Now that her children have grown up and are ready to leave home, Ruth Jobey wants to escape from her busy London life to the relaxed town of Oliva on Spain’s Costa Azahar, or ‘orange blossom coast’. She wants a detached villa with a swimming pool and views, where she can continue her work as a virtual PA but also entertain family and friends. Ben Hillman shows her some great properties for her £150,000 budget, but what happens in the end is a surprise to everybody – even Ruth herself.
Sunny and spacious villa with a large private terrace, lounge, kitchen and dining room, family bathroom and two bedrooms on the ground floor. Underneath there is a one bed guest apartment with a sun terrace and BBQ. On the market for €160,000 with Safor Property Services (www.lasafor.com).
With a large lounge and dining area in a glazed terrace, this villa is in a popular urbanization just outside Gandia. There is potential to expand the living accommodation as there is an underbuild. Outside there's a garden, garage and swimming pool. Safor Property Services (www.lasafor.com) are the estate agents and the price is €199,950.
With many original features and lots of Valencian charm, this four bed house has ample living accommodation and sunny terraces. The roof terrace has a summer kitchen and great views over the old town and orange groves. Priced at €199,950 with Oranges and Lemons (www.orangesandlemons.com).
Traditional style casa de campo country house with large dining room, living room and plenty of outdoor sun terraces. There's a garden and private pool outside. With an asking price of €215,000, it's on the market with Iberfutur (www.iberfutur.com).
A well-presented three bed villa perfect for all year living with pool, terrace, bbq area and stunning views across the valley. The lower level of this property consist of a self-contained studio apartment, with bedroom and en-suite. On the market with an asking price of €225,000 with Immo Abroad (www.immoabroad.com).