Mallorca, €25 million At the top of Anchorage Hill in Bendinat, these two south-facing, terraced villas, plus a separate two-bedroom apartment—seven bedrooms in total, perfect for a large family—form an extraordinary property with panoramic views of the sea, the bay of Palma and Calvià. Although connected, both villas have private access, their own pool and garage. Jackson-Stops & Staff (020–7828 7387)
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France, €2.5 million
On the edge of the village of Eygalières, this lovely Provençal stone mas has charming white French shutters that open to reveal extensive views of the Alpilles mountains and the old village. There are four bedrooms, two kitchens, a guest house and a swimming pool and the covered outdoor dining area has open walls overlooking a beautiful landscaped garden with fountains. Winkworth (020–7870 7181)
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America, $36 million (£28.9 million)
The ultimate subtropical modern oasis, this just-completed house in the most exclusive and secure community in Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, was designed by award-winning architect Chad Oppenheim. The idea was to blur seamlessly the lines between indoor and outdoor, with more than 17,000sq ft of living space, eight bedrooms, 10 bathrooms and a pool. There are spectacular sunset views from a vantage point just 300 yards from one of only two inlets in Miami Beach, where the ocean meets the bay. Knight Frank (00 1 305 695 6300)
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Italy, €980,000
An olive grove with views of Lake Trasimeno is included in the 11 acres attached to this five-bedroom Umbrian farmhouse. It’s divided into two apartments, which can be connected, and there’s also a one-bedroom guest apartment, outbuildings, a swimming pool and an olive grove. Jackson-Stops & Staff (020–7828 7387)
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America, $2.495 million (£2 million)
For a slice of life the American way, Bitterroot River Retreat in Montana, surrounded by 14 acres of majestic ponderosa pine trees and with 1,000ft of river frontage (lots of ‘cutthroat, browns, brookies and rainbow’), is ideal for fly-fishing fanatics. It was previously the summer home of renowned conservationist and fisherman Otto ‘Mose’ Teller. Savills (020–7016 3740)
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Mauritius, $2.65 million (£2.13 million)
Luxurious villa So Turquoise in Other Savanne, in tropical gardens a stone’s throw from the shore, has six bedrooms, five bathrooms, a pool, a tennis court and hotel services at your disposal. The Bel Ombre Golf Course is only a few minutes away by car. Sotheby’s International (00 230 5492 8506)
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Australia, offers in excess of AU$16 million (£9.6 million)
Completed in 1902, this Federation home is positioned on the highest point in Mosman, New South Wales, with views towards Sydney, Bondi beach and the eastern suburbs. It has five large bedrooms, five bathrooms and five reception rooms, as well as a billiards room, a temperature-controlled wine cellar for 700 bottles, a butler’s pantry, a swimming pool and separate one-bedroom accommodation. Savills (020–7016 3740)
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South Africa, ZAR12 million (£680,400)
Afromontane forest, fynbos and pastures provide sanctuary for free-roaming horses, wildlife and a variety of birds on the 62 acres attached to this extensive farm in Plettenberg Bay. The main house has five bedrooms and there is a separate cottage and stable block, as well as a pool, lawn-tennis court and three dams, all within sight of the Tsistikamma mountain range. Savills (020–7016 3740)
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Nicaragua, $1.495 million (£1.2 million)
Perched high on the cliffs of Pacific Marlin at San Juan del Sur, four-bedroom Villa Noche is carefully positioned to enjoy sweeping ocean views from every room. There’s an infinity-edge freeform pool with a swim-up bar and Jacuzzi, spiral staircases, balconies and separate service quarters, all surrounded by jungle and mature landscaped gardens. Sotheby’s International (00 505 8770 0778)
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South Africa, ZAR24 million (£1.36 million)
On a quiet night in this beautiful white house on Bantry Steps, overlooking Bantry Bay, Cape Town, you can hear whales; most nights, the sounds of the sea can be heard in every room. There are large decks on each floor with shutters, wood-burning stoves within, five bedrooms, a pool and a hot tub. Sotheby’s International (00 27 073 711 4111)
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Costa Rica, $5.9 million (£4.75 million)
The sleek, clean lines of this property contrast beautifully with the tropical forest that surrounds it, or, rather, supports it—the house, with its window walls and double-volume spaces, appears to float above the canopy. There are four bedrooms, four bathrooms, 2.3 acres, a pool and a canti-levered sun deck. Sotheby’s International (00 506 8888 0013)
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France, €595,000
With an unusual painted ceiling, private pool and garden and access to communal gardens, this two-bedroom apartment in a 19th-century vineyard villa in the hills behind Cannes was completely renovated for the British author Ken Follet in 1990. It also has two bath- rooms and would make a charming South-of-France bolthole. Knight Frank (020–7861 1139)
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Dawn Chorus: A Blue Plaque for Marc Bolan, holidaying in the Caribbean with Francis Ford Coppola and a history of the National Gallery in 25 picturesPlus the best of the property pages, and how the railways will save the countryside.
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Game, set, match: 12 of the world’s most beautiful tennis courtsFrom Italy to Indonesia, when it comes to hotel amenities, a picturesque tennis court will always trump a 24-hour gym. So, before you book your next holiday, take a look at our pick of the 12 best.
