We know that this summer some, if not all, of us may be facing disruption to holiday plans abroad, but we know that won’t stop you from wanting to see what the current state of the international property market is like – and as a business, we are anticipating some pent up demand when travel restrictions ease up again. Samantha McGladdery, Senior International Consultant for Hamptons shares five of her favourite properties that our international team currently have on the market. 
First up we have this historic former watermill, sitting on the river Osme, located in the picturesque region of Charente, two hours’ drive north of Bordeaux. This five bedroom home stands on a quiet lane, with its own pool and guest house, offering the buyer a chance for both a country escape and potentially a bed and breakfast business opportunity.
Up until 2002 this house was owned by the Mitterand family, and Francois Mitterand, the former French president, regularly holidayed here. The bread oven in the garden was apparently where Mr Mitterand once cooked 700 snails for a family lunch. This certainly has the story and at that price, it represents a wonderful opportunity for anyone considering a second home across the channel. 
Next up on our whistle-stop tour around the world, Idyll Moments is an exquisite, custom-designed villa, in St. James, Barbados. Completed in 2014 and located on a ridge boasting unobstructed views of the fairway and bay, this villa has beautiful interiors, featuring imported furniture from England and the United States and is being sold fully furnished.
When you walk into Idyll Moments, the open elegance of the sliding, glazed glass doors, brings the outside of the property indoors, allowing the natural light and wonderful views to merge and create a stunning space for entertaining. The open plan foyer, living room and study, all flow on to the expansive patio and pool area.
This home is truly breath-taking and its westerly views offer unparalleled sunsets and 365 days of sunshine. 
We return to Europe with this wonderfully presented two bedroom town house, attached to one of the Algarve’s best golf and leisure resorts. Spread over two levels, the home is very well maintained offering modern accommodation with spacious areas flowing onto balconies and terraces benefiting from the morning and afternoon sun. The top floor hosts an open living and dining area with a balcony boasting a magnificent view of the courses third hole.
Owners have the use of the Bela Colina swimming pool, and the resort´s 24-hour security. The apartment is a short walk from the clubhouse, restaurant, tennis courts and children's playground and is located between the Porto do Mós beach and Praia da Luz, both popular beaches in the Lagos area with many activities and amenities. This town house is ideal as a second home, golfing getaway or has great potential as a holiday rental property. 
If the beach isn’t really your scene, what about a property in the Italian Alps? An hours drive from the Austrian border in Trentino-Alto Adige, this majestic property features an Alpine-style pantry equipped with Miele household equipment and a wood-burning oven. It offers breath-taking views of Mount Sasso di Santa Croce and Gran Risa, the ski run included in the circuit of the alpine ski World Cup. What’s more, this home has its own spa, sauna and jacuzzi tub, perfect for relaxing after a day on the slopes. If you’re looking for the quintessential European mountain retreat, then look no further.
Finally, and staying in Italy but moving towards the Mediterranian coast, we have this wonderfully presented five bedroom villa, located in the Pinamare, Andora, overlooking the sea and nestled into a forested hillside. This recently constructed split level property has been designed to live in perfect harmony with the surrounding parkland. It features its own studio, pool, guest house and a large panoramic terrace, perfect for entertaining. With its close proximity to the sea and stunning views the potential for this stunning home is endless.
If any of these properties have captured your interest, please contact the International team at Hamptons And maybe those properties aren’t quite right for you, but if you’re still interested in finding out more about the benefits and challenges of buying abroad or seeing more of the over 90,000 international properties we have in our portfolio, click here to contact me directly or visit our website to get in touch and we’ll be able to take you through the process, step by step.
