Real Estate Trend Country

Ranches as retreats from city life

The answer lies in the broad prairies of Montana, the forests of Canada, the hills of Tuscany and Mallorca’s traditional fincas. In today’s fast-paced world, many people would prefer nothing better than to slow down and lead a quieter, more self-determined life. Owning a place in the country brings with it the promise of space, privacy and close proximity to nature. For the most part, wealthy families and city dwellers purchase properties in these locations to serve as a country home.

In the U.S., many people who wish to lead a self-sufficient life far from major urban centers dream of owning a ranch with plenty of land attached, particularly in Montana or Wyoming. Properties in these states are often quite luxurious and include sufficient land to keep horses, grow your own food or take long walks in the wilderness. “Ranches like these embody the American dream of freedom and independence, and can cost millions, particularly in the five Rocky Mountain states of Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and South Dakota,” explains McKinley Smoot, Engel & Völkers adviser for the newly formed Land and Ranch Group, which helps interested clients find just the property they are looking for. A similar trend can be observed in Canada, primarily in the western provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia, where potential buyers are drawn by untouched forest and wide, unbroken country. This is where nature lovers come in search of a place in which to live a sustainable life. The available real estate ranges from log cabins to luxurious lakeside properties.

Demand is so high that Engel & Völkers have established the “Land and Ranch Group” in the U.S.

Tuscany and Mallorca: Real estate boom in the countryside

In Europe, demand for properties in the country is also on the rise, primarily in Italy and Spain. Many dream of living in Tuscany or Umbria, of buying a historic country house in a vineyard or surrounded by olive groves. Lovingly restored houses in Italy, many of which boast stone facades and terracotta roofs, are more than just a place to retreat to. They also offer a way to connect with the history of the region. The Engel & Völkers 2024 market report for Florence found that that demand for homes in rural areas, especially in Tuscany, is still strong. Buyers are mainly wealthy international clients and Italian city dwellers who are looking for a refuge with a cultural flair.

Developments are similar on the Balearic island of Mallorca. Fincas in rural areas offer seclusion and a Mediterranean way of life. They are typically set in extensive grounds with olive groves and citrus gardens. Prices for such properties have risen an average of 74 percent over the last ten years. Buyers are looking for large, Mallorcan-style country homes or modern, sustainably built villas. Whether in Port d’Andratx in the southwest, in Son Vida close to the capital, Palma, in the hills further inland or in Santanyí in the south – large properties are very sought-after, particularly in the upmarket segment.

Real estate in Montana has been booming ever since the TV series "Yellowstone" premiered in 2018. In fact, ranch prices have nearly doubled.

Modern architecture in the greenery

Demand for modern, architect-designed houses is also growing in Europe. These properties, often located in the hills of Provence in France or high above the Algarve coastline in Portugal, combine peace and solitude with contemporary design. They typically boast large windows giving onto the natural landscape and are built from sustainable materials. Here, you can live in harmony with nature yet enjoy all the comforts of modern life.

Whether in the U.S., Canada or Europe – the trend toward country living is clear. The reasons for the trend include a wish for more space, a desire to slow down, to grow one’s own fruits and vegetables and to escape the hectic pace of the big city. The market for homes in the country is booming and reflects the growing desire for a life in harmony with nature that promises peace, freedom and an enjoyable new lifestyle.

Get to know...

McKinley Smoot, Advisor, Engel & Völkers Land and Ranch Group, Park City, grew up on a cattle ranch in the Uinta Mountains of Utah. Like his father and brother, he has a passion for real estate, livestock and wildlife, and knows the quality of life that comes with being in the country. His specialty is large-acreage land and ranch sales. His mission is regenerating grasslands to combat climate change, enhance biodiversity and promote ecological responsibility while ensuring profitability for local communities. Speaking of which: Smoot is the goalkeeper coach for the local high school.

The ranch that hosted Clint Eastwood

Currently for sale through Engel & Völkers Calgary: The Ranch at Fisher Creek will accommodate your whole family, friends and their horses. With a waterfall and a lake of 11 acres on the property, the ranch at the foot of the Rocky Mountains evokes the Wild West in the middle of Canada. Clint Eastwood lived here while filming the Western “Unforgiven” near by. The main house has over 1,142 m2 of living space, five bedrooms, seven fireplaces and a dining hall. Price: approx. €13 million.

Architecture meets sustainability

The current trend toward eco-friendly and off-grid living is unmistakable. In Australia, Gardiner Architects have come up with a very impressive design: Heather’s House is a self-sufficient farmhouse located in rural Victoria. It was built on land that was renaturized with native vegetation and trees. The house, which uses solar energy and harvests rainwater, combines minimalist, sustainable architecture with natural building materials. This trend toward environmentally conscious living shows how stateof-the-art technology can be combined with a lifestyle in harmony with nature.