Sardinia was twice in the news lately. Once it was bad news—the recent flooding of a stretch of countryside and villages just outside the island's Capital, Cagliari—the other good: the local property market, while slowing down, is performing better than the national average. Recent market reports by Italian estate agents groups Tecnocasa and UBH both show that sales volume have declined by about a third less than the Italian average and prices are either holding up, or facing contained drops—particularly so in the Northern region of Gallura. This in a place that, with the notable exception of the uber-expensive Emerald Coast resorts, remains more moderately priced than much of Italy. To check how Sardinia rates up against other regions, we have picked a property on the island, priced €260,000, and pitted it against two others in the same price range but different location. The jury is out on the winner—what do you think?
Villetta, La Filetta, Sardinia
This “really beautiful” two-bedroom villetta in La Filetta, close to Marina di Santa Teresa di Gallura, has many draws. An ochre façade with part exposed stone imparts a strong Mediterranean flavour to the building, which is matched inside by exposed beams and tiled flooring. Large French windows open onto a lovely garden and a large verandah. A private parking place is useful on an island like Sardinia, where the car is a necessity. But it is the panorama that makes this villetta priceless. Built unobtrusively on one level, it nonetheless afford spectacular sea views over Corsica, the ancient watchtower of Santa Teresa di Gallura and the small islands of the Bonifacio Strait. “The incomparable panorama, the pleasure of a rare comfort, and privacy make this property really special, particularly for buyers who love nature and tranquillity,” says Silvia Miorini of selling agents Immobilsarda. The asking price is €260,000 (+39 0789 754500, www.immobilsarda.it).
Rustico, Bonvicino, Piedmont
This tall stone rustico near Bonvicino, oozes country charm. The stone façade broken up by red shutters sets the tone, but the interiors—which have exposed stone walls, beamed ceilings, a fireplace and a wrought iron staircase—are to match. What makes this property really special, however, is the land around it. It spans 30,000 square metres of pine, fruit and other trees, and a large meadow with extraordinary view across the countryside and the Alps. It is verdant, secluded, beautiful and extremely quiet—perfect for a second home. And the countryside around Bonvicino has another advantage. It is very close to the village of Dogliani and the vineyards of the Bassa Langa, but not doesn’t quite fall inside the area—which means that prices are more contained. This rustico, which also comes with an outbuilding that could be turned into additional accommodation subject to the necessary work and consents, is on the market for €250,000 (Gabetti Langhe, www.gabettilanghe.com, +39 0173 70325).
Apartment in a historic building, Mogliano, Marche
Magic Marche are selling three apartments in a towered period building in the village of Mogliano. Behind the lovely pink, green-shuttered façade, an “excellent” local developer is creating three brand new apartments. The first will have two bedrooms and a private 83 square metre garden, the second one bedroom and a private garden of roughly the same size as the first, and the third has two bedrooms and a private terrace. The apartments come with a 10-year building guarantee and start from €220,000 for the one-bedroom flat. Mogliano is about 25 minutes away from Fermo and Macerata, and some 40 minutes’ drive from the sea. For more information, contact Magic Marche on (00 44) (0)208 941 8300, www.magicmarche.com.
