THIRD EDITION
The Pei Penthouse Beijing, China
Sitting on the 52nd Floor of the Park Hyatt Hotel this stunning penthouse has been architecturally designed by Pei Partnership Architects. The meticulous geometry and flow of space; the high quality materials and modern technology; and the hand-built finish define the Pei Penthouse as an architecturally designed space, rather than a merely interior-decorated one. C.C Pei and L.C Pei have worked alongside their father for more than 40 years on projects ranging from the glass and steel pyramid at the Louvre Museum in Paris to the Four Seasons Hotel in New York and now added to this impressive and diverse range will be number 5201, atop the Park Hyatt Hotel. Apart from the extensive architectural design, the Penthouse will have access to all the facilities that 5* Park Hyatt has to offer, as well as un-interrupted views over the Beijing skyline. Guide Price:
ÂŁPOA
T: +44 (0) 207 409 0533 E: enquiries@chartwellestates.co.uk W: www.chartwellestates.co.uk
ISSUE
3
Welcome
CONTENTS
Welcome to the third issue of Chartwell Magazine – showcasing our exclusive range of services, business articles and the ultimate in luxury living. In this issue, we showcase Brioni’s menswear collection, review the financial markets and look at how the turbulent times in Europe are affecting us. We identify the changes in the tax rules on properties in the UK and help you to protect yourself with the HMRC – even if you don’t live here! We identify six of the top movers and shakers in the UK, in our ‘ones to watch’ feature and find out all about the electric prototype of the 102EX Phantom Rolls-Royce and how Rolls-Royce are proposing to test this in the market. We explore the best of London at The Dorchester and find out how they are celebrating their 80th birthday sustainably. For all that glitters, we have some of the Chopard collection to view and also identify five of our favourite festive gifts. However, despite the challenges of the current times, we understand that overseas banks are still keen to support investments in London properties. This is excellent news for our clients as we are now representing some of the most prestigious private homes and businesses not only in the UK but worldwide. We hope you find the magazine a rewarding read.
Andrew Butler CEO
Victoria Sheppard Director of Marketing
Chartwell Estates Office 49 Berkeley Square London W1J 5AZ T: +44 (0) 207 409 0533 E: enquiries@chartwellestates.co.uk W: www.chartwellestates.co.uk
Chartwell Monaco Office Le Mirabel 4 Avenue des Citronniers MC 98000, Monaco T: +377 97 97 56 67 E: office@chartwell.mc W: www.chartwell.mc
If you would like to advertise in Chartwell Magazine, have any editorial content that you feel would benefit our audience or require further information, please contact: enquiries@chartwellmagazine.com
www.chartwellmagazine.co.uk
Barbados
Page 04
Ostriches, tax and UK properties
Page 10
Financial markets
Page 18
onefinestay
Page 22
The Dorchester
Page 26
Chartwell Group
Page 30
Chopard jewellery
Page 34
TrackaPhone
Page 40
Warren Fox
Page 44
Monaco
Page 48
High net worth mortgages
Page 52
Banyan Tree
Page 56
Ones to watch
Page 60
Leica
Page 64
Rolls-Royce 102EX
Page 68
Swiss tax
Page 72
Sautter cigars
Page 74
The top 5
Page 78
With special thanks to Kieran Kelly, Nicholas Andrew, Gary Neild at Blue Sky Financial Planning, Richard Hirson and Tiffany Philippou at onefinestay, Jenya Reino and Gaelle Moatty at Chopard, Ben Spurr at TrackaPhone, Robert James, Warren Fox, Evelyne Genta at the Monaco Embassy, Shameem Sangamneheri, Pierpaola Marrocco and Ross Virgara at I Group, Ian Humphreys at Enness Private Clients, Jenny Hodge at Leica, Marco Jahn and Andrew Ball at Roll Royce, Giles Watson, Nic Wing, Will Goodhew and Katrina Israel at Quintessentially.
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BARBADOS IS PURE PARADISE By Kieran Kelly, Chesterton Barbados
Simply put, Barbados is paradise. This naturally beautiful Caribbean island boasts the finest climate, beaches, bars, hotels, restaurants, luxury villas for sale or rent, golf courses, spas and polo fields – recently enjoyed by HRH Prince Harry. Measuring 21 miles long by 14 miles wide, Barbados is surrounded by over 70 miles of magnificent white sand beaches. Brilliant aquamarine seas and verdant green landscapes combine with year-round sunshine and cooling tradewind breezes to create an unforgettable tropical setting. Falling in love with Barbados is easy, however, there is more to it than the landscape to make people want to stay a lifetime! It has the warmest and friendliest people and the island is safe – with a stable economy and government. A combination that’s almost impossible to replicate in the world today. Barbados continues to offer a diverse range of activities including sailing, golf, cricket, rugby, sports fishing, tennis and polo. It’s also known for its fantastic nightlife and you can enjoy a sundowner in a relaxing beach bar or a buzzing nightspot with great music. The island is loved for its laid-back lifestyle and warm, Caribbean flavour, without compromising those little home comforts – with supermarkets stocking Waitrose and Marks & Spencer products. In fact, Barbados is known as “Little England” and has an obvious English influence. Formerly a British colony, Barbados has a number of similarities including the British Westminster system, with Queen Elizabeth II, as Head of State. Barbadian law is based on English common law which provides the necessary level of comfort to purchasers and investors. Most major airlines offer daily direct flights, ensuring that Barbados is easily accessible. Barbados also boasts one of the best medical systems in the region, including a number of private practices and the recently opened Sandy Crest Medical Centre. The school system is also one of the strongest, providing students with a good range of educational options.
The property market has held strong and comfortably buoyant since 2008 and price increases are predicted from mid-2012. Property sales and rental activity has increased steadily and property options range in price from $150,000-$50,000,000 with opportunities for land / property development and even the possibility of purchasing an existing beachfront hotel. The property rentals market has grown approximately 20% since 2008 and rental yields are approximately 6%-9% per annum. We have a great selection of luxury homes for sale or rental in Barbados. The buying process is based on UK law with no restrictions or visas required for non nationals. Property is bought on a freehold basis and there are no taxes when buying. There is no Capital Gains Tax or inheritance tax in Barbados. The only cost when buying a property is the attorney legal fees which range from 1%-2%. When selling there is a 2.5% transfer tax plus 1% Stamp Duty. Standard Purchase Procedure: •V erbal offer and acceptance (in some cases a reservation agreement may apply) • Appointment of an attorney-at-law •E xchange of contracts for sale and payment of a 10% deposit to the vendor’s attorney-at-law within two to four weeks •C onveyance and payment of 90% remaining within three to six months (in the case of off-plan developments, stage payments based on construction progress may apply) Key luxury residential developments represented by Chesterton Barbados include Royal Westmoreland Golf Estate, Apes Hill Wentworth Golf Estate, Sugar Hill Resort, One Sandy Lane and Port St. Charles alongside other developments and luxury inland and beach front homes. Barbados appeals to visitors worldwide and is a well-known winter hideaway for the rich and famous, who have all of the choice in the world.
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T: +44 (0) 207 409 0533 E: enquiries@chartwellestates.co.uk W: www.chartwellestates.co.uk
Alang Alang
St. James, Barbados Alang Alang is considered to be one of the finest signature homes on the famous West Coast of Barbados. Over 10,000 sqft of living space and designed with a distinctive Balinese influence. Alang Alang is a private and glamorous sanctuary which boasts extensive beach frontage along the island’s famed platinum coast. Guide Price:
US$25,000,000
SunDeck
Westmoreland, St. James, Barbados This magnificent home of approximately 8,000 sqft. has been built to very high specifications and the location on Westmoreland ridge offers unrivaled vistas of Royal Westmoreland and the sea beyond. Guide Price:
US$4,995,000
T: +44 (0) 207 409 0533 E: enquiries@chartwellestates.co.uk W: www.chartwellestates.co.uk
One Sandy Lane
Sandy Lane, St. James, Barbados The eight super prime palatial villas range in size from 8,000 to 9,500 sqft. Luxuriant interiors are adorned with historically inspired architecture, superb craftsmanship, and striking interior design. Guide Price:
From US$21,800,000
Royal Westmoreland
Westmoreland, St. James, Barbados Royal Westmoreland is a Five Star residential resort community of grand residences, luxury villas and premier apartments discreetly set around the 18 holes of a championship, world class golf course offering views of the fairways and the West Coast. Guide Price:
US$429,000 to US$6,750,000
T: +44 (0) 207 409 0533 E: enquiries@chartwellestates.co.uk W: www.chartwellestates.co.uk
Solana
Holetown, St. James, Barbados Stunning Beach and Sea Views. Newly built 5 bedroom luxury beachfront home located on the Platinum Coast in Holetown, St James. Walking distance to Sandy Lane Hotel and Golf Course and all of the finest West Coast restaurants and shopping. Guide Price:
US$14,500,000
Westland Heights
Westmoreland, St. James, Barbados Westland Heights is a luxury gated residential estate located in the parish of St. James with panoramic views of the Caribbean sea. Guide Price:
US$3,100,000 to US$5,000,000
PaviLion Square St. James, Barbados
Pavilion Square is a high quality development offering 24 luxury apartments. Located in the exclusive Paris of St James, whose world famous beaches are just a short stroll from Pavilion Square. The properties are available on a freehold basis, complete with landscaped gardens, a swimming pool and a secure environment – offering tranquility and privacy for owners and residents alike. The properties represent a potential high yield for an investor and can be purchased individually or the whole site can be bought for $8,807,060. Guide Price:
$321,000 to $421,000
T: +44 (0) 207 409 0533 E: enquiries@chartwellestates.co.uk W: www.chartwellestates.co.uk
The Regent Princess
113A Jermyn Street, Mayfair, London, SW1Y 6HJ www.backesandstrauss.com Accra Africa Watch Trading Abu Dhabi FM Watchland Athens Patseas Beirut FM Watchland Bergamo Serafino Consoli Berlin Jundef & Co Delhi Kapoor Doha Ghadah Jewellery; Al Fardan Dubai Azal Dublin Weir & Sons Fukoka FM Watchland Geneva FM boutique Hong Kong FM Boutique; Prince Jewellery & Watch Kiev Noblesse Kuala Lumpur Sincere Fine Watches Kuwait City Yara Lagos Julian Osula London Harrods; Theo Fennell Los Angeles Westime Luxembourg Molitor Macau Luck Hock Jewellery Malaysia Sincere Fine Watches Miami Levinson Mumbai The Rose Watch Bar New York OC Concepts; FM Boutique Osaka FM Watchland Paris Kronometry Riyadh Al Fardan Singapore Sincere Fine Watches Tokyo FM Watchland Toronto Mindham Fine Jewellery Venice Tokatzian Vienna H端bner Uhrmachermeister
Ostriches, Tax and UK properties Nicholas Andrew outlines how UK property owners can protect themselves from an unwelcome approach by HMRC and provides a clear guide to the new rules and how they may affect you.
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Search the Internet to find the lifespan of an ostrich and the answer will be longer than you think. However, it is probably longer than the period an ill-advised UK property owner has before receiving an unwelcome approach from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) if his or her property affairs here are not organised for tax. HMRC has worked out that properties are easy to see and attach a charge to, often representing big values and providing a great tax-raising target. Currently, the London residential market is seen as highly attractive to buyers worldwide seeking security, a sophisticated legal system, a “cheap” currency and a liquid market – in a city with wonderful shopping, entertainment and arts offerings. Despite this, individuals buying in their own names need to tread warily as a recent Supreme Court case showed. The attraction to a UK non-resident buying a UK property is no capital gains tax liability on the eventual sale. The problem until recently was defining when someone became or ceased to be a UK resident as it was not clearly defined. The result – a series of legal cases, with HMRC winning most, as many people leaving the UK had not made a sufficiently clean break with their UK connections. From 6 April 2012, there should be some welcome clarity on this when a new, clear definition is expected to allow you to work out whether or not you are UK resident. However, the simplest way of proving UK non-residence, providing you have been UK non-resident in any of the three preceding UK tax years, is to spend under 45 days here (actually “midnights”) in a UK tax year (6 April to the following 5 April) – then you are classified as UK non-resident. Equally safe is someone who has left the UK to work full-time abroad on an employment contract that lasts a full UK tax year. In this case, there is an 89 UK day allowance of which 20 can be “work days”. However, the definition of what work you can do on a work day is limited. Like all residence-related matters, this needs careful attention because the burden of proof is on the taxpayer not HMRC. So, if you are in the UK between 45 and 182 UK days, it then becomes a question of how many defined “connecting factors” you have here. For 45 to 89 UK days having 4 connecting factors is fatal, from 90 to 119 it’s 3 and for 120 to 182 it’s 2. The “connecting factors” for arrivers are (i) if one’s spouse/partner/minor children are UK resident, (ii) having “accessible” UK accommodation available, (iii) spending more than 40 working days (of no more than 3 hours per day) i.e. being here in substantial employment, and (iv) having been in the UK for more than 90 days in either of the preceding two UK tax years. There are a series of tests applicable where an individual has close UK connections (e.g. over 182 days presence here or an only residence here or works full-time in the UK) and another series of tests when looking at the key areas where a person is arriving in or leaving the UK permanently during the tax year. Probably it’s safest to say anyone with 89 or fewer UK days presence and no more than 2 connecting factors is going to be most likely accepted as UK non-resident – but watch those work days! Certainty, however, comes at a price. So, what can individuals do to help themselves? First, recognise that HMRC means business and will not be taking prisoners i.e. an ostrich-like head in sand attitude is yesterday’s story. Second, keep a really accurate contemporaneous diary record, of where you were day-by-day, backed by evidence wherever possible. Third, if you want to be certain, it is worthwhile checking with a specialist adviser in this field and not waiting until the knock on the door – particularly now as the system from April will be new to advisers, HMRC and homeowners. Another area in which care is vital, is where there is a sudden unexpected death of someone owning a UK property in their own name. This will be within the scope of UK estate tax (a basic flat rate 40% slab tax) and is the case on most UK situs assets on death. Liability on UK assets applies whether
or not you are UK resident and, or, domiciled. Traditionally, these difficulties were solved by moving the property into corporate ownership often under an overseas trust and these old structures still exist. However, for over a decade HMRC has attacked such structures claiming that the property occupier is really a “shadow” director of the company and liable to an annual benefit in kind tax charge. A variant of these arrangements was the double trust structure, which attempted to circumvent this, but is subject to the “pre-owned assets” legislation. However, there remain a series of possibilities to ameliorate or avoid the tax exposure. It is hard to divorce issues of residence from the impact to the UK tax code caused by the parallel concept of domicile. The UK offers residents a major tax break if they are UK non-domiciled in that no UK income or capital gains tax is levied on overseas income and gains provided they are not remitted to the UK. There is an annual charge for this if you have lived here for more than 7 of the last 9 UK tax years and it rises again after 12 years of the last 14 tax years here.
Recognise that HMRC means business and will not be taking prisoners...
So what is domicile? Well, it is different from the civil law usage of “domicile” which is more akin to permanent residence. In the UK, domicile embraces the mental intention as to where an individual intends to live forever and rest his bones with the physical actuality of having a property as his permanent home. Both need to be present. Whilst being a UK resident non-domiciliary can be attractive to those with income and gains offshore, the catch is that, after you have been resident here in 17 out of the last 20 UK tax years, your worldwide assets and estate is liable to UK estate tax and not just the UK situs ones as before. To make a non-UK domicile work to your benefit, the lessons are to take steps, which you record, (i) to actively maintain it, (ii) to link it in to your residence planning and (iii) to re-structure your asset holdings well ahead of the 17 year point. And as a final warning to anyone reading this who is in the reverse situation e.g. a UK non-resident of many years but who remains UK domiciled, you will still be liable to UK inheritance tax (on your worldwide assets) on death or major gifts. Double tax treaties or tax credits may well not come to your rescue. So what is the average age of the ostrich? Well no one agrees but say 30 to 75, so perhaps 50 years. But, please, don’t bury your head in the sand for that long. Nicholas Andrew Nicholas Andrew is a London-based Chartered Accountant who has specialised for many years in residence and domicile matters for wealthy international individuals and families. He can be contacted on + 44 (0) 20 7409 7060. Disclaimer: The above is a general outline of certain highly complex areas of UK tax law. It is not specific advice on which any individual or entity should act or base planning and no liability on the author or publisher will attach or follow from it.
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Pan Peninsula
Canary wharf, London London’s most sophisticated waterside apartments overlooking Canary Wharf. Ultra glamorous apartments supported by the widest range of world-class facilities. Guide Price:
£1,650,000 to £10,000,000
T: +44 (0) 207 409 0533 E: enquiries@chartwellestates.co.uk W: www.chartwellestates.co.uk
EvEry Brioni garmEnt is trEatEd as if it wErE a singlE, uniquE piEcE. Each dEtail is carEfully tailorEd and honEd with a skill passEd down through thE gEnErations. this attEntion to dEtail and craftsmanship EchoEs thE Brand’s roots as a small roman tailor’s shop and has contriButEd to its transformation into a purvEyor of italian stylE worldwidE.
TO BE O NE OF A KIND LONDON
MIL AN
NEW YORK
PARIS
BRIONI.COM
TO BE O NE OF A KIND LONDON
MIL AN
NEW YORK
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What we all need is confidence Whilst economists had mixed views at the start of 2011 as to the outlook for the UK and Europe, there were encouraging signs that various stimulus packages were beginning to work. Globally, particularly in emerging economies such as India and China, the dilemma was how to slow down growth in relation to rising inflation.
This, however, is not just a pain felt deeply in Europe but also in the US. The Wall Street protests have spread across the globe and there is an anger that financial institutions and political leaders have let us all down, yet, in many cases they have and are still, being rewarded for what is deemed to be “failure”. In short, we are “reaping what we sowed”.
Investment houses were bullish in their predictions with a number of the best names predicting the FTSE 100 to finish the year above 6,500. The reality has been very different. The FTSE 100 began the year at 6,013 points but in August fell to 4,791, a fall, from the start of the year of over 20 per cent before recovering close to the 5,500 mark.
I write a comment on the latest developments in fear that whatever I communicate will probably be out of date by the end of the day, never mind the week!
So what has happened? At the start of the year, the North African crisis began to unfold with unrest in Egypt, in particular, which led to the so called “Arab Spring” and attempts to overthrow respective governments. The Libyan rebellion was the latest manifestation. One of the catalysts for these uprisings was the rising cost of food for the mass populations. The Japanese disaster, then further derailed optimism as the terrible events unfolded on our TV screens. Devastating, clearly, but this also had serious repercussions as Japan is the third largest world economy. Yet, helped by monetary stimulus and the stoic nature of the Japanese people, there was a belief that Japan would “bounce” back. Stock-markets responded positively. After a brief respite, came further concerns about Greece and other European countries such as Portugal, Ireland and Spain. As the months unfolded the main emphasis was on Greece and whether it would default but other countries have now joined the concerned list, notably Italy. Greece now seems like old news with the “Berlusconi effect” taking centre stage with Spain waiting in the wings for their time in the spotlight. If this wasn’t bad enough, then the political shenanigans over in the US concerning their debt ceiling, coupled with data suggesting a lower, slower growth for the world economy unnerved investors. The main equity indices fell dramatically after being trapped in a sideways pattern for most of the year. The one thing stock-markets hate is uncertainty. Many countries in Europe have enjoyed themselves with money flowing from the EU and are now suddenly beginning to wonder why the party is over and they are nursing a financial hangover! Too much excess without adequate controls. The difficulty is how to convince the populous that they will have to accept a lower standard of living, probably for a generation at least and more than likely much longer.
Yet despite all this turmoil, equity markets are still proving amazingly resilient, despite huge swings in prices. On a medium to long term basis equities look attractive as the larger corporates have significant cash reserves and the momentum is with higher dividends across the main indices. Other asset classes offer “pockets of value” but it would appear that many defensive assets are over-valued but this of course depends upon your view and outlook, especially in the short term. So what is the answer? Certainly retaining cash for anything other than a short period is not really an option with inflation above 5 per cent. A highly diversified portfolio with a dynamic tactical approach is probably the key. It is definitely prudent to regularly re-assess holdings in such times of turmoil. Such active management is the core of the Blue Sky investment proposition for its clients. Are we doomed to years of misery? Unlikely, but much depends upon whether EU leaders can deliver a credible plan sooner rather than later. What we all need is a strong dose of confidence.
Gary Neild is the Managing Director at Blue Sky Financial Planning providing wealth management for those who require professional expertise. To find out more, please call 01202 756560 or visit www.blueskyfp.co.uk The price of stocks, shares and funds, and the income from them, may fall as well as rise. Any performance figures were sourced from Financial Express in the week prior to this publication. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future returns. Tax treatment is dependent upon individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future. Blue Sky is authorised by the Financial Services Authority. Blue Sky is registered in England & Wales at Suite 8, 25 Bourne Valley Road, Poole, BH12 1DY. No. 4423547 VAT No. 887268169.
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Trevor Place
KNightsbridge, London, England A superb recently refurbished period town house situated in this exclusive area within 5 minutes walk to Harrods and Hyde Park. The splendid accommodation which is planned over five floors and extends to approx. 2600 sqft has five bedrooms and has the highest quality fixtures and fittings throughout. There is a small patio / outside terrace to the rear. An exceptional property in a most sought after area. Guide Price:
ÂŁ5,800,000
T: +44 (0) 207 409 0533 E: enquiries@chartwellestates.co.uk W: www.chartwellestates.co.uk
Introducing London’s first
‘unhotel’ For those of you unfamiliar with the term – onefinestay is London’s first unhotel, giving guests the opportunity to stay in a high-end London home for a few days while the owner is away. onefinestay offers a new category of accommodation that is spacious, characterful and better value than a hotel. Plus, it offers a unique experience – the opportunity to ‘live like a local’.
Since its launch just over a year ago, the company has grown from six members to more than 200, supported by a full time team of over 40. In the six months to August 2011 the company grew its revenues by more than 1,000 percent, with plans to triple the number of homes by the middle of next year and to expand internationally.
The range of accommodation is extensive – from a luxury apartment in aristocratic Mayfair, a family home in stately Holland Park, a bachelor pad in leafy Primrose Hill or a houseboat on the River Thames. onefinestay is growing fast and boasts a portfolio of over 200 upscale homes across London, each owned by a onefinestay host member.
Prices range from £150 a night for a comfortable one-bedroom apartment in Marylebone W1, to over £1,000 a night for a grand townhouse in South Kensington. This service suits everyone – regular business travellers to London, professional couples seeking a better way to experience the city and families with children. onefinestay’s early success was spotted by
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A selection of some of the properties on the books of onefinestay - from luxury apartments to family homes, batchelor pads to a houseboat on the River Thames.
leading European venture capital firm Index Ventures which led a $3.7m funding round. Other angel investors include Brent Hoberman, co-founder and CEO of Lastminute.com, Andy Phillipps, co-founder of Active Hotels, and other leading figures from the travel and hospitality community. For two nights to two weeks, it’s a compelling alternative to traditional hotels and avoids the hassles and compromises of vacation rentals. Guests enjoy luxury amenities (like White Company toiletries and 5-star bed linen) along with an iPhone they can borrow for free during their stay that plays short videos about the home, its contents and history. And for everything else, the onefinestay team is on call 24/7, by phone or in person (by scooter to the door). Becoming a onefinestay host isn’t just about opening your doors so people can stay in your home. Members benefit from a complete service – from insurance and marketing through to cleaning and tidying, their home gets looked after totally while they’re not in it. And, of course, there is the financial advantage of the arrangement. onefinestay is founded by three serial entrepreneurs with property management, logistics, investment and technology experience. Greg Marsh, onefinestay’s CEO and co-founder, says “This is a really exciting time for us. The company’s success has proven beyond doubt that people with beautiful homes are keen to have guests to stay in them while they’re away, providing the right systems and support are in place from professional services like onefinestay. While we were initially inspired by the boom in couchsurfing and home-swapping, the interest we are seeing
among owners of distinctive homes in the most beautiful parts of London goes to show there is a potentially huge market for ‘serviced home stays’”.
For two nights to two weeks, it’s a compelling alternative to traditional hotels and avoids the hassles and compromises of vacation rentals.
onefinestay redefines the experience of visiting London: live like a local by staying in a distinctive home while the owner is out of town, with a service which offers all the convenience and comfort of a hotel. Members benefit by earning an income from a house or flat which would otherwise sit vacant, without the risk or hassle associated with alternatives like holiday rental or short letting. To find out how to become a member or to book accommodation with onefinestay visit www.onefinestay.com or call one of the team on +44 800 612 4377.
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onefinestay boasts a portfolio of over 200 upscale homes across London, each owned by a onefinestay host member.
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So there’s this new thing: the unhotel. And we’re it. We give you the chance to stay in someone’s place while they’re out of town. Live their life for a few days and nights. Act like you own the place. Because, for a few days, you do. Choose from over 200 homes, at prices which range from £150 a night for a comfortable one bedroom apartment in Marylebone, to over £1,000 a night for a grand South Kensington townhouse. All with a service which offers the convenience and comfort of a hotel.
Bookings: +44 800 612 4377 General enquiries: +44 20 7097 8948
www.onefinestay.com
The Dorchester
- celebrating 80 years of excellence
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The Dorchester first opened its doors to the public on 18 April 1931, with the occasion marked with a private function and weeks of celebratory parties. Now, 80 years later, the award-winning restaurants and bars at The Dorchester are still run by London’s best and most welcoming teams. Why not experience the delicious afternoon teas on The Promenade or the best of homegrown British in The Grill or the finest contemporary French cuisine at Alain Ducasse? Alain Ducasse offers contemporary French cuisine in a modern and elegant environment – with a professional, bespoke and friendly service orchestrated by Restaurant Director Nicolas Defremont and his energetic team. Executive Chef, Jocelyn Herland, interprets Alain Ducasse’s cuisine with a refined approach, consistently championing current seasonal produce, predominantly sourced from British and French suppliers. Private dining is also a must-try experience at a restaurant that proudly holds three Michelin Stars. The Dorchester has not changed in its history and is still renowned for endless parties and for stylish bars to begin or end your evening. Cocktail hour has returned to London with The Bar at The Dorchester. The Bar has
set its stall and is now known as much for its rich, opulent interior as for its menu of new and classic cocktails devised by world-renowned, award-winning expert alchemist, Giuliano Morandin and his team. Rich hues of black, browns and aubergine combine with luxurious lacquered mahogany, mirrored glass, velvet and dramatic, red, glass spears to create the perfect evening ambience. A long, curved bar proffers one of the finest selections of spirits, champagnes and wines in London and a menu to match.
The Dorchester has not changed in its history and is still renowned for endless parties and for stylish bars to begin or end your evening.
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The Promenade Bar has a fantastic oval design, made from rich leather with a backdrop of deep crimson glass. Watch the world go by as you sip a cocktail, or your favourite tipple and listen to the wonderful skills of the resident pianist or a superb jazz duo. The Dorchester’s rooms are spectacular, providing exceptional luxury and comfort and have views over Hyde Park or the Hotel’s landscaped gardens. The suites range from the Junior and Stanhope Suites to the generous Dorchester Suites and the Oliver Messel Suite. Bathrooms combine an exceptional combination of style and function, and allegedly provide the deepest baths in London. The design style reflects the Hotel’s 1930s origins – drawing on the classic art deco style and fashioned predominantly in Italian marble. Known collectively as the ‘roof suites’, the Audley, Terrace and Harlequin provide a taste of the Hollywood glamour associated with the Hotel. The design of these suites emulates the original style of the Hotel, whilst remaining fresh, modern and luxurious. All three roof suites have large outside terraces, with unrivalled views over London and a team of dedicated butlers on hand to take care of guests’ every request.
The Dorchester has been celebrating its 80th Anniversary throughout 2011 in a unique collaboration with international charity Trees for Cities by planting 80 new ‘Future Great Trees’ in London. The listed plane tree that has marked the entrance to The Dorchester since the hotel opened its doors in 1931, was designated one of the Great Trees of London by Trees for Cities in 1997. Inspired by this, the 80th Anniversary celebration will see 15 ‘Future Great Trees’ planted in Mayfair and St. James’s to form ‘The Dorchester Anniversary Walk’. A further 65 trees will be planted across London in areas identified by Trees for Cities. The Dorchester’s 80th Anniversary ‘Future Great Trees’ legacy was proposed by the Hotel’s Corporate Responsibility team and working in partnership with experts in urban tree planning – Trees for Cities, Westminster Council and other landowners to identify locations, planting will begin in November 2011. The Dorchester is also in the process of renovating a number of suites under the design direction of Alexandra Champalimaud, refreshing the Hotel’s inherently British, classic residential style. www.thedorchester.com
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T: +44 (0) 207 409 0533 E: enquiries@chartwellestates.co.uk W: www.chartwellestates.co.uk
MONTECATINI VAL DI CECINA Tuscany, Italy
An immaculately renovated 6 bedroom Tuscan farmhouse located in the countryside — 45 minutes south of Pisa and close to the walled city of Volterra, consisting of 4 apartments, each benefiting from its own sleeping accommodation, kitchen and living area. The total accommodation provides 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, 4 living areas with kitchens, and 2 studies – making it an ideal investment rental property or easily transformed into a single luxurious dwelling. The property sits in 2 acres of land, with stunning views over the surrounding valley from the spectacular pool and various terraces. Guide Price:
€1,200,000
Ghiffa
Lake Maggiore, Italy Stunning lakeside 4 bedroom apartment on the shores of Lake Maggiore, just 45 minutes from the centre of Milan and its international airports and 20 minutes from the Swiss border. The property boasts its own boat mooring and winter storage. A splendid open plan living area includes a marble breakfast bar and modern kitchen. The lounge and dining areas lead to an extensive covered terrace for 16 people to dine with magnificent views over the lake. A spa and fitness centre is just 5 minutes away, restaurants are close by and the property also benefits from secure parking. Guide Price:
€850.000
CHARTWELL GROUP
Chartwell Estates specialises in the sale and purchase of the most prized residential properties worldwide. From our centrally located office in the heart of Mayfair, our team offers discerning clients a bespoke service in all aspects of the market whether you are buying or selling. Our international clientele is continually active in the property sector, thus providing Chartwell Estates with the opportunity to market property on an international basis. In turn this client base provides buyers from all corners of the globe. We have access to some of the world’s most exclusive and prime real estate. From bespoke London townhouses, country equestrian estates to opulent Monaco apartments, we will endeavour to meet your specific needs. Please note: Due to the discerning nature of our clientele we are unable to publish images of their fine homes. Please contact our Mayfair office on +44 (0)207 409 0533 or e-mail enquiries@chartwellestates.co.uk to discuss your property requirements.
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Chartwell Bespoke is situated in the heart of Mayfair, London, providing an easily accessible meeting place from which to discuss your renovation or construction project. Our experienced team are specialists in all aspects of design and build in both the residential and commercial sectors. Past projects have been undertaken in St James, Knightsbridge, Mayfair, Hyde Park and Kensington. Please contact our Mayfair office on on +44 (0)207 409 0533 or e-mail enquiries@chartwell-bespoke.co.uk to discuss your renovation and constuction projects.
Our specialist services include: Chartwell is a Monaco based company, which initially specialised in renovation and construction projects in Monaco and the surrounding areas however, are now operating on a global scale.
•B espoke Design – guiding you through the complete design process from the concept through to soft furnishings, incorporating local designers and architects.
Chartwell has the experience to guide even the most demanding project through to fruition; with over three hundred projects completed across Monaco and the South of France. The construction industry requires a high degree of knowledge and Chartwell has the tools to provide the finest quality of work. Chartwell works with local and internationally renowned architects and designers, dependent on the needs of our clients; assisting to develop their homes into something unique and very special. Our clients have one point of contact and can be assured of a seamless service.
•B espoke Management – bi-lingual team of managers to ensure smooth delivery and realisation of your project. •B espoke Renovation – restoring historic buildings through to cutting-edge technology, renovating your villa or apartment, dealing with every aspect of the works and trade to provide a complete turn key package. • Bespoke Construction – building innovative and dynamic homes.
Monaco is a unique place that offers its own challenges from Belle Epoque to modern apartment blocks, our experience of integrating the old and the new allows us to combine bespoke solutions with creative design.
Please contact our Monaco office on +377 97 97 56 67 or e-mail office@chartwell.mc to discuss your international property renovation and construction needs.
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Heath Hall
Hampstead Garden Suburb, London Grade II listed property that has been lovingly restored to its former glory over the last 7 years. The design has remained faithful to its Classical, Arts and Crafts and Scottish Baronial architecture whilst retaining the ornate period details that make the property unique. The result of this restoration and re-development project is a property that is in keeping with its past, however also offers the ultimate in modern luxury living. Heath Hall offers living space of 27,000 sqft comprising of six living areas, all offering exceptional space, high ceilings and lots of natural light. 14 bedrooms all with either en-suite or adjoining bathroom, cinema, wine cellar, pool and leisure complex are just some of the features of this incredible property. Guide Price:
ÂŁ85,000,000
T: +44 (0) 207 409 0533 E: enquiries@chartwellestates.co.uk W: www.chartwellestates.co.uk
Chopard
A Tradition of Excellence
The Chopard brand started life in 1860 in the small village of Sonvilier. A talented young craftsman, Louis-Ulysse Chopard established a workshop building watches. Famed for their precision and reliability, the business gained a solid reputation and found buyers as far afield as Eastern Europe, Russia and Scandinavia. In 1963, the Chopard family sold the House to Karl Scheufele, descendant of a dynasty of watchmakers and jewellers from Pforzheim, Germany. Under the impetus of the Scheufele family, Chopard experienced spectacular development. Renowned for its creativity, its state-of-the-art technology and the excellence of its craftsmen, it has become one of the leading names in the high-end watch and jewellery industry. Karl Scheufele and his wife Karin have orchestrated the company’s international expansion for more than 40 years and are still active in the firm. Their two children are its current co-presidents – with Caroline responsible for the ladies’ collection and high jewellery and Karl-Friedrich managing the gents’ collection and the Chopard Manufacture in Fleurier. In harmony with its past and with Chopard’s pragmatic philosophy, independence is the primary value of this House. It explains why production has reached such a high degree of vertical integration. Chopard can draw upon a vast reservoir of in-house expertise and experience uniting different crafts within the twin fields of watch and jewellery-making. Creative innovation is both encouraged and supported – a quest for excellence is revealed at Chopard in each field of activity, ranging from R&D to sophisticated design and modern production means. From striking timepieces to standout rings to stunning bracelets to exquisite earrings and beautiful pendants, the striking designs from Chopard are an elegant and timeless purchase.
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Tanzanite ring from the Red Carpet Collection Ring set with an oval-shaped tanzanite (37.11cts) and diamonds (6.5cts) on 18ct white gold.
Earrings from the Temptations collection Suspending 2 pear shaped kunzites (27.64ct), adorned with diamonds, tourmaline paraibas, pastel pink sapphires and rubies, set in white gold.
Bracelet from the Temptations collection Adorned with pear shaped multicoloured sapphires (89.39ct), paved with white diamonds and set in white gold.
Earrings from the Temptations collection Suspending two pear shaped rubellites (22.23ct), adorned with heart shaped emeralds, paved with diamonds and set in white gold.
Earrings from the Temptations collection Suspending drop shaped multicoloured sapphires (44.25ct), adorned with round sapphires and amethysts, set in white gold.
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Xtravaganza pendant The sunny, joyful and effusive new Xtravaganza pendant evokes an erupting volcano, a shining star‌ or perhaps a dazzling firework display! Its finely guillochÊ rose or white gold pendant is paved with a burst of diamonds of all different sizes, as is the matching watch. As round and bright as the daystar itself, its flamboyant rays are studded with scattered diamonds. Available in white or rose gold, the glowing talisman is held by a slender double-link chain. Its incandescent and hypnotic beauty combine to ensure that this new Xtravaganza will melt the hearts of all who bask in the warmth of its unique glow. Prices available on application. www.chopard.com
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Bespoke design Bespoke management Bespoke renovation Bespoke construction Bespoke professionalservices
t: +44 (0) 207 409 0533 | E: enquiries@chartwell-bespoke.co.uk | W: www.chartwell-bespoke.co.uk
Monsoon Garden Zanzibar
Zanzibar is located twenty miles off the coast of Tanzania. On arrival into Dar es Salaam International Airport (Tanzania), there is a short 20 minute flight into Stone Town where you then complete your journey to Monsoon Garden by car for your own piece of paradise. Zanzibar offers a warm climate all year round, with clear blue seas and white sands. For those of you that require a little more, there is an everyday Swahili fishing community nearby where you can immerse yourself within the African culture. Zanzibar also has a growing reputation for water activities, especially diving, where there are picture-perfect, isolated reefs. There are five villas available at Monsoon Garden, all are beach front with direct access to pool and shoreline. There will be a communal pool and 24 hr security. Dar House is completed and pictured in this feature, it is available for £495,000 furnished as seen. The remaining four villas are yet to be completed, meaning any purchaser could add their design/finishing touches. Alternatively the remaining units can be purchased and the villas will be built in a similar style to that of Dar House. A resident management team are always present when you need them, and whether it is preparing vegetables from the organic garden out back with seafood from the ocean out front, overseeing your deliveries, keeping things tidy or arranging your wine cellar, they are generally doing as much – or as little – as you need of them. The joy of private villas is that it is the residents that create the meaning of their beach experience, do the hospitality and add their own personal flair to proceedings, rather than follow the pre-ordained, room-pack suggestions. This is the world beyond boutique, all yours, to do with as you please.
Upepo - £1,000,000 Pavillion - £675,000 Nyota - £495,000 Plantation - £475,000
T: +44 (0) 207 409 0533 E: enquiries@chartwellestates.co.uk W: www.chartwellestates.co.uk
On the right track
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TrackaPhone.com is the market leader and the first company to be awarded “Secured By Design” status by ACPO for the provision of secure location-based services. TrackaPhone was one of the leaders who laid down the original industry guidelines and are regarded as the Gold Standard in the industry. TrackaPhone continue to exceed the privacy guidelines, whilst offering a comprehensive, safe provision of security, location-based services. With a wealth of industry experience, TrackaPhone has proven to be a market driver in the development of applications and services supporting hundreds of differing organisations both Government and Corporate with a dynamic location-based global management platform. TrackaPhone is a “cloud”, technology company, who has developed a dynamic JAVA platform – integrating mobile devices, mapping, location and communication technology from proven partners delivering a robust and reliable solution ensuring ROI for their customers. The Company has established a Best of Breed relationship with Vodafone and is an official partner of 02 and Orange. These relationships offer a powerful statement of quality in an industry, which is plagued by companies offering solutions not backed up by robust technology. A key benefit of this is the security and speed of their cell feeds which are directly connected to TrackaPhone’s servers. This level of priority is only offered to the emergency services. TrackaPhone’s technology works on all global communications networks. For example, a user can have an Iraqi Sim card and still have the service wherever they are in the world. TrackaPhone also offers a range of location technologies giving a more robust and reliable location fix. The Company has spent nine years developing relationships and technology with device manufacturers such as RIM (Blackberry), Nokia, Motorola, QinetiQ and many specialist device developers. TrackaPhone uses mapping providers such as Google, Navteq or API’s to enable customer owned mapping. Industry failure rates for location solutions are typically between 5-7.5%. TrackaPhone has a success record of more than 99.99%.
Assets Asset Management can take a number of different forms and TrackaPhone use various devices and different forms of location technology to deliver a range of solutions covering everything from: monitoring the stock levels in vending machines; to locating and geofencing generators, horse boxes or trailers; to recovering a stolen laptop or high value load/goods. Business Benefits • Reduce asset acquisition costs by 5-8% •B etter matching of software licenses to organisation needs – reduce software costs by 6-10% •E nhanced service and warranty coverage – reduce warranty costs by 3-15% • I ncreased component standardisation – rescue mean-time-to-repair and improve uptime by 3-7% • Reduced IT component complexity •B etter contractor/vendor selection process – improve contractor performance by 20% • Better negotiation of terms and conditions safeguarding performance • Reduce risk of non-compliance by up to 50%
People TrackaPhone’s solutions alleviate the pressure on employers to deliver duty of care for their employees. With TrackaPhone’s experience and technology they empower employees with the correct technology alongside their own HSE procedures helping them to understand the risks of their job and know how to deal with situations they might find themselves in.
TrackaPhone services are delivered through a single unified interface, providing ease of use for end users. The system can be used with legacy equipment at the same time future proofing an organisations operations. TrackaPhone’s solutions enable comprehensive business advantages and are outlined below.
Business Benefits • Reduced costs • Increased productivity and security • Fleet performance • Duty of care • Enhanced asset management • Reduced litigation costs • Excessive monetary/receipt claims from employees /accountability • Insurance premiums •M aintenance of brand image by reducing impact of potential major incidents
TrackaPhone’s Services Vehicle Tracking / Telemetry
Mini Case Study
TrackaPhone offers comprehensive solutions from basic tracking to full CANBUS systems. This allows individual organisations to incorporate data logging, satellite positioning and data communication information from vehicles into a centralised system whether it be locating assets on the road or at sea. Business Benefits • Improved productivity • Customer services • Vehicular security • Asset management • Fuel management • Legislation • Health & safety
A major US-based retailer has used TrackaPhone’s solution to protect their staff, buildings and assets for over 3 years. The Company has given staff Blackberry units, which have our preloaded Blackberry Alert Client App. In the recent UK riots, over 60 recorded incidents occurred where TrackaPhone’s solution protected staff and stores before incidents could escalate. Their solution also offers the organisation a management escalation system, which immediately locates first responders and has been used in work-related accidents, flooding and power failure. Over a year it was internally calculated that the system saved £1.9m of value to the organisation’s brand. For more information sales@trackaphone.com www.trackaphone.com +44 8702 421 801
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Employee Protection • Vehicle Tracking Mobile Resource Management • Telecare Asset Tracking • Specialist Solutions
Security, Safety & Efficiency with Resilience, Reliability & Privacy TrackaPhone Limited, Cobalt Business Exchange, Cobalt Parkway, Newcastle, Tyne & Wear NE28 9NZ Telephone: +44 8702 421 801 | Email: sales@trackaphone.com | www.trackaphone.com
Lamborghini Sevenoaks
Lamborghini Sevenoaks 92 London Road Sevenoaks Kent TN13 1BA Tel 01732 467827 www.lamborghini-sevenoaks.com
EU fuel consumption figures mpg (litres/100 km) for the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4: urban 10 (27.3); extra-urban 25 (11.3); combined 16.4 (17.2). CO2 emissions: 398 g/km.
Jimi Hendrix, The Art of Music. Size: 841mm x 594mm, Acrylic Spray, Ink & Pointilism
Written by Robert James
WARREN FOX If some journalists had only hacked into the voicemails of Charles Saatchi, they might have at least financially justified their moral demise. Perhaps they could have clubbed together and bought a Warren Fox exhibition piece instead of cannibalising themselves on a few celebrity pork scratchings. We wouldn’t of course condone hacking for any such purpose. However if you can withstand the lens flare of the glitterati at The Hospital Club, you will see the early work of an artist that has art collectors dropping their phones in unison. Why bother using salubrious means to find out who Saatchi wants as his new poster boy when you can seek that artist out for yourself at one of London’s most creatively fertile playgrounds. Warren Fox doesn’t hang off the coattails of the cultural pop icons that frequents the wards of the Hospital Club. On the contrary, these luminaries are queuing to hang off Fox’s canvases as he indelibly stains the conformities of pop art and over familiar portraiture with his own signature ink spots. Interestingly, Fox does not have a wish list of subjects that he would like to immortalise with the elixir of his trusty Rotring pen; a hunger for honesty and a celebration of the self are the unique qualities that not only frame his motivation for each commission but also the story of his remarkable journey. It may seem surprising that Warren Fox chose a Jimi Hendrix portrait for his debut at The Hospital Club in an exhibition showcasing the best of British Urban and Contemporary Art. You would be forgiven for thinking you’d walked into an orthopaedic wing with the collective sound of lockjaw as critics yawned derision upon receiving an invitation to view yet another Jimi inspired art piece. Surely the near post pubertal flicks of another disaffected art student graffiting the empty void as they smoke on the legacy of a true genius? It is almost as if Warren Fox wants to be discounted by choosing such an oversubscribed icon but boy is this a subversive tactic! These are the exact seeds of expectation that entraps the brood into this sly Fox’s field. The chicken liver canapés had an assertive freshness to them as critics carnivorously consumed any doubt they had about the artist on launch night. It is the familiarity that this daring artist relishes as he inverts it beautifully with knowing strokes. Perhaps Warren is deconstructing himself as he ferociously strips down the layers of pretension in his artwork. Having spent ten successful years in graphic design working for many formidable clients to serve their corporate image, it isn’t hard to understand why he left his career behind in Melbourne to begin a new life as an artist in London. However this is with the benefit of hindsight. It was a decision that involved much conflict and he had to sacrifice his reputation, career and homeland to quieten that nagging voice of his London calling. Perhaps it was a more reflexive move after sitting still for so many years, photo retouching truth into oblivion that made him run and run. There is tender irony in the realisation that the surgical hand that once punctured truth out of his work with the Botox of corporate requirement now punches realism back into the face of his work.
He might begrudge his late arrival to the art scene however his training is something that most art students would covet. The mendacity of studying the constellation of pixels under the microscope for so long has given his eye the kind of military training normally reserved for astronauts. His photo realism is simply breathtaking and there’s no tomfoolery with Photoshop or other such surgical transplanting here. However the real excitement is Fox’s exploration of colour. Whilst the body of his work in constructed in sumptuous pools of black shadows and light, he sparingly applies flicks of colour to capture the aura of his subject. His need to understand and connect with his subject matter is justified and he serves as the prism to project a truthful image to canvas. It is for this reason that the Fox has attracted particular interest with private investors looking to commission him. Most artists in his position would probably politely decline on creative grounds however he liberally thrives on the ability to help liberate others from the shackles of expectation. Whilst his work to date has precluded him from taking on any commissions he clearly is ready to embrace these offers. It is these connections that excites Fox the most as he seeks to help his subject contradict any pretensions their peers may have about them and create something that captures a truer sense of themselves. This of course requires an investment of time from both parties but it is a connection that is of course mutually fulfilling. The contrast between the artist’s comfortable life in Melbourne and his Newfoundland of North Acton couldn’t be anymore real than one of his compositions. It isn’t difficult to guess where the inspiration for pointillism might have come from as Fox stares out of the raindrop scattered windows of his studio. The soundtrack is provided courtesy of London Underground as the baseline of Central Line trains echoes throughout this building once dedicated to the production of perfume. Perhaps they should have left a few bottles behind to mask the toil of his neighbouring artists less dedicated to the self. Its only a matter of time before Fox markets his own scent of optimism. His enthusiasm and passion for life is intoxicating and he clearly flourishes in his own prolonged isolation whilst others might despair. Indeed, Fox feeds hungrily off his environment and speaks fondly of his appetite for the richness and simplicity of life’s stories. This floral positivity might prove a bit overpowering for the other residents of W3 and beyond, however it is his survival mechanism for escaping the old structures that he had once trusted in. It is clear that Fox finds an affinity with other artists, particularly musicians, as his body of work proves. His collection of jazz illustrations, referenced from the late, iconic photographers work, Herman Leonard have proved most alluring for the access all areas his pen affords above the intimacy of photography. It seems a paradox to gender his technique as photorealism when clearly he achieves a truth beyond what the lens can afford. Perhaps it is the familiarity with the struggle of the musician for the truth that attracts him but this interest bleeds into all of his work. Into all the shadows of his canvas and his own life on show.
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Irvine Mayfield – a dedication to Herman Leonard. (framework illustrates progress of detail) Size: 380mm x 270mm, HB & 2B Pencil
Frank Sinatra – a dedication to Herman Leonard. Size: 380mm x 170mm, Ink & Pointilism
For more information on original, editioned or bespoke pieces email info@warrenjfox.com
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Chartwell Estates specialises in the sale and purchase of the most prized residential properties worldwide. From our centrally located office in the heart of Mayfair, our team offers discerning clients a bespoke service in all aspects of the market whether you are buying or selling.
t: +44 (0) 207 409 0533 | E: enquiries@chartwellestates.co.uk | W: www.chartwellestates.co.uk
Monaco Victoria Sheppard, Chartwell, speaks to Evelyn Genta about the benefits of living in Monaco
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For many, Monaco has developed a reputation as a playground for the rich and famous – a tax haven for the wealthy, however, this would be selling this amazing Principality short. The Principality is an independent and sovereign state bordering the Mediterranean sea and Cap d’Ail, La Turbie, Beausoleil and Roquebrune Cap Martin; communities in the French Department of the Alpes-Maritimes. Monaco covers an area of 2 km2, 40 hectares of which is land reclaimed from the sea over the last 20 years. This stretches over a narrow coastal strip rising vertically in certain areas and reaching a peak of 163 metres. Its width varies between 1,050 metres to just 350 metres and runs along the seashore for a distance of 4,100 metres. The Grimaldi family has presided over the Principality for seven centuries, making them one of the longest ruling families in Europe. This rare dynastic longevity is proof of national unity between the Princes and the Monegasque people. The Principality of Monaco has a rich and varied architectural and cultural heritage, with religious and secular traditions continuing to live on. Sometimes these traditions are interlinked, with popular festivities following ritual ceremonies. Religious traditions, however, are more deeply ingrained in the history and lives of the Monegasque people, forming an integral and exclusive part of their social, cultural and moral heritage. Monaco is a multi-cultural state – welcoming settlers from around the world. Nearly 125 nationalities are represented amongst its 33,000 residents – of which, 28% are French, 17% Italian and 6% British. French is the official language, but Italian and English are also widely understood and spoken. The Monegasque language is spoken by the older population and taught to the youth in school. The school system is excellent with a free French school for children, private French schools or private international schools available. There is plenty for children to do and the numerous activities available include tennis, sailing clubs, outdoor sports and art. Monaco is a very safe place to live with a ratio of one police officer per seventy residents. Alongside the police presence there is a network of extensive CCTV cameras. The Principality is also more accessible than ever with an increase in the number of flights between London and Monaco. Additionally, those wishing to live in Monaco are aided by the embassy – who offer potential residents a personalised service that goes above and beyond what your would expect. This support makes the move to the
Principality as stress-free as possible. The climate is moderate during the winter and hot, but not excessively, during the summer. Average annual temperature is 16.31 degrees centigrade with an exceptional number of sunny days. The Euro was introduced in Monaco on January 1, 1999 and since January 1, 2002 coins and bills have been introduced, making the Euro the Principality’s legal tender. As well as having a strong and stable heritage, Prince Albert is keen to be protective of the environment and the natural beauty within the Principality. His Prince Albert II of Monaco foundation is designed to promote eco-friendly initiatives, with the main principles of the foundation being to; - Support projects connected with the foundations thematic and strategic priorities - Raise both the public’s and the authorities awareness of the impact of human activities on the natural environment and to encourage more environmentally friendly behaviour - Promote outstanding initiatives and innovative solutions by awarding prizes and grants. The passion for the environment, the multi-cultural living, safety and security and strong heritage – combined with excellent transport links with the UK and proven embassy support has meant that Monaco is an amazing Principality, in which to reside. embassy.uk@gouv.mc 7 Upper Grosvenor Street, Mayfair, London W1K 2LX + 44 (0)20 7318 1083
Monaco Villas staff pride themselves on their level of client service and assist new residents on each aspect of Monaco living, offering help with residency formalities, introductions to schools, banks, insurance agents, sports clubs, artisans and household staff agencies. Their multilingual team can handle most client requirements. They have a range of apartments and villas for sale in the Principality of Monaco and across the French Riviera. Please contact Trevor Gabriel Tel: +377 9770 1010 or visit www.monaco-villas.com.
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The Largest Organisation of Luxury Living
Our vast knowledge and expertise stems from over five generations of the Virgara family’s experience within the furniture and interior design industry. We have had the privilege of working with some of the leading international specialists, allowing us to provide complete and quality services tailored to suit our clients’ taste, schedule and budget. I Group’s mission is to continue this unrivalled success and constant growth into the future. We are proud to introduce I Group and Team Partnerships’ First Edition of the “I Group Passion For Project Publication 2010-2012” (book on www.igroup-ltd.com), where fantasy meets reality, innovative design, through a portal to the most distinguished providers of luxury living.
1 2 A Cha rterhous e S qua re, London E C 1M 6A X
Commercial Projects I Group’s experience of high quality design combined with guaranteed confidence continue to impress the commercial industry, and through our positive approach and fearless attitude the results are always successful, whether you aim to create a unique environment with its own identity or to create an interior which can be transformed into a useful branding exercise. In the luxury hospitality sector, each different interior requires extremely specific knowledge and unlimited creativity from our team. I Group’s qualified specialists and team partnerships deal with the complex activity of contracting the hospitality projects for the niche luxury market, on a turnkey basis.
Residential Projects We offer a specialist knowledge of every type of finishing and furnishing. Whenever designing master bedrooms, kitchens or living rooms our team pay the same amount of attention to every single detail. Deluxe spaces are designed to create warm and welcoming atmosphere whilst bursting with the desired luxury. The use of natural materials, luxurious fabrics as well as bespoke furnishings in your home, give a general feel of tradition and technology joined in harmony. Elegant decorations and an emphasis on attention to detail ensure that the results are a refined décor and supreme elegance.
Tel./ Fa x + 4 4 (0 ) 2 07 2 5 1 8 9 0 9
w w w.i group-l t d.c om
i nf o@ i group- l t d . c o m
High net worth mortgages Why investing in the London property market has never been more attractive, Ian Humphreys explains why.
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The financial side of the property market has been interesting over the last few years, with the quite blinkered view in the media that mortgages are difficult to obtain. Whilst credit is certainly tighter, for the right client and the right property, banks are still keen to do business. As money from overseas investors has flooded into the UK market the performance of the prime and super-prime areas of London has surprised many. In a time where banks are exceptionally careful on where to allocate their assets whilst simultaneously reducing exposure to risk, the property is as important as the client when deciding to whom they extend credit. Whereas the more traditional UK lenders seem to be re-trenching and scaling down their operations, the overseas banks are ramping up their interest in the London market. Recent years have seen more overseas banks seek business in the UK property market – often undercutting the lending rates of their more established counterparts. Increasingly, we’ve had several banks that have traditionally not conducted business over here, approach us to see if we have any suitable clients to introduce to them. As a company we have also been invited to consult with several banks in the last year to identify funding gaps in the UK market to help them gain a stronger presence. As a property owner in London it fills you with confidence to know that overseas banks have confidence in this market and are willing to assign their capital to the sector. In what is an increasingly global market there will only be a few areas in the world that will be afforded such faith. We now have relationships with banks from as far afield as Geneva, Luxembourg and Singapore, that are all new to lending in the UK. Historically for an overseas bank looking to lend in the UK for the first time there was always a tendency to deal exclusively with clients from the same country or at least have an income stream, or interests in that domicile. Recently there has been a fundamental change in approach and providing the client is strong enough, the difference is the underlying asset as the London market is deemed small risk.
Whereas the more traditional UK lenders seem to be re-trenching and scaling down their operations, the overseas banks are ramping up their interest Providing the property’s value exceeds £1.5m and in a good area, banks will lend regardless of whether the client holds any assets or interests in the bank’s country of origin. With little to no exposure to bad debt during the downturn most of these Private Banks are better capitalised or have access to cheaper funding lines and are offering low lending rates for the right client.
For most of the Private Banks there is the hope, and sometimes insistence, that other services are provided; wider wealth management, assets on deposit etc. as the mortgage itself offers very little in terms of margin. For some clients this can be a deterrent and can often cause reticence to look at options other than the current bank to raise a mortgage. A good broker will always be able to give you an overview of what each bank will expect and/or demand from the start and in the future before you approach them. If this doesn’t sit comfortably with the client then simply go to a different lender. As a company we had one recent example where a client had approached us having been offered a certain rate through their existing bank. The client had a £3m loan on a £5m property and a decent level of assets under the bank’s management; however we knew they could improve on their rate as we had had recent dealings with the same bank on a very similar deal. We were able to get other banks to offer better terms, and when it looked like they would lose the client, the original bank were able to undercut the rate on their initial offer by 0.5%. Given the huge number of banks onshore and offshore, as well as through multiple jurisdictions, it pays to take good advice. The majority of these banks only accept business through trusted introducers, rather than publishing their offerings so without advice from a broker you can often miss a large portion of the market. Subtle tweaks on structure or actual presentation of a case can make a huge difference to the final package offered. Pricing is bespoke so most of what we’re able to achieve for our clients as a company is relationship-driven and based on previous experiences of our clients. Overall the lending market looks healthier than it has for a long time. For the majority of our clients borrowing at sub 3% allows them to invest in other opportunities with better rates of return. With the number of banks looking to do business with higher net worth individuals in London increasing, margins should decrease, whilst the sophistication and flexibility of their offerings should continue to increase.
Ian Humphreys is a Director at Enness Private Clients, a premium, high value mortgage specialist based in the heart of the West End. Ian’s experience within the private banking and offshore mortgage sectors allows his clients to make use of tax efficient structures, as well as ensuring best pricing. To learn more about Enness Private Clients’ services, please call 0207 940 4747 and speak to an adviser immediately. Alternatively, email contact@ennessprivate.co.uk Enness Private Clients 271 Regent Street London W1B 2ES
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Lowndes Square
Knightsbridge, London A ground floor apartment, comprising of a large reception room and two bedrooms both en-suite. Welcoming oak reception hall with cloakroom, lounge/diner and breakfast kitchen room. The apartment has been finished to a good standard and overall the building offers a safe and secure environment, as well as a 24hr porter and underground parking space. A long lease is available on this property. Guide Price:
ÂŁ3,250,000
T: +44 (0) 207 409 0533 E: enquiries@chartwellestates.co.uk W: www.chartwellestates.co.uk
Greenacres
Wiltshire / gloucestershire Greenacres is situated on the borders of North Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. The property is surrounded by undulating farmland and the natural beauty of the open countryside. Greenacres sits in circa 17 acres of land, comprising of gardens, grounds and paddocks with an all weather tennis court and two substantial outbuildings currently utilised for stabling and entertainment. The property itself comprises of master bedroom suite, guest bedroom suite and three further bedrooms, dining room, drawing room, 2 acre lake, barn & stables with 7 American style loose boxes and the facility to land a helicopter. With its spectacular lakeside setting, this beautifully presented property sits at the head of a long drive, through electric gates. Cirencester – 8 Miles Malmesbury – 10 Miles Cricklade – 3 Miles Guide Price:
£2,000,000
T: +44 (0) 207 409 0533 E: enquiries@chartwellestates.co.uk W: www.chartwellestates.co.uk
Banyan Tree If your ideal holiday is an island paradise then Phuket could be the perfect location and the Banyan Tree Resort your ideal venue. Offering fine beaches, turquoise seas and warm sunny weather, this is a venue that showcases extraordinary beauty in an exotic setting of award-winning architecture, built in harmony with nature. Banyan Tree Phuket succeeded at the Conde Nast Traveller 20th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards, ranking 2nd in the Top 10 Asian Resorts category. The resort was also ranked 8th in the Top 100 Resorts of the World. Situated at Bang Tao Bay on the north-western coast of Phuket Island in southern Thailand, the resort is a mere 20 minutes drive from Phuket International Airport. You don’t just get a room at Banyan Tree Phuket, you get an experience. Enjoy yoga sessions or the fitness pavillion, engage in water sports, visit the surrounding islands or tee off for a round of golf against a backdrop of mountains and the lagoon. Whether you are looking to relax or stay active, this luxury resort’s facilities help you make the most of your stay. And if you are looking to be pampered – indulge in a range of treatments at the renowned Banyan Tree Spa. Experience a sanctuary for the senses with its holistic approach to physical and spiritual well-being. Drawing on Asian traditions, the intimate retreats blend romance and serenity with exotic sensuality. The massage treatments are based on techniques that have passed through the hands of many generations – making use of aromatic oils, herbs and spices with ancient healing powers. Under the intuitive touch of their therapists, simple sensory pleasures are reawakened. Or savour the best of local and international cuisine, as prepared by master chefs, or venture out to explore Phuket. A dollop of masterful artistry provides a key part of the eclectic dining experiences. Savour authentic Southeast Asian cusine, from contemporary Thai dishes to Vietnamese specialities. With the wide range of dining options available, even the most discerning palate will be satisfied. Whether you are planning a quiet retreat or an occasion to remember, the staff at Banyan Tree Phuket will relax you with their attentive service and traditional Asian hospitality. Banyan Tree Phuket is the destination you have always dreamed off and one that you will never forget. To find out more, visit www.banyantree.com/en/phuket/
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Resort
Drawing on Asian traditions, the intimate retreats blend romance and serenity with exotic sensuality. The massage treatments are based on techniques that have passed through the hands of many generations making use of aromatic oils, herbs and spices with ancient healing powers.
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CONTESSA To own a rare Argyle pink diamond is to own a truly magnificent heirloom. Contessa, beautifully handcrafted in Platinum and 18ct Rose Gold, features an exquisite combination of stunning craftsmanship and the rarest of Australian Argyle pink diamonds. Simply, they are the rarest diamonds in the world and are revered for their unique provenance and intrinsic beauty.
UNITED KINGDOM The Royal Arcade, Old Bond St, Mayfair London W1S 4SW AUSTRALIA Sydney Gold Coast calleija.com
The ones to watch We take a look at six of the most influential people in the UK today. Crossing sectors such as sport, the arts, banking and business these are the people who have really made their mark. We wish them every success in their roles and look forward to seeing what they are able to achieve in 2012.
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Christian Horner
Brent Hoberman
Christian Horner has been the team manager of the Red Bull Racing Formula One team since 2005 and has seen his team go from strength to strength. In just six seasons – Christian Horner’s achievement in transforming Red Bull Racing from a middling team to the ‘ones to beat’ in Formula One is remarkable. Horner’s success, however, is not a fluke but the combination of excellent choices and hard work. From recruiting the finest design group in Formula One to the pairing of the ultra competitive duo of Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber, Horner has shown that building a title-winning team is not just luck but old-fashioned graft, meticulous planning and the ability to lead and inspire a highly talented workforce.
Brent Hoberman co-founded lastminute.com in April 1998 in the living room of his London flat, three years after developing the concept. This online travel and gift business floated at the peak of the dot-com bubble in March 2000 – the IPO was 40 times oversubscribed and the price increase during the process was a record for a UK business. After building revenues more successfully than his contemporaries, he sold the business to Sabre for £577 million. lastminute.com retains its status as one of Europe’s leading ecommerce companies – and is one of the only startup brands in Europe to regularly feature in top 10 ecommerce sites in many European geographies.
Christian Horner began his career as an aspiring racer himself and climbed through the ranks of the sport through F3 and British F2 before joining International F3000 in 1997. However, what made him different to most drivers was that he was taking the role of driver and race owner having launched his own team Arden International. After two seasons, however, he realised that his future lay in directing and managing proceedings rather than in the cockpit and he retired from racing. Having developed Arden into a successful outfit, winning three drivers’ and team championships in succession, his remarkable record brought him to the attention of Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz, who headhunted Horner to drive the company’s Formula One challenge leading up to the 2005 season. Since then, Red Bull Racing’s progress has been meteoric. After narrowly missing out on the title in 2009, Horner regrouped and the team’s efforts have been rewarded. In 2010 and 2011, the team have been unstoppable claiming ultimate victory for Red Bull Racing by taking both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ championship titles.
Hoberman’s entrepreneurial drive has been attributed to his father, and grandfather Leonard Shawzin, a man who created an empire of over 650 clothes shops from a single store. However, the catalyst for him starting his own enterprise was being fired from his first job in investment banking. He is a Governor of the University of the Arts London and a Non-Executive Board Director of Guardian Media Group. He is also an angel investor in several Internet companies. In 2009, he joined The Business Council for Britain and was selected as one of the World Economic Forum’s Global Young Leaders for the UK. In 2009, Brent co-founded PROfounders Capital with Michael Birch, Peter Dubens, Jonnie Goodwin, Rogan Angelini-Hurll and Sean Seton-Rogers investing in early stage Internet investors. Brent’s leading industry role has been recognised by several organisations – these include: Time Magazines Top 25 European digital leaders, Revolution’s Internet Person of the Year and the Institute of Travel Tourism (ITT) Travel Business Person of the Year.
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Anish Kapoor
Richard Reed
Anish Kapoor is a British sculptor of Indian birth. Born in Mumbai, he moved to London in the early 1970s to study art. He has received numerous accolades for his work including the Turner Prize in 1991. Notable public sculptures include Cloud Gate, Millennium Park, Chicago, Sky Mirror exhibited at the Rockefeller Center in New York and Kensington Gardens, Temenos, at Middlehaven and ‘Leviathan’ at the Grand Palais. He was elected a Royal Academician in 1999, in 2003 he was made a Commander of the British Empire and in 2011 he was made a Commander in the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and awarded the Japanese Praemium Imperiale.
Richard Reed is the co-founder of Innocent Drinks. The brand of smoothies and vegetable pots has grown its turnover from £400,000 to £165m in 12 years. After four years as an account manager in an advertising agency, he started Innocent Drinks in 1999 with two fellow graduates.
Kapoor first came to prominence in the 1980s for his geometric or biomorphic sculptures made in simple, elemental materials including granite, limestone, marble, pigment and plaster. In the late 1980s and 90s he was acclaimed for his explorations of matter and non-matter, in both free-standing sculptural works and ambitious installations. Since 1995 he has worked with polished stainless steel. His works have mirror-like quality, reflecting or distorting the viewer and surroundings. In the following decade Kapoor’s sculptures explored manipulations of form and space and the use of red wax is part of his current repertoire. Kapoor’s recent work blurs the boundaries between architecture and art. In September 2009 Kapoor was the first living artist to have a solo exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts. Also in 2009, Kapoor’s “Orbit” was announced as the winning proposal for an artwork for the 2012 Olympic Games. Kapoor’s sculpture was selected from a shortlist of five artists as the permanent artwork for the Olympic Park. At 115 metres tall, Orbit is the tallest sculpture in the UK.
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Launching in the summer of 1998, the trio set up their smoothie stand at a music festival, with a sign with the question “Do you think we should give up our jobs to make these smoothies?” Festival-goers could vote by throwing their empties into a bin marked either yes or no. At the end of the first day, the yes bin was full, while the no bin contained just three bottles. Within six months, Innocent – the business was set up. Innocent defines its business as getting natural, delicious, healthy and ethical food and drink to as many people and places as possible. The Company’s growth was astonishing, rapidly becoming the market leader in the popular smoothie market, aided by a quirky brand, bags of style and supported by £250,000 of investment from US financier Marcus Pinto. By 2010, Innocent sold more than 2 million smoothies a week and had a 77% share of the UK market – estimated at £150m. As well as increasing their smoothie range, the company launched into the ready meals markets through their range of veg pots. They have also taken a foray into the fresh juice market launching an Innocent-branded worange juice. Innocent has now moved into the upper leagues of drinks brands as part of the Coca-Cola empire – following a buy-in in 2009, they increased their stake in the business to 58% in 2010.
Sarah Burton
Sir Mervyn Allister King
Sarah Burton is the celebrated creative director of Alexander McQueen, taking over the reins of the famous British label in May 2010, following Alexander McQueen’s untimely death in February of that year.
Sir Mervyn Allister King is Governor of the Bank of England and Chairman of the Monetary Policy Committee and Financial Policy Committee. He was previously Deputy Governor from 1998 to 2003, and Chief Economist and Executive Director from 1991and a non-executive director of the Bank from 1990 to 1991.
She moved to London to study Print Fashion at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London and during her third year she was interviewed for a year’s placement at Alexander McQueen at the suggestion of her tutor, a close friend of McQueen’s. She joined the company for a year as an intern, when the company was based in Hoxton Square and returned after her graduation – progressing to the role of head of womenswear in 2000 and acting as McQueen’s aide up until his death. In September 2010, she presented her first womenswear collection in Paris – creating a feminine touch to McQueen’s dramatic. However, her success was sealed, when after months of rumour and speculation, she was revealed as the designer of the wedding dress for Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge. After the royal wedding it was revealed that many of the McQueen team who were working on Catherine Middleton’s wedding dress were unaware that it was being made for her. Burton has generated a high level of critical acclaim for the collections she has created since the death of McQueen. The label continues to grow and develop and has produced consistent sales since she took over as creative director.
He is listed as the eleventh most influential person in the Financial Centres International top 500 most influential people in financial centres. He was appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE) in the 2011 Birthday Honours and his banner is to be displayed with those of his peers in St Paul’s Cathedral. Sir Mervyn joined the Bank in March 1991 as Chief Economist and Executive Director. He was appointed Deputy Governor in 1997 and in the same year, became a member of the influential Washington-based financial advisory body, the Group of Thirty. An ex-officio member of the Bank’s interest-rate setting Monetary Policy Committee since it began in 1997, Sir Mervyn is the only member within the Committee to have taken part in every one of its monthly meetings to date. His voting style is often seen as conservative, taking a stance that takes more account of the dangers of inflation than recognises the need for economic growth. Before becoming Governor, he was noted as voting for tighter monetary policy than some of his colleagues. Sir Mervyn’s willingness on occasion to take a minority position is unusual among central bank leaders. He is also the first incumbent Governor of the Bank of England to be received in audience by Queen Elizabeth II.
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The essence of discretion Leica announces the Leica M9-P
The new ultra-discreet version of the Leica M9 is the world’s smallest, full-frame digital camera and a welcome addition to Leica’s rangefinder portfolio. Available in classic silver chrome or subtle black paint finish – it offers the same technical specifications as the Leica M9; compact size, full-frame, 18 megapixel 24 x 36mm sensor (35mm format), sophisticated image processing and robust construction, with features designed for the professional user. The Leica M9-P includes a scratch-resistant, sapphire crystal covering on the LCD screen, which is almost unbreakable. Additionally, thanks to an anti-reflective coating on both sides of the cover, reviewing images on the display using composition and after capture is further improved particularly in unfavourable lighting. For unobtrusive photography the almost silent shutter is a feature of both the M9 and M9-P. With longer exposure times requiring an extremely steady camera stance only a slight pressure on the shutter release button in ‘soft release’ mode is required.
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SPECIFICATIONS Camera type: Compact digital rangefinder system camera. Picture format: 18.5 Megapixels. Shutter: Microprocessor-controlled, exceptionally low-noise and vertical travel metal blade focal plane shutter. Viewfinder: LED symbol for flash status. Four digit, seven segment digital display for exposure control.
The Leica M9-P includes a scratch-resistant, sapphire crystal covering on the LCD screen, which is almost unbreakable.
Rear panel display:
2.5 inch monitor with 230,000 pixels, protected by scratch resistant sapphire glass cover.
The external covering of the body of the M9-P, finished in vulcanite leatherette, features a more coarsely-textured finish that ensures a steady grip when shooting, making the M9-P feel safe and secure in the hand. For more information, please visit www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk The UK suggested retail price of the Leica M9-P is ÂŁ5,395 including VAT.
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Paradise Royal Mykonos
Five villas, one fully completed (advertised) the remaining four are at the final stages of completion. Each villa has its own swimming pool and Paradise Royal has been expertly designed to a high specification and the ultimate in luxury Mykonos living – affording privacy, concealed access and security. The villas are built on the hillside overlooking super Paradise Beach and are five minutes from the airport.
Villa Meltemi, 5 Bedroom & Pool 348m2 - €2,200,000 Villa Astrea, 4 Bedroom & Pool 325m2 - €1,800,000 Villa Serena, 4 Bedroom & Pool 275m2 - €2,500,000 Villa Aiolos, 3 Bedroom & Pool 270m2 - €2,300,000 Villa Azurre, 4 Bedroom & Pool 456m2 - €5,750,000 (Completed and pictured)
There are also two semi-completed villas situated in an area of 4000m2 awaiting full development once purchased.
T: +44 (0) 207 409 0533 E: enquiries@chartwellestates.co.uk W: www.chartwellestates.co.uk
R OLLS - R OY C E
102EX PHANTOM EXPERIMENTAL ELECTRIC
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Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly presents 102EX, a car representing one of the most significant initiatives taken by the company in recent years. It is the world’s first battery electric vehicle for the ultra-luxury segment. Rolls-Royce produces cars that represent the pinnacle in luxurious motoring, but recognises the need to plan for long-term sustainable growth. Investigating alternative drive-train options is a crucial step in that process. With 102EX, also known as the Phantom Experimental Electric (EE), the Company intends to test the opinions to alternative drive-train options with a range of stakeholders. The research gathered will be crucial to decisions affecting alternative drive-trains for Rolls-Royce. There are no plans to build a production version of this car. Phantom EE’s role is as a test bed, designed to explore established BEV technologies – but most importantly, will it deliver an authentic Rolls-Royce experience? Phantom EE features the car’s ground-breaking aluminium spaceframe, important to dynamic prowess. The naturally aspirated 6.75-litre V12 petrol engine and 6-speed gearbox have been replaced by a lithium ion battery pack and two electric motors mounted on the rear sub-frame. These motors are connected to a single speed transmission with integrated differential.
Each motor is power rated to 145kW, giving Phantom EE a maximum power output of 290kW and torque of 800Nm available over a wide band – compared with 338kW for standard Phantom with maximum torque of 720Nm, delivered at 3,500rpm. The Nickel Cobalt Manganese battery chemistry holds around 230Wh/kg, which is important in achieving an acceptable range between re-charges. Pre-launch tests suggests Phantom EE should run to a range of up to 200km, with 0-60mph achieved in under eight seconds (5.7 seconds in standard Phantom), with top speed limited to 160kph. This is the first application of the technology in super luxury vehicles priced at more than €200,000 and the battery pack is thought to be the largest fitted to a road car. 102EX bears the hallmarks of the Rolls-Royce Phantom, however, at the core of its design is the essence of an experimental vehicle. The Rolls-Royce design team had to create a finish for Phantom EE which immediately signified a special car, distinguishing it from standard Phantom models without many overt design changes. Phantom EE’s Spirit of Ecstasy,
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sits atop the radiator grille above the red double-R badge applied to EX models. Made of Makrolon, rather than stainless steel, it will be bathed in blue LED light. Atlantic chrome-finished dashboard dials echo the exterior colour and their analogue displays maintain the timeless architecture of every Phantom interior. Other changes hint at further evolutionary designs applied to the car. Some dials have been subtly modified, for example, the fuel gauge has been replaced by an elegant battery charge indicator and the power reserve dial is located beside the speedometer. Re-charging is undertaken with a plug and five-pin socket, instead of the normal fuel filling mechanism. The standard fuel filler cap has been replaced by a design featuring a clear window, displaying the RR logo and 102EX motif. The window frames rear-mounted, tricolour LEDs present the car’s charging status. Charging can be halted via a switch located adjacent to the plug and can be operated inside the vehicle.
This is the first application of the technology in super luxury vehicles priced at more than ₏200,000 and the battery pack is thought to be the largest fitted to a road car. Its leather interior is derived from a natural vegetable tanning process christened Corinova. An experimental leather, Corinova distinguishes itself by being entirely chrome free. Corinova leather presents a number of practical benefits. It uses less paint finish than in standard chrome-tanned leather and creates less waste. Rolls-Royce fully expects perceptions to be challenged and first impressions will no doubt focus on appearance. A change from the sumptuous finish applied to Phantom leather may imply a compromise to some owners, but others may welcome distinguishing features that stretch individualisation. The interior of Phantom EE represents a departure from the traditional wood sets that define the majority of cars, providing a unique finish to the car. It features a distinctive aluminised foil weave that lifts the environment of the interior, contrasting sharply with the darker natural leather within. Phantom EE is thought to have the largest passenger car battery in the world. Peak current is 850A, delivered at 338V DC. Overall capacity is 71kWh. Three separate charger units (3kW each) are fitted to the battery, which allow both single-phase (20 hours) or three-phase charging (8 hours); for a passenger car this is unique. A fourth induction charger is also fitted to enable wireless charging, a technology being trialled in Phantom EE. Concerns about lack of available re-charging infrastructure in towns and cities are well documented. To present Rolls-Royce owners with a potential solution, Phantom EE is testing a technology called induction charging, allowing re-charging to take place without any physical connection. Electric luxury – can it be perfection or does it present an unacceptable compromise for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars?
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TAXING TIMES IN EUROPE? NOT IN SWITZERLAND!
© Genève Tourisme
By Christopher Marriott
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For many years Switzerland has been synonymous with quality – and this small independent Alpine nation is consistently voted amongst the top in the world on a number of quality of life indices. There are many reasons for this; economic stability, a strong currency, low overall crime rates, low unemployment, excellent infrastructure, a long tradition of hospitality and of course its world-renowned beautiful scenery. And whilst Switzerland has long been an attractive location for the mobile wealthy, with the recent troubles in the Eurozone this small but highly successful country located in the heart of Europe, has seen a steady increase in the number of wealthy individuals moving to the country. In addition to the aforementioned factors, there may be a number of other reasons for this move, including the famed Swiss discretion and respect for personal privacy. However one of the key reasons cited by those who move their permanent residence to Switzerland is the subject of tax – or, more specifically, the relatively low levels of tax levied here. Switzerland has for many years had a tax regime which is specific to individuals wishing to move to the country – a system known in German as
There are a number of key factors to take into consideration. This tax system, sometimes known as a lifestyle tax for the way in which the tax rate is calculated, is based on the living expenses of the taxpayer. All expenses incurred for the taxpayer and his family/dependents residing in Switzerland are taken into account, and in order to calculate the taxable base, expenses for housing, food, clothes, education, culture, entertainment, expensive hobbies, taxes, insurances etc. are included. This calculation can sometimes be very complicated and in practice, therefore, the potential lump sum tax payer will usually agree with the Cantonal tax authorities the amount of living expenses, negotiated in advance, ideally with the assistance of an experienced advisor. As a rough guide however, currently the agreed living expenses cannot be lower than five times the amount of the annual rent paid on the property in which the taxpayer plans to reside whilst in Switzerland. And there are some restrictions too; firstly these agreements are agreed at a Cantonal level, and the cantons of Zurich and Schaffhausen (as from 2012) no longer allow this system. At the same time those applying for the lump sum taxation are not allowed to work in Switzerland, (although it is possible to be appointed as a Director in a Swiss company, as long as the remuneration is very moderate), and must not have worked in Switzerland for a period of at least 10 years. A gainful activity working for a foreign company is possible,
‘Pauschalreglung’, in French as ‘Imposition Forfaitaire’, and in English simply as the ‘Lump sum taxation system’. The basis for this lump-sum taxation system is that an overall tax liability is assessed on the basis of a single lump-sum of income and wealth, agreed in advance with the relevant local tax authorities, regardless of the actual income and wealth of the tax payer. This system disregards the fact that Switzerland typically taxes worldwide income and assets, and as such can therefore be a highly attractive option for wealthy families, especially when looked at in the context of the overall quality of life in the country.
However one of the key reasons cited by those who move their permanent residence to Switzerland is the subject of tax – or, more specifically, the relatively low levels of tax levied here.
however, as long as the tasks are performed outside of Switzerland. This system explains why so many racing drivers (Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastien Vettel), actors (Roger Moore, Alain Delon, Isabelle Adjani) and pop stars (Phil Collins, Tina Turner, Shania Twain) have made Switzerland their permanent home. In summary, for many wealthy individuals and their families the lump-sum taxation arrangement offers the most attractive residence option, as it offers financial privacy as well as a low level of taxation in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. As always, expert guidance is required. Blackden Financial Wealth Managers, which has been established in Switzerland since 2003, specialise in advising high net worth individuals and their families and can assist in helping high net worth clients to establish their residence in Switzerland, bringing together tax, legal, property and investment experts with a wide range of relevant skills.
Christopher Marriott is Managing Director of Blackden Financial S.A. and can be contacted on 0041 22 755 0800 / cmarriott@blackdenfinancial.com, or at www.blackdenfinancial.com
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Sautter Cigars As Sautter celebrates its 50th anniversary, Nic Wing investigates the story behind its Mount Street store If you are lucky enough to smoke a cigar in Havana, Cuba; something I heartily recommend; it is likely to be no more than a few days since it left the roller’s bench. Your cigar will be moist, soft, smooth and extremely tasty. As a result, for the majority of Cubans, a cigar more than two years old will not be fully appreciated. A Cuban friend recently confided that it takes an educated palate to be able to realise the depths and nuances of an aged cigar to the full. The same is true nearer home as many people are unaware that good Cuban cigars are like fine wines; they improve with age. Stored in ideal conditions, cigars continue to improve for ten, 20 or 30 years and develop depth and complexity. Putting this knowledge and experience together has been a recipe for success as in 2011 the tiny cigar store of Sautter in Mount Street, Mayfair, celebrates 50 years in the cigar business. During this half century, Sautter has developed an enviable reputation for fine aged cigars. Indeed, there are times when the store seems part cigar emporium and part museum due to an eclectic mix of intriguing cigar related artefacts that the Sautter team discover in country houses and private collections around the UK. An exceptional recent discovery was that of an almost untouched cigar cabinet, dating from the late 19th Century, described by leading Cigar Consultant Simon Chase as: “A very remarkable find.” Of sturdy, wooden construction is this H. Upmann cabinet which still contains 317 of the original cigars which it is believed were made in Havana in the 1880s. To put these cigars in context; they were rolled around the time of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee and the completion of the Eiffel Tower. The provenance of the cabinet is superb and it is believed to have been purchased originally by a Devon landowner, was locked upon his death around 1900, and only reopened in the last two years.
Nestled at the very bottom of the cabinet was one single cigar with the band of the very first registered cigar brand in Cuba ‘Cabanas y Carbajal’. A truly amazing piece of cigar history. The remarkable discoveries continue, and in recent weeks the store has purchased a small collection which included some very large cigars in a display case bearing the band of Flor de Cuba. In addition, and in contrast, a tiny box containing two bundles of ten ‘Mignon’ cigars with the legend ‘Bouquet’ on the tiny bands. These miniature cigars have experts in London and Havana totally baffled and Sautter continue to try to establish their history. One suggestion is that they were made for a dolls’ house. Sautter’s latest discovery may well be the most spectacular. A cabinet of Romeo y Julieta which, in addition to 500 cigars still tightly held in their golden ribbons, also contained a note detailing the dates on which some bundles of cigars were removed, including one on the 31st January 1940. Further work is required to date this cabinet but it is certainly post 1903 having: ‘Pepin Rodriguez’ on the doors. Current best estimates suggest it was made around 1930. So what is it that makes the tiny Mount Street store of Sautter such a magnet for these extraordinary old cigars? The business was founded by Desmond Sautter when, at the tender age of 25, he decided that banking was not for him and he opened a small tobacconist store in Oxford street. His business expanded, and, offered a cigar store in Mount Street, he thought he would turn to selling pipes. He quickly realised that with the large number of American customers heading across the road from the Connaught Hotel, the smart decision was to focus on Cuban cigars. At that time cigar merchants kept their stock dry on the shelves. Sautter decided he wanted to do things differently, so, having travelled through Europe to review some of the best cigar stores, he refitted his store in a style that London had never seen before. The store was to be more like a jeweller than a traditional British tobacconist.
Within the cabinet are four different cigar sizes with their evocative and previously undocumented names printed on the still lustrous golden bands… Perfectos, Excepcionales, Invicibles and; everyone’s favourite; Bonne Bouche.
Desmond Sautter created the first walk-in humidor in the country providing the optimum humid conditions for perfect aging.
These forgotten dark beauties were not the only wonders lurking in this dusty cabinet. Incredibly, an unopened box of Partagas Cupidos, another unheard of cigar, which bears a hand-written note which indicates that these were acquired by the owner in 1897.
Building on the success of his focus on cigars, Sautter concentrated on collecting pre-Castro cigars, anything produced before 1958. At this time, the late 1980s, it was commonly believed that cigars matured and reached their ultimate potential at 12 to 15 years. Sautter was a pioneer in the market for vintage cigars, passionate about all aspects of aged cigars, the bands and vintage sizes.
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The tiny Mignon cigars – two bundles of ten in a box
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Bundles of the cigar from the 1880s H. Upmann cabinet
From this enthusiasm his reputation grew, Sautter became the person everyone took their old cigars to. As restaurants closed down and children sold off their late fathers’ cigars, he built up a collection that at one stage contained over 10,000 pre-Castro cigars. The oldest cigar he ever found was from 1855. And the oldest he ever smoked was from 1892 when Cuba was owned by Spain and the label on the box referred to Cuba as: “The Island of Spain”. Interest in vintage cigars grew and collectors from all over the world beat a path to Sautter in Mount Street. As Desmond Sautter said, business became: “Not only pleasurable but also very profitable.”
Flor de Cuba cigars
The oldest cigar he ever found was from 1855. And the oldest he ever smoked was from 1892 when Cuba was owned by Spain and the label on the box referred to Cuba as: “The Island of Spain”.
In 2006 Desmond retired and, after many years as a regular and loyal customer, London based property entrepreneur Laurence Davis bought the store. Laurence says: “Desmond really taught me that it is not just about which cigars have just arrived, it’s about what has been aged, how they are kept, and how you enjoy them.” Today Laurence and his business partner, Johnny Berman, have Sautter in its rightful place as one of the top cigar specialists in the world. The store enjoys a wonderful smoking relationship with their customers who can sample in the shop and enjoy the banter and debates that ring over a wide range of subjects, yet inevitably come round to discussion on the fine leaf, and how, and when it was rolled.
Sautter store front
Laurence’s passion for the business has grown as he has become more experienced: “Johnny and I not only share a love for the cigar business but also for the sticks themselves” he says. Laurence is very proud of the experience of his staff: “We are happy to celebrate the fact that we are one of the oldest cigar shops in London. We have five, full-time staff, and all of our team have completed extensive training. In addition, everyone on the team has been to the tobacco fields and factories in Cuba, they have spent time with rollers, and they not only understand the journey of the cigar but they understand everything that goes into making a vintage Cuban cigar exceptional.” Laurence and his team are preparing the business for the next 50 years and with their passion for vintage Cuban cigars it is clear that this world famous store is in very safe hands.
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Photography by Will Goodhew
Specialising in luxury turn-key projects in the Principality of Monaco and the Cote d’Azur
t: +377 97 97 56 67 | E: office@chartwell.mc | W: www.chartwell.mc
THE TOP 5 Ultimate gifts for the festive season Smoking Lounge Trunk by Airdiem Take yourself on the ultimate smoking safari with Airdiem’s jet-set crocodile-stamped orange leather, heavy brass and wood travel trunk. Complete with two folding chocolate-hued leather armchairs, Brac-designed stow-away table, two accessory drawers and a serving tray for your narghile, this trunk set is pure old world charm.
ÂŁ20,067
All gifts are available at quintessentiallygifts.com
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De Tribus Votis Ring by Diabloms Diabloms is a London-based contemporary label with a penchant for luxury cocktail rings. This De Tribus Votis (My Three Wishes) ring is handmade in either 18 carat white gold, 18 carat rose gold or 18 carat yellow gold and can be worn alone or stacked with the other rings (as pictured). It is dynamically curved, carrying the design over to the next finger and has 18 brilliant cut pavé set diamonds totalling 0.18 carats.
£2,250
price per piece
35CM Laurier Evergrain Birkin by Hermès The Birkin, created for Jane Birkin in 1984 after a chance meeting on a flight with Jean-Louis Dumas (Hermès former chairman), is arguably the most famous of all Hermès bags. Now available in a myriad of sizes, leathers and with a range of hardware options, this bag is just as popular with the Hollywood set as it is with European Royalty. Each Hermès bag is hand made by a single craftsman to ensure consistency, which of course also safeguards its exclusivity and desirability. Just as legendary are its famed waiting lists, so skip the queue with Quintessentially Gifts.
From £10,000
Shamballa Jewels Full Pavé Black Bracelet This exclusive jewellery brand has taken the world by storm, winning the hearts of style icons from Julia Restoin-Roitfeld to Erin Wasson along with the legendary Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani. This bracelet is made up of seven 10mm 18 carat yellow gold pavé set black diamonds, two 10mm 18 carat yellow gold beads, two 8mm 18 carat yellow gold beads. The lock is made from 18 carat yellow gold and there are two 8mm 18 carat yellow gold pullers.
£32,874
Jet-Lev Flyer by McQueen Luxury Toys Introducing the world’s first commercial carbon fibre Jet-Pack. Jet-Lev Flyer is propulsed by water, which makes it 100% safe and easy to use, and as its name suggests lets you literally walk on (or hover above) water. With a horse power of 255, it will lift you as high as 28 feet above the water at a maximum speed of 22 miles per hour. The Jet-Lev Flyer has no engine or moving parts, instead it is powered by water that comes through a hose that is attached to a separate boat-esque shaped device – making it the ultimate big boy’s toy.
£160,977 79
THE I STORE
I Group’s vast expertise in the luxury design industry has created an innovative and charming futuristic showroom. I Store doesn’t just want to be a place, but a sensory experience where attendees will be able to browse our library on interactive surfaces. Via gestural controls and moving their hands in front of the screen, they will be able to change all materials or furniture, zoom in, zoom out and open new links. The space has a sophisticated look with a high-end and discrete presence. At a first sight, it could seem to be a traditional showroom where one can hold executive meetings with a large board room table. Once in, the client is exposed progressively to interactive touch points that make the experience memorable and link the I Group brand with the concept of advanced attitudes: a wow effect. Each wall of the showroom showcases one of the four pillars of the I Group offering: • Process:
a holistic approach that integrates all the elements of luxury living;
• Matter:
s pecial care for materials and details that transform design interventions that range from furniture to whole spaces into unique masterpieces;
• Gallery:
a place to show the portfolio and the tangible outcomes of the I Group expertise;
• Partners: an extended network of professionals who can serve the clients fulfilling all their desires, also the unexpressed ones. Each pillar is represented by an interactive installation that engages the client and then disappears as soon as it becomes less relevant. I Store will be officially presenting the project at the beginning of January 2012 in the I Group offices in London & Rome.
BonItaly BonItaly will be establishing its world franchise of restaurants and distribution of high quality food products, rigorously selected from the best Italian producers. The first locations have been chosen, in prestigious areas in London to be opened in the first quarter of 2012. Three different lines, each with unique character, will be created. BonItaly begins with Volare.
Volare Volare is a fusion of rustic charm offset against crisp clean lines – the psychology of all things balanced. Volare is a trendsetter for providing tasty, fresh and health conscious Italian food and drink in the Fast Casual Food Eatery, where everything is accompanied by a modern and easy place in which the Italian design meets the liking and cordiality of fast food. Our food will be able to be traced to source, details of this will be presented to the customer on their receipt. The food they are eating will contain its history. Each piece of food you see in Volare restaurants is collected by the hands of our Italian farmers. You eat not just food, but experience the love of the Italian people that grow it and the warmth of the Italian sun that nourishes it. Our ethos is to create a natural balance for health and vitality inside and outside.
T h e L a r g e s t O r g a n i s at i o n o f L u x u r y L i v i n g
‘Facilitating a world of luxury and choice where no dream is unachievable and no vision is compromised’ 12A Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6AX Tel./Fax +44 (0) 207 251 8909 | www.igroup-ltd.com | info@igroup-ltd.com