Properties with orchards and olive groves.

On the outskirts of Amelia, an ancient hilltop town in southern Umbria, lies a country villa with an orchard, olive trees and a vegetable garden. The plot measures a good 2,200 square metres and offers panoramic views over the rolling hills of central Italy; the historic centre is just a short walk away. The two-storey house has been newly built using reused materials and comprises around 220 square metres of living space. Terracotta floors, wooden beams and stone fireplaces lend the rooms an Umbrian character; the four bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, are situated on the ground floor with direct access to the garden. Outside, a swimming pool, paved sun terraces and a covered dining area with a barbecue complete the property.

Umbria as a property market: value potential away from Tuscany

Umbria is regarded as an affordable alternative to Tuscany. According to Idealista, the average asking price in the second quarter of 2026 was around 1,065 euros per square metre, whilst the Italian average stood at 1,903 euros. One market observer estimates that a square metre in Umbria costs less than half of what is asked for in Tuscany, and that sales rose by more than a tenth in both 2024 and 2025. At the same time, price levels remain low: Todi, for example, is still trading at around half its 2013 price. According to market surveys, larger properties with land start at around 1.5 million euros. For overseas buyers, it is also worth noting that demand from the US has grown significantly over the last five years. This points to a broadening buyer base – which may be a factor in favour of future resale potential.

What else Umbria has to offer

Umbria is well worth a visit for reasons far beyond buying property. The region is rich in historic towns: Assisi, Spoleto, Orvieto, Todi, Narni, Gubbio and Spello all invite you to explore them. Added to this are the natural scenery, vineyards, olive groves and a down-to-earth cuisine that really comes into its own in autumn. The location is also an advantage: the southern part of the region has traditionally looked towards Rome, which remains easily accessible for day trips and travel.

Grasse, Provence: A historic olive estate on the French Riviera

The second property is of a completely different calibre. Around 450 olive trees characterise the estate on ‘Billionaires’ Hill’ in Grasse, the perfume capital of Provence, situated above the Côte d’Azur. It was designed in the early 1950s by the Art Deco architect Louis Süe for the cosmetics entrepreneur and art collector Helena Rubinstein. Interior designer Bert Quadvlieg modernised the south-facing bastide in 2002–03. The estate comprises two guest houses, an artist’s studio and separate staff accommodation. Landscape architect Jean Mus designed the gardens, covering some 31,500 square metres, in which the olive grove forms an integral part of the Mediterranean scenery. The airports at Nice and Cannes are around a 40-minute drive away.

Grasse as a property market: the hinterland rather than the coast

Anyone looking to buy on the Côte d’Azur will find high prices along the coast. The hinterland offers an alternative: for the area around Grasse, market observers point to a price difference of 30 to 50 per cent compared with the coast, as well as potential for capital appreciation, as international demand is increasingly shifting inland. By way of comparison: in Mougins, villa prices average around 7,700 euros per square metre. It should be borne in mind that these are estate agents’ estimates. Furthermore, for a property of this scale, the market is very small and individual: prices are difficult to compare.

What else Grasse and Provence have to offer

Grasse has shaped the world of fragrances since the late 18th century. The town produces over two-thirds of France’s natural fragrances. Around 27 tonnes of jasmine are harvested there annually, and long-established houses such as Fragonard, Galimard and Molinard contribute to its international reputation.

The small town lies some 350 metres above sea level, about 20 kilometres from the coast, thus combining mountain air with easy access to the Riviera, its beaches, museums and coastal resorts. Those interested in culture and craftsmanship will find perfumeries, workshops and gardens in the region that invite you to linger.

Soquel, California: House with a coastal garden near Monterey Bay

The third property is situated in Soquel, in Santa Cruz County, California, near Monterey Bay. The plot is characterised by around 8,000 square metres of green space with distant views of the Pacific Ocean. The predominantly single-storey house offers three bedrooms, three bathrooms and around 290 square metres of living space. Beamed ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows ensure bright rooms, including a living room, family room, library and a flexible office. Large glass doors open onto a terrace with views towards La Selva Beach and the Monterey Peninsula. Outside, stone walls, mature trees, a pergola with a hanging swing, dining areas and a terrace with a spa invite you to linger. Soquel Village, with its shops and restaurants, is around 1.6 kilometres away. The region is known for fruit growing, so the garden might even inspire you to create your own orchard.

Santa Cruz County as a market: Limited supply, mixed signals

Santa Cruz County lies around 30 miles south-west of Silicon Valley. According to local market observers, the ongoing proliferation of hybrid working models in the tech sector is fuelling demand for coastal residential areas; moreover, the geography – sandwiched between mountains and the sea – limits construction activity. However, the latest figures paint a more nuanced picture: the median price for detached houses in July 2026 stood at $1.375 million, slightly below the previous year’s figure, whilst the number of properties on the market rose from 274 listings in January to 478 in September. This gives buyers time and room for negotiation. Exchange rates, taxes and inheritance issues should be taken into account.

What else Santa Cruz County has to offer

The region between the Pacific Ocean and the redwood forests combines beaches and surf spots with wine-growing, hiking trails and a vibrant cultural scene centred around the university. Monterey Bay is renowned for its marine wildlife, whilst Soquel Village, with its restaurants and shops, offers a village life that is surprisingly laid-back by Californian standards. The mild coastal climate means gardens can be enjoyed all year round.

What the three properties have in common – and what you should look out for

All three properties demonstrate just how much quality of life a carefully landscaped plot can bring: fruit, olives, herbs and shade are more than mere decoration; they shape the rhythm and atmosphere of a home. However, as an investment, it is important to bear in mind that overseas property is subject to its own legal and tax regimes, and market forecasts are uncertain. Anyone considering buying in one of these regions should seek advice from local experts and factor in the long-term costs of maintenance and upkeep from the outset. The team at Wüst und Wüst will be happy to advise you on finding properties in particularly attractive locations or on selling your exclusive property – including in attractive holiday regions such as the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland.

Quellen: Christie’s International Real Estate, «Fruits of the Land: Homes with Orchards and Olive Groves», Luxury Defined, 27. Oktober 2026; ItalVi-va, «Immobilie in Umbrien kaufen» (Idealista-Daten Q2 2026); Palombo, «This is Umbria: is it worth buying in 2026, and where?»; Your Overseas Home, «Buying a property in Umbria in 2026»; Carlton International, «Das Hinterland von Cannes»; Wikipedia, «Grasse»; Michaël Zingraf Real Estate, Grasse; Burrowes, Santa Cruz County Market Statistics (SCCAR-Daten); Zillow, Santa Cruz County Housing Market.