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If you’ve always dreamed of escaping to somewhere else in Europe, you’re not the only one. Whether it’s a Spanish villa, a French farmhouse, or an apartment in rural Italy, there’s something magical about being able to retreat to a peaceful property on the continent. And, while most of us probably don’t have the funds to buy a second home, that doesn’t mean those dreams can’t become a reality.
To show you how you can make your European dreams come true, we’ve partnered with the Holiday Property Bond, which is the brainchild of a group of British investors. In return for an initial investment from £5,000, plus a quarterly fee of less than £38, you’ll have access to over 1,500 villas, cottages, and apartments all over Europe, most of which are in complexes where it’s easy to meet other people.
For each holiday you go on, you’ll pay a user charge which will cover maintenance costs and the use of any facilities on-site. The average charge remains the same throughout the year, and for a week is typically around £540 for a two bedroom property and £360 for a studio. Larger properties are also available.
You can surrender your investment to the company after two years or more, but you’ll get back less than you invested, as charges will have been deducted (including a 25% initial fee) and as with most investments, your capital is at risk. Encashment is subject to deferral in exceptional circumstances.
Even if you have the funds to buy a holiday home, there are many reasons why becoming a Bondholder might make more sense. Rather than only having one place to go, with HPB you can choose homes and destinations as the whim strikes you. For example, head to Austria in winter, Turkey in spring, France in summer, and Portugal in autumn. Plus, HPB takes care of all maintenance and upkeep of the properties, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
There’s a huge amount of diversity when it comes to the properties too. If you fancy a staycation, there are over 600 properties across the UK, mostly located in national parks and stunning natural landscapes. If you’re looking for a European escape, however, you’re truly spoilt for choice. There are 32 locations across the continent – from humble beachside apartments to grand country villas.
So, to get you inspired, here are 10 HPB holiday properties in beautiful locations. And if you want to find out more about how HPB works, you can head over to their website.
1. Stigliano, Tuscany, Italy
Arguably the most beautiful part of Italy, Tuscany has enchanted for centuries. Located 20 minutes from Siena, and within easy reach of Florence and Pisa, rural Stigliano is packed with charm. Crowned by an old stone tower that looms above the valley, this hilltop village looks much as it did in the 13th century. However, the 36 studios, apartments, and bungalows have been beautifully restored, and range from studios and one-bed cottages to apartments for up to six guests.
While the grounds are elegantly landscaped, they’re still home to olive groves, cypress trees, and sage, rosemary, and thyme bushes, so the breezes are wonderfully fragrant. When it gets hot, you can cool off in the outdoor pool – or, if you’re feeling energetic, hit the badminton court. For something more leisurely, there’s table tennis and bocce (Italian bowls). Foodies are spoilt for choice here too…and that’s without mentioning the fabulous Chianti wine.
2. El Pueblito de Alfaix, Almería, Spain
Spain has long been the most popular choice for Brits seeking sun, and if you’re a fan of Spanish food, weather, culture, and lifestyle, this next property might be for you. Located in Andalusia, close to the historic city of Almería, El Pueblito de Alfaix is incredibly picturesque. It was designed by a local architect to look like a traditional Andalusian village; whitewashed homes are linked by walkways with dry stone walls.
The landscaped grounds blend effortlessly into the natural surroundings and, from the gardens, you can enjoy dramatic views of the Cabrera mountains. There are studios, apartments, and villas here, and while all are modern, it seems as though they’ve been there for centuries. Pristine beaches, Moorish history, and fantastic food are on your doorstep, but staying in El Pueblito is always tempting; swim in one of the many pools, hit the onsite bar, watch the sunset from your balcony, or listen to nightingales by the river.
3. La Reserva de Biniorella, Camp de Mar, Majorca
If you’re more tempted by Majorca, La Reserva de Biniorella might be your ideal destination. Located in the southwest corner of this sunny Spanish island, this exclusive country club development is sprawled across an enviable setting. With pine tree-studded mountains behind you, and the gleaming blue Mediterranean in front, the views from the bay of Camp de Mar are breathtaking.
There are 98 properties, from compact apartments and bungalows to large villas, so you’re sure to find something that suits you. With three pools, a leisure centre, bar, and restaurant onsite, you don’t even need to leave the complex to exercise or enjoy a meal or drinks. But Majorca, the largest Balearic Island, has much to offer if you do. Not only is it a golfer’s paradise, but it has an arts scene to rival the mainland – and even in winter it stays around 15°.
A lifetime of adventures with HPB
With over 1,500 properties to discover, HPB Bondholders can enjoy year after year of precious holiday memories, from days by the pool to unforgettable excursions.
4. Rocha Brava, Carvoeiro, Portugal
If you’re looking for peace and tranquillity as well as sunshine and scenic views, there’s Rocha Brava. Just three miles from the coastal town of Carvoeiro, in the heart of Portugal’s Algarve, this development has something for everyone. There are two private pools as well three shared pools, scenic gardens bursting with colour, and exceptional on-site facilities, including tennis courts, a fitness centre, restaurant, coffee shop, and supermarket.
There are 53 villas and apartments. The apartments are one or two-bedroom properties, while the villas have three bedrooms, so are perfect if you’re planning a holiday with friends or family. The Algarve is known for its sweeping beaches, so if you’re looking for sun, sea, and sand, Rocha Brava will tick the box. Some of the best golf courses in Portugal are within easy reach too – and, if you’re into history, the ancient Moorish capital of Silves is packed with culture.
5. Manoir du Hilguy, Brittany, France
If you’ve always harboured lofty dreams of living in a French chateau, why not allow HPB to make them a reality? Tucked away in one of the prettiest corners of Brittany is Le Manoir du Hilguy, a magnificent 18th-century chateau steeped in history. A few minutes from the village of Plogastel St. Germain, the house was once the home of the French aristocracy. Today, however, it consists of 60 holiday homes: 11 apartments and 49 cosy cottages.
The apartments are in the chateau itself, and include studios, as well as one or two-bedroom apartments. The cottages are in the surrounding grounds, with the larger properties capable of sleeping eight guests. When it comes to leisure, the dazzling Brittany coastline boasts rocky outcrops as well as pristine beaches, the food is fabulous (especially the seafood!), and the beautiful medieval villages and unspoilt scenery are a joy to explore.
6. Encosta Cabo Girão, Cabo Girão, Madeira
Madeira is known as the ‘Island of Eternal Spring’, and with its warm year-round climate, it’s a wonderful place to retreat to. This Portuguese island is famous for its spectacular scenery and fascinating flora and fauna, so if you’re a nature lover, you’ll be in paradise. Encosta Cabo Girão is a private resort located on top of one of Europe’s highest coastal cliffs, and the views of the Atlantic Ocean can’t fail to inspire.
There are 120 properties, including studios, one or two-bed apartments, and a range of villas – some of which come with private pools. Three properties are accessible for those with mobility difficulties, and from the grounds, you may even spot whales and dolphins. If you want to immerse yourself in history and culture, the resort is just a stone’s throw from Funchal, Madeira’s charming capital. And, if you love hiking, there are miles of trails that weave their way through the local area.
A lifetime of adventures with HPB
With over 1,500 properties to discover, HPB Bondholders can enjoy year after year of precious holiday memories, from days by the pool to unforgettable excursions.
7. Viehhofen, Salzburgerland, Austria
Famous for its dramatic mountains, flower-filled meadows, and chocolate-box towns and villages, Austria is bursting with natural beauty. If you’re a keen skier or hiker, the region of Salzburgerland is the perfect base, and whether you come in summer or winter, you’ll find an abundance of things to see and do. The tranquil Viehhofen town boasts winter skiing and summer walking opportunities to rival any in the Alps, and the HPB chalets are a fabulous retreat after an action-packed day.
There are five properties inside these traditional-style chalets, and you can choose between one and two-bedroom apartments. Four of the properties have either a terrace or a balcony, so when you’re not hitting the slopes or trekking, you can admire glorious views of your surroundings. In the summer, you can also go windsurfing and sailing on the nearby lake – or, if you’re a thrill seeker, white-water rafting in Taxenbach Gorge, which is just 20km from Viehhofen.
8. El Balcón de Santa Ana, Playa de Santiago, La Gomera
The Canary Islands are known for year-round warmth and sunshine, so if you’re looking for a European escape where you can catch some rays even in a winter, they’re an excellent choice. La Gomera is the second smallest island in this Spanish archipelago, yet its size belies its diversity. Home to verdant hills, dramatic ravines, rocky cliffs, and sun-baked beaches – not to mention Europe’s only rainforest – it offers a huge amount of variety.
At the top of the island’s rugged coastal cliffs is the exclusive private resort of El Balcón de Santa Ana. Not only is it the perfect base for sun-worshippers, but it’s also ideally situated to explore the rest of the island. The pretty fishing port of Playa Santiago is less than a mile away, and the bustling capital of San Sebastian is just 20 miles west. There are 94 one or two-bedroom apartments on the resort, as well as six three-bedroom villas, so the properties are as diverse as the island itself.
9. Physkos, Turunç, Turkey
Whether or not Turkey can technically be considered Europe is up to debate – but if you’re dreaming of a sun-soaked Mediterranean escape, it definitely won’t disappoint. Located on the Bozburun Peninsula, the village of Turunç offers an award-winning beach, gin-clear waters, and plenty of authentic Turkish character. It’s also home to the delightful development of Physkos. And, if you’re looking for a secluded location and village atmosphere, you won’t be disappointed.
There are studios, apartments that can sleep between two and five guests, and luxury villas on offer. The villas each have private pools and can sleep between five and eight people, so if you’re thinking about a group holiday, they’re ideal. Plus, the local waterside restaurants and bars are buzzing, there’s a wealth of hidden bays and stunning beaches nearby, and the popular resort of Marmaris is within easy reach – so you’ll never be bored!
A lifetime of adventures with HPB
With over 1,500 properties to discover, HPB Bondholders can enjoy year after year of precious holiday memories, from days by the pool to unforgettable excursions.
10. Coreggia, Puglia, Italy
The Puglia region of Italy is known for its mouthwatering local cuisine, whitewashed fishing villages, UNESCO World Heritage Sites…and unique trulli homes. These strange conical houses might look like they belong in a fairytale rather than Southeastern Italy, but they’re part of what makes Puglia so special. Coreggia is located just outside the World Heritage Site of Alberobello, but it enjoys a peaceful, rural setting. Each house also has its own patio and access to a communal pool.
Inside, these authentic homes have been carefully restored while retaining the original character. There’s one three-bedroom, one two-bedroom, and three one-bedroom trulli. So, whether you’re travelling solo or with friends or family, you’ll find a property suited to your needs. Plus, there are olives trees and lemon groves on the grounds, sandy beaches on your doorstep, and attractions like Matera, Lecce, and Castellana within easy reach. This is your slice of perfect Puglia.
Final thoughts…
From sleek apartments on Spanish islands to quiet Turkish retreats, the properties featured here are just a selection of what’s on offer at HPB.
The beauty of HPB’s holiday benefits is that they last as long as you’re a Bondholder – so if you’re drawn to all these properties, there’s no reason why you can’t plan to stay at them all!
While it can be nice to return to a familiar place, you have the option of travelling around, trying out new villas and villages, and seeing which parts of Europe feel most special to you. Then, once you find your dream holiday location, you can return time and again.
The Holiday Property Bond is a financial product that’s authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. All new Bondholders benefit from a “Money Back Promise”; if you’re not totally satisfied with your first HPB holiday, you can cash in within 14 days of your return, as long as the holiday was taken within three years of investing.
To find out more about how The Holiday Property Bond delivers its holiday benefits, and to request a free, fully-illustrated brochure, head over to their website.
Are you tempted by any of these beautiful properties? Are you intrigued by the concept of a Holiday Property Bond? We’d love to hear about your thoughts in the comments below.
Exclusive holidays for life: An initial payment from £5,000 and a quarterly fee of under £38 (that is around £150 a year), which can increase in line with but not exceed the Retail Price Index Excluding Mortgage Interest (RPIX), gives you access to all HPB’s holiday homes. For each HPB holiday, you will pay a no-profit user charge covering only property running and maintenance costs and use of on-site facilities. The average charge is the same throughout the year, and for a studio is around £360 a week and £540 for a two bedroom property. Larger properties are also available. After an initial charge of 25% your money is invested in a fund of holiday properties and securities. The fund itself meets annual charges of 2.5% of its net assets at cost, calculated monthly. Your investment return is purely in the form of holidays and, as with most investments, your capital is at risk. You can surrender your investment to the company after two years or more (subject to deferral in exceptional circumstances) but you will get back less than you invested because of the charges referred to above, as well as other overheads and changes in the value of the fund’s properties and securities.
This advertisement is issued by HPB Management Limited (HPBM), the main UK agent and the property manager for HPB, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registered at HPB House, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 8EH. HPB is available exclusively through HPBM. HPB is issued by HPB Assurance Limited (HPBA) registered in the Isle of Man and authorised by the Financial Services Authority there. HPBM promotes only HPB and is not independent of HPBA. Holders of policies issued by HPBA will not be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme if the company becomes unable to meet its liabilities to them but Isle of Man compensation arrangements apply to new policies.