A LITTLE PIECE OF FRANCE?

Evocative place names remind us of the historic appeal of the Côte d’Azur. The Promenade des Anglais, magnificent seaside boulevard bordered by Mediterranean palms, was created by the British residents of the City of Nice early in the 19th century as a footpath for the first tourists to meander along the seaside.

Queen Victoria spent several winters in the Grand Hotel and the Rothschild family property in Grasse, the city celebrated then and now as the birthplace of the world’s finest perfumes.

How impressed Lord Brougham would be today, he who, in 1834, inspired the English aristocracy to follow him to the sunshine of Cannes, to see the sophisticated resort it has now become. Renowned the world over for its beaches, boutiques, Casinos, the Cannes Film Festival, nightspots, restaurants and year round glamorous events.

Between Nice and Cannes, Antibes, once a Greek, then Roman port, today is proud to possess the largest yacht marina in the Mediterranean. Nestled against the ancient stone ramparts of the old city, with its Provencal Market and winding pedestrian streets, it is filled with charm and colour. Juan les Pins, exciting seaside resort, home to all manner of water sports, bright boutiques, cafés and bars.

Not far from the coast, in the heart of the Provencal countryside the clash of ancient and modern…the Sophia Antipolis high tech park, centre for research and development, University and International schools, all enveloped in greenery and surrounded by golf courses. Nearby, Valbonne, a charming 13th century village overflowing with small restaurants and shops.

The French Riviera coast is peppered with amazing mediaeval hilltop villages such as Mougins, Saint Paul, Eze, Biot and Cagnes. To the west, Saint Tropez with its famous beach clubs, elegant hotels, open air market, port and star studded nightlife.

To the east, Villefranche the ancient deep-water port, Cap Ferrat, Beaulieu and a short distance from the Italian frontier, the Principality of Monaco glittering in the sunshine. The Casinos of Monte Carlo, the Monaco Grand Prix, Somerset Maugham, Grace Kelly, the memories of this world apart are endless. Small wonder the French Riviera is so sought after by visitors the world over.

All this in a benign climate and in an environment of political security.

It is evident that the lure of the French Riviera of yesteryear has nurtured the dreams of the world today and with sound advice and straight forward mortgage facilities many will turn their dreams of a home on the Côte d’Azur into reality.

Buying a home in this beautiful and historic environment is an achievable dream, but as with any property purchase, should not to be undertaken without professional advice. Finding homes of distinction requires uncommon knowledge and resources. The International Company, World Properties and Land, specialises in exclusive luxury properties and would be delighted to help you achieve your dream.

CAPRI A LITTLE BIT OF PARADISE ..

.. WITH AN INCREDIBLE VIEW OF THE FARAGLIONI

The etymology of the name Capri must be traced back to the Greeks, the first colonists to populate the island in recorded time. This means that "Capri" was not derived from the Latin "Capreae" (goats), but rather the Greek "Kapros" (wild boar).

After visiting Capri in 29 BC, Caesar Augustus was so taken with the islands beauty that he bought it from the city of Naples, giving up the nearby island of Ischia - much larger and richer - in return. Legend has it that his successor, Tiberius, who lived there from 27 to 37 AD, built twelve villas, dedicating them to the twelve gods of Olympus.Beginning in the second half of the 18th century, the island became a preferred destination of the Bourbons, who went there to hunt quail and simply to travel.

Starting in the first half of the last century, in the wake of the discovery of the Blue Grotto the flow of Italian and foreign tourists began, being drawn to the island by the climate, the hospitality of the people and the colours and magnetic atmosphere of the various sites.

The "heart" of Capri is the Piazza Umberto I, a small, compact, closed-off square that resembles a courtyard. Surrounding the square is the ''Torre dell'Orologio'', which may have been the bell tower of the old cathedral, plus the municipal offices and a series of stores and cafés.

The natural masterpieces in this isle are the Faraglioni, a splendid geological formations undoubtedly the best known feature of the island's jagged form - hold the numerous nests of Capri's large diomedei gulls. The first outcropping Stella, is joined to the coast and stands 109 m. high, the second di Mezzo is 81 m. high and has a natural tunnel roughly 60 m. in length that passes right through it, the third faraglione is 104 m. high, the fourth faraglione, standing by itself in front of the Port of Tragara, is called the Monacone, named after the sea lion or "Monaca' ("Nun') seal that lived there until the last century.

Just in front of this magnificence, an incredible luxurious and close penthouse of about 200 sqm with a terrace of 435 sqm and a garden of 300 sqm a spectacular view over the natural scenery of the Faraglioni rocks, the Small Marina bay and its emerald & crystal-clear waters and turquoise sea.

It has been recently redecorated. It consists of four double bedrooms en suite, a beautiful kitchen, a living room, a double manor hall and a small apartment for domestic staff, which has a kitchenette, a bathroom and a beautiful terrace that opens into the garden of the Villa.

The apartment is provided with precious hand-made brick floors, stoned-walls and chestnut-wood doors & windows realised by a carpenter in Capri. The bathroom is highly refined & subtle in its mosaic lining and black and white marbled floor. The kitchenette, also entirely made by a carpenter in Capri finished in chestnut-wood, has been realised by following the design of the architect that was inspired by a boat kitchen.

When buying a historic luxury home, it is advisable to seek advice from a company of international property professionals like, World Properties and Land, who specialise in exclusive luxury homes in sought after locations. With years of experience to their credit, they have uncommon knowledge and resources at their disposal.

FORTE DEI MARMI – FORTRESS OF THE MARBLES

The British love affair with Tuscany has spanned over many decades and today, the continued popularity of the region, as well as its easy access via Pisa and Florence airports, means that it remains a popular destination among foreign visitors to Italy.

Apart from the hills surrounding Florence, Chianti, and the charming Cortona countryside, made famous by “Under the Tuscan Sun” - the region’s most sought after, second-home destination is Versilia. Known as the Tuscan Riviera due to the many important beach resorts that are located along this stretch of Tuscan coastline, Versilia includes Viareggio with its port and famous winter carnival, Torre del Lago, Lido di Camaiore, Marina di Pietrasanta, artistic Pietrasanta and the affluent Forte di Marmi.

Taking the top ten destinations from the Agenzie del Territorio (the government agency responsible for the Land Registry), Forte dei Marmi ranks third with an average price of real estate at around € 9,000 per square metre. So what makes this part of Tuscany, whose landscape has little in common with the rolling hills of "Chiantishire," so interesting and fashionable?

When translated into English, Forte dei Marmi means Fortress of the Marbles; taking its name for the fortress that stands in the main square. Interestingly, Forte Dei Marmi didn’t really become fashionable until the 19th century when the Tuscan nobility discovered the town and developed it into a seaside resort. In fact, they were responsible for the growth in numerous beach facilities (stabilimenti balneari), many of which operate there today and make up one of the town’s main services for tourist.

However, its humble origins can be traced to when Michelangelo built a road to transport marble down from the quarries in the Apuan Alps. One of the first buildings (traces of it are still visible from the provincial road) to be erected here was the Magazzino dei Marmi, or marble store. This was built by order of Cosimo dei Medici back in 1618. It wasn’t long before a small settlement appeared, growing into a fishing village and important port used by the Tuscans for shipping marble, although the fortress was built later in 1788 to defend the coast from impending attack.

For centuries, Forte dei Marmi came under Pietrasanta, but eventually gained independence in 1914 to form its own municipality. Despite a number of setbacks, especially during WW2 when the Gothic line was formed, the town began to strengthen its tourism facilities to cater to the most demanding of tourists, reaching its maximum splendour during the 1960’s when some of Italy’s most prestigious families decided to build the palatial villas in the Pineta di Roma Imperiale.

Most of the stately “marble” towns are a few kilometres inland from the sea and are a world apart from the luxury boutiques offering the latest high fashion clothes, shoes and accessories from some of the best designers around, and beach resorts that bear witness to a long-standing tradition of tourism where many of Europe’s VIP’s descend each summer to take up residence in this corner of Tuscany.

World Properties and Land have an elite selection of property portfolio to suit individual lifestyles and will search for properties on their client’s request.

Be it penthouses, villas or private estates ‘Forte dei Marmi’ is where you ought to be!

ANDALUCIAN COUNTRY LIVING

For many people the word Andalucia invokes a romantic image of sun, sea, beaches, bullfighting, sherry and flamenco. On arrival at Malaga Airport and driving along the coastline this image can soon be shattered as one drives past the multitude of concrete jungles hugging the shoreline. BUT THIS IS NOT ANDALUCIA, drive just 15 minutes inland and you find yourself a million miles away, surrounded by astounding natural beauty, wildlife and history with Seville, Cadiz, Cordoba, Malaga, Jaen, Granada being the principal cities.

The Romans first settled in the 3rd century BC and left behind a wealth of history and artefacts, Caesar was supposedly to have bathed in the Roman Baths near Casares, which are still used to this day. The Moorish period was the golden age of Andalucia. Agriculture, leather working, mining, pottery, textiles and trade were all fostered and brought great prosperity. Cordoba, Granada and Seville, embellished by the greatest Moorish monuments in Spain, the Mezquita, the Alcazar and the Alhambra Palace respectively were celebrated as centres of arts, culture and science. There is still a strong Moorish influence in the character, customs and language of the people. With its tradition of bull fights, flamenco music and dance it is one of Europe's most strikingly colourful regions.

The Andaluz way is very different from the Northern European and the peculiar custom of drinking without eating, especially in enormous quantities, is very puzzling – hence the wonderful world of tapas and their sometimes curious ingredients. In the rural towns and villages the whole gamut of society will wander around the parks, plazas and streets between about 9 and 11 in the evening, no Andaluz will dine before 10 pm and if a celebration (fiesta), of which there are many, is going to take place nothing begins until at least midnight. To the Andaluz, children are adored, and there is nowhere that they are not welcome. The family is extremely important to everyone, in fact in the rural villages and towns, the vast majority will spend their entire lives within a few kilometres of the place where they were born and just about everyone you meet appears to be related to everyone else in some way!

But more about the sheer beauty of rural Andalucia and varied wildlife, with rugged mountains where the famous picture postcard white villages cling to their sides, green rolling hills, gorges and rivers, cork forests and many National Parks; One is truly spoilt with the beauty and choice of it all. There is wildlife in abundance notably wild boar, vultures, deer and ibex. Goats, mules and horses graze on the roadside and one can buy cheese from the local goat farmer and bread directly from the wood-fired oven.

A wide variety of inland properties are on offer in this beautiful area of Spain including modern new built villas and apartments along with more traditional villas, country houses, fincas, cortijos and sometime ruins for sale to those wishing to renovate after buying . Geographical variety is probably the area's most distinct feature as property hunters will meet with dry plains, olive groves, fertile valleys, mountain areas, limestone cliffs and formations, wetland areas and even rural stretches of coastline. The roads are good and communication via internet, telephone etc is readily available.

Of course it is important to prepare for the purchase as much as possible in advance and choosing the right professionals to handle the sale is essential. World Properties and Land have extensive knowledge of purchasing property in Spain and would be pleased to advise you on all aspects of your purchase and also recommend independent legal advisors to assist you throughout your buying process.
If you are looking for a beautiful, peaceful and safe lifestyle, full of character and charm, then rural Andalucia is the place for you; With the coast and all the modern amenities being only a short distance away with easy accessibility to the rest of Europe.

Tuscany Culturally as well as agriculturally wealthy

Located in the heart of continental Europe and within 3 hours flying time from the majority of Europe’s capitals, Italy has always been synonymous with a mild climate, stunning landscapes and seascapes, an unrivalled artistic and cultural legacy, and excellent culinary traditions based on Mediterranean recipes. Italy has moreover, been instrumental in significantly contributing to the development of the whole Mediterranean area, and has deeply influenced European culture during the Renaissance that occurred between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.

Renowned globally for its Made in Italy, in addition to luxury brands in fashion, cars and boats, Italy also offers a vast range of investment opportunities in other strategically important sectors such as tourism, hotels and agribusiness. Italy is also first among wine producers, who produce some of the world’s best wines. Among the different types of investment, we shouldn’t forget the real estate sector, which has always attracted foreign investment for its splendid villas and historical palazzo’s that are to be found in every corner of Italy.

According to a study by Barclays Bank, around 10 per cent of the 660,000 potential buyers surveyed, rank Italy as their choice of destination. The Italian market is certainly starting to have undoubted appeal for many. The global economic slowdown has also helped make some subtle changes in the Italian property market. According to a latest report issued by the Agenzia del Territorio—Italy’s equivalent of the Land Registry—the credit crunch has had a moderate impact on Italy. The news is that buyers are still keen on Italy, although they have become choosier.

Why Tuscany? Culturally as well as agriculturally wealthy, Tuscany never fails to amaze visitors from near and far with her incomparable beauty. This wonderful region is best known for her art, architecture, culture and fine cuisine. Florence, Pisa, Arezzo and Siena certainly play a major role in this recognition, providing world famous sights of such familiar icons as the Ponte Vecchio, the leaning tower, Chianti, the Palio, cypress trees, olive groves and vineyards. But this is not the sum total of what Tuscany has to offer. With ten provinces to choose from, each containing a cache of hidden and inexhaustible treasures just waiting to be unlocked, there’s more to Tuscany that meets the eye.

Much has been written about Tuscany. In fact, the Michelin Tuscany in-your pocket guide describes this part of Italy as “much a state of mind as a physical place.” We agree with this description. But you really have to experience the real Tuscany to understand. Apart from the proud cities and towns with buildings steeped in tradition and ancient history, the landscape provides a feast of many splendid and vibrant colours just waiting to be discovered. Resonant noises echo throughout the countryside and bustling piazzas, and mysterious fragrances, each evoking special images and memories, gracefully allure you. If Tuscany is as much a state of mind as a physical place, then all these amazing things deserve to be experienced.


Tuscany was in fact (and still is), the very first Italian region to appeal to the foreign buyer. The love affair with Tuscan property has spanned over many decades and today, the continued popularity of the region, as well as its easy access via Pisa and Florence airports, means that it remains a relatively safe place to buy. The Italian property market has not been affected by the same devaluation problems that have hit America and Britain and house prices have remained relatively stable, so Italy has remained one of the firm favourites among foreign buyers.

Demand for upmarket and more expensive properties in the more exclusive areas of Tuscany, such as Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio (in the Province of Lucca) for example, has been high because they have held on to their value. Some buyers also want to be close to cities like Florence and Siena, although there are still a number of buyers who want to be in the countryside, especially in the Chianti region, and so demand has been fairly strong.

Known as the Tuscan Riviera due to the many important beach resorts that are located here, Versilia includes Viareggio with its port and famous winter carnival, Torre del Lago, Lido di Camaiore, Pietrasanta and the affluent Forte di Marmi. The area also includes a variety of historical inland attractions and culturally prestigious events such as the Puccini Opera season at Torre del Lago.

For example, a 3-bed apartment enjoying sea views in a stylish palazzo located in a fashionable district of Viareggio will start from around € 800,000. A detached villa with a garden in Viareggio will start at around € 1.500.000. The Versilia also offers good by-to-let investment opportunities, where holiday rents range between € 1,500 and € 5,000 a week during July and August.

Graced by the towering presence of the Apennines to the north east and Apuan Alps to the south west, the province of Lucca is not only a centre of art and antiquity with its many historic towns and villages, but also an area of outstanding natural beauty. The capoluogo - or regional capital - is the ancient and city of Lucca. Once an Etruscan frontier settlement and flourishing Roman colony in 180 BC, Lucca later became the Longobard Duchy of Tuscany. During the centuries that followed the city reached its greatest flowering when enterprising and energetic citizens forged their city into a centre of commercial, financial, architectural, musical, and artistic importance (Giacomo Puccini and Luigi Boccherini were among the virtuosi and composers of great stature who lived in Lucca).

The city is affable, charming, and easygoing with a magical feel about it, especially during the period leading up to Christmas when festive lights illuminate the deep gullies of the narrow streets. But you cannot rush Lucca. Surrounded by antiquity everywhere you go with many abundant historical, architectural and artistic treasures just waiting to be discovered, the city has to be explored bit by bit.

One of the most remarkable monuments of Lucca’s glorious past is the circle of Renaissance walls that were constructed between 1504 and 1645 and formed the protective ramparts around the city, replacing the old city walls. The project was a massive undertaking at the time and many resources were needed to complete it. You can still see evidence of the guard-posts, gun outposts, and underground chambers. One of the best ways to see Lucca is to walk along the tree-lined promenade (Passeggiata delle Mura) that sits on top of the walls.

Heading east towards Florence we come to Pescia. Distinctly medieval is the character of this delightful town located on the banks of the River Pescia from where it gets its name. Pescia is an important rural centre in the Valdinievole region (the town is famous for its flower market reputed to be the largest in Tuscany). Once also known as the Manchester of Tuscany due to amount of industrialisation that took place here, providing much firmer foundations than that of the earlier traditional manufacturing, nothing was to be quite the same for Pescia. Citizens later added tourism to their town thereby precipitating a new wave of renovation work on many of Pescia’s fine and historic buildings.

The village of Collodi, perhaps more famous for its commemoration of Carlo Lorenzini, the creator of Pinocchio, is located near Pescia. Lorenzini (whose pen name was Carlo Collodi) was born in Florence in 1826 but spent most of his childhood here. He came to prominence as an author after he produced the Adventures of Pinocchio. In 1951 the Mayor of Collodi commissioned a group of artists to design a series of sculptures telling the story of Pinocchio.

Situated in the Valdinievole to the east of Lucca, Montecatini Terme is a very popular retreat as well as an important Spa resort. The town is elegant and comfortable. It is also convenient being within easy commuting distance from Florence and strategically well placed to reach other parts of the region.

Montecatini Terme comes alive throughout most of the year as visitors flock to the town. Although relatively modern by Tuscan historical standards, there is still much to do in and around Montecatini. The fine boutiques scattered along the main streets of Corso Matteotti and Corso Roma are like magnets enticing you to a broad range of beautiful things. There are scores of bars and cafés stuffed with delicious things to eat

There are nine main Spa establishments in Montecatini and two in nearby Monsummano Terme where people come each year to take the waters with curative powers; the water contains minerals that is apparently good for various ailments. The most impressive of these establishments is the Tettuccio with its fascinating architecture and colourful gardens. Pretty floral displays also decorate Via Verdi during spring and summer, and the lush oasis of the Parco Termale offers a much-needed respite from the hot summer sun.

Perched high above town is the medieval village of Montecatini Alto. It was almost totally destroyed as a result of the battles that waged between Guelphs and Ghibellines. The most enjoyable way to get there is by the funicular railway (open April to October only). Inaugurated in 1898 the railway has stood the test of time and the ride to the top inside “Gigio” or “Gigia” as the bright red cars are called, is recommended.

Wine has been an important part of the Tuscan way of life for over 3,000 years. From the time the ancient Etruscans settled in the gentle rolling hills of Tuscany, viticulture and wine production have been an important element of everyday life. The Chianti region covers a large area of Tuscany with the wine being produced in seven distinct zones around a core area where Chianti Classico is produced. The individuality and quality of Chianti wine stems from variations in the soil and climate throughout the rolling terrain from where it is produced. Although production of Chianti began in the central hills around Florence and Siena, it has now spread to other areas to include, Pisa, Arezzo, and Pistoia.

The area south of Florence must rank as some of the most beautiful wine country in the world and viticulturally, the area surrounding Montalcino is highly prestigious. The vineyards here produce what is arguably, Italy’s most prestigious and finest wine, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG. Montepulciano is famous for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, a deep granite red coloured wine with a spicy, fruity and full bodied flavour. It is one of the top three denominated wines in Tuscany (apparently amongst the first to receive the prestigious Denominazione di Origine Controllato e Garantita branding.

So how easy is it to buy a property in Italy? Foreign buyers have the same rights as those enjoyed by Italian nationals, although you can expect some differences compared to the UK for example. Providing you take your time and don’t allow yourself to be rushed into making hasty decisions, buying a property in Italy can be a very rewarding experience. The process generally involves the following stages:

• Proposta d’acquisto

• Contratto preliminare (commonly known as the compromesso)

• Rogito Notarile

Each stage has its own set of formalities and that is why the specialist advice of a professional with intimate knowledge of real estate property and contract law should be sought.

Whether you are buying a house in the country, or by the sea, an apartment in one of Tuscany’s cities, or whether you are interested in entering into the wine sector by investing in a vineyard with fully operational winery, by combining our experience with that of local specialists like Luchetti and Partners, we can offer you a range of one to one services and help you structure your investment to suit you and your lifestyle.