coast of Dubai. In keeping with Dubai’s can-do attitude, The World can be seen from space.

Also from Landmark International is Pentominium, located in Dubai Marina. The development, which will be the tallest all residential building in the world, will promote a new concept of unabashed luxury, with a stylish penthouse apartment on each floor measuring over 6,000 sq ft. The views of the Palm Jumeirah will be absolutely stunning.
This project is already drawing buyers from the world of the hyper-rich, and is expected to be completed at the end of 2011.
For further information on any of Landmark International’s developments call 0207 377 9889 or visit landmarkint.co.uk.

Amanda Shiel looks at what’s on offer on these popular islands.

Praia, Santiago

The Aguia and Santa Maria apartments are situated next to each other in the heart of Praia, close to Gamboa beach, with numerous cafés, restaurants and bars nearby. Several golf courses are currently under construction in the local area and the international airport is just 5km away.
Aguia incorporates 13 four-bedroom duplex apartments, all of which are designed and finished to a high standard. Each apartment has ceramic mosaic floor tiling throughout and includes a kitchen/dining area with fitted cupboards, worktops, cooker and extractor fan as well as a washing machine. There is also a large open plan living and dining area. Bedrooms are of a generous size and there are two fully fitted bathrooms, some with jacuzzis. The development also benefits from a private swimming pool.

Santa Maria incorporates a collection of 36 three-bedroom apartments. Each apartment has ceramic mosaic floor tiling throughout and includes kitchens with fitted cupboards, worktops, cooker and extractor fan as well as a washing machine. There is also a large open plan living and dining area. Bedrooms are generously proportioned and each apartment has two fully fitted bathrooms with spa baths. 
Completion of both Aguia and Santa Maria is planned for late 2007.  Prices at Aguia and Santa Maria start from €114,000. Contact Avatar International 0800 035 3537 or visit avatar-international.com.

Santa Maria, Sal

Vila do Atlantico will be built on a plot just 100 metres from the best beach in Santa Maria on the island of Sal. Its prominent position serves as a natural link between the town centre and the hotel zone of the town.

Vila do Atlantico will include different styles of apartments, built to European quality standards, with air conditioning and satellite TV systems. More than a third of all apartments will enjoy a view of the stunning beach of Santa Maria while others will overlook swimming pools and internal gardens.
The build is scheduled to commence in December 2007 and is due to complete in December 2009. Prices start at just £55,400 (€82,000).
Commercial units are also to be included on the map of Vila do Atlantico. Exceptionally light, airy spaces equipped with bathrooms and outdoor area will be located at the front of the resort and can be purchased from £60,810 (€90,000).

For details and information on the recently launched programme of inspection call consumer enquiries on 020 7872 5690 or 00238 242 8108, Noscasa Mortgages enquiries on 020 7872 5690 or visit noscasacv.com for more details.

Boavista

FM International is developing two large resorts on the island of Boavista under the Sands brand. The developments offer a range of accommodation from studio apartments to luxury villas.
Properties at Creola Sands range from €84,000 – €355,000. Properties at Sabi Sands are priced from €90,500 – €389,400.

An apartment at either Creola Sands or Sabi Sands would be expected to increase in value by 17 per cent each year. FM International offers a rental guarantee of five per cent for two years, with the option to leaseback the property after this time. To ensure private investors receive more than just financial benefits, the guaranteed monthly rental income allows property owners four weeks of the year to enjoy the property themselves.

There are now direct flights from the UK (Gatwick and Manchester), Amsterdam and Portugal.
For more information call 0131 226 4135 or visit sands-capeverde.com.
Santiago

The Sambala Resort comprises a mixture of two- and three-storey townhouses built in a colonial style, within 20 square kilometres of privately owned mountain valleys and coastline.
When finished the development will incorporate four tourism villages, a five star hotel, tennis courts and two 18 hole golf courses. The development benefits from eight km of Atlantic coastline with a white sandy beach incorporating a marina, diving centre and a fishing lodge. The international airport at Praia is only 15 minutes away, providing easy access for holiday home owners and tourists.
Phase One is close to completion. Two-storey, two-bedroom townhouses set in private residential gardens with a communal swimming pool are available from £165,000 / £111,590. A five-year leaseback scheme, with a guaranteed rental income of five per cent per annum is available for those seeking a hassle-free investment.
Contact Assetz Cape Verde on 0845 430 5201 or visit assetz.co.uk/capeverde.

Algodoeiro region, Sal

Cotton Bay Bay Golf and Resort will have 10 key residential areas - all sympathetically designed to reflect the Cape Verdean culture and personality with an emphasis on open spaces and light.  
Many of the villas will enjoy an enviable front line beach location and will range in size from 120m² to 350m² with two-, three-, four- or five-bedrooms. There will be one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes with gardens and terraces on the ground floor, terraces on the first and second floors and a communal swimming pool.
Cotton Bay will also include a 36 hole golf course as well as a marina and harbour boasting 600 yacht moorings.  A specially created seaside area will be complemented by a beautiful promenade. Visitors to Cotton Bay will be able to enjoy a whole host of onsite recreational facilities and activities including a selection of shops and restaurants, a casino, children’s playground and sports centre.
A simple and structured payment plan is in place to ensure investors enjoy a hassle free purchase process. Prices start at €124,000.
For further information on Cotton Bay contact Emerging Real Estate on 0845 601 7293 or visit         emergingrealestate.com

Emerging Real Estate Launches Cotton Bay Golf & Resort in Glorious Cape Verde

Property investors looking for a stunning development with strong anticipated rental income and capital appreciation need look no further than Cotton Bay Golf and Resort in the Algodoeiro region on the south-west coast of Sal, Cape Verde, which has just been released by Emerging Real Estate. The development has been designed with an awareness of the environment and it is bordered by palm-fringed beaches and clear blue seas and enjoys year round sunshine - a true paradise.

Cotton Bay will have 10 key residential areas - all sympathetically designed to reflect the Cape Verdean culture and personality with an emphasis on open spaces and light.  Prices start at €124,000.

Many of the villas in the development will enjoy an enviable front line beach location and will range in size from 120m² to 350m² with 2, 3, 4 or 5 bedrooms.  There will be 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and duplexes with gardens and terraces on the ground floor, terraces on the first and second floors and a communal swimming pool.

This outstanding and ambitious project will be one the first developments on Sal to introduce a number of eco-compatible measures, for example, there will be a high ratio of green natural land to development area, salt water will be used in all the water features as well as an onsite nursery where indigenous plants will be cultivated for sole use in the resort.

Cotton Bay will also include a 36 hole golf course as well as a marina and harbour boasting 600 yacht moorings.  A specially created seaside area will be complemented by a beautiful promenade and central to the resort will be the waterways that will enhance and harmonise the whole development.  There will be lakes, waterfalls and streams dotted about the golf course and residential areas.

Visitors to Cotton Bay will be able to enjoy a whole host of onsite recreational facilities and activities including a selection of shops and restaurants, a casino, children’s playground and sports centre with two football fields, eight tennis courts, public pool and an Olympic size swimming pool.

The resort itself sits within 417 hectares of stunning countryside and this multi-phased development will eventually incorporate a 5 star international standard luxury hotel as well as three other quality tourist hotels, a water park and a botanical park.

A simple and structured payment plan is in place to ensure investors enjoy a hassle free purchase process which they will be guided through by one of Emerging Real Estate’s dedicated sales team.  
Pelle Langli, chief executive officer of Emerging Real Estate commented; ‘Cape Verde is one of the world’s most exciting property hotspots. It’s close proximity to Europe, as well as its stunning coastline, interior and climate make it the perfect holiday destination.  This is great news for investors and those looking for a tropical bolt hole. We’re extremely proud to be part of such a pioneering and ecologically aware development’

The Cape Verde Islands are located in the mid-Atlantic Ocean, some 450 kilometres to the west of Senegal, off the west coast of Africa, making them Europe’s closest tropical islands.  The archipelago includes 10 inhabited islands which form two classic island chains and enjoy stunning weather all year round. The capital of Cape Verde is the island of Santiago which is spectacularly verdant and has fertile lush valleys and dramatic mountain ranges.  Sal Island is renowned for its surfing activities and the World Windsurfing championships were held there in February this year.

For further information on Cotton Bay, interested investors should contact Emerging Real Estate on 0845 601 7293/ info@emergingrealestate.com/ www.emergingrealestate.com

Johnny Turner visits two of Portugal’s most prestigious forthcoming golf developments

First impressions about a prospective overseas holiday home or investment are made before the buyer gets to his destination. In fact, getting there – its ease or difficulty – is the first impression. And in the car between two upcoming developments and their respective airports I begin to see how simple, how eminently doable this is. A flight of less than three hours, and a quick, straightforward car journey and there you are.

First, in the Algarve, Oceânico Group is bringing to the market Vilamoura Golf & Gardens, a resort so luxurious, and so thoroughly figured out, that buyers are sure to make a beeline. The emphasis is on golf, but there is much more to it. The properties, for which infrastructure works are to begin by the end of this year, will be an excellent example of the specification and lifestyle options that are perfect for both investing and relaxing.

For golfers, this is heaven. There are presently five courses on the doorstep, recognised as being among the best in Europe – indeed, the Oceânico Victoria course hosts to the PGA Portuguese Masters 2007 to 2009. And as if that weren’t enough variety, two more courses, designed by Nick Faldo and Christy O’Connor Jnr, are to open in autumn next year in a location just 20 minutes away.

The architecture has a Moorish influence, with quiet courtyards, graceful arches, lakes and pools. The 170 acres of landscaped gardens make up 80 per cent of Vilamoura – and, in a move that is characteristic of the care taken over every aspect of the resort, these are created by the renowned garden designer Diarmuid Gavin (see page 32 for more).

Properties at Vilamoura include: two- and three-bedroom apartments with access to communal pools: two- and three-bedroom linked villas with private pools; and four- and five-bedroom villas with private pools and gardens. Prices range start at €485,000 for the apartments and €965,000 for linked villas, while the villas are priced from €2 million to €2.5 million.

Oceânico Prestige is a luxury range of high-spec that come packaged with a luxury lifestyle, including a Home Intelligent System, use of a Sunseeker luxury cruiser, access to an executive car service to and from Faro airport, a choice of four Diarmuid Gavin-designed garden types, and membership of seven world-class golf courses. The fact that many of the British Ryder Cup team have opted for this package says much about the level of lifestyle this plan offers.

In the future, the Vilamoura Beach Club will have a private beach concession to which Vilamoura Golf & Gardens owners will have access. The sea is only a five-minute drive away, giving holidaymakers and owners the choice of a wide range of activities.
Those who buy for investment will have the peace of mind that comes with knowing the property is secure and well managed. Oceânico Resorts & Leisure, the property rental and management division, lets owners get on with their lives without the day-to-day worries that come with running an overseas rental property. The rental service gives holidaymakers a luxury holiday experience, while the owners are provided with a high annual rental return.

Meanwhile, on the Silver Coast, only a 45-minute drive from Lisbon, the Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort will appeal to those in search of golf and the good life. Set in 336 acres of beautiful undulating scenery among pines and eucalyptus trees, this luxurious development will offer a mix of contemporary homes, including two- and three-bedroom apartments and two-, three- and four-bedroom villas.
Golf is a central focus here too, with a premier 18-hole championship golf course designed by the legendary Seve Ballasteros; buyers enjoy membership of the course.

Royal Óbidos is situated 650 metres from the Atlantic coast near Lagoa de Óbidos, a wonderful spot for water sports. Facilities at the resort will include private and communal swimming pools, tennis courts, spa facilities, cycle paths, restaurants and bars, as well as shops and a hotel/conference centre.
Prices start at €365,000 for a two-bedroom lock-off apartment and €945,000 for an exclusive four-bedroom villa. A full launch of Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort will be held at Windlesham Golf Club in Bagshot on 9 October.
For more information on these and other Oceânico Group projects call 0871 990 3388 or visit oceanicodevelopments.com.

With the high profile he has gained from appearances in such programmes as Home Front In The Garden, Diarmuid Gavin has spread the word about good garden design to millions. Now, with his work on the landscape design for the forthcoming Vilamoura Golf & Garden development, he moves garden design to a whole new level.For this project he has explored the Moorish history of the area, taking cues from Islamic design while also letting himself be guided by the character of the land itself. ‘The Islamic word for Paradise is Jidda – garden,’ he says. ‘It’s a magical site, it undulates.’He laughs at the irony of being commissioned to design the gardens of a development that is geared towards golf, when his first job was a not-very-satisfactory stint as a teenage caddy – ‘doing three hours’ work for 50 pence’.But back to the present, and the ancient ideas and shapes that inform his latest project. ‘Islamic gardens are a wonderful thing to with with, and they’re very simple.’ He points out that the afterlife, as portrayed in the Islamic faith, ‘is to live in this wonderful garden with sleet-smelling flowers. That’s what we wanted to create here.’Another consideration is the climate in which he is working, with limited rainfall. His aim at Vilamoura, he says, is ‘to lift it, to create some excitement – and to reduce reliance on water. We work with Portuguese species and other Mediterranean species. We want to lift the game with this one.’He is sourcing crafts from Marrakech, showing particular enthusiasm for a type of Moroccan-made lantern that he hopes to use for this project. ‘The crafts there are second to none. I went there with Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen for the Home Front programme. He left after two days, said it was boring. But I was transfixed.’There will be planted boundaries but the parts will still be interconnected. ‘We want to create a journey throughout the space. You can stop off at little areas, where you can get away from the kids and read a book.His mixture of curiosity and enthusiasm is childlike, which bodes well for the gardens. ‘This is like a botanic gardens with houses on it – that’s how I see it.’

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.  

France: Paris finds new popularity

One result of the credit crunch in the property and financial markets is an upsurge in Paris property. With the US experiencing a major housing market crisis, those in the UK looking for overseas property are increasingly turning to locations with less fraught money climates.
Paris property prices continue to increase at approximately ten to15 per cent per year, depending on the district, and the last five years has seen a dramatic 60 per cent increase in property prices. One development that is likely to strengthen this trend even further is the ‘Sarko effect’ – the stated desire by new French president Nicolas Sarkozy to move the country towards a more property ownership-friendly position.
The favourable borrowing terms and relatively low interest rates, among other factors, gives Paris strong investment potential. Europe’s recent trend towards higher interest rates appears to be at its end, with just one further raise in interest rates this year to 4.25 per cent seen as likely. This compares favourably with the current US rate of 5.25 per cent. (The US Federal Reserve was expected to lower the rate by either a quarter or half of a per cent as we went to press.)
Paris-based property investment specialist VPS-Global has seen a dramatic increase in foreigners investing in France. CEO Pascal Morin believes Paris offers exciting potential for investors. ‘Given the current state of the world economy, investors are opting for more secure, stable and long-term investment opportunities. Investing in France used to be a lifestyle choice. Today we are seeing more and more of our clients choosing France as a pure investment choice, purchasing with no intention for personal occupation.’

Greece: borrowing gets easier

New lending terms from Piraeus Bank London mean investing in Greece is a more realistic prospect for UK buyers. This coincides with an increased willingness on the part of Brits to invest in ever-widening circles, both geographically and culturally – not to mention the improvements to borrowing and buying procedures in many countries.
Although familiar for generations as a much-loved holiday destination, Greece is not among the first locations prospective overseas investors think of. After all, legal procedures, construction methods and building regulations differ widely from those Brits are used to. The financing of an overseas property purchase, like that of domestic property, must be done with the support of a reputable and experienced bank arranging your finances.
Piraeus Bank London’s mortgage is available to UK and Irish residents and ex-pats retaining a UK bank account or credit connection. Mortgage terms run from five to 25 years are available for a minimum investment of €100,000. Loan-to-value requirements are 80 per cent for property and 70 per cent for land.

For investors, Piraeus Bank London offers an interest-only mortgage for up to ten years on property and five years on land. This allows savvy investors to maximize on potential gains from a property whether they are looking to flip an off-plan purchase on completion or take advantage of the huge demand for rental property by letting it.
For more information on obtaining your Greek mortgage contact Piraeus Bank London on 0845 603 6538 or visit piraeusbank.co.uk.

Amanda Shiel looks at a variety of overseas developments ideal for investors

Cape Verde 

FM Cape Verde is developing two large resorts on the island of Boavista.
Creola Sands (comprising duplexes and apartments, with configurations ranging between studios, one-, two- and three-bedrooms) is located on the sea with a beachfront site on Cabral Beach while Sabi Sands (comprising studios, two- three- and four-bedroom villas and one-, two- and three-bedroom duplexes) is situated on a hillside with views to sand dunes, overlooking an oasis of palm trees and an ocean backdrop.

Both developments offer two outdoor swimming pools, superb restaurants, bars and entertainment areas. There is also a gymnasium, medical facilities and internet cafés, gourmet super markets, children’s park and entertainment areas and terraces overlooking beautifully colourful gardens.
An apartment bought at either Creola Sands or Sabi Sands from the developer would be expected to increase in value by 17 per cent each year. In addition, FM International offers a rental guarantee of five per cent for two years, with the option to leaseback the property after this time.  To ensure private investors receive more than just financial benefits, the guaranteed monthly rental income allows property owners four weeks of the year to enjoy the property themselves.

Properties at Creola Sands range from 84,000 – 355,000 euros. Properties at Sabi Sands are priced from 90,500 – 389,400 euros. For more information call 0131 226 4135 or visit the website sands-capeverde.com.
 
Bulgaria

The Belgravia is a collection of 98 premium apartments situated within the greenbelt of Sofia’s university quarter.

Located between the prestigious area of Lozenets and Sofia’s business district with stunning views of Vitosha Mountain, the private gated complex comprises of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. The architecture of The Belgravia reflects the style and character of the surrounding historical buildings in this protected area of Sofia.

Internally, apartments offer efficient and modern living spaces finished to a high specification with the majority benefiting from balconies and private gardens. The scheme boasts a variety of communal facilities including underground parking, gym and sauna, health and beauty salon, restaurant, a concierge service and 24-hour security.

The Belgravia is situated within one of Sofia’s key growth areas, just ten minutes drive to the city centre and five minutes to Sofia’s business district.  
Bulgarian Dreams is currently offering phase two to the international market. Prices at The Belgravia start from €47,700 (£32,000) for a studio apartment. Contact Bulgarian Dreams on 00 44 207 614 1240 or visit  bulgariandreams.com.

Florida

Seven Continent Investment London have launched the Hollywood Grande, a stunning Venetian-style 5-star apart-hotel. Its beachfront location by the newly regenerated, nostalgic Hollywood Boardwalk and historic town centre will help ensure consistently high occupancy levels.  

Prices start from $300,685 with up to 79 per cent financing available. Investors will also benefit from an outstanding condo-hotel scheme which offers seven per cent guaranteed income for the first two years and then 60 per cent of the room rate to the investor for every night the room is occupied.
Investors can also claim 90 days free use of their suite. All hotel suites are available furnished in a Spanish colonial style. Cars can be parked using the robotic car parking system which means that there is no entry to the garage. 
For more information, contact Charlotte Barraclough on 07939 261695 or visit 7cinvest.com.

Montenegro

Property investors looking for a stunning Mediterranean investment, coupled with strong anticipated rental income and capital appreciation, need look no further than Boka Heights in Kotor.
The luxury development is made up of one- and two-bedroom apartments. All offer balconies or patios, with many enjoying uninterrupted views of Kotor Fjord and the nearby town of Perast.
The high quality, modern and open plan properties have been designed in a contemporary style and vary from 50sq m to 80sq m. All apartments will be fully equipped with modern kitchens, bathrooms and air conditioning.

Investors will also be able to enjoy a communal swimming pool set in glorious landscaped gardens, as well as the opportunity to purchase a car parking space for added convenience and rent-ability.
Due for completion in June 2008. Prices start at €147,125. A simple and structured payment plan is in place to ensure investors enjoy a straightforward purchase process
For further information on Mimosa Park, call Emerging Real Estate on 0845 601 7293 or visit    emergingrealestate.com.
 
Turkey

Astrum Towers is a development of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments located in the Haramidere area of Istanbul and close to the sandy shoreline of Büyükçekmece, a popular weekend getaway for city dwellers. Although well served locally with retail and leisure facilities including a large Carrefour, the city centre can be accessed swiftly by the adjacent Esenyurt-Ambarli connection road making Astrum Towers ideal for business rentals.

The apartments have fitted kitchens, double glazed windows, central heating, television and telephone connections plus fire alarms fitted with sprinklers. On-site facilities include an open-air swimming pool, sports area, sauna, cafeteria and plentiful covered and open parking.

Prices start from just £21,000 for a studio apartment. Favourable payment terms begin with a £2,000 deposit followed by 30 per cent on signing of contract, 30 per cent on completion of shell, 30 per cent on final completion and 10 per cent on transfer of the title deeds scheduled for early 2009.
Call Dream Homes Worldwide UK freephone 0800 0193 847, Ireland freephone 1800 805 006 or 0034 952 908 803 for other international calls, or visit dreamhomesww.com.

Overseas mortgage products

Interest only mortgage available on Bulgarian real estate

Piraeus Bank London, the UK branch of one of Greece’s leading financial institutions, Piraeus Bank, has launched an interest only euro mortgage product on Bulgarian property exclusive to the UK and Bulgaria.
The last few years, especially since EU accession in January 2007, have seen Bulgaria become one of Europe’s most popular real estate investment locations. Over 30,000 Britons have purchased properties already with the majority of those being off-plan investments. The new interest only product for up to 10 years available from Piraeus Bank London will appeal to property buyers looking to maximise their potential financial gains.

Irini Tzortzoglou, head of retail banking, comments, ‘The low property prices in Bulgaria have made the market extremely appealing for investors. Many are buying properties off-plan with a view to obtaining capital gain and rental income from tourism once completed. Offering a finance product which combines a 10 year interest only period and one which takes into account up to 30 per cent of projected rental income is highly exciting for investors.

‘Piraeus Bank is increasingly being recognised in the UK for tailoring its mortgage products to the needs of today’s buyer. The Bulgarian property market is dynamic and fast paced and we strive to ensure that out finance products develop in line with the market.”
piraeusbank.co.uk.

Spanish bank withdraws non-resident mortgage lending

Spanish bank Banesto, part of the Santander group, has recently taken the dramatic step to withdraw all of its own non-resident mortgage lending. The only product it will offer to foreign applicants is a self-certification loan which they are administering on behalf of GMAC.

This news comes just weeks after Caja Mediterraneo (CAM Bank), one of the largest providers of non-resident mortgages in Spain, instructed some of its branches to accept no further non-resident mortgage applications for the time being following a spate of false mortgage applications.
Heather Chambers, director of International Mortgage Solutions Ltd (IMS), Spain’s largest non-resident mortgage broker comments, ‘This is clearly a case of once-bitten-twice-shy for Banesto. It is sad that due to certain unscrupulous brokers supplying false paperwork to the banks in order to push through an application so they can earn their commission, the ethical buying public has to suffer. However, we must applaud this action as it should serve to prevent and dissuade both clients and the brokers involved repeating such practices in the future.’

Heather continues, “It is a fact that as the Spanish mortgage market opens up and further flexibility is offered, including self-certification, the depth of the credit analysis undertaken has also increased. The Spanish banks are tightening up and at IMS we have noticed how pedantic they have become about documentation provided, and quite rightly so. Lenders will also now check liabilities and credit files back in the applicant’s country of residence, something that didn’t take place previously. Scottish Widows, part of the Lloyds TSB group, has taken the extra measure of registering a non-resident loan granted in Spain back in the UK on the client’s credit file. The climate is certainly changing and those practitioners operating on the wrong side of the law will have to clean up or close down.”

India is the place to buy for investors who want a good price and an exotic locale. The market is opening up, and as the commercial future of the country gets brighter and brighter, so will the opportunities for buy-to-let purchasers.In Goa, you will find 60km of silken sands, allowing the perfect place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Cooled by sea breezes and surrounded by perfect turquoise waters, Goa is famed for its safe and tranquil beaches. Calangute and Candolim are extremely popular tourist havens, while Baga, to the north, offers a slower pace of life mixed with the convenience of modern hotels, restaurants and bars. In the southern most part of the territory, the Dona Paula, Vagator and Chapora beaches are also worth a visit. David Stanley Redfern Ltd offers investment properties dotted the length and breadth of Goa, including the Braganza World resort, which represents a very economical investment option: in fact, prices start at just £5,520!

The development has claimed a countryside location but remains centrally placed close to the beaches of Baga, Calangute and Candolim. At the other end of the scale, the brand new Goa Raj development sits in the heart of Goa, only minutes away from world-class dining and cosmopolitan nightlife. With prices for luxury four-bedroom villas starting at a still-affordable £63,250, the spacious 159.71 m sq properties are an excellent choice for first-time investors.

 Find out more about these and other Goa properties by visiting davidstanleyredfern.com.Meanwhile, in cosmopolitan Mumbai, Essential Worldwide has taken the gamble out of property investment with a guaranteed rental package at the five-star Green Valley resort. This master-planned development will consist of 2,900 units with an exclusive garden on an expanse of 220 acres, situated away from the hustle and bustle of the city and encased with a lush, leafy haven. Green Valley is a wholly residential project constructed by the same renowned developers responsible for Dubai Sports City. There is a seven per cent rental guarantee of seven per cent of the purchase price per year, offered over five years. Says Tim Tolbert, sales and marketing director of Essential Worldwide, the resort is ‘expected to enjoy high rental demands thanks to the growing economy and increasingly high visitor numbers to India’.The rental guarantee offer also applies at Essential Worldwide’s luxurious Cape Corinth waterfront oasis in subtropical Goa. Set over three floors, the Cape Corinth apartments are finished to the highest standards ready for immediate occupation. Find out more about India property and Essential Worldwide’s guaranteed rental programme at essentialww.com.

Amanda Shiel looks at developments ideally suited to specific purchaser groups

The adventurer - Egypt

Blessed with year-round sunshine as well as a cooling breeze, visitors pour into Sahl Hasheesh 365 days a year. It is rapidly becoming a top destination for wind related sports and scuba diving, and for the golf enthusiasts, eight courses are currently being built.  
One-, two- and three-bedroom apartments are available for purchase, together with two-, three-, four-, five- and seven-bedroom detached villas/palaces. For more information about the Palm Beach Piazza or other developments in Sahl Hasheesh please contact Egypt Revealed on 0845 054 8697 or visit www.egypt-revealed.com.

The luxury lifestyle - Dubai

Al Waha Villas, set amongst lush landscaped gardens in a secure gated community, offers the prestige and glamour associated with Harrods and the sophisticated Dubai lifestyle. For a limited period buyers will be able to purchase a range of two-, three- and four-bedroom villas. All properties include two parking spaces, large balconies and terraces.
Two-bedroom villas priced £242,547, three-bedroom villas from £571,816 and four bedroom villas are available £604,336 (prices dependent on exchange rates). For more information regarding the exclusive Dubai Properties Harrods promotion, call Harrods Estates on 020 7893 8933 or visit harrodsestates.com. Alternatively, visit the promotion at the Harrods store until 31 August.

Holidaymakers who want to buy - Spain

Accountants Ian and Jeanette Brown wanted to find a holiday home where they could relax away from the pressures of work. They found their ideal property at La Heredia de Monte Mayor, in the Andalucia district of Spain, where they have bought a two-bedroom townhouse.
Jeanette, 47, said: ‘I do a lot of travelling with my job – albeit in the UK. The idea of having a base abroad where we could escape for holidays and long weekends began to appeal more and more.’
Ian, 51, and Jeanette visit their townhouse once every five weeks, on average – and as well as proper holidays and they like to take advantage of the long bank holiday weekends at Easter and in May.
‘We don’t rent our house out to other people, but we do take friends and family with us sometimes,’ said Jeanette. ‘For us, we don’t look at the house as a ‘quick buck investment’ – it is just meant to be a holiday home.’
Townhouses start at €695,000 (two-bed/two bath) and range to €995,000 (four-bed/four bath). Villas start at €930,000 (four-bed/four bath) and range to €1,050,000 (four-bed/four bath). Visit www.laperlainternationalliving.com

Investment – Cape Verde   

The Cotton Bay Golf and Resort in the Algodoeiro region on the south-west coast of Sal will have 10 key residential areas - all sympathetically designed to reflect the Cape Verdean culture and personality with an emphasis on open spaces and light.  
Many of the villas in the development will enjoy an enviable front line beach location and will range in size from 120m² to 350m² with two-, three-, four- or five-bedrooms. The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and duplexes include gardens and terraces on the ground floor, terraces on the first and second floors and a communal swimming pool.
Prices start at €124,000.
Emerging Real Estate offer a simple and structured payment plan to investors. Contact Emerging Real Estate on 0845 601 7293 or visit emergingrealestate.com.

Retirement – Spain

Costa Tropical enjoys more than 320 days of sunshine a year and in wintertime temperatures rarely fall below 10 degrees centigrade. The area has much to offer retirees, including an excellent health service, good roads and a super infrastructure.  
Apartments can start from as little as €85,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in Coastal Melicena and villas start from €150,000 for a two-bedroom townhouse near Almunecar.
For more details contact Eden Villas on 01382 568 183 or visit edenvillas.co.uk.

Whether you want to relax or indulge in a bit of sport you’ll be spoilt of choice with these developments, says Amanda Shiel.

Ontario, Canada

Red Leaves in Muskoka, Ontario, is one of Canada’s fastest growing property hotspots on the shores of Lakes Rosseau and Muskoka.
All of the properties at Red Leaves are finished to the same exacting standards. Frank Nicholson has been commissioned to complete the interior design of The Rosseau, including all of the communal areas. Each suite will blend traditional Muskoka cottage life with cutting-edge design and technology, including granite counter tops, flat-screen plasma TVs and a fireplace. In addition, all suites come complete with satellite TV, high-speed internet access, towels, kitchen utensils and even a corkscrew!  
The five star resort is the perfect destination for a second home or holiday at any time of year; it is  just 2 hours north of Toronto and offers year-round facilities, entertainment and activities. These include the Nick Faldo-designed championship golf course ‘The Rock’, kayaking, waterskiing, water tubing, cruises and fishing on a mile of waterfront. There are also swimming pools, including an indoor water park, tennis courts, a fitness room, sauna and spa, in addition to hiking, mountain biking and in winter; cross country skiing, snow tubing and snowmobiling in a 700 acre nature reserve. A museum, theatre, marina and four-season village with stunning shops and memorable restaurants are also nearby.   
UK investors at Red Leaves are afforded the same legal safeguards as any Canadian citizen and there is no stamp duty to pay.
Prices range from £143,900 to £473,000. For further information, visit redleavesmuskoka.co.uk or call 0845 130 8768.

Bansko and Pamporovo, Bulgaria

Cedar Lodge III in Bankso is five star scheme consisting of 77 apartments. On-site facilities include an indoor swimming pool, gym, Jacuzzi, sauna, ski-room, 24 hour security, coffee shop and a fully licensed bar and lounge area. Emulating Alpine mountain lodges, each property features wooden balconies with open plan interiors and spectacular views across the Pirin Mountains.
Cedar Heights in nearby Pamporovo is located on a sweeping hillside surrounded by virgin pine forest. The development offers unparalleled on-site facilities, panoramic views across the Rhodopi Mountains and access to the excellent piste and lift system of Pamporovo located under 5 minutes away.
Prices for apartments at Cedar Lodge start at €35,000 (£23,333) for a studio, €59,598 (£41,102) for a one-bedroom and €130,410 (£89,938) for a two-bedroom. Prices at Cedar Heights start from €46,559 (£32,100) for one bedroom apartment. Contact Bulgarian Dreams on 020 7614 1240 or visit bulgariandreams.com.

Mont Tremblant, Canada

Le Grand Lodge is a four-season lakeside resort located in Mont Tremblant and consists of 45 studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments.
Studios will offer two beds, a fully-fitted kitchen, bathroom and a colour TV. One- and two-bedroom apartments include two beds, sofa bed, two fully- fitted bathrooms, a fully-fitted kitchen and a colour TV.
Residents will be able to canoe and kayak in Lac Tremblant and there are six 18-hole award-winning golf courses close by. The resort also boasts a spa with pool, steam room, sauna and gym. The resort is just 75 minutes from Montreal, 90 minutes from Newark and Toronto and 120 minutes from Ottowa.
Prices start at CAD$165,000 (approx. UK£70,815.)
Call Overseas Homesearch on 0800 6520 769 or visit overseashomesearch.co.uk.

Canmore, Canada

Three Sisters Mountain Village is a world-class, four-season alpine resort community covering approximately 2,000 acres of land within the Town of Canmore, Alberta, located in the Bow River Valley at the foot of the Canadian Rockies.

The resort provides 365 days of high-altitude adventure. Residents and visitors can enjoy world-class golf, hiking, biking, fishing and climbing, as well as downhill, heli and Nordic skiing.
Planning is underway for two amenity rich public villages, The Sanctuary at Three Sisters and The Village at Three Sisters, which will provide a range of cafes, restaurants, galleries, shopping, recreational outfitters and luxury spa facilities. The developers creating this community are offering a wide range of properties, including detached family homes, townhouses, ‘lock up and leave’ apartments, and mountain chalets – something for virtually every taste and stage in life. Apartments cost from $580,000 to $2 million CAD (approx £253,126 to £872,850).
Call Newfound Property International 020 8605 9550 or visit newfoundproperty.com  

Chamonix, French Alps

Positioned at the heart of the French Alps, Chamonix has been a favoured Alpine destination for decades. Chamonix has it all: excellent skiing, some of the best walking and cycling and a range of restaurants and bars that can fulfil any après-ski requirement.
The development is designed and constructed by one of the regions most respected developers. The Grosset Janin brothers have been creating dream alpine homes for three generations and Les Chalets de la Tannerie maintains this tradition.

Authentically presented, the development is made up of a chalet of three apartments, a chalet of two apartments and a bespoke stand-alone chalet. Each apartment of two, three or four bedrooms has its own terrace and spectacular views on the Mont Blanc and Aiguille du Midi.
Apartments at Les Chalets de la Tannerie are priced from £638,000. Call Chesterton International on 0207 201 2070 or visit chesterton.co.uk.

Au Coeur de Samoens, French Alps

Part of 'Le Grand Massif', Samoens is a traditional French alpine village that dates back to the 9th Century. With 265km of slopes and activities all year round, Samoens has something to offer all the family.
Situated in the heart of Samoens the development consists of two luxury south facing chalets with views on the Plateaux de Saix. Four two-bedroom apartments and two three-bedroom apartments are available. Each come with underground parking, ski lockers and space for a private sauna.
Priced from £385,000. Call Chesterton International on 0207 201 2070 or visit chesterton.co.uk.