Recently in RE-Homes Category

Rafael Nadal, recently ranked as the world's number one in men's tennis, has purchased a home in the residential complex of Playa Nueva Romana, in the Dominican Republic, promoted by Bahia Principe.

The residential complex, located in one of the most exclusive areas of the Caribbean, will have 1,200 luxury homes, a marina, a five-star hotel, and an 18-hole golf course. This new development represents an investment of more than US$180 million and covers an area of 620 acres of coconut groves, just 45 minutes from Santo Domingo's international airport.

The project is part of the Pinero Group's expansion strategy within the real estate sector, based on the potential for development of tourist residential complexes. Located next to the hotels that the Bahia Principe Clubs & Resorts chain has in the Mexican Caribbean, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, it offers residents a chance to enjoy all the services of the hotel complex.

For its most exclusive customers, Bahia Principe Residences & Golf Resort has created a Founders Club, offering investors unique opportunities. In addition to owning a lovely property on the Mayan Riviera Maya or Playa Nueva Romana, they can upgrade their investments with benefits like preferred location, unrivalled views, VIP treatment at the golf course, membership in Vitalicia Familiar, a private club in the Clubhouse, personalized golf cart, buildable land, VIP service packages and more.

This new project is backed by one of the most important Spanish companies in the industry at the international level, the Pinero Group, with more than 35 years' experience in the tourism market.

Soltour, whose main business centres on the development and sale of tourist packages to various vacation destinations, is recognized as one of the most solid tour operators in Spain, Portugal and Russia.

Bahia Principe Clubs & Resorts' all-inclusive five-star hotels are located in the finest vacation destinations: Mayan Riviera, Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Tenerife. The hotels are situated right on the beach, making them perfect for enjoying luxury vacations in an incomparable setting of nature and comfort.

SOURCE Bahia Principe Clubs and Resorts / Grupo Pinero

One of the finest luxury estates in Evergreen, Colo., is -- for the first time in its 24 years -- available for purchase. Nicknamed Meadow Mountain Estate and nestled on 7.8 acres in Evergreen's prestigious Soda Creek community, the supremely custom land/home package is offered at $5.2 million. It is listed by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokers of Evergreen.

 

Built into Soda Creek's wooded hillside, the southwestern-style main residence began as a smaller more traditional home when constructed in 1985. But in 1992, its original owner, Terry Epstein, began a massive renovation of the existing structure. The three-year transformation added 3,700 square feet to the main home and completely changed its interior and exterior motif.

Working with Evergreen-based Tolleson Architects and Vintage Designs, the end result was a stunning 10,000+-square-foot reflection of the architecture, materials and nature-inspired ambience that Epstein had always admired while vacationing in Santa Fe, N.M.

"I had traveled to Santa Fe numerous times when I decided I wanted to dramatically change the look and feel of my property," says Epstein. "I wanted a property that was more comfortable, more natural. . . a place where one could really enjoy life."

Epstein even went so far as to add a 600-square-foot heated guest tipi on the property grounds. Designed by Lakota Indian John Eagleday, the tipi is complete with authentic hand-painted Native American wall murals, a stone-ringed fire pit, hardwood floors, an AV system and waterproof canvas walls custom crafted by Colorado Yurt Company.

Post-renovation, the home features seven private bedroom suites, a solar-heated indoor pool and hot tub, four striking water features, a 12-person hot tub cavern, a game room, a 16-foot bar, a 1,200-bottle wine cellar, home theater, 17 televisions, audio-video system, numerous patios and roof-top decks, and more than 125 expansive windows framing views of the Continental Divide.

A meandering stone walkway connects the main home to the guest tipi, various terraces and park-like areas, a fenced playground and a six-stall livery stable with caretaker's quarters.

This Rocky Mountain estate is sited just 35 minutes from downtown Denver and an hour from Colorado's world-class ski resorts.

SOURCE Meadow Mountain Estate

Is spring fever prompting you to head for the beaches or some other vacation getaway? If you're planning to travel during the spring holidays this year, you can help protect your home while you're away by following these tips from the Florida Association of Realtors(R) (FAR):

• Make it look like you're home. Install timers on interior lights so they turn on and off periodically. Many timers cost less than $25. Some more costly products are capable of varying the time that your lights turn on. Also consider leaving your radio on and tuned to an all-news or talk show station.
• Disconnect and remove all exterior electrical decorations before you leave to reduce the chance of fire and theft. Install exterior lights controlled by motion sensors to make your home a more difficult target for prowlers.
• Discontinue your newspaper delivery temporarily. Be sure to give several days notice so your order can be processed in time.
• Ask someone to collect any free papers or sales materials left near your house. When fliers and papers are left on a driveway day after day, it's a sure sign that no one is home.
• Have the post office hold your mail. This can be initiated by calling the U.S. Postal Service at 1-800-275-8777 and listening to the option for putting a vacation hold on your mail. You can make arrangements up to 30 days in advance of your vacation; at minimum, two days will be needed to process your request. Or you can go to the Postal Service Web site at https://dunsapp.usps.gov/HoldMail.jsp and follow the instructions.
• Ask a friend or neighbor to park a car in your driveway occasionally and keep an eye on your place. If police regularly patrol your neighborhood, give law enforcement authorities your schedule so they'll watch for suspicious activity. If there's a crime-watch program, notify the person in charge.
• If you have an alarm that is monitored, tell the alarm company you will be away. If possible, provide a phone number where you can be reached.
• If you're going to be away for two weeks or more, ask a friend to mow the grass or hire a lawn service.

Before traveling for spring break, take these simple steps to help protect your property.

SOURCE Florida Association of Realtors

The Residences at The Little Nell located at the base of Aspen Mountain opens today, making it the most luxurious, shared ownership project of its kind.

ASPEN, Colo., Feb. 6 / -- The Residences at The Little Nell (RLN) officially opens today, making it the most luxurious, shared ownership project of its kind. More than $80 million in sales have closed on this 26- residence property located at the base of Aspen Mountain, with significant sales continuing throughout February.

 

"Our buyers and their brokers had very high expectations for the quality, amenities and service of The Residences when they first considered the property," said Brooke Peterson, executive committee member of The Residences of The Little Nell Development. "Having had many of those same people walk through our doors, it's nice to be able to say we've exceeded their expectations."

The Residences will be exclusively managed and operated by The Little Nell Hotel, Aspen's only Mobil Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond recognized hotel and member of Relais & Chateaux. Among the amenities residents will enjoy include:

    -- Direct ski-in/ski-out access to Aspen Mountain
    -- Health center and rooftop pool
    -- Valet parking
    -- Slope-side ski lockers and personal storage
    -- 24-hour services including maid, concierge (pre-arrival also available)
       and  in-residence dining
    -- 24-hour car service and/or vehicles available for residents' exclusive
       use

"This project combines five-star service with a modern design that complements the area's architectural heritage and takes advantage of the property's unique, picturesque setting," Peterson said. "Everything about The Residences was done with care and a precision worthy of its location and preeminence among luxury properties."

The Residences has 208 fractional ownership interests of which 200 were placed under hard contract prior to today's opening. Those sales represent an unprecedented 96 percent sold when most properties open with 40 to 45 percent of units under contract. Of the 26 residences, there are 19 three-bedrooms averaging 2,800 sq. ft. and seven four-bedrooms averaging 3,800 sq. feet. Eight fractions in the three-bedroom category remain for sale. Floor plans are unique and include custom furnishings. Residences will be offered to the public for short-term rentals, and the RLN also has eight hotel suites on site that are available for short-term rental.

"With its dramatic architecture, stunning interiors and grand living spaces, The Residences at The Little Nell is truly one-of-a-kind," Peterson said. "We're looking forward to welcoming each of our residents beginning this season."

 

About The Residences at the Little Nell

The Residences at The Little Nell consist of 26 residences, including 19 three bedrooms and seven four bedrooms. It is exclusively managed and operated by The Little Nell, Aspen's only Mobile Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond recognized hotel. Amenities include direct ski-in/ski-out access to Aspen Mountain, in-residence dining, personal storage, a health center, a rooftop pool, valet parking, slope-side ski lockers and 24-hour services including maid, car and concierge (pre-arrival services also available). Vehicles and 24-hour car service also are available for use by residents.

SOURCE Residences at The Little Nell

If you have decided to visit Niagara Falls and are worried about finding the right place to stay don't worry. There are plenty of very comfortable places to choose from. You could probably just land up there and book a room. Avoid peak tourist seasons if you're making a very spontaneous plan.
Visit this website if you want to take a look at some of the accommodation you can avail at the Niagara Falls. The site gives you a list of several hotels along with pictures of their rooms.
Going by the pictures, these places look lovely. To some they may be a bit expensive. If you want something more economical check out this site that claims that all their guests always exclaim about how reasonable their prices are.

Have a great vacation!

I hope I have captured your imagination with the wild allure of the Galapagos islands. Since I have already talked about package tours I thought I should say a little about the kinds of accommodation you are expected to find there.

Galapagos is well prepared for travellers of any kind. From villas, cottages and beach houses to condos and homestays, your stay on the islands will be comfortable and memorable (for all the right reasons of course!)

For a complete step by step guide of the things you must do from the time you take your flight visit this website.   

If you want specific information about a vacation home or villa you can check out this site. For a luxury vacation stay visit this website that also offers its patrons, tours of the islands.

To go on a special familt wildlife tour check out this link.

Everybody doesn't have a positive experience when they go on a vacation. When they do have a good time, they have extremely amusing stories to tell. To read one such story check out this website.

 

 

The city of Cusco is quite a hotspot for tourism so finding a place to stay that suits your particular needs is easy to find. Most of the accommodation available in the city is quite reasonable. If you find it uncomfortable to live in a hotel room you can even experience the rich culture of Peru firsthand by staying with a Peruvian family. To find out more details about homestays check out this website that arranges homestays in Cusco for tourists from all over the world.
If you want to avoid the tiresome task of doing everything on your own, from booking a hotel room to trying to identifying the right tour, then you should look at the several package tour options that are available. Click here for a comprehensive guide to the tours available in Peru.
If you want your tour to be full of adventure then you can choose a package tour that specializes in nature trails and treks through the breathtaking Urubamba valley also known as 'The Sacred Valley of The Incas' or through the Andes Mountains leading up to Macchu Pichu. For such a package tour click here or here.
There are so many accommodations to chose from. How do you know which ones the best? If you want to read tourist reviews or see what rating other tourists have given different places of accommodation in the city click here or here.
Like in all other South American countries, you may see a lot of poverty around you in the city of Cusco. If you are the kind of person who cannot have fun when you see so many people suffer then maybe you should choose to stay at the Ninos Hotel. All profits made at the hotel are spent in providing for the meals, education, and medical care of Peruvian street kids. 
Ian Hsu, whose picture of the Ninos hotel from flickr.com has been displayed above, has this to say about the hotel.

A wonderful place to stay, it echos with the sound of children's laughter during the day.

To read more about this novel and beautiful hotel and about the Dutch couple behind the idea of creating such a place click here.

If you have been following the posts on this blog then you have probably noticed that I'm quite enamoured by the quiet charm of the Batanes islands on the northernmost tip of the Philippines. Uncongested by tourist traffic, these islands are picturesque and serene and to top that, they have a long history as well, thus making them culturally very rich. The islands are the only part of the Philippines to have large settlements of the Ivatan tribe.

If you are considering going to Batanes for a vacation then make sure that you go during the warmer months as the island can get quite cold in the winter. Considered the storm exit point of the Philippines, its always raining on these islands.

Check out some accomodation reviews here.

You can book your own accomodation or you can book a package tour that starts from Manila. To check out the package tour click here.

The best part about these islands is that the price of your stay is very affordable so you don't have to stress about every dollar you spend and you most definitely won't feel cheated.

If you want to experience something completely new then this may be just what you are looking for.

If you're renting property in Madrid, you'll come under legal provisions that are contained in the new Law of Urban Lettings.

When signing on the dotted line keep in mind what you rental contract must contain with different rules for short-term and long-term leases.
The rental contract may be made before a notary and recorded at the Spanish Property Registry.
Short-term rental contracts require that the tenant vacate the property when the contract ends.
A long term contract is one which exceeds 1 year in duration.

On signature of the rental contract, tenants are required to pay the owner a deposit (fianza) equal to 1-month's rent payment.
Considerations about repair of property, subletting, expenses also are important.
Tenants may be required to sign an inventory of the property contents and the state of them.
Conditions under which the contract might be rescinded are also detailed.
Make yourself conversant with the nitty-gritty of renting property in Madrid.

And look out for more flats and detached chalets while you're at it.

Picture Courtesy: www.flickr.com

A 4 bedroom chalet spread over 2 floors in a lovely rich brown with wood floors and double glazed wooden windows is for sale for 769,000 euros. In good condition, the house comes with individual heating and hot water facilities, has a fitted kitchen, 4 built in wardrobes and fireplace to enjoy marshmallows. A lovely, splashy swimming pool, garden and terraces are also part of the property.

A 3 bedroom chalet that can sleep 6 people has an independent kitchen as well as living and dining rooms. A terrace and balcony overlook the garden with trees and you can relax there while enjoying the ideal location of your summer chalet in such peaceful surroundings. A courtyard, cellar and outdoor furniture are also available. All the basic amenities like dish washer, washing machine, fridge, TV, barbeque, iron, microwave are provided with the house. Cleaning services are also available. You can rent this chalet for $688 a week.

An 18th century house in a sleepy village just 48 km from Madrid can be yours. Located at the top of the village, you get stunning views of the rolling countryside and houses. The house is spread over 3 floors and has 2 bedrooms, a large studio, storage room, living room and kitchen. The place comes with 2 bathrooms, fuel-heating and telephone lines. A terrace with 2 chimneys are quaint enough, but what's fascinating is that the house has a small cave!!!

40 km from Madrid, in the town of Manzanares El Real is a lovely mansion settled up in a mountain. With beautiful views of a lake and a honest-to-goodness castle, the mansion is spread over 2 floors with 6 bedrooms, 3 living rooms, 2 kitchens, 2 balconies and 2 chimneys! It would be ideal for a multi-family vacation. There are separate maid's quarters, a studio room, , laundry room, cable TV and high-speed internet for a convenient stay. With a pool and patio, the house is available for the negotiable rate of 595,000 euros.

For those of you who can get by in Spanish, go through more chalet choices and find your spot in and around Madrid.

Picture Courtesy: www.flickr.com

I give up. Aruba is the place for Villas. Forget homes and cottages. Since I can't seem to escape them... here are more of the same.

A villa in the Bubali area is a 3 bedroojm single family home with a large covered porch, a pool and garage. Close to Eagle beach, it's close to Ocean resort and the casino.

A jewel of a villa in the Tierra Del Sol vicinity  has 3 bedrooms and bathrooms and offers you great ocean views. Having just recently been constructed, you could purchase it for $695,000 for the present villa or $785,000 for a 4 bedroom 4 bathroom deal, which will take an additional 3 months to pull off. Brand new microwaves, fridges, stoves and dishwahsers are part of the deal, other than the exquisite carpets, chandeliers and furniture that adorn the home. Lounge chairs and a patio set are placed in the gazebo outside. You can reserve the property with a down payment as low as $95000. If you decide to rent it out, you could get as much as $3500 per week.

A luxury home in Noord has 4 bedrooms, bathrooms with showers, a study, living room, laundry room, huge dining room with a fully functional and lovely kitchen. The beautifully landscaped tropical yard with palm trees can be viewed from your wrap-around patio which has a large pool, gazebo, barbeque and shower. There's a double covered garage and total privacy if you want to rent out one side of the house while occupying the other. A great way to earn from your investment while living there!

A great place to rent is a 4 bedroom Mediterranean style home of which one bedroom is part of a self contained apartment. So you could rent just one part of the house or all of the 4 bedrooms. Th ehouse is extensively equipped and furnished having been built in 2004. It has a pool with bar, barbeque and a parking lot. The property is fenced in and come with cable connection for those who don't want to take advantage of the proximity of pristine beaches and watersports.

A beautiful house with landscaped garden is for sale in the Seroe Blanco area. A Regent Park home with 4 bedrooms with walk-in closets, a large swimming pool, carports, kitchen and storeroom comes with a security system. There's a TV room and laundry room in additon to the fact that the home has an apartment system.

Soledad is a perfectly finished house with 3 bedrooms with built in closets, a huimongous living room to lounge in and a comfortable kitchen with large dining. There's an additonal laundry room and a great garden with gazebo and a big pool. The gazebo comes with jacuzzi and small kitchen and bathroom. The house has a very rustic atmosphere and has been built in a Dutch-Aruboian style guaranteeing warmth while the slpit air conditioning cools all the rooms.

You can look through purely rental choices like the flower clad Casa Catalina or the 1 bedroom Sunset villa that can sleep 10 people or the cottag-y looing Aruba 500 Resort villa and many more homes and villas and apartments within villas.

Picture Courtesy: www.flickr.com

A really fancy bungalow on Lavington along Othaya Road with 4 bedrooms and lush garden is there for the taking. Besides the four bedrooms and the separate dining and furnished kitchen, it has a spacious lounge complete with fireplace!!! There is a store room and extra quarters for domestics as well as a garage. The place is available for about $41,607.

A stone log lodge overlooking the Rift Valley is a catch simply for its location. Overlooking the lovely Naivasha lake, it's a bird lover's delight. It has two bedrooms that can sleep 6 people and comes with internet, terrace, appliances, swimming pool, gym, tennis court... i'm out of breath. Besides all this there is an airstrip and even more amazing... it's built right on a 18 hole golf course, so you can swing out with your irons any time you like! The place is up for $171,531.

Tadlitum Farm is a lovely, lovgely ranch property spread over 350 acres of rich forests and Savannah grasslands, with the Bissel river flowing through it. The house is luxurious with 4 ensuite bedrooms, bar, an upper deck lounge area gazing into hills, patio, another lounge, a reception area and a huge dining room. The whole place is brilliantly furnished and contains african artefacts too! The swimming pool comes wih a gazebo area to entertain up to 30 people comfortavly. Generators, electric fencing, garage, airstrip, staff quarters are only some of the other features. This great investment opportunity can be yours for 1,100,000 dollars.

Mohamed House is the perfect Kenyan experience home with 2 bedrooms with 2 attached bathrooms, an extra bathroom, sitting room and kitchen. The house sits on an acre of land and also houses a garage and a room for domestic help. What I like best other than the african style makuti roof is the fact that the house abounds with verandas so that you always have a feeling of space and light.

Picture Courtesy: www.flickr.com

It goes against the grain for me to suggest a rural retreat that's just so danged spiffy... but it's my bid for practicality. This country home is the perfect getaway from your hectic city life. With 2.5 acres of usable land, you could sow the seeds (heh heh) for your alternate retirement career right here! The acres are paddocked, manicured, fully fenced in and come with 2 large equipment sheds, water tanks and a natural freshwater pool! Isn't that nice?
The house itself is an ultra-modern affair with 4 bedrooms all with built-in wardrobes, study, large spa bath, gourmet style kitchen, formal lounge and dining, family room with bar and covered deck area looking over your land. Phew!
With all that, the swimming pool and garage goes without saying. Additions are - full insulation, crimesafe screen and fully ducted air-conditioning! This place is worth your $985,000.

A 4 bedroom rural home in Mount Tamborine region is up for sale for $549,000. It's been beautifully renovated with tropically landscaped 3 acres and is fully fenced in. What's exciting about this property is its potential for income with little investment. The land has 2 dams that irrigate the 3 large horticultural sheds and has been approved as a wholesale nursery with 30,000 plants on the books to be included in the sale. The house itself is air-conditioned with lovely bright red walls so you can never be in a bad mood, blue roof and windows with white frames in a stone facade.

The Cockatiel Homestead is ideal for a peaceful lifestyle just a short distance away from local shops, beaches and Currumbin Valley. Set amongst 1 acre of lawns and natural fauna, the home has 4 bedrooms with formaland informal living, ensuite and large deck for entertainment. I'm quite sold on the deck actually... with its wooden flooring and sun loungers, wooden balustrade and view, it's rather perfect for reading. Beyond the house, on the rolling land, there are separate farming workshops and enough space for a pool, tennis court or equestrian plans.

Plain bare land to do what you will with is available all over Gold Coast. Make your own country retreats if you don't find one in the place and style of your choice.
I have never found it easier to find a house perfect for me. There are just so many absolutely smashing sites to help you in your search, whether for townhouses or landed estates, apartment/units or country homes and by region. There's also a whole list of real estate agents to help you through your quest!

Picture Courtesy: www.flickr.com

Purlingbrook Lodge... I've just realized that maybe i'm not most practical advisor over homes. I mean... I get carried away by things like names that put me in the mind of babbling Tennyson poems or by the fact that the home has a history (thus my fascination with castles) or that it has a garden or... that it just feels right.
This property is all that. Available for $530,000, this townhouse spread over three levels has manicured gardens to be idly viewed as you relax on a covered deck reaching out from a cozy lounge with fireplace. The timber floors and powder room (!!) are quaint and the kitchen is a fully equipped delight. Three huge sized bedrooms on the second level and a third level with bar and billiard room is quite an addition to an attractive offer. What would clinch the deal for me though, are the rock pool and private botanical gardens complete with an all year round running creek!

A two bedroom townhouse with courtyard in Currumbin $255,000 or body corporate rent of $18 a week. Located within walking distance to the beach with the large living room leading out into the courtyard, this house has a very pleasant feel. With a seating area in the courtyard, a TV unit and foosball table (hmm), this two level compact home is a good investment opportunity.

A townhouse near Bond University and Market square comprises open living with resort facilities for a great holiday home. With four bedrooms ensuite, gym and double garage, this lovely two level home with porches and courtyard along a lovely ingorund pool with palms swaying is quite a find.

A recently renovated townhouse in Nerang is a superb investment opportunity if you're not in the mood to live there for good! Nerang is one of the more popular suburbs with easy access to all parts of Gold Coast. Just 20 kms fromany theme park, 14 kms from Surfer's Paradise, this 3 bedroom house is at present earning $240 per week. You can buy it for $210,000 and get a brand new kitchen, security gated complex, swimming pool and tennis courts for your money's worth!

A federation style townhouse in Southport with three double bedrooms (one of them ensuite), powder room and a modern, convennient kitchen is available for $334,000. Part of ten units in a security gated complex, it comes with a single lockup garage, huge courtyard for entertaining and sparkling pool. What I like about it is the space and light flowing into the living area with its cushy white couches.

Find more townhouses and land estates by browsing through the gazillion Gold Coast options.

Picture Courtesy: www.flickr.com

There have been restrictions of foreign ownership and on buying holiday homes in certian areas. Permissions are required to buy property from the local authority office. But since joining the European Union, Austrian rules will change to apply equally to EU and Austrian citizens.

When buying real estate in Austria, a deposit of 10 percent is usual though not mandatory and it will be returned if the deal falls through. A common solicitor can handle the deal for both parties and when purchase contracts are signed, the funds are deposited with a trustee till the completion.

The price of a studio apartment is about $75,000.
A small apartment can come for anything from $87,500.
Large apartments are priced at around $145,000.
Detached homes can be about $365,000.

The cost of living in Austria is high but the EU membership should start to reduce the cost of imported goods.
Ski resorts and sumer holiday homes in hiking regions are popular with buyers.

You can find your own ideal apartment, farmhouse, chalet, castle, villa or just a plain simple home by exploring all the possibilities.

Picture Courtesy: www.flickr.com

A medieval castle is for sale! Let me say it again - a medieval castle is for sale! I'm sorry, i'm just excited. Okay... down to the particulars. The castle (!!), I shall now be prosaic... has 60 rooms, has recently been reroofed and the plumbing, heating and phone systems have been upgraded. It has its own free spring water supply and is half surrounded by a nationally-protected public park. The castle itself is a national monument. With a host of noble names in its history, this 1268 castle rises out of the Innvalley, flanked by the Alps and has a baroque chapel, 6 storey tower and 12 guest suites. You can either use it for your really large family or turn it into a hotel (please don't!) or just keep it for your own happy power trip with your own little flag flying out of the top! And the cost of this kingdom - a mere $3,780,000.

A baroque castle with drawbridge consists of a main building and annexes with three separate apartments, a guest's wing, a villa, a gardening house and caretaker's house! There's even a pavillion for parties and stable with room for 5 horses. (A hotel I stayed in in India had very beautifully converted old stables into the nicest rooms... but that's for another time). Old marble, parquet and stone floors have been restored, 30 bedrooms and bathrooms with all the modern conveniences have been thought of. A library, a music room and a piano add sufficiently to the castle air. To top it off, it's just 10 minutes away from an 18 hole golf course designed by golf legend, Jack Nicklaus.

The Hann Chalet in Tirol has 5 bedrooms spread over three levels that can house 14 people. A large terrace with its own deck chairs gives you a lovely view of the mountains and the countryside. You have luxurious private grounds and gardens with a sunning area, swimming pool and children's playground in addition the game room within. Depending on the season, the weekly price differs from $1,795 to $3,036.

Look through more castles and chalets, manor homes and country houses before you start your dynasty.

Picture Courtesy: www.flickr.com

A cottage in Afritz has 4 bedrooms and can house up to 13 people. It's situated in the heart of the hiking area and right next door 16 km of different ski slopes and a ski school. The house has an indoor swimming pool and sauna. The garden comes with its own furniture, sand pit and barbeque. There's even a play area with table tennis!

A cosy holiday cottage with 2 bedrooms situated in Ried close to other cottages is furnished in much comfort while maintaining an outdoorsy look. It allows pets and has a balcony and terrace, a communal swimming pool and with ski slopes no more than 200m away you can even rent skiing equipment. The energy and electricity costs are covered in the rental.

Another cottage in the Danube Valley is a renovated farmhouse that gives you a peaceful view of the river. The property is the second oldest in the area, Vichtenstein, which is one of the prettiest holiday villages. The area is great for cross country skiing and boasts a ski lift in the village. With the local mountain and a 800 year old church, the cities of Passau and barokstad Schaeding within 20km distance, there are a few tourist spots worth visiting. The house has 3 bedrooms that can house 7 people and space for 2 pets.

The main attraction of this cottage in Untertilliach in the Tirol region for me is the simple fact that you don't get to be isolated in your own little world here - you live among the locals! Built in 1750, it has its own natural plot and mountain view. It can house up to 4 people and doesn't allow pets.

Make a choice of more holiday cottages in the Salzburg, Tirol, Karnten or other regions.

Picture Courtesy: www.flickr.com

A modern European style bunglow built on a coconut plantation with 2 bedrooms leads directly the north west beaches of Sri Lanka. You could rent it for about US $120 per day or buy it for the negotiable price of US $400,000. It's furnished, pet friendly and equipped with appliances.

A 3 bedroom sea view house right on the road and near the calm, swimming friendly beaches in the south of Galle is on sale for US $130,000. With direct access to the road on one side and the beach on the other this is a great home for a vacation.

A 6 bedroom luxury home built as two units with separate entrances and separate electricity and water meters is available for the negotiable rate of US $200,000. The house has a dining room, living room, pantry and kitchen with fitted cupboards, parking space for 2 vehicles and practical conveniences like airconditioners, telephone lines, etc. It's just 5 minutes away from Colombo city.

A gracious Colonial planter's home 15 minutes away from Galle is available for US $576,950. Placed on top of a mountain, it's fully furnished with a lovely yard overlooking a landscaped garden and trees down the hillside. With all wooden furniture, crazy colorful paintings and the lovely garden and isolated view, it makes for an alluring choice.

An 8 bedroom, 3 storied home with office, laundry room, large kitchen and servants quarters is placed in the central location of Negombo. With cable TV and lounges, it's a great buy.

An ocean front home with wrap around verandahs, completely renovated with old cabinets and a tub near a window overlooking the garden, it's certainly a contrary house. High ceilings, lots of light and air... it really is inviting. Like a home.

Find more homes of any description, anywhere in Sri Lanka and book your place in a land filled with ancient myths, monkeys and happy peaceful people!

Picture Courtesy: www.flickr.com

The variety of homes in Mallorca will spoil you for choice. From villas, apartments, beach homes, town houses to pretty and ever popular fincas, there's so much out there that it's practically impossible not to find something to suit you.

Looking through all these homes is almost an exercize in resisting temptation. Take your time though before you book your patch of sand under an olive tree.

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Fincas are the more traditional country homes in Mallorca - set away from the main ways, usually ranches or farms, these offer a different atmosphere to your holiday from the usual apartments. Though many fincas have now been converted into hotels, you can still find one for you very own.

The Finca Sa Cova is a typical ancient Mallorcan countryside dwelling. It is located in the Manacor Valley, just 17 kms from Porto Cristo. Divided into four apartments, it enjoys mild weather and has lovely views of the valley. All the apartments come with their own terrace and the swimming pool is accompanied by a barbeque. Sa Cova is part of documented history from right after the conquest of the island. A beautiful stone home with rock garden and plants, arched yellow ceilings, a huge courtyard that just invites sitting out and a sense of peace and calm, it's a perfect vacation spot.

The Finca Samira is just 10 minutes away from Palma. It has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen and dining-living room. You have a wonderful view of the bay and a lovely little pool for frolicking or not so heavy swimming in. With stone,wood and tiles dominating, the Finca gives an old world feel and is quite submerged in greenery. Charming peach walls, shuttered windows and light everwhere... it's pure relaxation just 15 minutes away from an airport!

Finca Sa Punta situated in Porto Petro is another typical Mallorcan country home with terraces, pool, parking and fruit trees! It has 3 bedrooms that can house 6 people comfortably. With joyous burnt orange walls, stone benches in the courtyard and lots of plants and trees, sitting just a kilometer away from a beach, this finca with weekly charges differing from month to month has a lot going for it.

Finca Son Fe de Dalt can house ten people and comes with a rental car and local representative! This very alluring finca set atop a hill amidst olive and carob trees looks over mountains and valleys on one side and the Pollensa Bay on the other. Isn't that enough to get you interested? Alright... it's spaciously built over 2 levels with 5 bedrooms, a dining room with TV and DVD player, covered terrace ad furnished with stone tiles, wood and cheerful blue-green upholstery. The swimming pool is on a higher level ensuring privacy and pretty blue and yellow flowers creep around the multi-colored pebbled walls.

The Finca Son Blat is made up of three houses newly built or completely renovated but keeping to the old Mallorcan style. Each of three houses is completely isolated from the other and comes with its own garden and swimming pool. The houses have 3 double bedrooms, huge open air porch, heating and air conditioning system,laundry room and all the basic electrical appliances.
Situated only 3 kms away from Porto Cristo, it's surrounded by almond and olive trees, pine forests and fig and carobs trees.
A remnant from its cattle grazing past!

You could even get personal help with finding a finca, find fincas in Andratx or for 4 or more people and many more with details and contacts.

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A nice two storey home that can house a big family comfortably, this home close to Anchor Point is large and bright with an office nook, guest cabin, a lovely sun room and sit out. Just a few minutes from town, its relaxed and warm interiors will still make you feel like you're away from the hustle bustle.

Yet another lovely home, built fit for a multifamily vacation has 3 bedrooms and a storage shed in the fenced in backyard. With trees, a log exterior charmingly set off with a blue roof, this house, close to Anchorage is a great investment even for a single family.

Besides these you have loads to choose from - condos, vacant lands, mobile homes - all you need to do is refine your search with your criterion and find the perfect home.

This incredible chalet style home is situated right between Anchorage and Denali National Park. With 8 people able to live in it, you can have a gala time swimming, boating, hiking, ice fishing, skiing and even playing golf on a nearby course!
The house is fully equipped with more than the basic amenities - microwave, hair dryer, big screen TV, stereo, internet access, coffee maker, etc, as well as all kinds of recreational activities close by. Just the place to go with a gang of friends or like minded family members!

You can stay in a fancier art deco home if you like with Italian leather furniture. With three bedrooms and loft, it can house 8 people. The summer and winter rates for almost all rentals in Alaska differ. This one goes for $3000 a week in summer and $400 less in winter. You'll get great views of the BIg Lake and Mt. McKinley and the way the house is placed see some fabulous sunsets right on the water.
If you know exactly where you want to go in Alaska you could find yourself a home by searching by city.

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