Enjoy Sicily Unpacked on the BBC

When we think of Sicily we often conjour up all sorts of romantic and yet confusing emotions. If you have never been, then leave behind all your preconceptions and prepare to indulge in one of the most relaxing yet inspirational regions of Italy.


But no need to simply take our word, the BBC is now presenting a 3-part mini-series - Sicily Unpacked - in which Art critic Andrew Graham-Dixon ventures on a journey with chef Giorgio Locatelli around the wonderful island of Sicily.


Sicily is a book of history and art, a compendium of the greatest civilizations and cultures of all time. A sunny island whose landscape is rich in contrasts, with a splendid coastline and a refined, delicious and varied cuisine of traditional flavours and exquisite aromas: the quintessence of Mediterranean culture, yet also dense with intellectual complexity and refinement, so well represented by the literary masterpieces of Luigi Pirandello, Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, Leonardo Sciascia, Gesualdo Bufalino and today, Andrea Camilleri. Every style, every movement in art is richly represented in Sicily.


The series highlights the rich heritage of the island to show you the Sicily you may not be aware of, showing us the unique literature, politics and religion, architecture, art, not to mention the food, wine and inspirational landscape


Sicily Unpacked explores these various  elements of Sicilian culture showing how they interact in surprising ways.


For details of the BBC series, follow Sicily Unpacked


Once you have enjoyed the series, you may be interested in a visit to Sicily to view properties, and this is where we specialise. not only will our partners show you wonderful buildings for sale, you will also be able to sample Sicilan hospitaly and family cuisine at first hand.


Our favouites area of Sicily is Ragusa and the whole south-east corner of Sicily, This area continues to offer property buyers all the ingredients necessary for a wonderful holiday home: a year round warm climate, sandy beaches and wide selection of holiday properties at attractive prices. The new airport of Comiso in the south of the island  is located just a few kilometers from Ragusa. Direct flights from the UK already exist to Catania, but when Comiso opens (Ryanair and Jet2 both ready to fly there) this will open up the southern coast of the island to second home owners, so now is the time to take advantage of the excellent prices, before the rush starts!


The southern Sicilian coast around Ragusa is an ideal destination for those who want to combine a relaxing vacation on the beach with cultural sightseeing in one of the most renowned Baroque areas of Europe. Add to this a new 800 boat marina and Ragusa is an even more exciting holiday home destination


Realpoint is a founder member of the AIPP , representing only the interests of you, the buying client. We help clients every step of the way from an initial enquiry right through to purchase and after sales.

If you would like help to find your own place in Sicily why not start with a search on our website for property in Sicily - we also have Italian property of all types in all regions of Italy, to suit all budgets.

Contact Realpoint Property to let us help you find your dream home in Italy.

Life is sweet in Italy

When we think of La Dolce Vita it usually conjures up sun soaked beaches, balmy Mediterranean evenings  and sparkling wines accompanying delicious Italian cuisine. This week in Turin the term La Dolce Vita (The Sweet Life) takes on a slightly different meaning.

Turin, the capital town of Piemonte  is celebrating its reputation as Italy's Chocolate Capital with the Cioccolato chocolate show running from March 25th to April 3rd. Festivities will feature 6,000 chocolate makers from Piemonte and other parts of Italy, with tastings, exhibits, cooking courses, tours and river cruises.

Visitors will be treated to the tasty stages of chocolate making, from the base to its final form. A fully functioning Gianduia factory will be in operation. Gianduia is a hazelnut and chocolate confection for which Turin is famed. Gianduia was first sold in 1865, becoming the first chocolates wrapped in glittering foil.

The Accorsi Ometto Museum will show visitors how aristocrats of the 1700's indulged in hot chocolate, when it was still a privilege of elite circles. Turin's chocolate-making roots began in 1559, when Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia first brought cocoa beans home to Piemonte. Chocolate was served in the region exclusively as a hot beverage until 1826, the year entrepreneur Pierre Paul Caffarel introduced the production of solid chocolate. Caffarel is still a leading Italian chocolate brand.

Today, the Piemonte region produces 80,000 tons of Gianduia,  40% of Italy's total production. Gianduia was also central to the fortunes of Italy's chocolate multinational Ferrero. Pietro Ferrero started manufacturing chocolate in the Piemonte town of Alba in 1942. His first product was a hazelnut and chocolate spread called "Giandujot," a precursor to the company's world-famous Nutella.

We are also featuring a high quality developer set in rural Piemonte - La Faumlenta. For more details click here.

Realpoint is a founder member of the AIPP , representing only the interests of you, the buying client. We help clients every step of the way from an initial enquiry right through to purchase and after sales. 

If you would like help to find your own place in Italy why not start with a search on our website - we have Italian property of all types in all regions of Italy, to suit all budgets.

Contact Realpoint Property to let us help you find your dream home in Italy.

Tips For Viewing Italian Property

Featured Property - Villa Marguerite

Elegant and spacious well maintained villa has extensive unspoilt views of the Apennines and farmland. As an ideal 4/5 bed B&B or luxurious and charming family holiday home, it has all you could wish for in the rural peace and tranquillity of one of Italy's foremost national parks. The villa is on the edge of a small, picturesque, peaceful, Medieval hamlet.

Clients often ask our advice when preparing for their property viewing trips to Italy. So we would like to offer some tips that will enable you to get the most out of your visit. 

• Only use an agent who responds in a timely, informative manner and actually answers the questions you have asked!
• Make sure your agent is representing your interests only. Italian agents represent both buyer and seller
• In Italy, both buyer and vendor pay commission on sales plus VAT. Being a UK based agent Realpoint does not charge VAT on commission.
• Use an agent with a wide selection of properties. One point of contact who can organise everything, makes your viewing trip much easier.
• Chose an agent who can speak the language of your choice.
• Work only with registered agents.
• Insist on an itinerary for your visit, avoid spending valuable viewing time looking at unsuitable properties.
• If you are interested in a renovation project ask that a Geometra or Architect be present so you can discuss your renovation plans.
• Do not sign anything until you have had a period of reflection - preferably when back at home  It is a buyer's market in Italy so the house of your dreams will probably still be available.

And finally... be prepared for the unique experience called.... Italy.

Realpoint is a founder member of the AIPP , representing only the interests of you, the buying client. We help clients every step of the way from an initial enquiry right through to purchase and after sales. 

Realpoint covers all regions of Italy so if you want to know more about Italian real estate  and the services Realpoint can offer you, contact us to secure your Italian home.

If you would like help to find your own place in Italy why not start with a search on our website - we have Italian property of all types in all regions of Italy, to suit all budgets.

 Contact Realpoint Property to let us help you find your dream home in Italy.

Charity Cycle Event for Stroke Association

I'm doing the Stroke Association's 'Thames Bridges' bike ride for the first time.

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Thanks for your support.

Edward Crompton

Director, Realpoint Property

All you need to find your Italian property

Tuscany at an affordable price

About 500 meters above the sea level, close to the old monastery of San Vivaldo, and surrounded by the sweet rolling Tuscan hills, about 35 minutes drive from San Gimignano and Volterra, about 50 km from the international airport of Pisa, 10 minutes drive from Montaione and only 5 minutes from Castelfalfi golf course, is this hamlet, Casa San Vivaldo, which comprises 7 buildings divided into flats with just a few units remaining.

In this quality resort there are 3 communal swimming pools, restaurant, wellness centre. The future owners of these units will receive and enjoy specific facilities and benefits relating to the use of the services.

Outside there is also a private car-park, and tennis court.

There are two types of apartments as follows:

- two roomed flats which comprise a wide lounge with cooking area, double bedroom and bathroom (also a small garden on completion )

- a duplex comprising a living-room/kitchen and pantry on the ground floor, and double bedroom and bathroom on the first floor ( also a small garden on completion ).

All the gardens have been renovated in accordance with the typical Tuscan style. Plus it is possible to purchase the whole flat completely furnished.

Further details from Realpoint Property, your Italian property specialist.

Prices start at only 132,450 Euros, so contact Realpoint Property to secure yours today.

Palazzo Sacconi now available through Realpoint Property

Palazzo Sacconi is a landmark in the Marche region. This heritage structure dominates the historic, hill-top town of Montalto-delle-Marche. Built on 4 floors into the side of the hill, it has spectacular views of the southern Le Marche landscape, flanked by the Sibillini Mountains and the Adriatic coast.

It was built by Cardinal Carlo Sacconi and modified by his nephew, Count Giuseppe Sacconi (1854-1905) - the legendary architect behind the famous marble monument to Vittorio Emanuele II in the centre of Rome.

Supported by the Belle Arti, Palazzo Sacconi now has planning consent for restoration and conversion into residential and/or commercial use. The current hypothesis is to develop a bespoke apartment complex on 3 residential floors with indoor pool, gym, concierge and event facilities on the ground floor.

Palazzo Sacconi in Marche is now available from Realpoint Property.

Massive discount on Apartment in Liguria

Massive discount on Apartment in Liguria.

Although the property market in Italy remains very strong, the economic downturn may affect individual properties.

Realpoint Property (Italy) is positioned to bring these to the market and offer such bargains to our clients.

Consider this apartment - originally priced at 450,000 Euros, it is now available at 275,000 Euros and has fantastic views over Bordighera, Ospedaletti and Sanremo - some of the most popular areas on the Italian Riviera.

For more details click here.

Realpoint Property
Tel. +44 (0)845 331 2812 (local call in UK)
Email: info@realpointproperty.com
Website: http://www.realpointitaly.com