_5 of the best Mediterranean holiday homes in Italy, France and Spain
A Mediterranean home has always had universal appeal for buyers around the world thanks to the excellent gastronomy, authentic local culture and glorious weather on offer in the region. “And now there’s the added attraction of sensible legal and financial policies put in place by governments keen to encourage inward investment,” says Mark Harvey.
“Ten years ago, no-one would have thought that Italy would offer interesting tax advantages or that Andalucía would be given a favourable tax status by the autonomous government, yet as a result of these policies, it is no surprise that property markets in Marbella and Italy have had two very good years.”
1. La Garde Freinet, Provence, France
La Garde Freinet is a medieval fortified town among the chestnut tree-filled forests of the Massif des Maures mountains. This is a prime area in the hinterland behind the Cote d’Azur where stone houses, many with wonderful countryside views, line the streets. The pace of life is slow - apart from market day every Wednesday - and the airports of Nice and Cannes are both within 90 minutes.
Mark highlights the area’s good value relative to the wider market: “La Garde Freinet had slightly fallen out of fashion in the pre-Covid days, perhaps perceived as less ‘on-trend’ than other areas along the Cote d’Azur, but we have seen that really change” he says. “The road from the motorway to St Tropez and Grimaud used to pass directly through the village but a detour has been established which has made a significant difference. There is beautiful countryside, gorgeous cork oak trees, and you have quick access to the beaches to the west of St Tropez including Pampelonne. Properties there now look very good value when compared with those to the east. The property below is charming and would be €9 million or €10 million if it was located closer to St Tropez.”
8 bedroom villa, La Garde Freinet
Asking price €3,450,000
A renovated 18th Century farmhouse in the hills above the bay of St Tropez close to La Garde Freinet with wonderful views from its terraces and large gardens. The property has 330 square metres of living space spread over three floors with 8 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. Outside, the 5.6-acre well-established and south-facing garden includes a swimming pool.
2. Artà, Mallorca, Spain
Property prices have risen notably on the Spanish Balearic Island of Mallorca over the past ten years, with most international attention focused close to the capital Palma and in the prime southwest. Artà is an atmospheric medieval town 50 minutes from Palma airport, where narrow alleys and whitewashed townhouses mix in with tree-lined avenues. The town centre has many small shops and restaurants and hosts a popular market every Tuesday in Plaça Conqueridor.
Mark says: “We’ve seen a shift in buyer behaviour in Mallorca over recent years with many moving away from the highly priced southwest in search of a more authentic Spanish experience. Artà is easy to reach by road and I think the beaches on the east coast are the best on island. The post-Covid tailwinds are motivating buyers to seek space and nature, exactly what Artà offers. Over time, new building restrictions on Mallorca will make it increasingly rare to find a finca as sizeable as this next chosen property.”
4 bedroom villa in Artà
Asking price €3,750,000
A private finca compete with a 17th Century oil mill in peaceful countryside five minutes by car from Artà with wonderful panoramic views. In total the property has 750 square metres of living space with 4 bedrooms, an office and spacious living rooms including a dining room and library. Outside the gardens house several other properties that could be renovated.
3. Lucca, Tuscany, Italy
30 minutes by car from Pisa airport and easily reachable by train, Lucca is a much-loved, totally authentic medieval city with Roman ruins and Baroque churches all encircled by thick Renaissance walls. Rural properties in the green hills outside the city offer peace and exceptional views with all the joys of an authentic Tuscan lifestyle.
“Lucca and the surrounding countryside is one of the loveliest areas of Italy,” says Mark. “Our latest project there, The Forci Estate detailed below, has been so well received. Potential buyers have been drawn in by the estate’s focus on nature; its owners have been rewilding the land, growing olive groves and vines and opening farmers’ shops to sell the local produce.
The estate offers really good value and beautiful historic properties to boot, all close to Lucca in a beautiful valley with sea views.”
Farmhouses at The Forci Estate, Lucca
Prices from €1,290,000 to €3,350,000
The first three of 11 old farmhouses on The Forci Estate are now for sale, 4 and 5 bedroom homes, each unique, that will be fully renovated following eco-sustainable guidelines. Each property is for sale with several hectares of land. The Forci Estate promotes regenerative agriculture with biodynamic vineyards and organic olive groves and makes its own olive oil and wine.
4. Marbella, Spain
At the most southerly point of Europe, with an elegance and glamour that has brought royalty and celebrities since the 1950s, Marbella remains a hot favourite, whether you come to play golf, party or to soak up the sun along the Costa del Sol.
“If you are buying waterfront property in Marbella, the Golden Mile is the best place to be”, says Mark. “It is the pinnacle of liquidity because it is always in demand. My property pick here is an ideal lock and leave holiday home and has all the features to support a healthy lifestyle. The long boulevard that runs right along the coast towards Puerto Banus is perfect for walkers, joggers and cyclists, and you are steps from the tennis club. “
4 bedroom penthouse, Marina de Puente Romano
Asking price €6,250,000
A contemporary duplex penthouse refurbished to the highest standards with 4 bedrooms and a wide terrace overlooking the Golden Mile. There’s a private garage, storage room and communal gardens that include an attractive and generously sized swimming pool.
5. Barcelona, Spain
Since hosting the Olympics in 1992, Barcelona has become one of the world’s favourite cities, famous for its iconic architecture, seafront location and exceptional gastronomy. It’s home to 22 Michelin-starred restaurants and over 25 markets; a perfect city by the sea, filled with art and culture yet wonderfully easy-going. From the narrow streets of the Gothic Old Town to the Modernist properties and wide boulevards of Eixample, there are many options to choose from. Diagonal Mar-Poblenou is one of the fastest developing ‘new’ areas, the heart of Barcelona’s burgeoning contemporary technological scene and the “neighbourhood of the future” according to the editor of Spanish newspaper El Mundo.
Mark says: “I have a personal passion for Barcelona. It’s a one-off, a city that remains a popular choice for anyone looking for a Mediterranean lifestyle. It’s rare in its combination of food, weather, culture and verve of the people with a true business-focused entrepreneurial drive. You cannot replicate it.”
“The contemporary style of Antares, the property below, brings a new architecture to the city. Antares is ahead of the game with its views, proximity to the city centre and extensive amenities, all worthy of note."
Antares, Barcelona
Prices from €1,150,000
Designed by world-famous French architect Odile Decq, Antares is a new 21st Century landmark for Barcelona, the tallest residential building in the city with dramatic curves and a striking red and white colour scheme. The 1 to 4 bedroom apartments are flooded with light, each with floor to ceiling windows and outside space. In-house facilities include a wellness suite and gym, a 100-metre high Sky Terrace and Rooftop Infinity pool, 24-hour concierge, onsite restaurant, cinema, landscaped gardens with paddle court and secure underground parking. Antares is on the waterfront in Poblenou-Diagonal Mar, the area where ‘new’ Barcelona is unfolding.
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