Tired of the hustle and bustle of city life? Looking to try new things or new places to live? In our first round up of hideaway homes, we find country gems that are both off the beaten track and in the heart of the great outdoors. You will find a mix of riverside retreats and bright and beautiful properties in top destinations across the globe.

1. Cape Winelands, South Africa, POA

A reputable wine estate and five-star boutique hotel, this impressive property sits on a plot of 380 hectares in the Cape Winelands in South Africa. The picturesque home boasts vineyards, picnic areas and a tasting room. A large outdoor swimming pool, spa room, hiking and mountain biking trails, tented camping, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, and river rafting are some of the other leisure activities or amenities on offer to guests. The estate produces two white varietals, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, as well as several reds including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Merlot, Pinotage and Shiraz. 

2. Montauroux, France, 2,395,000€

Situated only a few minutes from the old perched village of Montauroux, this exquisite villa, built in 2005, offers five en-suite bedrooms, a spacious living area opening out onto the garden, a heated salt-water swimming pool and a separate apartment. The property offers complete peace and privacy in an idyllic setting with magnificent views of the valley and the surrounding woodland. 

3. Comporta, Portugal, POA

This four-bedroom villa in Comporta, Portugal offers spacious living space, an impressive panoramic terrace covering the entire top of the villa, a private swimming pool and patios with dining areas. The outdoor space presents breath-taking views of the surrounding landscape. The residence is situated on a plot of almost nine hectares and combines the elegance of contemporary architecture and décor with a captivating natural environment, creating the perfect balance between Comporta’s simplicity and authenticity, the comfort and design of the accommodation units, and the respect for the surrounding nature.

4. Côte D’Azur, France, 12,500,000€

This exceptional 17-bedroom estate is located on a plot of 11 hectares in the beautiful countryside of Châteauneuf de Grasse in Cote D’Azur, France. There are three houses located on the estate: the main house, a farmhouse and a guesthouse. The property benefits from its’ own olive groves and olive oil production, a multitude of fruit trees, a large vegetable garden providing fresh vegetables year-round and a traditional Japanese pond, complete with rare Koi fish. A haven of peace and tranquillity, yet the property is only a half an hour journey from Cannes and 45 minutes from Monaco. 

5. Riebeek West, South Africa, ZAR2,295,000

Surrounded by breath-taking beauty, this four-bedroom Cape vernacular cottage in Ongegund Village, Riebeek West, South Africa is modern and minimalistic, yet warm and inviting. Age-old, gigantic Ficus trees add a feel of heritage and history and the large veranda offers unlimited mountain views. 

6. Comporta, Portugal, POA.

This superb four-bedroom villa is located in 17 hectares of land in Comporta, Portugal. The property features a well-kept garden with a swimming pool and leisure spaces such as a cabin with a sauna, an area for massages and a lounge with outdoor fireplaces. Herdada da Comporta in the Alentejo coast, is one of the largest agricultural estates in Portugal with an area of over 12,500 hectares. It is an ecological area, no doubt a place of great value with forests, sea breeze, vast and fertile land, and abundant sunshine. 

7. Cabrera de Mar, Spain, 2,300,000€

This secluded Mediterranean house in Cabrera de Mar, Spain offers stunning panoramic sea views and delightful gardens filled with mature trees, beautiful flowers and aromatic herb bushes. Throughout the property you will discover special magical corners with peaceful stone fountains, relaxation areas and a space that is ideal for socialising around a barbecue area. The home is built to the highest standards using natural materials such as stone and rustic redwood boards, complimenting the surrounding land. There are marble floors throughout and the property is extremely well-lit due to the large windows.

8. Comporta, Portugal 650,000€

With modern architecture and exceptional finishes, this three-bedroom villa in Comporta, Portugal is a hidden gem. The villa has one floor and is situated in a quiet, private forest location. The property is surrounded by beautiful gardens and features a swimming pool and decking with a barbecue area, perfect for socialising with friends and family. 

9. Clarens, South Africa, ZAR4,740,000

Offering ultimate privacy, this beautiful six-bedroom home is nestled atop a hillside just five kilometres outside of Clarens, South Africa. The Maluti Mountains create a dramatic backdrop for this quaint farm-style home, which enjoys the Little Caledon River flowing through it, offering good wild trout fishing and pretty picnic spots. 

10. Alella, Spain, 850,000€

This wonderful Tuscan-style chalet in Alella, Spain boasts a sauna, gym space and a bright, spacious living space surrounded by a well-kept garden and a swimming pool. Terracotta floors and hand-made tiles of the highest quality add a burst of colour to the home. Located just a 10-minute car drive from the centre of Barcelona and five minutes from the beach, this house is the perfect hideaway home.

Are you searching for a beautiful property to call home? Contact Fine & Country today. 

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