Category Archives: Holiday House

La inauguración del AVE de Barcelona a Francia impulsará las ventas en el sector inmobiliario


Después de muchos años de demoras, finalmente ya ha entrado en servicio el último tramo de la línea ferroviaria de alta velocidad entre Barcelona y Francia. A partir de hoy habrá nueve trenes diarios del AVE desde Barcelona a Girona y a Figueres, dos de los cuales servirán de enlace con el TGV francés que va a París, donde también hay los trenes Eurostar, que enlazan con Londres y Bruselas. No obstante, las conexiones directas entre Barcelona y Francia no estarán en funcionamiento hasta abril, ya que durante los próximos tres meses los pasajeros con destino a Perpiñán tendrán que cambiar de tren en Figueres. La duración del trayecto del AVE de Barcelona a Girona será de 39 minutos y de Barcelona a Figueres será de 55 minutos. Habrá tarjetas con descuentos para 10 trayectos, lo que significa que el trayecto costará solo 6,91 € (Barcelona-Girona) y 8,89 € (Barcelona-Figueres), aunque será más caro para los viajeros ocasionales.

Esta infraestructura llega casi 21 años después de la primera línea de alta velocidad entre Madrid y Sevilla, de casi 3.000 kilómetros. España cuenta con la red ferroviaria más extensa en el mundo después de China. Finalmente, la península ibérica quedará conectará por tren de alta velocidad con el resto de Europa, mientras que las cuatro capitales de Cataluña -Barcelona, Girona, Lleida y Tarragona- también estarán conectadas entre sí.

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Boost for property sales as last High Speed railway stretch between Barcelona and France finally unveiled


After years of delays, the last stretch of the High Speed railway linking Barcelona and France is finally in service. There are now nine daily AVE fast-trains from Barcelona to Girona and Figueres, two of which will connect with the french TGV fast-trains to Paris, where Eurostar trains link to London and Brussels.  Direct connections between Barcelona and France will still have to wait until April, as during the next three months passengers will have to switch trains at Figueres if they want to continue to Perpignan. AVE trains from Barcelona to Girona and Figueres will have journey times of 39 minutes and 55 minutes respectively and 10-journey tickets will be issued for daily passengers which mean that the rides will cost only €6.91 and €8.89, although they will be more expensive for occasional travellers.

This infrastructure arrives almost 21 years after the first High Speed Train line between Madrid and Seville was unveiled and after nearly 3000  kilometres of railroad has been constructed. Spain now has the world’s second largest rail network after China. Spain will finally be connected by High Speed Train to the rest of Europe whilst Catalunya’s four capitals – Barcelona, Girona, Lleida and Tarragona – are also linked between themselves.

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The Lucas Fox guide to… Luxury dining in the Costa Brava

Catalunya has a well deserved reputation for being home to some outstanding restaurants. In fact, the region has the highest concentration of Michelin starred restaurants in the whole of Spain. Fourteen restaurants have amassed twenty Michelin stars between them, while the chef Joan Roca, of El Celler de Can Roca, has been singled out for his exceptional cullinary talent. Many of Spain’s finest modern chefs (including of course Ferran Adria) have been trained in Catalan schools and restaurants, and numerous exciting and unique dishes have been created in a Costa Brava restaurant. The region’s gastronomy, inextricably linked to the local cuisine and geography, is a powerful engine of the local economy and tourism industry. Indeed, gastronomy now represents one of the reasons tourists choose to holiday in the Costa Brava.

For any ‘foodie’, or for those holidaying in the area, there is a wealth of gastronomic delights to discover. Some typical local speciality dishes include:

Pa amb tomàquet – Bread brushed with tomato and olive oil –this is pretty much a staple at any meal.

Allioli – this garlic-and-olive-oil mayonnaise style accompaniment is found in restaurants around the world, but you must taste the real thing handmade in Catalunya.

Crema Catalana – similar to the French crème brulee and sometimes with a twist such as cinnamon or orange.

Suquet – a fish stew dish. Delicious.

Escalivada – onion, red pepper and aubergine grilled and often served with bread or paired with a meat or seafood dish.

There are countless excellent restaurants in the region.. here are some of our favourites:

El Cellar de Can Roca Can
Sunyer 48,17007, Girona
Tel: 0034 972 222 157
restaurant@cellarcanroca.com
www.cellercanroca.com

This 3 starred Michelin restaurant is a must. Run by 3 brothers who combine to create truly spectacular food. They call themselves a free-style restaurant, committed to the avant-garde, but still faithful to the memory of different generations of the family’s ancestors dedicated to feeding people.

Bo Tic
Ctra. C-66 Girona, Palamós, Km 11,5 – 17121 CORÇÀ (Girona)
Tel: 0034 972 63 08 69
restaurant@bo-tic.com
www.bo-tic.com

Since  2007 the owners of this one Michelin Starred restaurant, Albert Sastregener i Surroca and Cristina Torrent i Cos, have displayed an enviable professional know-how despite their youth, and have been shaping the idea of this interesting new gastronomic project. It is a creative, innovative and involving design cuisine project, inspired by the essence of traditional Empordanese cuisine.

Ca L’Arpa
Passeig Indústria 5, 17820, Banyoles
Tel: 0034 972 57 23 53
calarpa@calarpa.com
www.lescols.com

A modern and beautifully styled restaurant with two Michelin Stars serving up simply amazing food.

Miramar
Passeig Marítim, 7, 17490, Llançà, Girona
Tel: 0034 972 380 132
www.restaurantmiramar.com

Miramar was first opened in 1939 by the Serra Family. During many years it was a tavern. Nowadays, the fourth generation are running the show and since 1997 have been in charge of re-creating a Miramar as Gourmet Restaurant. After 75 years of history, the Miramar restaurant, now has 2 Michelin Stars, given in 2006 and 2010 to Chef Paco Perez.

Els Tinars
Ctra. de St. Feliu a Girona, km 7,2, 1724, Llagostera, GIRONA
Tel. 972 830 626
tinars@tinars.com
www.elstinars.com

Their cuisine is and always has been based on traditional Catalan cooking and the finest seasonal local produce. They take advantage of new techniques to bring traditional dishes constantly up to date.

Director of Lucas Fox Costa Brava Tom Maidment believes lovers of good Spanish cuisine will be spoilt for choice when visiting the region
““The Costa Brava, in particular the region of Empordà is blessed with fine dining, but a great meal doesn`t always have to bore a whole in your pocket.  Before tourism reached Costa Brava, incomes relied on the fishing trade, olive farming and wine, and these staples remain part of the area’s gastronomy. You can find yourself having memorable introductions to Catalan gastronomy in restaurants such as Tragamar in Canadell, Platillos Can Climent in Begur or Hostal Sa Tuna in Sa Tuna.“

Lucas Fox has numerous luxury properties close to some of Europe’s best restaurants including

Luxury, newly constructed, Costa Brava properties to buy in Aigua Blava, one of the most exclusive areas of the Costa Brava – 24-hour security, gated community, sea views, 1km from the beach

Semi-detached, golf property to buy on the prestigious PGA de Catalunya golf resort – near Girona city and the beaches of the Costa Brava

Lovely 5-bedroom Costa Brava villa to buy just a 5-minute walk from the stunning bay of Tamariu

Superb luxury Begur villa for sale in an exclusive residential estate overlooking Aiguablava with private pool and lovely sea views. Walking distance to the beach

For more information on the above properties or any other property for sale or rent on the Costa Brava, please contact Tom Maidment Tom@LucasFox.com or +34 648092334

 

Luxury and very exclusive holiday apartment for rent on Paseo de Gracia | LFSR032

Barcelona’s finest luxury apartment on Paseo de Gracia in the heart of the city. Including free use of the Spa on top of the building.

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Ms. Monica Nahas, the Short Term Rentals Agent of Lucas Fox commented:”This is the most luxurious apartment we have for short term rentals. Its in a building with intelligent apartments with touch screen controls for the automatic lighting, sound and audio visuals, wifi, ipods, projector and DVDs.It also has bathtubs with color therapy.”

Please feel free to contact our Holiday rentals Agent Ms. Monica Nahas: monica@lucasfox.com or call her (+34) 933 562 989 , or please Click Here

For further information about all our properties available for holiday rentals, please click Here

Gaudi-style luxury apartment for short term rentals in Barcelona | LFSR056

Gaudi-style luxury apartment for short term rent in Barcelona, near the National Theatre and Sagrada Familia.

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Ms. Monica Nahas, the Short Term Rentals Agent of Lucas Fox commented:
“This cool apartment was fully renovated highlighting the mix of the most modern elements but also classic Catalan vaulted ceilings and brick walls. The parquet floor adds a warm accent and gives the apartment a welcoming character. It`s very well connected – near by there`re bus and subway stations. You can take a walk to Sagrada Familia and Torre Agbar. In their neighborhood is the famous flea market – Mercado de los Encantes.”

Please feel free to contact our Holiday rentals Agent Ms. Monica Nahas: monica@lucasfox.com or call her (+34) 933 562 989

For further information about all our properties available for holiday rentals, please click Here

2 bedroom apartment for short term rentals near the beach in the centre of Sitges | LFSR127

Unique apartment in Sitges old town close to San Sebastián beach. Beautifully decorated property in an exceptional location in Sitges town centre.

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Ms. Monica Nahas, the Short Term Rentals Agent of Lucas Fox commented:”I love walking around the narrow roads of Sitges, the little neighborhood near the church is so clean and well maintained , its got lots of very good restaurants and nice historical architecture!”

This is a unique 100m2 apartment for sale in the centre of Sitges, in the old neighbourhood near to the San Sebastián beach.
The property has been decorated with care and evident interior design skill.
The apartment has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and a large living room.
There is a communal terrace facing the sea.

Please feel free to contact our Holiday rentals Agent Ms. Monica Nahas: monica@lucasfox.com or call her (+34) 933 562 989 , or please Click Here

Modern designer house for holiday rent in Sitges, Barcelona

Spectacular designer house to buy in La Levantina. This impressive Sitges villa for sale has luxury finishes and panoramic views of Sitges, the marina and sea.

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Ms. Monica Nahas, Short Term Rentals Agent of Lucas Fox commented : “This new build property was designed by an award winning architect and has incredible panoramic views over the sea, Aiguadolce Marina and Sitges. Its still available for the summer!”

Please feel free to contact our Holiday rentals Agent Ms. Monica Nahas: monica@lucasfox.com or call her (+34) 933 562 989

Description:
This new build property was designed by an award winning architect and has incredible panoramic views over the sea, Aiguadolc marina and Sitges.

The build and level of internal finish is superb – there are Shüco aluminium window frames, automatic doors, electric blinds and tinted glass.
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Luxury villa for short term rent in Sitges | LFSR091

Luxury villa for short term rent in Sitges, 5bedroom, 5 bathroom, with pool, elevator and garden, 2km from the beach.

Ms. Monica Nahas, Short Term Rentals Agent  of Lucas Fox commented : “This property is interesting for the fact that its got an amazing design and its build on a very steep rocky  mountain,  and the entrance is from an elevator on the roof! A bit further from the noise but still close enough for not needing to rent a car, because it offers a free transport service to the beach and centre! Its got a cool design and incredible views, and it fits up to 12 people!”

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Description: This beautiful villa constructed in 2010 is situated in a privileged area of Sitges, called Quint Mar. An excellent sea view and a green zone in front of the villa guarantees you silence and relaxation throughout the day and night.

please feel free to contact our Short Term Rental Agent Ms. Monica Nahas: monica@lucasfox.com or call her (+34) 933 562 989
, or please Click Here

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Ibiza Hot Properties For Short Term Summer Rentals

 

Lucas Fox International Properties

Telephone: (+34) 971 590 630, Email: info@lucasfox.com, Web: www.lucasfox.com

Ibiza Hot Properties For Short Term Summer Rentals

Lucas Fox is proud to present our Ibiza luxury villa rental collection for Summer 2012.

Once again Ibiza is set to be top of the hotlist of fashionable destinations this summer and what better way to enjoy the island than renting one of our exclusive villas.

Lucas Fox Ibiza  has selected the finest villas the island has to offer, from uber-modern villas with breathtaking sea views to stunning country homes all chosen for their finish, design and attention to detail.

Why rent your villa through Lucas Fox?  It’s simple, we offer only the best quality properties, a professional approach and an exceptional level of service.

It goes without question we will ensure your stay is as relaxing and enjoyable as possible and our on the ground staff are here to make sure that you have everything you need from chefs to boats. Contact us to find out more about our fully hosted villas.

Click here to see out full list of villas for summer rental.

Below we have featured a selection of our hottest properties available for short term summer rentals in Ibiza.

 

Charming modern hillside villa for rent in Cala Vadella close to San José

 

 

Spectacular newly built ‘Ibicenco’ style house for short-term rent in North Ibiza

 

 

Superb designer seafront property in Calo D’en Real in the West of Ibiza

 

 

Luxurious and stylish Ibiza country house close to the village of Santa Gertrudis

 

 

Beautiful 5-bedroom villa to rent with stunning views in Cala Jondal

 

 

Super modern villa with great views of the sea, marina and Ibiza old town

 

 

Exceptional modern Ibicenco style villa to rent in San Miguel in north Ibiza with beautiful country views

 

 

 

Lucas Fox Ibiza
Ctra San Miguel km4 (in SLUIZ)
07814 Santa Gertrudis
Ibiza
Telephone: (+34) 971 590 630 Email: info@lucasfox.com

Tourist numbers help stabilize Ibiza real estate market

Does Spanish tourism have a flow on effect to real estate Spain? The healthy tourist numbers since the start of 2011 could be indicative of a trend that gives further confidence to the Spanish property market.

Spain is top of the list for many holidaymakers:

  • Travellers love the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of the cities, towns and islands of Spain.
  • They appreciate the consistency and comfort of the weather, and find the country an easy place to arrive at or to depart from.
  • Visitors talk about the delicious foods, and how easy it is to get around either within a city like Madrid, or between places, like those hopping from a Barcelona property to a holiday spot on Ibiza real estate.

2011 has already started to look like a bumper year for Spanish tourism. The first quarter of 2011 has seen a solid increase in tourist numbers compared with the same three months in 2010. Recently-released April 2011 figures for airport passenger arrivals show the trend continuing.

This April, passenger arrivals into Spanish airports were 20% higher than for the same time last year. The increasing number of visitors to Ibiza was even more pronounced, with the 266.241 arrivals adding up to a 32.9% increase on 2010 numbers.

“All the signs are that 2011 is going to be a great season on Ibiza,” confirms Alix Bond from Lucas Fox’ Ibiza office. “Holiday rental companies and hotels are already reporting an increase on occupancy from last season with a notably higher demand for luxury villas in the Cala Jondal and Es Cubells areas.”

Tourism can play an important role in increasing the stability and opportunity of a property market. This year’s tourism could be a good news indicator for real estate Spain broadly, while the first four months of the year are buoying the scene in Ibiza. As Alix points out, tourists need accommodation, so a regular flow of holidaymakers can promote a healthy Ibiza property rental market.

“In recent years, Ibiza has focused on attracting more luxury tourism to the island and the positive news for the property market on the island is that many of these holiday makers will go on to buy property on Ibiza. There is a great buzz about Ibiza and Ibiza real estate at the moment. The high level of interest in renting and buying is definitely helping to make Ibiza property an interesting investment with great rental potential and the possibility of capital growth in coming years.”

With the summer months approaching, a strategic property investor would do well to keep one eye on the tourist numbers and one on the rental property vacancies. Weighing up the two may be one of the most useful factors in identifying the best time to buy Ibiza real estate.