5 romantic places for Cupid’s arrow to strike this Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day approaching, romance is unquestionably in the air. While masses of tourists rush to warmer climes for a short break with their loved ones, savvy property buyers are looking for something a little longer lasting.

According to overseas property marketing expert, Charlotte Ashton, MD of AB Property Marketing, “Investors are increasingly looking for something more for their money – places that will capture their hearts as well as their wallets!”

Ever the romantic, Charlotte divulges her top 5 places for Cupid’s arrow to strike this Valentine’s Day:

While France is a clear first choice, savvy investors are looking beyond the obvious charms of Paris for something more exclusive and idyllic and Le Village – Canal du Midi offers just that. The picturesque region of Languedoc is the location of this active living resort for the over 50s, the first of its kind in France from The Villages Group. The area is brimming with romance. Whether floating along the scenic Canal du Midi, enjoying an intimate dinner for two in an unforgettable bistro in an ancient stone walled city or taking a bike ride and stopping alongside a mineral spring for a picnic while you admire the thatched roofed cottages dotted around the patchwork landscape, the region has it all. With The Village Group’s maisons available from just €215,000, investors can indulge in the amour of France in this delightful bucolic setting.

In neighbouring Spain, Taylor Wimpey España offers a range of properties that will set investors’ hearts on fire. Las Brisas de Alenda in Alicante is a private complex of glamorous three bedroom townhouses set over two floors, with spacious terraces and generous private gardens that are perfect for candle-lit outdoor dining. The Spanish sunshine is ideal for a quiet stroll along the wonderful nearby Costa Blanca beaches or for endless lazy days spent relaxing by Las Brisas de Alenda’s swimming pool.

Another key romantic location for Taylor Wimpey España is Maryvilla, Calpe’s most inviting and peaceful area. Here the Montesol residential complex offers a selection of two bedroom/three bathroom houses with gardens, roof sun terraces and hydro massage baths for ultimate romantic relaxation. The Montesol properties are available from €258,000, while the Brisas de Alenda townhouses start at just €155,000.

For investors looking for romance a little further afield, Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa – the jewel of the Balkan – on Albania’s stunning Adriatic coast is ideal. This magnificent five star resort village offers apartments from as little as €38,000 for a studio, as well as deluxe apartments, all sited against the secluded white sands and crystal clear waters of Lalzit Bay. With spacious designs, beautiful marble interiors and swimming pools/Jacuzzis, the villas offer the height of luxury and romance in a beautiful sheltered setting hidden away from the crowds.

Of course no round up of romantic locations would be completed without a mention of Italy. Long-hailed as one of the world’s most dreamy holiday destinations, Italy offers history, culture, fabulous scenery and fine food and wine. The country’s Le Marche region has all of this and more, with unspoilt hills rolling gently from the Adriatic Sea to the snow-capped peaks of the Sibillini Mountains. Family-run Appassionata has made Le Marche the base for its fractional ownership investment portfolio, centred on the delightful five acre Estate Giacomo Leopardi. Investments in the larger of the two houses on the estate – Casa Leopardi – are currently available for the special price of £175,000 for a one tenth fractional share.

As well as exclusive use of the house, landscaped gardens, swimming pool and all-weather tennis court for five weeks per year, owners receive a share of the produce from the estate’s vineyards, olive groves, truffle orchard and lavender plantation. With stunning panoramic views, this secluded location offers the ultimate romantic getaway for smart investors and also makes the perfect surprise Valentine’s Day gift as three male owners have found.

As if Charlotte’s selection does not offer investors enough romance, she is also eagerly anticipating the launch of A Passion for Homes (www.apassionforhomes.com), the new interactive website for people passionate about property, homes and design. Set to launch on 14th February 2013, the site will offer insights into the latest luxurious properties that are sparking investors’ interest.

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Editor’s Notes:
For more information on The Villages Group please visit www.thevillagesgroup.com or call + 33 1 4007 8625.

Taylor Wimpey España can be contacted on 08000 121 020 or 00 34 971 706 244, or by visiting www.taylorwimpeyspain.com.

For more information on Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa please contact 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.

Appassionata can be contacted via 0039 073 465 8775 or by visiting www.appassionata.com.