The message from the international sales team at Knight Frank this week is that perennially popular or ‘core' locations are the most sensible places to go second home hunting in 2010.
Italy
Chianti in Tuscany: has seen increased interest as buyers revert to the trusted markets in times of trouble
Venice: one of the only places in Italy which has a good year-round rental market
Florence: Italians are increasingly interested in buying city apartments
Bargains: Northern Tuscany - the area known as the Garfagnana - is still offering good value for money, has excellent access to the coast and Pisa airport
Mallorca
South West of the island: Bendinat is close to Palma, has good golf courses, the new marina at Port Adriano, and international schools
Deia: the favourite with Bohemian expats and arty types and restricted building will keep supply short
Bargains: Prices for property in inland villages such as Alaró, Bunyola and Santa Maria have come down by about 15%
France
St Tropez: recent planning law banning building within 300m of the coast has restricted supply
Dordogne and Gascony: investment in Bergerac's airport is dispelling rumours that budget airlines might be pulling out
Alps: Chamonix where prices are now more affordable
Portugal
Western Algarve: where prices have come down by about 30%
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Five superb country homes, from under £1 million to £20 million, as seen in Country LifeOur look at some the best homes to come up for sale via Country Life in the past week includes a Wiltshire dream home and a vast Kent mansion that's an easy commute to the City.
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The curious case of Cecil Beaton and Madame XWhen he noticed an uncanny resemblance between John Singer Sargent’s painting of Virginie Gautreau and a Cecil Beaton portrait of Leslie Caron, Patrick Monahan called on the Hollywood Golden Age actress to investigate.
