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Homes fit for a Princess
With speculation that Britains Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting the arrival of a little princess later this week, the world is watching and waiting for the patter of tiny Royal feet at some point this month.
The new princess (or prince, if the rumours and the bookmakers turn out to be wrong) will reside with her parents and older brother Prince George in the ten-bedroom Anmer Hall, close to the Queen's residence at Norfolk.
The luxury homes of the British Royal family are part of the country's heritage, but you do not have to be blue-blooded in order to live in sumptuous surroundings.
In Surrey, to the west of London, which is home to some of the most exclusive properties that England has to offer, 3.5million is sufficient to purchase an eight-bedroom, four-bathroom Ascot house, from estate agency Barton Wyatt. The tastefully restored, unique Victorian home boasts a cinema, pool and gym, as well as a large sunny garden for making the most of the British summertime.
On the nearby Wentworth Estate, a brand new Georgian style five-bedroom, five-reception room home set in an acre of grounds costs a cool 4.6million. Arranged over three storeys, the house is perfect for a family looking to house their little princes and princesses in style. For those with a nanny in tow, the Wentworth Estate offers a fantastic contemporary home with annex, for 4.95million. The six-bedroom detached home is ideal for those looking to accommodate a nanny on site, while the extensive gardens and 'secret clearing' in the woodland would be fantastic for older children.
But it is not just the U.K. that is attracting buyers of luxury homes. Chris White, founding director of boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, said: Many British families are taking advantage of the current excellent exchange rate to purchase a palatial second home overseas and Portugal is one of Europe's best destinations when it comes to luxury homes that don't cost the earth. A south facing seven-bedroom villa with sea views and pool, with under-floor heating, Jacuzzi and tennis court will set you back just 1.75million, which really is incredible value."
Martin Dell, director of Spanish property portal, Kyero.com, which lists more than 200,000 homes from 3,000 estate agents, has noticed that prestigious Spanish homes are also attracting the interest of buyers from the U.K. He said: Both high-end city apartments and luxury coastal villas are piquing the interest of international buyers right now. Spain has a lot to offer those looking for peace and serenity in luxurious surroundings. For 1.2million you can pick up a five-bedroom, four-bathroom villa with pool on the coast near Barcelona. Terraces and a summer veranda enjoy stunning sea views, while the basement provides a gym and home cinema for those rare days when the Spanish weather doesn't oblige."
For buyers who want to preserve the environment for the future, as well as provide the perfect home for their family in the present, Istanbul offers some fantastic eco homes, such as Oceanic Bay View from property agency Universal 21. An exquisite family home spread across three floors on the outskirts of Istanbul, the detached villa with pool combines eco-friendly building materials with features such as reclaimed rainwater and solar power. Contemporary features such as earthquake resistance, ergonomic design and a smart house system complete this stunning dwelling.
Whether it's a palace at home or abroad that your family needs, the right home is out there, just waiting for your little princes and princesses to make it their own.
Andrew Batt, International Group Editor ofPropertyGuru Group, wrote this story. To contact him about this or other stories emailandrew@propertyguru.com.sg
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