Puglia, as a region, is very diverse . Historically, it was know as ‘Le Puglie’ – the Puglias. One of the things I love is that each little town has it’s own character, and its own signature dishes, which could … Continue reading
Many dream of a little, or even large, place in the sun. Owning a holiday home for your own exclusive use comes with it’s own problems though. It always seems as if at least the first few days of any … Continue reading
The brief was clear: Jim was looking for a three bedroomed house, with a large garden, close to shops and services and as close as possible to the sea. Maximum budget 216,000 € (160,000 pounds) including any work, which should be … Continue reading
One of the challenges of project managing the restoration of a holiday villa and then equipping it – is to keep, not only the owners, but also all future holiday makers, firmly at the forefront of your mind while making choices and decisions.
Outdoors spaces are important, and a shaded area for dining, an outdoors kitchen with gas rings, sink and barbecue and, space permitting, another shaded area for lounging, all add to the desirability of the rental. A pool is pretty much essential. Continue reading
In May last year I booked a holiday villa for an Australian couple, who told me, once they had arrived, that they were also looking for a house to buy in the area. The challenge started there; everyone, including estate agents, moves rather slowly here unless pushed – and it took a few days to line up a selection of properties to view – with a bit of advance notice it would have been possible to arrange more viewings.
Once we started viewings it became clear to me that, in a lot of respects, Sue and Glenn were the ideal clients. Coming from a real estate background, they were able to see the potential in a selection of ‘unglamorous’ properties and ended up with a bargain, a four bedroomed villa, with a separate one bedroomed apartment, and spectacular views down over the valley. The location was also good, with a shop within walking distance, two pretty little towns within a 10 minute drive and the sea a further 10 minutes away. Continue reading