Archive for September, 2009

Do you buy British brands abroad?

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

I never quite understand why you would want to seek out British brands when you’re on holiday abroad. To me, a holiday is a great opportunity to try new things – especially local delicacies!

But I do understand that when you move abroad, it’s good to have some home comforts around you. Something you recognise. When I lived in China, I actually started smoking again (I know, it’s not big or clever) – it was the only thing I could find that reminded me of home.

Having a sense of familiarity around you when you’re in a new country is really important. But do you think you need them? Or if you’re moving to a new country should it just be out with the old and in with the new? Are you excited when you see Marmite or PGTips on the shelves abroad? Tell us in the poll below!

Do you buy British brands abroad?

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Close-up: Australia

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

Surfers Paradise, Queensland
If ever there was a more amazing apartment complex than this, I’d love to see it.

A staggering 240m above the deep blue sea of Surfers Paradise beach, the ultra-modern OceanSoul complex is an absolute dream. Every apartment in the complex is oriented towards the beach-front, providing unsurpassed 360° views that seem to go on forever – north to Stradbroke Island, south to Coolangatta towards Byron Bay.

The apartments’ interior has been designed to compliment the stunning surroundings so expect sandy-coloured worktops and lots of blue and silver.

And of course, the complex has great facilities like a roof pool (with a waterfall) reserved for residents only, a gym and day spa and a shopping centre.

For £5,835,591, you get a penthouse with possibly the best view in the world. And that’s priceless, surely?

Malvern, Melbourne
If you want a bit more space for your dollars, this architect-designed house with home cinema, gym, cellar and five-car basement garage might just be the one for you.

It’s been designed to create light-flooded rooms, so you can make the most of the glorious Australian sunshine even when you’re indoors.

And you’ll probably be spending a lot of time indoors, as there’s a formal sitting/dining room, a huge study, an impressive kitchen and a family room (that opens out to the pool) to choose from.

It’s a good one for a family – it’s ideally located for some of the best schools in Melbourne.

It’s P.O.A. but we reckon whatever the price tag, it’d be worth it.

Dalwood, Byron Bay
If you want a ready-made business with your new home, take a look at this one. It’s a sprawling six-bedroom home complete with coffee plantation and roastery.

There are 10,000 coffee trees already but if that’s not enough, there’s space for another 10,000.

Mountain views or sea views – tough choice, right? Not a choice you have to make here though as there’s the ocean to the east and the mountains to the west.

The property has a music room, play areas, a bar, an indoor swimming pool with glass atrium, an outdoor swimming pool, barbeque and outdoor entertaining areas and stables. Not likely to get bored here then.

Where to live: Barcelona

Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009


Of all the places in Spain I’d like to live, Barcelona is top of the list – wonderful architecture and scenery, fantastic food, the beach on your doorstep and – my favourite – Las Ramblas, that wonderful avenue full of street performers and artists.

It’s a stunning city, and luckily property prices are pretty reasonable in Spain right now. Of course, if you’re looking for something spectacular, you may have to dig a little deeper into your pockets, but you’ll find no shortage of potential properties.

Here are some of our favourites.

Sitges – £4,847,425
Do you really need another reason to fall in love with this home besides that photo? Well, there’s the fact it has seven bedrooms and five bathrooms. And it’s in an exclusive area right by the beach. And it’s got that pool, which comes with a serene-looking spa area.









Turo Park – £4,583,020
For a penthouse in Barcelona, Turo Park is the place you want to look. It has some of the best views in the whole city – from this property’s terraces you can see the city, Turo Park, the mountains and the sea. The apartment might need updating, but properties in this area are hard to come by, so it’s unlikely to be on the market for long.







Alella – £3,084,725
It’s got the swimming pool, the sea view, and four bedrooms, but what makes this property so special is its design. It’s been renovated to a high standard, using a mix of original and modern materials, but it’s the tower that really sets it apart.









Bonanova – £2,820,320
It’s a flat that apparently “looks and feels like a house” – probably thanks to the plunge pool, driveway and garden on the outside and the six bedrooms on the inside. It’s also got a wine cellar and a music studio. This is no ordinary flat – it’s property heaven.