Feeling inspired by Team GB in Rio? If so, we’ve matched four Olympic sports with a sun-kissed second home destination, and for each found a medal-worthy property
Article written by The Overseas Guides Company
Kayaking – Dordogne, France
The Dordogne is not only a department in France, it takes its name from one of the country’s most famous – and picturesque – rivers. The south-east corner of the Dordogne, an area known as Perigord Noir, is ideal for kayaking. Perhaps too tame for kayak gold medallist Joe Clarke, but a leisurely paddle along the river takes you past medieval villages, beneath enchanting castles, such as Beynac or Castelnaud, and through towering limestone gorges. Start your property hunt around the villages of Domme and Laroque Gageac. We’ve found this pretty renovated mill near Domme, next to a stream and with 2,000 square metres of land. For more info, click the image.
Golf – Vilamoura, Portugal
Hosting golf in the Olympics for the first time in more than a century meant the organisers in Rio wanted to make it a bit special – which they did by introducing alligators, owls and large rodents to the course! Luckily, this didn’t stop British player Justin Rose clinching the gold. For golf with less wildlife but world-class courses, head to Vilamoura in the Algarve. Part of the famous Golden Triangle of upmarket resorts, Vilamoura boasts five championship golf courses, as well as great beaches and a marina that was crowned ‘International Marina of the Year 2015’. You can pay millions of euros for a property in Vilamoura, but here’s one of the more affordable villas.
Rowing – Catalonia, Spain
Team GB has racked up the medals in the rowing in Rio, with Katherine Grainger’s silver medal making her the most successful British female Olympian ever. Anyone who enjoys being out on the water will feel at home in the north-east of Catalonia. Apart from the pretty beaches of the Costa Brava, in particular around L’Escala and the Bay of Roses, drive 30 minutes inland and you’ll find Banyoles, a town set in pretty countryside with a beautiful lake where Redgrave and Pinsent won gold at the Barcelona Games in 1992. It remains a popular place to train, or simply take a rowing boat out. The unspoilt natural scenery, together with the proximity to the Mediterranean, Girona and Barcelona, is a match-winning combination. This stunning stone country house is nestled in the pretty Catalan countryside 20 minutes from Banyoles.
Sailing – Bodrum Peninsula, Turkey
The Bodrum Peninsula on Turkey’s stunning Aegean coast has become a stylish hang-out for the international sailing set – the ‘St Tropez of Turkey’. As well as the colourful main town of Bodrum, the peninsula boasts the chic marina resorts Yalikavak and Turgutreis, all great places for experienced sailors or those starting out. This smart new four-bedroom villa with private pool and stunning views is 10 minutes’ drive up the hill from the centre of Yalikavak, overlooking the marina.
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