MURCIA
The region of Murcia enjoys an ideal location at the South-East corner of the Iberian Peninsula, with Alicante province to the north,

Almería and the rest of Andalucia to the south and west, and the central heartland of Castilla - La Mancha to the north-west. It covers an area of 4,370 square miles (2.2% of the total surface area of Spain or in UK terms about two-thirds the size of East Anglia). Murcia’s south-eastern border is the shores of the Mediterranean and its coastline is known as the Costa Cálida - the ‘warm’ or ‘hot’ coast (depending on whether it’s winter or summer!). As the ninth largest of the Spanish autonomous communities, Murcia shares its high degree of independence from central government on day-to-day issues. This autonomy is celebrated through a unique and proud social, economic and cultural tradition, which is reflected in the superb architecture, varied landscape and welcoming personality of the region.

INLAND MURCIA
The interior of the region of Murcia is ideal for those seeking relaxation in an unspoilt natural environment, good food and healthy country pursuits.

The mountain woods are full of wild game and the lower hills are crowned with castles, hermitages and monasteries. Quiet, sleepy towns such as Cehegin, Caravaca, Bullas, Yecla and numerous other localities offer an unexpected insight into the proud historic and architectural heritage of this region. The Ricote Valley in particular, which was the last stronghold of the Moors in Spain, is one of the most beautiful and undiscovered parts of Murcia, along the fertile plains traversed by the river Segura. The region clings to its Arab heritage, as shown by the numerous remains from this period, including the ingenious rural irrigation system. Ricote maintains a rich and highly individual gastronomic tradition in which the local wine features strongly. After indulging in the delights of the local cuisine, you may feel like enjoying a few days of healthy relaxation and pampering at the wonderful 19th century spa in Archena. Visitors will find the area also particularly well-suited to open-air sporting activities such as river-rafting on the River Segura, mountain biking or horse riding along routes offered by various riding centres.

Its geographical location, although not so far from the traditional tourist attractions of the coast, sets these places well apart in character from the rest of the region, offering countless examples of the Murcian culture and traditions that are worth discovering at first hand.

A WELL CONNECTED REGION
The region of Murcia enjoys excellent links with the rest of Spain through a well-developed communications network. The dramatic improvement and expansion of the road network, particularly the construction of new motorways, now guarantee rapid and reliable contact between the different localities within the region as well as with the rest of Spain. Two crucial projects, coming to fruition by the end of 2006, are the high speed train (AVE), which will connect Murcia with Madrid, Alicante and Valencia, and the new Murcia International Airport equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructures for national and international air travel. Combined with numerous other investments in infrastructures, these improvements will make the Murcia region the new tourist hot spot of southern Europe over the next few years.

PROPERTIES
Having learned a valuable lesson from the mistakes made earlier in other parts of Spain, the regional Murcia government is taking measures to preserve the architectural character of the interior, as far as possible. There are few new developments and most of the properties on the market are older village houses and farm buildings in the campo. In town and villages throughout the region, renovation grants are made available by local authorities, often covering up to 75% of the cost of repairing outside walls and roof. Buyers, at the moment, are mostly affluent Spaniards from Murcia city and beyond, who are breathing new life into the area by fixing up old ruins. The most sought after area is the Ricote Valley, with Archena and Blanca commanding relatively higher prices. Although demand will soon begin to outstrip supply, there are exceptional bargains still to be found. You can buy a village ruin for as little as 60,000 Euros, with renovation likely to cost from 30,000 Euros upward, as the following examples show:

Near Abaran, on the Waterwheels Route, a large rustic house to renovate, 130sqm with adjoining land, electricity and water plus lovely views of the valley. Price: 60,101 Euros.

Near Caravaca de la Cruz, large rural house to renovate, 2 bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, 2 living rooms, terraces, electricity and water; with valley and countryside views, close to Roman ruins. Price: 72,121 Euros.

In Villanueva del Rio Segura, a substantial 19th century townhouse. Three floors, 8 bedrooms, central patio, kitchen, living room, penthouse, 2 bathrooms, 350sqm built area. Only a few steps from the main town square and with a 75% outside renovation grant already approved. Price: 84,141 Euros

A somewhat larger budget will afford larger properties ready to move in:

Near Calasparra, a rural house on a 1,900sqm plot, with 4 bedrooms, large modern bathroom, American style kitchen, living room, swimming pool. Price: 180,303 Euros.

Near Cehegin, a rural property on a 7,000sqm plot, with garage, 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, terraces, garden and swimming pool. Price: 222,374 Euros.

Near Moratalla, a country retreat on a 120,000sqm plot planted with vine, almond trees and a pine grove. The main house has 200sqm built surface with 8 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living room, kitchen, larder and cellar. Outside, a warehouse, garage and swimming pool complemented by a formal garden with its own spring. Price: 312,526 Euros.

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