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New research has revealed that property investors are increasingly purchasing residences in rural Italy.
It came top in a poll from UK home-hunters and now people from the Middle East are looking in the direction of one of Europe's most beautiful locations.
The television programme, 'A Place in the Sun to live' has revealed that Italy is currently the most popular location among property purchasers from London.
The study also found that Londoners are tempted into buying a home abroad whilst on holiday and it not only acts as a temporary retreat from rainy Blighty it becomes a sound investment.
Currently, there is great demand for villas and mansions in the Italian countryside _- preferably requiring some modernisation work.
Lake Maggiore, Italy's second biggest lake otherwise known as Verbano, offers a perfect backdrop for idyllic investment opportunities around the area. The relaxing and inviting surroundings of this part of Italy are alluring to holiday-makers as well as second home seekers.
The countryside is currently the hottest investment destination in the country.
For those contemplating moving to a more rural and scenic area in Italy, Villa Viola, located on the noble bank of Lake Maggiore, offers investors a splendid view of both the lake and the mountainous snow-capped Swiss Alps in the winter.
This villa is only a 50-minute drive from Milan's international airport, Malpensa, and a five-minute walk to the nearest marina.
For sport enthusiasts that enjoy the slopes, the nearest ski slopes are only a 30-minute drive away.
Villa Viola was fully renovated five years ago under the direction of a distinguished Milanese architect. The designer fused locally available materials with a unique contemporary state-of-the art design.
The villa is divided into three floors offering home-owners a spacious open-plan living area, three guest bedrooms and a whole floor dedicated to the owners. The living room also boasts a lovely fireplace - a fabulous focal point particularly when winter draws in.
The villa also features a fully-customised kitchen, four bathrooms and a beautiful garden.
In total the living space is over 200 square metres and requires minimal maintenance.
The most stunning part of living here is the breathtaking views of the lake and the scenic surrounding area.
Villa Viola also features a lock-up garage, cellar and plenty of guest parking.
