Latest News & Views

Many of you who have already visited this lake probably think it’s a quiet place with very little to do, well that would be a mistake as this little’ole lake has quite a lot going on.  The company ‘You can do it’ run by Alpine Guides and experts of this area, Ruggero Andreoli and Franz Carrara have some fantastic activities for the dare devil and adrenaline junkies out there.

Why not try Canyoning, exciting and breaktaking experiences through the many intriguing caves and valleys of the Bergamascan and Brescian mountains, you will just need  a towel and a pair of trainers and they take care of the rest. If that’s not daring enough for you there’s the adventurous via-ferrato climbing routes with its treacherous drops but fantastic back drops of the lake and mountains………. Alright for those who don’t suffer from heights…..or there is alpine trekking through the glaciers and high peaks of the mountains or just plain climbing up the mountain if you like. There again you could try one of their trekking programmes which will take you around the panoramic mountains and valleys with its hidden views and secrets, that everybody can do.  For more information and their full itinerary check out their website www.rogeradventure.it

For those who like to be up in the clouds you could try the amazing experience of Paragliding in tandem with the experts of ‘Air Activities’ they will take you over the most amazing panoramas of the lake and mountains or why not try their tandem aircraft programme  over Lake Iseo or Lake Garda. More information on their website www.volosportivosebino@gmail.com

In the tiny fishing village of Predore, did you know that there were a Roman baths which can be visited from April to September on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in the evening from 18.00 to 20.00 and on Sunday mornings from 9.00 to 13.00. For a guided visit you can contact them direct on +39 338 1744582

If you just want to relax and discover the food and wine, you could visit one of the many wine yards and taste some fantastic wines. Not to miss is the vineyard of ‘Ca del Bosco’ and ‘ Bellavista’ a full itinerary can be arranged through ‘ Strada del vino di Franciacorta’ by contacting them at www.franciacorta.net

Or if relaxing is on your itinerary then why not chill out in the Thai Spa in the Cocca hotel on Lake Iseo in the town of Sarnico, where you can try one of their many specialized Thai massages www.coccahotel.com

Iseo express run a transfer service from Milan-Bergamo airport to Lake Iseo and Lake Endine, its easy, cheap and quick – check out www.iseoexpress.it  or if you want to have a personal driver and unique experience you could contact Marco Moraschi at www.iseotaxi.it – he speaks perfect English and would be able to entertain you with his wit and humour throughout your whole trip.

Madeleine Morgan 21st October 2016

Have you ever looked at the dark sky outside, the heavens opening up with rain and the pale reflection looking back at you in the mirror on any given day and thought, yes that’s it I want bright sunshine, sandy beaches, latino music and a mojito …………..hellooo I am going to move abroad!!!

The first step is taking a look at where you would like to go, the type of life you have always dreamed of and what type of property you would like to purchase!!!

Most people decide for a number of different reasons to purchase a property abroad:-

1. Relocation
2. Investment with a view to retirement
3. Retirement Property
4. Holiday home for the family

And here we are, but where to go:-

Well the top destinations to move abroad are:-

United States of America

Australia

France

Spain

Thailand

………. but wherever you decide to go it would be good to remember the following points:-

1. Take your time to decide – it’s an important move so ask yourself why you are doing it and what you wish to achieve . Do you choose a location where you can still have all your golden favourites …… a good cuppa tea, a great pint, a cheese burger or kebab and curry or are you looking for that exotic location where you wanna change your life style completely and freefall into a new dimension!! Well the number one rule is to explore your location, spend time there on holiday in all seasons to see what’s it like, the locals, the food, the cost of living, accessibility to other areas, airports and travel, beaches, lakes, mountains and cities close by.

2. Property viewings – whatever country you choose always remember to also choose a trusted property agent, someone who specializes in the area that you are interested in and speaks your language so there are no barriers and above all, someone who is fully qualified as a realtor and a good listener. Explain in detail what you are looking for and the locations that you are interested in as well as your budget ( including or excluding purchase taxes ) and your reasons for purchasing so that the agent is fully informed, this is to avoid them taking you on a wild goose chase and wasting valuable time.

3. Don’t purchase more than you can afford – it may be that you might fall upon a great property that is not in your actual budget, please please don’t be tempted until you know that you can comfortably and I use that word with a certain emphasis, purchase without creating any stress on your financial situation. Always look the property over both inside and outside and before signing any paperwork discuss at length, if necessary with an independent lawyer. Request the legal documentation for the property and if it is new or off plan make sure if there are any legal requirements that need to be covered by the developer.

4. Mortgages – if you need a mortgage to purchase then prior to viewing any property please make sure that you have your lending in place and that you can actually borrow the funds. If you are looking for a mortgage in the country of your choice then you should probably use a financial advisor who will have access to more than one lending institution and can help you to understand if you qualify for a mortgage in the first place.

5. Don’t be too hasty – think carefully before making any deposits on any property, I normally ask my clients to give some serious thought for at least 48 hours and then come back to me.

6. Don’t forget about tax laws in that country – do make sure that you fully inform yourself of the tax laws both inheritance tax, property tax and capital gains tax should you decide to sell. You will need to speak to either a good tax lawyer or equivalent to understand the implications of your choice. Always find out what the laws are with regards to Wills and Testaments to cover your family.

7. Don’t forget about fluctuating exchange rates – this is a very important point as it could mean a big price difference should your currency deflate. In these cases I normally advise a good currency broker who can assist you to obtain the best exchange rates in order that you are not caught out.

8. Options – if you are thinking of relocating it would probably be a good idea to keep your options open, if you have a property in your country maybe keep it and rent it out for a period until you are sure about making the move permanently. That way you have a fallback should it not work out.

9. Language barriers – remember that if you are seriously considering a move abroad you either have to choose a country where they speak your language or get used to the idea that you are going to have to learn the language at some time. On this note it would probably be a good idea to frequent night classes, take an internet course or buy some language dvd’s to listen in the car on the way to work to get a head start!

10. Golden rule – Don’t rush into anything, this is a life choice and it has to bring you joy and happiness so think things through……..

Madeleine Morgan – 1st October 2016

Art may not be the first thing my ‘Dear child,’ wrote aristocratic writer Lady Mary Wortley Montagu to her daughter in 1747, ‘I am now in a place the most beautifully romantic I ever saw in my life.’

She was talking about Lake Iseo (the Lady had bought a half-ruined palazzo in Lovere, acquired a dairy and then set about introducing locals to what she called ‘the science of butter-making’).

We all know that Italy is famous for it’s art and artists have been fascinated by the Lake. This year it was Christo who chose it as the ultimate location for his Floating Piers. But already 500 years ago no other than Leonardo da Vinci visited the lake and was captivated by mount Trentapassi (1248 m high, located between Marone and Pisogne). It is believed that the mountain features on both the Mona Lisa and the Annunciation, even on several other of his paintings.

Art may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about spending time at the lakes. But with Bergamo, Milan, Brescia and Verona so nearby, there are countless opportunities for visiting historical locations, museums and churches etc;

So what is it that I enjoy most when I am at the Lake? It already starts with the drive from Orio al Serio airport. The road to our apartment takes us via Lago Endine, a very quiet and peaceful lake next to Lake Iseo. Then it leads uphill where we suddenly come face to face with the magnificent Trentapassi, “our mountain”.  We then turn right to our local supermarket where the people are always friendly, even though our Italian is limited.

Our apartment feels like home to the whole family. The views are magical and on the first evening we head straight to our favorite pizzeria. Where the tasty big pizza’s cost around 6 euro and the freshly made gnocchi with either cheese or shrimps is just delicious. The wine list spoils you for choice and if we don’t drink the whole bottle, we take it with us and enjoy the rest on our terrace. Before returning home we stop for a huge ice cream at the local gelateria.

There really are many great restaurants around the lake and I often still cannot believe how reasonable the prices are.

Another must on our agenda is clothes shopping at Franciacorta outlet, between Iseo and Brescia. It is here that I get my fix for affordable Italian fashion. And if I cannot find what I am looking for there, I will try the boutiques in Iseo, Sarnico or Lovere!

But what makes the lakes truly attractive is their nature, and how to enjoy that. Hikers will find many paths to wander. Cyclists have long discovered the challenging beauty of the winding roads around the lakes. In Franciacorta you will find besides high quality wine, a wonderful 18-holes golf course. And last but not least, get a different perspective from the water and rent a (sail)boat. Even skiing in winter is an option: not many people know that within 45 minutes you can be on skis in the resorts of Montecampione or Castione della Presolana.

Life in Italy, endless things to enjoy. But right now, I wish I was there just for a cappuccino and a brioche!

Elisa Di Solto – 5th October 2016