This grade 2 listed 6 bed roomed, 4 bath roomed, and 4 reception roomed building was formed from an 18th century horse and coach house in Avington Park, has since been refurbished into this charming house with about 524sq.m internal read with a self-contained flat, small cottage, and garages bringing a total of 745sq.m. There is also a large walled garden running round the property of 2 acres set to a back drop of dense forestry.

After walking up the long stretching driveway where you can take in the views across Avington Lake and walk past what were the old coach house entrance and now the arched clock tower leading to the stunning courtyard. There is some very nice architectural l touches such as the arches windows and columned veranda very classy. The garden consists of 3 patios and has a variety of trees, lime walks and formal Yew hedging.

This fabulous house showcases the real heart of English houses for sale with history, tradition and set within forestry you will find many house like this scattered around this green and pleasant land that make the UK well worth a look.

Italy – Near Acqui Terme and Nizza Monferrato
Retro Rustic 4 Bedroomed Property
€950,000

This property is full of the original rustic charm with a full renovation taken place. Original features such as stone walls, fireplaces and cotto tiles are still intact. The property has a grand entrance and traditional piemontese vaulted ceilings. All the rooms in this charming house are spaciiuse and have high ceilings and fantastic views over the grounds the extensive grounds vegetable garden, mature plants, tropical palms, rose bowers, climbing plants, a variety of fruit trees and some very nice shaded secluded areas for sitting and enjoying the sun. The grounds cover a space of 80ksq.m and to finish off there is a swimming pool.

Italian properties like this are rich in charm and amazing amount of space to own for under 1 million Euros is extremely good value.

Spain – Property in Denia
Fantastic 7 Bedroomed Modern House
€1,100,000

This stunning and ultra-modern villa is extremely well looked after and in fantastic condition from the meticulously planned Mediterranean garden outlining the property to the beautiful architectural work that really makes you feel like you are in a unique and super stylish home. You have impressive curvy stone walls, high ceilings, and massive windows and an extensive open space
with a long driveway and lovely deep blue pool.

As with a lot of Spanish properties it is on a sloping hill so you can see right down into the town making you feel very important with the un spoilt view.

The islands of the Maldives, a string of iridescent pearls stretching across the Indian Ocean, are best known for luxury breaks and honeymoons, but now, the Government has announced plans to make the country carbon-neutral within ten years, in a bid to combat climate change and appeal to green tourists…

The Maldives, the lowest nation in the world, stands to be one of the countries most affected by global warming thanks to rising sea levels which could submerge the islands within 50 years.

Scientists and climate experts have predicted that sea levels could rise by as much as a metre by the end of this Century.

Thus, if the sea levels continue to rise at their current rate, the future looks pretty bleak (and watery) for these 1,192 paradise isles as many of them are already only 1.5 metres above sea level.

The islands, which lie near the southern tip of India and Sri Lanka, are inhabited by around 400,000 people who live across 250 of the islands.

In a desperate bid to control the effects of climate change, the Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, has announced his Government’s plan to make the country ‘carbon-neutral’ within the next 10 years, hoping that other countries will follow suit.

As the Maldivian economy relies so heavily on tourism, raking in over £700,000 each year, the Government is also hoping that the carbon-neutral promise will attract more environmentally conscious tourists.

The Government is working with climate energy experts to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources.

A new British film about climate change, called ‘The Age of Stupid,’ provided the perfect backdrop against which to launch the carbon-neutral pledge.

The President admitted that becoming carbon-neutral would be very expensive, but it was something they simply had to do – giving new meaning to ‘costing the earth.’

President Nasheed said, “Climate change isn’t a vague and abstract danger but a real threat to our survival.”

New home

Shockingly, contingency plans have already been put into place in case the islands are submerged at some point in the future.

Mr Nasheed plans to create a sovereign wealth fund using tourism revenues to buy land in either India or Sri Lanka, where the culture is seen to be fairly similar.

He fears that if he does not take action, the future descendants of the 300,000 islanders could become environmental refugees.

News submitted Dan Johnson, The Move Channel

A traditional favourite with British holidaymakers, the small island of Malta is hoping to attract the luxury property investor. Once home to mass-market developments, Malta has learnt from its mistakes in the past and is now concentrating on high-end developments.

The Maltese emphasis is on the luxury sector, perhaps nowhere more so than in the capital, Valletta, whose Grand Harbour waterfront is currently seeing the fruits of a long restoration project. Costing around €25 million, Valletta Waterfront has been transformed from dilapidated rows of warehouses into a buzzing restaurant and retail area and a top tourist attraction. Near the Waterfront is the main quay, the principal entry point for the increasing number of cruise liners that include the island on their itinerary. The quay has just been lengthened to over 300m at a cost of €2 million and now allows larger cruise ships to dock.

Luxury property development is centred around specific areas on the island. Tigne Point is one such example. This rocky outcrop, which looks over to Valletta on the other side of the water, is a focus for luxury apartments. Construction at Portomaso in the St Julian’s district in the north of the capital includes a private marina.

Between joining the EU in 2004 and adopting the euro last year, property prices on Malta increased by around 8% annually. However, in common with many countries, Malta has seen a decline in its property market since 2008. According to the latest Knight Frank Global Price Index (Q1 2009), prices on the island experienced a year-on-year fall of 5.6% with a 1.7% drop in the first quarter of this year.

Maltese property is popular with foreigners who make up between 30% and 40% of buyers, with the British dominating the foreign buyer market. However, buying a property on Malta usually involves applying for a permit and the island implements strict purchase regulations for non-Maltese nationals. There are also rental restrictions – second homes cannot generally be let unless they are a villa with a pool or come into the category of “first-class luxury flat”.

“Malta has many attractions including its year-round climate and the increased availability of low-cost flights,” says James Gonzalez, Market Analyst at Obelisk Investment Property, “but it’s a small island and doesn’t suit everyone. And its purchase and rental regulations also restrict investment.”

News submitted by Alison Kane, Obelisk Investment Property

It just goes to show that even the lure of celebrity may not be enough to shift a property in the current climate – the stunning house on New Zealand’s North Shore, in which TV ratings winner ‘Next Top Model’ was filmed, failed to sell at auction this week despite hundreds of viewings…

The luxurious Campbells Bay home on Beach Road is on a 1,540 square-metre section and has ocean views to Rangitoto Island from almost every room, a saltwater pool, wet- bar, waterfall and that household essential – a dancing pole.

Hopeful models on the reality TV show ‘New Zealand’s Next Top Model’ lived in the huge house whilst filming took place. There is a ‘Next Top Model’ programme in many countries including the UK, Canada and Australia and it has become a ratings hit, attracting millions of viewers.

The property in New Zealand was put up for auction this week but failed to sell, despite the weekend open homes attracting hundreds of people. Clearly the majority of viewers were more interested in stepping onto the set of a reality TV show than actually purchasing the property.

Only buyers with cash could bid on the auction. With no bidder meeting the desired price, the sale was opened to buyers who could trade property as part payment.

Harcourts Sales Consultant David Greig, who is selling the property, said he also had overseas property buyers showing an interest and that it was a ‘genuine dream property that combines sophisticated luxury with cutting edge technology and unbeatable views.’

Harcourts says that there are still three interested parties, despite it failing to meet its reserve and thus not selling at auction.

Mr Greig said the property’s owner Seeby Woodhouse was not disappointed. “Only two properties have sold for over £1.5 million on the North Shore in the last six months.

“We are confident of still making a sale within the next few days,” he added.

News submitted by Dan Johnson, The Move Channel

It’s difficult to buy a home in the very sophisticated wine villages of Burgundy. This French region’s fertile land is worth much more to the locals cloaked in neat rows of vineyards than it is developed into modern housing so there is a real shortage of supply. But there is a solution and that’s to breathe a new lease of life into the derelict and the disused – enter specialists Arena Park France.

Headed up by experienced husband and wife team Su and David Bishop, Arena Park France has been at the forefront of high-quality conversions since 2003 and they know the area and its foibles better than most.

Su comments, “Like its celebrated wine production, Burgundy’s property market focuses on quality rather than quantity and there really is very little available. Arena Park France is therefore not a volume business, but instead selects well-located ancient stone buildings and transforms them into light modern spaces in direct liaison with the client so they get exactly what they want. French styling tends to be a world-apart from that expected of an international clientele so Arena Park France homes stand-out in terms of both quality and design. Our buyers get the best of both worlds – contemporary living in petite characterful villages.”

To the east of central France, spilling into neighbouring Switzerland, Burgundy is the epitome of romantic peaceful countryside. Running through the heart of the region is the Côte d’Or, a narrow escarpment snaking from Dijon to Beaune and home to tight clusters of irresistible stone villages. This is Arena Park France territory and Burgundy at its most pure. Vineyards roll as far as the eye can see, guarded and respected by the wealthy landowners to be passed from generation to generation. A sense of quality percolates through every aspect of Côte d’Or life and foreign property buyers find its finesse and authenticity highly alluring – wishing to assimilate rather than alienate.

Su continues, “Business is good for us at Arena Park France and if anything we have expanded our team as Europe’s economic predicament deepens. We have little or no competition in the area for our level of finished product and our clients are impressed with our ability to handle the build process from inception through to conclusion. Working with local contractors we can manage timescales and qualities with the added reassurance of French ‘decennale’ insurance. Our completed projects serve as showhomes and people are happy to put their faith in us to create their home in idyllic world-away Burgundy.”

Whilst it would be impossible to tire of the Cotswolds-esque villages picnicking amongst the vineyards, step outside of the Côte D’Or and you will find the Burgundy of the travel books. Defined by its imposing architecture – great Abbeys and majestic chateaux encircled by reflective moats, Romanesque churches and nostalgic arched bridges – Burgundy life revolves around outdoor living. The region has over 1,200km of navigable waterways (including France’s oldest working canal) lined with poplars and lilacs alongside fields of poppies and sunflowers. Landlubbers can cycle or stroll along the picturesque canal paths meanwhile golfers can swing their clubs in the region’s 20 or so golf courses, some in the grounds of grand chateaux.

Yet of course it is Burgundy’s renowned elixir that has shaped its landscape and economy more than any. There is evidence of vine-growing in the area from Roman times but certainly ever since the 17th century, when Louis XIV’s doctor prescribed wine to alleviate the symptoms of royal indigestion, the region’s south facing slopes have been shrouded in healthy vines and its grand residences inhabited by well-to-do vignerons. From Chablis to Côte de Beaune, every Bourgogne menu has dishes swirling in the nectar from poussins to escargots and of course the signature boeuf bourguignon.

The region is easily accessible from northern Europe. Nearest big city Lyon is home to France’s fourth busiest airport served by BMI, BA and EasyJet to the UK whilst also being on the high-speed TGV route – as is Dijon a 20-minute drive from Beaune. Paris is a two and a half hours by road from central Burgundy.

On the market in Burgundy:

Apartments in Pommard
Attractive 18th century vigneron house converted into just three luxury two bedroom apartments. At the heart of renowned Burgundy wine village, Pommard, the building retains a wealth of original features from the oak frame to exposed stone walls. Each apartment is spacious, flooded with natural light and has modern bathrooms, an individual wine cellar and a private courtyard or roof terrace. Clients can participate in selecting final finishings including flooring, tiling and the kitchen.
Prices from 290,000 euros for a two bedroom duplex apartment (excl. kitchen)

Cottage in Cissey
Original stone cottage dating back to 1820 sitting on the outskirts of the picturesque Burgundy farming village of Cissey. Being 5km south of Beaune, this property represents excellent value for money. Uninhabited for 50 years, this complete refurbishment will create a two bedroom home with an abundance of original character. With tranquil views over the surrounding fields the property has an open-plan living/dining area with authentic fireplace opening onto a south-facing walled garden complete with well. Both bedrooms have lofty oak-beamed ceilings and are en-suite, the master with a sunny roof terrace, whilst off-street parking for two cars completes the property.
Price 360,000 euros (excl. kitchen)

News submitted by Sarah Drane, Arena Park France

With all the talk of the global economic slowdown, one section of the overseas property market continues to show great resiliency in the face of negative market pressures. That sector is the luxury property sector.

With all the talk of the global economic slowdown, one section of the overseas property market continues to show great resiliency in the face of negative market pressures. That sector is the luxury property sector.

European luxury property deals with a number of well-known, traditional locations throughout the continent where it costs between €1 million and €125 million to purchase mansions and homes and at least €750,000 for exclusive apartments.

Among the most popular areas for the wealthy to purchase are the Greater Zurich Area and Geneva in Switzerland, the Côte d’Azur/Provence area in France, and the Balearics and the Marbella area in Spain. Purchasers in these areas can easily encounter the high standards and infrastructure to which they are accustomed while also encountering other people of like minds and means.

The purchases of luxury properties are often unaffected by the present financial crisis and its accompanying tightening of credit. Quite often, those who purchase luxury estates do so without the need of external financing or mortgages. This means that purchases can be made quickly and even on impulse and at times, the luxury property market can be fuelled more by emotion than sound market decisions. No matter what the motivation, luxury home sales have been the only bright spot in many property markets.

Exactly where the rich are choosing to invest is often subject to changes in fashion. For example, the south of France has been extremely popular as a destination for the very rich but lately, areas like Zurich and Marbella have gained in popularity of late due to their lower crime rates, better airline connections and the ability to make new business contacts while at the second home.

Russians still top the list as buyers of luxury properties. They are attracted to the relative safety of property investment, especially when compared to stock markets or in some cases, even banks. Even more significantly, their overseas investments are increasingly being made outside Europe at places like Obelisk’s Laguna Beach development in north east Brazil.

James Gonzalez, Market Analyst at Obelisk, states, “The number of European investors who have shown interest in Laguna has been remarkable, not only for the numbers but also for the variety. The traditional UK and Irish buyers are also being joined by Russians, French and Germans. It is an encouraging market development.”

News submitted by Alison Kane, Obelisk International

International Golf & Resort Management in association with Global Development will launch their luxury Anguillan development at the forthcoming overseas property trade show Opp Live at Excel on 25 and 26 November. The Long Bay project as it is known is an exclusive beach front club residence that combines luxury homes with first class concierge services.

Exhibiting with Global Development Group, International Golf & Resort Management (IGRM) will unveil the Long Bay project at Excel, the trade fair for international property developers and sales agents. Michael Longshaw, the CEO of International Golf & Resort Management and former Managing Director of Brocket Hall, will announce details of the Long Bay project which is located close to the western tip of the island and take the form of an exclusive club residence. The luxury residential community will be situated on one of the best beaches in the Caribbean and feature 41 exclusive villas and 15 apartments with full concierge service together with beach club comprising swimming pool, tennis courts, restaurant, bar, gym and spa.

Michael Longshaw is well qualified to lead the project having spent two years living in Anguilla managing the Cocoloba Hotel on Barnes Bay. International Golf & Resort Management has undertaken the market and financial study to determine the opportunity for Global and gone on to produce the master plan recommending the concept, standard, scale and range facilities as well as the best market positioning and target markets.

Construction at Long Bay will commence early in 2009 with the building programme managed by Global and BCQS, a leading Caribbean project management company. IGRM will operate the resort upon completion in early 2011 which will include all aspects of managing the community including both the rental programmes and concierge service facility.

“Anguilla has been on the tourist map for a considerable time, renowned for its powder white beaches, turquoise sea, fine dining and excellent golf facilities. With celebrities like Denzel Washington, Robert de Niro and Halle Berry visiting the island in recent years it is enjoying a growing reputation as a destination for luxury holidays and as a result there is now a strong demand for 5 star hotels and premium residential properties,” commented Longshaw.

Tom Lutterell CEO of Global, added, “Rebecca Eggleton’s Altamer resort has been incredibly successful in creating an appetite for mega villas for the super rich in Anguilla. In association with the professional team at IGRM we plan to build a secluded, leisure-orientated residential community that will be at the leading edge of luxury tourism setting new standards in quality accommodation, amenities and hospitality while catering for the needs of wealthy travellers from all over the world who are accustomed to luxury, high levels of privacy and personalised service.”

News submitted by Melanie Hickey, International Golf & Resort Management

Anyone with a generous bank manager can build a house, but very few have the skills and intuition to build a home. A home with exquisite proportions, spaces for lively entertainment and spaces for private repose. With tasteful decoration, discreet home comforts and above all boundary-pushing qualities which ensure that its just-finished feel never fades. Thankfully, the mastermind behind Tranquilo is a home-maker of the highest order.

Paul Rossiter of exclusive sales agents, Carrington Estates, comments, “If you’re constructing to sell, you must remove the heart from the process and lead with the head, but inexperienced self-builders often fall into bad habits. Common faux pas include adding more bedrooms to add more zeros to the sales price, yet few families need seven bedrooms so all you’re doing is shutting off a chunk of your target market. Others cut corners on everything from flooring to interior carpentry in order to maximize the profit margin, another mistake as a discerning purchaser will have an eye for the detail and catch you out.”

Paul continues, “A big self-build offence is to try and play it too safe and be bland and unadventurous in décor and furnishings. Each room needs a certain ‘wow’ factor in order to stand out from the crowd and a sea of magnolia just won’t cut it. Lastly, never underestimate the worth of home automation. This is the 21st century, so allocate a sizeable budget to wiring the property for sound, cinema, security – the lot. During the build process the cabling can be concealed, afterwards it becomes a headache, one which the future owner won’t want to take on.”

Finished in August 2008, Tranquilo is relaxed by name and relaxed by nature as the English constructor has clearly swallowed the manual of successful self-build. McCloud would be proud. Set on a 4,406m² south-west facing plot at the heart of the stunning rural retreat of La Reserva del Madroñal, this all en-suite four bedroom home encompasses 600m² arranged over three storeys, and sets the benchmark for new-build villas in the Marbella area.

La Reserva del Madroñal is a stunning retreat in the midst of unspoilt nature with amazing views over the Mediterranean and the famous landmark mountain, La Concha, yet within easy reach of sport, leisure and entertainment facilities. Marbella is just twenty minutes away and the cosmopolitan port of Banús even closer. A minimum plot size of 2,600m² has been implemented to ensure utter privacy and harmonious integration of homes into the environment. Set amidst poplars and fragrant pines, it is a location that will be fully appreciated by the nature loving connoisseur.

At entry level a bright double-height entrance hall with guest WC gives way to an oversized living space, also double-height, with feature stainless steel open fireplace with full-height chrome flue and doors to the terrace, garden and swimming pool. An ample dining room leads to a modern two-tone grey kitchen with central island which is fully equipped with Siemens, Miele and Bosch appliances from the American-style fridge freezer down to the coffee machine and wine fridge. Also at this level, but at a secluded arm’s length from the living areas, are two guest bedrooms, each with their own private terrace. Upstairs, via a stainless steel balustraded staircase complete with spot-illuminated risers, there are two generous bedroom suites linked by a glass and stainless steel galleried landing, each with walk-in dressing areas, private terraces and, for the master bedroom – a decadent in-room bathtub to view either the flat-screen TV or the mesmerizing country views.

The lower ground floor, surprisingly bright thanks to plenty of natural light, accommodates a games room with fully-equipped bar, pool table and cinema screen with surround-sound. There’s also an additional guest toilet, office, laundry room and garaging for two cars. Outside the garden has mature planting with exterior lighting whilst the infinity pool flanked by floating decking is the ideal spot for soaking up the sunshine and the sea views, gin and tonic in hand.

Tranquilo boasts the latest generation intelligent domotics system controlling lighting, security, home entertainment and audio, extending right through to the terraces and swimming pool area whilst all principal rooms have independently controlled hot and cold air-conditioning devices.

Delivered fully furnished with a contemporary interior design by Richard Lewis Interiors plus chic Kettal outdoor furniture, Tranquilo is priced at 2.75 million euros and available exclusively through Carrington Estates. A ten year build guarantee is in place, compulsory under Spanish law.

News submitted by Sarah Drane, Carrington Estates

In comparison with perhaps the Portuguese Algarve or southern French Côtes, perfect specimens of honest pure modern architecture are hard to come by on the Costa del Sol and supply is struggling to keep up with demand. Buyers are getting younger and modern design certainly tickles their taste buds more so than rustic Andalucian which is more than catered for here. With its clean architectural lines, villa E15 in Monte Mayor Golf & Country Club is likely to be snapped up even before the first workman has arrived on site.

Set on a 2,300m² plot which commands open golf and sea views as well as a coveted southeasterly orientation, villa E15 has been intentionally designed in a minimalist style to contrast with the complexity of the lush Andalusian landscape. Making bold use of stainless steel and glass, the striking contemporary four bedroom four bathroom home will be a bright, functional living space. Creating a courtyard with two splayed wings separated by a dramatic three storey glass atrium entrance, E15 also incorporates a series of water features plus an inviting infinity pool and rooftop solarium with relaxing Jacuzzi and sundeck.

As is expected from a high-class country club resort, Monte Mayor has certain planning restrictions in place on build volume (12.2% is a maximum) and also the number of perforations permitted on the façades. The award-winning American architect cleverly opted to make street-facing walls almost completely solid thus allowing a larger percentage of floor-to-ceiling glass on the coast-facing side of the property to maximize those extraordinary views.

Environmental concerns have entered the very heart of construction in the 21st century and villa E15 is proving to be no exception. Recycled building materials will play a major part in the process helping to lessen the carbon footprint as the creation of new building materials and international transport are the two big environmental evils where construction is concerned. Additionally solar panels will be incorporated to generate hot water, rain water will be collected in a storage unit deep below the building for non-potable water needs as well as garden irrigation and insulation will greatly reduce the cooling load of the villa. Meanwhile intelligent domestic electrics to control home systems, both in-house and remotely, will ensure that lighting and air-conditioning are only used on-demand.

With its extreme qualities from a bespoke designer kitchen to chic bathrooms, Villa E15 will become a landmark property within Monte Mayor Golf & Country Club and the ideal home for a discerning client keen to embrace modern design whilst having the luxuries of an 18-hole golf course, Spa, gymnasium, tennis courts, restaurant, bar, business centre and more, literally on the doorstep.

Price 1.95 million euros.

News submitted by Sarah Drane, Contemporary Villas

Poised over the 14th green of Monte Mayor Golf & Country Club’s picturesque mountain course, Casa Colina is undoubtedly in one of the resort’s best locations for views. Verdant golf, imposing mountains and Mediterranean Sea make for a very pleasant outlook from the oversized infinity pool which seems to tumble down onto the green below. If the global financial crisis has you reaching for the Nurofen, a couple of hours at Casa Colina may be the chill pill you need…

Four bedroom, four bathroom Casa Colina has a well-considered floorplan arranged around an octagonal hall with minstrel’s gallery which adds style and sunlight to the villa in equal measure. Continuing the ‘polygon’ theme, the owners have also installed an octagonal library complete with bespoke furniture, Dell home computing system and a few hundred novels to occupy the mind, only pausing to soak up the 270º views. Also at entrance level is a large sitting room with French doors onto the south-facing terrace and a modern take on a solid oak kitchen with granite worktops, refectory-style oak table and leading brand appliances including an American-style fridge freezer with essential ice dispenser.

The first floor brings four en-suite bedrooms, the master with vaulted ceiling and French doors to a private suntrap south facing terrace which is also accessed via the second bedroom. Each is fully air-conditioned and ready for rest with luxurious hand-crafted Vi-Spring beds. Meanwhile at the footprint of the house, a sizeable basement accommodates a well-equipped laundry room, additional wash room, pool pump room and large double garage with automatic doors.

Set on a plot 3,100m², ensures plenty of outdoor space, where most of southern Spanish living is done, Casa Colina has that refreshing infinity pool surrounded by mature brightly planted gardens, full-length south facing terracing – covered and uncovered – and a sweeping driveway accessed by automatic gates with parking for at least three cars.

Undoubtedly Casa Colina’s best asset is its key-ready status. Providing you bring the swimsuit and toothbrush – this home will deliver the rest. Completely furnished from sofas to sideboards, softly finished from artwork to curtains and with closets filled with 100% cotton bed linen and towels, the hard work has been done for you, all you have to do is relax and enjoy…

About Monte Mayor Golf & Country Club
Monte Mayor Golf & Country Club is a special piece of paradise nestled into the Andalusian countryside, designed in harmony with the natural surroundings and with quality of life in mind. Space prevails throughout this exceptionally low-density project which consists of pueblo-style townhouses and undeveloped plots for self-build villas. All plots offer sea, golf, lake or mountain views or a combination thereof.

The 900 acre private experience involves a luxury Clubhouse, gymnasium, Spa facilities, convenience stores, tennis club and a challenging 18-hole golf course designed by Pepe Gancedo, all of which sit conveniently on your doorstep. The golf course which opened in 1989 ranks as one of the five most picturesque courses in the world. Marbella, Puerto Banús and the Costa’s fine beaches are accessible in less than a half hour drive.

Casa Colina is on the market for 1,495,000 euros

News submitted by Sarah Drane, Carrington Estates