The Total Hvar inbox is never a dull place, and I received an invitation recently to appear on hit UK property show, A Place in the Sun, who planned to film for the first time on the island.
It is years since I was actively involved in the business, but I keep in touch with the real estate market through various contacts, and I agreed to meet the researchers prior to filming to explain a little about Hvar and the property market.
Apart from the three agencies who were showing properties to the interested couple – in Brusje, Hvar Town, Stari Grad and Vrboska – the crew were also looking to interview a property expert and an expat living here full time.
As luck would have it, two of my favourite full-time expats – part of the Scottish Vrbanj community – were huge fans of the show, and so I directed the team into the hills, where Pete and Rhona told the cameras a little about life on Hvar on their terrace.
They had planned to film me in Hvar Town, but I suggested Jelsa, to give more of an overview of the island, with a traditional and relaxed waterfront location, with a seaplane service connecting the town to destinations such as Munich and Frankfurt in 3.5 hours daily, 12 months a year – a useful perk to an island property.
A signature octopus salad lunch at Me and mrs Jones sealed the deal, and filming was set for the following week.
What was interesting to me about the experience was how positive the whole crew about Hvar and Croatia, and new presenter Ben said it was his favourite destination so far.
The property market has been relatively quiet for a few years now after the madness of 2004. Property prices have dropped considerably since then, and the market is picking up I understand. Whatever happens with the property, a one-hour show which will be repeated many times is one more nice promotion of the island. The new A Place in the Sun series starts soon, and we will let you know when the Hvar episode is due to air.
