International Home Luxury No.2 by Yao Henry

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

HOMES Luxury Collection Vol 17 No 2 / ÂŁ4.50

Front Cover: Deepwater, Bermuda See page 4

T H E F I N E S T H O M E S , T R AV E L & L I F E S T Y L E

A lifestyle leisure company for those with impeccable

taste.

From a luxury villa in Cannes to your own Caribbean Island hideaway; from an exclusive ski chalet in the world’s most sought after resort, the Luxury Rentals Group provides a complete leisure lifestyle service. As the world’s leading luxury lifestyle service provider, not only do we offer some of the most luxurious villas available, our Lifestyle Management team will make your stay extra special by making sure your every need is taken care of, from a dedicated chef, private security, to yacht or jet charter. We also have a dedicated corporate event management division offering a complete service for product launches, promotions and client entertainment. So for luxury villa, chalet rentals, yacht or jet charter with a difference, turn to the Luxury Rentals Group and live the dream.

www.Luxury-Rentals-Group.com 18 Hanover Square • London • W1S 1HX Tel: + 44 (0)207 89 80 532

Fax: + 44 (0)207 89 80 533

LIVE IN YOUR DREAM

Welcome!

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

HOMES Luxury Collection Vol 17 No 2 / £4.50

You may notice that we have placed even more emphasis on living the high life this issue with skyscraper properties and penthouses featured throughout our articles as much as possible. Opting for a home in the heavens not only gives you a wonderful bird’s eye view, it also presents an excellent opportunity for architects and interior designers to come up with the most innovative living spaces imaginable. Talking of being on a high – that’s exactly how the winners of the

Front Cover: Deepwater, Bermuda See page 4

T H E F I N E S T H O M E S , T R AV E L & L I F E S T Y L E

International Property Awards were feeling when the results were announced in San Diego recently. Nominees from across the globe travelled to California to find out if they had achieved the ultimate accolade of being heralded the World’s Best in their relative property related profession. We have the full story and details of the winning companies in a special focus starting on page 86. Our regular look at the different islands of the Caribbean takes us to Barbados where we seek out a fabulous selection of properties. Steeped in sun and surrounded by sand and sea, they are the perfect antidote to what has proved a long and dismal winter for many. We also head to Italy to spotlight homes in both town and country settings. If an Italian castle appeals then you can take your choice as we have a couple of excellent examples that are ready to move in to straight away. There are also some exclusive apartments in Rome and Milan for the ultimate in city living.

CONTACT US AT: 3, St John’s Court, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 OJD, England Telephone: +44 (0)1245 358877 Fax: +44 (0)1245 357767 Web: www.international-homes.com Email: info@international-homes.com PUBLISHER: Stuart Shield stuart@international-homes.com GENERAL MANAGER: Paul Wright paul@international-homes.com EDITORIAL TEAM Editor-in-Chief: Helen Shield helen@international-homes.com Editor: Jill Keene jill@international-homes.com Deputy Editor: Ben Bouckley DESIGN TEAM Andrew Cockburn andrew@international-homes.com Patrick Odonkor, Hendus Strydom

Last but far from least, car enthusiasts should be sure not to miss their chance to win the ride of a lifetime by entering our competition in Driveway (page 26). Our winner will experience a breathtaking test ride in the supermodified Porsche GTurbo, capable of more than 200 mph, plus a tour of the German sportscar manufacturer 9ff ’s factory in Dortmund. Life in the fast lane doesn’t get much better than this!

ADVERTISING SALES TEAM Ben Hewlett, Claire Wright, Gerard Waldron SUPPORT TEAM Production Co-ordinator: Jo Findlay Accounts: Irene Pickles, Mary Wright, Peter Wright; accounts@international-homes.com PUBLISHED by PPASS Ltd. REPRODUCTION: International Property, Chelmsford, Essex. CIRCULATED to the Newsagency Trade by Magazine Marketing Company (MMC), Octagon House, White Hart Meadows, Ripley, Woking, Surrey, GU23 6HR, England. Tel +44 (0)1483 211222 Copyright © INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY 2009 INTERNATIONAL HOMES LUXURY COLLECTION: ISSN 1756-2929

Jill Keene jill@international-homes.com

On the cover: Deepwater, Bermuda See page 47

 www.international-homes.com

While great care has been taken in the receipt and handling of material, production and accuracy of content in this magazine, the publishers will not accept any responsibility for any errors, loss or omissions which may occur. The publishers would like to thank all those companies and individuals who took part in the magazine and wish them every success. READERS PLEASE NOTE: Some properties will be actually priced in foreign currency and subject to exchange fluctuation. Property buyers should allow for extra financial costs such as legal advice, local taxes etc. which may not be covered in the advertised prices. The descriptions of properties, the contents, whereabouts and price are given in this magazine as a guide only. Please request further details from the advertiser as required. Private advertisers are responsible for their own descriptions. Please take care to verify what you are buying in writing before proceeding. The publisher suggests all buyers of property seek independent legal advice before entering into any contract to purchase. All information and prices were correct at time of going to press – fluctuations in the currency market mean that some prices will have changed. Supplied editorial material cannot be returned.

In this issue 10 17 22 30 37 55 63 73 86 90 94 98 102 113

Luxury collection Surrey mansions made to measure and a restored Regency estate in Croydon A contemporary twist on tradition Pippa Toledo presents a Mediterranean-inspired balance of old-meets-new Driveway Choice dream drives, plus a competition to ride in a 850hp Porsche modified by 9ff Banking on the X-factor Does your home lack that special something? London pads with the elusive ‘X’ Bound for Barbados With 340 days of sunshine a year, this chic Carib isle is a popular place to call home From town to terrazza Italian properties provide the perfect setting – from Alpine lakes to ancient cities Property caravan Investors are beating a path back through the sands, to Arabia’s premium property Penthouse people The global highlife attracts aficionados of glamour and elevation On top of the world Proud nominees and winners of the 2009 International Property Awards Travel with the world’s best Two chic hotels that struck gold in the International Property Awards New design horizons Commercial projects foregrounding architecture’s wider social import Designs to delight Spatial awareness, mood lighting…discover the factors that shape elite interior design Prime projects Developments that will stand the test of time, courtesy of the world’s top developers The World’s Best 2010 Showcasing the overall winners of the 2010 International Property Awards www.toptenproperties.net 

WORLDIMMOBILIARE REAL ESTATE THE FUTURE OF LUXURY REAL ESTATE IN SOUTHERN ITALY & SICILY

ACI BONACCORSI, CATANIA, SICILY: This Arab-Norman castle was built in 1570. A short distance from Taormina, at the base of Mt. Etna. There is a total area 400m with salon and dining rooms, several bedrooms with baths and 2 large kitchens. There is also a very spacious garden of over 550m, embellished with antique statues and a fountains.

CASTELMOLA / TAORMINA, SICILY: Castello di Josephina includes a villa which consists of four small apartments all with lounge, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, a dining room. Also, three bungalows of diﬀerent sizes with living room with kitchenette, bathroom and bedroom all well furnished. There is a swimming pool with adjoining party room and bath.

MESSINA, SICILY: This is a wonderful property in Sicily, 50 meters from the sea. It has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, large living room with ﬁreplace and dining room, two separate kitchens: one internal and one external, with a wood oven and grill. The villa is walled and is surrounded by a beautiful garden with pool and garage.

PANAREA, AEOLIAN ISLANDS: This villa is 140m and has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, kitchen and living room with ﬁreplace. The property has a pool and separate hot tub and wood-burning BBQ outside. It is located on the highest point of the island.

SALINA, AEOLIAN ISLANDS: The villa is 180m on two levels. On the ground ﬂoor is a large living room with bright kitchen and dining area and also a large room with bathroom. On the second ﬂoor are 3 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms and large terraces with views of the islands of Lipari, Panarea and Stromboli. There is a large garden of 310m, with orange, tangerine and lemon trees.

TAORMINA, SICILY: This classy and elegant penthouse is in the heart of the picturesque town, but gives great privacy. The home consists of 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a kitchen, a living room and an amazing winter garden. It has beautiful terraces with an outdoor whirlpool and a roof garden. The residence has a swimming pool, covered garage with a place for the car and a storage room.

Raphael T. Harris, Jr. 6, Piazza Catalani - Messina, Italy 98122 +39 348 3528083 • info@worldrealestate.it • www.worldrealestate.it MEMBER SINCE 2005

WORLDIMMOBILIARE REAL ESTATE THE FUTURE OF LUXURY REAL ESTATE IN SOUTHERN ITALY & SICILY

CAPRI: This is a 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom home with another two separate apartments also with bed and bath. This home is one of the old historic Bismarck properties on the island of Capri. The property oﬀers direct access to the sea and looks out at the gulf of Naples.

CAPRI, VIA TUORO: After a delightful walk and a few stairs and you arrive at the Villa Rosablu. The house is 260m with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, kitchen and large living room also the home has a separate apartment with a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and salon. The house has several terraces and gardens, for a total of about 700m.

CAPRI, VILLA SETTANNI AI FARAGLIONI: One of the few residences of Capri on the sea and the only one near the Faraglioni Rocks. A total of 320m including terraces on two floors, with 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, living room, dining room, 2 kitchens, offices and storage. This home offers an unbelievable views of the Faraglioni and Marina Piccola like no other place on Capri.

POSITANO, AMALFI COAST: This historic home of Positano is located down in the center on the northern slope on the mountain. The property boasts 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms with separate quarters for the home assistant. Looking over the historic costal town the property oﬀers easy access to parking and the sea.

POSITANO, AMALFI COAST: This villa is 620m with 350m of gardens and terraces. The first floor consists of 2 bedrooms, each with their own luxury bathroom. Upstairs are situated two junior suites. The main floor has a well appointed kitchen, a dining room & downstairs is a swimming pool.

SORRENTO: Enjoy one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world between the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno. This villa is a splendid 420m with 11 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, salone, dining room and gourmet kitchen. It has a private swimming pool, terraces, gardens, and a wonderful view of the seascape and both the Sorrento and Amalﬁ Coasts.

Raphael T. Harris, Jr. 6, Piazza Catalani - Messina, Italy 98122 +39 348 3528083 • info@worldrealestate.it • www.worldrealestate.it MEMBER SINCE 2005

All with Full Ocean Views and Private Pools

34 Luxury Oceanfront Sky Villas in Phuket On a stunning headland between the two best beaches in Phuket, Kata Rocks takes oceanfront living to a new level. The unique sloping site gives the perfect, uninterrupted sunset view of the Andaman Sea and the picturesque Ko Phu Island. Set in a spectacular environment with a unique blend of design features, unit sizes unmatched on the island and a total commitment to quality and service, Kata Rocks makes a very sound investment.

Stunning Oceanfront Living Full Sea and Sunset Views Secluded, Private and Secure 1,2,3 and 4 bedroom Sky Villas From 134 sq m to 460 sq m All Sky Villas with Private Pools Latest Smart Home Technology

Award Winning Designers Architect: Original Vision Interiors: Kelly Hoppen MBE

Oceanfront Bistro and Sunset Bar Luxury Spa and Gym, Lounge and Function Room Management and Service at its best Minutes from the finest restaurants in Phuket All the benefits of being on Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier resort island

Kata Rocks

every day extraordinary

Kata Rocks Co., Ltd.

T +66 (0) 7628 4750-1 F +66 (0) 7628 4752 info@katarocks.com

www.katarocks.com

El Portet, Moraira, Spain – Jewel of the Costa Blanca Alicante 70km • Valencia 90km • Ibiza 55 nautical miles Previously €3,950,000 • Now offered at €3,450,000

Beautifully refurbished 460m2 villa, with stunning panoramic sea views set on a commanding flat plot of 1620m2, only 150 metres from the most charming, unspoilt beach, and less than 1km from the picturesque town of Moraira, where a mooring is available, by separate negotiation, if required. 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, large lounge, games room, nanny suite, huge covered terrace, Clive Christian kitchen and master bedroom, multiple terraces, and parking.

Further details / brochure: +44 1628 898308 • Email: paulandpippa1@yahoo.co.uk

Mansions to measure After nearly three decades of luxury house building Octagon has considerable knowledge about the aspirations and expectations of discerning clients who are buying at the very top end of the property sector. This has driven them to maximise on their expertise, hence the introduction of Octagon Bespoke. Over the years the multi award winning company has encountered clients with bigger budgets who want Octagon quality but have their own distinct ideas about the perfect dream house, so in recent years it has quietly been designing and building made to measure properties for a number of clients with a starting budget of £2m (€2.3m). One of the recently completed bespoke projects is on the Wentworth Estate, Surrey. This is on a prime plot of just over 2.5 acres, where the large detached house has an interior living space of 12,645 sq ft. The client had distinct interests that all had to be considered; large scale entertaining, family living, wine appreciation, and a diverse number of sports activities.

Stealing the scene The approach is via a video-controlled entrance gate, which opens on to a very large forecourt with circular carriage driveway. On entering, the hall delivers the first scene stealer in this exceptional house; a dramatic curved timber and stone staircase, with underlit stair treads, leads to two floors with oval galleried landings creating a triple height space. Ornate polished brass French balustrades, and a central chandelier (which is suspended from a specially constructed support bar strong enough to take the weight of a Fiat Punto), put a distinct touch of opulence to the overall scheme.

A pair of glazed double doors lead into the family living zone. This heartbeat of the home comprises a kitchen, along with informal dining and sitting areas. A custom built, temperature-controlled wine library leads off the kitchen. The four-car garage is accessed from the internal lobby, along with stairs to the first floor staff wing. This has two single bedrooms, both with en suite bathroom facilities, a small kitchen, and an open plan living/dining room. On the first floor, off the galleried landing, are four double bedrooms, all with en suite bathrooms. The master suite has two bathrooms and two dressing rooms with French doors leading from the bedroom on to a large semi circular terrace. On the second floor are two further large studio bedrooms, both with en suite bathrooms and walk in dressing rooms. This house even has two separate basements, one with a full size cinema room, utility room and storerooms for the owner’s seasonal wardrobe. The owners are keen sports enthusiasts and requested an impressive cross section of leisure facilities. These include an indoor ‘level deck’ swimming pool, with integral spa, steam room and sauna. There is also a changing room with shower and a mirrored poolside bar. A stainless steel and glass spiral staircase from poolside leads to the glass walled gym at mezzanine level overlooking the pool. Outside there is a full sized all weather tennis court and jogging track, an Octagon first. This non-slip 400 metre pathway offers excellent circuit training for London Marathon candidates! ■

£14m :: €16,019,556 :: $22,355,278 John Pope: +44 (0)208 481 7500 www.toptenproperties.net 

 www.international-homes.com

Regency restored On the edge of the rolling acres of Kenley Common and enjoying an aspect that belies its position, just  miles from central London, Kenley House appears every inch the fine Regency mansion. But until recently, this was a very different story – during the th century Kenley House had gone the way of many grand country houses within striking distance of the capital. Its estate was gradually sold off for development and the house itself converted, initially for use as flats, later office space and, most recently, a catering college for the Forte group. However, this 1800’s gentleman’s country seat has seen the usual pattern of conversion reversed and, courtesy of a visionary project by Millgate Homes, is once again a glorious sixbedroom country house – this time with all the trappings of lavish modern living. When acquired by Millgate Homes in 2007 the house had lost much of its period charm, its high ceilings and classically proportioned rooms divided by utilitarian partition walls. But once the 20th century detritus was stripped away, the shell provided an inspiring backdrop for Millgate’s ambitious plans as sales director, Jonathan Cranley, explains, “Kenley House had suffered like many large houses throughout the 20th century and we were left with very much an empty shell. Our vision was to recreate a magnificent family home, being sympathetic to

the building yet creating spaces designed for today’s lifestyles. As a result you get the best of both worlds – an imposing period façade set in mature grounds and an interior that perfectly balances modern living with restored features such as huge sash windows and soaring ceilings.” The result is simply breathtaking with a sweeping driveway and turning circle providing an impressive approach. Once inside, a feeling of space and light pervades, natural light spilling into the double-height hallway and dining room to provide an entertainment space with real ‘wow’ factor. A 32' formal drawing room, cloakrooms and a separate study complete the reception space, while the real heart of the home is undoubtedly the vast kitchen with its adjoining family room and elegant orangery.

Steeped in luxury A galleried staircase leads to the first floor which houses four bedrooms, three of which are en suite, and the family bathroom. While both the master and second bedrooms have dressing rooms, the master suite also enjoys a generous terrace – perfect for summer breakfasts. To the second floor are two further en suite bedrooms and a media room. The basement, meanwhile, houses a gym, three wine cellars, a pantry, laundry and two store rooms. And the living space doesn’t end here – a beautifully restored lodge house in the

grounds provides self-contained two-bedroom accommodation, perfect for housing staff, guests, elderly relatives or grown-up children who want their own space. Outside, the house has a private walled garden to the rear, the original ha-ha providing a natural boundary and offering uninterrupted views over Kenley Common’s 138 acres of green open space. The grounds include a very special tree – the Kenley House oak which, at a thousand years old, is one of South East England’s oldest examples. All things considered, it’s hard to believe that central London is just 14 miles away from this slice of English country living. Kenley benefits from a thriving community with its own schools, pubs and local amenities that cater for day-today needs. Meanwhile, the villages of Caterham and Bletchingley are also close by providing a selection of local shops and boutiques as well as a Waitrose store. For commuters, transport links are first rate. There are regular train services from nearby Kenley station to London Victoria with journey times of around 33 minutes. The nearby M25 provides swift, easy access to the motorway network and, for travel further afield, Gatwick airport is only around 12 miles away. ■ £4.25m :: €4,730,932 :: $6,875,503 Millgate Homes: +44 (0)20 3253 2005 www.toptenproperties.net 

 www.international-homes.com

Country living close to Montreal and Trudeau International Airport Reminiscent of a great European manor house, this -year-old waterfront mansion features cathedral ceilings, exotic wood floors, carved fireplace surrounds, hand painted murals, an indoor pool, spacious apartment, secret passage,  acres ( hectares) of landscaped gardens, -year-old trees, and a private beach on  feet ( meters) of waterfront. Additional  acres ( hectares) available.

Living Space: A total of 37 rooms in 17,000 sq ft (1,600 sq meters), including 9 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. Walkout garden room has a large business meeting area. Location: Hudson Quebec with its quaint shops, renowned yacht club, tennis club, famous flea market, theatre, beautiful golf courses, antique stores, art galleries, country inns, and varied restaurants. Named “One of the 10 prettiest towns in Canada” by Harrowsmith Country Life Magazine.

www.montrealluxuryhouse.com ReMax: Sylvia or Youri +1 450-458-7051 CDN$4,900,000 US$4,650,000 £3,000,000 €3,500,000 www.toptenproperties.net 

LUXURY DESIGNS & INTERIOR TREASURES

LUXURY INTERIOR DESIGN • PRODUCTION • INSTALLATION OF YACHT & RESIDENTIAL INTERIORS

Shop & Showroom 4 Formosa Street • Maida Vale • London W9 1EE • Tel: +44 (0)207 286 4400 • info@jacquib.co.uk

www.jacquib.co.uk

LUXURY DESIGNS & INTERIOR TREASURES

LUXURY INTERIOR DESIGN • PRODUCTION • INSTALLATION OF YACHT & RESIDENTIAL INTERIORS

Shop & Showroom 4 Formosa Street • Maida Vale • London W9 1EE • Tel: +44 (0)207 286 4400 • info@jacquib.co.uk

www.jacquib.co.uk

LUXURY DESIGNS & INTERIOR TREASURES

LUXURY INTERIOR DESIGN • PRODUCTION • INSTALLATION OF YACHT & RESIDENTIAL INTERIORS

Shop & Showroom 4 Formosa Street • Maida Vale • London W9 1EE • Tel: +44 (0)207 286 4400 • info@jacquib.co.uk

www.jacquib.co.uk

LUXURY DESIGNS & INTERIOR TREASURES

LUXURY INTERIOR DESIGN • PRODUCTION • INSTALLATION OF YACHT & RESIDENTIAL INTERIORS

Shop & Showroom 4 Formosa Street • Maida Vale • London W9 1EE • Tel: +44 (0)207 286 4400 • info@jacquib.co.uk

www.jacquib.co.uk

LIVE

Interiors

“Your own house is always the last one that you get round to sorting out!” smiles Pippa Toledo as she glances round her newly-completed living space within her chic and eclectic Maltese home. “But finally this project is complete and the results morph beautifully with the rest of the property to create an indoor haven.” Typical of the region, Pippa’s home boasts chunky Maltese-stone walls and oodles of character, which she has effectively worked into her design to craft a contemporary space that remains true to tradition. The entire project took five weeks to complete. “Homes in the Mediterranean often have so much character of their own that it is sometimes difficult to envisage how you can incorporate your own style,” she continues. “When it comes to effectively blending old and new there are numerous elements that you will need to take into consideration when starting work on a property like this, including managing flaking walls, rising damp and humidity. It is very important to plan ahead and get the groundwork sorted before you begin.

Creative changes “Personally speaking we were ready for a change in this part of the house. Our home has grown and developed with us over the years, and now that our children are older my husband and I wanted to give this space a chic and stylish lift while still retaining its comfy and cosy feel. We began with structural changes as I was keen to overhaul it completely and bring much more light into the room. In an effort to banish damp and humidity, I chose to line most of the walls with moisture-resistant boards and created a system that still allows them to breathe. All the sockets, plugs and lighting points were surface mounted behind these boards to give a clean, finished look and also to protect them.” Pippa chose to segregate the space differently by building a wall to close off her dining area, and knocking through into a bedroom to open up alternative options. Elements of the room spill out into the spacious hallway, which has been enhanced with lush greenery, bright pots and mood lighting. “It is so important to bear light in mind when planning your property; you need to look at your options for bringing more brightness in, as well as what commodities you will need to incorporate to protect your room from the sun. ▶  www.international-homes.com

www.toptenproperties.net 

Letting in light “Previously, this living room had small windows and was often quite dark. The back bedroom offered plenty of scope to allow light to stream in and I was eager to incorporate that. I also chose to surround the room in glass, utilising arches that were already part of the structure of the house and thus effectively closing the space off. It worked out brilliantly, as while the space feels individual, it is still very much part of the rest of the house and allows us to look through into the hallway and out on to the garden.” The expansive room includes a raised area which efficiently creates different spaces within it. “It is a large area so I did want to break it up a bit in order to make best use of what was available. In using different floor patterns, and by arranging the furniture to segregate the space, this has been achieved, as the more informal living space now blends into a seating area that is perfectly suited to entertaining.” The soft furnishings of the room also add to the elegant character of the space. “I’m normally known for adding bursts of colour through my work as I believe bright hues to be very representative of Mediterranean temperament and often this works brilliantly. Within this space though, thanks to the new abundance of light, I chose a different colour palette, opting instead to use charcoal greys, taupe and black.

Home comforts “Keeping comfort in mind at every stage of the process, I was also drawn to luxuriant fabrics, including velvets and satins, as well as thick patterned rugs which also add colour and interest. As an art collector I also wanted an area to display some of my favourite pieces, and thus this room is now absolutely covered in wonderful works, and I find that it adds so much of our family’s personality to the room. “It is important to remember that you grow with your interiors, and that they need to change to keep up with you. As this space will now largely be utilised by adults, I wanted something plush and grown-up for us to enjoy. I think that this finished space is a genuine reflection of who we are, while still retaining its very Mediterranean roots and character.” ■ Further information Pippa Toledo Design Ltd: +356 2132 3616 / 2134 1367 Mobile: +356 9927 3333 www.pippatoledo.com

y a w e Driv us motoring to n e m o m d n a rs ca The most desirable

Dream drives

Audi Locus

ength of imaginative car We celebrate the enduring str play second fiddle n te of ics et sth ae en wh a er design, in an omy to first violins safety and econ

Contemplating the cars we see about us on our roads, we forget that – for every design facet that makes it to production, countless others are nixed. Nowadays, concept cars are used as vehicles (forgive the pun) at motor shows to gauge media and customer reaction to ‘radical’ style and safety cues. Rarely does an iconic design make it to production unmangled, as car designers’ imaginative offspring are stymied by corporate bean counters or safety rules. Automotive poetry rarely makes it to press. Take the impressive Volvo S60 Concept, which caused a stir at the Detroit Motor Show in 2009. Volvo has gained a name for itself on  www.international-homes.com

these shores for churning-out waves of solid yet unspectacular Scandinavian longships favoured by a portion of the UK’s middle classes. These can be seen lumbering around the nation’s roads, loaded to their Viking gunnels with children, wet dogs and/or forlorn-looking middle managers.

‘Volvo can’t you hear me – S.O.S?’ But the Volvo S60 Concept was different – Agnetha Fältskog from ABBA rather than Sven Erikkson: racy and swoonsome rather than pedestrian (the ultimate car-killing word) and sound defensively. It was touted as a BMW 3-

series killer, and according to Auto Express, Volvo’s chief designer Alex Chan said, “If you squint, you’ll see the production car.” We all began squinting hopefully. Especially when journalists drove the 180bhp S60 Concept, and raved about its cabin and distinctive Swedish chic. Then we woke up and it was 2010. My ocular torticollis had become so pronounced that I was seeing Sven: gone was the floating glass central console created by Swedish glassmaker Orrefors, as were the electric ‘parallelogram’ rear doors. Perhaps neither were practical or affordable enough for Volvo amidst a world

Ferrari Dino

recession, but shouldn’t some things be just that – gloriously impractical? Like ABBA…

Poetry at the top table At the higher end of the market things remain blessedly different, since fewer aesthetic concessions are made when designs are finetuned for production. For instance, Maserati’s new GranCabrio is all grace and poetry: Liz Hurley talkin’ Italian with a Pininfarina body that flows on forever. Simply put, it’s a great production car that has retained its soul. The ideal has been fully realised. More of a dream car, the Trident marque’s mesmerising Birdcage is a driveable 75thanniversary concept vehicle, produced with Pininfarina in 2005. Pininfarina’s then chief designer Jason Castriota tells us about the car’s gestation, “I began work on the Birdcage as the GranTurismo project was starting, and it was the perfect opportunity to share our vision for Maserati through a spectacular dream car that would create excitement about the brand’s future.” Maserati based the Birdcage on its MC12, a 205mph charger groomed to compete in the FIA GT, and Mr Castriota emphasises the car’s lineage, “Futuristic as the Birdcage seems, it’s not that far from the MC12, and could be developed into a road car without drastic modifications. The most unfortunate loss would be the jet-fighter canopy, in favour of Le Mans Prototype-style butterfly doors, while inside the projection screen would need replacing with something more ‘crash friendly’, as would the single fixed seat. But a roadgoing Birdcage 75 would lose none of its beauty or drama.” Such designs are rare, according to a Maserati spokeswoman, who tells us that the marque’s

concept vehicles are usually the work of independent design houses such as Pininfarina or Italdesign (headed by Giorgio Giugiaro), which design cars around the mechanics and chassis of production vehicles. She expatiates, “It’s also integral to our DNA to build one-off cars for customers such as the 1959 5000GT ‘Shah of Persia’, which adopts a strengthened chassis from the 3500GT and a powerful V8 from Maserati’s 450S racer. Although this costs the client serious money it’s a practice driven primarily by passion.” As for the current fortunate owner of the famous Birdcage? “I believe it’s owned by Pininfarina, and housed in their Turin-based museum,” she concludes.

Maserati Birdcage

Beat three-series syndrome Independent design bureau Ugur Sahin Design conceives improbably sexy-looking cars to entice the likes of Ferrari, and we initially liked the firm’s Audi Locus, until we noticed that it looks just like a Bugatti Veyron yawned-up by Salvador Dali. More promising is the Ferrari Dino, which looks like the progeny of a lawfully wedded Ferrari 599 GTB and 612 Scaglietti, with the suggestion of a Corvette’s aggressive, sawn-off shotgun bulk towards its rear end. Ferrari are one of the few firms that has the resources – both imaginative and financial – to potentially deliver a design like Ugur Sahin’s Dino undiluted, and it’s worth celebrating the risks some manufacturers take to shake-up the marketplace, as well as design flair in its many incarnations. Such imagination is a welcome antidote to a world where cars are often focus-grouped and costed to death, and BMW’s successful yet sterile 3-series syndrome leads drivers to die of boredom in prosily efficient surrounds. ■

Volvo S60

Automotive artistry Volvo S60 Concept www.volvocars.com/uk Maserati Birdcage www.maserati.com www.pininfarina.com Audi Locus, Ferrari Dino www.ugursahindesign.com

www.toptenproperties.net 

n e T p o T Driveway

est production cars of the world’s fast

on our grid.

ed together 10 er h at g ve e’ w k ac e tr This time round th aking a statement… m ly p m si or g, n ri rburg Perfect for the Nü

Apparently the new Ferrari 458 can lap the firm’s Fiorano circuit in 1 minute 25 seconds. That’s as quick as Ferrari’s legendarily quick Enzo, and the F458 is certainly more up to speed where comfort goes. With 562bhp it’ll shatter 62mph in 3.4 seconds and go over 202mph. Race car fierce. Can you face it? £160,000:: €183,000 :: $250,000 w: www.ferrari.co.uk

Produced by Maserati to satisfy drivers bored by the ‘sedate’ 177mph version, the GranTurismo S ups the original car’s engine displacement to 4.7 litres, and even though the powerplant has 1880kg of Italian diva to haul around, it does so in style on a stiffened sports suspension. 0-62mph in 4.9 comfortable seconds, 183mph. Nice one Maserati. From £78,215 :: €89,500 :: $130,000 w: www.maserati.co.uk

Luxury tuners Alpina are famed for turning perfectly sensible BMWs into not so sensible rip-snorting executive sports machines. With the B7 Bi-Turbo, the firm are filling the market gap left by the absence of a 7-series M variant, by splicing twin turbos onto BMW’s factory V8 and fitting signature 21-inch alloys. 507hp, so sensible it ain’t. Electronically limited to 173mph, which says it all. £97,950 :: €112,000 :: $153,000 w: www.bmw.com

German engine tuners and specialist carmakers 9ff have rummaged around under the bonnet of the Porsche 997 GT (itself no pansy) and turned-out the GTurbo850, a car with 1,000hp. No, your eyes are not deceiving you, there are four figures there. You’ll go grey after hitting 62mph in 2.9 seconds and at 243mph your hair will fall out. Wig not included. MPG figures unprintable. Who cares? Prices include German VAT. £115,192 :: €100,000 :: $156,000 w: www.9ff.de

The Shelby GT500 is ugly beautiful in the way that only serious American muscle cars and rhinoceroses are, and can drive over just about anything else on the road, if not outpace it. Still, it’s a fast car with an electronically limited top speed of 155mph, 540hp and massive torque available at 4,500rpm: the engine redlines at 6,250rpm which means brutal acceleration for such a solid scrap of pig iron. Plus, the uprated interior won’t make a Dynasty properties buyer faint this time round. From £47,000 :: €54,000 :: $73,000 w: www.shelbyautos.com

Dutch firm Spyker is famous for buying Saab, and its jetfighter inspired C8 Aileron is the vehicular equipment of a super-GT Spitfire, from the premium aircraft-style cabin toggle switches to tortoiseshell aluminium dash. Blip its 400hp V8 (sourced from Audi) and before you know it – 4.5 seconds – you’ll hit 60mph on the way to 187mph. Beautiful to look at, beautifully built, and with hair-trigger responsiveness from a Lotus chassis – beautiful to drive. From £192,000 :: 221,000 :: $300,000 w: www.spykercars.com

 www.international-homes.com

Sometimes you wonder whether some Americans think some Brits are really stupid, and the pricing policy for the new Corvette ZR1 exemplifies this. It costs $105,000 in the States, the UK price is printed below. Still, for roughly £42,000 more we get the same 638bhp V8-enraged beast that’ll rip-up 205mph. Unofficial import anyone? From £109,000 :: €125,000 :: $170,000 w: www.chevrolet.com

The latest incarnation of Jaguar’s XKR is winning plaudits for delivering a 510bhp drive in a user-friendly package that could potentially spank the likes of BMW’s 6-series and Porsche’s 911 as an all-rounder. Pros: seriously quick at 155mph (although there are whispers of 220mph+ speeds unrestricted), supple suspension, competitive price. Cons: somewhat cheap interior plastics. From £74,995 :: €86,000 :: $117,000 w: www.jaguar.com

Supercar performance at a snip. Think you can with Nissan? Well, you really can. For half the price of Corvette’s ZR1 we have the slightly older Nissan GT-R that’s almost equally fast (194mph) and won’t fall to pieces around you when you make an emergency stop for sushi. Being Japanese it’s also darned clever, packing-in dashboard graphics for monitoring tech stuff like g-force and turbo boost. From £59,400 :: €68,000 :: $93,000 w: www.nissan.co.uk

Does your Aston need a lick of paint? We thought not. But that doesn’t allow us to gloss over the finery that this limited edition V12 Vantage Carbon Black displays. Each car boasts the distinction of 50 man hours of hand painting, whilst other benefits include gloss-black, 10-spoke diamond-turned alloys, interiors swathed in Obsidian leather and a bespoke 700-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system. All built around Aston’s inspired 190mph V12 Vantage platform. Around £141,750 :: €163,000 :: $222,000 w: www.astonmartin.co.uk

www.toptenproperties.net 

Speed trial

W I N! The ride of a lifetime

We’ve teamed up with German sportscar manufacturer and Porsche tuner 9ff – responsible for some of the world’s fastest road-legal cars, to offer one reader a rare factory tour and test ride Look at the car in the photograph. What does touching 254mph on an oval course. That’s two it say to you? We’re searching for a form of mph quicker than the Bugatti for a fraction of words to sum up a complex sensation, where the price. Pas mal. In 2009 Mr Fatthauer unleashed the GT9R, our attitudes to cars are often premised upon types of people: a Rolls Royce is a member of a 1,120hp fire-breather that’s set its sights on the House of Windsor, British Leyland’s Austin toasting Shelby’s SSC Ultimate Aero TT for the Allegro is a wheezing elderly gent and a record once again. Only 20 of these cars will Porsche modified by German car firm 9ff is the ever be built, and the GT9R uses a Porsche 911 Turbo engine bored out to four sprinter Usain Bolt disguised as litres, twin turbo-charged to the a car. 9ff GT9R 1,120hp 0-62mph: 2.9 seconds hilt and cocooned in a carbonBecause in Dortmund, a city in Top speed: 257mph fibre body shell. Customers can the Ruhrgebiet region of northPrice: £614,000 :: €695,000 :: $948,000 (exluding Gerspecify every level of fit and west Germany, engineer Jan man VAT) finish, from a luxurious cabin to Fatthauer and his firm 9ff has Contact: Germany +49 a stripped out F1-style cockpit, effected a quiet revolution in the (0)231 967 8911 or UK +44 (0)1832 731687 and 750hp and 987hp variants dynamics, and dare we say the Web: www.9ff.de offer greater usability. poetics of speed that has had It’s fair to say that you won’t raucous and unconscionably quick results. Renowned as supercar manufacturers as see many of these athletes in car clothing orbiting well as tuners of performance Porsches, 9ff took the pedestrian racetrack that is the M25. But then the record for designing the fastest road-going again, you will certainly see more GT9Rs on the car in the world in 2008, when the firm’s very UK’s roads in future, as well as 9ff ’s line-up of own 9ff GT9 trumped Bugatti’s Veyron by super-tuned Porsches. The firm has a new

dealership opening in England, so UK-based readers in pursuit of these dream cars will find it easier to touch gold. Alternatively, you can enter our exclusive competition to win a test ride in 9ff ’s Gturbo850. ‘850’ refers to horsepower, in case you were wondering! The starting pistol has been raised, the gauntlet thrown down. Can you stand the pace?

How to enter To win a tour of 9ff’s factory in Dortmund, and a test ride in one of the firm’s supercars piloted by a 9ff driver, please send an email with the subject ‘Speed Trial Competition’ to Motoring Editor Ben Bouckley at ben@international-homes.com Please include a daytime telephone number, country and region of residence, and tell us (1) which car(s) you currently drive, and (2) which car(s) you would ideally like to drive. The first entry to be randomly drawn after the closing date of May 1 2010 wins the prize, which can then be finalised with 9ff subject to both parties agreeing a mutually convenient date and time. Please specify if you do not wish to be contacted by 9ff for indirect marketing purposes.

Terms and conditions Employees of International Homes & Travel and their families are ineligible to enter. The competition will be judged independently. Email entries will be numbered and one winning number will be drawn at random. No purchase is necessary. No cash prize alternative is available. Neither International Homes & Travel or 9ff assume any responsibility for cancellation of the test ride due to unforeseen circumstances, adverse weather or road conditions. For insurance reasons a 9ff company driver will pilot the car. If the 9ff GTurbo850 is unavailable 9ff reserve the right to substitute another high performance vehicle. Travel to and accommodation in the Dortmund region is not included.

 www.international-homes.com

Mauritius Island, pearl of the Indian Ocean Located in the heart of the Mascareignes archipelago in the Indian Ocean, the island of Mauritius is surrounded by blue lagoons and a magnificent barrier reef that extends for 330km along the coast. Only a mere 200km away from its sister island of Reunion, Mauritius is characterised by its sandy, pristine beaches bordered by magnificent turquoise lagoons. The island benefits from a tropical climate that is ideal for a mild season in winter (17 to 24 degrees) and for warm temperatures in the summer season (29 to 33 degrees). The Domaine des Alizées Club & Spa is a hotel type residence which offers for sale a total of 90 apartments, comprising two or three bedrooms and of a very high quality. The property is on an extraordinary site offering quite a number of services ranging from a lounge club

with its feted atmosphere, to the magnificent tropical spa which includes a restaurant beside the water flanked by small kiosks. The whole concept of the place is to entice visitors and residents to spend an unforgettable time here. This can either be relaxing within the carefully conceived apartments or in the shade of coconut palms around one of the numerous water sources scattered in the garden.

Superior service The residence will be run like any prestigious hotel offering a level of incomparable service which will benefit the permanent residents as well as the visitors occupying the rented apartments. Indeed, Evaco Holiday Resorts, a filial of the Evaco group, will be given the responsibility to look after the rental management

of a certain amount of apartments. This will assure their owners of substantial rental income during the periods that they are not themselves occupying the premises. The Domaine des Alizées Club & Spa is located 10 minutes away from the centre of Grand Baie, the most well renowned seaside village of the island, and five minutes from the beach. Grand Baie has a wide variety of cafes, restaurants, bars and boutiques as well as a supermarket which sells a selection of imported products, mainly from Europe and South Africa. ■

Prices between €246,830 - €279,856 Tel: +230 269 1800 www.evacogroup.com

www.toptenproperties.net 

L I V E A LES S TA X ING LI FESTYLE OFFSHORE T H E RE’ S N E VE R BE E N A BETTER TIME TO INV EST IN GUERNSEY’S MO ST LUX UR I O US O P E N MARKET PENTHOUSE APAR TMENTS

UP TO 3,600 SQ FT LIVING SPACE

INSTANT LICENCE TO LIVE AND WORK IN

NO VAT | NO PENSION CAPPING

WITH TERRACES UP TO 1,600 SQ FT.

GUERNSEY | NO CAPITAL GAINS TAX

NO CAPITAL TRANSFER TAX

AMAZING WATERFRONT VIEWS

NO ESTATE DUTY | NO INHERITANCE TAX

PERSONAL INCOME TAX CAPPING

OVER MARINA AND SISTER ISLES

NO PURCHASE OR SALES TAX

READY FOR BESPOKE FIT OUT NOW

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR REMAINING LUXURY PENTHOUSES IN GUERNSEY’S MOST PRESTIGIOUS DEVELOPMENT, WHICH INCLUDES A WORLD CLASS SPA, PLEASE CONTACT A MEMBER OF THE LONG PORT SALES TEAM ON

PRICES FROM £4M

TEL: +44 (0) 1481 728722 OR EMAIL: SALES@LONG-PORT.COM W W W. R O YA L - T E R R A C E . C O M

L U X U R Y P E N T H O U S E S I N A L E S S TA X I N G E N V I R O N M E N T

Perfectly placed for business and pleasure Whether relocating home or business, many issues have to be considered when transferring assets abroad. Guernsey is an obvious choice for the discerning businessman – it has it all, long sandy beaches, a calm tranquillity, a thriving business community and favourable fiscal advantages. Moving to the island is relatively hassle free. Any EU citizen can purchase or rent a property on the Open Market, which also affords a right for the individual to then work in Guernsey. The advent of new tax regulations across the EU/UK is likely to encourage individuals to consider moving to Guernsey.

What can Guernsey offer? Perhaps the most attractive financial incentives for settling in Guernsey are the 0% corporation tax, the 20% personal income tax and the absence of capital gains tax. However, there is a plethora of other enticing measures offered to help drive investment in Guernsey.

Commercial If the low corporate tax does not differentiate enough, there also exists no local value added tax related to purchases. Due to Guernsey’s

position outside the EU, value added tax (VAT) is not levied on goods arriving on the island from the UK.

What can the Long Port Group oﬀer? Property Whether residential, commercial, industrial, retail or health and leisure, the Long Port Group is leading the way with their innovative developments in Guernsey. In particular the flagship residential and commercial developments Royal Terrace and Royal Chambers offer the ultimate in luxury living and state-of-the-art office accommodation in St Peter Port, Guernsey’s capital

Royal Terrace

Individual High net worth individuals can limit their tax contributions in Guernsey. A ceiling of £100,000 is apportioned to all income generated outside of Guernsey and £200,000 on that generated within Guernsey. Some individuals who choose to live in Guernsey may also reside in other countries at certain times of the year. These individuals should be mindful of the number of ‘days’ they reside in Guernsey as this will affect their tax situation. They will only be taxed on Guernsey sourced income or income remitted from overseas. Benefits at a glance The island offers a variety of fiscal benefits for individuals and corporations alike. • Income tax rate of 20% (versus UK top bracket of 50% from April 2010) • A tax ceiling of £100,000 for non Guernsey sourced income or £200,000 for Guernsey sourced income • Mortgage interest relief • No capital gains tax • Generous personal tax relief

This is the group’s luxurious residential development currently under construction, comprising eight superlative Open Market penthouses. With unrivalled sea and marina views and pure space and luxury, they are the perfect choice for the discerning individual. The penthouses are vast, measuring from 2,500 to 3,600 sq ft, with terraces up to 1,600 sq ft that can even feature a private infinity pool. They can provide up to four en suite bedrooms and several reception rooms. However, the developers have taken an innovative approach and will tailor the final living space to meet clients’ needs, reflecting lifestyle, relaxation and social likes. Clients decide the number of bedrooms and reception rooms, their sizes and other added luxuries – like a private gym, or even a home cinema. The penthouses sit atop the development commanding stunning vistas of Guernsey’s sister islands of Alderney, Herm and Sark. Onsite amenities will include world class restaurants and retail outlets and an exclusive world class spa comprising a 15m swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, plunge pool, and an array of both thermal and cold experiences together with a number of treatment rooms offering the very best in beauty therapy and relaxation. For more information on Royal Terrace, please contact a member of the Long Port sales team on +44 1481 728 722 or email sales@long-port.com

www.toptenproperties.net 

Banking on the Bonuses for the bankers and excess in general is getting bad press right now, but there’s no denying the magic that money, judiciously invested, can buy

 www.international-homes.com

factor

Developers have certainly sharpened up their act at the top end of the market over the last 10 years. Sure, a gold-plated London postcode counts, but so too do conveniences such as concierge services, home automation systems and worldclass interior design. And as a case in point, elite property design firm Finchatton has completely remodeled interiors at Montpelier Hall, a former home for nurses built in 1896, only 150m from Harrods in Knightsbridge. Finchatton director Alex Michelin comments on the luxe levels available here (with the top duplex penthouse weighing in at a slightly eyewatering £11.25 million or €12.82 million), and the desires that shape the prime segment of the city market – with prospective buyers as far afield as the States, Germany and Russia (as well as the UK) apparently interested in properties at Montpelier Hall.

“Buyers at this level of the market expect world-class accommodation to replicate what they are offered in hotels, on yachts and at their prestigious homes around the world. They require security and privacy in equal measure and to know they have the best available, all within their control,” Mr Michelin opines. Elsewhere, Quintessentially Estates are marketing a matchless inner-city maison that also scores highly where integrated facilities are concerned. As the former residential base for contestants in recent UK television series the X-Factor, there’s no doubting the je ne sais quoi that lavish investment has lent this property, through tasteful spending on all the internal properties that we do know and, more crucially, aspire to. Wave your wand or write a cheque for £5.75 million (€6.55 million) and all this magic will be yours!

Golders Green, London NW11 Step inside this opulent six en suite bedroom home and you’ll immediately be impressed by the glass roof and triple-height atrium. The hallway showcases a polished concrete and glass staircase, whilst special features include oak flooring throughout. Technology ranges from a Crestron audio-visual infrastructure and Viabizzuno architectural lighting to electric entrance gates and underfloor heating. Fox Linton designed the main reception room, there is also a Boffi-designed kitchen, large dining and family rooms and gym. Gardens are landscaped by Charlotte Rowe and there is extensive off-street parking. £5.75 million :: €6.55 million :: $8.83 million Quintessentially Estates: +44 (0)845 224 3658

Knightsbridge, London SW1 Situated just 150m from Harrods, Montpelier Hall was originally constructed as a nurses’ home in 1896, and has now been fully redeveloped behind its glorious gabled façade. Six world-class furnished apartments feature interiors designed by London-based Bahlly, and comprise two ground-floor duplexes, three lateral apartments and one standout 435m2 duplex penthouse (priced below) on the fourth and fifth floors. The development has an integrated fibre-optic infrastructure, Crestron automation, multi-scene lighting and underfloor heating, while services for residents include 24-hour porterage and concierge. £19.85 million :: €22.65 million :: $30.57 million Philip Woolf Property: +44 (0)20 7935 8181

www.toptenproperties.net 

Battersea Reach, London SW18 This four-bedroom penthouse is situated on the 13th and 14th floors of the Baltimore House tower, an award-winning riverside development with breathtaking views. An en suite master bedroom and separate roof terrace occupies the entire top floor, and an impressive reception room spans 13m. The property also benefits from four secure underground parking spaces, a luxurious kitchen and an additional roof terrace. Onsite facilities include a private business centre, fitness suite, waterfront bar-restaurant, patisserie and 24-hour concierge service. £3.25 million :: €3.7 million :: $5 million Douglas and Gordon: +44 (0)20 7720 8077

London Bridge, London SE1 Record-breaking structures are always impressive, and The Shard is no exception. Set to be the UK’s highest skyscraper at 310m on completion in 2012, the structure has already been pre-let to bodies such as Transport for London and hotel firm Shangri-La. Designed by architectural star Renzo Piano, the structure tapers up from a wide base to a graceful spire that riffs on London’s maritime past and its impact on the skyline. Interior spaces will contain restaurants, bars and gallery spaces, and office spaces will benefit from ‘winter gardens’. A mere handful of prestigious apartments – 12 are currently planned spanning 5,800m2 in total – will be available, with prices yet to be finalised. Sellar: +44 (0)20 7493 5311

 www.international-homes.com

Porchester Terrace, London W2 Arranged over eight floors, this fully air-conditioned, stucco-fronted period home has eight bedrooms and a stunning indoor swimming pool and gymnasium, as well as offstreet parking for at least three cars. Situated in a fashionable tree-lined street close to Kensington Gardens, Westbourne Grove and Notting Hill. £6.25 million :: €7.12 million :: $9.62 million Chesterton Humberts: +44 (0)20 7298 5900

www.toptenproperties.net 

+9)627)= 63(&,$/,676 ,1 7+( ,6/$1'·6 ),1(67 +20(6

-2'6)(-&0) ;)78 '3%78 09<96= To include private beach and headland £6.5m

78922-2+ 7)% %2( ,%6&396 :-);7 Brand new 10,000sqft cliffside house £4.95m

09<96-397 0%8)6%0 0-:-2+ Seclusion and elevated rural living £2.95m

+6%'-397 4)6-3( 0-:-2+ Sympathetically renovated Townhouse £1.4m

% 0-*) 0)77 8%<-2+ NO VAT | NO INHERITANCE TAX | NO CORPORATION TAX | NO CAPITAL GAINS TAX | MILD CLIMATE | CONTEMPORARY LIFESTYLE | GLOBAL BUSINESS BASE | FINE FOOD | ONLY 40 MINUTES FROM LONDON Livingroom is the Islands most dynamic estate agents specialising in the ﬁnest property currently available in the island, luxurious International homes and a bespoke global Property Search Service. Discover a better quality of life that’s closer than you think. 8 ` +44 (0)1481 233008 ; ` www.livingroombespoke.com ) ` richardhardie@livingroombespoke.com

The New Guernsey Simon Torode from Livingroom updates our conceptions of an island many still perceive, erroneously, as something of a backwater

Mention Guernsey to those who’ve never been here and they’ll imagine old-fashioned seaside holidays, cream teas served by friendly but rickety old hostesses and quaint customs – probably involving cows and/or tomatoes. But this is a view of the island that is increasingly out of step with the modern reality. Guernsey is now a bustling, cosmopolitan island, populated by a large number of young, worldly wise and increasingly wealthy professionals. Many of these new islanders have moved here from other places: they’ve made a good living and now they want the good life to match. And it’s not just the stunning scenery, healthy lifestyle and beach life that brings them to the island.

Boutique lifestyle “I didn’t come here just for the views,” says one self-made 48-year-old who moved to the island two years ago. “I came here because I can have a boat moored within spitting distance of my house, I can get to Europe at any time, and when my friends come to visit there are some amazing restaurants and bars to entertain them in.”

You don’t have to look very far to uncover evidence of the lifestyle accoutrements that make the island so attractive. The marinas in capital St. Peter Port are filled with luxury cabin cruisers and yachts that would grace Monaco or Miami. Top restaurants draw chefs from around the world and independent boutiques offer chic clothing and jewellery. A gentler pace of life also entices people to Guernsey, in a world of frightening newspaper headlines where the UK seems increasingly insecure. Guernsey presents a grounded alternative, and is commonly described as being like England 40 years ago. The influx of wealth onto the island also means that schools are modern and well-equipped, the health service is excellent and there are great travel links to the UK and Europe.

Less taxing times Other advantages include the tax-friendly environment, with income tax charged at a flat rate of 20% and generous allowances available to residents. There’s also no capital gains tax, no capital transfer tax, no estate duty, no inheritance tax, no purchase tax, no turnover tax, no VAT

and no wealth tax. Little wonder then that large corporations such as Specsavers, Healthspan and Sporting Bet are based here. Guernsey’s business-friendly government is committed to nurturing a diverse, modern economy. The finance industry is still the mainstay, but other sectors are gaining ground on the island. Cocktail bar conversations are peppered with references to rumoured five-star developments and forward-thinking hoteliers are investing heavily in upgrading properties for city dwellers seeking a luxury escape. And when future visitors come here and enjoy Guernsey, there’s every chance that they’ll come back for more. Then, as the island’s multi-layered character reveals itself and the numerous advantages of living here become apparent, the attitudes of visitors will change. Like the many who’ve already chosen to settle here, they’ll stop asking, “Why would I want to live in Guernsey?” And ask instead, “Why wouldn’t I?”

Livingroom Limited Telephone: +44 (0)1481 233 008 Email: info@livingroom.gg Web: www.livingroombespoke.com

www.toptenproperties.net 

Introducing the

International Property Event 2010 in association with I N T E R N AT I O N A L

HOMES Luxury Collection The Royal Lancaster Hotel, London 27 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 28 November 2010 Meet leaders in the property industry and winners of the International Property Awards See award-winning projects Meet and greet high-level decision-makers Attend property seminars from Google, Bloomberg and more

Entry by invitation only For tickets, or to book a stand, call

+44 (0)1245 358877

Bound for Barbados

The Caribbean with its heady mix of sun, sea and sand is always in the top 10 most popular places to own a home. We explore the delights of one of its most beautiful islands - Barbados

Often referred to as ‘the pearl of the Caribbean’, Barbados, averages 340 days of sunshine a year making it one of the most highly desirable holiday destinations. A hideaway for celebrities, the island also attracts a glamorous mix of visitors, lured by its stylish hotels and shops and a thriving restaurant scene, all within walking distance of deserted beaches. Barbados has a very strong tourist industry and the government goes out of its way to ensure that this continues to be healthy bringing in much of Barbados’ GDP. Judy Delaforce of Springcourt Barbados, says, “The property market continues to be strong as people purchase in Barbados for the long term, whether for their retirement or holidays, so it’s not the boom and bust culture of many other places. Money invested in bricks and mortar in Barbados will potentially grow by up to 15% a year.”

Villas On The Beach, Holetown, St James Watch the ships sail by from this three-bedroom, three bathroom contemporary condo lined with glass. It has a bright 22-foot wide patio that’s perfect for entertaining, marble tiled baths, soaring pickled pine ceilings and a gourmet Italian kitchen with granite worktops. This penthouse apartment is one of 18 within the Villas On The Beach complex and has use of the swimming pool, gardens, and secure beach access. The building has a lift/elevator, generator and backup water storage facilities and is staffed 24 hours a day. There is also ample parking with spots allocated above and below ground. From £1,601,640 :: €1,841,597 :: $2.5m 7th Heaven Properties: +44 (0)208 960 1010

 www.international-homes.com

The Penthouse 501, Sandy Cove Derricks, Sandy Cove is a private community in lush tropical gardens on the scenic west coast of Barbados. The Penthouse occupies the entire top floor and has uninterrupted panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. The Penthouse is exquisitely decorated with elegant indoor living areas opening to two balconies: one for casual dining, while the other has a tanning deck and private pool. Of the four luxurious bedroom suites, two have private oceanfacing balconies while the master bedroom and deluxe master bath both open to their own deck with a whirlpool tub and outdoor shower. The fourth bedroom has been converted into a full gym. Entertaining is made easy with the ultra-modern kitchen and there’s also an office with high-speed Internet and a temperature-controlled wine cellar on the lower level. Residents also have access to the shared gym, pool, sauna, and beach facilities. £5,207,482 :: €5,870,316 :: $8.5m Altman Real Estate: +44 (0808) 120 2364

Ocean One, Christ Church Located on a half mile of pristine, white sandy beach, on the south coast of Barbados with the Caribbean Sea as a backdrop, is the contemporary Ocean One. This spectacular residence, stylish from the outsidein, has only 21 units on six floors and includes front desk services, a two-storey gym, beachside pool and pool deck for owners. Penthouse 601 is one of only two units on the top floor and shares semi-private elevator access to its sprawling living space. The large, fully equipped Italian kitchen opens on to the dining and living rooms for modern living and entertaining but its most impressive feature is the floor to ceiling glass windows overlooking the beach. The outdoor terrace can be accessed through glass doors connecting it to both the main living space as well as to the master bedroom with its ocean views. The fully furnished unit has three bedroom suites, a laundry room and powder room. £2,144,430 :: €2,417,392 :: $3.5m Altman Real Estate: +44 (0808) 120 2364 www.toptenproperties.net 

Springcourt, Christ Church Only a mile from Accra beach in Rockley, Springcourt is a small, gated development with 24-hour security. It has the charm of traditional Barbados style with elegant high specification European interiors. Air conditioning and fitted kitchens with ceramic hobs and granite worktops and all appliances come as standard as do a balcony or terrace overlooking the landscaped gardens. Choose from a mix of luxurious three-bedroom condos, two-bedroom townhouses and one-bedroom condos. From £156,875 :: €180,412 :: $245,000 Springcourt Barbados: +44 (0)1892 725756

Beachlands, St James On the Platinum Coast between the famous Sandy Lane Hotel and Holetown, Beachlands is a stunning collection of just 46 beachfront apartments and penthouses. Apartments have from two to five bedrooms and penthouses from three to five bedrooms. Set within four-and-a-half acres of mature gardens, they overlook 700ft of white sands. This secluded beach is one of the island’s best-kept secrets and loved by many for its picturesque, crescent shaped bay. The residences have been designed to capture the essence of Barbados combining the grandeur of classic plantation mansions with the elegance of Riviera style homes. The architecture is classic Bajan style, with high colonnades framing wide terraces all with spectacular ocean views. The apartments will be built to a very high standard and specification using natural materials such as stone, limestone and oak, with the benefit of high-grade on-site security. Residences will be large and luxurious and each one has its own private spa pool finished with miniature glass mosaic tiles and underground parking, while ground floor apartments include a private garden. High ceilings and large windows will provide light and space and there’s full air-conditioning throughout. Beachlands will include an outdoor infinity pool, bar, gym, and games room and owners will enjoy a range of hotel-style facilities and amenities. These include 24-hour concierge which will be linked to each apartment via a video entry phone system. Additional services will be booked through concierge on a bespoke basis including extra domestic help such as a butler or maid and even a chauffeur service. From £1.3m :: €1,494,606 :: $2,028,394 LTG Real Estate +44 (0)207 078 7355

 www.international-homes.com

A marriage of sand, sea & style Happily named â&#x20AC;&#x153;SeaForeverâ&#x20AC;? this luxurious beach front 10,000 sq ft home is located on the historic seaside enclave of Boggy Sand road at the northern tip of world famous Seven Mile Beach.

A quiet sense of drama envelopes every aspect of the home including its grand foyer, the 30 ft high ceilings and expansive sea views. The first thing that strikes visitors, having taken in the ocean view from the front door, is the magnificent sweeping double-curved staircase. Unquestionably, SeaForever is the number ONE beach front address to have in the Cayman Islands. For complete property amenities visit www.seaforever.ky and www.caymanluxuryproperty.com Telephone: +1-345-945-6000

A 5 STAR LUXURY RESORT WHERE DREAMS BECOME REALITY HARLEQUIN’S FIRST CARIBBEAN RESORT WILL OPEN IN JULY 2010

These images are computer generated artists’ impressions

Contact the primary agent Harlequin Property

CALL 0800 082 8103 WEBSITE

www.harlequinhotelsandresorts.com

www.harlequinproperty.co.uk

E-MAIL

contact@harlequinproperty.co.uk

All information contained in this advert is correct at time of going to print but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed and none of the information forms part of any contract. The Vendor reserves the right to alter the specifications referred to in this advert without prior notice. While Harlequin Hotels & Resorts believes that the properties represent excellent investments, each investor must undertake their own research to satisfy themselves before proceeding and where required seek independent financial advice. There may be an initial set up fee and ongoing annual charges associated with management of a SIPP. Harlequin Property does not give financial or legal advice. *A SIPP is a Self Invested Personal Pension enabling the investor to choose where their pension fund is invested. Harlequin’s properties in the Caribbean are suitable for SIPP investment. First phase includes 368 rooms. † Subject to Status. Terms and Conditions apply.

Harlequin’s investment properties are freehold with excellent potential for high capital appreciation and an annual rental income

All you pay is £1,000 reservation fee. 100% finance† is available – the developer pays the monthly repayment on the loan for the 30% deposit

Properties are sold off plan at up to 50% below market value

Harlequin properties are suitable for SIPP investment*

Receive a two year 10% rental guarantee followed by 50% net room rate share

30 days free use per year (except SIPP investors)

70% developer loan available on completion

These images are computer generated artists’ impressions

Harlequin is creating investment properties in luxury 5 star resorts in Barbados, St Vincent & The Grenadines, St Lucia and the Dominican Republic 5 star amenities include Pat Cash Tennis Academy, Liverpool FC Soccer School, Diving & Watersports Centre, Alaia Spa created by ESPA, several restaurants & bars including Trader Vic’s

Bask in nature

Come to a place where a walk in the park is your home

Camino Del Rio

Caves Branch River, Belize, Central America affordable luxury in the heart of belize BEST DEVELOPMENT BELIZE Camino Del Rio by Tareig, LLC

A unique gated-entry and waterfront site on 63 acres of private open space along the Caves Branch River and Maya creek. tareig’s commitment to preserving nature’s gifts allows residents to enjoy privacy, views, sunshine and gentle building sites in a natural park-like setting. Amenities include nature trails, park sitting areas, bird-watching towers and a future clubhouse and pool. This sustainable living community is located near shopping, services, and within one hour of the airport and beaches.

Purchase a lot or build

Buy your lot now and build your dream house or purchase one of our full turnkey home-site packages. Lot prices start at $20,000, single family homes start at $99,000 on a one-quarter acre parcel. One-quarter to one acre home parcels are available.

Call us about our pre-construction sales Project developed by TAREIG, llc 9900 Greenbelt Road Suite E-200 Lanham, MD 20706 +1 (800) 895-6924

+1-800-661-4838 www.caminodelriobelize.com • info@caminodelriobelize.com Belize oﬀers tropical climates and is an English-speaking country

Gated Community • River-front Access • Caribbean Getaway

Living with nature Belize has become one of the world's most biologically diverse nations with the integrity of its natural resources still very much intact. It boasts 93% of its land under forest covers, the largest coral reef in the western hemisphere, the largest cave system in Central America, over 500 species of birds, thousands of Maya archaeological temples and the only jaguar reserve in the world. As an overall country mandate, support for the conservation, preservation, enhancement, and management of Belize’s natural resources and protected areas has become an important country attribute.

areas and numerous waterways that pass through the site and eventually into the Caribbean Sea, the preservation of the natural surroundings is an important aspect to maintaining the beauty of the community.

An ideal location Camino Del Rio’s location in the central area of the country is convenient for everything. • Only 10 miles from the capital Belmopan with government offices, restaurants, hospitals, and other services. • Only 45 minutes from any gorgeous beach. • All the fish you can catch is right along the river’s edge. • Fresh fruits and vegetables can be picked right off the tree or plant.

The design and planning of Camino Del Rio incorporates sustainability and green building principles as a foundation to the environmental preservation strategy. Implementing sound best practices puts it in the forefront for a progressive preservation program and provides economic and environmental benefits for property owners and the community.

Camino Del Rio in Central Belize is a 63-acre community along the Caves Branch River and offers an excellent opportunity to utilise conservation and green building technologies and components. With at least 30% of the community designated as open and green space

Three good reasons to consider Belize 1 Belize is one of the best banking and tax havens in the world. There is no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no corporation tax. 2 If you join the special retiree program, you don’t pay tax on foreign-earned income. 3 You can buy a single-family Mediterranean styled home for less than $100,000 (£62.000). It’s one of the most affordable places in the Caribbean sun.

Starting a new life in Belize Belize is becoming the new North American sun-belt. With year-round tropical temperatures, a low to moderate cost of housing, a stable two to one dollar conversion, and Central America’s only English speaking country, it’s no wonder this

small emerging country has been attracting more new residents every year. Imagine floating for miles along the Caves Branch River, cruising for the best fishing spot, exploring the mysteries of a dense rainforest, or immersing yourself in the history of ancient Mayan ruins. With a home at Camino Del Rio, these experiences are right in your own backyard – a tropical paradise in the heart of nature and sustainable living. Home sites are perfect for a dream vacation, investment unit, or retirement home. No matter how you choose to spend your days, Camino Del Rio provides the perfect combination of modern luxury and comfort in the heart of adventure. You can walk the onsite trails and cave systems nearby, tube along the river, and watch an endless display of birds and nature all around in the community’s unique bird-watching tree. Yet, that’s not all, you can also design your home online and use the latest in energy efficient technologies. All this plus dramatic landscapes, lush, green mountains, dense jungles and the western hemisphere’s longest barrier reef are to be found here—along with some of the best real estate opportunities. ■ Further information Call +44 (0) 800 661 4838

www.toptenproperties.net 

What Will You Love Most About

Th e C a r n e g i e A b b ey C lu b Will it be the view of Narragansett Bay from the 18th green? Perhaps it will be watching your daughter take her first ride in the new Equestrian Center or the exceptional individualized attention you’ll receive from each member of the Club staff. Maybe it will be the sense of exclusivity that comes with your own private yacht slip or the relaxing couples massage in the European Spa. From fine dining with our award-winning chef to the educational fun of Kids’ Camp and the Club’s endless array of five-star amenities — you’ll love whatever brings you to The Carnegie Abbey Club. Now Accepting Social and Golf Membership Applications. Residences from $799,000 to $14,500,000.

Th e C a r n e g i e A bb e y C l u b On The Shores Of Portsmouth, Rhode Isl and • Minutes From Newport

866.535.6151 • www.TheCarnegieAbbeyClub.com equal housing opportunity. membership is required. carnegie abbey private estates.

BEST PROPERTY BERMUDA Deepwater by Rego Sotheby’s International Realty

Deepwater, Bermuda Designed and constructed in the European style of Renaissance-era architect Andrea Palladio, the magnificent villa is perfectly located amidst almost three acres, with owners able to enjoy panoramic Bermudan sunsets. Regal gates open to welcome visitors across a bridge with exotic plantings on either side. Directly ahead is a breathtaking view of Deepwater’s striking façade framed by two spectacular banyan trees with a grand stairwell fountain leading to the impressive main entrance. A circular lower courtyard leads to formal gardens, tennis court and statue of King Neptune to the left; to the right, you pass the bocce court and whimsical bronze, life-size sculptures of giraffes and zebra spotted on the main lawn. The charming guest and staff cottage catches your eye before reaching the main house parking. Within the few seconds of entering the Deepwater Estate, you are captivated by its magic.

Throw magical soirées Entering the house you are immediately struck by breathtaking water views from the main entrance, library and great room. Indeed, spectacular views of Harrington Sound are visible from every west-facing room on the villa’s two principal floors.

The vast great room has a ceiling of 21.5 feet – where high ceilings and Jerusalem stone are two of Deepwater’s many hallmarks – whilst the adjoining formal dining room seats 20 comfortably. A spectacular environment for entertaining, Deepwater easily accommodates over 100 people in its combined library and great room: from here doors open onto the horizon pool patio, dining room and private family room, which adjoins the dream gourmet kitchen. A real talking point for guests is the customdesigned, double-level mini-rainforest, aquarium and aviary with over 100 types of exotic birds which can be enjoyed from the first-floor great room or upper bridge. The third Deepwater bridge at the end of the family room leads to business offices where no detail is left unattended. The upper level of this space is a beautiful sunroom with panoramic views that doubles as a media room; the lower level is equipped as an office space with adjoining bath and modest kitchen.

Suite views Luxury accommodation includes two bedroom suites on the main floor and two on the upper floor; the master bedroom and bathroom offer magnificent water vistas. On the lowest level, a

large games room with adjoining full bathroom (also configurable as a fitness suite) is the perfect bolthole for kids. Furthermore, Deepwater has private access and elevators for family members or guests who are mobility challenged. The Guest & Staff Cottage complements the main house with two charming semi-detached residences; these have three and one en suite bedrooms respectively. Outside, three covered loggias overlook the tranquil waters of Harrington Sound, accessible via three moorings that make Deepwater the very byword in Bermudan waterfront luxury. Sale by informal tender Interested parties are invited to post sealed informal tenders for the Deepwater Estate to Listing Agent Margaret Young at Rego Sotheby’s International Realty, via the address printed below. All tenders should be received no later than 12:00 pm (Atlantic time), Wednesday, June 30th 2010 and must be offered with a statement of qualification. The vendor is not bound to accept the highest or any offer. Please contact the agent with a view to acquiring fuller particulars of Deepwater, and arrange a viewing. Serious enquiries only please. Margaret Young Rego Sotheby’s International Realty Cavendish House, 2 Cavendish Road, P.O. Box 169, Hamilton HM AX, Bermuda Telephone: +1 441 299 1514 Email: myoung@regosir.com Photos by Jean-Pierre Rouja www.toptenproperties.net 

Luxury Living on Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Nantucket

West Dennis

ABUTTING CONSERVATION Beautiful 3 bedroom, 3 bath ranch, spacious living room, formal dining, eat-in kitchen, office, plans to convert outbuilding to a 2 bedroom cottage.

WRINKLE POINT Lovely contemporary Cape with water views of Nantucket Sound. Association pool, marina & beach. Features 5 bedrooms, open kitchen and fireplace in living room.

Offered at $1,850,000 MLS# (20910342)

Offered at $1,230,000 MLS# (21000091)

West Dennis

South Chatham

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKING This move in condition 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch challenges comparison and is priced to sell to the well-informed purchaser! Comes with permitted seawall and 48' of deep water docking floats. Offered at $1,135,000 MLS# (21000022)

LOT WITH WATER VIEWS OF TAYLORS POND Located across the street from town landing and just .3 to Cockle Cove Beach. Launch your boat & motor or sail to Nantucket Sound. Offered at $620,000 MLS# (20910265)

PRESENTED BY: Today Supreme Homes A Division of Today Real Estate, Inc.

TodaySupremeHomes.com Telephone: +1 508.568.8100

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USA

 www.international-homes.com

USA

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The Quintessential Lake Home Oak Point Club – Côte d’Azur – Connecticut Lakeside living couldn’t possibly come much grander than at this outstanding property. Secluded on a private peninsula within the waters of Candlewood Lake and designed by Donald McMillian for the former ABC newscaster Ron Cochran, this country lake home affords a panorama well beyond the reach of the land. The property is wrapped by a stone bulkhead complemented by two white sandy beaches (one facing east and the other facing west for catching both sunrises and sunsets) with lawn and gardens that surrender to the beauty of the scenery. The lake itself is 8.4 miles long with 86 miles of shoreline, and is one of the largest man-made lakes in the US.

Arriving in style Making its location even more special, this property comes complete with a summer dock

to receive friends and guests by boat or seaplane to this enchanted peninsula. This home has water on three sides and the large formal living room with see through fireplace is sited to take advantage of the views. Every element of its design makes the most of having the premier location on the southern end of Candlewood Lake. The interior was designed by the renowned interior and fashion designer, Iris Barrel Apfel. A masterpiece in leading edge design then, this still holds true today. Positioned on the highest point of the peninsula boasting a more than 180-degree view of the lake, morning and afternoon sun fills the home with light. This home has appeal as a year-round or summer residence. Its elegant landscaped gardens complement the property and help to make the property truly one of a kind. This is the first time the property has been offered since the 1960s.

Portfolio Properties Group, LLP Telephone: +1 860 491 2000 Web: www.PPGRealtors.com www.toptenproperties.net 

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Pyrenean paradise Andorra has recently been attracting international attention for all the right reasons and could even be your passport to fiscal security in Europe. For many years it was considered a sleepy mountain hamlet snuggled up in the cradle of the Pyrenees Mountains. Today the wary investor is discovering Europe’s best kept secret, with its private banks and low taxation policy as Andorra is seducing residents from other ‘bright light’ low tax countries like Monaco and Switzerland.

Country of contrasts Andorra is a country of great contrasts, for here in the height of the Pyrenees you will find a place with no personal income tax or death duties. High net worth individuals can take advantage of a system that allows non Andorrans to become residents, invest in an ever more lucrative property market and move their funds offshore to one of Andorra’s modern and efficient private banks. Yet that’s not all, they can also enjoy a safe and healthy lifestyle that is hard to beat in today’s

society of personal insecurity. Snow capped mountains in the winter, and tumbling mountain streams with fragrant meadows of wildflowers cram the four seasons, making an ideal location for the nature lover. Andorra’s bustling streets are bursting with chic boutiques, international restaurants, and an eternal nightlife for those who just don’t want to stop. There is a little of something for everyone. A modern country that will never lose touch with its rich and eventful history, today you find Andorra has state-of-the-art communications and a banking system which excels on offering fantastic personal service with efficiency and a lack of bank charges. The tax advantages available to new residents together with negligible crime rate, a dry, healthy climate and a cosmopolitan lifestyle on the Mediterranean’s doorstep, all go to make this tiny mountain paradise a must on the discerning investor’s wish list.

Invico s.l. Telephone: +376 807970 Web: www.invicoandorra.com

www.toptenproperties.net 

From town to terrazza Whether your idea of a dream home is beside a picturesque lake or in the heart of a town steeped in history and culture, Italy can provide the perfect setting

Country

Collalto Sabino, Lazio Il Castello Baronale is a stunning castle only 50km from Rome, dating from the 12th century. It features nine bedrooms, a separate apartment, grand ballroom, reception rooms, heated pool, tennis court, gardens and historical features. ÂŁ10,272,498 :: â&#x201A;Ź11.5m :: $16,702,188 Chesterton Humberts International: +44 (0)20 3040 8210

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Vista Faraglioni Capri Just 15 minutes walk from the Piazzetta of Capri, towards the historic antique Passetiello to Anacapri, this fabulous home has views to die for. It includes three-bedrooms and three bathrooms and is in an ideal position on the mountain between Capri and Anacapri. The property is being sold fully furnished and leaves nothing to desire. Offers in excess of £4m :: €4.5m :: $6,072,000 World Real Estate Immobiliare: +39 348 352 8083

Castello di Lucignano, Near Siena

Villa Peduzzi, Lake Como

On top of a hill overlooking the landscape of the Chianti Classico region, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and forests, only 12km from the town of Siena. Castello di Lucignano’s rich history reaches back to Etruscan times. The castle was converted into an aristocratic estate, owned by the Barons Ricasoli and has been part of the history of Tuscany ever since, hosting lords and producing wine and olive oil. The farmhouse is completely restored and divided into two levels, each with an independent entrance. The top floor is designed for daytime life, with one bathroom and an ample kitchen completely furnished with hand decorated tiles, a wonderful fireplace with direct access to the loggia and a living room that opens up into different living areas comprising a dining area, library, TV lounge and sitting room. The downstairs has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a laundry room. £1,339,094 :: €1.5m :: $2,178,546 Tuscany Real Estate: +39 348 154 3810

This Liberty villa was built in 1909 and still has its original art nouveau and frescos. Empty for the past 50 years, this is a very rare find. Once restored there will be just four, four to five-bedroom private apartments, each offering impressive views and set in three acres of mature grounds which ensure considerable privacy. Apart from two large infinity pools, it will also have a tennis court. Only the first floor apartment remains available, measuring 300m2 with four spacious bedrooms all with stunning views. This apartment will share a large infinity pool with one other. The villa has panoramic views over the lake and mountains and is beside the village of Pigra from which a cable car can take you to Argegno in just four minutes. Here you can arrange to have your own boat on a private mooring. £1,523,183 :: €1.75m :: $2,478,258 Ultissimo: +44 (0)203 178 4975

Casale Madama, Lubriano, Umbria Property on a hilltop with fabulous views of the ‘calanchi’ on the border of Lazio and Umbria. It consists of three hectares of land, a beautifully restored casale and a detached annex which has also been renovated. The whole property and garden is well maintained and fenced with access via an electric gate located at less than 1km from the paved road. A swimming pool with great views completes the estate and all utilities are in place. £2,646,108 :: €3m :: $4,052,928 Case in Italia: +39 335 832 9779 www.toptenproperties.net 

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Italy Cavour 220, Rome

Town

This new development project represents the evolution of the serviced apartments concept that has already become established as a new lifestyle in New York, London and Paris and accepted as a sound investment opportunity. Cavour220 presents the aesthetic code and style of Armani/Casa in an imposing building offering spacious interiors and meeting the highest criteria of materials and finishes. This is the first time in Europe that Armani has agreed to take part in a project of such scope and ambition. Sixty-two exclusive apartments have been planned, designed in a subtle and sophisticated style and located in one of Rome’s most historic quarters: on the legendary Via Cavour that leads to the Fori Imperiali and the Coliseum. Composed of a series of six linked buildings grouped around a large garden, it includes underground parking. Each apartment will have its own specific ground plan, which can be finalised and furnished to reflect the taste of the owner on the basis of layouts and finishes proposed by Armani/Casa. Personal concierge services are also guaranteed 24/7, 365 days a year. From £872,020 :: €600,000 :: $536,006 £8,933,547 :: €10m :: $14,532,522 John Taylor Milan: +39 02 48 199 464

Via Marina, Milan A magnificent, modern art penthouse with panoramic views in Milan’s historical centre in the exclusive Via Marina. Close to both Palestro Gardens and Villa Reale, it has 410m2 of living space plus a terrace and has been designed by the famous architect Caccia Dominioni. Built using premium materials and with extra luxurious finishes, the penthouse comes complete with an annexe of 180m2 featuring a relaxation and fitness area. £8,933,547+ :: €10m+ :: $14,532,522+ John Taylor Milan: +39 02 48 199 464

Via della Vitte, Rome Penthouse apartment fitted with every modern luxury; centrally located in Via della Vite, just 500m from the famous Piazza di Spagna in Rome. This very bright, l,232m2 loft apartment comprises a large open plan living room, dining room, fitted kitchen, master bedroom with walkin-wardrobe, double bedroom with en suite bathroom, bathroom, Turkish bath, office/further bedroom, storage room with bathroom, 60m2 stunning roof terrace with Jacuzzi. £4,175,433 :: €4.8m :: $6,794,700 JSS International: +44 (0)20 7828 7387

 www.international-homes.com

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Kea / Greece Easy access from Athens international airport (30 min semi-motorway plus 1 hour ferryboat) Beautiful beaches and bays. Sailing and yachting paradise. Superb large villa ideal for vacationing and entertaining. Swimming pool and tennis court. Seven bedrooms, five bathrooms. Fully furnished and equipped + security alarm system. For further details: owners fax : +30210 3611340

Tuscany Tuscan farmhouse beautifully restored immersed in a quaint medieval hamlet amidst vineyards and olive trees minutes away from Siena. 210m2 on two levels, with an independent apartment in the lowest floor, plus 2 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms in the main floor, kitchen, living room & dining room. Wonderful terrace with panoramic views, bbq grill, in 400m2 private garden. Guide price €750,000. Ref. T-VCO-118

Local estate agents, all properties personally selected. Villas, apartments, properties to restore, investments, on-going concerns, castles & resorts REAL ESTATE • VACATION RENTALS • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Tel: +39 0577 355 255 / +39 348 154 3810 Email: info@TuscanyReal-Estate.com Web: www.TuscanyReal-Estate.com

TIONAL

S E M HLuO xury Collection

INTERNA

Vol 16 No 5 /

Read International Homes online!

£4.50

www.international-homes.com Front Cover: Aitutaki Paciﬁc Resort

EST THE FIN

HOMES,

T R AV E L

TY & LIFES

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Property Caravan Why investors are beating a path back through the sands to the doors of Arabia’s premium high-rise homes, which have weathered the ﬁnancial storm

Burj Khalifa, Dubai Nine hundred homes at The Residence include studios and one to four-bedroom residences covering levels 19 to 108 of the world’s tallest building the Burj Khalifa. A panoply of amenities and services include sky lobbies on Levels 43, 76 and 123, cutting-edge fitness facilities, indoor/outdoor pools, Jacuzzis and a recreation room. There is also a library, cigar club, gourmet market and convenience store, whilst valet parking is provided. The tower is set within 11 acres of verdant grounds with tennis courts, water features and a children’s playground; a chic club annexed to the tower incorporates indoor and outdoor pools, two gymnasiums and a spa. Price on application Burj Khalifa: + 971 4367 5566

If the 2008 economic crisis was the perfect storm, then it’s fair to say that the United Arab Emirates lay at its epicentre. Inflated prices – spurred by processes such as off-plan flipping – and overproduction, meant that it was just a matter of time before the Middle East property bubble burst, especially given that the wealth of Emirates such as Dubai were founded, to some extent, upon hearsay rather than reality. Such is life. But since then the world has turned, and the scales of illusion have fallen from our eyes revealing the imprimatur of reality. Yes, much of Dubai is still a construction site, and will remain so until much-fêted developments such as The World are completed. But chastening times have meant that the developers and developments that survive in Dubai have demonstrated their durability, and are now committed to higher professional standards, whilst flagship state-owned investment company Dubai World is working overtime to appease creditors, namely the multinational banks. Reassuringly, oil-rich neighbour Abu Dhabi lent Dubai US $10 billion in late 2009, so rumours of economic cataclysm are unfounded.

Bullet-proof property Besides, upon the basis of what has been built in Dubai, it is a mightily impressive place. Moreover, not only are you guaranteed value for money – with prices down ▶

more than 50% from peaks in early 2008, you know that wherever you invest now is likely to be protected, given crisis-driven horror stories about buyers completing on properties, only for developers to fail. Prominent website Property Advice Dubai quotes Dubai Land Department’s senior legal advisor, Emad Eldin Farouq, as saying, “There are lessons to be learnt from the crisis and we are emerging with a new legal regime. Loopholes in laws are being dealt with and things will become more organised in 2010.” A draft law being considered by Land Registry Department will predominantly protect buyers in the event of material defects or late delivery of properties, with remedies available including refunds or replacement homes. Failure on the part of developers to match development progress to payment plans would constitute breach of contract, and buyers would be able to walk away from signed deals. The Department  www.international-homes.com

is also considering introducing legislation to oversee property brokers who handle trust accounts for transactions.

Identity crisis? Hardly. Although of course, it’s a moot point in relation to this feature whether Turkey can be reckoned part of Arabia or not, given that the country lies at the apex of four continents: Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe. As for investing here, the country is on the comeback trail after stalling briefly in May 2008, when the Turkish Constitutional Court briefly suspended the issuance of title deeds for foreign nationals, due to a row over Article 35 of the new Title Deed Act. The dispute did not relate to property ownership rights for individuals per se, who are forbidden from owning property in non-zoned areas. Instead the court suggested that like restrictions be placed on foreign

companies, at a time when outside investors were buying-up swathes of land in rural Eastern Turkey. Confidence, shaken somewhat but not seriously stirred, is fast-returning to the market, and the timeline for Turkey’s accession to the EU continues apace, a process begun in 1987 that might be finalised as soon as 2015, which would push prices north in the mid to long term. That said, French President Nicolas Sarkozy is a vocal opponent to the country’s accession, whilst problems with Greece (an EU member) relating to the governance of Cyprus continue. Time will tell in this respect.

Now it’s Istanbul… ‘[N]ot Constantinople’, as the lyrics to catchy 1930s swing song They Might be Giants by Jimmy Kennedy and Nat Simon go. And investors are certainly hymning the attractions of high-end property in Istanbul. Turkey’s ▶

Sapphire, Istanbul As well as taking the title of highest building in Turkey and Europe, the 261-metre Sapphire is also a design classic, and 56 imaginative storeys pack-in 180 apartments, interior gardens every three storeys, a golf course at 163m and a spa and swimming pool. The tower also includes a shopping center with 134 stores; called Sapphire Çarşı it focuses on Turkish design and is situated next to the metro station in Istanbul’s 4 Levent district. A scenic terrace at the 236m mark is likely to host an upscale restaurant and a nightclub, the first of its kind in Turkey. From £637,180 :: €734,000 :: $1 million Istanbul Sapphire +90 212 444 5111

Samanah Country Club, Marrakech A chic complex located near Marrakech, Samanah Country Club includes a 100-hectare, 18-hole golf course designed by Nicklaus Design, a David Leadbetter golf academy, practice areas and a nine-hole ‘chip and putt’ facility. On completion the resort will provide three hotels and 450 luxury three to seven-bedroom villas that follow the contours of the golf course; further apartments and houses will be based around a residential hub. Architecture and layouts within the 300-hectare complex are the work of Alain Lelieur and Abdel Ilah Slimani, who were inspired by traditional Moroccan architecture and prioritised views of the Atlas Mountains. General facilities include a swimming pool, spa, tennis and pétanque courts, children’s club and grand place with shops and restaurants. Morocco’s best ski stations are only 45 minutes away. From £132,000 :: €150,000 :: $204,000 Groupe Alain Crenn +33 (0)1 40 75 04 07

spiritual city – towering over Ankara in all but name – the criminally underrated ‘Stamboul is one of three European Capitals of Culture during 2010, and it continues to attracts significant amounts of foreign direct investment, as well as multinational firms that choose to locate here for both favourable business conditions and Istanbul’s excellent strategic location. But the city’s advantages do not end with business alone. The hallowed city of Ataturk, revolutionary statesman and first president of Turkey, is strikingly beautiful, bisected by the Bosphorus, spread over seven hills and surrounded on three sides by water, whilst

 www.international-homes.com

minarets vie with modern high-rises for control of a burgeoning cityscape. Sultanahmet is a small peninsula within Istanbul that contains a large proportion of its principal sights: the Haghia Sophia is a one-time church that is now a mosque – revered by Christians and Muslims alike. Tokapi Palace is a remnant from the days of empire, while the Grand Bazaar is claimed as the world’s oldest shopping centre. Here you can souse off the grime from one of the world’s biggest cities at a hamam or Turkish steam bath, photograph Ottoman-era mosques, enjoy fine dining, art galleries and a myriad of nightclubs – all in a place dubbed the ‘City of the World’s Desire’. ■

T H E SAMANAH THE S A M A N A H COUNTRY C O U N T RY C L U B WON WO N THE T H E HIGHEST HIGHEST CLUB HONOR CATEGORY H O N O R IIN N ITS ITS C AT E G O RY ““GOLF G OLF DEVELOPMENT”. D A universe universe dedicated to pure pure leisuree and pleasuree : golf, leisur d pleasur golf, tennis, spa, 5 star staar hotel and services, services, shops and restaurants... restaurants... Ann 18-holee ggolf USGA A olf course with U SGA standards standar ds . A David Daavvid Leadbetter Leadbetter Academy A cademy© Villas V illas ll and d aappartements ppartements fr ffrom om 150 000 eu euros. uros.

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Vietnam

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Iconic Minh Viet Investment Corporation (MVIC) is a new generation of real estate development in Vietnam. A full service company in real estate, consultancy, investment, development, marketing and sales, it continues to expand to new levels of prosperity in a diverse and everchanging market. By adopting the highest standards throughout all its projects and business contracts, MVIC delivers innovation in design and construction to create truly iconic developments. An excellent example of this is the company’s new landmark development. Known as the Tricon Towers, it is the largest urban development in Northern Vietnam and is strategically located in the major expansion of Hanoi – the capital city of Vietnam. Another development displaying MVIC’s famous ‘one of a kind’ trademark is Bay View Towers in Ha Long Bay, which has been named one of the finalists for the New 7 Wonders of Nature contest. Combining luxurious residential apartments with shopping and entertainment, it represents the pinnacle of stylish city living on the coast.

MVIC’s identity has been even further strengthened by the introduction of the international brand power of Coldwell Banker. The company acquired this franchise in order to help it develop and maintain a world-class standard of services, training and consultancy within the real estate sector. MVIC is also committed to making every effort to support the sustainability of the environment. Due to this, its corporate responsibility initiative program will centre on introducing green technology throughout its real estate development projects. Remaining at the forefront of business growth, MVIC continues to develop its business portfolio in Vietnam as well as internationally, in real estate development, investments and management. As to the future, MVIC is focused to become a leading investment corporation for real estate both in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Its aim is to provide the most professional real estate services resulting in the highest benefits and values to all clients.

Minh Viet Investment Corporation Km 10, HighWay Lang - Hoa Lac., Vietnam Tel: 04 33656986 Fax: 04 33656998 Email: info@mvi.com.vn Web: www.mvi.com.vn

www.toptenproperties.net 

Penthouse people

The highlife isn’t for everyone: you need an appreciation for the ﬁner things in life and a head for heights – from Monaco to London town Two words connect all these penthouse apartments: ‘exclusivity’ and ‘elevation’. The only problem is deciding where to invest, and whether to go for something independent or serviced, contemporary or classical. Starting in the UK, acclaimed firm Dekra has 25 years of experience designing and constructing rooftop developments, and the firm’s off-site modular method allows it to create sumptuous new-build luxury apartments on top of existing buildings, thus bringing

residents all the efficiency and comfort of a new build apartment in a characterful and classical setting. The Penthouse London is a case in point, a three-bed apartment that tops elegant art deco building Wellington Court in fashionable St. John’s Wood, with superb views of Lords Cricket Ground and Battersea Power Station. “Prospects for the London market in 2010 look much better than for the rest of the country,” according to Yolande Barnes, head of residential research at renowned property agency Savills. ▶

Above: Cannes, French Riviera A splendid penthouse with 180-degree ocean views and a living area of 295m2, this home comprises four master suites with full bathrooms at the first and second levels, a kitchen with dining room, large living room and summer lounge. The penthouse also has 480m2 of terracing that includes a private pool, and it lies within a secure complex where lobby access is controlled by the concierge, whilst basements are monitored by CCTV. The residence also contains a luxury spa and beauty salon. Over £8.68m :: €10m :: $13.6m John Taylor: +33 497 066 565 www.toptenproperties.net 

BUY

Penthouses

St John’s Wood, London NW8 This Dekra penthouse comes complete with concierge service, and interiors are the work of the firm’s renowned in-house design team. The living space has a built-in plasma television and panoramic views over London; an adjacent eat-in kitchen includes Gaggenau and Siemens appliances, and offers both a breakfast bar and formal eating area. The master suite opens onto a 54m2 terrace with great views, and also has a dressing room and en suite bathroom. £4.25 million :: €4.9 million :: $6.66 million Knight Frank: +44 (0)207 586 2777

Nonetheless, Ms Barnes warns that prime price appreciation is likely to stagnate in the shortterm, given that bonuses to City financiers are likely to be curbed, “This is likely to reduce the amount of money going into the prime central London property market,” Ms Barnes concludes, meaning that now is a great time to stake your claim to a piece of it.

Monte Carlo or bust If London in the spring isn’t quite warm enough for you, then how about the Côte d’Azur? Let’s face it, properties here will always be sensible investments even amidst the most protracted  www.international-homes.com

economic ice age since the 1930s, and prices at the top end are as competitive as they’ll ever be. Elite Monte Carlo-based agency Monaco Villas is marketing an exceptional frontline penthouse in cultural hotspot Juan les Pins, an ‘estate in the sky’ on a quiet frontline residential street. Only 10.5km from Cannes, the chic town of Juan les Pins is famous for its jazz festival and popular with the jet set. Situated opposite the beach, the apartment enjoys panoramic views of Cap d'Antibes, the Isles des Lerins, Cannes, the Esterel mountains and the Alps. Monaco is more exclusive still, and according to Trevor

Gabriel, managing director, Monaco Villas, “The principality’s skyline highlights the fact that apartment living is the order of the day, and the pinnacle of apartment living (in every sense) is the penthouse.” Mr Gabriel is also sanguine about the commercial advantages of living the high life, “For those high net worth individuals seeking to minimise their exposure to tax, Monaco remains one of the pre-eminent places to live, whilst it also offers an excellent climate, security and general quality of life.” Monaco Villas is marketing an exquisite three-bedroom penthouse with pool in Le Florestan for a cool €33 million

Penthouses

BUY

Juan Les Pins, French Riviera This air-conditioned 385m2 frontline ‘sky estate’ occupies the top four floors of a new apartment complex. The top level includes a roof terrace with ninemetre pool, gardens and a living-dining-bar area giving on to a deep terrace, kitchen and guest bedroom. Floors are linked by a private lift, and the next level down includes a master suite with his/hers bedrooms, two bathrooms and a study, plus two guest bedroom suites – all adjoining a terrace. Lower still there are two guest apartments, each of which has a salon, three bedroom suites and a kitchen. The property includes 228m2 of terracing, six parking spaces and cellarage. Monaco Villas Real Estate: +377 97 70 10 10

(£29.1 million), although Mr Gabriel tells us that his firm also has homes in the principality open to offers in excess of €80 million (£69.6 million). It’s obvious from these figures that Monaco is hardly the place to flip property: sellers are rarely desperate to sell and serious buyers already have serious money. Transactions here are more a labour of love.

Sunshine (e)state Stateside, we were taken by a duplex that encompasses the top two floors of one of the most desirable bayfront buildings in downtown Sarasota, Florida. For sale with

Le Florestan, Monaco An exceptional penthouse apartment in excellent condition, with three bedroom suites, a generously proportioned reception room, family kitchen with large terraces and private pool on the roof terrace. This palatial property also includes ample parking and a separate studio apartment for staff. £29.1 million :: €33 million :: $44.7 million Monaco Villas Real Estate +377 97 70 10 10

Michael Saunders & Company at $4.425 million (£2.82 million), it has a grand salon with full-length windows and glorious views of Sarasota Bay. Eighty per cent owner financing is available to the buyer, and like the French Riviera, Sarasota possesses excellent longterm investment potential: on account of equable year-round weather, cultural activities, restaurants, golf and the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean, not to mention the profusion of luxurious properties in lifestyle communities or condominiums. What’s more, according to Charles Peerless, director of Winkworth International, you

could potentially turn a tidy profit here, “With low prices on a wide range of top quality luxury villas and condominiums in world-class developments, combined with a favourable exchange rate and low interest rates, buyers can now buy a home in Florida for about half what they would have paid in 2005.” Mr Peerless tips prices to rise again sharply throughout 2010, with Sarasota recently touted by NBC as the top place in the States to buy property. So with interest rates at an all time low, it’s time to turn that stagnant bank balance into a penthouse, people! ▶ www.toptenproperties.net 

Longboat Key, Florida 1211 Gulf of Mexico Drive is a three-bedroom condo/townhouse with three full bathrooms and gorgeous panoramic views of the beach, Gulf of Mexico and downtown Sarasota. Stunning interiors, remodelled in 2004, include custom cabinetry throughout: panelled walls, skylights, 10-foot ceilings, solid wood doors, mahogany floors and a wet bar. Other advantages include wooden plantation shutters, a master bathroom with steam unit and massage tub and a kitchen with granite counters and top-end appliances. Touch lighting features throughout, as does Bose surround sound. There are three large balconies, as well as two covered parking spaces, and gated community facilities include an Olympic-sized swimming pool and tennis courts. £1.02 million :: €1.18 million :: $1.6 million Michael Saunders & Company +1 888 552 5228

Sarasota Bay, Florida With its wraparound balcony and amazing views over Sarasota Bay, this beautiful duplex penthouse has four bedrooms and four full bathrooms. Other rooms include a grand salon with full-length window and a 148m2 terrace. The luxurious master suite offers breathtaking night views, while other rooms include a gourmet kitchen, cooking island and reception room with bay views. Upstairs a guest suite enjoys panoramic views and another separate guest apartment can be entered privately via the elevator lobby. £2.82 million :: €3.25 million :: $4,425 million Michael Saunders & Company +1 888 552 5228

 www.international-homes.com

More than just… www.monaco-villas.com Monaco

In the centre of Monte Carlo, 2 minutes walk from the Casino, a fabulously refurbished 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom residence (living space 116m) with a large living/dining room, wrap-around balcony, a Thai-inspired roof terrace with pool and teak decking. Views are superb to the sea, the coastline, the Grand Prix (from Casino Square to the tunnel) and the mountains in the background. 2 large parking spaces and a cellar. Ref Mo130 is oﬀered at €16,000,000 and its ownership structure enables reduced-cost conveyancing.

Monaco

Overlooking the beach of Larvotto, Monaco, in a modern high-rise block with superb gardens, pool and fitness centre, with views to literally blow you away, a pair of duplex apartments which when put together will produce one of the most sensational 5 bedroom, 3 reception room apartments in the Principality. The property (320m living space, 130m of terraces) is offered at €25,000,000, and estimates to refurbish are around €4,000,000. Ref 174A also offers the possibility of reduced-cost conveyancing.

2, avenue Saint-Laurent – MC 98000 Monaco Tel. : +377 97 70 10 10 – Fax : +377 97 70 10 11 – E-mail : info@monaco-villas.com

 www.international-homes.com

Japan

LIVE

Tower of plenty Toyosu Tower, Tokyo, Japan The Toyosu Tower is a residential building developed by a conglomerate of Japan’s four largest developers (Mitsui Fudosan, Nomura Real Estate Development, Mitsubishi Estate and Tokyo Tatemono). The project is built on 16,000m of land area and it opened in March 2009 in Toyosu, Tokyo. Garde designed the interior public spaces including the rooftop deck, sky lounge, community plaza, library, gym, meeting rooms and guest rooms. The design is based on an ‘Urban and Nature’ concept intended to appeal to people who want to experience a sophisticated urban lifestyle and still feel comforted by the surrounding nature. Unity, prestige and comfort are the main design themes that are carried throughout the project. The goal was to create a benchmark for future residential towers, by developing a design that would not age though time, and would feature advanced technology to satisfy residents’ needs.

garden outside and is delineated by a warm, dark wood ceiling. Artistic design elements are included throughout the interior to accentuate certain areas. For example, the elevators are decorated with patterned panels and indirect lighting to attract attention to this area. The lounge area is distinguished from the corridor leading to the elevator hall by specific design features, such as the dark wooden ceiling, the rugs and the plants. Warm coloured planters and furniture

Depth by design The seven metre high entrance hall follows a grid-based design which adds depth by leading the viewer’s line of sight far into the back and also helps to create an architecturally well balanced space. High quality materials, furniture and props are used to express the prestige of this residential tower. This is reflected in the marble and leather finishes applied to the walls, the polished floor tiles, and the five-star hotel level amenities. The various materials also serve to mark the different zones. The warm coloured granite flooring has two distinct finishes (flamed and chopped) in order to achieve this zoning effect. The deep joints between the limestone slabs on the walls create visual lines that reflect the grid based design and enhance the sense of depth. The prominent columns also falling along the line of sight of the viewer feature a more rugged surfaced stone. This textured quality is also visible in the ceiling which is painted with a plaster-like finish, adding to the soft feel of the environment. The seating area is placed next to the glass wall looking out into the

are chosen to create a relaxing atmosphere. Aimed to serve as one’s second living room, the lounge functions as a space where residents can welcome guests in a more intimate environment than the entrance halls. The large glass wall allowing a view of the garden outside and the wide and comfortable sofas contribute to the luxurious atmosphere.

Warm and welcoming Guest rooms offer unique services and high quality amenities by creating an extraordinary space to offer a unique experience. The entrance to the common space is accentuated with onyx stones and indirect lighting, clearly marking the entry into the next rooms. Although the ceilings are rather low, the indirect lighting placed around the upper edges of the wall serve to give

the impression of height. Glass walls are used to open up the space and to give a view of the greenery outside. More glass is used along the central staircase which has been designed in an elegant shape. Gradation sheets are applied to some of the walls and curtains to give a sense of privacy but still allow you to see through to a certain degree. The design of the walls and columns are inspired by the shapes of the trees outside and viewed together, interior and exterior, create one unified space. Even the gym environment is designed to be in touch with nature. This is achieved by installing a natural wooden flooring and tall floor to ceiling windows on two sides of the room, allowing a view of the outside. The calm and chic private room is designed to offer an out of the ordinary environment that is not readily available at home. Here one can enjoy music, home theatre, high spec audio visual equipment, and other high tech features. Last but not least, a simple and straightforward design is used in the library, meant to be a practical and comfortable space. The main material used is natural wood. The prominent, dark wooden bookshelf against the wall spreads from floor to ceiling and adds a unique quality. The library is equipped with special lighting and furniture not usually installed in apartments, therefore making it a place for residents to enjoy.

Garde is a leading interior design firm with offices in Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore, Milan, Paris, New York and Los Angeles. Originally specialized in the high-end retail sector, Garde provides creative design and consulting services for a wide variety of projects ranging from shops and boutiques to department stores and shopping centers, food and entertainment venues, to corporate interiors, residential and hospitality projects. The company has a solid, 25-year track record and has worked for clients around the world including in Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea, Macao, Estonia, Azerbaijan, Italy, France and Spain. Web: www.garde.co.jp Telephone: +81-3-3407-0007 Email: info@garde.co.jp

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Two perfectly pitched investments The Financial District – Johannesburg CBD – South Africa Situated in Johannesburg, South Africa – the continent’s financial power house – Shakespeare Place One and Two offer opulent luxury and the perfect position in the heart of the city’s reclaimed, redeveloped and rejuvenated CBD. These landmark developments are just a stroll away from all major corporate Head Offices and within striking distance of the stadiums hosting finals of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. Following an upgrade in the style of capital cities such as New York, London, Berlin, Sydney and Los Angeles, the thriving Johannesburg Financial District is well and truly open for business, and demand for residential space is huge: from the discerning up-and-coming professionals working here and international visitors alike. Once avoided, this is now a place to aspire to. Few markets in the world offer such potential for growth. Shouldn’t you be investing in the most desirable address in town?

Shakespeare Place One & Two • Supremely styled and exquisitely elegant luxury apartments • Superb standard of finish • Magnificent views over the cityscape • Designed by multiple award-winning Source Architects • Easy access to exclusive shopping promenade, up-market eateries, trendy coffee shops, boutiques and cigar bars • Hotel concept with professional rental pool ensuring excellent returns • SP1: 60 luxury apartments ranging from 48m2 – 300m2 • SP2: 48 luxury lock-and-leave apartments ranging from 38m2 – 83m2 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup: Facts & Figures • Taking place in South Africa in June/July 2010 • Billions to be invested infrastructure development in Johannesburg and South Africa • Projected incoming tourism numbers of 3 million • Projected direct spend of US $2 billion and economic cash infusion of $3 billion. • Previous World Cup hosts Paris experienced 60 – 100% escalation in property prices in the year after the event alone, while 70% of previous World Cup Hosts saw an average 25% increase in growth • Johannesburg is the only South African city to have two Soccer World Cup stadiums, along with another four in striking distance. • The event has created a desperate demand for luxury accommodation in close proximity to host stadiums.

Contact Annerette Fourie annerette@urbanocean.co.za / +27 (0) 82 452 1930 Or visit www.shakespeareplace.co.za and www.coolsp2.co.za

 www.international-homes.com

THE REGION OF ZADAR

PUNTA SKALA PREMIUM LIVING BY FALKENSTEINER LIVING IN PARADISE!

Do you dream of living in paradise? Waking up in your own exclusive apartment directly on the sea, surrounded by the spectacular natural beauty of the Mediterranean? We can give you all that and more. In addition to owning your own dream property, Premium Living by Falkensteiner offers you all the services you would normally expect to find only at a top hotel. From fine dining and cleaning services to a wellness and spa area and childcare. Everything you need to make your stay at Punta Skala pure paradise.

Punta Skala â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for the highest quality of living, the best lifestyle and maximum convenience. Advice and Sales: Falkensteiner Hotels & Residences, Tel.: +43 (0)1 605 40 78, info@punta-skala.com, www.punta-skala.com

Swiss bliss If the thought of bathing in thermal spa waters and being massaged with gold after a dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skiing appeals, then Helen Shield has found just the place

I must confess that I am usually quite fussy when faced with the prospect of a hotel stay. Being comfortable in my own home I often wonder why I want to go away at all. I sometimes think it’s a pity that I can’t ski from my doorstep, have waiter service at home and a full spa on hand just for my ‘holiday’ moments. Due to this, I find I spend an inordinate amount of time researching my idea of a perfect resort with a focus on finding something different within a couple of hours from the UK. This year I came up with the eastern Swiss town of Bad Ragaz which is an hour’s easy drive from Zurich International Airport. The ‘Bad’ is the thermal water that streams down from the mountains into the town. In the middle of the 12th century, hunters from the Benedictine monastery in Pfafers discovered these hot thermal springs gushing from the rocks of the Tamina gorge. The waters, which still flow from the gorge today, have a constant temperature of 36.5ºC.

Going with the flow Some six centuries later this water was transported along a four kilometre conduit from the source directly to the town of Bad Ragaz, which over the centuries has established itself as one of the world’s most fashionable health resorts. It has a public thermal spa with many different pools of this natural thermal water of differing  www.international-homes.com

temperatures which are also used immensely by the townsfolk themselves. Attached to the impressive array of public baths are two glorious five-star hotels. The Grand Hotel Quellenhof and the Grand Hotel Bad Ragaz are owned by the same company with little to choose between them. The Grand Hotel Quellenhof was completely rebuilt in 1996 and the Spa Suites tower is brand new, having opened in May last year. A gentle 1 A Spa Suite in the Quellenhof 2 The world’s first Swarovski Crystal embellished steam room 3 Choose from the singing bowl massage, the tam tam gong treatment or try the choco-therapy or vinothererapy massage for something different 4 Feel the power of Bad Ragaz spring thermal water with its balanced minerals and healing benefits 5 The ‘Tamina’ public spa baths

renovation was given to the historical part of the Grand Hotel Hof Ragaz while the rest of the building was demolished and rebuilt in 2008. In fact, the two hotels are joined together and share the same facilities. These are far from being just hotels, they are all year round spa and golf resorts, with a thriving casino, a huge business centre and even a Swiss medical clinic as attachments. With a ski bus to the ski resort of Pizol in Bad Ragaz just a few kilometres away, this resort topped my list to try.

There was a whole host of things to do at this hotel. Provided you had a healthy budget you could stay in the spa all day and have one treatment after another. There is the usual array of options you would expect, plus a few surprises as this hotel has a menu of its own. Here you can even be massaged in gold leaf and chocolate if you wish! Emphasis is put upon total relaxation for the guests and the staff are courteous, knowledgeable and always polite. Golf and tennis are high on the agenda in the summer with a PGA 18-hole championship course, as well as a nine-hole. There’s also an outdoor swimming, al fresco dining and walking. The latter is very much on the programme in the winter months too, with the hotel organising various hikes through the Swiss countryside and mountains. The hotel is very accommodating when guests need transport to the nearby Pizol Mountain resort for skiing. Here I found the skilifts to be almost queue-free, the snow to be good and a range of runs totalling around 40 kilometres. The hotel has its own cinema room, which was nearly always free for viewing, in which case you could choose from a large film menu whenever the idea took your fancy. Waiter service is always on hand to provide you with refreshments to order. Other leisure facilities include a bowling alley, table tennis, snooker, a gymnasium, various swimming pools (all with thermal spa water), saunas, steam rooms and jacuzzi baths.

Lap of luxury Each individual and beautifully decorated bedroom left little to be desired in terms of facilities. My room was a new spa suite which offered not only a spa bath but also a huge plasma screen which was additional to those in both the bedroom and sitting area. The bathroom also included a full sized sauna and a steam shower. As for the bed, this had a remote control which allowed you to soften or harden each side of the mattress to ensure you were going to be comfortable – even the toilet had its own gadgets, again operated by a remote control. The hotel has seven restaurants ranging from gourmet to traditional, oriental and international. There was a huge food choice and all the dishes were well presented and cooked. More unusually these days there was even a separate cigar room provided for the after dinner smokers. Indeed, hardly anything seemed to be missing from this aptly named Grand Hotel. ■

Grand Resort Bad Ragaz

7310 Bad Ragaz Switzerland Tel: + 41 (0)81 3033030 Fax: + 41 (0)81 3033033 Email: reservation@resortragaz.ch Web: www.resortragaz.ch www.toptenproperties.net 

On Top of the World After much deliberation by the judging panel, we can now reveal those proud companies who have become the nominees and ultimate World’s Best winners of the International Property Awards If you are a perfectionist who sets very high personal standards and is therefore only satisfied with the best in property, architecture, location, leisure facilities, amenities and customer service, then look no further than the winning entrants from the International Property Awards. Anyone doing business with these companies can rest assured that they have had to demonstrate the highest level of expertise to win first of all at country level before going forward as a nominee to be re-judged at international level. Each individual awards’ programme has a total of 36 different residential and commercial categories and up to two of the most outstanding entries in each category are given a four-star award, while the best overall entry is given a fivestar. Supported by a host of well-respected professional bodies such as FIABCI, NAEA and NHBC to name but a few, and judged by an independent team of experts in the property,  www.international-homes.com

design, construction fields, property writers and sponsors, the awards are now in their 16th year. The winners were announced at a gala presentation dinner in San Diego, California and nominees from around the world gathered to discover whether they had achieved the ultimate World’s Best status. A networking event also took place during the day which enabled the gathered property professionals to present and attend seminars and forge important links with other companies in the same business. President of the International Property Awards Stuart Shield says, “Companies really rose to the challenge during this difficult year and their supreme efforts have been justly rewarded. They can now display winners’ logos on all their marketing material and be recognised by both their peers and the increasingly discerning public as being among the best property companies, not only nationally but worldwide.”

How to Enter The Property Awards programme is open to property developers, builders, estate agents, brokers, realtors, interior designers, architects, public relations and advertising agencies. Properties under development can be entered at any stage of construction provided planning approval has been granted and companies may submit single or multiple entries. For further information call the awards team on +44 (0)1245 358877 or visit the website at www.propertyawards.net to register online.

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Bidding raises the roof! Bidding went through the roof at a charity auction in aid of Save the Children at the International Property Awards’ gala presentation dinner in London’s Grosvenor Square recently. The coveted prize was a three-night stay in a luxurious apartment on the yacht named The World. Bigger even than Roman Abramovich’s £300 million yacht, this amazing vessel is renowned for its elegance, first class service and superb facilities. The yacht, which is the size of a ship, is jointly owned by a number of very wealthy individuals. It was launched eight years ago and is on a continuous round the world voyage. Auctioneer for the event was Peter BoltonKing, chief executive of the National Association of Estate Agents, who brought the hammer down on a £12,500 bid after 30 minutes of nail biting tension. Having expected to raise around £4,000 for the charity, the organisers were delighted when property professionals from across Europe who were gathered to collect their awards took  www.international-homes.com

part with such enthusiasm. This appears to show that, despite the recession, those in the property market are displaying positive signs of recovery and renewed confidence for 2010. The highest bidder was Erdinc Varlibas, CEO of Varyap, an award winning property company based in Istanbul, who is now considering raising money for another charity, the Make A Wish Foundation for children with life threatening illnesses, by auctioning the voyage a second time. In light of the recent horrific earthquake in Haiti and the large number of injured, Stuart Shield, president of the International Property Awards, expressly requested that the money be sent to aid the children affected by the devastation. He says, “The amount would have probably been even bigger but the bidding was wrapped up otherwise our event would have ended well after midnight and I was delighted a noble cause will benefit from such an indulgent pastime.”

Combine the stability of Oman with the lifestyle you dream of. That’s The Wave, Muscat The Sultanate of Oman has historically proven itself to be a beacon of stability and economic growth in the Gulf region. And, within Oman, The Wave is leading the way in combining a great lifestyle with solid investment potential. With an 18-hole Greg Norman links golf course and a 300-berth Marina, The Wave is a carefully master-planned project with residential properties, shopping and restaurants, 5 star hotels and 6 kms of natural beach. With over 350 homes already delivered to its customers, The Wave, Muscat is fast becoming a vibrant, sustainable, international community. That's why a home at The Wave is an investment in life for generations to come.

The Wave, Muscat. An investment in life.

The Wave, Muscat, is being developed through a joint venture comprising Waterfront Investments S.A.O.C. (representing the Government of the Sultanate of Oman), National Investment Funds Company (representing the Omani Pension Funds), and the UAE-based Majid Al Futtaim Group.

www.thewavemuscat.com +968 24 54 54 28 | info@thewavemuscat.com

18 Hole Golf Course • 300 Berth Marina • 5 Star Hotels • 120 Retail Outlets • 18 Parks

Travel with the world’s best Hunker-down at these two bijou resorts, both of which proved world-beaters at the 2009 International Property Awards

Walker Bay, South Africa If spotting whales is your ‘thing’, and let’s face it, the sight of 14m Southern Right whales ‘tail-slapping’ is impressive, then the seaside town of Hermanus, set within Walker Bay on South Africa’s West Cape, is the perfect base from which to observe their seasonal antics. These occur principally during May and November each year, when the whales come here to calve, mate and frolic. Hermanus is touted as the best land-based point in the world to watch whales from – so if you come here pack an SLR camera and binoculars. Local firms also offer water-based whale safaris, and Hermanus Whale Cruises (+27 (0)28 313 2722) is a trustworthy operator providing two-hour cruises for adults at R400 (£33) and children R150 (£12.40). But when the whales come within metres of the mainland, such trips are a luxury rather than a necessity.

Enter the Cape Floral Kingdom Most South African and foreign visitors gather in Hermanus to enjoy the great outdoors, and the town’s lagoon is ideal for sailing, paragliding or simply paddling. Thrill-seekers will revel in pastimes such as shark cage-diving whilst budding botanists will appreciate the more  www.international-homes.com

tranquil Fernkloof Nature Reserve, part of the rare belt of native South African shrubland or fynbos that constitutes the Cape Floral Kingdom. This is the smallest and richest of the earth’s six floral kingdoms, with over 9,000 species of plant covering 46,000m2. The reserve lies in the Kleinrivier Mountains above Hermanus, and attracts sunbirds and superlatives – the last from visitors.

Wine, dine and unwind Traditionally revered as South Africa’s Riviera, on account of its appeal to sun-deprived Europeans keen to escape northern winters, Hermanus isn’t a party place, and attractions are correspondingly civilised. That said, you can have a whale of a time at the town museum and golf course, whilst culinary highlights include bistros, steakhouses and seafood restaurants: The Burgundy (+27 (0)28 312 2800) is highly rated by travellers – a seafood platter costs only R130 (£10.50) – whilst the family-run Savannah Café (+27 (0)28 312 4259) serves tasty breakfasts and lunches from around R80 (£6.50). The West Cape produces some of the finest wine in South Africa and the world, so a visit to

one or more of the local vineyards is well worthwhile. We heard about Lynx Wines (+27 (0)21 867 0406) on the travel grapevine. Just outside Franschhoek – around 100km and a scenic drive north of Hermanus – this boutique vineyard produces only 2,500 casks per year. Owner Dieter Sellmeyer leads guided tours, and the vineyard’s flagship is a ‘meaty’ Shiraz (R1,440 or £117 for a case of 12 bottles); other varieties of note include a Cabernet Franc, Viognier and Grenache, all of which would serve as fine chasers to the wonderful food and stunning wildlife of South Africa’s Western Cape.

Fast facts – Hermanus ■ When to go: July/August can be wet and cold, so the locals suggest September (early spring) when the temperature reaches a clement 17˚C and the Whale Festival (September 24th - 27th 2010) is underway. During November and December (high summer) Hermanus is crowded and costlier. ■ Pastimes: Whale-watching, vineyards, hiking, beaches. ■ Get there: British Airways BA0059 services Heathrow and Cape Town daily.

Birkenhead House

BEST INTERNATIONAL SMALL HOTEL

Birkenhead House

Perched high on the cliffs of Hermanus, overlooking Walker Bay, Birkenhead House is the ultimate coastal retreat. An elegant beach-house atmosphere reflects the beauty of its coastal setting, along with decorative antiques, maps and artworks; most of the 11 opulent sea-facing studio rooms offer vistas of Walker Bay and the Overberg Mountains. Expect full room service and lavish meals on varied menus, whilst facilities include split-level and infinity swimming pools, a gymnasium, spa and treatment centre. Two great beaches lie nearby, as do mountain and cliff trails that showcase the Cape Floral Kingdom. From £280 :: €324 :: $455 – Nightly rates include meals and wine Birkenhead House: +27 (0)28 314 8000

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Le Touessrok

BEST INTERNATIONAL HOTEL Le Touessrok by Sun Resorts Ltd

Member of The Leading Hotels of the World and five-star flagship of Sun Resorts Limited, Le Touessrok lies on Mauritius’ east coast, 50 minutes from Port Louis. The resort includes two islands: Ile aux Cerfs, with its Bernhard Langer-designed golf course, and the Ilot Mangenie retreat. The resort is the quintessence of easy-going chic, and facilities include a Givenchy spa, fine restaurants, beaches and pools, a fitness centre, tennis courts, watersports facilities and kids’ club. Accommodation comprises 197 Junior Suites, 68 Deluxe Rooms, six Ocean Suites and one Royal Suite. Several three-bedroom villas have private pools and gardens. From £146 :: €160 :: $241 per night Le Touessrok: +230 402 7400

Mauritius World-class hotels in Mauritius are renowned for being the best in the Indian Ocean, and a mixture of bloodlines ensure that the country is as multicultural as it is secure and friendly. Where activities are concerned, as always nowadays, the well-heeled traveller can go à la carte, although not all pursuits cost money. Mount Le Pouce or ‘The Thumb’ at 812m is an easy two-hour hike from La Laura village, and it rewards with 360-degree views of Mauritius’ nearby capital Port Louis and sister peak Pieter Both, the latter named after the first GovernorGeneral of the Dutch East Indies who drowned off the island in 1615.

Stamp of excellence Port Louis was once a drowsy colonial town, but mankind’s quest for the higher and (often) less charming means that the CBD now looks disappointingly international. Yet underneath its steely veneer, the city’s softer, postcard-friendly past survives amidst half-overheard snatches of French Creole patois, the colourful Chinese Quarter with its spice sellers and the stately Moorish arches of Mauritius’ most impressive religious building, the Jummah Mosque. Elsewhere, the sun-dappled paths of palmfilled Jardin de la Compagnie lie adjacent to the Natural History Museum with its skeleton of the hapless Dodo bird, hunted to extinction in  www.international-homes.com

1690. Rather more lively is the colourful Central Market that piles high everything from pareos (wraparound skirts) to handbags, whilst philatelists will appreciate two of the world’s rarest stamps, one and two-penny Mauritian first issues, at the Blue Penny Museum (Rs150/£3).

Life’s great game Further north, fishing village Grand Baie is renowned for watersports, although gourmands will prefer renowned restaurant La Langouste Grisée (+230 263 1035). A calorific menu terroir features delicacies such as Perigord Duck Magret and the restaurant’s signature lobster dishes, although these last weigh-in at Rs2,500 (£54) per kilo. Still, it’s a price worth paying for eating inspired Franco-Mauritian cuisine and rubbing shoulders with the international jet-set. Near our featured hotel Le Touessrok on the central eastern coast, Ile aux Cerfs is a chic island playground with beaches, golf and watersports, whilst Black Gorges National Park in Southwest Mauritius is a 16,788-acre forest full of indigenous flora and fauna. For an adventurous island lunch of venison curry – with an equally bold view – try Panoramour Restaurant (+230 634 5011, open 11am-3pm daily) within the Kestrel Valley resort. Near La Vieux Grand Port on the southeast coast, this rustic eco-tourism

retreat is popular with celebrities fond of trekking and (some might object to this) hunting – specifically Java deer. Whilst on Mauritius, you should also try big-game fishing, although there have been rumours of overfishing in recent years. JPH Charters (+230 729 0901), situated in Black River Bay on the west coast, charters modern 26, 34 and 43-foot boats from €330 (£286) for a half day, including lunch. Nothing beats a sea-breeze rough with salt early in the day, and later on a fresh marlin steak chased down with a glass of the local rhum arrangé – rum infused with cinnamon, bergamot and orange peel. Hopefully, our synopsis has also whetted your appetite, in terms of providing a brief précis of what Mauritius, pearl of the Indian Ocean, has to offer. ■

Fast facts – Mauritius ■ When to go: During winter, July to September, temperatures on the coasts average 24˚C – given low humidity levels this is the best time to visit. January to April is humid and stormy, Christmas and New Year is busier and pricier. ■ Pastimes: Trekking, hunting, fishing, museums, markets, fine-dining. ■ Get there: British Airways BA123 services Heathrow and Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport several times weekly.

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New design horizons

Architecture isn’t just about building houses. These three builds highlight its wider social import, from logistics centres to design-led oﬃce and public sector spaces, proving that the sun never sets on architectural innovation

Gazeley Since 1987 Gazeley has built over 5.6 million m2 of high quality, cost-effective warehouses and distribution parks across the globe for clients such as P&G, Nestlé, Asda/Wal-Mart, Morrisons, Volkswagen, John Lewis, DHL, CEVA, Geodis, TNT, Zufall and Norbert Dentressangle. Gazeley delivers ‘build-to-suit’ warehouses from 10,000m2 on a leasehold or freehold basis, and is committed to developing structures with strong environmental and energy efficient credentials, as well as providing customers with operational savings. The company forms part of Economic Zones World (EZW), a Dubai World company engaged in development projects across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas.

BEST INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT G.Park Blue Planet by Gazeley

G.Park Blue Planet, Stoke-on-Trent, UK The world’s first logistics building to be rated ‘outstanding’ by top building environmental assessment method BREEAM, G.Park Blue Planet is also the UK’s first carbon-positive structure of its kind, with all its energy and heat supplied by renewable sources. These include an onsite biomass micro power station, rooflights with integrated photovoltaic cells, solar thermal water heating for offices and kinetic energy plates that produce power when driven over by vehicles on outside access roads. Energy-saving features include ‘intelligent’ lighting, superb insulation and rainwater collection for office use. In fact, the facility exports energy to the UK National Grid, enough to power 3,100 homes. Total savings for businesses based here are estimated at an impressive £3 million (€3.39 million) over 10 years, and space is still available. Gazeley: +44 (0)207 901 4455 www.toptenproperties.net 

SHH

THE INTERNATIONAL INTERIOR DESIGN AWARD Manchester Square by SHH

Architectural practice and design consultancy SHH was established in 1992 by directors and co-founders David Spence, Graham Harris and Neil Hogan. Based in west London, the 40strong practice comprises architects, interior designers, graphic designers, technical and administrative staff. Prestigious international clients include Christie’s, Savills and the Mittal family, and SHH offers a full architectural, interiors and branding service – from planning and architecture through to styling, decoration, environmental and 2D graphics. Having initially specialised in luxury housing, the firm’s portfolio now encompasses shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, leisure centres, nightclubs and offices, as well as lighting, graphics, signage and digital media projects.

Manchester Square Offices, London W1, UK At the bidding of a private investment firm, SHH was asked to create a ‘high impact, 21st-century office interior with a strong personality’, more reminiscent of a gentlemen’s club than a traditional office space. The basis for this brief was a Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse, and although the clients favoured a contemporary design, they were happy to strike a subtle balance between modern elements and classical touches that respected the history of the building. This approach is reflected in the lack of front-door company branding, while interiors express different personalities by virtue of varied colour saturation and differing degrees of formality – from office areas to dramatic meeting rooms. Bespoke lighting and art includes two chandeliers specially designed by Michael Anastassiades and wall projections by Hugo Dalton, whose sketches of ballet dancers were cut on to stainless steel disks and fitted into ceiling-mounted projectors. SHH: +44 (0)20 8600 4171

Astudio Architecture Established in late 2006, Astudio is a young, dynamic practice that delivers world-class architecture. Noting the ever-increasing emphasis upon low energy buildings, the company employs a specialist environmental engineer who is involved with the design of each project from the outset, and the practice also works hard to maximise the potential of each site, creating low-energy structures with minimum environmental impact. Using experience as well as sophisticated modelling software, Astudio offers clients a unique service that brings the environment to the heart of the design process.

Wigan City Campus, Wigan, UK A radical development that links the commercial, civic and cultural quarters of Wigan town, the City Campus was designed by Astudio in association with LCE Architects. Two new public spaces on either side of the existing town hall incorporate council offices designed to provide the community with a one-stop shop for council services, while a public library and 25m swimming pool are also integral to the project. A cutting-edge building in the heart of Wigan’s urban conservation area, the campus utilises the historic façade of the old municipal building, which provides an impressive and striking contrast to the new facilities. These project a forward-thinking vision that reflects the council’s vision for the future. Astudio Architecture +44 (0) 207 401 4100

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BEST INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC SERVICES DEVELOPMENT Wigan City Campus by Astudio Ltd, LCE Architects, Bisset Adams

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Spatial awareness, mood lighting, living spaces which bring the outdoors in and vice versa, all these elements are synonymous with superior interior design. Our award-winning designers can guarantee to provide all this and much more

Designs to delight

Interiors

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Landmass Properties

INTERNATIONAL NOMINEE THE INTERIOR DESIGN AWARD UK 21 Grosvenor Crescent Mews by Landmass Properties Ltd

Landmass was set up in 1998 by Alan Waxman to develop a portfolio of rental investments. As the price of property grew, Landmass changed direction and began to develop instead of buying to let. The company identified a gap in the market for high end interior designed homes, where purchasers would appreciate the space planning, design, finishes and execution. Over the last nine years, Landmass has bought and sold 40 properties with re-sale values now in the £5m - £20m (€8,110,000 - €32,436,000) bracket. The company specialises in transforming outdated, tired properties into sophisticated homes with high quality facilities, interiors and finishes. For some time, it has been a market leader in made to measure designs for clients. Landmass says that its approach is unique in that it has its own building company, Lionhead Construction, guaranteeing superlative quality. The specialist techniques Landmass uses are to spend more time than usual on brainstorming the space planning because unless this element of design is spot on, even if the finishes are good, the product is still compromised if its layout is poor. For this reason, Landmass prides itself on creating the best layout and luxury finishes within the challenges created in the London market continual lack of space and light. Landmass aims to handle the client’s property as one of its own and take the project all the way from design conception through to completion on their behalf so that the client gets a fabulously designed home which they can enjoy to its full potential.

21 Grosvenor Crescent Mews, Belgravia, London SW1 Prime Belgravia, Knightsbridge and the surrounding areas attract high net worth individuals who want a London international base. They are used to being in the best locations and surrounded by exciting design and quality workmanship. Hence, this magnificent mews house over four floors comes complete with a retractable glass roof and internal water feature plunging the height of the entire property. A totally newly developed house in Belgravia’s only private, exclusive and secure gated mews. Landmass has been using skilled designers and craftsmen and a two-year timescale to produce an exquisite home, where attention to detail is everything. All the furniture for the kitchen and bathrooms has been designed and built by hand, nothing is off the shelf. The extensive interior design includes an inner atrium with a nine metre internal water feature, Zen garden, air-conditioning and heated floors, media room, steam room, gym, study and garage. Technology and security throughout the home is piped through over 10 miles of cabling. Virtually every indulgence has been fulfilled to satisfy the most discerning tastes. £12m :: €13,753,184 :: $19,375,589 Landmass Properties Limited: +44 (0)20 7731 6147 www.toptenproperties.net 

BEST INTERNATIONAL INTERIOR DESIGN H.R.H. Prince Mohammed Bin Fahed Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saoud Private Residential Complex by Design Class Kamal Barhoum

Design Class Having lived and worked in the Gulf Region for almost 20 years and after successfully completing an array of projects there, mainly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kamal Barhoum founded Design Class in 1995. He was later joined by his son Tarek who graduated from the American University of Beirut in 2003 and who had already accumulated four years of experience with practices in Jeddah and Beirut. With its main office now located in Beirut, Design Class takes on projects of all ranges in architecture and interior design. Design Class has a simple but strategic approach in interior design: follow the client’s requirements and reflect his vision and aspirations through the space itself. In residential spaces, stress is put on client taste and needs and search for comfort and serenity. In commercial spaces, the identity of the brand is analysed and enhanced through the environment that Design Class creates for it. In workspaces, users’ requirements are studied in relation to their patterns of work, always considering that the workplace environment created would greatly influence the attitude of its users. As with architectural projects, engineers and cost consultants are always involved from the early stages of the design process in order to ensure a comprehensive project within an efficient time frame.

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HRH Prince Mohammed Bin Fahed Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saoud Private Residential Complex, Lebanon During the summer of 2002, HRH Prince Mohammed Bin Fahed Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saoud awarded Design Class the full interior design contract for his private residential complex in Lebanon, just after the company had completed the architectural documents for the same project. Located on one of Lebanon’s most beautiful hills in Shnaniir, the main villa has a full 360-degree view towards Beirut, the bay of Jounieh, and Mount Lebanon. The client requested a summerhouse with very specific requirements and it was Design Class’ task to insure that the end product would truly reflect his royal status, stressing on the dichotomy between public and private use of the house. The design approach focuses on the client’s refined classical taste, and modern thinking in layout planning and furniture distribution. Therefore, it was imperative to fully understand the lifestyle of the owners in order to faithfully implement it in the design. The majestic main entrance hall was thoroughly designed to immediately give the user a first impression of royal proportions, thus triggering his imagination on the spaces to come. Throughout the interior design reasoning, the concept of corridor spaces was eliminated. The bedroom suites open up to lobbies which are directly adjacent to the main hall, thus maintaining and stressing the notion of privacy. The bedrooms are treated individually according to each user’s requirements and preferences. For instance, the young prince requested Versace designs and so they were integrated in the carpets, fabrics, and furniture. Meanwhile, the princesses are fans of fairy tales and so feathers decorate the lighting fixtures and their beds are wonderfully extravagant creations. Design Class: +961 5 455 770

Prokris Group Following a very successful 48-year career in the construction industry, Angelos Dimitropoulos formed Prokris Group with his son Georgios. Formerly known as AGDev, Prokris Group is a name synonymous with quality in the property sector in Greece. Established in 1988, Prokris Group consists of Prokris Architecture, Interior Design, Planning, Construction and Technologies all working together and supplementing each other in order to design, construct, market and service superior properties. Prokris Architecture and Interior Design created its own custom design tools to provide customer friendly services. The team has collected several custom interior and exterior models and developed their very own software applications including a set of sophisticated virtual design tools so that customers can visualise their concept ideas instantly (realtime), creatively and conveniently. The software applications are supported by state-of-the-art computer hardware in order to show customers their home completely finished before construction starts. The team, together with the customers, can then design the interior and the exterior of the house right down to the smallest detail.

BEST INTERIOR DESIGN EUROPE Villa Quadra by Prokris Group

Villa Quarda, Kefalonia, Greece Created with great respect for the scenery, a mix of high quality materials and thoughtful design, Villa Quarda is a property with understated elegance and simplicity. The reasoning behind the design was for the house to complement the view fully. The villa is set in a magical location on the edge of a cliff, just metres away from the water’s edge in one acre of lush green land which extends to a secluded sandy beach. The house has an ‘upside down’ layout with the interior living space (lounge, dining area, kitchen and wash room) on the top level. There are three bedrooms, family bathroom, shower room, home cinema and utility room on the lower level. All bedrooms have sea views and open to an expansive lower balcony. The living area is dominated by a huge window with sliding doors which open on to a large balcony. The concept was for the view to be the first thing that one would see upon entering the living area and to create the feeling of being at sea – permanently cruising. The interior decoration with its simple, elegant, minimal style does not distract the eye with busy patterns and colours, instead it frames the view and creates a relaxing environment. The materials used were chosen to be in keeping with the nautical style of the villa, for example the all wooden bespoke kitchen and the arched wooden bath surround which follows the curves of the boat. The use of white washed paint on the wooden roof is reminiscent of washed beach wood. Although the owners would only be in residence during the summer, this could change in the near future. Therefore the specifications should not be for a seasonal home, so extra features such as central heating and a fire place would have to be included. The clients were very specific about their ideas. The husband has a busy work life and wanted to create a kind of sanctuary, a place where he could relax. They had chosen the plot because of its ideal location and wanted the interior of the property to be a calm space. They also requested that the living space wasn’t ‘cut up’ by following the conventional design layouts of kitchen, lounge, dining as separate rooms. Prokris Group: +30 267 102 9312 www.toptenproperties.net 

BEST INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Villa Green, Tropicana Indah Resort Homes by Dijaya Corporation Berhad

Prime projects Building on ﬁrm foundations, these award-winning developers are shaping the future for properties that will stand the test of quality as well as time

Dijaya Corporation Berhad One of the finest property developers in Malaysia, Dijaya Corporation Berhad strives to develop innovative, high-quality builds in sought-after locations. The firm is active in the property investment, property management, investment holding and manufacturing sectors, and acceded to the main board of the Bursa Malaysia in 1992. Originally involved in the manufacturing of building pipes, the company broadened its base to involve mechanical engineering, equipment fabrication and installation, as well as general contracting. Then in 1995, the acquisition of Tropicana Golf & Country Resort significantly marked Dijaya’s business diversification and its first venture into the property industry. Subsequently, the group’s present name – Dijaya Corporation Berhad – was formally assumed in 1997 in order to better reflect the change in the group’s overall core business to resort and property development and other related activities.

Petaling Jaya, Malaysia Villa Green comprises only 86 three-storey Fairway Villas located within the Tropicana Indah Resort Homes township, a secure resort adjacent to the Tropicana Golf & Country Resort that offers a select range of bungalows and semi-detached houses. The township is set within 409 acres that includes manicured 18-hole fairways and 50 acres of virgin forest. Fairway Villas at Villa Green all have floorplans of 576m2, five bedrooms (including two master suites with en suites and Jacuzzis), smart home security systems and air conditioning. Other things of note about Villa Green are the many ‘Smart Home’ features that come standardised in every property. For example, the air-conditioning can be turned on to cool the house before you arrive simply by remotely switching it on via your mobile phone, lights and burglar alarms can also be activated remotely. Dijaya Corporation Berhad: +603 7728 2018

BEST INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT WEBSITE

www.domainedelavagnac.com by Domaine de Lavagnac

Domaine de Lavagnac Having competed against 32 other companies for the Chateau de Lavagnac project, Domaine de Lavagnac (DDL) won the tendering process because its resort concept was thought by the French authorities to be far and away superior to all the others. Its ideas included a golf course (to be finished at the same time as the first phase), golf clubhouse and golf academy, tennis courts and tennis academy and a worldclass spa. However, it also made provision for a village centre with restaurants, shops and a conference centre. This provides the 'critical mass' for the resort to function financially in the future. DDL has brought together the finest people to create the project, using only the best architects, project managers, financial controllers, golf architects, resort and tourism advisors and legal experts. No less than 216 properties were sold in just five months, which DDL believes must be the finest performance of any project in Europe, and construction will commence imminently.

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Domaine de Lavagnac Described as the most exciting development in the south of France, Domaine de Lavagnac combines luxury homes, an 18-hole golf course and club and a luxurious spa. All this encircles a 400-year old chateau known as the ‘Versailles of Languedoc’ – which is to become a five-star hotel with terraces overlooking the chateau’s formal gardens. The chateau with its hotel is the 'jewel in the crown' of the estate – and around it will be every facility one could wish for – all within walking distance of their home, and all integrated into 192 hectares of unspoilt woodlands and vineyards. Properties will be within one of many highly individual hamlets and avenues scattered amongst the pine forests and vineyards of the estate. Each house has been designed to follow (rather than impose itself on) the natural contours of the land – striking a perfect balance between privacy and a sense of community. Every home will be built from the highest-quality, natural materials, such as Mediterranean oak, Caune marble and local limestone. Sophisticated heat-reducing glass, centrally-controlled wooden shutters and ‘green roofs’ will keep interiors cool in summer, while letting in Languedoc’s famous sunlight. The international golf course at the Domaine de Lavagnac will be one of the most beautiful and natural in Europe. It will also be quite radical in design. Rather than being forcibly carved out of the landscape like so many modern courses, the 18 holes of Lavagnac will follow the natural lie the land. The philosophy and passion behind this unique design is that of the domain’s co-owner, Charles Cox, who played professional golf at the highest level for seven years on the PGA European Tour. His dream was to take golf course design forward by going back in time – to an era when courses could only be built where the landscape was interesting enough to sustain them. Domaine de Lavagnac: +33 (0) 4 67 24 84 98

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St Sophia Homes As one of the leading real estate development and investment companies in the Kiev market, St Sophia Homes has encompassed the whole development process from planning and design to building maintenance. Over the course of less than four years, the company has grown into a leading player in Ukraine’s business, residential and hotel property sectors. Its focus is on upscale residential developments, exclusive hotels at the top end of the market, and some of the most prestigious offices in Europe. Across almost 1,500,000m2 of current projects, St Sophia Homes has a single aim – to deliver the highest standards in quality and design available on the international stage.

BEST INTERNATIONAL MARINA DEVELOPMENT Riviera Riverside by St Sophia Homes

Riviera Riverside, Kiev, Ukraine Occupying a superb river location on the River Dnieper in central Kiev, Riviera Riverside is an elite residential development in its own right, but its crowning glory is a private marina for residents with 211 fully equipped berths. This has space for craft of six to 18m and super yachts up to 30m, and also has a recreation zone, cafés, restaurants, bars and boat servicing facilities. There are 201 one to six-bedroom apartments and exclusive penthouses housed in seven linked, fine tile and glass-fronted buildings of nine to 14 floors, with fluid lines that reflect the Dnieper’s course. All units are serviced by elevators and have private balconies or sun terraces, while 3.3m glazing ensures panoramic city views; interiors showcase elegant pastel décor, wood flooring, fibre-optic services and air conditioning. A secure development, Riviera Riverside also offers easy road or infrastructure access and underground parking, and all within verdant parkland that includes a children’s playground and sports facilities such as a tennis court. Ground floors in buildings contain lobbies with concierge service desks and lounges, while public areas are styled by prominent interior designers. St Sophia Homes: +38 044 492 0505

Nice Day Developments

BEST DEVELOPMENT EUROPE The Elysian Gardens by Nice Day Developments Ltd

Founded in 1996 in Nicosia, Cyprus, Nice Day Developments is a daughter company of the reputable J&P Company, which has strong international growth in and around the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Preliminary a land development company, Nice Day’s target has been to establish an incomparable high quality-building standard, whilst keeping a close relationship with architectural perfection. The company’s latest pioneering project sets to make a national landmark by commissioning French architect Jean Nouvelle known for his internationally distinguished architecture to design the tallest high-rise building in Cyprus.

Elysian Gardens, Cyprus Secluded beachfront resort on the south east coast of the island designed to make the most of the sun-loving Mediterranean lifestyle. Complete with an expansive recreational area, this resort type development features a fully equipped gym, sauna, Jacuzzi and a large multifunction sports facility. Residences are skilfully placed so that they all have direct sea views of the Mediterranean Sea. Nice Day Developments: +357 22 761 795

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Where in The World? We continue our series of articles plotting the course of the ultra luxurious ocean residence as she gradually makes her way around the globe stopping at the most glorious ports of call imaginable The first and only residential ship, The World offers four high-quality restaurants, an expansive fitness centre and The World Spa by Banyan Tree, a golf simulator, onboard theatre, art gallery and even a marina for water sports. Add to this elegant and intimate surroundings and impeccable service and you have the ideal home away from home.

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Apartment 1110 & 1108 More than 4,000 square feet make this the largest apartment onboard, with five double en suite bedrooms, one double en suite study bedroom, two living areas, two dining areas, two kitchens, both with laundry facilities, and 150 square feet of verandah space. Apartment 1110 and 1108 can comfortably fit up to 12 people and is custom-designed. This makes it ideal for large families or groups of friends visiting the ship together, as its connected living spaces have internal dividing doors and private entrances for assured space, privacy and flexibility. The apartment is one of only a few to offer both bow and port views with two heated whirlpool spas on the 150-foot verandah. The en suite study bedroom offers a quiet place to

use the internet or a convenient extra sixth bedroom for children or an au pair. The ship’s overwhelming success and the increased demand for bigger, more luxurious apartments led to 1110 and 1108 being a multi-suite living option. These combined apartments have been cleverly configured with internal doors (some disguised as book cases) allowing for a variety of rental options with either two, three or five en suite bedrooms. Each suite within the apartment is outfitted with a range of amenities including sophisticated home entertainment centres in the living rooms with a comprehensive supply of the latest movies and music; space for private, catered meals; dining areas with wet bar facilities; fully equipped kitchen and laundry areas;

stunning views from floor to ceiling windows; internet, fax and phone services; cable television, and more. Other onboard offerings such as daily housekeeping, private chef services, dry cleaning, concierge and 24-hour room service allow those onboard to be free to explore and enjoy the ship. £8,555,850 :: €9,847,878 :: $13.5m For more information call +44 (0)1245 358877 and quote reference IH17/02TW02

Follow the World We trace the ship’s route over the next few months April The World will arrive in Cochin (1) on the 1st April in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Guests will spend a few days onboard, as the ship navigates the Arabian Sea on its way to the Tropic of Cancer and the glittering city of Dubai and Doha, Qatar (2). Departing for Safaga, Egypt (3) on the 18th April, The World will remain at sea for one week, giving travellers ample opportunity to avail of the ship’s exceptional onboard amenities, such as the first Banyan Tree Spa at sea, state-of-the-art golf simulator, exceptional cuisine and of course, unrivalled ocean vistas. April’s last port, Al Aqaba, Jordan (4), will lure guests with its expansive deserts, numinous Byzantine and Crusader history and world-class resorts. May Traversing the Suez Canal and its assorted lakes, The World will continue its Egyptian journey as it docks in Alexander the Great’s home of Alexandria (5) on 3rd May. Highlights will include the stunning

Bibliotheca Alexandria and the fascinating Catacombs of Kom el Shaqafa. The next two weeks will be spent navigating the azure waters of the Greek Isles and Dalmatian Coast. After surveying the glistening white buildings of Santorini and the rural lifestyle of Apiranthos, the vessel will navigate the Aegean shore. On May 19, The World will visit Kotor (6); the UNESCO World Heritage site often deemed “the jewel of Montenegro,” before heading to the cerulean waters of the Croatian Isles and arriving in Venice (7) on the 25th May. June The month of June will be filled with warm sun, authentic Mediterranean cuisine and award-winning wines, as The World visits the rural and metropolitan ports of Italy, France and Spain. The ship will begin in Siracuse. Sicily (8) on the 4th June, known for its magnificent Greco-Roman ruins and fresh, local produce and seafood. After a two-day Captain’s Choice, travellers will arrive in Rome (9) to explore its famed architecture, masterful cuisine and fashion.

After stopping in romantic Portofino (10), The World will spend the next week in France, making stops in Nice, Antibes and Collioure to visit historic landmarks such as the Hôtel du Cap-Eden Roc. On 22nd June, The World will arrive in Spain to visit Barcelona (11), Minorca, Puerto Banus and Cadiz (12). July and beyond The World will spend the second half of the year in Greenland (13) for a stunning 10-day expedition, an extensive tour East Coast USA (14), Brazil (15) and Argentina (16) and a further expedition to Antarctica (17) over Christmas and New Year. Suites start from £1,020 per night including all food and selected wines and champagnes, port charges and gratuities (minimum six night stay). Early booking discounts are available. To book your stay onboard The World call +44 (0)20 7016 6740 or visit the website at www.aboardtheworld.com

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Classiﬁed

INVESTING IS ALL ABOUT APPRECIATION I Cipressi – Lucca (Toscana) This 15th Century villa has just been brought back to its original splendour with frescos in every room. The main house has large living and dining areas, a study plus bedrooms and suites on both floors. A restored Chapel is part of the main building. Garden and land with olive trees and vines. Swimming pool. Annex buildings to be restored. Charming, fascinating and elegant. Unique. Price On Request

Introducing SENI Mont’ Kiara, located in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, a collaboration between London-listed Aseana Properties Ltd and CapitaLand, one of the largest real estate developers in Asia. An exquisite condominium which embodies artistic and architectural finesse, sculpted with resort landscapes and a panoramic view of the city, lies in the heart of the international community of Mont’ Kiara. SENI Mont’ Kiara, a home you can appreciate while it appreciates.

Freehold • Irresistible Financing Package Limited Edition • Remarkable Returns

Call +603 6203 1919 senimontkiara.com.my Case in Italia srl Via Crescenzio, 91, 00193 Rome www.caseinitalia.net

Pietro Giella Email: pietro@caseinitalia.net Mobile: +39 335 832 97 79

Kastro-Kyllini Ilias GR-27050 West Peloponnese, Greece T: +30 26230 64000,8-11 F: +30 26230 95206, 404 E: info@kyllinibeach.com

Contemporary African architecture and design on Serengeti Golf & Wildlife Estate. Interior by TOOI Interior Design. Prices from €600,000

Kyllini Beach Resort Serengeti Golf & Wildlife Estate Johannesburg, South Africa Telephone: +27 11 552 7020 • www.serengeti.co.za Email: info@serengeti.co.za

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Sport and Wellness Paradise with superb beach and services on the west coast of Peloponnese, Greece www.kyllinibeach.com

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Anguilla, British West Indies Hideaway! For Sale: 1-2 acres Secluded Seafront on the Caribbean’s exclusive, laid back Island. Home to 33 of the world’s best ‘Bounty Ad’ beaches. Rare opportunity in Stunning Setting for Dream Villa / SuperVilla Compound.

Price from £800k-£1.5m. For details call +353 86 2332746 Email grove@lyngrove.iol.ie

SPEND LESS TIME AT THE AIRPORT Quote HI08 for preferred rates at:

www.meteormeetandgreet.com

www.toptenproperties.net 

LEADING INTERNATIONAL AGENTS & DEVELOPERS .:: CYPRUS DEVELOPER ::. `

.:: DUBAI DEVELOPER ::. z

Aristo Developers Ltd

Shaikh Holdings

8 Apriliou 1st Street, CY 8101, Pafos, Cyprus Tel: +357 268 42842 Fax: +357 269 38290 Web: www.aristodevelopers.com

P.O.Box 502462, Dubai, UAE Tel +971 4 364 2722 Fax +971 4 367 8054 Email: info@shaikh-holdings.com Website: www.shaikh-holdings.com Agnades Village 1 is a stunning development featuring beautiful 3 & 4 bedroom villas with large plots, spacious rooms, private swimming pools, and fantastic mountain and sea views. Prices from ¤462.600 + VAT

.:: EGYPT DEVELOPER ::. z

.:: GREECE DEVELOPER ::. `

Orascom Hotels & Development

TEAK S.A.

Nile City Towers, South Tower, 9th Floor 2005A Corniche El Nil, Cairo – Egypt 11221 Tel: +2 02 2461 9966 Fax: +2 02 2461 9280 Email: marketing.realestate@orascomhd.com Website: www.orascomrealestate.com

Achlada, Gazi 71500, Heraklion, Crete, Greece Tel: +30 2810 811930 - 4 Fax: +30 2810 371935 Web: www.theseusbv.com Three storey dwelling with four bedrooms, garden and extensive verandas includes Jacuzzi, sauna, utility rooms, parking space. Wall surfaces have been kept to a minimum adding to the expansive view.

Orascom Hotels & Development is a leading developer of fully integrated towns complete with hotels, real estate, golf courses and marinas. OHD is present in 7 countries in 3 continents with more than 16 destinations.

.:: INTERNATIONAL MARKETING CONSULTANCY ::.

110

.:: JORDAN DEVELOPER ::.

AdMakers International

Saraya Holdings

AdMakers House, Building 26, The Waverley, Corner Kotzee and Weymouth Streets, Mowbray 7700 Cape Town, South Africa Tel: +27 21 448 7074 Fax: +27 21 448 7095

P.O. Box 815321 Amman 11180, Jordan Tel: + 962 6 551 3071 Fax: +962 6 5561738 Email: info@sarayaholdings.com Web: www.sarayaholdings.com

AdMakers International - the world’s foremost advertising and marketing consultancy for ultra-luxurious goods. Specialising exclusively in high-ticket items like expensive property, luxury motor vehicles, jets and private yachts, AdMakers has a proud track record of success spanning over two decades – under the same core management.

On the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, Sanctuary Falls is a collection of 96 resort-style villas set amidst lush golf vistas and inspiring lakes. Created by world renowned hotel and resort architects, landscape and interior designers, Sanctuary Falls villas brings to life a true ‘resort home’ experience.

Saraya turns untapped locations and develops them into luxurious destinations complemented by exclusive services guaranteeing all customers an integrated, holistic and effortless experience from the minute they decide to escape to the second they return.

International Homes’ Leading International Agents & Developers are specially selected to represent the most outstanding companies in the business. Membership of this prestigious group is by invitation only and the number of members from each country is strictly limited so that our readers can be assured of consistently high standards. The following directory will prove an invaluable source of information for home-buyers wishing to find the very best properties around the world.

.:: OMAN DEVELOPER ::. z

.:: QATAR DEVELOPER ::.

The Wave, Muscat

United Development Company

PO BOX 87, PC 118, Sultanate of Oman Sales Centre: Tel: +968 24545428 Fax: +968 24545158 Email: sales@thewavemuscat.com Web: www.thewavemuscat.com

PO Box 7256, Doha, Qatar Tel: + 974 44 63 444 Fax: +974 44 38 971 Email: neha.sharma@thepearlqatar.com Web: www.udcqatar.com Embrace the lifestyle you always wanted on the Middle East’s most glamorous Island. Spanning 4 million sq. meters, The Peal-Qatar is truly a destination for Riviera Arabia living and home to 10 unique precincts that harmoniously unite luxury residences, upscale shopping, exclusive dining and world class leisure and hospitality.

The Wave, Muscat combines more than 4,000 villas, townhouses and apartments, a 300-yacht berth marina, Greg Norman signature golf course, three premier hotels and an award winning marina.

.:: SEYCHELLES DEVELOPER ::.

.:: TUNISIA DEVELOPER ::.

Eden Island

Folla Properties

Eden House, Eden Island, Seychelles Tel: +248 346 000 Fax: +248 346 666 Email: info@edenisland.sc Web: www.edenisland.sc

AV.15, October Complex, Dorra, PO BOX N°80, Souk Lahad 4000 Sousse-Tunisie Tel: +216 73 520 400 Fax: +216 73 524 258 Email: folla.vente@topnet.tn Web: www.follaproperties.com Part of an archipelago of more than 116 picture perfect islands, Eden Island is only the beginning of a lifelong journey of exploration. It is an island adventure that should be lived. Make it your own.

.:: UK AGENT ::.

Knight Frank

Strutt & Parker

55 Baker Street, London, W1U 8AN United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)20 7861 1440 Email: will.matthews@knightfrank.com Web: www.knightfrank.com

37 Davies Street, London W1Y 2SP Tel: +44 (0) 20 7629 7282 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7409 2359 Email: london@struttandparker.com Web: www.struttandparker.com

Striking Grade I listed house with exceptional views to the south coast. Exceptional formal gardens, outbuildings, estate office and helipad with storage hangar. Surrey Hills close to London.

Aqua Resort Apartments, a front line beach residence located in Chott Meriam (Sousse), one of the most popular tourist area in Tunisia. 800 apartments under construction and it will be built on 3 phases, the first one named “Aqua Blue”. Prices from £24,000.

Faircrouch - £4.7 million. A classic Georgian country house with parkland and cottages 8 Beds, 5 Receps, House, Period, Detached, Garden, Land, Rural, Village, Staff/SC Accomm, Swimming Pool, Tennis Court, Woodland, Fair decoration, 37 Acres

111

LEADING INTERNATIONAL AGENTS & DEVELOPERS Country

Company

Address

Telephone

Email Address

Website

Angola

Vivendi Plaza, Lda

Rua Cristiano Dos Santos, No.3 Miramar

+244 923 869999

moe@vivendiplaza.com

www.vivendiplaza.com

Belize

Camino Del Rio in Belize

9900-E Greenbelt Rd, Suite 200 Lanham, MD 20706

+1 800 661 4838

info@caminodelriobelize.com

www.caminodelriobelize.com

Brazil

BRIC Group

Marketing Office, Centro de Negocias 37, Puerto Banus, Nueva Andalucia, 29660, Malaga

+34 95281 0711

info@thecorallakeandbeachresort.com www.thecorallakeandbeachresort.com

Cape Verde

Cape Verde Development

Springville House, Blackrock Road, Cork. Ireland

+353 21432 0955

info@capeverdedevelopment.com

www.capeverdedevelopment.com

Caribbean

Belmont Resorts Ltd

Unit A-10, The Sands Complex, Bay Road, Basseterre, St. Kitts

+1 868 621 3835

sales@kittitianhill.com

www.kittitianhill.com

Caribbean

Grupo Rodelsa

Pedro Henriquez Urena 138, Torre Reyna II 804, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

+1 809 616 1677

grupo@rodelsa.com.do

www.gruporodelsa.com

Caribbean

Island Villas Limited

Trents Building, Holetown, St. James, BB24017, Barbados

+1 246 432 4627

info@island-villas.com

www.island-villas.com

Caribbean

Liz Quintyne Inc

2 Maxwell Road, Christ Church, Barbados

+1 246 421 3335

liz@lizquintyneinc.com

www.lizquintyneinc.com

Caribbean

Prickly Bay Waterside Ltd

Lance-aux-Epines, St. George's, Greneda, West Indies

+1 473 533 1943

sales@pricklybay.com

www.pricklybay.com

Cook Islands

Pacific Resort Aitutaki, Cook Island

PO Box 90, Aitutaki, Cook Island

+682 31720

aitutaki@pacificresort.com

www.pacificresort.com

Cyprus

Alpha Panareti Public Ltd

2 Artemidos Street, 8041 Kato, Paphos, Cyprus

+357 26 849849

info@apcyprus.com

www.apcyprus.com

Cyprus

Nice Day Developments Ltd

106 Kranidiotis Str, 1065 Nicosia, Cyprus

+357 227 61795

info@niceday.com.cy

www.niceday.com.cy

Cyprus

Patroclos Group Of Companies

Patroclos Tower, 6th Floor, 41-43 Sp. Kyprianos Ave, Larnaca 6051, Cyprus

+357 248 12000

consultant@patroclos.com.cy

www.patroclosgroup.com

Cyprus

Property Gallery Holdings Ltd

Monastiraki Center, Of. 3-4, Georgiou A' Street, 4046, P. Yermasoyias, Limassol, Cyprus

+357 25 322 112/3

info@cypruspropertygallery.com

www.cypruspropertygallery.com

Europe & USA

Waldeck Capital LLC

1220 New Market Street, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801, USA

+32 473 171 567

tomsmit@waldeckcapital.com

www.waldeckcapital.com

France

Domaine De Lavagnac

35430 Montagnac, France

+33 467 248498

steven.smith@domainedelavagnac.com www.domainedelavagnac.com

Germany

Zabel Immobilien KG

Leipziger Platz 15, D-10117 Berlin

+49 305 2009700

d.neumann@zabel.de

www.berlin-capital.com

Ghana

Devtraco Ltd

P.O. Box AN 12284 Accra Ghana

+233 21 810275-7

marketing@devtraco.com.gh

www.devtraco.com.gh

Greece

Archipelagos SA: Erytha Hotel & Resort

Karfas, 82100 Chios Island, Greece

+30 227 1032311

erytha@erytha.gr

www.erytha.gr

Greece

Prokris Group

Rizospaston and Doriza St., Argostoli, Kefalonia, 28100 Greece

+30 26710 29312

info@inkefalonia.com

www.kefalonia.com

Hong Kong

Aedas

31/F, One Island East, 18 Westlands Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong

+852 2861 1728

hongkong@aedas.com

www.aedas.com

Hungary

T贸Park, Walker and Williams Investment Group Hungary, Budapest 1012, Marvany U.18.

+36 1 225 0398

sales@topark.eu

www.topark.eu

India

Sheth Developers

Sheth House, Vasant Valley, Off W.E Highway, Near Dindoshi Bus Depot, Malad (E), Mumbai, India

+22 2842 6227

vns_sdpl@rediffmail.com

www.shethdevelopers.com

India/Asia

S D Corporation Pvt. Ltd.

The Imperial, 5th Lvl, B.B Nakashe Marg. Tardeo, Mumbai, India 400034

+91 22 408 28686

sales@theimperial.in

www.theimperial.in

Indonesia

Exotiq Real Estate

Jl. Kayu Aya (Lesmana) no. 77X, Seminyak, Bali 80361, Indonesia

+62 361 737 358

info@exotiqrealestate.com

www.exotiqrealestate.com

International

Barefoot Developments Limited

14th Floor, Net Cube Building, Taguig, Manila, Philippines

+63 2 479 5429

mattp@barefootinvestments.com

www.barefootinvestments.com

International

Design International

20-22 Stukeley Street, London, WC2B 5LR

+44 (0)20 7092 2700

london@di-global.com

www.deisgninternational.com

International

Theseus Beach Village

Achlada Gaziou, 71500, Crete, Greece

+30 2810 811930

info@theseusbv.com

www.theseusbv.com

Italy

Gruppo Leonardo Caltagirone

Via Caldonazzo 22A, 00135, Rome, Italy

+39 06 334 8551

segreteria.direzione@caltagirone.com

www.caltagirone.com

Italy

Ultissimo

Central Court, 25 Southampton Buildings, London, WC2A 1AL

+44 (0)20 3178 4975

info@ultissimo.com

www.ultissimo.com

Italy

VFI Overseas Property

8 Dawsons Street, Dublin 2

+44 (0)20 3178 5043

sales@vfioverseasproperty.com

www.vfioverseasproperty.com

Malaysia

Dijaya Corporation Berhad

Lot 301, 3rd Floor Wisma Dijaya, 1a Jalan SS 20/1, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor

+603 7710 1018

enquiry@dijayacorp.com

www.dijaya.com.my

Malta

RE/MAX MALTA

76a Gorg Borg Olivier Street, St. Julian's, STJ 1081, Malta

+356 9947 5620

jeff@remax-malta.com

www.remax-malta.com

Middle East

DTZ Bahrain

PO Box 10670, Bahrain World Trade Centre, Bahrain

+973 171 33666

leanne.brett@dtz.com

www.dtz.com.me

North African

Mario Cassar Incorporated Design

De Studio', No.5, Gheriexem Street, Rabat, Malta, RBT1907

+356 7946 8905

designstudio@incorporatedmalta.com

www.incorporatedmalta.com

Portugal

Exclusive Algarve Villas

Rua Ernesto Cabrita, Edificio Vales Loja A, Portugal

+351 282 353019

info@eavillas.com

www.exclusivealgarvevillas.com

Portugal

Quintasales, LDA

48/49 Buganvilia Plaza, Quinta Do Lago, Algarve

+351 289 350140

info@quintasales.com

www.quintasales.com

Qatar

Lusail Real Estate Development Company

P.O.Box 26060, Doha, Qatar

+974 550 5375

mothman@qataridiar.com

www.lusail.com

Saudi Arabia

Barton Willmore

7 Soho Square, London, W1D 3QB

+44 (0)20 7446 6888

nick.sweet@bartonwillmore.co.uk

www.bw-international.net

Singapore

PropertyGuru.com.sg

51 Goldhill Plaza, #11-03/05, Singapore 308900

+65 6238 5971

info@allproperty.com.sg

www.propertyguru.com.sg

Singapore

Ray International Real Estate Group

237 Alexandra Rd, #05-15 The Alexcier, Singapore, 159929

+65 673 80873

raychow@ray.com.sg

www.ray.com.sg

South Africa

Birkenhead House

10 Hathaway, Dunkeld Avenue, South Africa

+27 21 761 8292

capetown@theroyalportfolio.com

www.birkenheadhouse.com

Spain

Bolt Property Group SL

Urb. Las Torres de Marbella Club s/n, Local 1, 29602 Marbella, Malaga, Spain

+34 951 277 460

hbolt@boltpropertygroup.com

www.boltpropertygroup.com

Switzerland

Hartmann Singleton Ltd

Skipton Hill Farm, Thirlby, Thirsk, North Yprkshire, YO7 2DQ

+44 (0)1845 597795

info@hartmannsingleton.com

www.hartmannsingleton.com

Tenerife

Tenerife Property Shop S.L.

Puerto Colon, Local 117, Playa de las Americas, 38660, Adeje, Tenerife

+34 922 774700

info@tenerifepropertyshop.com

www.tenerifepropertyshop.com

Thailand

CB Richard Ellis (Thailand) Co., Ltd

46th Floor, CRC Tower, All Seasons Place, 87/2 Wireless Road, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand

+662 654 1111

bangkok@cbre.co.th

www.cbre.co.th

Turkey

Ark Developments Turkey Ltd

27 Farmer Street, Bradmore, Nottinghamshire, NG11 6PE

+44 (0)7590 672594

arkdevelopments@mac.com

www.arkdevelopments.eu

Turkey

Letsgototurkey

Ataturl Cad 90/1, 07400 Alanya, Turkey

+90 242 516 2064

info@lgt.com.tr

www.lgt.com.tr

Turkey

Nirvana International

The Granary, Tudor Cottage, Stanford Dingley, Reading, RG7 6LX

+44 (0)1189 744955

enquiry@nirvanainternational.com

www.nirvanainternational.com

UAE

The First Group

Office 3224, Building 3, The Gold K Diamond Park, Dubai, UAE

+971 4 409 7500

rebeccajones@thefirstgroup.com

www.thefirstgroup.com

Barton Wyatt

2 Station Approach, Virginia Water, GU25 4DL

+44 (0)1344 843000

homes@bartonwyatt.co.uk

www.bartonwyatt.co.uk

Blue Forest

16 Cornfield Terrace, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 4NS

+44 (0)1892 750090

info@blueforest.com

www.blueforest.com

Callister Russell

Unit J3, Ascot Business Park, Lyndhurst Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 9FE

+44 (0)845 450 3895

henrietta.perry@callisterrussell.com

www.callisterrussell.com

Clearview Homes

201 Pinner Road, Northwood Hills, Middlesex, HA6 1BX

+44 (0)1923 840048

bdavies@clearviewhomes.co.uk

www.clearviewhomes.co.uk

Dekra

2 Boucher Close, Startford-Upon-Avon, CV37 9YX

+44 (0)1789 551645

info@dekra.co.uk

www.dekra.co.uk

Gibbs Gillespie

Chapel Lane Chambers, 1 Chapel Lane, Pinner, Middlesex, HA5 1AA

+44 (0)20 8426 1972

Harrods Estates Ltd

82 Brompton Road, London, SW3 1ER

+44 (0)20 7225 6506

enquiries@harrodsestates.com

www.harrodsestates.com

Ladera Lodge Retreat & Spa

Back Lane, Eaton, Cheshire, CW12 2NL

+44 (0)845 459 0016

sales@laderaretreat.com

www.laderaretreat.com

Landmass Interior Design & Development

Cooper House, 2 Michael Road, London, SW6 2AD

+44 (0)20 7731 6147

info@landmass.co.uk

www.landmass.co.uk

Lillicrap Chilcott

Landrian House, 59-60 Lemon Street, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 2PE

+44 (0)1872 273473

sales@lillicrapchilcott.com

www.waterfrontandcountryhomes.com

Northbeach

2 Dents Road, London, SW11 6JA

+44 (0)20 7228 9822

info@northbeachproperty.com

www.northbeachproperty.com

Relocation Unlimited

17 Cloncurry Street, London, SW6 6DR

+44 (0)20 7736 2076

ginny.adams@relocationunlimited.com www.relocationunlimited.com

The Milestone Hotel

1 Kensington Court, London, W8 5DL

+44 (0)20 7917 1000

apike@rchmail.com

www.milestonehotel.com

Trinity Mirror Digital Property Ltd

10/11 Gladman Business Quarter, Edison Court, Wrexham Technology Park, Wrexham, LL13 7YT

+44 (0)1978 315800

info@smartnewhomes.com

www.SmartNewHomes.com

Weston Homes PLC

The Weston Group Business Centre, Parsonage Road, Takeley, Essex, CM22 6PU

+44 (0)1279 873333

info@weston-homes.com

www.weston-homes.com

Williams & Goodwin The Property People Ltd

21-23 Church Street, Llangefni, Isle of Anglesey, Wales, LL77 7DU

+44 (0)1248 751000

llangefni@tppuk.com

www.tppuk.com

Ukraine

NAI Pickard

Office 20, 9 Prorizna St., Kyiv 01034, Ukraine

+380 44 278 0002

terry@naipickard.com

www.naipickard.com

Ukraine

St. Sophia Homes

9/2 Chervonoarmiyska Str., Entrance 3A, Kiev, 01004, Ukraine

+380 44 492 0505

sales@stsophia.ua

www.stsophia.ua

USA

Pepe Calderin Design

7500 NE 4th Ct, Suite 104, Miami, FL 33138

+1 305 757 5535

pepecalderin@aol.com

www.pepecalderindesign.com

USA

Walker USA LLC

C/O Glacier Sotheby's International Realty, 100 Baker Avenue, Whitefish. MT 59937

+1 406 863 3060

lnelson@glaciersir.com

www.slopesidebigmountain.com

112

www.gibbs-gillespie.co.uk

D E V E L O P E R S • AG E N T S • D E S I G N • I N T E R I O R S

Essence of the

Aegean BEST HOTEL GREECE Erytha Hotel & Resort by Archipelagos S.A

the Island

At the heart of the North Aegean Sea lies Chios, enshrined in centuries of historic significance. The birthplace of Homer, the

island’s legacy stretches through ancient Greek and medieval times to its current peaceful prosperity. Chios is the exclusive source of mastic, a resin exuded from the bark of the mastic tree and world-renowned for its health benefits. The island is home to Byzantine monasteries and medieval villages where tradition remains an important part of everyday life. It is the perfect combination of history and modernity, a gentle and relaxing home from home.

the Resort

Erytha Hotel & Resort is located in Karfas, the most famous area of Chios. With views of the coast of Ionia, the 4 star hotel harmonizes East and West, combining the originality and warmth of the past with modern demands. Vitality…Quality…Comfort Taste those small things that make vacations special: the unique cuisine of Chios, sun and sea, calmness, music, enjoyment, entertainment, exercise… everything is here in the calm rooms, the private beach with the light blue water, the turquoise pool, the atmospheric restaurants and bars and the traditional hospitality.

Karfas, 82100 Chios Island, Greece Tel: +30 2271032311 Fax: +30 2271032251 E-mail: erytha@erytha.gr Web: www.erytha.gr

Foreword The run up to the International Property Awards where the World’s Best property companies are revealed gets more closely contended and exciting every single year. In 2009 we had a significant increase in entries with no less than 105 different countries represented across Asia Pacific the UK, Americas, Europe, Africa and Arabia. Companies are initially selected by our diligent team of researchers before they are invited to submit their entries for scrutiny by a 52-strong panel of judges. We also ask entrants to recommend companies in differing areas of the property profession where they have experienced exceptionally good business practice. By carrying out this stringent selection procedure our judges, many of whom are representatives from leading professional bodies such as the NAR and FIABCI, are presented with the strongest contenders right from the start of the judging process. Although it makes their task even harder as the competition is so fierce, we can be totally confident that only those companies that truly excel in all aspects of their profession will win one of these coveted and prestigious awards. The International Property Awards were announced at a gala presentation dinner held at the US Grant Hotel in San Diego, California. Nominees travelled from right across the globe and the atmosphere was electric as the ultimate winners were revealed during the course of the evening. During the day, the Americas Property Awards were presented and a networking seminar was held to allow the congregated property professionals to forge new business alliances. We are always pleased to receive feedback from our winners on how their awards have benefited their companies and 2009 saw a considerable number of success stories. These included increases in business opportunities due to the amount of coverage award winners can enjoy both through their own public relations efforts and our media partners. Talking of which, we are delighted to welcome Bloomberg Television to our esteemed list of sponsors and media partners for 2010. Our thanks go to all those companies who participated last year and many congratulations to the winners, particularly those who won at international level and are listed in this publication.

Chairman of Judges Helen Shield Editor-in-Chief, International Homes Luxury Collection Magazine

International Property Awards 3

Index

4 International Property Awards

Judges

Sponsors & Supporters

2009 International Winners

The Wave, Muscat

Walker and Williams Investment Group

A.N. Buildwell Pvt Ltd

Dijaya Corporation Berhad

&Beyond

SCP Architects and Engineers

Atelier Nini Andrade Silva

Hillside Su Hotel

Khalil & Kane

Astudio Ltd

Fine & Country Ltd

SHH Architects

Weston Homes

Pepe Calderin Design

Judges

Kirkor Ajderhanyan

Jill Keene

President, International Relations, FNAIM

Editor, International Homes Magazine

Hans-Ulrich Berendes

Des Kelly

President, FIABCI, Germany

Daily Mail Columnist

Ed Binkley

Dean Keyworth

National Design Director, AIA

Managing Director, Armstrong Keyworth Interior Design

Peter Bolton King

Chairman of Judges Helen Shield Editor-in-Chief, International Homes Luxury Collection Magazine

Group Chief Executive, National Federation of Property Professionals

David Marchant

Samantha Braniff

James Mattin

Sydney Morning Herald

Bond Wolfe, West Midlands

Pat V. Combs

Christian Morris

Past President, National Association of Realtors

Director, Aukett Fitzroy Robinson Architects

Adrian Coolbergen

Bob Nation

Managing Director, Starguard Development

Regional / Design Director, Kann Finch Architects

Charles Tyler Clay

Fiona Nixon

President, FIABCI, USA

Chairman, Australian Institute of Architects

Iris Dunbar

Graham Norwood

President, BIDA

Property Correspondent, Daily Mail

Fiona Duncan

Jonathan Price

Travel & Hotel Journalist

Past President, FIABCI UK

Imtiaz Farookhi

Sarah Purves

Chief Executive, NHBC

Interior Designer

Karl Fender

Oliver Richards

President, Australian Institute of Architects

Director, ORMS Architects

George Graham

Luke Schuberth

Development Director, Gleneagles Hotel

Aukett Fitzroy Robinson Architects

Christopher Hall

Subhir Shah

Vice President / President, FIABCI Marketing & Networking Commitee / FIABCI UK

FIABCI Asia

Michael Harris

General Manager, Business Development NHBC

Thijs Stoffer CEO, ICREA

Editor, Golf Monthly

David Hoppit

Paul Tayler Residential Faculty Vice Chairman, RICS

Property Columnist

Lisa Hutchinson

Mark Taylor Interior Designer, Silent Gliss

Real Estate Fairfax Media, Australia

Katie Hyams

Anne Warr Architect & Conservation Professional

Daily Mail UK

Mike Jordan

Ben Wood Industry Head, Property Markets Google UK

Architect, Cornish Stairways International

Christian H K채lin Henley & Partners, Switzerland

Diana Yakeley Former Chairman, British Interior Design Association

International Property Awards 5

Sponsors Headline Sponsors

www.cnbcarabia.com

www.hsbc.ae

www.maserati.co.uk

www.kohler.com

www.nyt.com

www.vertu.com

www.yamaha.co.uk

www.aboardtheworld.com

Associate Sponsors

www.simaexpo.com

6 International Property Awards

www.dailymail.co.uk

Media Partners

Supporters

www.faz.net

www.bangkokpost.com

www.smh.com.au

www.sinchew.com.my

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

HOMES Luxury Collection

www.international-homes.com

International Property Awards 7

International Award Winners Commercial Winners Best Leisure Development Best Commercial Property Agency

Americas

Arabia Jones Lang LaSalle Middle East & North Africa Asia Paciﬁc CB Richard Ellis (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Europe Jones Lang LaSalle (Portugal)

Arabia Europe

International Winner Jones Lang LaSalle (Portugal)

Best Commercial Property Agency Marketing

Gaia House by Urban Muse and YoungWoo & Associates for Gaia House, LLC King Abdullah International Gardens by Barton Willmore / Buro Happold Hotel Des Deux Domaines, Belle Plagne by Proﬁn Developpement et Gestion

International Winner King Abdullah International Gardens by Barton Willmore / Buro Happold

Asia Paciﬁc Fareps Property Investment

Best Mixed Use Development International Winner Fareps Property Investment

Best Commercial Property Agency Website

Arabia Asia Paciﬁc Europe UK

LUSAIL CITY by LUSAIL Real Estate Development Company Saigon Centre by Keppel Land Watco I Co., LLC. TóPARK Project by Walker and Williams Investment Group Cabot Circus by Hammerson PLC, Land Securities PLC

Asia Paciﬁc www.cbre.co.th by CB Richard Ellis (Thailand) Co., Ltd International Winner www.cbre.co.th by CB Richard Ellis (Thailand) Co., Ltd

International Winner TóPARK Project by Walker and Williams Investment Group

Best Ofﬁce Development Best Commercial Redevelopment Americas UK

Westﬁeld San Francisco Centre by RTKL Associates Inc. 100VE – Unilever London Headquarters by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates International

International Winner Westﬁeld San Francisco Centre by RTKL Associates Inc.

Africa Asia Paciﬁc Europe UK

Fairland Ofﬁce Development by Eris Property Group Pty Ltd Spire Edge by A.N. Buildwell Pvt. Ltd. Tower 79 by Property Gallery The Peak by Heron International

International Winner Spire Edge by A.N. Buildwell Pvt. Ltd.

Best Hotel

Best Public Services Development

Africa Americas Americas Arabia

Europe UK

Le Touessrok by Sun Resorts Ltd Marigot Bay Delamar Greenwich Harbor The Palace – The Old Town Managed By The Address Hotels & Resorts Asia Paciﬁc The Sentosa Resort & Spa, Singapore Europe Hillside Su Hotel UK The Milestone Hotel by Red Carnation Hotels Ltd International Winner Le Touessrok by Sun Resorts Ltd

Best Industrial Development UK

New Corvinus Campus by Wing Ltd Wigan City Campus by Astudio Ltd, LCE Architects, Bisset Adams

International Winner Wigan City Campus by Astudio Ltd, LCE Architects, Bisset Adams

Best Retail Development Arabia Asia Paciﬁc Europe UK

Beirut Mall by Saudi Marketing and Trading VivoCity by Mapletree Investments Pte Ltd Prime Mall by Prime Development Highcross by Hammerson PLC, Hermes Real Estate Asset Management

G.Park Blue Planet by Gazeley

International Winner G.Park Blue Planet by Gazeley

8 International Property Awards

International Winner Prime Mall by Prime Development

Best Small Hotel Africa Arabia Asia Paciﬁc Europe UK

Birkenhead House The Montgomerie Dubai Paciﬁc Resort Aitutaki, Cook Islands Hotel Claude / Willmes Y Del Bosque, S.L The Egerton House Hotel

International Winner Birkenhead House

The Architecture Award Africa Arabia

Kigali Convention Complex by Spacial Solutions Technosphere by James Law Cybertecture International Holdings Asia Paciﬁc Civic, Cultural and Retail Complex by Aedas Europe Zorlu Center by joint venture of EAA-Emre Arolat Architects and Tabanlioglu Architects UK Chelsea F.C Training Facility by AFL Architects International Winner Technosphere by James Law Cybertecture International Holdings

Best Architecture (Multiple Units) Arabia The Wave, Muscat by The Wave, Muscat Asia Paciﬁc Windmills Of Your Mind by Total Environment Building Systems Private Limited Europe Minthis Hills by Paﬁlia Property Developers UK Portelet Bay by Dandara Jersey Ltd International Winner The Wave, Muscat by The Wave, Muscat

Best Architecture (Single Unit) Americas Europe UK

Paraty House by Studio MK27 Marinou Residence / Kiti LGA by SCP Architects Engineers The Conifers, Woodland Drive by Consero Homes

International Winner Marinou Residence / Kiti LGA by SCP Architects Engineers

Best Development Africa

The Interior Design Award Africa Americas Arabia Asia Paciﬁc Europe UK

Aluko & Oyebode by Miranda Meyer Interior Projects Conga Room by Belzberg Architects The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai by WA International Hilton Beijing Wangfujing by Wilson Associates Hotel The Vine by Atelier Nini Andrade Silva Manchester Square by SHH

International Winner Manchester Square by SHH

Residential Winners Best Apartment Africa Americas Arabia

The Franklin by AdMakers International Portico by Aberconia Ltd The Bridge Penthouse @ Dubai Sports City by The First Group Asia Paciﬁc Grand Duchess at St Patrick’s by United Industrial Corporation Ltd / ADDP Architects UK Apartment 51, Esplanade Grande by Roffey Homes

Waterfall Equestrian Estate by Century Property Developments Americas Emerald Monkey Eco-Luxe Resort & Residences by Emerald Monkey Eco-Luxe Resort & Residences Arabia Bloom Gardens by Bloom Asia Paciﬁc Villa Green, Tropicana Indah Resort Homes by Dijaya Corporation Berhad Europe The Elysian Gardens by Nice Day Developments Ltd UK Wall Hall Mansion by Octagon International Winner Villa Green,Tropicana Indah Resort Homes by Dijaya Corporation Berhad

Best Development Marketing Africa Americas

Natures Glen by AdMakers International Emerald Monkey Eco-Luxe Resort & Residences by Emerald Monkey Eco-Luxe Resort & Residences Arabia The First Group @ Dubai Sports City by The First Group Asia Paciﬁc Sandy Island by YTL Singapore Europe Central Park Praha by CPP Development, s.r.o. UK Balls Park by Explore Living International Winner Sandy Island by YTL Singapore

International Winner Portico by Aberconia Ltd

International Property Awards 9

Best Development Website Asia Paciﬁc The Royal Residence by TCC Capital Land Limited Europe www.domainedelavagnac.com by Domaine de Lavagnac UK www.ypresrose.com by Ypres Rose Developments International Winner www.domainedelavagnac.com by Domaine de Lavagnac

Best Marina Development Europe

Riviera Riverside by St Sophia Homes

International Winner Riviera Riverside by St Sophia Homes

Best PR Company Best Golf Development Africa Arabia Asia Paciﬁc Europe

Serengeti Golf & Wildlife Estate by Serengeti Golf & Wildlife Estate Samanah Country Club by Groupe Alain Crenn Horizon Hills by Horizon Hills Development Domaine de Lavagnac by Domaine de Lavagnac

Arabia

Craven Group

International Winner Craven Group

Best Property International Winner Samanah Country Club by Groupe Alain Crenn

Best High-rise Architecture Americas Arabia Asia Paciﬁc UK

360º Building by Isay Weinfeld The Gate Towers by Sorouh Real Estate PJSC Dock 5 by John Wardle Architects & Hassell Bridges Wharf by Weston Homes PLC

International Winner Bridges Wharf by Weston Homes PLC

Africa Americas Europe UK

African Homesteads by &Beyond Emerald Monkey Eco-Luxe Resort & Residences by Emerald Monkey Eco-Luxe Resort & Residences Athanatos Villa by Hellenic Homes Regency House by Hyatt Group Ltd

International Winner African Homesteads by &Beyond

Best Property Finder Africa UK

Khalil & Kane Relocation Unlimited

Best High-rise Development Americas Arabia Asia Paciﬁc Europe UK

Silo Point by Turner Development Group The Gate Towers by Sorouh Real Estate PJSC The Sukhothai Residences by Grace Ivory Co., Ltd Westkaai by Project² Image by Dandara Limited

International Winner The Gate Towers by Sorouh Real Estate PJSC

Best Interior Design Africa Americas Arabia

African Homesteads by &Beyond Palazzo Del Mare Residence by Pepe Calderin Design H.R.H. Prince Mohammed Bin Fahed Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saoud Private Residential Complex by Design Class Asia Paciﬁc The Metropolitan Showﬂat by Cameron Woo Design Europe Villa Quadra by Prokris Group UK 21 Grosvenor Crescent Mews by Landmass Properties Ltd International Winner H.R.H. Prince Mohammed Bin Fahed Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saoud Private Residential Complex by Design Class

10 International Property Awards

International Winner Khalil & Kane

Best Property Portal Arabia www.bayut.com by Imzee Consulting Asia Paciﬁc www.propertyguru.com.sg by AllProperty Media Pte Ltd UK www.zoopla.co.uk by Zoopla International Winner www.propertyguru.com.sg by AllProperty Media Pte Ltd

Best Real Estate Agency Americas Arabia Asia Paciﬁc Europe UK

Illustrated Properties The Oryx Corporation Leonarder Collins Luxury Homes Tenerife Property Shop S.L. Williams & Goodwin The Property People

International Winner Leonarder Collins Luxury Homes

Best Real Estate Agency Marketing Arabia Lime Tree Valley by The Oryx Corporation Asia Paciﬁc Fareps Property Investment Europe Falkensteiner Residences edel:weiss by REDS Real Estate Direct Sales / FMTG Development UK Fine and Country International Winner Fine and Country

Best Real Estate Agency Website Americas Arabia Asia Paciﬁc Europe UK

www.propertybrazil.com by Brazilian Homes LLC www.theoryxcorporation.com by The Oryx Corporation www.klcc-living.com by Zerin Properties www.internationalpropertyagents.co.uk by International Property Agents http://search.knightfrank.com by Knight Frank

International Winner http://search.knightfrank.com by Knight Frank

Best Redevelopment Africa Europe

The Franklin by AdMakers International Du Parc – Kempinski Private Residences by Swiss Development Group

International Winner The Franklin by AdMakers International

Best Retirement Development Africa UK

Waterfall Hills – Mature Lifestyle Estate by Century Property Developments Grove Place by Renaissance Lifecare

International Winner Waterfall Hills – Mature Lifestyle Estate by Century Property Developments

Best Ski Development Americas Europe

Slopeside At Big Mountain by Walker USA, LLC Hotel Des Deux Domaines, Belle Plagne by Proﬁn Developpement et Gestion

International Winner Hotel Des Deux Domaines, Belle Plagne by Proﬁn Developpement et Gestion

The International Property Awards in 2009 were held at the US Grant Hotel in San Diego, California. To ﬁnd out more about entering for 2010, visit www.propertyawards.net

International Property Awards 11

Oman

BEST INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTURE (MULTIPLE UNITS) The Wave, Muscat by The Wave, Muscat BEST ARCHITECTURE (MULTIPLE UNITS) ARABIA The Wave, Muscat by The Wave, Muscat

BEST ARCHITECTURE (MULTIPLE UNITS) OMAN The Wave, Muscat by The Wave, Muscat

BEST APARTMENT OMAN The Wave, Muscat by The Wave, Muscat

The Wave, Muscat is a joint venture

incorporates ﬂoor-to-ceiling glazing on

between the Omani Government,

two aspects, and a ‘wraparound’ terrace

UAE-based developer Majid Al Futtaim

of 35m². A designer kitchen separates

Investments and the Omani Pension

informal and formal dining areas, and a

Funds. Part of the government’s Vision

master bedroom with en suite has walk-

2020, this exclusive development seeks

in wardrobes. Here, as in all the homes,

to encourage a select tourist

there is smart-wiring for ﬂatscreen

infrastructure within Oman.

televisions and sound systems.

The Wave, Muscat is situated on a six

Architecturally things are equally

kilometre beachfront site overlooking the

impressive. Unique designs for homes at

Gulf of Oman, only ﬁve kilometres from

The Wave, Muscat reﬂect traditional

Seeb International Airport and 20

Omani architecture, as well as inﬂuences

minutes from capital Muscat, with its

from the other Gulf states, Europe and

BEST DEVELOPMENT OMAN The Wave, Muscat by The Wave, Muscat

shops, medical facilities and schools. The

Florida. There are no high-rise towers,

development comprises more than 4,000

and prominent features include Arabian-

apartments, townhouses and villas with

style arches, fortiﬁcations and mashrabia

pools, a marina, golf course, three

shading around balconies and verandahs.

premier hotels, retail, leisure and dining

Varied streets feature attractive

facilities. Villas will also be available on

elevations to homes in white and ‘date

Sinesla island – a man-made offshore

palm’ green, white, sand and terracotta,

island inspired by the Florida Keys.

and properties are interspersed amidst

Residential standards at this

green areas and inland waterways that

BEST GOLF DEVELOPMENT OMAN The Wave, Muscat by The Wave, Muscat

development are matchless, and the award-winning three bedroom show

14 International Property Awards

provide boating opportunities. Interior design standards at The

apartment is a case in point. A fabulous

Wave, Muscat are unsurpassed. The Triad

open-plan living area of 165m² net

villa reﬂects a modern twist on a classic

BEST INTERIOR DESIGN OMAN The Wave, Muscat by The Wave, Muscat

BEST MARINA DEVELOPMENT OMAN The Wave, Muscat by The Wave, Muscat Omani style with colours redolent of

Last but not least, the ‘pulse’ of the

native hues: honey and gold, turquoise

development is Oman’s ﬁrst serious

and blue, fresh greens and pinks.

pleasure marina with 300 to 500 berths

Furniture unites tactile leather, velvet and

and refuelling facilities, which will attract

dark woods punctuated with brass studs,

serious boat trafﬁc to Oman, especially

whilst walls are covered with gold

since excellent dive sites are within easy

‘papyrus’-style wallpaper. Professional

striking distance. The marina includes

interior designers will assist all buyers in

2,500 marina apartments and boutiques,

selecting options and upgrades.

restaurants and shops.

Perhaps the jewel in the crown of

BEST DEVELOPMENT WEBSITE OMAN www.thewavemuscat.com by The Wave, Muscat

Elite developments deserve elite

The Wave, Muscat, the onsite Greg

websites, and www.thewavemuscat.com

Norman signature links-style golf course

reﬂects the development’s quality and

is Oman’s ﬁrst sea-facing PGA-standard

encourages potential clients to visit.

course with two nine-hole loops. An

Designed to rank highly with search

elevated clubhouse has superb ocean

engines, the website also provides news for

views and striking traditional fort-style

clients and journalists and allows buyers to

architecture; there is also a golf academy,

gymnasium and spa.

brochures are downloadable.

The Wave, Muscat PO Box 87, PC 118 Muscat, Sultanate of Oman t: +968 2454 5428 f: +968 2454 5158 e: sales@thewavemuscat.com w: www.thewavemuscat.com

International Property Awards 15

Hungary

BEST INTERNATIONAL MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT TóPARK Project by Walker and Williams Investment Group BEST MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT EUROPE TóPARK Project by Walker and Williams Investment Group

Led by chairman Farbod Lotﬁ,

construction and leasing already well

BEST MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT HUNGARY TóPARK Project by Walker and Williams Investment Group

Luxembourg-based Walker and Williams

underway. The 180-hectare mixed-use

Investment Group is a privately owned

development includes ofﬁce buildings,

property investment group with an

the region’s largest shopping mall, leased

impressive international track record.

apartments, Europe’s longest covered

Active in many sectors, the ﬁrm’s portfolio

pedestrian street, a recreation and

includes ofﬁce buildings, logistics centres

rehabilitation centre, outdoor and indoor

and commercial and residential real estate

sports complex, EXPO exhibition area,

developments.Within Hungary itself,

education and events centre and

Walker and Williams Investment Group is

intermodal transport hub.

BEST COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AGENCY MARKETING HUNGARY TóPARK Project by Walker and Williams Investment Group

renowned for projects such as the Belle Époque ofﬁce building and TóPARK.

Törökbálint serves as a ﬁtting centrepiece

Nicknamed the ‘Monaco of Central

to TóPARK, and a promenade, running

Europe’, TóPARK city centre is the most

course and bicycle trail are all planned

signiﬁcant of Hungary’s complex real

to follow its circumference. With

estate projects, and one of Central

quality of life central to the design

Europe’s most signiﬁcant. Situated in the

ethos at the development, eco features

Budapest Business Region, TóPARK lies at

include selective waste collection,

a key junction near the city’s western

noise/load control and extensive

gate and offers superb economic

landscaped grounds. Further measures

potential. The project’s investment

involve technology to reduce CO2

volume exceeds €2.4 billion with future

emissions, gas-engine energy production,

values predicted to reach €4.8 billion.

use of alternative and renewable

TóPARK’s ﬁnal phases are scheduled for completion in 13 years, with

16 International Property Awards

The nearly 40 hectare Lake

energy sources, waste heat use and shading technology.

BEST INTERNATIONAL MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT TóPARK Project by Walker and Williams Investment Group BEST MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT EUROPE TóPARK Project by Walker and Williams Investment Group Due to be signed-off in 2010, the development’s ﬁrst phase comprises a large complex with a 92,000m² ofﬁce

work of a range of renowned international designers. Excellent access makes TóPARK an

park and service units of 17,900m², as

ideal location for both Hungarian and

well as more than 150 leased apartments

international companies to base

covering 12,000m². Thereafter, what will

operations and hold international

become Hungary’s largest shopping and

business meetings, conferences and

entertainment centre, TóPARK Shopping

events. Proximity to three motorways

Mall, will be built, offering a leasable space

ensures access to all Hungary’s principle

of 89,000m².

towns and links with Austria, Slovakia,

In addition to cutting-edge facilities,

Croatia and Slovenia, while three

ofﬁce buildings at TóPARK evoke the

international airports are also close by

architectural highlights of large European

in Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava.

cities such as Berlin, Rome, Paris and

Moreover, during 2008, implementation

London. They blend elements of

began on more than 10 new motorway

neo-classical, Vienna secession and art

exits and an intermodal transport hub

deco styles with modern, contemporary

that will integrate bus and train services

inﬂuences. Interiors are inspired by the

to and from TóPARK.

BEST MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT HUNGARY TóPARK Project by Walker and Williams Investment Group

BEST COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AGENCY MARKETING HUNGARY TóPARK Project by Walker and Williams Investment Group

Walker and Williams Investment Group 1012 Budapest, Márvány u. 18., Hungary t: +36 1 225 0398 f: +36 1 355 5002 e: sales@topark.eu w: www.topark.eu

International Property Awards 17

India

BEST INTERNATIONAL OFFICE DEVELOPMENT Spire Edge by A.N. Buildwell Pvt. Ltd. BEST OFFICE DEVELOPMENT ASIA PACIFIC Spire Edge by A.N. Buildwell Pvt. Ltd. Super Green Ramp

Rainwater Harvesting

Sunshades

Spire Edge is a world class IT park in

complex will include a nine-storey

Manesar – rated amongst India’s top six

Anchor Block with rooftop garden and

growth destinations. It is built on the

independent car drop, Business Suites,

tenets of ‘Mainstream Green’

Club and Shopping mall.

development – an architectural philosophy

Efﬁcient space planning will allow for

that aims to resolve the conﬂict between

adapt-to-suit ofﬁces – while common

nature and infrastructure.The practice

meeting pods, incubation spaces and

involves harnessing renewable natural

expo centre will make smaller ofﬁces

resources, using locally sourced building

viable. A parking lot for 2000 cars is

materials, reducing loads and the

designed to grow by another 70%. Spire

optimisation of energy usage.

Edge marries form and function, striking a

Spire Edge is set to be the future

balance between a structured workspace

beacon of Manesar. Spread over 10 acres,

and the organic landscape surrounding it.

it will comprise of nearly 150,000m² of

BEST OFFICE DEVELOPMENT INDIA Spire Edge by A.N. Buildwell Pvt. Ltd.

THE ARCHITECTURE AWARD INDIA Spire Edge by A.N. Buildwell Pvt. Ltd.

Created by a team of world

ofﬁce spaces and facilities. Its Signature

renowned architects and consultants, led

Building is also India’s ﬁrst commercial

by Dr Ken Yeang – the world’s foremost

‘bioclimatic skyscraper’. This deep green

authority on sustainable architecture and

iconic 91m high building will have

father of ‘bioclimatic skyscrapers’, it is

A.N. Buildwell Pvt Ltd

average ﬂoor plates of 1,486m².The

being co-developed by A N Buildwell.

5D, Plaza M6, District Centre, Jasola, New Delhi, 110025, India t: +91 11 4051 5600 f: +91 11 4051 5601 e: info@spireworld.in w: www.spireworld.in

International Property Awards 19

Malaysia

BEST INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Villa Green, Tropicana Indah Resort Homes by Dijaya Corporation Berhad BEST DEVELOPMENT ASIA PACIFIC Villa Green, Tropicana Indah Resort Homes by Dijaya Corporation Berhad

BEST DEVELOPMENT MALAYSIA Villa Green, Tropicana Indah Resort Homes by Dijaya Corporation Berhad

As an established name in the property

simplicity and elegance. Facades have

development industry, Dijaya

clean and uncluttered lines to enhance

Corporation Berhad pioneered the

their elegance and the homes are set

concept of resort-styled developments

in a circular, private formation to amplify

in Malaysia with the Tropicana Golf &

the feeling of a closed and secure

Country Resort. Driven by this

neighbourhood. There are two façades

successful formula, Dijaya went on to

to choose from and these are

develop the Tropicana Indah Resort

differentiated with two colour schemes

Homes of which Villa Green is an award

to give consistency of the overall design

winning part.

scheme yet break the monotony of a

A ﬁne collection of 86 luxurious, three-storey semi-detached homes

Furthermore, these homes have

within the exclusive neighbourhood of

been designed to complement the

the resort, Villa Green is conveniently

unhindered internal and external spaces

close to all the amenities of the thriving,

with large window areas, spacious living

modern city of Petaling Jaya. As you drive

and dining rooms as well as luxurious

through the main entrance, past the

bedrooms with en suite bathrooms that

guardhouse, breathtaking views of two

embrace the outdoors. An entrance hall

golf courses greet the eye. Indeed,

and large foyer give an impression of

purchasers at Villa Green all receive free

grandness when walking in to each

golf club membership to the Tropicana

property and the dry kitchen has access

Golf & Country Club with its 27-hole,

to the terrace where the family can

international-standard course and the

gather for a relaxed breakfast while

biggest clubhouse in Malaysia.

taking in the fresh morning air.

The exterior designs of Villa Green’s properties are based on the beauty of 20 Asia Paciﬁc Property Awards

row of houses.

Each home comes complete with a Smart Home Security System with

neighbourhood with mature trees

activation of lights, air-conditioning and

offering extensive shade within a Green

water heaters remotely via a touch-tone

Street concept where there are roll-over

phone or mobile, intrusion alerts sent to

kerbs, and hidden utilities like cables and

four designated mobile phone numbers,

drains. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, Feng Shui, the

motion and vibration sensors, a siren and

ancient art of maximising the presence

alarm system. Even when you are out you

of Qi (a body of energy that circulates

can speak to visitors at the gates as the

where we live), has been incorporated

advanced intercom system will make a call

within the layout of every single room.

to your phone and allow you to speak just as though you were in residence. As for ensuring the well-being of Villa

BEST DEVELOPMENT MALAYSIA Villa Green, Tropicana Indah Resort Homes by Dijaya Corporation Berhad

Dream homes may come in many shapes and forms but what makes Villa Green so extraordinary is that it is an

Green residents, much has been done to

expression of the passion and

provide a truly conducive living

craftsmanship to create not just a home

environment. Extensive landscaping has

but a unique masterpiece that can

been carried out throughout the

proudly be described as a super villa.

Dijaya Corporation Berhad Lot 301, 3rd Floor, Wisma Dijaya, 1A Jalan SS 20/1, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul, Ehsan, Malaysia t: +603 7728 2018 f: +603 7725 3035 e: enquiry@dijayacorp.com w: www.dijaya.com.my

Asia PaciďŹ c Property Awards 21

South Africa

BEST INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY BEST INTERIOR DESIGN AFRICA BEST PROPERTY AFRICA

BEST INTERIOR DESIGN SOUTH AFRICA

African Homesteads is an exciting safari

comprises four large bedroom suites with

property venture between &Beyond,

beautifully appointed bathrooms built

one of the acknowledged leaders in

around spacious indoor and outdoor

responsible luxury travel, and Tara Getty.

living areas. There is a ﬁfth ensuite

The Getty Family Trusts are one of two

bedroom for the owner’s staff. Other

major shareholders in &Beyond,

features include expansive wooden

previously known as CC Africa.

verandahs, a large crystal inﬁnity pool, a

Located on the pristine &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, the 15

traditional outdoor dining area called a boma, and an exercise pavilion. with its own 4x4 safari vehicle and is

from US$6 million each and are offered

managed by an &Beyond-trained team

on a 70 year leasehold. Each includes a

including a game ranger, tracker, chef and

four hectare private site and full

host who will provide the unbeatable

traversing rights over the full extent of

safari experience characteristic of

the 23,000 hectare Reserve. Phinda

&Beyond’s award-winning safari lodges. Game Reserve’s proximity to the

experiences including the Big Five: lion,

unspoilt beaches and spectacular reefs of

leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo.

the Indian Ocean offer African

extends over 800 square metres and

African Homesteads by &Beyond

In addition, &Beyond Phinda Private

and boasts exceptional game viewing

The award-winning show Homestead

BEST ARCHITECTURE (SINGLE UNIT) AFRICA

Each African Homestead is equipped

exclusive African Homesteads are priced

showcases seven distinct natural habitats

BEST PROPERTY SOUTH AFRICA

Homestead owners the ultimate in bush and beach adventure.

&Beyond Pinmill Farm, Block F Katherine Street, Sandown 2010, South Africa t: +27 11 809 4523 e: africanhomesteads@andBeyond.com w: www.africanhomesteads.com

International Property Awards 23

THE NEW MASERATI GRANTURISMO S The ultimate sporting expression of the ‘Trident’ badge, the perfect balance between performance and comfort. The Maserati GranTurismo S is priced at £88,005 on the road including 3 year/unlimited mileage warranty. For more information on the Maserati GranTurismo range or Maserati events, 01943 064 6467 or visit www.maserati.co.uk Car shown with metallic paint at £540 and 20-inch Grigio Mercury Neptune design alloy wheels at £460. Ofﬁcial fuel consumption for the Maserati GranTurismo S in mpg (litres/100 km): urban 10.9 (25.8), extra urban 25.2 (11.2), combined 17.4 (16.2). CO2 emissions on combined cycle: 387g/km. Text message and download charged at standard network tariff. Internet access for download required.

E x p e r i e n c e t h e G r a n Tu r i s m o - Te x t G T t o 8 1 0 2 5

The best way to land a buyer is to catch them after they take off Show your properties to buyers who have time on their hands

TIONAL

S E M HLuO xury Collection

INTERNA

INT ERN ATI

£4.50 Vol 16 No 3 /

CO LLE CTI S LUX URY ON AL HO ME

As read by first, business and club class passengers of the world’s leading airlines

3 ON Vol 16 No

For advertising rates contact +44 (0)1245 358877 or email info@international-homes.com EST THE FIN

HOMES,

T R AV E L

TY & LIFES

Cyprus

BEST INTERNATIONAL ARCHITECTURE (SINGLE UNIT) Marinou Residence / Kiti LGA by SCP Architects Engineers BEST EUROPEAN ARCHITECTURE (SINGLE UNIT) Marinou Residence / Kiti LGA by SCP Architects Engineers

BEST ARCHITECTURE (SINGLE UNIT) CYPRUS Marinou Residence / Kiti LGA by SCP Architects Engineers

SCP Architects and Engineers is a

penetrating pockets, large openings,

Cyprus based practice that undertakes

intriguing views and water are the main

architectural projects and master plans.

characteristics. Its spaces offer relaxation

The company’s aim is to achieve high

and, being strategically placed in the plot,

quality buildings of architectural

inhabitants can enjoy the outdoor views

individuality and self-identity, respecting

from all major internal spaces. The

the occupants and broad surroundings.

residence also offers big covered verandas

Designing and supervising residential

both on the ground and ﬁrst ﬂoor, giving

buildings, apartment blocks, housing

protection from direct sunlight.

compounds, commercial foundations

A void has also been cleverly

and industrial installations, SCP

placed in the core of the house to allow

Architects endeavours to accomplish

natural lighting to all major spaces. In

function into form through simplicity

addition to this, large openings are

and conceptual comprehension.

created to ensure maximum natural

Completed in 2006, Marinou

lighting and ventilation throughout. All this

Residence is situated in Kiti, Larnaca,

results in Marinou Residence being a high

Cyprus, on a plot of 1560m². The house is

quality establishment of exquisite

SCP Architects and Engineers

spread over two ﬂoors, includes a small

materials, offering interesting views and

basement and evolves around the

relaxing internal and external spaces to

101 Phaneromenis Avenue,

concept of experiences. White walls,

its inhabitants.

PO Box 42624, 6501 Larnaca, Cyprus t: +357 24 664585 e: a.stylianou@scp.com.cy e: c.savva@scp.com.cy w: www.scp.com.cy

26 International Property Awards

Portugal

THE INTERIOR DESIGN AWARD EUROPE Hotel The Vine by Atelier Nini Andrade Silva

THE INTERIOR DESIGN AWARD PORTUGAL Hotel The Vine by Atelier Nini Andrade Silva

Nini Andrade Silva Atelier is a company

Arriving at the hotel, the great purple

dedicated to architectural design.

staircase and metal mesh symbolise the

Directed by Nini Andrade Silva herself,

summer rain, offering a warm welcome.

it has become an international brand

In the lobby, the restaurant Terra Lounge

name in the world of interior and

represents the vineyards; a garden with

architectural design. The company

sofas like big baskets and purple cushions

currently has ofﬁces in Portugal and

the colour of wine.

2010 will see expansion with the

The ﬂoor ﬁnishing is covered in small

opening of further studios in Europe.

round pebbles, representing the beaches

Nini’s ever growing team is currently

on Madeira with each one designed in a

engaged in many projects across

different colour to signify the four

Europe, North and South America, Asia

seasons. Bathroom facilities are even

and Africa.

designed in the form of a grape while the

The Vine Hotel on Madeira is one of

purple swimming pool symbolises a tank

Atelier Nini Andrade Silva Rua Do Barão No. 25 & 29

Nini Andrade Silva Atelier’s many award-

of wine and the Jacuzzi represents the

Lisbon, 1100-072, Portugal

winning projects. As the ﬁrst ﬁve-star

channels leading the water around the

t: +351 218 123 790

design hotel on the island, The Vine was

island. The result is a true work of

f: +351 213 462 220

created around the concept of its name.

interior design art. Rua Princesa Dª Amelia Nº 1,3, 5 9000-019 Funchal Madeira t: +351 291 204 350 f: +351 291 204 379 e: nini@niniandradesilva.com w: www.niniandradesilva.com

International Property Awards 27

Turkey

BEST HOTEL EUROPE Hillside Su Hotel

BEST HOTEL TURKEY Hillside Su Hotel

Since opening in 2003, Hillside Su has

conference and business facilities is

pioneered the concept of offering a

consistently high.

ﬁve-star destination hotel experience

The hotel offers a wide range of

for the leisure and business traveller at

accommodation from standard double

an impressively attractive price level.

rooms with land views all the way

Deriving its name ‘Su’ from the Turkish

through to Premium suites with sea and

word for water, Hillside Su is a

pool views.

remarkable contemplation of clarity and transparency. The architect Eren Talu has designed

In addition Hillside Su boasts extensive meeting facilities with spaces including an 860m² and 480m² ballroom

the property conceiving an all white

with foyer, 270m² conference hall, eight

1960’s inspired hotel and created every

meeting rooms and an international

single element of it from the design

standard business centre.

layout and construction through to the

All this, together with the impeccable

furniture and soft furnishing items. As

service reaching beyond all customer

Turkey’s ﬁrst Design Hotel Member,

expectations and a warm and welcoming

Hillside Su proves that comfort and

atmosphere, makes for a ‘tried and

innovative design go hand in hand.

tested’ hotel product with a loyal

Hillside Su Hotel

Everything from the standard of its

following and an impressive repeater rate

Konyaaltı, 07050

culinary offering and spa activities to the

of 30 per cent in 2009.

Antalya/Turkey t: + 90 242 249 07 00 f: + 90 242 249 07 07 e: su@hillside.com.tr w: www.hillsidesu.com.tr

28 International Property Awards

UK & Africa

BEST INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY FINDER Khalil & Kane BEST PROPERTY FINDER AFRICA Khalil & Kane

BEST PROPERTY FINDER LONDON Khalil & Kane Khalil & Kane is a leading provider of

acquiring the most suitable properties

property acquisition services. The

for each client’s needs, tastes and

company specialises in residential and

requirements. The company operates in

commercial property ﬁnding, acquisition

a transparent, articulate and open

consultancy and management. They pride

manner, which enables their clients to

themselves on their outstanding service,

have a full understanding of the

professionalism and ability to deliver for

transaction they are undertaking.

their clients. At the centre of this is

However, whilst they provide a premium

understanding their clients’ requirements

service their prices are reasonable.

and tailoring the company’s expertise and skills to their needs. Khalil & Kane emphasise the

The last couple of years have been challenging for buyers, which has made Khalil & Kane’s services particularly

importance of communication with

valuable. A lack of good stock on the

clients. Through the Kkonnection content

market, difﬁculty in obtaining ﬁnance and

management system each client is given

reduced buyer equity have made it

their own online account through which

especially important for buyers to take

they receive a full history of all

acquisition advice. Khalil & Kane’s track

information relating to their transaction

record and their unique ability to source

and through which they can correspond

and acquire property and consistently

with their advisor.

exceed their clients’ expectations has

They have a leading research team and are focused on identifying and

Khalil & Kane 51 Petty France,

continued to strengthen their reputation

London, SW1H 9ET, UK

as an industry leader.

t: +44 (0)207 222 2622 f: +44 (0)207 371 3355 e: mgk@k-k.com w: www.kkpa.com

International Property Awards 29

United Kingdom

BEST INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC SERVICES DEVELOPMENT Wigan City Campus by Astudio Ltd, LCE Architects, Bisset Adams

BEST PUBLIC SERVICES DEVELOPMENT UK Wigan City Campus by Astudio Ltd, LCE Architects, Bisset Adams

The City Campus is a groundbreaking

The development team’s belief from

development master planned from a

the outset was to create a new ‘place’ to

macro scale of Wigan to knit together

sit signiﬁcantly at the junction of the town

the retail, civic and cultural quarters.

centre, the historic conservation area and

Its award winning design creates two

the commercial centre for Wigan. A great

new public spaces, either side of the

deal of thought has gone into the sensitive

existing town hall, and also houses the

relationship between the old and new.

new public library. The new public

Both in physical terms and philosophically,

swimming pool and council ofﬁces have

the retention of the Municipal building

been designed to provide the community

façade retains the historical character of

with a one-stop shop for modern

the local area, yet still projects a dynamic

council services.

forward thinking vision the council has of

A modern cutting edge building in

the future. In fact, the development itself

the heart of the conservation area,

may well provide the catalyst to develop

Wigan City Campus utilises a retained

the town hall between the two new

façade to maintain the historic character

public spaces to become the centrepiece

Astudio Ltd

as well as provide a great contrast to the

of Wigan’s community facilities; its new

The Tower Building,

new facility.

civic campus.

10th Floor, Elizabeth House, 11 York Road, London, SE1 7NX, UK t: +44 (0)207 401 4100 f: +44 (0)207 401 4101 e: info@astudioarchitecture.com w: www.astudioarchitecture.com

30 International Property Awards

United Kingdom

BEST INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE AGENCY MARKETING Fine & Country

BEST ESTATE AGENCY MARKETING UK Fine & Country

Founded in 2003 to specialise in the

distancing itself from the typical ‘one size

sale of residential property in the

ﬁts all’ philosophy.

upper quarter of the UK market, Fine

Since then, stunning photography

& Country had its ambitions clear

combined with clever and informative

from the start. Here was a marketplace

lifestyle descriptions have attracted

characterised by a lack of high-quality

selling clients and chimed with buyers’

competition, and overpopulated with

aspirations. In seven years, Fine &

companies that underachieved in terms

Country has grown exponentially, and

of service.

now has more ofﬁces handling more

An opportunity existed for a dedicated real estate agency to provide a marketing proposition refreshingly

properties in more locations than any other UK prestige brand. Widespread and creative marketing

different in its approach, one that focused

campaigns also give selling clients

on achieving the best possible outcomes

exposure to a wider marketplace, and

for buying and selling clients alike.

Fine & Country has earned an enviable

By working closely with clients and

reputation for achieving the best results

understanding what made them and their

for clients more quickly. All these

properties tick, Fine & Country made

advantages saw the ﬁrm triumph in the

lifestyle central to its brand and the way it

2009 property awards, at both UK and

Fine & Country Ltd

presented homes for sale – effectively

international level.

119-121 Park Lane, Mayfair, London, W1K 7AG, UK t: +44 (0) 20 7079 1515 f: +44 (0) 20 7629 2329 e: admin@ﬁneandcountry.com w: www.ﬁneandcountry.com

International Property Awards 31

United Kingdom

THE INTERNATIONAL INTERIOR DESIGN AWARD Manchester Square by SHH

THE INTERIOR DESIGN AWARD UK Manchester Square by SHH

SHH created this ofﬁce interiors’

The newly generous per capita space

scheme for a private company in

was exploited with very individual rooms

London’s west end in close consultation

with differing colours and degrees of

with client-side design director Zeljko

formality – from a breakout room to

Popovic. The brief was to create a ‘high

ofﬁce space to dramatic meeting spaces.

impact, 21st century ofﬁce interior with

The scheme had to house ﬁve company

a strong personality’, with more in

directors and around 20 administrative

common with a gentlemen’s club than a

staff, along with a range of differing

traditional ofﬁce space.

meeting facilities.

Although the property was made up

SHH architects + interiors + design consultants 1 Vencourt Place, Ravenscourt Park, Hammersmith, London, W6 9NU, UK t: +44 (0)20 8600 4171 f: +44 (0)20 8600 4181 e: info@shh.co.uk w: www.shh.co.uk

32 International Property Awards

Standout features include two

of a classic (Grade II-listed) Georgian

chandeliers, made to order and

townhouse with a former stables and

garage mews building to the rear, the

four wall projections by artist Hugo

client was very open to a sense of

Dalton. He produced a series of sketches

contrast for the scheme, favouring a

of ballet dancers morphed with ﬂoral

highly contemporary treatment. The

motifs, which were laser-cut on to disks

inherited interior – also previously an

and ﬁtted into ceiling-mounted

ofﬁce – was not particularly grand, but

projectors, resulting in stunning ‘ﬂoating’

any standout details were to be retained.

light projections.