Archive for November 2010
Currency Exchange
16/11/2010 by Daybase.
Would I criticise the banks?…. well, probably I would!
Do I believe the banks give us a good deal when it comes to sending money abroad?……. Absolutely not!
For those of you lucky enough to be getting ready to send the purchase money to France, Italy, Spain, Canada or whichever little part of the world is to become yours stop and think before you do. Do not simply rely on your bank to transfer the money on your behalf no matter how helpful and friendly your local branch may be - it could be a decision that could cost you hundreds if not thousands of pounds on the exchange rates alone.
When we are changing £100 into euros for a day trip to Malaga then a percentage point or two may be relatively insignificant and convenience may be more important - “what is a couple of quid here or there anyway?”. What if that £100 is £100,000 that “couple of quid” could be a “couple of grand” or that £200,000 villa could cost you an extra £4,000.
Banks, like most of the high street offer (despite my personal bias) good general middle of the road, usually, convenient and hopefully reliable service but there are times you need a specialist. The local newsagent deals with money all day every day but you would be unlikely to ask him to prepare your tax returns!
There are companies like Foremost that specialise in foreign exchange transactions and offer commercial exchange rates, lower commission charges and can transfer money around the world with all the efficiency and security of your local Royal Bank of Halifax West plc. So if you are thinking of transferring money overseas (or back here for that matter) or if you have dollars that you want to convert to euro or any other foreign exchange transaction let us know - we can probably help (or we know a man that can!)
Find Out More
Canal du Midi
04/11/2010 by Daybase.
Anybody had holiday on the Canal - saw the Rick Stein programme and it looks great but in real life?
House with Gites in the Auvergne
02/11/2010 by Daybase.
If, like me, the idea of a stone house in the middle of rural France with two 3 bed Gites producing an income is appealing then we may have the property for you. Located in a hamlet with amazing views this house and ready made up & running “got the website, got the bookings” this property exceeds the description of real France. At 235,000 euro it represents good value for money especially when compared to Languedoc.
I must confess I knew very little about the Auvergne other than it was ‘up and across a bit’ from Languedoc but apparently it is popular with the French and is relatively unspoilt by touriosm. The scenery is fantastic and lots of the things we love about France including markets, fresh produce and that je ne sais quoi is much in evidence.
Take a look at the details and tell me I’m wrong.
Chantagrele Gites in rural Auvergne
All you need to know - at least for the moment. This property will be available after Christmas but we are still happy to deal with any questions or queries now.
Welcome
02/11/2010 by Daybase.
Welcome to the world of Suncastle Limited. Hopefully we can share our enthusiasm for overseas properties and some of the ‘real’ destinations that we have to offer.
Languedoc in South West France with its climate, history and a cuisine all of its own. The vibrant city of Montpellier, the spectacular living history of Carcassonne & Perpignan, vineyards and the Cevennes National Park contrasting with the modern developments of the Camarge and Cap D’Agde.
Andalucia in Spain with the spectacular cities of Cordoba, Granada and the oft overlooked Malaga. Talking of Malaga lots of low cost flights too!. A move away from the bright lights of the coast is real Spain with amazing value for money.
Abruzzo - whether your tastes are ski, beach or countryside there is something there for you and budget flights to Pescara from Stanstead. Fo our friends in the North take the flights to Rome, less than a couple of hours away.
New to our listings but sure to become a favourite - the resort of Mont Tremblant in Quebec, Canada. In the winter an exciting ski resort with all that you would expect of a North American resort. In summer a truly beautiful area of mountains, rivers, forests and lakes. There is luxury here but also a great opportunity for us real people there are waterside plots from 40k, studio apartments from under 60k and bungalows from 100k.
If value for money and guaranteed (well, virtually) sunshine then Turkey has to be the choice - the second most visited country by British visitors and whether you opt for the better know resorts of Marmaris or the up and coming Altinkum or laid back Akbuk on the Aegean you will be amazed by the prices.
So please feel free to ask questions, make comments share tips, news, information bad jokes, recipes anything. All we ask is keep it clean!
