US buyers eye up Italian property as the dollar remains strong

US buyers eye up Italian property as the dollar remains strong

Italy
  • US buyer numbers up in Le Marche (Magic Marche)
  • Italy comes third on Americans’ European summer vacation list (InsureMyTrip)
  • 67% of buyers so far at Casa Tre Archi in Le Marche are from the US (Appassionata)

US second home buyers are scoping out Europe this summer, with the UK, France and Italy enjoying the lion’s share of their interest. According to InsureMyTrip, the three European countries will be the most popular destinations for travel beyond the US’s borders between June and August 2015.

But it’s not just a vacation for all– an increasing number are looking to pick up a second home while on their travels, at least that’s the case in Italy, according to Jane Smith of local property agency Magic Marche. Jane explains,

“Our enquiry rate for the first half of 2015 is over 20% higher than for the same period in 2014. With a strong US dollar against the Euro, buyers from the USA have increased in numbers. Restored country houses remain the most popular choice but we’ve also seen a growing trend in townhouses, where buyers can enjoy the benefits of having shops, restaurants, cafés and local markets right on their doorstep.”

Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, founder of family-run holiday home company Appassionata, is certainly familiar with the increase in US buyers. Her latest luxury fractional ownership home, Casa Tre Archi, has so far attracted keen interest Stateside, with 67% of owners coming from America. Of the six Discovery Trips booked for the coming three months, where interested parties can visit Le Marche and stay in the property, five are families from the US. Dawn comments,

“Italy is a tourist destination enjoyed by visitors from all over the world and many of those hail from the US. Our two countries have ties that span centuries and modern-day Italy still holds many attractions for American visitors. We’ve found that many of those who come here are utterly charmed by Italy’s attributes, from its stunning architecture to its beautiful beaches, as well as the local cuisine and the open, welcoming nature of regions like Le Marche.”

American Deb Gale, who owns a fraction in one of Appassionata’s other properties, Casa Leopardi, describes the area as, “an astonishing combination of land, sea, sun and history, colliding with culture and casual sophistication. You cannot help but love the food, the wine, the restaurants and the markets.”

In line with current market trends, the Appassionata team opted for a townhouse for their third luxury property, having previously restored two fabulous country homes. Dawn explains the decision,

“We chose to go down the urban fractional route in order to offer owners a luxury property that had all the amenities they could wish for within walking distance. Many families prefer to stroll into town to find a restaurant for dinner and enjoy a glass of local wine, without having to decide who will be the designated driver on the way home. Or to let the children head to the local bakery for early morning pastries, while the adults keep a watchful eye on them from the roof terrace. Casa Tre Archi enables all of this and more – it’s the ideal holiday property in the ideal location. We knew it as soon as we first viewed it.”

Fractions in Casa Tre Archi are available from £75,000 for five weeks’ exclusive use per year.

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

How to buy an overseas property in 14 days

How to buy an overseas property in 14 days

Italy
  • Inspection trip to paperwork completion in just 14 days (Appassionata)
  • 503,000 passengers pass through Ancona airport annually (Europe Airports)
  • Le Marche perfect for “so many different types of discovery” (Colleen Rouse)

A couple from Kent are challenging the perception that buying a property overseas is a huge undertaking that requires significant time, having just used their pension savings to purchase their Italian dream home in a timescale of only two weeks.

Colleen and Duncan Rouse had been waiting patiently for Duncan’s retirement before buying a property abroad, in order to make sure they had the time to use it properly. When his retirement finally happened, the couple decided they were done with waiting and prepared to put their pension to good use. They set off for their beloved Italy on an inspection trip to see luxury fractional ownership property Casa Tre Archi, in Le Marche.

Colleen recalls,

“The buying process was so straightforward and easy and was accomplished in just 14 days from our first overnight visit to Casa Tre Archi to completion and ownership. We have always loved the Italian people and the way of life. We love the landscape of Le Marche and its position, which offers beautiful countryside, hilltop towns and villages between the sea and the mountains, providing opportunities for so many different types of discovery. Also the convenience of having a number of airports within reasonable driving distance, offering a whole range of flights from and to the UK.”

Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, founder of family-run, Le Marche-based Appassionata, the company behind Casa Tre Archi, comments,

“One of the great joys of renovating properties in this area of Italy is that we can furnish and decorate the houses by working with local artisans who are the third, fourth or even fifth generation to run their business. It means that each of our holiday homes is filled with unique touches, from hand-painted wall tiles to individually crafted lamps, the techniques for which have been passed down through the family for generations.

“But that doesn’t mean that we have to run the paperwork side of the business in the same way. There’s a time and place for embracing modern efficiency! We want our owners to have a hassle-free buying experience so that they can begin to look forward to using the property as quickly as possible.”

This blending of modern convenience with ancient traditions is a core part of Appassionata’s recipe for success. After a quick and efficient journey to Italy thanks to the multiple routes into nearby Ancona airport (which Europe Airports reports is used by more than half a million passengers each year), owners love to indulge in long, relaxed dinners on the roof terrace of Casa Tre Archi, using ingredients like truffles and game that the rolling Le Marche farmland has supplied since time immemorial. Or perhaps stroll along the cobbled streets of the medieval town of Petritoli. As Colleen observes,

“We like the idea of living in a town where we can go out for a meal in one of the local restaurants and know that we can walk home. We live in a village in Kent where we have the pleasure to interact with people from all walks of life and we hope to be able to meet real people in Petritoli too.”

For those eager to share in the Italian dream, fractions in Casa Tre Archi are available from £70,000 for five weeks’ exclusive use per year.

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

Summer holiday heaven – look no further, Europe has it all!

Summer holiday heaven – look no further, Europe has it all!

World , , , ,
  • 76% of UK parents let their kids have a say about where to go on holiday (HomeAway)
  • Beachfront apartments near Spain’s top theme park from €560 per week (Kyero)
  • Average UK child costs £35k by age 5 (Aviva)

When it comes to summer holidays, it seems we want it all – pristine beaches, high-octane theme parks and water parks, first-rate golf courses, rural activities like horse riding – and all set against a backdrop of good weather and great food. It might seem like a lot to ask, but there’s no need to book that round the world ticket, as it turns out that Europe has it all this summer!

With a new study from Aviva revealing that the average UK child costs their parents £35,000 by the time they reach the age of five, many families will be looking for affordable holiday options, yet not wanting to compromise on the quality of the vacation experience.

At the same time, research from HomeAway and YouGov has shown that a significant majority of parents (ranging from 76% in the UK to 95% in Germany) allow their children to have a say in deciding on the holiday destination. With this in mind, here we look at five European options to suit every taste and budget this summer.

For beach lovers

Peter Walshe, Marketing Director of Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, is an advocate of the Albanian coastline when it comes to pristine beaches. He comments,

“Albania offers both good value for money and the long, quiet stretches of sand that are perfect for family holidays. The kids can splash around in the shallows at hyper-speed, while mum and dad can relax and put their feet up just a few feet away, making places like Lalzit Bay ideal for families who want to enjoy the beach for a range of purposes.”

Those looking to invest in their own property by the beach can choose from a range of high quality apartments at Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, where prices start from as little as €35,000 for an apartment. Those looking to splash the cash can opt for the ultimate in luxury property, with five and six bedroom beachfront villas offering unobstructed Mediterranean views from just €437,000.

For water park fanatics

Portugal also offers some stunning beachscapes, as well as a number of excellent water parks, dotted along the southern Algarve coastline. Chris White, founding director of boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, observes,

“One of the many great things about the Algarve is the number of holiday options that it provides. Golf lovers, beach bunnies, foodie travellers and water park fanatics are all perfectly at home here. Between the three main water parks – Slide & Splash, Aquashow and Aqualand – families have an incredible choice of H2O-based rides and activities. They offer something for everyone, from tiny children splashing in the warm waters of the children’s pool at Slide & Splash to serious adrenaline junkies rocketing down the White Fall at Aquashow. Aquashow even includes a sizeable theme park for those for whom the water rides aren’t quite enough!”

A three bedroom villa with its own pool close to Slide & Splash in Lagoa can be picked up for €350,000.

For theme park aficionados

Those who prefer to stay dry while satisfying their adrenaline craving should head to neighbouring Spain, where theme parks abound. One of the best is PortAventura Park in Salou, which was voted the number one amusement park in Spain in the 2014 TripAdvisor travellers’ choice awards. Martin Dell, Director of leading property portal Kyero.com, which offers property sales, holiday rentals and long-term rentals across Spain, comments,

“PortAventura is one of Spain’s best-loved theme parks and is packed with families seeking adventure during their summer holidays. From gentle rides for the littlest members to super-fast thrills for big kids (of all ages!), its six themed worlds offer a huge range of entertainment options. It has an aquatic park too with a vast array of slides and rides, packing in far more than can be done in a single day – it’s Spain’s equivalent to Florida.”

A frontline beach apartment with pool in Salou can be rented from €560 per week.

For golfers

Spain is also a wonderful destination for golfers, particularly those looking for island-based courses in the Balearics. Mallorca is a popular choice, as Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of prestigious Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, points out,

“The views from some of Mallorca’s golf courses are simply stunning and the island welcomes golfers of all abilities, from pros to those just learning the ropes. The Mallorca Golf Academy operates across the island, for those looking to hone their skills in the sunshine, while the range of courses of the island mean that those who have come simply to play can always find a quiet time to enjoy golf here at its best.”

Costa Beach at Port Vell has four excellent golf courses within a ten minute drive, the nearest being just 900 meters away. The development also offers direct beach access and a fantastic pool, with prices for the apartments and townhouses starting at €240,000.

For nature lovers

If even golf sounds like too hectic an activity, Italy is the place to go, according to Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs founder of Le Marche-based luxury fractional ownership business Appassionata. Italy is one of Europe’s most popular rural tourism destinations and the Le Marche region offers the perfect blend of a small town base (for the convenience of restaurants, cafés and shops) with access to stunning countryside. Dawn comments,

“Le Marche is perfect for holidaymakers looking to escape it all. They can enjoy horse riding across miles of rolling countryside, picnic in solitude beneath the vast blue sky and refresh their spirits with the peace and fragrance of the open country, all before returning home at the end of the day to sink into a deep bath before a visit to the local pizzeria for a slice and a glass of locally produced wine.”

Fractional ownership options at Casa Tre Archi in Le Marche are available from £70,000 for five weeks’ use of the luxury holiday home per year.

 

For more information please contact:

Kyero: www.kyero.com

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 08000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Appassionata: +39 33154 13225 or www.appassionata.com

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

Ideal Homes Portugal: 0800 133 7644, +351 289 513 434 or www.idealhomesportugal.com

Italy feeds the world as the Universal Expo in Milan gets underway

Italy feeds the world as the Universal Expo in Milan gets underway

Italy
  • Italian food exports hit record €34.3 billion (Coldiretti)
  • Le Marche flagged as latest Italian foodie holiday hotspot (Appassionata)
  • US taste for Italian wine exceeds €1.1 billion (Coldiretti)

The Universal Exposition is one of the most important global events for bringing countries together to share knowledge, innovation and traditions. It is due to the Universal Expo that Paris has the Eiffel Tower, that Brussels has the Atomium and that Seattle has the Space Needle.

The present day Universal Expo still maintains its focus on technological advancement, but with a more humanitarian bent. Expo Milano 2015, which is being hosted by Milan, Italy, from 1 May to 31 October, is focused on the use of technology and innovation to provide safe, healthy, sufficient food for the world’s entire population. Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life expects to welcome more than 20 million visitors from over 140 countries over the six months that it is running. Visitors will be able to engage in a variety of activities, from tastings of the world’s best dishes to explorations of gastronomic traditions to discussion of the best agri-foods for feeding the planet.

Italy is the natural choice for hosting such an important food-focused event. Its food exports circumnavigate the globe and its sparkling prosecco now outsells France’s champagne in volume terms. In 2014, Italy’s food exports hit record levels, with a value of €34.3 billion, according to Coldiretti’s analysis of data from national statistics agency ISTAT. The figure represents an increase of 2.4% over the previous year, with the Russian ban on numerous food imports more than counteracted by the American thirst for Italian wine, which totalled more than €1.1 billion worth during the year.

While two thirds of Italian food exports are destined for other European countries according to the Coldiretti analysis, demand is also high from the US market and the growing market in Asia. Wine, pasta and olive oil are the most prized Italian products, backed by a significant appetite for Italian cheese, fruit and vegetables.

Of course Italian food also draws huge numbers of tourists to Italy every year in search of the taste of authenticity. The latest foodie destination hotspot is Le Marche, where an abundance of truffles,

game and seafood have been delighting the local population’s palates for centuries. Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs founder of Le Marche-based luxury fractional ownership business Appassionata, comments,

“People think of Italy’s food and picture the ultimate feast of pizza, pasta and ice cream. While Italy does offer all of these, there is such huge diversity across the country in terms of other dishes that you really have to immerse yourself in it in order to discover everything. Even after living here for years, I am still discovering incredible new recipes that use traditional techniques to make simple, fresh ingredients just come alive with flavour.”

Those looking to get up close and personal with Italian cuisine can base themselves at Appassionata’s Casa Tre Archi holiday home in the medieval hilltop town of Petritoli. The three storey townhouse provides its owners with five weeks’ exclusive usage per year, at a cost of £70,000 per fraction. With a roof terrace that is perfect for outdoor dining, the scents of local cafés and restaurants filling the air and views of crops waving gently in the breeze for miles and miles, it is hard to imagine a better base from which to explore the tastes of Italy.

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

Award-winning Italian beaches increase in number with announcement of Blue Flag 2015 Awards

Award-winning Italian beaches increase in number with announcement of Blue Flag 2015 Awards

Italy
  • Number of Blue Flag beaches in Italy increases to 280 (FEE)
  • Le Marche region home to 17 of the cleanest Italian beaches (FEE)
  • Le Marche’s Petritoli 20 mins from three Blue Flag beaches and home to Appassionata’s Casa Tre Archi

The number of Italian beaches granted the prestigious international Blue Flag award has this year grown to 280. An increase of an impressive 11 beaches on 2014, when 269 met the strict requirements, those granted the accolade by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) are recognised as those locations with the very cleanest waters and the most pristine of sands.

Taking third place in this important listing, behind the more tourist-centric regions of Liguria (with 23) and Tuscany (with 18), is the somewhat more undiscovered region of Le Marche, a location that, although growing in popularity, manages to retain a true sense of authentic Italia. Having been granted Bandiera Blu, or Blue Flag, awards for 17 of their beaches for two years in a row, this is set to further increase the popularity of the beautiful region with visiting tourists and holiday home buyers alike.

Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, Founder of fractional ownership company Appassionata, whose latest project Casa Tre Archi is located in Le Marche’s beautiful hilltop town of Petritoli, comments,

“The stunning Le Marche region in which we have renovated a number of beautiful properties, including Casa Tre Archi, and that we are also lucky enough to call home, boasts 180km of Adriatic coastline, all of which is eye-catching and some of which is the proud recipient of the prestigious Blue Flag award. With it being said that the granting of such an accolade can increase regional tourism by some 35%, this can only spell good things for a region that has so very much to offer to visitors, locals and those looking to purchase a base for their holidays in the wonderful Italy.”

As Dawn references, from Petritoli’s hilltop position, three of Le Marche’s Blue Flag beaches are within easy reach, all less than a twenty minute drive away. Of Fermo’s four beaches referenced by the 2015 awards, both Porto San Giorgio and Pedaso are easily reached by car from Petritoli, joining the commune of Ascoli Piceno’s three, one of which, Grottammare, is close by too.

Many of the coasts’ golden sandy beaches are protected by small rocky breakwaters, making the sun-kissed Adriatic waters safe for all the family to swim in and for those looking for something a little more adventurous, there are various water sports on offer, from sailing to windsurfing, scuba diving to fishing.

With Petritoli being one such standout hilltop town, Appassionata’s Casa Tre Archi is built into the ancient walls of the town, with the traditional rough-hewn brickwork a unique and beautiful feature of the lounge which, like all of the townhouse, is impeccably attired with furniture and fittings individually-sourced locally to provide a luxurious but homely feel.

The 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom property enjoys outdoor space on three levels and even has a spectacular 50m² roof terrace with views across Petritoli, the rolling countryside, and sea views, making the very most of the region’s award-winning coastline. With beamed ceilings and traditional terracotta floors, Casa Tre Archi is ideally situated close to shops, restaurants and cafes too.

The property is offered as part of a fractional ownership scheme and shares of 1/10th of the property, offering five weeks’ exclusive use annually, are available from £70,000.

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

UK pension reforms allow over 55’s to realise the Italian retirement dream

UK pension reforms allow over 55’s to realise the Italian retirement dream

Italy
  • Over 6 million UK adults plan to retire abroad, with 10% choosing Italy as their preferred destination (Hargreaves Lansdown)
  • 20% of 55-75 year old UK adults are considering taking cash out of their pensions under new regulations (ABTA)
  • Le Marche ranked in top places in the world to retire in 2014 (American Association of Retired Person)

With new legislation changes having recently become effective, UK citizens over the age of 55 are now be able to spend, save or invest their pension as they deem appropriate. These latest regulations offer people the freedom and flexibility to decide for themselves the best option for their retirement. In light of this, a recent survey, from the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), discovered that 20% of UK adults are already considering taking a cash lump sum out of their pensions, with over 35% of these people wishing to spend it on travel.

Today, the dream of retiring overseas is becoming increasingly popular with over 6 million UK adults now planning to move abroad when they reach national retirement age. Recent figures published by Hargreaves Lansdown show that 10% of those wishing to enjoy their retirement abroad would select Italy as their destination of choice, and with a rich blend of historical architecture, luscious landscapes, sun-kissed beaches and glistening mountain tops, the idyllic notion of retiring to Italy can now become a possibility.

In 2014, the American Association of Retired Person (AARP) surveyed their vast membership of over 39 million, and discovered that Italy’s Le Marche region had been voted one of the top five places in the world to retire. Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, Founder of Appassionata, a fractional ownership company in Le Marche understands this growing aspiration to retire here, having relocated from the UK herself some seven years ago,

“The rolling hills of vineyards, olive groves and sunflowers was certainly one of the deciding factors for our move to the countryside of Le Marche. With each passing season there is a new vista of colour and light. The Italian countryside truly is a special place, especially for people nearing retirement who are looking for a sense of community and belonging within a new environment. Here, beautiful surroundings combine with a traditional feel that means it really is like stepping back in time, where strangers say good morning and neighbours are always willing to help.”

However, even with the recent changes to pension legislation, many people in the UK reaching retirement age will not be able to fully purchase a property overseas, finding the dream still financially out of their reach. An alternative to the more traditional approach to whole property ownership is fractional ownership, allowing buyers to enjoy the best of retirement both home and away at a reduced cost. With fractional ownership you own a share of a property, which has professional and continuing local management, in exchange for exclusive occupancy for a number of weeks throughout the year.

As leaders in the Italian fractional ownership market, Dawn from Appassionata explains more about the advantages of this option for many retirees,

Fractional ownership is an appealing possibility to people who are now accessing their pension pots and looking to make an investment in a luxury overseas property. For many their lump sum is not large enough to buy a luxurious property outright so buying a 1/10th fraction makes perfect sense, providing all the benefits of full ownership without the full cost as all running expenses are divided equally among co-owners. We have definitely seen an increase in enquires since the new legislation became effective, with a number of owners keen to access their pension pots to buy a share in our beautiful Petritoli property.”

Appassionata’s most recent restoration project to offer fractional ownership is Casa Tre Archi, a townhouse set in the centre of the enchanting medieval Le Marche town of Petritoli. The unique property has three bedrooms and, unusually for an urban Italian property of this nature, enjoys outdoor space on three levels, plenty of space to accommodate all the family. This includes a small rear garden off the kitchen, a terrace off one of the bedrooms and a spectacular roof terrace with views of Petritoli and the surrounding countryside, perfect for soaking up the Italian sunshine. The house benefits from three bathrooms: one en suite off the master bedroom, one upstairs family bathroom and one small bathroom off the living area on the ground floor.

Tre Archi enjoys sea views, beamed ceilings with traditional, terracotta tiled floors and easy access to nearby parking. The townhouse provides the best of town living, perfect for retirees who want to meander from their home to a choice of shops, restaurants and cafes, combined with miles of sandy beaches just a short drive away. The security and maintenance of the property are administered by Appassionata’s management company and on arrival owners will find Casa Tre Archi beautifully prepared, with all essential groceries ready for convenience. Prices start from £70,000 and are for a 1/10th share, which will entitle the owners to five weeks’ exclusive use of the property per year.

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

Dressed for success – the key to perfect home staging

Dressed for success – the key to perfect home staging

Italy Portugal Spain United Kingdom , , ,
  • Balance elegance with warmth for perfect appeal (Barton Wyatt)
  • Opt for clean, neutral shades with bright splashes of accent colours (Ideal Homes Portugal)
  • Remember the simple touches that make a room complete (Taylor Wimpey España)

Home staging is a skilled art. Done poorly, it can put off prospective purchasers the moment the front door is opened. Done well, it can be the deciding factor that inspires buyers to commit to a property purchase on the spot.

In fact, home staging in the right hands can be award-winningly good, as demonstrated by Alexander James, who are famed for dressing (amongst others) the stunning new Silverwood residence on the main island of the Wentworth Estate in Surrey. On the market at £4.6 million through Surrey’s leading estate agency, Barton Wyatt, the home includes five bedrooms, five bathrooms, five reception rooms, a kitchen/breakfast room, a cinema room and a games room. James Wyatt, Partner at Barton Wyatt, comments,

“Dressing a property as impressive as Silverwood takes real flair, which is why we were delighted to work with Alexander James. The company is able to achieve the perfect balance between sophisticated elegance and homely warmth that makes such grand properties so attractive to those viewing them. It is a balance that is key when it comes to home staging at this level – prospective buyers have to be able to imagine themselves at home the moment they step over the threshold.”

Clean, neutral shades, with splashes of brighter accent colours here and there, are a great way to appeal to the majority of buyers, advises Chris White, founding director of boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal.

“It’s not just new builds that can benefit from home staging,” he explains. “Those looking to sell their homes can use a few simple tricks, like swapping out hectic patterns for fresh, white linens, to add instant appeal to any room. The key is to think like someone viewing the property for the first time – what is the eye immediately drawn to? Is the place clean? Is it tidy?”

Many of those buying through Ideal Homes Portugal are looking for a second home and won’t necessarily be bringing their own furniture, the way one would when moving into a main residence. The company offers furniture packs that provide all of the essentials, from beds to paintings and mirrors for the walls. Colin and Moira Hutchinson, who bought a two bedroom apartment with shared pool on the lovely O Pomar development in the town of Cabanas in the eastern Algarve, offered purchasing furniture well in advance as their top tip to those buying second homes overseas.

For new build homes overseas, home staging is an incredibly important marketing tool. The majority of buyers will inspect a property online before travelling out to their second home country of choice to view it, so having a well staged home to post details of online is the perfect way to reach out to potential buyers. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of prestigious Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

“The key to home staging for high end holiday properties is to provide not just the main furniture items, but also the right amount of finishing touches. A simple bowl of fruit or bunch of flowers can make a room feel complete when placed correctly and can help those looking at images online to picture themselves relaxing in the property. Décor must be tasteful and stylish, with a contemporary edge that exudes comfort and relaxation.”

Over in Italy, home staging takes on a new dimension for luxury fractional ownership company Appassionata. Owner Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs explains,

“With fractional ownership properties, home staging has to appeal to prospective owners at the same time as perfectly meeting the needs of current owners. It’s a delicate balance but one that can lead to a truly fantastic home for all concerned.”

The approach includes furnishing the Appassionata properties with a unique selection of antiques, hand-chosen restored items and other pieces that fit with the style of each individual property. For Dawn’s creative nature, one of the delights of fractional ownership is the ability to re-stage slightly in between each owner’s arrival – an act that is often well received. Owner Chris Everard comments,

“The thoughtfulness, unrestricted kindness and generosity of spirit displayed by the Appassionata team in the setting up of a beautiful new baby’s cot, a selection of mats, toys and baby equipment was a true act of empathy and kindness.”

From luxury new builds in the UK to ancient restorations in the rolling hills of central Italy, the value of home staging cannot be underestimated.

For more information please contact:

Barton Wyatt: 01344 843000 or www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

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

Ideal Homes Portugal: +44 800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434 or www.idealhomesportugal.com

Appassionata: +39 33154 13225 or www.appassionata.com

Italy’s past is key to its future as fractional ownership provides solution to restoration of historic property

Italy’s past is key to its future as fractional ownership provides solution to restoration of historic property

Italy
  • Italy home to the greatest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world
  • Positive trend in Italian tourism, especially cities associated with art (ENIT)
  • Fractional ownership offers the charm and romance of a historical second home without hidden costs (Appassionata)

Housing the greatest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it would be difficult to find a destination with a richer history than Italy. Boasting an eclectic array of historic and natural beauty, Italy is at the heart of cultural tourism with many ancient attractions dating back thousands of years. With the Colosseum and the city of Pompeii the country’s most visited tourist attractions in 2014, it is apparent that Italy’s historical magnetism continues to charm persistent crowds from across the globe.

New tourism figures suggest that cities inextricably linked to Italian art are set for an increasing amount of visitors in 2015. This increasing desire to experience Italy’s extensive and captivating past is not a new phenomenon, with The Grand Tour becoming a long standing tradition from the mid-17th century right up until the end of the 18th century.

Travelling through Europe, the Tour provided the opportunity for young, upper class Englishmen who wished to learn and thrive in the artistic and historic culture of the mainland, especially Italy. With the explosion of creativity, known as the Renaissance, born in central Italy, evidence of its artistic conceptions can be found throughout the region.

With such a celebrated and distinctive past, it is not surprising that many prospective second homeowners are also looking to Italy for their own glimpse of artistic history. Following the topical movement set by tourists, potential buyers are pursuing more historic properties rich in traditional Italian architecture.

A beautiful example of this growing trend is Casa Tre Archi, fractional ownership company Appassionata’s latest restoration project. Set in Italy’s Le Marche region, Appassionata sell fractions in charming, historic properties that have been personally restored by founder Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs and family.

As an interior designer, Dawn explains why these historic qualities are so important to Appassionata,

“When restoring a historic property, it is vital that we create a balance between the traditional features of the building and the more modern touches of contemporary living. Being involved throughout the project from start to finish, we are able to source local, traditional furnishings in keeping with the exterior of the building and the region itself.

“Fractional ownership offers people the opportunity to purchase their own individual piece of Italian history, without the risk of additional restoration expenses or restrictions that many historical properties could incur.”

Situated in the heart of Italy’s central region, Le Marche is abounding with traces of its exemplary history and illustrious architecture. Perched on a hilltop, in the Fermo province of Le Marche, sits the captivating medieval village of Petritoli. Immediately greeted with a sense of grandeur, the entrance to the village is distinguished by ‘Tre Archi’ also known as the Three Arches. These magnificent 19th century, neo-gothic arches are built into the walls of Petritoli and create an aura of historical significance on arrival.

Built into these ancient town walls, Appassionata’s Casa Tre Archi provides accommodation of three bedrooms and three bathrooms in a luxurious townhouse setting. With beamed ceilings and traditional terracotta-tiled floors, the property is close to a range of local shops and restaurants and has a small garden as well as the roof terrace. The property is offered as part of a fractional ownership scheme whereby a share of 1/10th of the property offers five weeks’ exclusive use annually, available from £70,000.

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

An affair in Italy: Short-term visits on the rise as buyers look to purchase with less commitment

An affair in Italy: Short-term visits on the rise as buyers look to purchase with less commitment

Italy
  • Foreign visitor arrivals to Italy grow from 42 to more than 50 million (2008 – 2014 (Confturismo-Confocommercio)
  • Italian visitors stay for 3.7 days on average, compared to 5.1 days in Spain (Confturismo-Confocommercio)
  • Fractional ownership the perfect answer to the growing demand for shorter holiday stays (Appassionata)

For as long as can be remembered, Italy has been synonymous with love, associated with passion and is the go-to destination for romance, wooing a loved one and falling head over heels. It is for this reason – alongside the warmth of the locals, the breathtaking scenery, compelling history, and expressive culture – that it often makes the number one spot in lists of top honeymoon destinations in Europe, and often the world.

Yet with proposals a plenty at locations such as the Fontana di Trevi in Rome or the Ponte di Rialto in Venice, and the Costiera Amalfitana drawing those looking to stage the most romantic of weddings, interestingly a new trend has begun to emerge that reveals that growing numbers of people are now in fact choosing Italy as the location with which to have a part-time affair.

The Confturismo-Confocommercio has released figures that show that whilst the number of tourists visiting Italy are booming, growing from a 2008 figure of 42 million foreign visitor arrivals to more than 50 million in 2014, far outpacing the growth of other popular European travel destinations such as Spain and France, the number of days that visitors are staying are less. While visitors spend an average of 5.1 days in Spain, Italian visitors stay for 3.7 days on average, meaning that more and more people are looking to the country of amore for a part-time love affair.

Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, Founder of Appassionataa fractional ownership company in Italy’s Le Marche region, agrees that they have also seen evidence of this new trend,

“Fractional ownership is the perfect answer to the growing demand for shorter holiday stays, whether it is because time is today at more of a premium for people due to family or work commitments or due to budget constraints, and we have certainly seen this in the growing number of enquiries we have had in the past three months.

“Always a popular second home destination, Italy is drawing more and more visitors year-on-year and those that visit want to make the very most of their precious time. Fractional ownership, where people purchase a share in a property that gives them a set amount of usage annually, suits this ideally as it provides value for money and also a property that is ready to host owners, fully equipped and offering all the benefits of home ownership but without the commitment.”

Appassionata’s latest project, the beautiful townhouse Casa Tre Archi situated in the stunning hilltop town of Petritoli in Le Marche, offers just this kind of part-time commitment, perfect for those who have fallen for Italy’s charms yet only wish to make her their beautiful part-time mistress.

The three bedroom property which boasts a stunning roof terrace and close proximity to authentic, award-winning restaurants, makes part of the ancient town wall an exposed feature in the lounge, giving the property character and Italian charm. The property is diligently managed throughout the year, meaning that not only is it a more affordable holiday home option but owners also do not have to worry about maintenance constraints usually associated with full property ownership.

Ownership of a fraction in Casa Tre Archi provides five weeks usage on an annual basis, allocated via a system that ensures fair distribution, and unlike a timeshare scheme gives buyers the ability to sell, will, transfer or place in a trust their ownership at any time and also to benefit from the appreciation in value of the property over time.

A share of 1/10th of the Casa Tre Archi is available from £65,000. For more information, contact Appassionata on +39 33154 13225 or visit www.appassionata.com

Investors in People: UK businesses look to overseas properties as meeting venue solution

Investors in People: UK businesses look to overseas properties as meeting venue solution

Italy
  • 80% increase in companies holding meetings overseas (ICCA)
  • Number of international meetings held in Italy increases 14.62% in a year (ICCA)
  • Fractional property provides ideal solution for overseas meetings & employee benefit (Appassionata)

With the end of the financial year looming and the final budget before the General Election having just passed by, UK companies are looking to get their house in order by filing their accounts, tallying up profits and assessing how best to approach the new tax year. As part of this reassessment and future planning often comes how best to build the business and look after staff, an essential part of any success, and this is where a new trend is emerging.

The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) has released data from its members that has revealed a growing number of companies are looking overseas to hold their meetings, recording a 4.80% increase in companies doing this during the period of 2012 to 2013.

A move that brings a whole host of benefits, including facilities that potentially cannot be found within the UK, provision of a central meeting point for delegates around the world, thus improving accessibility, and of course the added bonus of warmer weather and sunnier climes to encourage a relaxed atmosphere ideal for maximising productivity.

Taking this concept one step further, some companies are even choosing to purchase their very own overseas property that can be used as a base for such meetings and also in turn be used as a key incentive for staff.

Fractional ownership company Appassionata, based in the region of Le Marche in Italy, has certainly noticed this growing trend themselves. The company sells fractions in beautiful, traditional Italian properties that have been personally restored to the highest of standards by the family business, properties that have recently come to the attention of businesses looking for an overseas space for company meetings.

Founder of Appassionata, Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, explains more,

“Fractional ownership perfectly suits businesses looking to purchase property that can be used both for international meetings and as a staff benefit and we have certainly seen more businesses enquiring about this post-recession. Not only is it a cheaper alternative to whole property ownership but the fact that the fraction provides a certain number of weeks usage a year means that businesses are only paying for the period of time they need.

“Our latest project, the gorgeous townhouse of Casa Tre Archi in the hilltop town of Petritoli, suits this need perfectly as it has a breathtaking roof terrace that is the ideal break-out space for meetings – providing peace and quiet framed by showstopping views of rolling countryside, perfect for grounding yourself and brainstorming. Certainly inspirational – we even have Wi-Fi throughout so staying connected is easy! It is also ideally situated close to restaurants and bars, plus a short drive from the beach, meaning that those visiting as part of an incentive scheme can make the very most of their time here.”

With the area of Le Marche visually inspiring and beautifully tranquil, companies that purchase a fraction can use their designated weeks to incentivise staff, offering them the chance to take time away with family and friends. Purchasing through a fractional vehicle for business purposes also means it can be sold on, therefore becoming a company asset and one which is likely to increase in value. Previous Appassionata projects, Casa Leopardi and Casa Giacomo for example, have seen this kind of growth, with owners who have sold on their fractions making a profit on their original purchase.

As the company has shown, Italy is proving a hot choice for businesses looking to host their meetings overseas. For the past two years the country has taken sixth spot in the ICCA ‘The International Association Meetings Market 2013’ report’s most popular places to hold an international meeting list, registering an increase of 14.62% year-on-year, cementing the country’s place on the world stage as a top business meeting destination.

Appassionata’s Casa Tre Archi provides accommodation of three bedrooms and three bathrooms in a luxurious townhouse setting, built into the ancient town walls of Petritoli. With beamed ceilings and traditional terracotta-tiled floors, the property is close to a range of local shops and restaurants and has a small garden as well as the roof terrace. The property is offered as part of a fractional ownership scheme and a share of 1/10th of the property offering five weeks’ exclusive use annually, is available from £65,000.

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