WELCOME TO ITALIA!

Welcome! As I write this, the inflation rate here in the UK has jumped to three per cent – its highest level in 11 years. We were forewarned, the Bank of England gave us a clue when it hiked the base rate to 5.25 per cent. But we didn’t know it was this bad. The inflation rate increase makes the prospect of further rises to the base rate a worrying likelihood, in turn creating a rather jumpy UK property market, which has already priced out many with eye-watering increases in property prices. And it’s not just the property market that counts here. The cost of living in the UK is becoming more and more burdensome, more and more quickly. The Retail Price Index, which includes housing costs, shot up to 4.4 per cent in December. It hasn’t been higher since 1991! So is investing in a UK property a wise move at the moment? Perhaps not, but I know a place where you can get real value for your money. I’m thinking of Lazio, the location of this issue’s Living Italia! feature. The intrepid Fleur Kinson has picked out a diamond of a region for those wanting to invest in an Italian property. It’s on the rise, it’s eminently affordable, it’s delightfully picturesque and it’s home to one of the greatest capital cities on Earth – not really something you can say about Greater London, bar the latter perhaps! This mid-point of Italy, pinioned by the wealthy north and poorer south, gets the best of both worlds. It’s an ideal spot at which to begin to understand Italy as a whole. And a very tempting place to get away from all the sore points here at the moment, including those spiralling costs and the endlessly wet weather. ■ !

Paul Pettengale Editor

Lazio: a tempting location for property investment and a beautiful region to boot!

THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS

SARAH LANE This month, Italia! (and Taste Italia) regular Sarah has been getting rid of a few preconceptions about beautiful Orvieto. This most photographed of

Italy’s towns holds a wealth of delightful surprises, just waiting to be found out. You can read all about Sarah’s discoveries in our 48 Hours in Orvieto feature on page 24.

URSULA FERRIGNO One of the most respected Italian chefs in the country, Ursula is often to be found in the pages of Italia! and sister magazine Taste Italia. In this issue she’s

letting us into some of her most safely guarded secrets – her tips for making Italian bread. Your can share her delicious recipes from page 70.

FLEUR KINSON Property expert Fleur has been incredibly busy this month. Not only has she been roving round Lazio, hunting out property bargains (see page 32), but also touring

the northern lakes and visiting some of the most beautiful gardens Italy has to offer. With spring approaching, get some inspiration for your garden on page 43.

March 2007 ITALIA! 3