Perfect homes 5

Perfect Homes

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Alexander’s Collection

Alexander’s Collection Spain, SL Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 11:00 - 20:00 Ctra. n-340, Km 176, Edif OASIS Business Center, Local 1. 29600 Marbella (Malaga), España T. +34 952 82 34 40 ac-spain@terra.es www.alexanders-collection.com

‌the benchmark of quality, finesse, luxury and excess...

Alexander’s Collection

Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 11: 00 - 20 : 00 Ctra. n-340, Km 176, Edif OASIS Business Center, Local 1.

29600 Marbella (Malaga), España T. + 3 4 9 5 2 8 2 3 4 4 0 a c - s p a i n @ t e r r a . e s

www.alexanders-collection.com

Perfect Homes

The First Word from Our Editor

Magazine The Worldwide Property Bible

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PUBLISHER: SUNSEARCH MEDIA GROUP S.L. MANAGING DIRECTOR & EDITOR: Stan Israel stan.israel@sunsearchmedia.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR, DESIGN AND LAYOUT: Sherelisa Bossi design@sunsearchmedia.com GRAPHICS: Jackie McAngus Imma Mellado Sánchez AST. EDITOR & PRODUCTION MANAGER Lisa Brown sunsearchmvcmagazine@sunsearchmedia.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Dawn Gudging, Stephanie McGraw, Annabel Milnes - Smith PHOTOGRAPHY: Byron Haw SOCIAL MEDIA: Gonzalo Gómez Sánchez marketing@sunsearchmedia.com FINANCIAL DEPARTMENT Rudy Geodeon accounts@sunsearchmedia.com SALES: sales@sunsearchmedia.com DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: John McAngus distributtion@sunsearchmedia.com SUNSEARCH MEDIA GROUP S.L Spain: T. +34 951 136 751 UK: T. +44 207 1220900 Deposito Legal Nº MA 1386-2012 The views and opinions expressed by contributors of Per fect Homes Maga zine may not represent the views and opinions of the publishers.

Perfect Homes Magazine takes no responsibility for claims made in advertisng or advertorials in this magazine.

No part of Perfect Homes Magazine may be reproduced or copied in anyway without prior witten consent from Perfect Homes Magazine.

This month Perfect Homes Magazine takes a step further forward in its progression to becoming a market leader as an Interior Design & Real Estate Magazine, with our new international distribution across seven European Countries within airport lounges and five star hotels, and available for sale within newsagents across Spain & the UK. Within this International issue of Perfect Homes Magazine we look at current home interior trends offering you stylish and unique design concepts and ideas.

We offer practical advice for those of you who are looking to redecorate your home with “Mixing it up with contrasting colours” and explain the do’s and don’ts of mirror placements around the home.

Venturing into the kitchen we look at the differing types of “Kitchen Islands” and offer practical and useful planning advice.

We look at the latest emerging property markets in “location, location, location” and head across to Panama to spotlight what is becoming the fastest growing top ranked real estate investment area in the world, on top of that our regular feature of “Properties around the worlds” offers a large selection of unique and exceptional properties for sale from leading real estate agencies.

I would like to extend a thank you to our advertisers and contributors for helping create this edition of Perfect Homes Magazine; once again it has taken on a life of its own and grown exponentially Mr. Stan Israel Director & Editor

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C

ONTENTS

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Conrad Maldives,Rangali Island 6 Star Luxury Hotel

23 Location, Location, Location Emerging property markets

29 Mixing it Up

Great colour contrasts

49 Stylish Corner Sofas 61 Leadership through Craftsmanship Steinway Pianos

78 Contemporary Designers Innovative ideas

95 Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

110 118 130 141 147 150 160

Enhance your Hallways - With style Where to lay your Hat - Panama Special Rental Relief - A new law in Spain Piano, Piano The Next Generation Of Appliances The Kitchen Island - Heart of the Home Property of the Month A Villa of Distinction

165 Sitting Pretty - Garden Furniture 170 Living Sculptures 192 Perfect Homes goes around the World Worldwide Properties

224 230 244 276 278 281 284

Let it Rain - With Stylish Showerheads Wonderful Wash Basins Wedding Bouquets - A new fresh approach PH Directory - of Quality Businesses Gadgets - PH look’s at What’s New TV Technology - Know the Difference Feature Interview

Domosat’s Maurizio Sardo

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To be beside, above & below the sea...

Barefoot luxury meets unpretentious style at the six-star Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Awarded ‘The Best Water Villas in the World’, ‘The Best Suites in the World’ and ‘Best Spa Resort in the Maldives’, this spectacular resort is an oasis of luxury, where you enjoy not merely 1, but 2 palm-fringed tropical islands.

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Spread over two stunning islands Rangalifinolhu and Rangali, which is inked by a 500m footbridge, the sensational five-star resort of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is surrounded by crystal clear waters and lays beautifully positioned in the South Ari Atoll an area filled with stunning coral reefs.

The resort boasts several different villa types all lavish and offering beautiful views of the Maldivian lagoon and Indian Ocean.

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Beach Villa - offers an impressive 150sqm of accommodation space and is located on the ocean front, offering superb views of the Indian Ocean lagoons. All Beach Villas feature a private terrace and a refreshing outdoor garden-bathroom.

.

Water Villa - offers 74sqm of accommodation space and is built on stilts over the beautiful Maldivian lagoon, ensuring intimate views across the Indian Ocean.

Deluxe Beach Villa - offers 300sqm of airy accommodation space that is enhanced by the floor-to-ceiling windows on all four sides. The Deluxe Beach Villa features a private garden, an open-air bathroom and a plunge pool in a location that is just steps away from the ivory sand beach.

Junior Beach Suite - offers a spacious living room, plus a private plunge pool and a private garden area.

Beach Suite - combines two Beach Villas, with their tropical gardens and outdoor bathrooms, for an extended living space Superior Water Villa - offers 74sqm of accommodation space and is positioned on stilts over the Maldivian lagoon. Upgraded amenities include a DVD/CD Player and coffee and tea making facilities.

Deluxe Water Villa - offers 115sqm of accommodation space and impressive amenities, including air-conditioning, a full-size fridge and high-speed internet access Retreat Water Villa - offers 150sqm of accommodation space and has been designed to relax and refresh you with its sumptuous interior and fine features, including a bathtub with views across the Indian Ocean.

Premier Water Suite - is a lavishly appointed haven for larger groups with its two bedrooms, set in a location about the sparkling Indian Ocean.

Premier Water Villa - offers 119sqm of accommodation space, with floor-to-ceiling windows designed to enhance the airy atmosphere. The Premier Water Villa includes a separate living room, a dining area and a work area, plus a Jacuzzi and a dedicated Villa host.

Sunset Water Villa - offers 360sqm of accommodation space and includes a private sundeck, infinity pool, Jacuzzi and butler service to enhance the luxurious atmosphere.

All Sunset Water Villas are positioned to enjoy a breath-taking sunset each evening.

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sea views

If the breath-taking scenery and the lavishly appointed villas do not take your breath away than the Ithaa Restaurant certainly will.

Located 16ft (4.9m) below the surface with a 180 degree view of the reef and marine life this glass-encased restaurant is the world’s first underwater restaurant which has just celebrated its 5th anniversary and to commemorate the occasion it transformed itself into a hotel suite for honeymoon guests.

With a fantastic selection of wines from the underwater cellar, a myriad of water-sports to take part in or simply relaxing in a hammock on the white, sandy beaches, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is one of the most unique resorts that Abode Paradise Maldives recommends.

Learn more about the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island visit

www.conradhotels3.hilton.com 12

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www.siemens-home.com 14

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Welcome to a world of innovation.

Introducing the next generation of speedMatic dishwashers from Siemens

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Marbella

EL MADROÑAL, BENAHAVIS – 6.500.000€ (reduced from 7.000.000€) BUILT SIZE 2216m² • PLOT SIZE 8325m² • 8 BEDROOMS • 7 BATHROOMS • SEPARATE GUEST VILLA • SELF CONTAINED APARTMENT Ref: 105721 Occupying a prime position on this exclusive estate, this magnificent property commands breath taking panoramic views of the Mediterranean from its elevated position behind Marbella, yet is only a fifteen minute drive from the coast and a few minutes from amenities. This immaculate home is set in the mountains in the heart of nature yet, is only a fifteen minute drive from the hustle and bustle of the coast and a few minutes from amenities.

Built with the utmost attention to detail and technical design by the present owner, the main house incorporates a self-contained three bedroom apartment and a health suite with indoor pool, whilst there is also a substantial three bedroom guest villa which merits the distinction of being termed a separate villa in its own right.

Fine & Country Marbella tel +34 952 76 40 10 email marbella@fineandcountry.com 16

Perfect Homes International Magazine

Marbella

SOTOGRANDE, CÁDIZ – 6.900.000€ BUILT 1385m² · PLOT 4500m² 9 BEDROOMS · 9 BATHROOMS Ref: 107470 This impressive unique villa is of unequalled quality of construction and finish, built by a reputable German building company. Situated on an elevated plot at the edge of a dramatic gorge, it overlooks an unspoiled stretch of protected natural beauty and is positioned at the end of a cul de sac, meaning that it also offers total privacy, tranquility and security. Accessed through a typical AndalucÍan/Moorish style courtyard, the house itself is of stunning contemporary architecture and features a heated infinity pool, gym, sauna and hammam and state of the art technology throughout.

Fine & Country Marbella tel +34 952 76 40 10 email marbella@fineandcountry.com Perfect Homes International Magazine

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Marbella

LA QUINTA, NUEVA ANDALUCIA, MARBELLA – 2.950.000€ BUILT SIZE 800m² • PLOT SIZE 1625m² • 6 BEDROOMS • 6 BATHROOMS • SELF CONTAINED STAFF APARTMENT Ref: 106975 Impressive newly built frontline golf villa with sea views, built on an expansive elevated plot in this small gated community. An enormous double height galleried entrance hall/lounge has immense floor to ceiling windows giving the whole property immense luminosity. Also on the ground floor is a dining room and fitted kitchen and one of the five en suite bedrooms all of which open out onto a covered terrace and the garden, which has an unusually large sized infinity pool. The fantastically sized master en suite bedroom of 65m sq. is located on the second floor, with a large balcony offering lovely sea and golf views. A home cinema, spa with indoor pool, gym and self-contained staff apartment are located on the lower ground floor level of this exceptional family villa.

Fine & Country Marbella tel +34 952 76 40 10 email marbella@fineandcountry.com 18

Perfect Homes International Magazine

Marbella

LA ZAGALETA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB – 7.750.000€ BUILT SIZE 950m² • PLOT SIZE 4237m² • 5 BEDROOMS • 5 BATHROOMS • SEPARATE STAFF Ref: 103985 This beautiful property benefits from spectacular sea views in its location at one of the most privileged residential areas in Europe.The sizeable grounds have a heated infinity pool, surrounded by decking complete with a Chiringuito and barbecue area. Numerous seating areas throughout both internally and externally enable the most beneficial use of space for chilling and enjoying the perfect surroundings. The villa is also appointed with the optimum in advanced design and engineering methods whilst ensuring aesthetic beauty and considered functionality – a timeless investment.

Fine & Country Marbella tel +34 952 76 40 10 email marbella@fineandcountry.com Perfect Homes International Magazine

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Marbella

LA ZAGALETA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB – 7.950.000€ BUILT SIZE 1319m² • PLOT SIZE 5249m² • 6 BEDROOMS • 6 BATHROOMS • SEPARATE STAFF ACCOMODATION Ref: 105203 Contemporary villa set on a very expansive plot in the heart of this stunning mountain backdrop, in this privileged residential area. Crafted to engage with the rolling mountain scenery, this outstanding villa has floor-to-ceiling windows to frame the verdant landscape, bringing light and space to all three floors of the interior which is stunningly furnished throughout, with the furniture included in the price. The lower floor is bathed in natural light and host to a heated swimming pool with gymnasium, sauna, steam room, games room and an amazing home cinema. The exterior areas, which are floodlit at night, have a sprawling lawn and a chill-out ‘snug’ alongside the decking that surrounds the infinity pool, which merges into the beautiful mountain backdrop.

Fine & Country Marbella tel +34 952 76 40 10 email marbella@fineandcountry.com 20

Perfect Homes International Magazine

Marbella

LA ZAGALETA GOLF, BENAHAVÍS – 7.995.000€ BUILT SIZE – 2400m² • PLOT SIZE 7000m² • 6 BEDROOMS • 7 BATHROOMS Ref: 106176 Contemporary newly built streamlined property, with fantastic southerly views to the mountains and the golf course, situated on a very sizeable plot in the mountains of this privileged and exclusive resort. Such is the size of this incredible property and the facilities that it offers that it is more like a resort in itself, having a cinema, gymnasium, sauna, three swimming pools and a Casita with bar. A garage for fifteen cars also ensures plenty of parking for your guests, making this the perfect venue for entertaining. The expansive reception rooms have double height ceilings and large expanses of glass which flood light in and enable optimum enjoyment of the views. Built throughout with high quality fittings, this stunning property must be seen to be appreciated fully.

Fine & Country Marbella tel +34 952 76 40 10 email marbella@fineandcountry.com Perfect Homes International Magazine

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TO FLY. TO SERVE. www.ba.com 22

Perfect Homes International Magazine

IT’S ALL ABOUT

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION I

t’s all about location when it comes to real estate. And the hottest locations on the planet these days are all in the emerging markets, at least as measured by demand and soaring housing prices.

Worldwide, residential real estate sales prices rose by an average of 4.3% in 2012 according to Knight Frank’s Global House Price Index published in March. Kate Everett-Allen, one of the lead researchers on the international real estate report, said that stronger conditions across all other world regions are offset by continuing challenges in the main European markets.

If you are planning to move or looking to invest in property, these are the places to buy. Some of them are actually surprisingly affordable!

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No. 10: Colombia

All of Colombia saw a 8.3% hike in housing prices last year. A 1,100 square foot apartment in Bocagrande in Cartegena will run you around $368,000.

No. 5: Moscow

Moscow’s real estate prices rose 10.2% in 2012. An 1,800 square feet two bedroom penthouse in Moscow can be had for $3.5 million.

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No. 9: India

India’s housing prices rose 8.5% in 2012.

A 3-bedroom 1,440 square foot property in Mumbai’s Adheri East district can be had for around $423,000.

No. 4: Turkey

Home prices in Turkey rose 10.5%. 1,500 square feet of living space will cost you just $183,000.

No. 3: Brazil

Brazilian home values rose by 13.7%, of course, if you want prime Ipanema real estate such as the Rio de Janeiro’s Pão de Açucar (Sugarloaf) it will cost you around $2.2 million.

No. 8: China

Cities like this one, Shanghai, have helped propel China real estate values up by 9.3% on average in 2012. If you want around 1,800 square feet in the upscale Xiantindi district of Shanghai, it will cost you around $1.25 million.

No. 7: Taiwan

Taiwan real estate rose 9.7%. A four bedroom minimansion at 2,600 square feet in the Taiwan countryside can fetch upwards of $17 million.

No. 6: Austria

Austria housing prices rose 10.1%, making it the hottest housing market in Europe as measured by appreciative value. Ski lovers can buy around 1,800 worth of space in the mountains for about $653,000.

No. 2: Dubai

Dubai housing prices rose 19% in 2012, according to Knight Frank. A three bedroom, 1,980 square foot apartment in Princess Towers in Dubai would cost over $843,000.

No. 1: Hong Kong

Judging by rising demand and soaring housing values, Hong Kong is the best location on Earth right now.

Housing prices rose a whopping 23.6% last year. A three bedroom 1,800 square foot house in the Parkview neighbourhood of the city will run you a cool $4.7 million.

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Mixing it up

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Who said that you can’t pair pink with red? or that purple and orange could look so good? Contrasting colour schemes aren’t for the colour-shy, but they sure do make a bold statement!

Purple with a Pop of

Red These red chairs pop with colour against the purple painted walls, velvet covered banquette and purple drapes.

The different tones of purple from deep eggplant to pale lavender used within this room accentuate the areas creating drama and giving this room a decadent old world feeling with a modern twist add silver accessories.

To achieve the look: Capiz shell chandelier – Light in the box www.lightinthebox.com Silver Occasion tables Phillips Furniture Silver Tea Table: $48.00 www.phillipsfurniture.com

Yellow and Black:

Yellow can range from bright to very soft and subtle, and blends nicely with most other colours. It can add a touch of warmth and brightness to a predominately cool-toned room think blues, purples & greens, pairs well with other warm hues orange and red for a fiery appearance, and also works with natural materials like wood and stone. For a high contrast pair yellow with black, and white to achieve a, contemporary, clean edged appeal.

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To achieve the look: Modern black & white pillow €50.95 www.zazzle.com

Cube Coffee table - £472.50 The cube coffee table is a simple and yet effective modern design Design 55 www.design55online.co.uk

Dining table - Price from £1,559.00 Calligaris Action Dining Table Design Icons – www.designicons.co.uk

Linie Design Maltino Grey Rug - $936. - $1,376. www.allmodern.com

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Turquoise & Lemon

A combination of blue and a small amount of yellow, turquoise fits in on the colour scale between green and blue. It radiates the peace, calm and tranquillity of blue and the balance and growth of green with the uplifting energy of yellow. Turquoise is calming yet invigorating, thus ideal for any room in the home.

Paired with lemon or bright yellow it can add a festive and electric vibe to the room.

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To achieve the look: Turquoise Curtains IKEA www.ikea.es

Murano Sky Blue Long Neck Lamp €3’000.00 Swank lighting www.swanklighting.com

Hawkins Cream three seater sofa €750.00 The sprung seat, high armrests and scatter cushions make for a luxuriant sit, while the woven fabric provides a sophisticated finish. www.madestatic.com Handmade Round Ottoman in soft velevet $ 380.00 www.wakeupfrankie.com

Orson graphite grey chaise €550.00 Made for relaxing, it’s deep and inviting with a medium soft seat and supportive back. In soft, high quality fabric with lacquered legs. www.madestatic.com

Sherwood Leather Wing Back Chair $699. www. chesterfieldlounges.com.au

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Mixing it up

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Rustic Chic Accent Chest $479.00 www.colemanfurniture.com IKEA MARIUS Stool € 4.50 www.ikea.es

Alphabet Sofa www.aram.co.uk/ £3,343.90 Around Coffee Table $449.00 www.viesso.com

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MORE THAN A FURNITURE FIRM, A LIFESTYLE

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B

altus is not just the name of a wellestablished and renowned firm of furniture and interior design. It is a Spanish high-end furniture and interior comprehensive business considered an international reference in the luxury sector.

Baltus is synonymous with quality, exclusivity, design, savoir faire and excellent services offering exquisite pieces for interior design.

The Mediterranean style with some oriental influence, clean lines and sophistication define the DNA of Baltus. The design and manufacture made in Spain, the ability to customize any of the pieces and hand craft production make the difference over the competition.

Neutral colors, use of different materials in a single piece and the generous proportions of furniture also profiled by Baltus hallmark.

Javier Muriel is the interior designer and the principal creative pillar of Baltus. With a powerful multidisciplinary design team, led

by Muriel, and an own factory, Baltus combines the best technology and the latest I+D applied to the cabinet with the savoir faire of their skilled artisan.

mi, Atlántico Bank headquarters in Santo Domingo or Baltus House, so far the most ambitious project consisting of the all interior design from the first building in Miami Lifestyle District.

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNIZED FIRM

The showrooms on Europe -Murcia, Marbella and Madrid in Spain, and Antwerp in Belgium- and in all over the world -Miami, Panamá and Santo Domingo- are a must-visit destinations for the design, quality and exclusivity lovers. To view the most exclusive pieces of furnishings visit the Baltus showrooms and meet the highly qualified team to discuss your design needs.

Baltus is a Spanish company but it has an exceptional international recognition. The designs and Baltus’ spaces are recognized and valued internationally. In the last three years the brand has opened large stores in Miami, Panamá, Santo Domingo and Antwerp. Last month, Baltus opened its first two showrooms in Spain, one in Madrid and the other in Marbella. Baltus designs are present in the main decorating boutiques worldwide.

Baltus has a portfolio of clients, individual and companies, which in the last ten years has been internationalized and has grown remarkably in all the five continents. Dominican jungle villas and luxury homes in Miami, penthouses in Africa and second homes on the Spanish coast and Morocco are some of the orders that Baltus made by the last decade.

About some of the prominent and more recognized projects of the brand, it should be pointed out that it has developed numerous commissions from interior design for hotels, businesses and restaurants around the world which are: Mare Nostrum restaurant in Mia 38

Baltus is synymous with quality, exclusivity, design, savoir faire and excellent services offering exquisite pieces for interior design.

Perfect Homes International Magazine

SHOWROOMS

BALTUS MARBELLA Urb. Carolina Park, Edf. Aries Ctra. Nac. 340, km 179 29602 Marbella (Málaga) Tel. 952 824 455 www.baltuscollection.com

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INTERNATIONAL MARBELLA

PROPERTY CONSULTANTS

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www.internationalmarbella.com (34) 95 13 199 14

La Zagaleta Country Club Plot: 4.750 M2

Built: 1.370 M2

An exquisite 5 bedroom villa oozing quality and understated elegance with an abundance of e n t e r ta i n m e n t a r e a s s i t u a t e d i n a n e l e va t e d p o s i t i o n i n t h e e xc l u s i v e F - s e c t o r o f t h e r e s i d e n t i a l e s ta t e o f L a Zagaleta Country Club Price: â‚Ź 6.950.000

INTERNATIONAL MARBELLA

PROPERTY CONSULTANTS

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www.internationalmarbella.com (34) 95 13 199 14

Marbella Hill Club II Plot: 3.800 M2

Built: 880 M2

Situat e d i n a pr i va t e gat e d co m m u ni ty ab ov e t h e go l den m il e t his elegant proper ty boas ts breat htaking sea views and combined with a sumptuous interior, this villa makes a most desirable choice as a permanent residence. (licence granted) Price: â‚Ź 4.995.000

INTERNATIONAL MARBELLA

PROPERTY CONSULTANTS

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www.internationalmarbella.com (34) 95 13 199 14

El MADROÑAL VI Plot: 4.380 M2

Built: 1.066 M2

s t u n n i n g , “ P R O V E N C A L” S T Y L e h o u s e , a j e w e l o f a p ro p e r t y s e t i n b r e a t h ta k i n g n a t u r a l surroundings within a presitigious gated and with e xcep tionally gr acious interior design with exceptional attention to detail Price: € 5.500.000

A n A B S O L U T E LY

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S

tylish corner sofas

The corner sofa style is fast becoming a common feature in most living rooms, both large and small. Its versatility makes it appealing as it comes in a variety of styles and colours with some versions offering some interesting features.

As the name suggests the most outstanding feature of the corner sofa is the fact that it works very well with corners making it is the perfect sofa for a living area which is riddled with unusual corners. It is also ideal for living rooms with limited space as it offers a compact seating solution that can offer numerous seating options.

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▲

This modular Gap Café sofa by Inform Furniture, makes a bold show-stopping statement with cushions covered in a lively mix of contemporary geometrics and alluring florals. Kingfisher blue and indigo add a calming touch while chartreuse tones and splashes of canary yellow bring energy to the scheme.

www.zanotta.it

www.informfurniture.co.uk

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▲

Time to chill – sit back and relax in the comfort of your own home. The Alto Piano is a series of modular living proposals, linear and comfortable, which permits numerous spatial solutions, playing on the interchange between the various upholstered elements and their different depths. The seating frame gives the sofa a suspended appearance thanks to the inward positioning of the feet and the innovative camber of the upholstery, which guarantees exceptional ergonomic comfort.

â–˛

What makes a sofa great is everything that cannot be seen - suspension, composition of the foam and durability of the upholstery. HAY Studio has given all of these components high priority when designing Mags. The high arm rests and deep seat make Mags ideal for relaxation. On one hand a sofa has to be a comfortable place to sit. On the other hand it needs good design, which is dependent on the proportions.

The design philosophy behind the sofa Mags is that a sofa must have a simple design because it is visually dominant. However, simple designs demands perfection in every detail. Because Mags is composed of modular units of different length as well as a corner and chaise lounge module it can be designed to fit any room and need. www.madeindesign.co.uk

â–˛

Malibu is a one of a kind design that transitions from a low profile to a deep high back seat with a simple adjustment of the innovative back cushion. The chunky arm is both bold and inviting. Choose polished chrome or wood block legs in a sofa, loveseat, chair or a nearly unlimited number of sectional configurations. www.americanleather.com

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â–˛ Ultra-thick hide is the signature of a Gamma sofa. The Manhattan sectional sofa by Gamma Arredamenti represents the finest in Italian made seating, with a hardwood frame built to last. Each piece is made by hand and has its own uniqueness. There is really no comparison to the quality, hand, and comfort of Gamma. www.gamma-international.it

A versatile seating system designed by Pierro Lissoni with clean lines and soft, balanced proportions. The new Cassina Miloe sofa is composed of modular padded units that can be arranged into a variety of different combinations and depth sizes. All these components can be employed to create various straight or corner compositions and the depth of seating can also be kept constant or varied. A series of side tables completes the system in dark stained oak, crafted to show the continuous wood grain lines. www.cassina.com

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Interior Design Company with a difference Perfect Homes International Magazine

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design

have set new standards in the interior design market, their concept and approach to interior design is quite unique as they not only create high end contemporary interiors, they also design and manufacture the bespoke furniture that goes into their stunning custom built projects.

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rom bespoke cabinetry to sumptuous contemporary sofas. Unique and original collection of custom made furniture along with a vast selection of the latest trends in contemporary rugs, fabrics, compliments and accessories including personalized made to measure art and sculptures.

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ll our furniture is designed created and manufactured in house to any size, finish or color. Combining modern textures and materials, such as mirror-finish high gloss lacquers, with specially selected natural woods, painted glass and polished steel, achieving luxurious and unique furniture and interior designs.

Showroom Opening hours: 10:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday Poligono La Quinta 4 & 5 Ctra. de Ronda 29670 San Pedro de Alcantara T. +34 952794117 E.Mail : info@udesign.es www.udesign.es 58

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Malaga

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LE A DER SH I P T H ROU G H

CR A F T SM AN SH IP

THIS YEAR STEINWAY & SONS, ONE OF THE MOST RENOWNED AND EXCLUSIVE BRANDS IN THE WORLD, SYNONYMOUS WITH HAND-CRAFTSMANSHIP AND QUALIT Y, CELEBRATES ITS 160th ANNIVERSARY

Billy Joel, Bruce Hornsby played them so did Duke Ellington, Glenn Gould, Cole Porter, Vladimir Horowitz, Harry Connick Jr and Sergei Rachmaninoff. Steinway’s list of steadfast artists, living or departed, is unparalleled, and Steinway pianos are among the highest prized music-making devices in a family of instruments that represents some of the most elaborate and sophisticated acoustic technology ever devised.

Originally founded in New York City on March 5th 1853 by German immigrant Henry Engelhard Steinway, Henry was by a trade a master cabinet maker who built his first piano in the kitchen of his Seesen, Germany home however by the time Henry had established Steinway & Sons, he had built 482 pianos. The first piano produced under the Steinway & Sons brand is number 483 which was sold to a New York family for $500 (this would equate to $12’910 in today’s money).

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Steinway patent grand, a sound almost unthinkable of some three decades previously.

So what drove the Steinways to reach these new dimensions in piano construction?

By the mid-nineteenth century leading composers of the day such as Chopin and Liszt were producing repertory that was taking the limits of piano construction beyond realistic hope. This piano technique demanded greater levels of power and projection, more refined pedal possibilities - a piano that would sound like an orchestra. A review of the day following a concert by Liszt cited, ‘Liszt stands there like a victor on a battlefield, like a hero at a tournament. Daunted pianos lie around him: torn strings wave like flags of truce; frightened instruments flee into distant corners’

Over the next thirty years, Henry and his sons, C. F. Theodore, Charles, Henry Jr., William, and Albert, developed the modern piano. Almost half of the company’s 127 patented inventions were developed during this period. Many of these late nineteenthcentury inventions were based on emerging scientific research, including the acoustical theories of the renowned physicist Hermann von Helmholtz.

Steinway’s revolutionary designs and superior workmanship began receiving national recognition almost immediately.

When the Steinways arrived in America they brought with them a vision to build a piano better and stronger than so far seen or heard. Henry Steinway and his sons William, Henry Jr. and Charles battled hard to become the best known piano maker in America, facing stiff competition at the time from Chickering.

By 1880 the firm was making pianos in both New York and at a newly established plant in Hamburg, Germany, an elegant showroom at 107, 109 and 111 East 14th Street in New York displayed the companies’ range of pianos incorporating all the latest patents. On the second floor an audience of 2,000 could hear the remarkable new sound from the

Today, both Steinway factories employ the innovative designs, attention to detail, and craftsmanship which have established the Steinway piano as the world’s finest. Through its factories in Hamburg and New York, as well as within subsidiaries in Berlin, London, Tokyo, and Shanghai, customers throughout the world can experience a Steinway piano first-hand.

One of the most significant developments for the grand piano was the patented –overstrung scale - and this is what set Steinway on the road to success after success.

Steinway & Sons crafts approximately 2,500 pianos a year worldwide. In an age where many piano manufacturers have outsourced the building of their pianos to areas with cheaper labour, Steinway & Sons continues to handcraft its pianos at its Astoria, New York and Hamburg, Germany factories using many of the same techniques developed by the Steinway family.

Steinway & Sons reveres its own history and the patents and methods that were painstakingly developed over the course of more than a century and a half. The result is, quite simply, the world’s finest piano. Over 1,500 prominent concert artists and ensembles across the world bear the title Steinway

1913 STEINWAY USED AS AN ARTIST’S CANVAS

Artist. No artist or ensemble is a paid endorser of the piano. Each Steinway Artist personally owns a Steinway and has chosen to perform on the Steinway piano professionally.

Steinway remains the choice of 9 out of 10 concert artists, and it is the preferred piano of countless musicians, professional and amateur, throughout the world.

It is amazing to think that after the devastating effects of two world wars and the great depression of 1929 Steinway pianos has managed to survive, but survive it has and today some 585,000 pianos later it still remains the leader in craftsmanship and quality….

To benefit Louisana State University’s School of Music and the arts in education initiatives of the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts (GRFA), Louisiana artist George Rodrigue created a unique, iconic piece of art: The Rodrigue Steinway “Blue Dog Piano.”

The piano, donated by the Hall Piano Company in New Orleans, is slated to be sold to the highest bidder, with half of the proceeds going to the LSU School of Music and the other half to GRFA. Using a 1913 Steinway Model A grand piano as his canvas, Rodrigue donated his talent in creating this piece. It is a genuine Steinway, having been fully restored to Steinway & Sons standards by certified Steinway technicians.

It will be used as a concert and performance piece to generate interest in and funds for the needs of the School of Music.

Imagine the world’s most expensive Piano Have you ever tried to imagine what the world’s most expensive piano might be? Imagine no further.

The most expensive piano in the world belonged to the Beatle’s John Lennon and was auctioned off to British popsinger George Michael in 2000.

When the topic of expensive pianos comes to mind you might think somewhere along the lines of a Bosendorfer, or a Bechstein, or maybe a Steinway & Sons “Alma-Tedema”, with its lavish artwork and hand crafted symmetry. But the Steinway & Sons “Model Z” Piano formerly owned by John Lennon is a fairly ordinary walnut upright piano that still bears a few cigarette burns attributed to the musician.

The piano was originally bought by Lennon in December 1970 and delivered to a studio at his home in Tittenhurst Park in Berkshire, England. He composed and recorded the song “Imagine” on it and was filmed playing the song on it for the first time for his wife, Yoko Ono, and the Plastic Ono band.

Believed to be a piece of British history by many, the most expensive piano in the world sold at auction in the year 2000 for £1.45 million (about US $2.1 million) to George Michael after a “who’s who” bidding war that included several other British celebrities.

Many have mistaken this white Steinway & Son piano to be the John Lennon piano often referred to as the most expensive piano in the world however this grand piano was the piano that John presented to Yoko Ono on her birthday in 1971

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Alexander’s Collection

Fine Furniture

Alexander’s Collection represents exclusively some of the most prestigious and luxurious brands available. Working directly with the manufactures the team at Alexander’s Collections are able to offer a complete bespoke service for from start to finish from design, supply and installation.

Their knowledge of the luxury market enables them to satisfy the most sophisticated needs of even the most demanding and knowledgeable clients… No job is too big or too small for this highly qualified and knowledgeable team.

Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 11:00 - 20:00 Ctra. n-340, Km 176, Edif OASIS Business Center, Local 1.

29600 Marbella (Malaga), España T. +34 952 82 34 40 ac-spain@terra.es www.alexanders-collection.com

Marbella Real Estate

Market Report 2013

by Michel Cruz “In presenting the latest edition of our market report I would like to say that everything is on the mend and Spain’s problems are behind it. Unfortunately this is not so, Spain still has some way to go towards recovery, but in Marbella at least we are now experiencing a significant revival in the vitally important real estate sector.

Tourism has been strong since 2011 and the very top end of the property market shows robustness, but last year we also saw strong growth in the mid to higher segments that has continued to gather pace in 2013. It points to a sustained groundswell of demand amid attractive prices and the enduring appeal of Marbella.

Nationally and internationally there are great challenges and issues yet to be resolved, but the luxury markets of Marbella now seem to be bottoming out as buyers realise that prices are stabilising and could be poised to start the slow upward movement that will herald in the beginning of a new growth phase. May it be gentle, gradual and built on solid foundations�

Pia Arrieta Morales DM Properties www.dmproperties.com Contributors: Diana Morales, Founder, DM Properties Pia Arrieta Morales, Chairman, DM Properties

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Marbella - La Concha View

Infuriating behaviour The infuriating thing about this recession – besides the recession itself, of course – is the fact that its ups and downs have so far charted like the heart rate of a patient with ventricular fibrillation. In other words: erratically.

Just when we thought we were on the early slopes of recovery and the worst was behind us, new uncertainties set in within the euro zone, plunging tentatively recuperating countries back into recession.

What we’re referring to here is essentially the ‘euro crisis’, which caused such uncertainty and anxiety during large parts of 2011 and 2012.

Looking back at our market reports of 2010 and 2011, we believe we were on the whole reasonably sensible with our analyses and forecasts. The famous crystal ball eludes us, as it does everyone, but certainly quality real estate in particular and the luxury market in general, have shown good resilience in recent years.

What we said in our previous market

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reports is still applicable, only more so, namely that while the overall economic and real estate prognosis for Spain points to a recovery that is many years hence, the micro-economy of Marbella is already responding to a gradual reawakening of demand for its intrinsic location and lifestyle – as expressed through tourist visits and property sales. Marbella has a certain competitive advantage, and as a result many property agents have been reporting a slow but gradual recovery with small yet telling year-onyear gains.

The market’s indicators in 2013 This slow rise in property sales in the Marbella area is the most direct indicator of the health of the local real estate sector, but other telltale signs are important too. We thought we had reached the lowest point in 2011, but the intervening euro crisis of that year delayed the first signs of recovery that showed themselves in 2012. The rate of progress has therefore been slow, agonisingly so for some, but steady. Is

this a bad thing? Perhaps not. After all, the slower the growth the more solid are its foundations, so while some may speak of a ‘lost year’ in the process of recovery we can also say that, despite yet another macro-scale financial scare, Marbella continued on a steady course.

Among the most desirable Marbella properties and locations there no longer is a sense of falling values, and while those opportunistic buyers that harboured unrealistic expectations have largely given up their attempts at discount shopping, agents are also reporting a greater willingness among sellers to likewise drop unrealistic aspirations and comply with actual market values. The result is a narrowing gap between prices offered and offers made, and this greater correlation between supply and demand should in itself facilitate transactions and shorten sales cycles. Demand for the mid to high-end real estate represented

by Marbella has therefore reached a point where it begins to stabilise the market and provide the conditions for future growth.

Financial stability So what about the other indicators and related factors? The first thing that strikes you when comparing the beginning of 2013 with that of 2012 is the absence of a sense of foreboding.

The Sword of Damocles that hung above our heads in the form of unsettling uncertainty about the future of the euro had a negative effect on economic growth and investment, thus feeding the already gluttonous beast of recession – but it has lifted. In the second half of last year the ECB quietly regained control of the situation, and now we find ourselves in calmer waters.

The breakthrough may well have come from the greater balance of power exerted within the EU by Francois Hollande and Mario Draghi, who managed to persuade Germany to overcome some of its worst fears about the printing of money and pave the way for greater stability within the euro zone through the increased powers of institutions such as the ECB, the European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism and the impending banking union. A safety net providing loans underwritten by the EU, the EFSM is designed to support not just smaller EU members in financial difficulty but larger ones too.

Using its AAA rating, the EFSM draws on the strength of its healthier members to obtain financing at the kind of manageable interest rates countries such as Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy and Ireland simply couldn’t obtain. A further step has been the announcement that the ECB would buy up ‘unlimited’ quantities of sovereign bonds from its financially beleaguered members, one step short of the quantitative easing (money printing) some experts are predicting in spite of vehement German opposition to the idea. Germany, however, will continue to insist upon the need for economic restructuring and the cutting of public sector deficits, but the above steps have

helped to stabilise the euro to the point where it was recently rising in value relative to other currencies, and it has maintained its position even in the face of the latest crisis in Cyprus, where EU finance ministers chose to take a particularly tough stance.

For British buyers of real estate in Marbella it means a temporarily weak pound against the euro, but sooner or later these things even out and at any rate can be offset against attractive property prices and exchange rates offered by specialist FX companies.

Perhaps more important on a macro-scale is the greater stability within a euro zone that is by no means out of the woods yet, as shown by the Cyprus scare, but now finds itself more strongly underpinned. The banking union, which will place the banks under central ECB control, is the latest in the measures designed to have this effect.

held stock, the country’s financial institutions are also beginning to provide mortgages of up to 85% on specially negotiated developments. The selection process is far more rigorous than before and the terms and conditions may not always be as attractive, but at least the mechanism is beginning to work again – albeit only in areas with proven market appeal. In this self-selecting market Marbella ranks highly since developers, agents and investors can refer to actual and indeed increasing demand and sales when negotiating loan agreements.

Banks, loans, interest rates...

The result is that Spain can borrow at more reasonable interest rates, derives a greater sense of security from the EFSM and that its banks have been strengthened by a process of recapitalisation and the incorporation of weaker banks into the more solid ones.

Though the Spanish banking sector is still fragile, it does count some of the healthiest international banks among its members, notably Banco Santander but also BBVA and Banco Sabadell.

More challenges lie ahead, and interest rates have risen in response to the higher repayment rates of the banks themselves, but fears of financial instability have at least abated, providing the confidence for new investment and money flows.

The question ‘are the banks ready to lend?’ depends mostly on what the loan would be for. It remains very hard to step into a bank and ask for a 70 or 80% mortgage as before, but apart from up to 110% financing on their own bank-

3 bedroom apartment in front line golf complex with

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hour

security.

Price:

795.000€.

Ref: DM3268

The relative stability of the banks has, as expected, resulted not in a sudden flood of bank-repossessed properties but in a steady flow of properties and projects within their portfolio. In this mass segment prices have continued to drop, bringing them ever closer to the point where they will begin to garner serious interest.

Who is buying what - and where Having mentioned that financing is beginning to make a reappearance it is also important to say that, on balance, the market continues to favour those with independent financial means. In essence it is still a buyers’ market, with choice, negotiating power and to a diminishing extent, time still on the side of the homebuyer and/or investor. As

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long as the property and location are attractive and the price is sensible there is certainly demand, this in contrast with the overall picture at the beginning of the recession.

At DM Properties both 2011 and 2012 were surprisingly strong, driven by continued demand for the finer quality properties in the better and most consolidated locations and for those properties perceived as a good opportunity. Although a lot of deals fell through because buyer and seller couldn’t agree on price, there was a feeling that buyers were beginning to realise that the tide may be slowly turning and that if they were really interested in a property, the offer should be sensible enough to open a negotiation with the seller. Just recently we have also begun to see a sense of urgency when people really like a property, and there has even been some competition between prospective buyers for those properties whose quality and location make them hard to substitute. In this regard there is even some shortage of prime real estate in top seaside positions, where properties sold are not easily replaced by new ones coming on to the market.

Luxurious duplex apartment in sought-after front line beach complex within Marbella’s Golden

nese buyers feature prominently in this, but South Americans are also increasingly noticeable, and while the initial focus is on places such as New York, Paris and London, they soon widen their perspectives to include other cities, ski and coastal resort destinations too. Other trends remarked upon are a tendency towards smaller, less showy properties in which quality, security and convenience are priorities.

We have also seen growing interest from some local owners of large villas in the outskirts who want to downsize or move closer to town and services.

They look for apartment complexes or urbanizations that offer security and services on site. Services are certainly improving and staff is well qualified and professional.

Remarkable villa in Guadalmina Baja with attractive style and layout, set in secluded south-facing plot. 916 m2 Built. 2022 m2 Plot

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What can you get for your money in 2013?

Price: 3.900.000€ Ref: DM3221

None of this is bad news for Marbella, and indeed, British buyers have already begun to return, though by no means in the numbers seen during the credit-fuelled boom. The Dutch market has been pretty consistent, while the German market remains surprisingly weak, but over the past two years demand from Belgian and French buyers has risen significantly and is complemented by high-end enquiries from the Middle East. It is, however, the Scandinavian buyers that dominate the mid to high-end of the market, with wealthy Russians continuing their love affair with the upper segments of Marbella’s luxury market.

Mile Price: 3.950.000€. Ref: DM1489-52

This sentiment is also expressed in the latest global market survey of Luxury Portfolio, which reports on signs of strength in many luxury markets around the world. Naturally Russian and Chi-

luxurious penthouses with sea views.

Scandinavians, like many other Northern Europeans, opt for luxury apartments and villas in areas such as Elviria, Nueva Andalucía, La Quinta and along the Ronda Road. Middle Eastern buyers like apartments around Puerto Banus. Classic zones such as the Golden Mile, Sierra Blanca, Los Monteros and Guadalmina, now largely consolidated, continue to appeal in general terms, as luxury buyers come back in and shun the newer, less developed areas for the time being.

The latter prefer La Zagaleta for its space, privacy and security, not to mention its exclusivity and status appeal, but also look for villas in Sierra Blanca area, Nueva Andalucía, Guadalmina and Los Monteros, and

At DM Properties our portfolio starts at around 200,000€. Between 200,000 to 300,000€ will buy you a 2-bedroom apartment in a well located complex in Marbella’s Golden Mile, or something a little bigger just outside this area.

For a 3-bedroom apartment or townhouse you‘ll be starting at around 250,000€ in areas such as Nueva Andalucia, La Quinta, San Pedro/ Guadalmina and into the municipality of Estepona.

Detached villas in the lower to mid end of the market start at around 500,00€ to about 1,2 million, and then you start to hit the upper end of the market. Entry price level for the socalled important properties will vary depending on the area and quality. As a general indication we can say that in the Marbella area 370,000€ for a 2 bedroom penthouse and 1,5 million euros for a villa should buy something very nice to say the least.

These prices are relative to the size of the apartment or villa, and in the case of the latter it depends mainly on the size of the land. We may have a luxury apartment with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, garage, large terraces and top class facilities in one of the new upmarket developments at 700,000 euros or a wellsized contemporary luxury villa in a new golf development for just over 1 million euros.

growing – sector dedicated especially to the sourcing of suitable spots and transformation of the existing properties into modern luxury villas built to the latest standards.

Unique new villa in La Zagaleta Golf & Country

It may be interesting to note that luxury apartments and penthouses in first class developments are by comparison more expensive than some luxury villas. Our company recently sold a penthouse in an upmarket, beachfront development in a prime location for 3,7 million euros which would be comparable to an 800 square meter villa on a 2000 square meter plot in one the most sought-after locations such as Sierra Blanca.

Club, the most exclusive residential estate on the

Price Categories

This has been translated into a new architectural language that delights architects and produces sleek, whitewashed villas full of glass, chrome and squeakily tight interiors, pools and cabana bars. Naturally they offer the latest in ‘must-haves’ such as glass bodegas, minimalist kitchens, gyms, indoor spas and entertainment areas, though the home cinema is making something of a retreat and some of the exterior styling is reminiscent of the avant-garde villas built here in the 1960s. The result is a slow, gradual transformation of Marbella and updating of her housing stock.

• Mass market apartments: € 50.000 - € 200.000 • Medium range apartments and townhouses: € 200.000 - € 400.000 • Luxury apartments and detached villas € 400.000 - € 1.000.000 • High end / Luxury villas € 1.000.000 - € 5.000.000 • Luxury segment from € 5.000.000 Source: DMP

Trends In general terms there are no new insights as regards location, because the age-old preference for top locations remains as strong as ever, be this prime beachfront, frontline golf or further inland commanding spectacular views.

Coast. 950 m2 Built. 4.237 m2 Plot. Price: 7.750.000€. Ref: DM3200-01

If such properties tap into the zeitgeist and are also the result of limited land in the most desirable locations, they are still part of the high-value, low-scale villa construction that has continued more or less uninterrupted since the start of the recession. Larger scale development is dependent on two things: a sufficient swell of demand

A new trend that is highly discernible is the increasing preference for ‘modern’ homes, in the sense of properties featuring modern technology, build quality and amenities, but also modern styling. Compared with the 1990s and much of the 2000s, therefore, the trend is clearly away from contemporary rustic to modern.

A trend that brings all of this together is the growing market for renovated villas, itself the product of the limited land and lack of available plots in the best residential zones and locations. Where older and outdated properties are actually worth the value of the prime land they stand on, it makes good sense to replace the home with something newer, sleeker and highly saleable.

The result has been a thriving – and

Plot in Cascada de Camojan, 14.311 m2 with sea and mountain views, suitable to build individual villas. Ref: DM0336

within the middle segment and the availability of development land at reasonable rates. You might think that savvy, cash-rich investors would be snapping up whole tracts ready for the moment larger-scale demand returns, but on the whole those who hold the land are in no hurry to sell cheap and are, in fact, doing the land banking themselves. Here and there sections have become available, though, and together with much-reduced construction costs are enabling small-scale developers to build modern mediumsized luxury villas and in so doing plug a gaping hole in Marbella’s housing market. They assure us that this is merely an interlude, as once sufficient demand returns for larger development to take place again the laws of bean-countery, if not lowest common denominator marketing, will push the choice of property type straight, back to

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the outer poles of apartment complexes and large villas1.

As if to underline the above, the cranes which for so long stood silent have slowly begun to move again. At least, the first ones are, as Taylor Wimpey and others begin to run out of stock completed before or during the financial crisis. These early signs of a resumption of construction activity, albeit on a smallish scale, are the most sincere and impartial indication of what we have been saying all along – namely that Marbella represents a ‘product’ with intrinsic desirability for which there is resilient demand. This demand has remained more or less constant in the top end of the market and is already beginning to revive further down the price segments, so thanks to greater financial stability and regardless of a contracting Spanish national economy this part of the country looks like it will be among the first to show the green shoots of growth and begin the recognisable upward path to full recovery.

New legislation and proposals The end of 2012 also saw the end of a range of measures designed to stimulate property sales in Spain.

Stimuli such as reduced IVA on properties bought within the designated period certainly didn’t do sales any harm, but it seems they were always supporting elements ranking well behind main considerations such as price, financing and overall financial stability.

While last year’s particular stimulus package is now no longer valid, it has been replaced with new measures designed to have the same effect whilst costing the government less in lost revenue. The granting of residency to non-EU citizens buying properties of €500.000 or over is a clear example

of this, while investors will need to invest €2.000.000 or more and pass medical insurance and criminal record checks. In addition to a huge amount of interest from countries such as Russia and non-EU parts of Eastern Europe, the measure could also make Spain appealing to buyers from China and others looking for a European pied-à-terre.

At first glance the new law requiring older properties to undergo an energy efficiency rating, which has to be recorded as part of the background information when such a property is offered for sale or rent over 4 months, could be seen as costly and contrary to the interests of the real estate sector.

However, more than ever homebuyers are demanding high build standards and energy efficiency, so not only does the new measure bring Spain in line with other European countries, but good ratings can also be used as a selling point that gives individual homes an added edge.

While Spanish tax-related stimuli are, at least for now, a thing of the past, increasing taxes in other countries can also affect the local property market in positive ways. As in the case of France, where Mr. Hollande’s latest tax rises have produced an exodus of money and a concomitant rise in interest in Marbella real estate among French buyers and investors. If other countries feel the need to follow the same route, ours is among the places that will benefit directly from it. On a more local level, the PGOU appears to be operating well and achieving what it was designed to do, namely create a clear and stable blueprint for planning and development in the region. Combined with other local improvements, such as the new airport, which is opening Marbella up to new markets, the tunnel by-pass of San Pedro and a series of new parks over the by-bass, it has had a positive effect that overshadows the uncertainty about

the Qatari-led Al-Thani port in Marbella.

For now at least, much of the impetus has shifted from the eastside of Marbella’s waterfront to Guadalmina, Benahavís, Nueva Alcántara and other surrounding areas of San Pedro, which might just be one of the next growth spots in the region.

Conclusion In an increasingly global luxury real estate market Marbella is increasingly well connected, with the new runway and airport terminal not only serving more visitors and destinations from established sources but also providing new direct links with the likes of Moscow and New York. Pretty soon we’ll be seeing similar route extensions to South America and Asia, an ease of accessibility that will open up new and largely unexplored markets. They will find a beautiful, green, well-facilitated and safe area full of glamour, professional services and international linkages to which high-speed rail links and international college faculties can only add further value.

The international market is more important than ever in the luxury real estate sector. It is an importance that DM Properties has always recognised and therefore maintains an active presence in leading international networks such as Christie’s International Real Estate, European Real Estate Network, Luxury Portfolio and now, by invitation, also Dom3. The latter is a Spanish collective of companies specialising in luxury real estate that acts to promote the efficacy and competitiveness of its members and the sustainability of the sector in general – and as a result contribute to enhance the value of the Marbella’s trademark as a quality destination– for it is only by measuring ourselves against the most efficient, professional and effective in the international market that we can truly succeed.

1. Basically, as soon as new development gathers sufficient momentum to become mainstream again, it is expected that the number crunchers will once again come to dominate the offer of newbuilt real estate and streamline it back down to apartments and large villas – the two property types that offer the greatest returns within the theoretical vacuum of a spreadsheet. This mass converging of supply that focuses on the largest market segment or most profitable product type is known as lowest common denominator marketing and not always successful, because it has a tendency to lead to oversupply.

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Modern living, Sierra Blanca Impressive villa with spacious interiors defined by high quality materials and finishes. The property is designed to embrace open-plan living and maximise daylight, offering stunning sea views from upper floor, bedroom suites in both levels and a pristine manicured garden in a secure and sought-after area.

DM3125. Bedrooms: 4, Bathrooms: 4, Built: 715m2, Plot: 1.501m2, Price: 3.495.000€

Minimalist luxury, Reserva del Alcuzcuz Designed for the ultimate 21st century lifestyle, this first class villa with state-of-the-art specifications and materials is situated in an exclusive secure complex bordering La Zagaleta. Impressive panoramic sea views with comfortable and spacious living areas, including independent guest accomodation.

DM3270. Bedrooms: 8, Bathrooms: 6, Built: 1.427m2, Plot: 3.000m2, Price: 5.850.000€

Av. Cánovas del Castillo Nº 4 (esquina Av. Ricardo Soriano), 1º planta, No. 3, 29601 Marbella, Málaga, Spain.

Tel.: +34 952 76 51 38 I enquiries@dmproperties.com I www.dmproperties.com 7

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Magnificent home, La Zagaleta Harmonious blend of Mediterranean architecture with luxurious finishes, boasting beautiful views of the two golf courses, the Mediterranean sea, Africa, Gibraltar and the mountains that can be enjoyed from every room of the house. Unrivalled position and quality on one of the best plots in La Zagaleta.

DM0880-04. Bedrooms: 8, Bathrooms: 8, Built: 1.034m2, Plot: 4.524m2. Price: 7.900.000€

Perfect views, Los Altos de los Monteros

Exceptional villa with sea views, Sierra Blanca area

New luxury hilltop villa with unbeatable quality and attention to detail offering panoramic views of the Coast within minutes from the beach and Marbella centre.

Convenient location and comfortable lifestyle in this elegant family home for year-round enjoyment set in a prestigious consolidated address.

DMD1234-03. Bedrooms: 5, Bathrooms: 5, Built: 740m2, Plot: 1.734m2.

Price: 3.100.000€

DM1704. Bedrooms: 5, Bathrooms: 4, Built: 719m2, Plot: 900m2.

Price: 2.450.000€

Av. Cánovas del Castillo Nº 4 (esquina Av. Ricardo Soriano), 1º planta, No. 3, 29601 Marbella, Málaga, Spain.

Tel.: +34 952 76 51 38 I enquiries@dmproperties.com I www.dmproperties.com 8

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Mediterranean beauty, Los Monteros Steps from the beach, this exquisite villa boasts spacious interiors that flow around the central courtyard and spectacular lush mature gardens in a most desired address. The master suite dominates the upper level, offering beautiful sea views. Relaxing terraces and pool area ideal for outdoor entertaining.

DM1489-87. Bedrooms: 7, Bathrooms: 7, Built: 1.118m2, Plot: 2.700m2. Price: 7.950.000€

Tranquil family home, Nagüeles

Picturesque estate, El Madroñal

A distinctive, bright and spacious villa in one of the Golden Mile's best areas, ideally located for privacy without seclusion, offering lovely sea views surrounded by greenery.

Traditional design meets elegance in this spectacular property framed by nature in a secure gated complex. Ample living spaces with reception rooms and entertainment areas. Independent guest and staff accomodation.

DM3282-01. Bedrooms: 5, Bathrooms: 4, Built: 357m2, Plot: 1.300m2.

Price: 1.295.000€

DM2873. Bedrooms: 9, Bathrooms: 8, Built: 1.148m2, Plot: 9.920m2.

Price: 3.500.000€

Av. Cánovas del Castillo Nº 4 (esquina Av. Ricardo Soriano), 1º planta, No. 3, 29601 Marbella, Málaga, Spain.

Tel.: +34 952 76 51 38 I enquiries@dmproperties.com I www.dmproperties.com 9

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Inviting haven, Marbella Hill Club

Style and privacy, Marbella Golden Mile

Luxurious apartment in immaculate condition with substantial interior and outdoor living space, offering commanding sea views in secure complex.

Elegant duplex penthouse with open sea views in Imara, for comfortable year-round living within well established and secure environment.

DM3239. Bedrooms: 4, Bathrooms: 3, Interior 179m2, Terraces: 196m2 Price: 980.000€

DM3321. Bedrooms: 3, Bathrooms: 3, Interior: 215m2, Terraces: 139m2.

Price: 1.200.000€

Sumptuous beachfront getaway, Golden Mile

Premier living, Puerto Banus

Spectacular duplex apartment in most sought-after complex with top quality amenities such as 24/7 security, concierge service and gymnasium.

Well appointed apartment set within Playas del Duque, featuring 24h security and expansive gardens with 3 pools and restaurants.

DM1489-52. Bedrooms: 3, Bathrooms: 3, Interior: 339m2, Terraces: 191m2 Price: 3.950.000€

DM3319. Bedrooms: 3, Bathrooms: 3, Interior: 140m2, Terraces: 17m2.

Price: 1.750.000€

Av. Cánovas del Castillo Nº 4 (esquina Av. Ricardo Soriano), 1º planta, No. 3, 29601 Marbella, Málaga, Spain.

Tel.: +34 952 76 51 38 I enquiries@dmproperties.com I www.dmproperties.com 10

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To find out how easy it is to save money, pop in for a chat or call us on + 34 952 587 657 Quoting reference code 10387272 sunsearchmedia@moneycorp.com

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contemporary

Designers Elisée Console Ibride strikes our vivid imagination and propose a console to adopt with lots humor! One tames with big happiness this fun console Elisée in pure breed forms.

This piece of furniture is also domesticated, of course outof-place, but serviable...

Attention, lightly eccentric!

Exists in red and white.

Price:£1,671.00 Designers: Benoît Convers , Rachel Convers Brand: Ibride

Flower Pot Lamp An object can’t become a design icon until it has stood the test of time and appears quite naturally in different settings, also giving it a symbolic aura of its own. FlowerPot is just that. The famous lamp, designed in 1968, was named after the happy days of Flower Power.

Mayor Sofa Sofa The Mayor sofa stands apart MAYOR as always features a unique style that draws as much upon the Danish traditions of fine woods and functional solutions as on the international modernism for which Arne Jacobsen is famous.

Arne Jacobsen designed Søllerød City Hall (built from 1939 to 1942) with his fellow student Flemming Lassen. Just as the city hall itself, the sofa features a tight and very simple design that more than 70 years later still appears modern.

Unlike many modern sofas that are designed for passive lounging, MAYOR encourages attentiveness and conversation and the high back creates a most intimate space in the room, both at home and in larger public spaces. £4,128.00 Designer: Arne Jacobsen Brand: And Tradition

Verner Panton, one of the most remarkable innovative talents of 20th Century design and architecture.

His design was consistently brilliant. Verner Panton was not obstructed by limitations that adults incur throughout life. Instead, he thought and created with imaginary vision of a child, in bold beatiful colors and shapes. Of the lamps Verner Panton designed, FlowerPot and Topan stand out as some of the simplest and most memorable designs. £506.00 Designer: Verner Panton Brand: And Tradition

Stacked Shelf How to be specific and generic altogether? Shelving systems have a tendency to achieve one concern but never both. JDS Architects decided to dimension shelving units based on the generic measurements of things to store and display while allowing for them to be combined according to specific needs and desires. The result can be at times a random stack of boxes or a coordinated grid of efficient storage... or both! ÂŁ89.00 as separates.

Designer: JDS Architects Brands: Muuto

contemporary

Designers Marie-Antoinette Cabinet Inspired by the exquisite French interiors of the 18th century, these tables, cabinets, commodes and chests of drawers. Pieces adorned with elaborate work in marquetry and delicate graceful structure, with a sculptural aesthetic which gave them a sense of status aside from their functional aspect. The collection Marie Antoinette Pop is born, adapted for modern life and the canons of contemporary design, altered and courant shapes but always keeping the same French chic.

Revisiting this magnificent style, revising iconic furniture, function and variable proportions, this collection is a homage to a period rich in style and full of remarkable character. ÂŁ1,725.00 Designer: Sam Baron Brand: Casamania

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24 Karat Blau T Table Lamp German born artist and light objects designer, Ingo Maurer has been the recipient of many design awards, his work has been featured in numerous exhibitions, including the centre Georges Pompidou, the fondation Cartier in paris, the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam and the Museum of Modern Art in new york.

Considered an outsider with rare artistic style, Ingo Maurer adds provocation and fun to the world of design.

Metal, gold leaf sealed in plastic. The four golden shades can be hung in various angles and positions.

Complete with bulb. £581.00 Designer: Axel Schmid Brand: Ingo Maurer

Loop is a Hybrid Chair / Rug This chaise longue, created by young Dutch designer Sophie De Vocht, is born from her interest in technique of « tufting », that is characterized by a high number of tufts of yarn inserted through needles on to a fabric base.

The metal structure that acts as a support and allows the user to relax upon the chaise longue, cradled by its softness and by the contact with the ground where it is placed. All of this in perfect harmony between man and nature.

This chaise lounge is characterized by its careful craftsmanship and ability to evoke various images and objects in the minds of those who see it, allowing their imagination to take flight. £3,554.00 Designer: Sophie De Vacht Brand: Casamania

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contemporary

Designers

FAVN is a Sofa designed by Jaime Hayón for Fritz Hansen. Favn, the Danish translation for embrace, is the result of a creative dialogue between the Spanish designer, Jaime Hayón and Fritz Hansen. £6,534.00 Designer: Jaime Hayón Brand: Favin

contemporary

Designers Diana A CoffeeTable Sidetables made from sheet metal. Powder coated in jet black, oxide red and cream white, this sidetable is available in various different colours. Side table, lectern, notebook stand, reference library, Konstantin Grcic’s new series of sheet metal tables is open to a wide range of interpretations and uses and, most importantly, to the imagination. Just as words are built from letters, the ‘Diana’ tables can be combined with other furniture and objects in ever-varying visual contexts. With the ‘Diana’ alphabet from A to F, a living room can be transformed to a CAFE or to a word from an entirely new, entirely personal language. £362.00 Desiger: Konstantin Grcic Brand: ClassiCon

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MARBLE FLOORS WINDOWS GARDENING

PROFESSIONAL

ELITE CLEANING SERVICES CALL NOW FOR A FREE QUOTE +34 951 136 751 EXPERTS IN HOME CARE FROM A TO Z - JUST ASK US! 88

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t. +34 635 963 118

email info@iddomus.com

www.iddomus.com

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The most appropriate way to carry out a well-made project is by relying on the best professionals, those ones with experience, creativity, good communication and who keep your personal ideas and wishes in mind, in other words, a company that is mainly focused on design and innovation.

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Building a house in Spain doesn’t necessarily have to be an adventure

B

uilding a house in Spain can be a pleasant experience as long as you are guided by professionals with knowledge who can help you out when it comes regulation and legislation that must be applied in the Spanish building sector.

Just like in many other countries, it is possible to make your dream come true in Marbella with a fixed estimate and within the specified time period.

If you want to invest with maximum guarantee, security and reliability, you are in good hands.

An independent high quality company (Bureau Veritas or SGS) will control the whole project.

Even before starting the project itself, it will be examined and analysed first in order to proceed with the same control during the whole building process. The stability (Inherent Defects Insurance), the technical installations and the waterproofing will be strictly controlled.

But we offer more. Would you also like to be sure that it is a safe investment? We foresaw this question already. You will only pay after our company has ensured that all the works have been done according to the preestablished conditions. In this way your investment will be 100% safe.

On your plot or on ours?

If you already own a plot, we will adjust our designs to it. If you don’t have your own plot yet, IDDOMUS will offer you a portfolio with plots at the best price and in the best locations or where we already done a detailed project.

IDDOMUS takes care of the smallest details.

Once you have chosen your favorite plot, IDDOMUS will prepare a detailed designed project according to high quality standards.

We believe in good communication to make sure that the client will be completly satisfied.

That’s why our clients are our best publicity!

t. +34 635 963 118

email info@iddomus.com

www.iddomus.com

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A turnkey villa?

Absolutely possible!

W

e start making a pre-project based on the client’s ideas and wishes. We prepare the distribution/facade plan and a 3D perspective in order to obtain a realistic view of the villa’s future aspect. This will be our starting point.

Then, we will continue working on the project as long as the client is satisfied with the proposed plan.

The next step is to work on the basic project and to carry it out, accompanied by a report in which we mention all the materials that will be used, so that the client has a detailed description of the project.

Once the project is finished, the construction contract, which comes in Spanish and in the client’s mother tongue, has to be signed.

After signing the construction contract, we must arrange the documentation to obtain the building permit. At all times, the client will be informed about this procedure. Once we have the building permit, we can start building the house.

Minimum once a week, the client will obtain Information about the building progress. We will upload pictures on Google so that the client can closely follow, the complete building stage.

Once the villa is completely built, we help the client to obtain the First Occupancy Licence, to register the property at the town hall, and to obtain permanent water and electricity supply. We will also give a complete file to the client, in which all details can be found about how the villa has been built.

And what about the guarantees?

C

onsidering the fact that we want to offer complete security and confidence, we prepared different guarantees. Regarding the financial security, the client will NEVER pay nor will we require the client to pay without any justification.

So the payments for the preparation of the pre-project and, later on, for the basic project and its execution will be credited at the time of delivery. During the building stage, several measurements and verifications will be done and submitted to an independent company (Bureau Veritas or SGS). As soon as the work is properly done, verified and Certified, an invoice will be given to the client.

In this way, the client is 100% sure that his/her investment will be used correctly.

Bureau Veritas or SGS will manage the technical part of the work. As you can see, we go further than what would be legally necessary: the control over the villa’s stability. We also guarantee total waterproofing of the villa, in the basement, windows, doors and roofs.

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How to recognise our villas?

I

t is normal that you cannot appreciate many of the technical qualities with the naked eye, because they are hidden beneath the mortar, in the wall insulation or in the foundations.

But sooner or later those defects come to light.

That-s why a forward/looking company like IDDOMUS takes very seriously the quality of the construction works.

The execution of the construction works is as important as the choice of high quality materials and innovative systems right from the start.

It is known that quality and professionalism from the Northern Europe is much more appreciated than in Sothern Europe.

This is the reason why we build in accordance with Northern European standards. We buy our materials from Belgian or German manufacturers and we bring them over to Spain. For example, our concrete structures are manufactured by prefaco or Kerkstoelo.

We check the stability of the villa through a Belgian engineering company with extensive experience in this type of construction work, giving us the opportunity to offer progressive and daring constructions that perfectly fits with a modern or designed villa.

But does this mean that building with IDDOMUS wold be more expensive?

By using materials such as prefabricated concrete panels, the construction works will be done much faster, and transport costs will be compensated by a decrease in labour costs.

We believe that it is more interesting to invest in materials than in labour expenses.

Our partners in building sector: In principle, most of the construction works are done by our own workers, but we also have to delegate certain works to third parties.

We are referring to electricity, plumbing, air conditioning and home automation systems.

It is essential to work with the best professionals in each specialty and with the best qualities and materials.

With dozens of years of experience in the building sector, of course, we work with the best professionals and who also have the same philosophy as have. Obviously, we work work with the best brands that have demonstrated the quality and service over the last few years.

GERT CLEYMANS

FILIP VAN ESSCHE

MATIAS VERGARA BUNET

Civil and Industrial Electromechanical Engineer, MBA obtained in Seville

Marketed and sold large housing developments such as:

As a professional artist, he has developed a career linked to design and architecture.

Laguna de Banús, Oasis de Banús He has worked on engineering projects in Ghent (Belgium).

Puerto Marina in Benalmádena

Director at B+ Villas in Mijas-Costa

Fuerteventura Golf Resort

The main characteristic of his work is the adaptation to the client’s character, maintaining fidelity and accuracy in each project

Partner in Four Oaks Spain.

Currently working as as advisor in several projects in Marbella amd surroundings.

Communications Director of the 25 Meliá hotels in Cuba and Teacher at the Marbella University

That’s the reason why versatility is a constant and permanent motivation.

t. +34 635 963 118

email info@iddomus.com

www.iddomus.com

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Marriott Vacation Club Holiday Package from only €299 per couple!

Luxurious apartments in a stunning seafront resort, with access to all amenities Offer includes: • 4 days / 3 nights in a well-appointed two-bedroom apartment • Car hire for up to 4 days The use of all resort facilities, including restaurant and bar, beauty & fitness centre, indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpools, sauna, kids club, barbecue area, mini golf, paddle tennis court and more is included in the package.

You will also receive a 90 minute presentation and personal tour of the resort.

You will also receive a 90 minute presentation and personal tour of the resort.

This offer is valid for bookings made before September12th of 2013 th

This offer is valid for bookings made before July 16 2012.

Reserve your place today: Call: +34 951 082 370 Email: cds.preview@vacationclub.com Reference: UP06Sunsearch There is limited availability, so book now to avoid disappointment. Additional nights may also be available on request at an additional cost and subject to availability. This invitation is not available to residents of Andalusia; please contact us for local resident offers. The offer is for couples aged between 30 and 70 with a joint annual income in excess of €65,000 Full terms & conditions apply. Contact us for details. © Copyright 2012, Marriott Vacation Club International. All rights reserved.

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IPY-12-005

M

irror mirror

on the wall, make my home the fairest of them all?

Mirrors have a variety of uses in the home, such as reflecting light, opening up space and generally enhancing the decor. However, there are a few guidelines that you should follow when hanging mirrors around your house.

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do

use large mirrors in tiny rooms to double your space A large mirror in a small room creates the illusion of depth, luminosity and scope so don’t be scared to go BIG, place a large mirror on the wall above a dining room table to reflect the chandelier, candles or hang opposite a piece of artwork to add a new dimension to your room.

, dontt don

place mirrors willy-nilly around your home It might be tempting to hang up a mirror to cover empty wall space, but make sure it’s reflecting something that’s worth looking at. The worst thing a decorator can do is hang mirrors so they’re reflecting random things in your home. For example, you’d never want to place a mirror in a spot where it could reflect a pile of clutter, or even an unattractive piece of furniture.

You want a mirror to reflect a nice view or to bounce light.

do

make mirrors a focal point An oversized freestanding bold mirror leaned up against the wall is ideal for a dressing room or corner, as an added bonus you can place a spotlight or freestanding light behind it to create corner glows that will reflect and bounce of the mirror creating a subtle glow – This look will change the tone of the room completely

, dontt don

go overboard with mirrors in the bedroom If a mirror is in the bedroom it should not reflect the bed. When a bed is dressed it looks beautiful however first thing in the morning when the bed looks unkempt and you are dishevelled this is not the first thing you want to see – The best place to place a mirror in the bedroom is behind you above the headboard.

There is aanother reason why you shouldn’t use mirrors in the bedroom, and it’s an ancient one: According to feng shui, it’s not good to have mirrors in the bedroom at all. Any mirror facing the bed interferes with your personal energy; it is said that it ‘invites a third party into your intimate relationship.

do

use mirrors in narrow hallways and staircases A smaller, horizontal mirror works in a narrow hallway or staircase. This will act to widen the space, which creates a better flow from room to room.

don,t dont

use mirrors on ceilings This might seem obvious, but it needs to be said. “A mirror on a ceiling is very tacky,” states the expert. This is something you’d see in a cheap motel, or in some retro movie from the 1970s.

do

use mirrored furniture to your advantage There are several innovative ways to use mirrored furniture (such as a mirrored chest of drawers or mirrored coffee table) to enhance your home. Mirrors trick the eye into thinking the mirror doesn’t exist. If you have a big piece of furniture in the middle of the room, you can make it appear as if it’s disappearing by installing a mirror on it. But, be warned you should be wary of using mirrored furniture in a busy room. If there’s a lot going on within the room and it already has a lot of accents, mirrored furniture is not necessary.

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do

experiment Use mirror to create a statement wall or collective piece of art by hanging multiple mirrors on the same wall. The scale of the mirrors should be proportional to each other and to the wall space — avoid using small mirrors on a large wall and visa-versa.

FIERCELY BLAZING, STEADY AND YET QUITE FREE Fire in the role of its life: fiercely blazing, steady and yet quite free. ROLL FIRE provides warmth wherever it is installed. Anyone who values variety and is looking for all-over warmth will simple love the independent heat it radiates. As it rolls, ROLL FIRE easily balances its stainless steel tank, mounted on its roller bearings. The two glass panes fitted at the sides render it completely transparent. As it is held in place by magnets, when the tank is being filled with bioethanol the glass is lifted off in no time at all. The corpus of the fireplace is covered securely with black felt while rolling on the floor. The glass on the back has a round hole in the pane which helps to lift off the glass and also cares of a perfect dioxygen supply for the fire.

conmoto www.conmoto.com

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Dairin DECOR - Interior Design, is an interior design company where its main goal is dedicated to conducting comprehensive decorating projects, turnkey design, interior design, renovations and the execution of works.

With 39 years of experience, Dairin DECORATION interior store, has fabrics, indoor furniture, garden furniture, mattresses, beds and their own factory making curtains and upholstery, we also have a comprehensive interior design studio which handles projects and reforms.

At Dairin DECORATION our goal is to create, design environments integrated with the study of space, as we at Darin DECORATION believe that this is essential when analysing a project.

Factors such as the distribution, location, functionality and the lighting are key elements that help to focus on style in one way or another without disregarding the practical sense and providing a custom design for the client.

With our qualified and personalized monitoring of the execution of a project we implement all aspects of what is needed for a project; furniture, paint, materials and lighting as well as curtains and upholstery. All the details for your home or business.

Customer care, in our business is essential, that is why we have professionals working in-house and in the field.

Masonry, facilities (plumbing, electrical, voice and data, air conditioning), wood and metal joinery, carpentry, painting, plumbing, lighting, laminate flooring, parquet, tiles, tiling and flooring, plasterboard, aluminium, furniture ....

SERVICES: Comprehensive reforms with budgets and deadlines with close supervision by a qualified professional for the proper execution of the work agreed.

We define everything before starting the execution of a project presenting detailed budgets with price and time commitment.

Ctra. de Ronda Polígono La Quinta, Nº 11A T. +34 952 79 98 32 F. +34 952 79 98 04 Taller Tapicerías Guerrero T- +34 952 78 18 27 F. +34 952 78 05 18 fernando@dairindecoracion.com

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Dairin Decoraci贸n

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At Dair铆n Decoraci贸n we have an endless selection of all kinds of accessories, which will give your home that personal touch.

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A

T: +34 693 751 858 | E: info@investorspain.com

t Investor Spain we realise that finding the right business, home, or investment property can take time. With so many properties and opportunities now advertised for sale, searching for your ideal scenario can be an overwhelming and time consuming task.

We want you to benefit directly from our many years of experience in all sectors of the market here in southern Spain, and are happy to use our exclusive network to assist in your acquisition of the perfect property or business for your situation.

Whether you seek a new home at an advantageous price, a commercial property or business, or even access to an exclusive

range of luxury goods, please contact us immediately for personal, one-to-one service.

Our years of proven and solid experience in the Marbella real estate market, from commercial to residential, guarantees you the best investments, large or small. We have access to a wide selection of investment scenarios thanks to our strong network with local developers, business owners and property owners.

Contact us today for further information and see a preview of some of the opportunities we currently have available on our website.

www.investorspain.com Villa Los Flamingos

A beautifully designed 5 bedroomed villa in a combined contemporary Andalusian and Moroccan style situated within a 24 hour guarded urbanisation. This unique villa enjoys large marble terraces and patios with fountains, water ways and offers uninterrupted views over the large swimming pool. The villa enjoys an entrance with fountain, elegant hall with guest cloakroom, spacious living room with double ceiling height and fireplace. Further the property enjoys 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, indoor swimming pool with Turkish bath, power shower and steam room, the master bedroom on the 1st floor is en suite with dressing area, seating area, private terrace and complete marble bathroom with Jacuzzi bath and separate shower.

Needs moderate spend to finish. Built 750m2 on a 1580m2 plot. Offers circa e1,700,000

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El Paraiso, Benahavis This bright, spacious and modern villa is set on an elevated plot in a tranquil area.

Each aspect offers views to golf, the Mediterranean or mountains. With its five spacious bedrooms, large lounge dining room, separate TV lounge and large fully fitted kitchen, all appointed immaculately and finished to the highest standard, this villa offers good value. There is a gated driveway offering good security that lead’s up through mature well-kept gardens to the entrance. Lower floor area offers potential for even further expansion. e1,500,000

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Four Seasons We have a selection of properties in Los Flamingos that offer a good long term investment opportunity. The whole valley is developed under a master plan which ensures

consistent

standards,

high

panoramic

views and plenty of open space for all the Flamingos developments.

We have several properties available direct from the original bank and these are offered at reductions of up to 45% off the developer price. Several have already been sold so act quickly to secure what some would consider some of the best investment properties on the coast. Fromâ‚Źe200,000

This unique and exceptional property has come to market exclusively

through

Investor

Spain. Comprising of several buildings this property needs just moderate finishing touches to become a truly unique home

Finca Tarifa

and would also convert easily to a small 9 or 10 bedroom boutique hotel. Properties in this area rarely come to market and this property holds a stunning and unique location overlooking the strait of Gibraltar. Clear uninterrupted panoramic views ranging from Gibraltar itself, Ceuta, Tangier and Tarifa port itself. Although set on its own 10,000 M2 plot, it is easily accessible by foot or car to the town. With nine bedrooms, eleven bathrooms with a built area of 1,100m2 and a further 300m2 of terraces

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La Heredia This rustic west facing, well-maintained 4 bedroom 220m2 family home is built on 3 levels. Entrance leads to lounge/dining room and onto delightful terrace with panoramic views over the village, golf and onto the sea and Africa. 2 bedrooms are downstairs and with a further 2 on the top floor, plus balconies.

A quiet gated community with 24 hour security, this unique “pueblo” is on the Ronda Road, just above the charming coastal town of San Pedro de Alcantara, and a short distance from the motorway – Malaga airport being a 35 minute drive away. €e699,000

Commercial opportunities The strip of southern Spanish coast around the area of Marbella to Sotogrande is like no other place in Europe. Many Professional Investors and Small Business Operators alike have benefited from commercial acquisitions in this area. Whatever type of business or commercial property you are considering acquiring, please use us your first point of contact. With our local knowledge and unique insight of the current market, as well as the personal experience gained by over 25 years of trading here we will assist you is making the right decision. .....................................................................................

Here are a few examples of our unique and often exclusive offerings in the area n Trading Freehold Portside Bar, Estepona, Including seven year trading business - e330,000 n Large restaurant with very high quality long term tenant, substantial mortgage available. Showing 7% yield e515,000 n Office building Marbella area, 2400m2 substantial mortgage available - e1,500,000 n Fully licensed residential building plot 1,600m2 for quick sale just - e178,000

This is just a small example of the properties we have available - please contact us for further details T: +34 693 751 858 | E: info@investorspain.com Perfect Homes International Magazine

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Alicante Almería Córdoba Granada Madrid Málaga Marbella Fuengirola Benalmádena

Why do you need a solicitor?

• • • • • • • •

Property buying and selling Neighbourhood conflicts Advice on Planning Legislation Protection of your interest before government agencies, Inland Revenue, City Council.

Civil Law Commercial Law Labour Law Litigation

Zaragoza Belgrado

Reasons to choose Martínez-Echevarría

Bucarest

• We are the largest law firm in Andalucia and one of the most important in Spain • Large network of international offices • Over 100 professionals • We cover all areas of law • Specialised: each case is treated by a top specialist • Fast and efficient • Success orientated: high ratio of judicial success • Tailored to your needs

Istanbul Bodrum Lisboa London Moscow Natal Sofia Tanger

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Whatever your legal problem, seek advice with Andalucia’s best solicitor office, free and with no obligation.

Our team of lawyers will provide you with legal advice of the highest standards.

Call free:

900 100 039 ·

International:

(+34) 952 765 000

CODE:Media SM106 Group, SL Please quote SM106 Working in association withCLIENT Sunsearch

main office Centro de Negocios Puerta de Banús. Edificio D, 1ª planta - 29660 Nueva Andalucía, Marbella www.martinezechevarria.com · info@martinezechevarria.com We can assist you in English, German, Russian, French, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian and Finnish.

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Enhance your hallway with high style H

allways are great places to integrate style into your home, but most people only think about wall colour and art when considering how to decorate them. Instead of going for the standard gallery wall, try something different. Add interest through pattern and texture to draw you and your guests through the space in a wonderful way.

Your Hallway should be a reflection of your personality so don’t overlook them, they deserve stylish decorating ideas as much as any other room in the house. So get inspired by our hallway pictures, brimming with hallway design ideas, so whether it’s the first room you hit when you walk through the door, a hidden nook or a staircase landing, it’s important not to waste the space, so practical storage solutions and streamlined hallway furniture are key; our hallway pictures will show you how to do this in the best possible way.

It’s a chance to really show off the personality of your home, so start getting inspired by our fabulous hallway design ideas.

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Don’t be afraid to experiment with

colour

A hallway is the first impression any visitors will get of your home so you need to make it a clutter-free, inviting and bright space, particularly if it is small in size. With the right hallway furniture, you can create a well-organised space for finding exactly what you need. Let’s face it, smoother entries and departures in the home mean you can focus your energies elsewhere.

Storage solutions

Tidy, well utilised hallways with coat stands, umbrella baskets, shoe racks, side units and under stairs cupboards will not only impress any visitor but will also promote a feeling of order within the home A good rule of thumb is only store the absolute essentials in your hallway.

Anything other than the bare minimum will get in the way of the morning scramble for bags, shoes and coats. A narrow console table is a good choice (one with a curved front edge will avoid those bruised hips!) but it can easily become a depository for drinks, newspapers and the morning’s post, so beware of clutter!

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While it’s often said that small spaces shouldn’t have bright colours or prints, hallways are the exception to the rule. Breathe new life into your home from the moment you walk through the door.

A dark hallway says all the wrong things about your home. Use colour to make the entrance as light and appealing as possible. If your hallway is narrow or small, neutrals invariably work best. Don’t be tempted to use a dark colour beneath a dado rail as it will make the walls look shorter and the space feel claustrophobic.

The general advice is to steer clear of dark and bold colours however, as with all the best rules, there are exceptions. If your house is a large listed building or a grand period home, a deep traditional red or green will enhance the pedigree of the building and add enormous impact. ● Yellow creates an instant welcome, added to a hallway it will really enhance and uplift your space with great warmth. ● Dazzling white walls in the hallway will make every room that feeds off it feel brighter and more spacious, and demonstrate why less is most definitely more ● Green draws in our natural surroundings and evokes feelings of pure serenity. ● Brilliantly flexible, blue can be classic or contemporary from deep midnight shades to airy sky tones. ● Playful pinks can be a unique alternative to statement reds. Whether strikingly bold, sugary sweet or dusky and subtle, pink will always put a smile on your face.

Natural inspiration

Why limit yourself - indulge in what nature provided and bring the outside inside. Digitally printed scenes are a modern alternative to wallpaper and woodland themed mural provide a pretty country look to the hallway.

For a contemporary feeling use natural material such as driftwood, shell or bark to create stunning visual focal points.

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The

beautiful Showroom on the Golden Mile directly opposite the Marbella Club Hotel is easily accessed with reserved free parking right outside THE BEST SOFA COMPANY !

This month we feature a mouth-watering selection of decorating accessories. Starting at the entrance where a breathtakingly beautiful golden-leaf chandelier is hanging, charming antique french shuttered windows, antique copper, delightful hippo’s and many more discoveries await as one wanders through 700 sq.m of decoration.

Without doubt this is also the most luxurious and unique collection of handmade Sofa’s on the Coast. Cosy sofas for small spaces, ranging up to grand sofas where space is no object. All are designed especially for people who need comfort but understand quality. We bring 35 years of manufacturing experience to bear ensuring that our sofas really are the best !

As the premier manufacturers of tailored, loose cover sofa’s and chairs, we invite all visitor’s to our showroom to experience the sensation of sitting on a Cloud ! Fabrics are treated with Teflon which also makes daily care so much more simple and practical too.

For the casual elegance of the Mediterranean, we offer a range of Dining and coffee tables crafted from ancient woods, romantically reclaimed from the Cecil John Rhodes dream to run a railway from the Cape to Cairo !

Constantly changing collections in our showroom offer a unique approach to decorating to your particular requirements.

Our showroom is a pleasure to revisit time and again - We extend you a warm invitation to come and view our eclectic collections of decorating accessories, objects and spectacular Fine Art ! If your home is elsewhere, we are experienced Exporters and deliver World-wide.

www.thebestsofacompany.com

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Showroom Hours: Monday to Friday 11:00 to 20:00 Saturday 11:00 to 14:00 Contact us on: FACEBOOK : MAISON AFRIQUE DU SUD Tel : +34 951 27 94 07 Edificio Centro Expo, Bulevar Principe Alfonso Hohenlohe, Km 179, N340 Opposite The Marbella Club Hotel Golden Mile, Marbella

www.thebestsofacompany.com

WHERE TO LAY YOUR HAT?

With its natural beauty, bustling cities and fantastic beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coast, Panama has been one of the sensations of the US property investment market in recent years.

Given its somewhat tumultuous history the country is now home to one of the world’s most significant waterways - the Panama Canal - as well as a rather solid service-based economy. As a result, the country has been a pillar of economic success in the region.

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ith the fastest growing, most stable economy in Latin America, Panama is fast becoming one of the World’s top ranked real estate investment destinations, due to its low cost of living, superb climate and incredible tax incentives. It is politically and economically stable and the famous canal is being extended which alone will bring an additional 40,000 jobs to Panama City and generate massive revenue for the country.

The rise in Panama’s sudden popularity has earned the country the nickname “little Dubai” with real estate developments mirroring that of the wealthy Gulf city’s skyscrapers and monumental buildings like Trump Ocean Club a sail-shaped 70 storey luxury hotel.

The benefit to investors is Panama’s climate, which is tropical with very little seasonal variation in temperatures. This stable climate means there is a lengthy rental season offering a rental income with the main period being between the dry seasons of November - April. Rental incomes although not overly high can achieve: a two bedroom villa in Boquete should achieve around $550 per week,

a luxury villa in Bocas del Toro around $630.00 per week and a good quality two-bedroom apartment in Panama City between $350.00 - $450.00 per week As for the buying process, there are several procedures the only restriction on foreign ownership is that foreigners cannot buy islands or property within ten kilometres of the frontier.

Panama encourages long-term foreign investment and offers a retiree incentive program, the Pensionado program, which is not necessarily age-related and whose benefits are considerable such as tax exemptions and offers big discounts on utilities and basic services. As for pitfalls it is advisable to buy titled properties instead of properties with possession rights (derecho

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possessorio) which are properties mainly beach front properties owned and managed by the national or local municipal governments.

The most significant new resort taking shape is the Sarani Resort Set in around 75 acres of beautiful secluded island property and surrounded by the warm and crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, Sarani Resort is a uniquely positioned rainforest paradise. The resort can only be reached by a short boat ride from Isla Col贸n, named after Christopher Columbus who discovered the Bocas del Toro Archipelago on his final voyage to the Americas.

This development offers a limited number of investors to benefit from significant (16% annualised) returns from a simple, low risk investment initially within the boutique hotel bungalows portion of the resort. The investment requires only a deposit equal to 25% of the unit value without any requirement to complete on the purchase meaning the deposit represents the total investment required.

The developer will contractually undertake to repurchase the units at a premium within a maximum 3 year period. The 25% deposit value is protected in its entirety by a Property Deposit Bond issued by a 3rd party insurer and ensures that the deposit will be returned to the investor in the event the developer fails to execute the repurchase before the end of the 3 year term

www.saraniresort.com

There are three property types available: The Butterfly Hotel Bungalow Sale Price $150,00 / Investment: $37,500 One structure comprising 2 separate bungalow units. Each unit consists of 570 sq. feet of living and bedroom space. All Butterfly units enjoy a private lush manicured aromatic garden space of an additional 342 sq.ft. set within bamboo walls.

Firefly Hotel Bungalow Sale Price $ 200,00 / Investment: $50,000 Separate units arranged over 2 perfectly hand crafted stories, each featuring 550 sq. feet of indoor and covered outdoor living spaces. The lower floor offers a private plunge pool and bathing deck whilst the upper floor boasts 200 sq. feet of covered terraces set comfortably in the canopy of trees with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. Aqua FireFly Sale Price $240,000 / Investment: $60,000 Secluded and comfortable individual properties consisting of 565 sq. feet of living and bedroom space arranged over one level. These units are constructed over the water each with their own private staircase allowing direct access to the sea and adjacent coral ridge directly in front of each of unit.

Another property investment to watch is Latin America’s landmark property – Trump Ocean Club International Hotel & Tower Panama.

The 72-storey building with the sail silhouette overlooks the Panama Bay. It gives the city already known as “little Dubai” an even more “Dubai-esque” feel, inevitably calling to mind the world-famous Burj Al Arab.

Featuring some 1,000 units between residences, bay lofts and hotel guestrooms, the hotel boasts an array of amenities, including two floors of boutiques and shops, multiple restaurants, a pool deck and spa, 16,000 square feet of meeting space and a private beach club on nearby Viveros Island. Condos in the project are in the $400,000 and up range. www.trumpoceanclub.com

If you require a touch of exclusivity Amador is one of the most beautiful and well developed areas in Panama City, due to its privileged geographic position at the Panama Canal entrance. Amador Heights is a small private neighbourhood with less than 20 lots which belongs to Amador, one of the Panama Canal Company early housing constructions, at the Canal shore.

In the Amador Heights neighbourhood, our beautiful building rises with only 8 stories, for only 48 apartments (6 units per floor); All units have a 3.00 mts (10 ft. aprox). floor-roof height; finesse hardware; the bathrooms have imported and luxurious faucets and accessories; the whole floor of the apartment, the bathrooms & kitchen walls have a finesse imported tiles finishing. www.amadorheights.com

YOUR WINNING HAND

In your dreams, the perfect combination: the refinement of the Diamond, the elegance of the Spade, the passion of the Heart and the fortune of the Club. Find your winning hand at Casino Marbella.

RESTAURANT | SLOT MACHINES | POKER ROOM 020710 CASINO BARCO PRENSA A4 INGLES.indd 1

So, what do you dream of?

2/7/10 15:09:45

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CARLOS LAMAS, Architect Highly-respected Argentinean architect in Marbella.

His architecture workshop has been established on the Costa del Sol for more than 20 years, where he combines architecture and interior design in a global design concept.

Locally and International known, with an impressive portfolio of contemporary houses, urbanizations, and icon buildings.

You can find his distinctively design villas in residential areas of Marbella such as Sierra Blanca, Cascada de Camojรกn, Nagueles, Puente Romano, Elviria, Hacienda Las Chapas, Marbesa, Los Flamingos, Sotogrande, La Zagaleta, and overseas.

+34 609 572 275 BOULEVARD ALFONSO DE HOHENLOHE - URB. MARBELLA REAL, LOCAL 25 - MARBELLA

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BOULEVARD ALFONSO DE HOHENLOHE - URB. MARBELLA REAL, LOCAL 25 - MARBELLA

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Rental Relief‌ On the 6 June 2013, th

A

new law was passed through the Spanish Senate in an aim to stimulate and boost the long-term rental market, in Spain.

The Spanish Law 4/2013 de medidas de flexibilizacion y foment del Mercado del alquiler de viviendas modifies the rental legislation and now enables landlords to initiate eviction proceedings against nonpaying tenants after only one month of rental arrears and once the official judicial notification has been issued the tenant will have just ten days in which to pay the outstanding amount or present an appeal.

If a valid argument is not provided and payment is still not made within the 10 day period the court will rule an immediate eviction of the non-paying tenant.

Other changes have also been made with regards to the duration of long-term rental agreements, before a standard rental agreement was required, offering a 12 month long term tenancy that could be forcefully renewed by a tenant for the maximum period of 5 years.

The new law now states that the maximum renewal period is for as much as 3 years and in the event that it is absolutely necessary, a landlord can express his/her will to rescind their agreement by simply offering 60 days’ notice.

This can only happen however, when it is for personal or direct family reasons and means that as a result the property that is being rented is needed to provide a home for those family members.

The aim of this new law is to tip the balance of power in favour of landlords so that long-term renters from hell can now be removed more swiftly and efficiently hopefully making then a thing of the past.

For tenants who do not pay, a new

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central register has been created which will register and store the names of bad paying tenants that have been evicted or reported by landlords in the past making it easier for estate agencies and property owners to check the track record of all potential long-term rental candidates.

Although these changes are a step in the right direction the new restrictions to the law have not been welcomed by everyone especially those within the tourist sector.

From now on owners are required to have a license which has been approved by the regional tourist government plus they must also have insurance.

Those who rent without these in place will be effectively be breaking the law, another significant modifications is the mandatory registration of the rental contracts at the Land Registry, if the property has not been registered at the Land Registry bringing about legal proceedings could be delayed.

The most important The most important aspect aspect of this new of this new law is that it has law is that it has now now sped up the timeframe sped up the timeframe taken to implement the taken to implement the proceedings by: proceedings by: Reducing the time frame for filing out an eviction applications from two months to one month.

This new legislation has been passed in the hope that it will boost the long term rental market and hopefully fill the thousands of empty properties that have been purchased for “investment purposes” however without the co-operation of the regional and local authorities it may lead instead to an increase of empty homes as people put off with renting their properties for long periods will suffer because of the bureaucracy involved for the holiday rental markets.

Only time will tell…..

EVICTION NOTICE

Offering rapid execution of an eviction order.

Providing a new verbal court case – where there will be no need to provide additional paperwork effectively reducing the court sentencing to be effective within as little as 5 days.

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A hint of the properties we have to offer...

...luxury apartments in prime location

LA TRINIDAD - MARBELLA GOLDEN MILE La Trinidad is an exclusive development located in Marbella’s Golden Mile, very close to the 5 star Puente Romano Hotel and its tennis and sports club. Just over a 10 minute walk to the beach and the new promenade that links Puerto Banus to Marbella town.

This private urbanisation consists of 116 apartments all enjoying the open space that the manicured gardens provide. Within the

grounds are two outdoor pools, an indoor heated pool, gym, sauna and cafe/bar area. The properties themselves are all built to a high standard and have under-floor heating in the bathrooms, a/c hot and cold, fully fitted kitchens with separate laundry rooms. They also offer underground parking and storage room.

Prices: 2 bedroom apartments from 850,000€

3 bedroom apartment from 975,000€

Discover a truly dedicated team that work for you whether you’re buying or selling that special property

VANTAGE PROPERTY

Begoña Gonzalez

Clare Reidy

Maria Gomez

Tel. +34 952 908 415 theteam@vpmarbella.com www.vpmarbella.com Sales: Maria +34 605 891 443 Clare +34 646 136 790 Listings: Begoña +34 605 305 742

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Modern villa with breathtaking views...

...in the best address in Nueva Andalucia at an amazing reduced price of 3,499,000�€

VILLA IN LA CERQUILLA • • • • • • •

South orientation Panoramic sea views Gas central heating TV room Heated Pool Private tennis court 4 bedrooms on the same level

PRICE: 4,500,000€ NOW 3,499,000€

• • • • •

Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 7 Plot: 2,480m2 Built: 620m2 Parking for 4 cars

Ref. 421VPV

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Spacious frontline golf villa in gated community

VILLA IN LA QUINTA • • • • • •

Southeast orientation Frontline Golf Gated community Separate guest house Beautiful views Top quality build

PRICE: 2,995,000€€

• Bedrooms: 6 • Bathrooms: 6 • Plot: 1,693m2 • Built: 948m2 • Terrace: 325m2 • Garage for 2 cars Ref. 722VPV

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Contemporary frontline golf villa with beautiful views

VILLA IN LOS NARANJOS • • • • • •

New project Frontline golf Beautiful open views Gym Wine cellar Top quality finishes

PRICE: 1,800,000€

• • • • • •

Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 4 Plot: 1,000m2 Built: 503m2 Terrace. 119m2 Garage for 2 cars

Ref. 738VPV

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Fabulous family home in a great location

VILLA IN LAS BRISAS • • • • •

Southwest orientation Walking distance to amenities Very private Guest apartment Great family home

PRICE: 1,600,000€€€

• Bedrooms: 4 • Bathrooms: 4 • Plot: 1,250m2 • Built: 325m2

Ref. 683VPV

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Completely renovated modern villa

VILLA IN LAS BRISAS • • • •

Southeast orientation Completely renovated Great holiday home Close to amenities

PRICE: 1,290,000€€

• • • •

Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 4 Plot: 1,050m2 Built: 280m2

Ref. 622VPV

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Italian Interior Couture

ecently Italian furnishing and décor have gained a huge fan following. Italy, has so much to offer, in terms of interior décor options. Key factors which need to be well thoughtout when talking about home décor include a sense of respect for the past, an awareness for what is happening in the present, a sense of harmony between the interior and the exterior, the quality of the accessories you are using and attention to details.

R

No matter what your personal preferences are, Italian furniture has something to please you. Furniture styling in Italy is an art and an industry that is ever growing. Keeping in mind the changing demands of the market the trends have changed but the superior quality and craftsmanship of Italian furniture have lasted over the years.

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Courtesy of madeindesign .co.uk

Italy with it’s rich history, it is not surprising at all that they stress on the importance of detail and quality. Especially when we take a look at the many exquisite architectural and artistic works that have been brought forth by the Italian people over the ages. These pieces of art have inspired and enchanted people over the ages and are just important in today’s world.

HomeStyle Interiors

Italian Design

“From Inspiration to Installation” от вдохновения до установки

Pol. Ind. San Pedro de Alcantara, Calle Fco. Moreno Lomena nº 4, 29670, Marbella, Malaga Tel: 952 786 631

www.homestyleinteriors2012.com

PENDRAGON The most ambitious loudspeaker system in the history of Gryphon Audio Designs.

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Ebony & ivory The piano is able to communicate the subtlest universal truths by means of wood, metal and vibrating air

T

he look of a piano is timeless. Whether it’s a baby grand or an upright, a piano attracts attention and invites guests to enter and make themselves feel at home. But placing a piano with other furniture into your living space can be a daunting task. Proper furniture placement enhances the sound of the piano and creates a comforting atmosphere to a room but get this look wrong and the effect can be disastrous.

As a rule of thumb don’t let it take up too much space in the room, and make sure that the classical style of this instrument isn’t clashing with any over-the-top rustic or country decorating schemes.

Here we offer some décor tips of designing your living space with Grand Pianos.

Make it the focal point Consider the piano the focal point of the room.

The aesthetic, industrial effect of these metal stair contrast beautiful against the sleek, shiny piano and white neutral furnishings which adds to the drama of the piano.

The piano has been placed perfectly against the white wall to create drama and ensure it becomes the main attraction in this room.

Consider how the piano opens When creating the seating arrangements for the space, consider how the piano will open and arrange the seating to optimize this side of the piano (if possible).

This photograph is a perfect example of this tip.

The piano lid opens to the seating area for optimal sound and enjoyment.

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Think about your piano placement with windows Since humidity and temperature both effect the sound of a piano, consider placing your piano opposite or away from windows. Many designers like to place baby grands in a bay window because it looks stunning, but just be aware that the closer the piano is to a window the more you will need to tune it.

This piano has been placed perfectly between two windows which only adds to frame the piano and adjacent to a further window.

Pick the best profile If, your room has limited space, consider rotating the piano so that the smallest side (furthest from the keys) of the piano is the first thing you see when entering the room. You will be shocked at the visual difference this can make.

This picture clearly illustrates this, by turning the piano so that the small end of the piano faces out allows this small space to visually accommodate the piano and somehow the piano seems to sit perfectly into its surroundings without being overbearing.

Think outside the living room The living room is not the only room you should consider when incorporating a baby grand piano, after all do you want to be fighting to hear the television over the little ones practising Chopin!

On a more practical basis if you have a large house and like to entertain placing your piano in a communal area such as the hallway is a much better placement as the sound can flow throughout the home so everyone can enjoy its magical sound.

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www.electrolux.com

Multifunction Oven with digital auto-cooking Auto-cook oven precisely computes the cooking parameters for perfect results. The advanced sensor system detects the volume of food in the oven and based on the food category together with the time it takes to heat up, the oven automatically selects the optimum cooking function and precise temperature and time to achieve the perfect result every time you cook.

Samsung WF8802.

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Wrinkle free laundry

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e all know that when it comes to adding value to your home the kitchen is one of the primary areas that potential buyers look at.

Gone are the days when matching cabinets and an integrated fridge freezer impressed now it seems that appliances have become the “must have� items.

These new breed of appliances come in many shapes and disguises, the standard upright fridge freezer can still be seen as part of the modernday kitchen design however the under counter cool drawer by Fisher Paytel, which can be integrated into the kitchen island is inconspicuous and handy for storing those essential items needed when cooking.

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The warmer drawer by Neff is another new concept for any modern kitchen.

It not only keeps your food and plates piping hot in preparation for your meal, but you can benefit also benefits from others settings such as a defrost function.

With a revival in reality cooking shows and celebrity endorsements manufacturers have taken the step to cash in on our

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desires to be the next master chef and have upgraded what was a bog standard kitchen cooking appliance by offering more alternatives to help us fulfil our cooking ambitions.

Steam ovens, microwaves, combinations ovens, stoves are all key to the cooking experience. The newest innovation to kitchen appliances is the speed oven,

which delivers accelerated cooking ten times faster than conventional cooking and without the fuss of pre-heating!

Not only are these new generation of appliances here to make our lives easier and more efficient but they also help to invigorate and inspire the sometimes hidden domestic goddess in us all.

TIPS: When buying a new kitchen you can get carried away with upgrades so before you select your appliances determine what you really require. How often do you entertain or cook in your kitchen?

Be sure not to double up on appliances a stand-alone range and a conventional steam oven will offer all your cooking needs so there will be no need for a microwave too.

Once you have determined what appliances you actually need speak to your kitchen designer / planner in establishing the layout of your cabinets to accommodate the appliances selected. Such as ensuring you’re under counter drawers are deep enough for your refrigeration and warmer appliances.

Ensure you have adequate power outlets installed

The open-plan kitchen’s secret weapon...

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he kitchen is the heart of the home it is a place where the family gets together to share stories of their days activities, to celebrate over a well cooked meal, to congregate at family functions it is a place where homework is done and where tears and the sound of laughter is shared.

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Whether you are planning a new kitchen, remodeling an existing kitchen or looking to expand the main element of your kitchen should be an island.

A kitchen island is an indispensable element and a well-planned one will perform many roles - from housing and hiding appliances, to providing seating space at a breakfast bar, to creating a divide between the cooking space and the dining area to being a social gathering point.

Whether your style is modern, traditional or rustic or something in between a kitchen island will be a great addition to this high traffic area and will not only add additional storage and dining solutions to your kitchen but will also be a great focus point. Kitchen islands designs have also become one of the most requested features for home buyers when searching for a new home.

When it comes to choosing options for your kitchen island the sky is the limit. Islands can be home to appliances such as dishwashers, microwaves, stovetops, cooler and warming drawers and even built in wine units. The kitchen sink can also be placed within your kitchen island but it is important to check the practicality of this.

Although kitchen islands are the latest must have they are not suited to all kitchen types, designed primarily for open plane environment designers recommend that there should be at least three feet of space on either end of an island so for smaller kitchens a kitchen cart or small table can be used to create additional surface space.

Planning a Kitchen Island The kitchen is one of the most complicated spaces to design in a house - and figuring out how to design an island can be confusing for homeowners. While there’s no set formula for figuring out how to size an island, some measurement guidelines can help here are some basic planning questions you should ask yourself.

1. What is the island’s function?

Before you start thinking about smart storage solutions and what range you want, decide what your island’s main function is going to be. Most islands have a side devoted to cooking and a side devoted to eating, but what will your emphasis be? Prep work, cooking, cleaning, eating, or entertaining? Or will you use it for everything, including homework and house projects?

If you want appliances and sinks in your island, you’ll need more space. If it will be used just for casual meals, seating should be your priority.

2. What appliances do you need in your kitchen island?

If you’ve decided you want to integrate appliances into your kitchen island, you need to plan for function as well as spacing. “If the main sink is in the island, you’ll need a dishwasher and have to decide if the dishwasher is to the right or the left of your sink,” If this is going to be your main prep area, you’ll need rubbish and recycling areas nearby, too.

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How big is your kitchen? If you have a large kitchen and your refrigerator isn’t near the island, you may want a smaller under-counter refrigerator nearby. If you’re installing a cooktop, take the space needed for an exhaust vent or hood into account. Make a list of everything you want in your kitchen island, in order of priority. You may not be able to get everything in your island, but try to get at least your top five features.

3. How much storage do you need?

A lot of this depends on your kitchen layout. If you have space for a lot of cabinetry in the kitchen, island storage may not be a priority. If this is to be your main prep area, the sink and other appliances may have to come first, but try to make room for prep utensils and cutting boards near the sink.

Typically, two 24-inch base cabinets back to back will accommodate most under-island functions, but make sure that your island isn’t too big, with extra space in the middle.

4. How high should the counter be?

First things first: Determine your seating height. If you want to have bar stools at your island, you’ll need to decide if it’s 36 or 42 inches high. A 42-inch-high bar stool and bar tend to have a bit more flexibility the island can be designed in two levels, with the working side set lower for prep work and the dining side higher to accommodate bar stools. The step inbetween is a handy place for electrical outlets, too.

A 36-inch-high bar provides for seating that’s between a typical bar stool and a table seat. It doesn’t allow for quite as much flexibility in design but can be a good choice for a defined eating area.

5. How will it fit into your kitchen layout?

Kitchens are anything but static - the busy nature of this space requires every part to be cohesively designed. Make sure that the working side of your island can function with the opposite kitchen counter.

Will it make sense with the rest of your kitchen? Can it complete the work triangle of the sink, range, and refrigerator? Or do you need another working area with a prep sink?

The open floor area around the island also requires some calculation. As a rule of thumb you should try to keep 3 feet of floor space on the ends of the island. The working sides of an island should have 42 inches of space as a minimum, but more than 5 feet usually isn’t necessary. The entertaining and eating side of the island is usually determined by the adjacent space - a dining room or living room - if there is one.

6. Where to put it The obvious place is at a central point in your kitchen, so that it allows plenty of space for manoeuvring around it.

Before you plan it (whether in a showroom or with your builder), it’s vital to make sure that there is actually enough room for the island in the space you have, and that when you’re working at it, you won’t continually clash with the units opposite - there’s no point in placing your sink there if you have to move every time anyone wants to open the oven door on the other side of the kitchen.

Equally, shoehorning in a wide island that steals useful space from the rest of the room beyond it will only make your kitchen feel smaller. If you can, make a large paper template of the island you’ve planned in your head, drop it on to the floor in the right spot in the room and live with it for a couple of days. If it’s a squeeze you’ll soon know.

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B. Spoke is a company devoted to comprehensive decoration; for the home, commercial facilities and hotels. From our facilities we offer the possibility of developing a project from inception to completion by offering our service for: REFORMS: Working with the client we design and build projects of reform to bring to life the clients vision for the perfect home. We work with leading firms in the industry, flooring, wall coverings, doors, kitchen and bathroom furniture and equipment in general.

ACCESSORIES: We provided advice on decorative elements such as wallpaper, carpets and help to achieve that personal touch FURNITURE: Nothing is impossible when you customize your home, B. Spoke offers the ability to customize both the design and measurements to suit your home needs offering professional design and working directly with the manufactures.

TEXTILE DECOR: In B. Spoke offer a wide range of fabrics, advice & guidance.

To book a no obligation consultation, please telephone 952 77 81 31 / 675 074 818 or email: info@bspoke.es Urb. Las Torres de Marbella Club, Local Nยบ1. Mille de Oro., 29601 Marbella

www.bspoke.es

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Our goal is to advise our clients, from the birth and development of the idea, until full implementation.

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“We stand out because of our passion, standards and desire to create the very best designs all of the time�

We use our expertise to develop outstanding schemes which are both imaginative and unique yet operationally work.

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T. +34 952 77 81 31 / 675 074 818 or email: info@bspoke.es

www.bspoke.es

Property of the Month

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A Villa of Distinction Overlooking the golf course and enjoying stunning views of the Mediterranean, this fantastic villa is spread over two floors and is built in a traditional Andalucian Cortijo style.

A

n exquisitely carved wooden door leads you into a bright and luminous hallway where from here you can access the many rooms each offering a different style and character. The main living room with fireplace offers commanding views through its many terrace doors overlooking the golf course and landscaped garden, a large family dining room lays adjacent both share the use of the terrace which provides views over the garden and swimming pool the Mediterranean and Africa.

The garden which can be accessed by all the ground floor levels via is spread across two levels. On the upper level there is an infinity pool surrounded by a mature garden with century-old olive trees and aromatic plants and vegetation. The French-style rose-garden, located on the lower level, adds a charming touch to the overall setting.

The most luxurious materials have been used throughout this villa to blend traditional Andalucian style with modern living from marble and fine wood which adorn the floors and walls to artisan-quality carpentry, double-paned windows assure perfect interior conditions at all times.

The piĂŠce de resistance of this level is the library room with vaulted glass ceiling from here you can watch the stars twinkle at night or the sun rise and fall. The fully furnished kitchen is equipped with the latest appliances and combines a separate utility room. Two en-suite bedrooms and guest toilet finish off this area.

The first floor has a study, master bedroom with high mansard ceilings showcasing exposed wooded beams, a dressing room and bathroom.

On basement level, next to the wine cellar, there is an exclusive 39m² area which can be converted into a games/TV room or gymnasium. A bedroom, bathroom and spacious dressing room finish off this lovely haven.

The floors throughout this property are a combination of Travertine marble and solid oak wood and have an under-floor heating system which runs on water circuits which can be individually controlled throughout the property for each room. The villa has surface parking and a garage for two cars.

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Ref: V293

334 m2

572 m2 5

5

1784 m2

3,500,000

Sunsearch Properties +34 951 136 751 properties@sunsearchmedia.com sunsearchmediagroup.blogspot.com.es look for us on

sunearch properties

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Fulfilling dreams since 1852

Think green.

Sleep bluechecked.

All-natural materials? Check. Free from allergens? Check. Handmade? Check.

Checked? Check.

There’s no question, blue is the new green – because there’s no other bed as environmentally friendly as Hästens.

Did we mention you can get it in almost any colour? Sure you can. It’s green anyway.

STOCKHOLM | NEW YORK | LONDON | PARIS | MILAN | BEIJING | SHAGHAI | HONG KONG | SINGAPORE | SPAIN

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Sitting pretty in the sunshine

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ow that summer is in full swing, odds are you’ll be making much more use of your home’s outdoor area, whether it’s simply spending some private time reading a book by the pool or enjoying an alfresco meal with friends and family, our gardens have now become an additional room.

Our gardens are a true extension of our homes and recent trends have shown that outdoor furniture can be elegantly stylish or realistically simple. Garden furniture has come a long way from the drab, plastic pieces it used to be associated with and many companies have taken notice by creating contemporary and striking designs that can now rival indoor furnishings for beauty, innovation, and functionality.

It doesn’t matter how large or small your outdoor space is here, we present a few of our favourite pieces from the latest crop of garden furniture innovation:

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Oversized Seating There’s no reason why your outdoor space shouldn’t boast furniture that’s just as comfortable as your living room furniture. Instead of throwing out a few plastic or metal lawn chairs, consider the use of oversized or deep-seating furniture such as upholstered love seats, sofas, ottomans and more. This will allow you to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing any of the comfort that you’re accustomed to indoors.

With recent improvements in outdoor upholstery construction, many cushions can be left outside in the elements and the drying time after a summer rain storm can be as little as 2 hours.

Motion Furniture Motion furniture is becoming a very popular feature.

This isn’t too surprising; remember when every porch had a rocking chair years ago?

Seating such as rocking chairs, gliders, swivel chairs and swings are all gaining in popularity as they help provide an additional element of relaxation and comfort to the outdoor area.

Stackable Furniture Too much furniture can make an outdoor space look incredibly cramped and disorganized, especially if you have a smaller outdoor area. Stackable furniture, such as stools, wicker chairs and more, not only provide comfort, but they can also easily be set aside when not in use in order to keep the outside area clear.

Multiple Functions If you use your outdoor area for multiple purposes, such as entertaining, lounging, dining, relaxing or more, then picking up furniture that serves multiple purposes may be ideal. One of the most popular pieces of multifunctional furniture trends is the use of a fire pit table. A fire pit table can be used to lounge around at night in order to keep warm and provide a welcoming ambience while it can also be used to dine or socialize.

There are also some accessories available that allow you to grill food right over the table! If you have a lot of outdoor accessories, such as pool toys, garden tools or cushions for your furniture, then consider picking up benches, ottomans or chaise loungers that provide storage as well as comfortable seating.

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pring has finally arrived, the nights are slightly warmer and the daytime light hangs high in the sky till quite late into the evening hour and because of this the garden once again becomes part of our dining & entertaining experience.

A quick and easy way to make your garden warm and inviting on these spring evenings is to invest in an outdoor fireplace. Pias Chimenas Fire & Design situated in Nueva Andalucia offer an extensive choice of styles from, table top propane or halogen heater and fire bowls for the smaller gardens to contemporary designed free standing heaters for large gardens which make a stunning focus to any gathering.

And in case you’re wondering what you’re going to use for fuel, they’ve got that covered too with a choice of kiln-dried logs, coal and smokeless fuel.

Spring evenings wouldn’t be complete however without al fresco dining and when it comes to al fresco dining there is nothing better then that BBQ smell wafting through the air of burgers, sausages and skewered meats all cooking over hot glowing stones.

Today BBQ’s come in all shapes and sizes and can cater for everyone needs whether you own an apartment or villa BBQ’s can be used on balconies or on a luxury poolside patio.

But why in these hard economic times should be invest in two products to enjoy an evening of dining and entertaining in our gardens?

Quite simply you don’t - Pias Chimenas Fire & Design have come up with the simplest solution a BBQ that transforms into an outdoor chimney wood burner. The stunning Ascot Ambient BBQ is modern, stylish and practical so now you can cook, stay warm, and keep the party going even when the temperature cools slightly in style……

Don’t miss this amazing special offer Ascot Ambient BBQ now €1.200,00 was €3.200,00 (without accessories) last 3 remaining

Ascot Ambient BBQ

For further information contact Pias who will be more then happy to assist you in all your fireplace needs.

pias fire + design chimeneas

Chimeneas, Fire and Design S.L. Calle el Califa 564, Nueva Andalucia, Marbella 29660 - Tel: 951 275 693 - Mob: 617 649 583

info@pias-chimeneas.com - www.pias-chimeneas.com Perfect Homes International Magazine

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Living Sculpture

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In landscape gardening an overall aesthetic effect is sought, usually to enhance dwellings, public buildings, and monuments and to integrate and beautify parks, playgrounds, and fairgrounds. Formal landscaping involves artificial modifications of the terrain and emphasizes balanced plantings and geometrical design; the naturalistic style incorporates plantings with the natural scenery.

Ornamental gardening, Topiary and landscape gardening are ancient arts. The Egyptians built formal walled gardens, the Mesopotamians constructed private parks and terraced gardens—usually on artificial mounds or supported by columns, as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

The Persians were especially skilled in using water for decorative effects; the Moors carried Middle Eastern styles to Spain. In the East the planting of sacred groves was spread by the Buddhists from India to China and set a style there for naturalistic gardens, in which the beauty of the natural scenery was accentuated by distributing plants so as to allow them free growth and set off their colors and fragrances to best advantage.

The Japanese adopted this principle and elaborated it into a distinct style of highly disciplined arrangements of plants and their settings with the object of achieving subtle beauty based on economy and simplicity.

The Japanese art of bonsai gave rise to the unique miniature gardens and dish gardens.

In Europe landscape gardening was highly developed under the Roman Empire; formal gardens, often terraced and adorned with statuary and fountains, were designed by architects.

The Crusaders brought back from the East new gardening techniques that gave great impetus to horticulture in Western Europe.

The Renaissance period the classical style was revived in Italy; the Italian gardens, planned by leading artists, sometimes went to extremes of formality and decor, among them those employing elaborate waterworks displays. The Italian style was widely imitated. In Spain the Italian influence was modified by Moorish features. I n turn, the Spaniards and the Portuguese introduced their ideas in the Americas, where these techniques were combined with the already welldeveloped Aztec and Inca traditions.

The Dutch, famous for the development of the nursery, were noted also for their topiary work, an art practiced earlier by the Romans.

France became the leader in formal landscaping; the work of André Le Nôtre is exemplified in the gardens of Versailles. In the 18th cent. England inaugurated a revival of the naturalistic trend under such leaders as William Kent, Capability Brown, and Humphrey Repton.

The 19th cent. brought a partial reversion to formal landscaping and an interest in horticulture as well as in design. American landscape artists generally followed the example of the English masters.

Landscaping, especially of public parks and buildings, was stimulated by the work of A. J. Downing, Calvert Vaux, and F. L. Olmsted and his son. Today landscape gardening stresses practical as well as aesthetic design, selecting from a wealth of gardening traditions and emphasizing casual, naturalistic effects

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The layout of an ornamental garden can be incredibly varied, depending on the climate, the plants involved, and the nature of the surrounding architecture.

Those at locations like Versailles, for example, are extremely formal and elegant, with a complex layout of beds and paths that is often best viewed from a distance. By contrast, the ornamental garden that surrounds a small cottage may be done in a more casual style.

In addition to being pleasant to look at, ornamental gardens are also pleasant to use. Many include recreation areas for playing sports, walking, or simply sitting and enjoying the garden, and some have space for performances of music and theater.

Events like weddings and cocktail parties may also be staged in an ornamental garden, with the surroundings contributing to the decorations at the event.

While ornamental gardens are sometimes dismissed as frivolities with no practical applications, they do actually serve a function beyond looking pretty.

Plants can help to regulate temperature, keeping a climate more temperate and comfortable while acting as air scrubbers, removing pollution and keeping the air fresh and clean. An ornamental garden can also provide habitat for birds, butterflies, and other creatures.

Topiary is the art of growing dense, leafy plants and pruning them into a form, or training them over a frame, to create a three-dimensional object.

It relies on pruning and training to give shape to an existing plant. It also can involve training a plant to fill in a form.

Topiary is one type of living sculpture that has gone in and out of favor through the ages.A brief history of its importance and use: Earliest references of topiary date back to 23-79 A.D. It was immensely popular in Ancient Rome using cypress trees, but after the fall of Rome, topiary fell out of favor for several hundred years.

It returned in medieval times as a way of training fruit plants, and then was again rediscovered during the Italian Renaissance.

Dutch in the 15th century became intrigued with creating topiary in animal shapes, as did 17th century England; the French preferred creating topiary in geometric designs with strict symmetry.

18th century, topiary fell out of favor again, and a natural look returned.

Victorians brought back topiary, adding in new plants and details. Topiary spread to North America at Williamsburg, Virginia, around 1690.

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www.viking-garden.com

VIKING LAWNMOWER

IT ONLY STOPS WHEN YOU WANT IT TO

B

ridges

first appeared in the Japanese garden during the Heian period. At ByĹ?dĹ?-in garden in Kyoto, a wooden bridge connects the Phoenix pavilion with a small island of stones, representing the Mount Penglai or Mount Horai, the island home of the Eight Immortals of Daoist teaching, The bridge symbolized the path to paradise and immortality.

Bridges could be made of stone (ishibashi), or of wood, or made of logs with earth on top, covered with moss (dobashi); they could be either arched (soribashi) or flat (hirabashi). if they were part of a temple garden, they were painted red, following the Chinese tradition, but for the most part they were unpainted.

During the Edo period, when large promenade gardens became popular, streams and winding paths were constructed, with a series of bridges, usually in a rustic stone or wood style, to take visitors on a tour of the scenic views of the garden Bridges, made of stone or wood, extend over ponds and link small islands to each other and to the shore. Bridges are thought by some to symbolize the transition from one world to another or from one stage of life to another. While you may not have room for a real island in your backyard pond, you can simulate this effect with a few stones poking out of the water and your bridge can span the pond.

Hashi (Bridges) Passing over the bridge was analogous to passing from one world to the next .

As Zen influence came into the forefront, bridges took on the more Taoist meaning of passing from the world of man into the world of nature, a move from this plane to a higher one. As suggested by the Roji, the journey is representative of life in general, and the bridge is just a symbol of transition on many levels.

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More than just a

n e d r a G Centre S

ummer is a time of the year when we enjoy our garden the most we entertain, dine and relax within its surroundings. It is also a time when after months of sowing seeds, pruning, and maintaining our gardens we get to enjoy the full visual & aromatic effects our gardens offer now that they are bursting with beauty and colour.

If you’ve planned in advance your garden will be an explosion of colour with flowers bursting in your hanging baskets, garden borders and bedding plants however if you haven’t had the time or are not as “green fingered” as you’d like to be don’t despair because you can still have achieve that beautiful garden. At Agrojardin we stock a large selection of outdoor plants for you to choose from.

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We pride ourselves in providing plants that have been expertly grown under ideal nursery conditions to ensure you receive the best quality plants. So whatever you’re looking for - plants for hanging baskets, borders or containers our expert plants people are always at hand to offer advice and plant care information should you need any.

You can also start planning your spring garden bulbs such as daffodils can be planted in August. And you’re not too late to sow some late salad crops of lettuce, radishes, spring onions and rocket.

Now that you have taken care of the garden plants why not visit our home & garden décor department where you will find both inspirational and aspirational products.

Here we display a huge range of indoor and outdoor living products, whether it’s a bistro table for two or a large dining suite to

seat eight you’ll find what you want in our extensive furniture department.

There are stunning gazebos, colourful hammocks, swing seats, benches and a range of super-comfy loungers and swing chairs, perfect for lazing away a summer’s day.

If you’re entertaining, we have outdoor tableware, candles, lighting and wall art to help you create a lovely, welcoming outdoor space as well as everything for the home and garden, customers are further spoilt and able to unwind within our restaurant area and children’s play zone.

Agrojardin a place for the whole family to shop, relax and dine…

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 9.00 - 21.00 Sundays and Bank Holidays: 10.00 - 21.00 A7 km 164, 29680 Estepona, Málaga Tel: +34 952 79 62 31 E: informacion@agrojardin.com www.agrojardin.com

SERVICE, NOT JUST A PROMISE….

Welcome to Elviria Property Centre Selling real estate since 1995 in and around Marbella, ELVIRIA PROPERTY CENTRE is specialized in the sale & rental of property in the east of Marbella with a special focus on the resale market.

The companies highest priority is to offer the best possible real estate service to its clients, following a direct, clear and transparent business policy where the personal communication to the client is essential.

The high personal dedication from each team member having years of experience in real estate guarantees one of the most professional services around property on the Costa del Sol. From the smallest Studio apartment up to the most luxurious Villa, ELVIRIA PROPERTY CENTRE has proven to be a straight forward partner when it comes to buy, sell, rent or administrate your property.

You are invited to find out more about us, we are looking forward for you to contact us.

Holger Klauke, PROPERTY CENTRE ELVIRIA

ДОБРО ПОЖАЛОВАТЬ В КОМПАНИЮ ПО НЕДВИЖИМОСТИ «ТРИМОБИЛИЯ»/ Центр Недвижимости Эльвирия! Начиная с 1995 года мы специализируемся на купле-продаже, а также сдаче в аренду недвижимости в восточном округе города Марбелья. Наш главный фокус – рынок вторичного жилья. Главным приоритетом компании является предоставление высочайшего сервиса нашим клиентам, строго следуя политике прямолинейного, открытого и полностью «прозрачного» ведения дел, где личное общение с каждым клиентом – неотъемлемая часть нашего бизнеса! Личное участие и заинтересованность всех членов команды, каждый из которых имеет многолетний опыт работы в недвижимости, гарантируют один из самых высокопрофессиональных сервисов в этой сфере, который может получить клиент на побережье Коста дель Соль.

Имея дело с любым видом недвижимости, начиная с небольшой квартиры-студии до самой роскошной виллы, «Тримобилия»/ Центр Недвижимости Эльвирия доказала, что является честным и надежным партнером в вопросах покупки, продажи, аренды и администрирования вашей собственности. Мы приглашаем вас посетить наш офис и лично познакомиться с нами! Сервис, а не пустое обещание! Хольгер Клауке,

«Тримобилия»/Центр Эльвирия

Недвижимости

Centro Comercial Contur Local 5-19 Ctra. N-340 Km 192, Elviria 29604 Marbella T. +34 952 833 200 F. +34 952 832 600

info@elviriapropertycentre.com www.trimobilia.com

Villa in Marbesa Marbella Ref: VH1314

Price: € 875.000

Description: 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, Plot: 1070 M² Built: 308 M² Seperate one bedroom guesthouse Only steps from the beach in Marbesa you will find this lovely family villa with seperate guest house on a large 1070 M² plot with private pool of 11x5m, The house consists of a spacious livingroom, big kitchen, office and bathroom on the ground floor and three bedrooms on the first floor.. It includes a double garage, sea views from the top floor and a large mature garden.

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Elviria,Frontline Beach Ref: VH1326 Price: €1.290.000

Description: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Bungalow Style, Plot :1000 M² Built: 134 M² Immaculate frontline beach house - bungalow style with wide open views to the sea. This three bedroom villa is on a plot of 1.000m in the area of the five star Don Carlos Hotel and Nikki Beach. The masterbedroom also has its own private tv-room which opens out into the garden and pool area. Complete with large garage, pool and garden.

White Pearl Beach II Elviria Ref: AP1341 Price: €369.000

Description:2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

Built: 96 M² Terrace: 37 M² Fantastic groundfloor apartment in the luxurious frontline beach complex White Pearl Beach II in Elviria. The apartment offers two bedrooms, two bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, large and sunny liviing room and a big terrace with access to the communal gardens and Pool.

Fully furnished with high quality furniture.

Complex with nice gardens, pool and direct beach access. Close to all amenities.

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Elviria Frontline Beach Ref: S1303 Price: €140.000 Studio Built: 50 M² Terrace: 40 M²

Studio apartment frontline beach in the Romana Playa complex. Completely refurbished and nicely furnished. Stunning sea views. Walking distance to shops and all amenities.

Gated community with gardens, pools, consierge and gym..

La Quinta Village Nueva Andalucia Ref: PH1324 Price: €495.000

Description: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathroom, duplex. Built: 146 M² Terrace: 59 M² Wonderfull and immaculate three bedroom penthouse in the well known golf valley of Nueva Andalucia by Puerto Banus. The attic consists of a livingroom, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and terrace on the mainfloor.

The second floor has two bedrooms and bathrooms with a south facing terrace and lovely open views towards the sea. This is a small and peacefull urbanization with security and easy access to the golf.

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Pools & Spas Sponsored by

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Feel your absolute best..

Why buy a Hot Tub? What if, for just a few moments you could feel like all is right in the world?

This is the HotSpring® hot tub experience.

Enjoy your own private retreat where warm water and soothing jets allow you to relax and connect with what matters most. With a HotSpring spa in your backyard, this personal oasis is there for our every day, just a few steps away.

Feel Good Studies* have shown that immersion in hot water raises body temperature and causes blood vessels to dilate, increasing the flow of oxygen to the muscles and brain.

The buoyancy of the water reduces body weight, relieving pressure on aching joints and providing a relaxing sensation of weightlessness.

Meanwhile, the soothing massage from your hot tub’s jets loosens tight muscles and stimulates the release of endorphins – the body’s natural pain killers – to dissolve away the stress and tension of the day.

When you are surrounded by the swirling, warm wter of a hot tub, three factors – heat, buoyancy and massage – are at work which is why soaking in your HotSpring spa makes you feel so good.

Re-charge

“Stress and tension dissolve in your own private retreat”

The jets and hot water allow your body and mind to relax, giving you a change to maintain balance in an otherwise demanding world.

In this way, your Hot Spring spa is like a recharging station that restores your energy and perspective so you can keep going.

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Built for a lifetime of relaxation.®

A few of our fantastic installations

“Unwind, Relax & Rejuvenate your senses�

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Built for a lifetime of relaxation.®

“Spa change-out program” Call us Save Thousands of €€ on showroom models Visit our showroom in San Pedro de Alcántara with 17 spas on display and a private test area T. +34 952 927 811 M. +34 651 830 937 info@aquapool.es www.aquapool.es

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Alberta, Canada Perfect Homes International Magazine

193

Nova Scotia, Halifax

,

Canada

Agent: Coldwell Banker Supercity Realty, Nova Scotia - www. supercityrealty.com - +1 (902) 450-5752

$2.300,000

Oceanfront Dock  Double Garage  Landscaped Garden  Heating  Reception Rooms  Spacious - 3,732 M2  Ocean Views This one of a kind waterfront lot is a boaters dream with private dock. Privately situated on Northwest Arm with a 100 feet of level waterfrontage, pebbled beach area.

This custom built home has stunning details that are sure to impress any potential buyers.

The entrance setting has an expansive court-

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yard design of interlocking brick and greenery.

The extensive decking, large covered veranda and large windows capture amazing views.

This home has a incredibly wonderful floor plan for entertaining inside and out.

Features include spacious rooms with high ceilings, in floor heating, library, sun room,

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exercise room, media room and elaborate in/ out surround system for you to enjoy.

They also take comfort in having a propane generator wired into the house. This rare property is tucked away in a private setting.

Cape Town South Africa

Agent: Savills International Residential Property, London - www.savills.com - +44 020 7578 9000

£24.483,800

luxurious  7000 M2 of gardens  7 Garages  External staff accommodation  Furnishings & artwork included  4 bedrooms Meticiously built by renowned craftsmen from around the world. Hand carved doors, gold leaf overlays, chrystal chandeliers, velour fabric walls, hand-cut marble walls and floors, enhancing the very best workmanship and opulence rarely experienced in today’s world.

Tantalizing and exotic. Enigma is situated on over 7000 sqm of beauitful extensive gardens with fountains, koi ponds, massage temple, a teahouse and a 3-bedroom guest cottage overlooking the most glamorous designed swimming pool.

Positioned at the foot of the Twelve Apostle Mountains in exclusive Camps Bay. External staff accommodation. Purchase price includes all furnishings, all antiques and an a extensive art collection.

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Anguilla, West End Caribbean

Agent :Grenadine Islands Villas - www.grenadinevillas.com - +1 784 457 3739

$17.500,000

Laundry  Games room  Childrens play area  Automated generator  Three large water cisterns  Extensive parking This 8 Bedrooms, 10 Bathroom house has been designed to enhance the owners well being. There is a 44’ infinity pool, (perfect for laps), an outdoor jacuzzi, yards of galleries and walkways, landscaped gardens, a tennis court, cool spacious interiors, mood lighting, a gymnasium and entertainment suite.

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The villa is also located footsteps from a white sandy beach.There is a fully wired modern home office, an entertainment suite with mood lighting, surround sound and WiFi. Built on one acre and comprising 10,000 square feet of interior and 5,000 square feet of exterior terrace, accommodation consists

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of 8 master bedrooms and, 2 powder rooms, 10 bathrooms and features extensive and spacious open plan living areas.

Dubai

3 bedrooms Gardens  Easy access to the beach





This townhouse is separated from the other townhouses so it makes this property a very private tranquil retreat.

The property is well designed with an open plan living and study area, giving the feeling of even more space.

The closed kitchen still has enough space for a family table and also includes a separate breakfast area. Upstairs you’ll find a very large additional family room, great for use as a play room or mini cinema.

This lovely home is ideal for a family or part time living. Its also the only Canal Cove which is modern contemporary with an open plan living area. This gives the flowing feeling of space that makes this house so special.

Agent :Eiffel Properties, Dubai www.eiffel-properties.com (971) 4 4511772

$ 1.814.797 Perfect Homes International Magazine

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Florence, Tuscany Italy

Agent : Toscana Houses, Florence - www.toscanahouses.com - + 39 (0578) 757 756

Price on request

Club lounge  Cigar room  Spa  Fitness centre This apratment Inside of Palazzo Tornabuoni dated xv sec. In the prestigious Tornabuoni street in the historical centre of Florence.

Elegant Private Residence Club, unique in Europe, exclusive apartments with custodian, lounge area, spa of with different solution in size from 60 sqm to 250 sqm .

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Fantastic terraces. Once home to Pope Leo Xl and the powerful medici family ,the elegantly finished palazzo residence offer insider access to a world of culture.

The residence club have attracted a dedicated following among sophistificated travelers for more then a decade. The concept offers

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the advantages of a second home without the high costs of incovieniences normally associeted with whole ownership. You will find well appointed residence clubs in many of the world most desiderable location, including Manhattan,Chicago,Mexico.

Cannes, Riveria France

Agent : Home Hunts SARL, Marseille - www.home-hunts.com - +33 9 70 44 66 43

€9.850,000

Double glazing  Cellar  Gym  Open fireplace  Air conditioning  Electric shutters  alarm system  electric gates South facing exceptional, modern villa in a peaceful location in the hills of Cannes with stunning panoramic views of the sea, the Lerin Islands and the Cap d’Antibes.

The property has been entirely renovated by a renowned architect in a contemporary style and has a very relaxing, zen-like feel throughout.

Spacious accommodation including four large en-suite bedrooms and large open plan living spaces.

Beautiful flat planted landscaped garden with a beauitful swimming pool, and plenty of space to entertain.

The city of Cannes is centered around the old port, with the central part quite compact. The famous “Croisette” is the boulevard and the beach that extends around the bay to the east of the port, in the protected “Rade de Cannes”.

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Paris France

€2.950,000

Agent : Home Hunts SARL, Marseille - www.home-hunts.com - +33 9 70 44 66 43 4 bedrooms  3 bathrooms  Office  Separate studio with kitchenette A prestigious address, Paris 17th arrondissement, close to Place du Marechal Juin.

and its large boulevards and traditional architecture gives it a very elegant feel.

Directly north of the Arc de Triumph. However, if you want to see real Paris at some of its finest and wealthiest, this is the place to be.

Plus a separate studio which can be connected to the apartment, it has a kitchenette, shower and toilet.

South west facing 3rd floor bright and airy property which has elevator access, set within a charming stone building, with 284m2, 8 main rooms, a large living room, dining room, office, 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, shower room, 3 toilets.

Beautiful features included in this property are its parquet floors, moldings and fireplace. Also included with the property are a cellar and storage area on the 8th floor.

The southern part of the seventeenth is a trendy area with good restaurants and bars,

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El Encanto Panama

     

Beautiful Countryside Estate Main House Plus 2 Guest Houses Excellent climate year-round Very Private Training Golf Course Lakes

The property´s most important features are its landscaped grounds: the high points of the property allow for a wonderful view of t h e m o u n t a i n o u s s c e n e r y, w h i l e t h e property itself is surrounded by exotic floral and several extensive lakes. The property has a main house and two guesthouses.

The main house incudes 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a kitchen, a bar, living and dining room, laundry area, open terrace and covered parking area. It is approximately 350 m2. The first guesthouse has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 living rooms, a kitchen, a dining room, deposit and covered parking area, measuring around 180m2.

The second guesthouse has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a playroom, a deposit and a workshop. This guesthouse is approximately 180m2. All of these houses were built in the 1940’s and retain the architecture of the time period; the main house was recently renovated a few years ago.

The property has a training golf course and several decorative lakes surrounding it.

Agent : Savills International,London www.savills.com +44 020 7578 9000

£2.709,307 Perfect Homes International Magazine

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Geneva Switzerland

Agent : Chesterton Humberts International - www.chestertonhumberts.com - + 44 020 3040 8240 CHF 35.000.000 Outstanding Lakeside Property  Beautifully Designed Interior and Exterior  Elegant Luxury This magnificent, inviting and secure residence, set on the bank of Lake Léman, embodies the essence of elegant luxury. It offers uncomparable views of the lake, the Alps and Mont Blanc, located only a short drive from central Geneva.

Bursinel is fitted with the finest of products ranging from a complete Creston System for

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music and TV throughout the house.

The orangery has a television which is stored under the floor and a separate air conditioning and humidity system.The kitchen is fitted with all state of the art appliances.

The Buddha/Zen room has a premier Rucon projector system displaying HD onto a white

Perfect Homes International Magazine

screen.The master bathroom incorporates a Jacuzzi bath and the shower also so has a seated steam room.

The in house entertainment system also is extended to the outside of the property with external rock speakers and external heaters in the roof of the terrace patio.

Seychelles

$ 2.945,000

Agent : Eden Island Seychelles - www.edenisland.sc - +248 434 6000 325.4 m²  pool  Covered terraces  4 bathrooms This beautiful 4 bedroom Villa on Peninsula 7 has spectacular views of St Anne and Cerf islands. With an internal area of 317 sq m and a parcel size of 1,398 sq m there is plenty of space to bring your family to Seychelles to enjoy this luxury lifestyle

Eden Island, the residential marina development in the heart of the Seychelles islands, offers a broad selection of luxury freehold title homes for sale.

presents a unique combination of accessibility and privacy to those wishing to acquire property in the Seychelles

Located just a few hundred metres off the largest Seychelles island, Mahè, and connected to it by a bridge, Eden Island

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Koh Samui Thailand

Agent: Kalara International Properties Co. Limited, Thailand - www.kalaraco.com - +66 (0)77 246 100

£3.000,000

Western Kitchen  WiFi  Private Pool  Spa  Waterfall  Steam Room  Sauna  Jacuzzi  Electric Gated Entrance This 6 bedroom Villa encompassing over a halfdozen islands and the southern Thai coastline, the panorama is simply breathtaking.

A gym with panoramic sea-views, the island’s largest residential swimi pool and even with a helipad.

Located on two-and-a-half acres (10,000 M2) of landscaped gardens, the residence boasts six fully equipped suites, three state of the art treatment rooms.

Beautiful white sand beaches, clean, clear warm water; lush tropical gardens and gentle ocean breezes.

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Some of the best Scuba Diving in the world is located close to Koh Samui. The Gulf of Thailand offers clear, warm water, with an abundance of marine and plant life.

Laguna Hills California

     

3 Garages 4.5 Bathrooms Forced Air Heating Air Conditioning Forced Air heating Master Suite 2 sided Fireplace

Move up to grand style in this custom Mediterranean-inspired Nellie Gail estate.

First impressions are dramatic in the 2-story foyer with chandelier, soaring columns and a magnificent staircase with custom rail.

The entire entry and formal living areas combine to create the feeling of a 5-star resort hotel. A large wet bar enhances the appeal of the casual living room, and a chef’s kitchen displays a large island, 6-burner gas cooktop, built-in stainless refrigerator, 2 dishwashers, granite countertops, walk-in pantry, breakfast bar, and dining nook.

Wood paneling adorns a home office, and an attached 3-car garage is accessed by a ga ted , circular d rive. T he exp ansive residence, which measures approx. 6,600 s.f., features 6 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, inlaid marble flooring, interior balcony overlooking the foyer, 5 fireplaces, and a bonus room on the 3rd level.

The master suite offers opulent bath, and large balcony with valley, mountain and city light views. includes a large loggia, sunny patio, and relaxing infinity pool and spa.

Agent : Surterre Properties, Inc.,CA www.surterreproperties.com +1 949-717-7100

$2.995,000 Perfect Homes International Magazine

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Marbella

V&A WATERFRONT, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – 1.825.000 BUILT SIZE 357m² • 3 BEDROOMS • 3 BATHROOMS This is a private encounter - wrap-around scenery includes a full and beautiful view of Table Mountain and the sea. From the contemporary open plan designed living areas, a natural flow takes you onto the main terrace, which is enclosed with seamless glass panels allowing all year indoor and outdoor living as the weather sets the tone. A glass of champagne is well enjoyed watching the variety of yachts sail by. Two en suite bedrooms with quality Italian finishes are situated on the ground floor. The master suite is the epitome of excitement, coupled with adjacent patio, pool and an impressive unique-styled bathroom. Italian tiles compliment the design throughout. An impeccably secure environment provides two underground parking bays with direct lift-access into the penthouse. Storage space is provided in a large room in the basement.

Fine & Country Marbella tel +34 952 76 40 10 email marbella@fineandcountry.com 206

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Marbella

SEAFRONT, CLIFTON, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – 1.825.000€ BUILT SIZE – 198m² • 2 BEDROOMS • 2 BATHROOMS This immaculate north-east facing corner apartment was custom designed by the owners to offer a lock-up-and-go, easy lifestyle while maximizing the breath-taking 180⁰ unobstructed ocean views.The apartment comprises two en suite bedrooms and expansive open plan living/dining areas which open up onto outdoor patios. Special features include white beech flooring throughout, under floor heating and a solid marble-feature bar with built-in bar fridge and overhead lighting in the bulkhead.The study has a custom-made curved glass floor-to-ceiling wall with a built-in wooden wall unit. An imported Italian glass study desk and white leather Eames chairs complete the picture. Air conditioning, electronic interior shade blinds and electronic awnings with automatic wind retractors, contribute to a comfortable lifestyle. There are two generous-sized storerooms and two private parking bays.

Fine & Country Marbella tel +34 952 76 40 10 email marbella@fineandcountry.com Perfect Homes International Magazine

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Marbella

PROVENCE, FRANCE - 2 490 000 € BUILT SIZE 400m² • PLOT SIZE 20000m² • 7 BEDROOMS • 6 BATHROOMS Two stone built period Provencal farmhouses completely renovated to an exceptional standard, situated in an extraordinarily beautiful river setting which is a nature lover's paradise. The two houses can be lived in as one family home or separately, offering numerous indoor and outdoor living and entertainment areas. Wonderful tropical gardens surround the house and swimming pool area and lead onto open parkland and down to the river, which is bordered by lush woodland and fabulous birdlife. The ruins of an ancient flour mill with waterfall and mill pool complement the river, which is perfect for both swimming in the summer and fishing. The property is situated on the edge of a tiny hamlet with extensive grounds that afford total privacy, only 45 minutes from Cannes and St Tropez and under 1 hour from Nice airport.

Fine & Country Marbella tel +34 952 76 40 10 email marbella@fineandcountry.com 208

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Marbella

JUMEIRAH BEACH RESIDENCE, DUBAI, UAE – 2.280.000€ BUILT SIZE 465m² • TERRACE 93m² • 4 BEDROOMS • 4 BATHROOMS This upgraded penthouse is situated in a very sought after area and has been lovingly improved to a very high standard. From the private swimming pool on the terrace the panoramic sea views take in views of Palm Jumeirah, with the stunning back drop of the Arabian Sea. The property has been significantly and tastefully upgraded, the master suite having the additional benefit of a covered balcony offering partial Dubai marina views. It offers a very spacious open plan formal lounge / dining area adjoined by a sitting room / informal TV room leading to an upgraded open plan kitchen and breakfast area which offers sea views - attached to this is a very useful sunroom from where the amazing sunsets can be enjoyed. This is a unique opportunity to purchase not only a penthouse in one of Dubai’s foremost communities but a terrace penthouse which very rarely come on the market.

Fine & Country Marbella tel +34 952 76 40 10 email marbella@fineandcountry.com Perfect Homes International Magazine

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MARRIOTT’S ARUBA OCEAN CLUB PALM BEACH, ARUBA

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WELCOME TO MARRIOTT’S ARUBA OCEAN CLUB Enjoy world-famous windsurfing, snorkeling or simply lounge by the beautiful ocean. Discover the excitement of Oranjestad, the island capital rich in Dutch heritage, friendly commerce and vibrant island nightlife. Shop for local art and artifacts, Dutch delft, cheeses, jewelry and other treasures among the many malls and stores.

RESORT AMENITIES

VILLA TYPES

Pools, Beauty and Fitness: • Beachfront access • Outdoor free-form pool and whirlpools* • Oceanview swimming pool with swim-up bar, 3 spas at the elevated natural rock pool and children’s pool • Full on-site luxurious Mandara Spa • Health club and sports courts

1 • • •

- Bedroom Villa 1-bedroom / 1-bath villa Approximately 923 square feet Sleeps 4

2 • • •

- Bedroom Villa 2-bedroom / 2-bath villa Approximately 1,239 square feet Sleeps 8

Eating and Drinking: • À la carte dining at Pavilion Grill • Champions Sports Bar & Restaurant For Children: • MAZE® (Marriott’s Activity Zone Experience) for children • Children’s play area with “shipwreck” theme Other Activities: • Tennis court, basketball court, ping pong and billards • Barbeque grills

VILLA AMENITIES • • • •

Living & dining area with LCD flat screen TV & DVD player Complimentary internet access for owners Fully equipped kitchen including microwave and dishwasher Master suite with king-size bed, oversize soaking tub and shower • Utility room with washer and dryer • Fully furnished private balconies and porches

Marriott’s Aruba Ocean Club guests have access to Aruba Marriott® Resort and Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club amenities, including: Restaurants and lounges, the MarketPlace store, Fitness Center, volleyball and shuffleboard, Aruba Marriott® Resort free-form pool, Stellaris Casino, Matey’s Hall Bon Bini Kid’s activity center, The Den, and video game rooms.

Marriott’s Aruba Ocean Club, Palm Beach, Aruba, The Caribbean *Location amenity.

All features, furnishings and amenities depicted throughout may be proposed and are subject to change. Some facilities may be open on seasonal basis only.

Marriott Vacation Club International and the programs and products provided under the Marriott Vacation Club brand are not owned, developed, or sold by Marriott International, Inc. Marriott Vacation Club International uses the Marriott marks under license from Marriott International, Inc. and its affiliates. © Copyright 2012, Marriott Vacation Club International. All rights reserved.

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Cap Ferrat, France “ Villo O” commands dazzling vie ws of the Azur sea and m o u n ta i n s a n d c a n a c c o m m o d a t e 10 g u e s t s i n f i v e d o u b l e bedroom suites. From the teak decked terr aces surrounding the feature swimming pool one enjoys an amazing vie w of t he landscaped gardens and bay below.

Sleeps: 10 guests Price: € 80.000 / 30.000 p/w

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Barbados, The Caribbean Cove Spring House is the most coveted hoilday home on Barbados; unique in its prime Platinum Coast location, atop coral stone cliffs which wr ap around its own secluded beach; sump tuous in its stunningly furnished interiors, intimate, private and secure in its magnificent walled and manicured gardens.

Sleeps: 10 guests Price: â‚Ź 35.000 p/w

INTERNATIONAL MARBELLA

PROPERTY CONSULTANTS

www.internationalmarbella.com (34) 95 13 199 14

www.aylesfordcom (44) 207 349 5100

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Clifton, Cape Town Feast your eyes on the breathtaking views of Cape Town - From this contemporary masterpiece boasting every luxury available enjoy the double volume entertainent space. the perfect arena for bot h e xtr avagant functions and intimate family reunions alike. A luscious Zen-like garden, situated against the mountain backdrop and a private pool deck overlooking the Clifton Bay. Sleeps: 10 guests

Price: â‚Ź 35.000 p/w

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St. Tropez, France Set in a private domain on top of a hill, this fantastic property ov erlooks t he countryside and t he sea. Se t in an idy llic location, with easy reach to the beaches, St. Tropez town and t h e ch a r m i n g v i l l a g e o f R a m a t u e l l e , t h i s i s t h e u l t i m a t e i n provencal living, with seven bedroom suites, gym and spa.

Sleeps: 14 guests

Price: â‚Ź 75.000 / 45.000 p/w

INTERNATIONAL MARBELLA

PROPERTY CONSULTANTS

www.internationalmarbella.com (34) 95 13 199 14

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Super yacht “parsifal III” T h i s s u b l i m e , 12 c r e w 5 4 f t . v e s s e l c a n a c c o m m o d a t e a t o t a l o f 14 g u e s t s i n c o m p l e t e l u x u r y a n d o f f e r s a n abundance of water toys including 2 tenders, 2 S e a D o o ’ s , va r i o u s t o w a b l e t o y s , s c u b a d i v i n g e q u i p m e n t for 6 persons, waterskis and much more.

Sleeps: 14 guests

Price: $ 225.000 p/w

Marriott’s Playa Andaluza, Estepona, Spain

Marriott’s Marbella Beach Resort, Marbella, Spain

On the Spanish Riviera of the Costa del Sol, this stunning oceanfront resort is near the ‘Millionaire’s Paradise’ of Puerto Banus, an exclusive marina made famous by royalty.

Just 15 minutes from the cosmopolitan town of Marbella or the more traditional town of Estepona guests can choose to experience the traditional life or the high life.

Marriott Vacation Club’s first European resort is located at the heart of the Costa del Sol, 10 minutes from the cosmopolitan town of Marbella. This stunning seafront property reflects the age-old traditions and enduring romance of Southern Spain with incredible views across the Mediterranean towards Africa.

Guests can spend their days relaxing by the swimming pools and enjoying the views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea, sightseeing, dining or playing Tennis, golf or enjoying other outdoor activities. Alternatively they could soak up the Andalusian culture with a visit to one of the “white villages” such as Ronda or Mijas and learn about the region’s olive oil and wine production.

The design and architecture of the resort, the apartments and the club house are heavily influenced by the traditions of Andalusia giving a charming appeal. The deluxe accommodation comprises generously appointed 2 or 3 bedroom apartments. Every apartment enjoys views across the Mediterranean Sea or tropical gardens and has an open living and dining area with elegant, comfortable furnishings.

The lush sweeping gardens are filled with beautiful native flora that characterise the different regional landscapes of Spain. You can expect the high Marriott Vacation Club® standards of service throughout the resort, and there is always a huge range of amenities, activities and events to suit all ages and tastes.

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Visitors can spend their days relaxing on the sandy beaches, horseback riding, shopping, dining or playing on one of the dozens of golf courses which have earned the region its nickname; Costa del Golf. Alternatively they could soak up the Andalusian culture with a visit to one of the traditional villages such as Mijas or Benahavis and learn about the region’s arts and crafts traditions. With an extravagant nightlife close by there is something for everyone.

The design and architecture of the resort, the apartments and the club house combine traditional Andalusian mood and colour with modern luxury and convenience. The luxurious accommodation consists of spacious 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartments with an open plan living and dining area and impressive views of the Mediterranean Sea or exotic gardens.

You can expect the high quality standards offered by Marriott Vacation Club around the world and the resort has received several Awards recognising the exceptional guest service. The resort offers a selection of amenities and activities including restaurants, a selection of swimming pools, kids club and fitness centre, so there is something to suit all ages and tastes.

Why Holiday Ownership from Marriott Vacation Club?

Own your holidays - don’t just take them!

For more than 25 years, Marriott Vacation Club® has remained the leader in the vacation ownership industry, delivering unforgettable holiday experiences to over 400,000 Owner families at more than 50 first-class resorts around the globe. Marriott Vacation Club gives access to the world’s most desirable locations including pristine beaches, world-class skiing and championship golf destinations. The flexibility of ownership allows you to also enjoy a variety of additional holiday options worldwide, including thousands of Marriott® hotels, unique travel adventures such as exotic safaris, magnificent cruises through enrolment in the Marriott Vacation Club Destinations™ Exchange Program and a choice of hundreds of affiliate resorts.

Holiday Ownership allows you to purchase your resort accommodation at a fraction of whole ownership costs. You “own” your holiday unit for the period that you have chosen and pay an annual maintenance fee.

During the rest of the year, other families enjoy the accommodation for their holidays, thereby sharing the cost of your holiday home. Our properties are designed to be a true “home away from home”.

The 2-bedroom apartments/townhouses comfortably accommodate up to 6 guests and 3-bedroom apartments/townhouses comfortably accommodate up to 8 guests and they are all designed to a first-class standard with luxurious fixtures and fittings.

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Discover the easy, flexible way to enjoy more holiday options.

1 Purchase a Marriott Vacation Club Week(s) Purchase a number of holiday weeks in a season based on your family’s holiday plans.

Purchases require an initial down payment, and finance options are available for the balance to be paid in low monthly installments.

Prices vary depending upon season and apartment size.

Owners pay a annual Maintenance Fee for upkeep of the high standards of accommodation and resort facilities.

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2 Plan Your Holidays You can stay at your European home resort in your purchased season.

You can choose different holiday options including: a. Stay at one of over 50 Marriott Vacation Club® Collection resorts worldwide. b. Visit thousands of destinations at Marriott® hotels by exchanging for Marriott Rewards points. c. Travel to one of the affiliate resorts around the globe via Interval International exchange. d. Experience unique travel adventures, from Tuscany to the Great Wall of China or even choose cruises through the Explorer Program when opting for Vacation Club Points.

A Personal Holiday Planning Advisor and an easy-to-use online tool are available to help you plan and book all your holidays.

You have the flexibility to save weeks for use the following year, borrow a future week, or purchase additional weeks to grow your holiday options.

3 Enjoy Your Dream Holiday To find out more about how Marriott Vacation Club holiday ownership will work for you contact one of our advisors on Tel. +34 952880495 marketing.costadelsol@vacationclub.com

www.marriottvacationclub.eu IMDC-13-129

1 Access to the Explorer Collection is made available through the Marriott Vacation Club Destinations Exchange Program and is subject to the terms and conditions as outlined in the applicable Marriott Vacation Club Destinations Exchange Program documents. Actual experiences will be provided via contractual arrangements with third-party providers and may require the payment of additional fees.

This advertising material is being used for the purpose of soliciting the sale of Exchange Program enrolment and/or Holiday Ownership interests. Subject to applicable terms and conditions. This is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy to residents in jurisdictions in which registration requirements have not been fulfilled or where the marketing or sale of the Exchange Program or Holiday Ownership interests is prohibited and your eligibility and the resorts available for purchase will depend upon the jurisdiction of your residency. Enquiries from residents of such jurisdictions shall not be answered. For further information about the scheme, resort, developer, seller or manager please contact the address below.

Data Protection: Your personal information and details will be stored in a database controlled by MVCI Europe Limited and may be used and transferred outside the EU to Marriott Vacation Club International companies and their approved agents worldwide (including but not limited to, countries with a lower or higher level of data protection standards) to administer this promotion and to advise you of other offers. To exercise your data protection rights of opposition, access, rectification and deletion, you may write to the Consumer Affairs Manager at: MVCI Europe Ltd, Barnard’s Inn, 86 Fetter Lane, London, EC4A 1EN, UK.Key information is available by contacting Marriott Vacation Club at europe.services@vacationclub.com or Freephone 00800 8682 4862. MVCI Europe Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 218295, registered office 7 Albemarle Street, London, W1S 4HQ, England.

Marriott Vacation Club International and the programs and products provided under

by Marriott International, Inc. Marriott Vacation Club International uses the Marriott

the Marriott marks under

Vacation Club brand are not owned, developed, license from Marriott International, Inc. and its

or sold affiliates.

Š Copyright 2013, Marriott Vacation Club International. All rights reserved.

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addition to our local distribution across the Costa del Sol at over 1’000 drop spots which include: Banco Popular, Marbella Casino, Bang & Oulfsen & Sixt Concessionaires.

Perfect Homes Magazine will now be distributed internationally at Airports and four / five star Hotels and sold nationally across Spain, the Canary Islands & the Balearics to include cities such as: Valencia, Madrid, Alicante, Granada & Barcelona and within WH Smiths & Martins Newsagents within the UK.

Y L L A

N O I T A N R

SOLD INTE Perfect Homes

Perfect Homes The Worldwide Property Bible, showcasing properties, here in Spain and all over the world, with features on everything that pertains to property.

Magazine The Worldwide Property Bible

Spain €3.95

UK £3.50

SOLD IN THE UK & SPAIN www.issuu.com/sunsearch media

Don’t move, improve with

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Articles and features on the latest trends and many ideas for Interior design, including lighting, kitchens, bathrooms, furniture, gardens, accessories and much more...

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Distributed Internationally across Spain, UK, Italy, Belgium, Norway, Denmark, Sweden @ Airports and Top Hotels Perfect Homes International Magazin

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Still available free of charge on the Costa del Sol

Modernisation plays a large part in our lives, the house we original purchased maybe five, ten or fifteen years ago is not offering the requirements what we expect from our homes today. Fashions change and with this so do the trends in home design. Today more natural light is wanted, open plan rooms are desired and contemporary designs are preferred.

Space plays a huge part in our home choices primarily because most families expand over time this

means the un-utilised rooms such as garages, basements & loft all become areas within the home that can be re-modelled to meet our day to day requirements.

A home re-modelling is a great way to create space within your home. With an unstable house market, moving is probably not the preferred option to take. Remodelling the unused areas within the home allows you to gain the extra living space you want and need plus it also increases the value of your property.

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International Distribution Airports: S1- Servisair Lounges AA – American Airlines Lounges S1 - Servisair Lounges CX - Cathay Pacific Lounges SQ - Singapore Lounges EK – Emirates Lounge SK – SAS Lounge KL Skyteam Lounge

Belgium: Brussels Airport Brussels Airport Brussels Airport Brussels Airport

Norway:

Oslo Airport

SN – Brussels Airline Lounge SAS – Scandinavian Airlines Lounge IB – Iberia Airlines Lounge Jet Airway Lounge Mixture of airport lounges

Sweden: Stockholm Airport

Mixture of airport lounges

Denmark: Copenhagen Airport

Mixture of airport lounges

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Spain,

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Dorchester Hotels Claridges Hotels Berkeley Hotels Manderin Hotels Four seasons Hotel Lanesborough Hotels Sanderson Hotels Connaught Hotels Savoy Hotels Ritz Hotels Marriotts Hotels Hilton Hotels

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England: London Gatwick London Heathrow London Heathrow London Heathrow London Heathrow London Heathrow London Heathrow London Heathrow

International Hotels:

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Belgium: Distributed within 18 four / five star hotels such as: Sofitel Brussels Europe Hotels Royal Windsor Hotel Grand Palace Metropole Hotel

Norway: Distributed within 20 four / five star hotels such as: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel First Hotel Grims Grenka

Sweden: Distributed within 20 four / five star hotels such as: Hilton Stockholm Slussen Hotel Radisson Blu Strand Hotel

Countries: UK SPAIN ITALY BELGIUM

NORWAY DENMARK SWEDEN

Denmark: Distributed within 35 four / five star hotels such as: Copenhagen Marriott Hotel Radisson SAS Royal Hotel

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et it rain

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magine starting off - and ending - your day with the soothing sensation of rain pitter-pattering over your head. Rain showerheads are all the range at the moment as they mimic the natural flow of rain to deliver a refreshing, drenching experience that is indistinguishable from the real thing. Furthermore, you can choose from a wide range of rain showerheads, which boast sleek designs and superior functions.

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Easy On The Scalp (And Skin) The flow of water comes from above and is not ‘blasted’ right at you, and the more even flow of water from the rain showerhead is gentle and soothing on your scalp and skin.

Bath Of The Future Some models of rain showerheads offer air-induction technology. This innovative technology mixes air and water to produce larger droplets of water for a more thorough, soaking experience that help relax you and make for a more satisfying bath.

Massage Me Right Another advanced feature is the massage function, which allows you to select a preferred water flow and/or pattern to offer an ideal massage. Whether you fancy a gentle ‘rainfall’ or a hard and invigorating stream of water, this function is an excellent stress reliever that’s always welcome at the end of a hard day.

Chromotherapy One of the newest trends featured in steam bathing environments is chromatherapy mood lighting. Light is the language by which our body communicates through its chakras, also known as our primary energy centres that resonate to the frequency of a specific colour.

When these energy centres become misaligned, colour and light are used to restore the balance where it is lacking – whether physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually.

Chromatherapy is effectively used to stimulate the flow of energy and balance the body’s aura. The visible spectrum is comprised the light frequencies visible to the human eye: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet

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This showerhead also includes airinjection technology with two air jets which infuse each litre of water with about three litres of air. And with 206 spray channels, the water is evenly and luxuriously distributed.

What could be more luxurious than a refreshing rain shower? You don’t have to do a rain dance, just check out the new Raindance E showerhead

by Hansgrohe.

This large-scale fixture features an extra wide 17 by 8.5 inch spray face that showers your body with its robust rain. Believe it or not, this showerhead actually reduces the amount of water used! With its EcoSmart technology, the Raindance showerhead can reduce your water consumption by up to 60%. Inside, an O-ring puts the pressure on.

Choose from the Rain Air and Rainflow Waterfall spray modes.

This showerhead looks as good as it feels, with its sleek squared face, totally finished in chrome, brushed nickel and polished nickel. Get ready to get pampered! www.hansgrohe.co.uk

Chromo Designed by FIR ITALIA the Chromotherapy dream light canopy is available wall mounted, ceiling mounted or as a shower module. www.fir-italia.com

Techno M3 Rain Shower System Answering the demand for stylish contemporary design,MG unveils the Techno M3 collection of faucets, shower systems, fittings and bath accessories.

Exclusively engineered by renowned Portuguese designer Carlos Aguiar, the Techno M3 series combines flawless lines with a modern twist to create an unrivaled look to any home.

The collection, unparalleled in design, is available in a choice of four finishes including polished chrome, satin nickel, polished nickel and weathered. www.mgstaps.com

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Sweetpea and Willow have a stunning collection of pure silk and Egyptian cottons.

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Bed Aqua from

at

The pleasure of a good night’s sleep

Carretera de Ronda, Nuevo Poligono de San Pedro, Calle Eslovaqioa 30, Nave 15, 29670 San Pedro de Alcantara, Marbella, MALAGA T: + 34 952 787 916 M:+ 34 675 084 580 E: info@emporiobeds.com

www.emporiobeds.com

W onderful washbasins

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ou may not give much thought to your bathroom decor, but the stellar sink is not just a functional faucet but an important element of the interior design theme of the bathroom.

From sleek supercar sinks to wooden and cork sinks, your standard plain-Jane faucet simply will no longer cut it. Check out these aesthetically-stunning sinks.

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Fruit inspired basins

Designed by Cenk Kara this original Lemon sink should bring a smile to your face every day. This sink gets its name because of its interesting unusual shape. It can be integrated in the white rectangular base or lay on it. There is also available practical model with double wash basins. All of these funny bathroom sinks are offered in yellow and white colours. In spite of their creative designs they look quite elegant and nice and could fit any contemporary bathroom. Besides such fruitinspired sink could add a fresh touch to your bathroom and make it more unique www.cenkkara.blogspot.com.es

Renaissance inspired basins These excellent washbasins and cabinets designed by ACOO bring a touch or romantic charm to your bathroom. The Ceramic wash basin adopts high quality pot clay as base material with surface applied with imported glaze materials and fired under high temperature of 1200º. The ceramic product features low water absorption, good performance in deodorization and crack resistance, good acid and alkali proof performance, robust and durable. www.bathroomvanity.cc

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Modern glass basins A countertop concrete washbasin presented in a modern yet classic design with clear contours. Ideal as a single unit or a double.

Functional with storage space offering a clean, simple yet very effective washbasin. www.deutschecraft.com

Layered glass countertop basins

A distinctive range of bathrooms sinks that appeal to both traditional elegance as well as contemporary style.

These magniďŹ cent basin sinks available from Cantrio Koncepts are a mixture of gleaming faucets with a crystal layered glass basin sink. www.cantrio.com

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Deluxe Collection

Centro de atención personalizado de salud y descanso

Colchón Alta Gama Deluxe HIGH - END DELUXE MATTRESS

20 years guarantee

The DELUXE mattress on a personalized manner and unique in the world.

Thanks to the CELLIANT treatment it actually regenerates the cellular system and increases the level of oxygen in the blood.

In addition, it reduces pain, solves insomnia and isolates us rom home static electricity.

El colchón Deluxe a medida personalizado y único en el mundo gracias al tratamiento Celliant, regenera el sistema celular y aumenta el nivel de oxígeno en sangre.

Además, reduce el dolor, resuelve el insomnio y nos aisla de la electricidad estática del hogar.

Матрас Deluxe индивидуально подогнанный, единственный в мире благодаря использованию материала Celliant,регенерирует клетки организма и повышает уровень кислорода в крови. Матрас Deluxe уменьшает боль, решает проблемы с бессонницей и изолирует нас от плохого излучения в доме.

Avda. José Banús, 2 - Local 2D(Edif. Málaga) Pto Banús Marbella (Málaga) T.+34 952 81 45 80 234

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Masaje Profesional Eco-De

PROFESSIONAL MASSAGE ECO - DE Bag for transport included

Deluxe Collection

Centro de atención personalizado de salud y descanso Professional Eco - De Massage allows people of all ages to eliminate the accumulated daily stress in a fast and healthful manner with rollings and infrared, 8 engines vibrorollers, 6 manners of massage, reflexology and a remote controller.

Masaje profesional ECO-DE le permite a personas de todas las edades eliminar el estrés acumulado durante todo el día de una forma rápida y saludable con rolling e infrarojo, 8 motores vibrorollers, 6 modos de masaje, reflexología podal, con mando.

матрас с профессиональным массажем ecode позволяет людям всех возрастов, снять стресс, накопленный в течение дня, быстро и эффективно с помощью системы ролинга с ультракрасными лампами, 8-мью валами вибророликов, 6-тью типами массажа с рефлексологией и пультом управления.

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Deluxe Collection

Centro de atención personalizado de salud y descanso

Good Night - Topper Deluxe con Tratamiento Celliant

GOOD NIGHT - TOPPER DELUXE WITH TREATMENT CELLIANT If you want to improve the benefits of your own mattress add the TOPPER DELUXE with CELLIANT treatment that oxyenates blood, takes away pain and recovers natural functions affected by physical stress.

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Si quieres mejorar los beneficios de tu mismo colchón añádele el TOPPER DELUXE con el tratamiento CELLIANT que oxigena la sangre, te quita el dolor y recupera las funciones naturales afectadas por el estrés físico..

Если Вы хотите сделать свой мат рас л у ч ш е , д о б а в ьт е T O P P E R D E L U X E с л е ч е б н ы м C E L I A N T O M , ко т о р ы й насыщает кровь кислородом, снимает боли и во сстанавливает е сте ственные функции организма, пострадавшие от стресса.

Avda. José Banús, 2 - Local 2D(Edif. Málaga) Pto Banús Marbella (Málaga) T.+34 952 81 45 80

Perfect Homes International Magazine

Sillón de Masaje de Alta Gama HIGH - END MASSAGE ARMCHAIR

Deluxe Collection

Centro de atención personalizado de salud y descanso

This armchair with it’s relaxing effect is capable of reactivating different channels of energy. It specializes in massages Shiatu and Stones of Jade, manages to rebalance the body, thanks to it’s optical sensors, it detects the shoulders an is able to execute a massage in 3D. It has heating in the lumbar zone, digital control panel and musical therapy with a set of earphones included.

Este sillón con efecto relajante es capaz de reactivar los distintos canales de energía, especializado en masajes shiatsu y piedras de jade, logra reequilibrar el cuerpo. Gracias a sus sensores ópticos, detecta los hombros con fin de ejecutar un masaje en 3D. Dispone de calefacción en la zona lumbar, panel de control digital y terapia musical con cascos incluidos.

Данное кресло имеет релаксационное воздействие, которое позволяет активировать различные энергетические каналы. Специализируется на массаже Шиацу и камнях Жадеит, восстанавливая при этом баланс организма. Благодаря применению оптических датчиков сканируются плечи для выполнения массажа 3D. Имеет встроенную функцию подогрева в нижней части спины, цифровой пульт управления и возможность применения музыкотерапии.

www.deluxecollection.es

Deluxe Collection

Centro de atención personalizado de salud y descanso

With integrated Massage

Cо встроенным массажем

Avda. José Banús, 2 - Local 2D(Edif. Málaga) Pto Banús Marbella (Málaga) T.+34 952 81 45 80

www.deluxecollection.es

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www.brandt.com

A

ngels Property Services is a family run business which has now been trading and growing with Word of mouth recommendations over the last twelve years. Our primary business started back in 2000 with the property management business headed by owner Nicola who has a wealth of experience in the hotel industry. With her partner Steve, the business has grown and developed over these years and we are proud to offer every kind of service that you could possibly relate to home ownership.

Property Management:We offer a property management service which is tailored to every one of our customers to suit their specific needs. Many of our customers live abroad and therefore require a trustworthy company to attend the property to ensure its well being and to take care of the day to day tasks that they are not present to entail. This could be cleaning drains after heavy rains, attending their alarm company should something be wrong with the alarm, checking the property on a regular basis to ensure the electricity, water and other utilities are in good working order or any other manner of issues that need to be dealt with in person when the owner is not present.

All of our staff, without exception, are covered by insurance which is important when someone is working in your home.

We have a very experienced team of cleaners who have been with us since the start of the business which means they are also able to tailor the cleaning as required for our clients.

• Secure key holding.

To give an idea of the vast amount of tasks that we can undertake on your behalf, whether you are present in Spain or not to take the worry and pressure out of home ownership meaning you can relax and enjoy your Costa del Sol home are: Regular inspection visits to:• Check security, locks, doors and windows.

• Check watering of plants on terraces, garden boxes and indoors.

• Check gas, water and electricity supply, turn these off on departure and back on for arrival if required.

• Check property as a whole and report any damages such as leaks, humidity etc.

• Regular airing by opening doors and windows for general ventilation.

• General day to day maintenance (we have a full time handy man who can normally fix problems within a couple of hours subject to availability of parts if needed).

• Key holding service.

• Air conditioning maintenance/ installation/inspection.

• Maintenance to include: Carpenters, electricians, plumbers and decorators.

• Television/satellite engineers.

• Shopping service.

• Arrangement of car hire.

• Babysitting service.

• Cot and high chair rental.

• Rental of items for disabled people.

• Attending properties for deliveries.

• Administration, financial and insurance services.

• Construction and renovation services.

Apart from the above mentioned inspection visits we can also provide the following services.

• Project management.

• Cleaning and laundry.

• Catering / party organizing.

• Airport transfers / taxi reservations.

Angels Property Services S.L. | Sales Office | Urb. La Alzambra | 29660 Marbella T: (+34) 952 81 92 59 | F: (+34) 952 92 92 24 | M: (+34) 617 493 094 | E: info@angelsproperty.com | www.angelsproperty.com

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Buying and selling a property in Spain:The team at Angels Property Services really does have a wealth of experience when it comes to buying and selling properties on the Costa del Sol and we are on hand to meet and discuss individual requirements.

We have a network of agencies with whom we work and this enables us to advertise your property or indeed search for a property to meet your requirements up and down the coast. Our new website also offers prospective purchasers the chance to actually view your property before even stepping foot inside it, ensuring that only clients genuinely interested will view. This is a very useful tool as time is not wasted on the seller’s or purchaser’s side and you as a purchaser or vendor can rest assured that the best exposure 24 hours a day is being offered.

Having taken the time to help you choose your new home, Angels Property Services will be on hand to help and assist with everything that you need to help you settle into it. This could be furnishing it, help with setting up the utility bills or any construction, decoration or refurbishment work that you wish to undertake.

We can recommend tried and tested lawyers who speak many languages to help you through the legal process.

highest quality of work will suffice. We have projects of previous works with pictures and would be happy to discuss individual needs with you.

Administration service For all those things that are just too difficult to carry out if you do not speak Spanish or are not used to the system here in Spain, we can help.

Whether it is a problem with the electricity or water companies, the community office, the town hall taxes or you need to urgently organize a doctor’s visit we have all of the contacts and can take on these tasks for you removing the worry of home ownership in Spain.

Even if it is outside of office hours, we have an emergency number where we are contactable 24 hours a day.

Project management We are pleased to offer a full project management service.

From as little as a knocking through two rooms to a basement conversion to the complete construction of a house from scratch, we can project manage it all. We have over the years been able to select the best local builders and architects, the best suppliers of building materials throughout Spain and the most reliable electricians, plumbers and installations experts in Spain. We inspect the work on a very regular basis and only the

Angels Property Services S.L. | Sales Office | Urb. La Alzambra | 29660 Marbella T: (+34) 952 81 92 59 | F: (+34) 952 92 92 24 | M: (+34) 617 493 094 | E: info@angelsproperty.com | www.angelsproperty.com

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La Alzambra III 595,000 Euros 2 Bedroom Garden Apartment

2 bedroom garden apartment sold fully furnished in the newest Phase III. 150m2 built plus terraces of 51m2.

La Alzambra 795,000 Euros 4 Bedroom Townhouse

4 bedroom La Alzambra Townhouse, beautifully decorated just 5 minutes walk to Puerto Banus.

Angels Property Services S.L. | Sales Office | Urb. La Alzambra | 29660 Marbella T: (+34) 952 81 92 59 | F: (+34) 952 92 92 24 | M: (+34) 617 493 094 | E: info@angelsproperty.com | www.angelsproperty.com

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La Alzambra III P.O.A. Stunning 2 bedroom garden apartment

150 m2 built plus terrace of 55 m2 The very best 2 bedroom apartment in La Alzambra

Angels Property Services S.L. | Sales Office | Urb. La Alzambra | 29660 Marbella T: (+34) 952 81 92 59 | F: (+34) 952 92 92 24 | M: (+34) 617 493 094 | E: info@angelsproperty.com | www.angelsproperty.com

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Wedding bouquets Summer is here and this is busiest time of year for weddings, glorious, sunny hot days and beautiful, star-filled nights with twinkling fireflies.

Summer wedding bouquets come in so many varieties; vibrant, lush colors, pastels, exotics, wildflowers and much more.

We’ve gathered some of our favourite designs

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Sponsored by

HOLLAND FLOWERS

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Cattleyas Orchids

This show stopping bouquet of classic Cattleya Orchids is cleverly dotted with petite clusters of dill.

The designer created a cuff of varigated Ti leaves, looped under the flowers to show their yellow stripes, a beauitful accent to the vivid contrast of the Cattleyas. Bear grass lengthens the handle of the bouquet which is neatly wrapped with an ivory shell lei.

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bouquets T

here are many different types, styles and shapes of bouquets.

The History:

The custom of bouquets origin in ancient times.

In ancient Greece and Rome, the bride and groom wore a garland around their necks, symbolizing new life, hope and to promote fertility. Traditional Celtic bouquets included ivy, thistle and heather.

The garland was not made of flowers but of strong-smelling herbs and spices. The strong smells were thought to have mystical powers and meant to keep away evil spirits When Queen Victoria married Prince Albert, the herbs and spices had been replaced by fresh flowers, especially marigolds. Edible flowers were still included in the bouquet. The bride would carry her arrangement as she walked down the aisle.

The dill from the bride’s bouquet (also known as the herb of lust), was consumed by the bride, the groom, and their wedding guests during the reception, as the herb was meant to increase sexual desire.

In Victorian times, flowers became the secret messengers of lovers; each flower having its own meaning. It is believed that ‘the flower language’ began in Turkey during the seventeenth century. Lovers began using floral exchanges to convey messages.

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Thus bridal flowers were chosen with regard to their traditional significance.

For many brides, these meanings continue to influence the types of flowers they included in their bouquets. These meanings were based on a science known as Florigraphy, ‘the flower language’. Many flower lovers followed this language as it revealed underlying messages to sending and receiving flowers.

However in our modern times, brides pick their flowers on their lovely colours and shapes.

Lovely blooms that suit their personality, bridal gown and their own unique style and taste.

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aby’s Breath Takes on the Starring Role in recent Weddings

Baby’s Breath has long been known exclusively as a “filler flower,” but it has been featured a lot lately.

When many of the stems are massed together, they create a lush, yet airy look that can only be described as lovely and delicate.

Even though Baby’s Breath is thought of as a more affordable option for event flowers, keep in mind that with any type flower that is “massed” together, it can get expensive because you’ll need to purchase more to create the full look.

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HOLLAND FLOWERS

Ido.........

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Holland Flowers decorates over weddings a year, the most important day in the life of bride and groom, of which no decoration is the same.

f

lower Fashion…

by Bob Slingerland

Flower trends are constantly evolving, flowers unearth the emotions that inspire and fulfil the human spirit. Using colour, texture and shape, flowers create the stimulus to unleash the heart and create an environment that engages the soul.

Flowers make life’s special events unique because they enhance the excitement of guests and express the feelings of the hosts. As with fashion certain colours or flower varieties come into and go out of popularity. A flower arrangement and its aesthetic appeal – just like beauty – is in the eye of the beholder.

At Holland Flowers we know that your wedding day is one of the most important days for you and your partner. No two weddings are the same so we aways work with the bride & groom to ensure we capture the style, wishes and more importantly the quality and look you have dreamed off.

Whatever your style, we can help you create that perfect day.

Bulevard Príncipe Alfonso de Hohenlohe 29602 MARBELLA - T. & Fax +34 952 779 651 email:info@hollandflowersmarbella.com C:C: Costa Marbella - El Corte Inglés - Sotano 1 29660 PUERTO JOSÉ BANÚS T. +34 952 818 736 w w w. h o l l a n d f l o w e r s m a r b e l l a . c o m

Our philosophy at roman windows and doors is to join the most advanced technology with the development of a handmade product, well made.

Showroom Puerto Banús Avda. José Banús Playa del Duque T. +34 951 775 175 M. +34 646 761 242

Paraje Puerto de Ronda Ctra. enlace Manilva - Gaucín MA 528 29680 Casares (Málaga T. +34 952 89 41 49 F. +34 952 89 42 23

email info@romanclavero.com

www.romanclavero.com

Wood is Román Clavero’s passion – and creating innovative, high-quality carpentry products has been their business for three decades.

From doors of the future to customised accessories, they offer the latest in components and design.

In this interview, Marcos Oliver Román Ocaña explains how Román Clavero have mastered all the process stages to ensure a fast and effective service, cutting-edge design prototypes, and enduring, high-performance products.

What were the company’s beginnings?

It was founded in 1979 by José Luis Román Clavero.

What are the basic principles behind the company?

Above all else, the quality of our products and meticulous clientservice. We use the most innovative technology in the market in order to be able to offer a practical product, and optimum results, without losing even a tiny shred of the charm and natural beauty of wood – while also taking special care with every design detail to create an exclusive product for each client.

Another very important basic principle for the company is our guarantee and after-sales service. All Román W&D products are made from the highest quality materials and objects available in the market, strictly in accordance with European Union quality norms (EN) and labels (CE).

How would you summarise the market at present and how you fit into this market?

What are the inspirations and influences behind your work?

The current market is very difficult, bearing in mind the overall economic situation. In general, sales of our kinds of products are mainly to the Russian market and clients from the Nordic countries, as well as the Arab market, not to mention Britons and the rest of Europe – they have always sustained our local economy. We mostly cater for the top end of the market, those with high spending power, and they demand exceptional quality, design and exclusivity. We fit into that market perfectly, as our services and products are aimed specifically at that kind of market: it’s very familiar territory.

Latest generation German technology and meticulous selection of materials. Our influences range from styles highlighted by pure and refined lines, geometric shapes and art deco to neo-classical, new rustic and even neo-baroque. In addition, we create exclusive designs for clients if a project requires it.

To that end, in spite of the delicate situation society is going through at the moment, our company has made a strong commitment to the future. Last October we opened our new showroom in Puerto Banús, where clients can check out a wide range of the products and styles we manufacture – an excellent facility for us as well as for architects and clients.

What is your vision for the company and tell us more about your passions?

Román Clavero Windows & Doors is a company with a sound future, and our priorities are to improve from day to day and to position ourselves as a market leader in Spain, while expanding our frontiers and promoting our products outside our borders, with exports to other countries. Our passion is wood. We make products using other materials, such as aluminium and bronze, but always ensuring wood remains the main protagonist. And, of course, our main passion is our clients.

We cover all our work-installed products with a one-year complete guarantee, covering repairs or replacements for faulty pieces or components, with no labour or home-visit costs for clients.

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What are your thoughts about modern architecture in Marbella and how are you involved?

In recent years we have been witnessing a change in trends. Previously it was very rare to see projects that were different from the Costa del Sol’s traditional architecture: that is, Andalucian or rustic style grilles, windows and doors with shutters, staves, nails, etc. Only occasionally did a “different” more modern project emerge. Few of us knew then that they were just the first ones to be following a trend towards “cubic”, architecture: flat roofs and ceilings, straight lines, aluminium wood windows, pure and refined lines simple homes with modular designs. Now this has become the current trend, and it’s no longer strange to see these kinds of projects.

Our company has been able to adapt to this style with such new products as our 0 Line, passageway doors up to three metres high, made without cover plates or flashing, and with frames level with the wall and hidden hinges; aluminiumwood windows, our IV-88 Mira and IV-88 Mira Therm Series; and finger-jointed entrance doors

How do you see the future of modern architecture (particularly in Marbella)?

Our personal opinion is that we are going to see two diametrically opposed architectural styles.

In accordance with the current market there will be projects featuring “cubic” architecture, and we will probably start to see neo-classical and neo-baroque. It’s already the trend in interior decoration and we wouldn’t be surprised soon to see projects for houses with large Greek-

style columns – and consequently that style will also find its way into carpentry. It is important to offer personalised architectural projects and, to that end, also provide completely adaptable carpentry services, not just aesthetically (shape, varnishes and ironwork) but also technically, with constructive solutions for any difficulties that might arise in a specific project.

These kinds of projects that are being undertaken now, and in the future, are a long way from the carpentry products produced to scale, and at low cost, for major apartment and house developments built in Marbella in previous years – before the current crisis.

What does a “home” represent to you?

An extension of the personal nature and manner of those living there…. a comfortable place that invites you to live in it.

Finally…

We would just like to add that, throughout the years since Román Clavero Windows & Doors was established, the company has been able to adapt to changes in architectural styles, and adapt to Marbella’s current market – in which clients with high spending power are the ones setting the trends.

Marbella Golden Mile Villa. Plot: 736 m2. Built: 234 m2. 3 Bed. 3 Bath + toilet. MagniďŹ cent Sea Views. Garage. Furnished. Gated community 24 Hours Security. Only 750.000â‚Ź. Ref: V3-1263.

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Spacious and modern apartments Paraiso, Benahavis

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Ref: A211 l 3 bedrooms l 2 bathrooms These apartments are situated in an exclusive residential complex situated in Benahavís, a typically Andalusian white village nestling on the edge of the Sierra de las Nieves, just a stone’s throw from Puerto Banus and Marbella.

A privileged natural enclave of more than 123.000 m2 in which to enjoy the total tranquility and year-round ambience of the Mediterranean, golf and the traditional flavours of Andalucía.

This select resort, gated and fenced around its entire perimeter, offers beautifully finished, modern apartments.

An exclusive Club House at the disposal of all the owners sets this urbanisation apart as it combines extensive green areas with small lakes set among spacious gardens with fabulous mountain and Mediterranean views.

l 120 m2 built area l 34 m2 covered terrace l 105+ m2 plot l Ground floor with private garden l 450,000€

Ref: A212 l 2 bedrooms l 2 bathrooms l 120 m2 built area l 33 m2 covered terrace l 450,000€

Ref: A201 l 2 bedrooms l 2 bathrooms l 89 m2 built area l 27 m2 covered terrace l 380,000€

For more information call + 34 951 136 751 properties@sunsearchmedia.com www.sunsearchmediagroup.blogspot.com.es

Sunsearch Properties

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Four Seasons Flamingos Benahavis

Well located 2-bedroom apartments both on the first floor.

Living/dining area, fitted kitchen, 2 bedrooms/2 bathrooms, covered terrace, A/C with heating, underfloor heating in bathrooms, marble floors and fireplace. No garage/storage.

Orientation south, with very nice seaviews. Located in a gated community with communal pool and gardens and close to all amenities. Furniture negotiable.

Ref: A235 l 2 bedrooms l 2 bathrooms l 108 m2 built area l 25 m2 covered terrace l 260,000€

Urb. Tee 5 Los Flamingos Golf Resort Benahavis

A modern and spacious top-quality 3 bedroom penthouse.

Sunny living room with open fireplace (gas), open plan design kitchen (Smeg appliances), open hallway with guest toilet, spacious master bedroom en suite with jacuzzi bath, 2 guest bedrooms en suite, roof terrace with private pool.

Built in 2005. Located in block 5. Including one storage and two parking spaces. Wide spectacular views over the golf and the sea, southwest facing. Settled within the Los Flamingos Golf Resort (3 golf courses) and the 5* Hotel ‘Villa Padierna’. Nearby all amenities, a few minutes to the beach, shopping and Puerto Banus/Marbella.

Ref: A246 l 3 bedrooms l 3 bathrooms l 231 m2 built area l 79 m2 covered terrace l 750,000€

A top-quality 2 bedroom apartment located in the prestigious Los Flamingos Golf Resort. Built in 2007. It has a bright living area with open fireplace, open plan kitchen, bedrooms en suite, underfloor heating in bathrooms, garage, storage, private garden, gated community, 24hrs security, alarm, communal pool Wide views over the golf and the sea, southwest facing. Settled within the Los Flamingos Golf Resort (3 golf courses) and the 5* Hotel ‘Villa Padierna’. Nearby all amenities, a few minutes to the beach, shopping and Puerto Banus/Marbella.A/C units are located in the living area, master bedroom and 2 guest bedrooms.

Ref: A243

Urb. Alanda Los Flamingos Golf Resort Benahavis 260

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l 2 bedrooms l 2 bathrooms l 120 m2 built area l 30 m2 covered terrace l 51 m2 plot l 435,000€

Modern luxury apartments Benahavis

Modern luxury apartments in the famous Residential Los Arqueros Golf (Costa del Sol). Security 24 hours.

Incredible views of the sea, golf and mountains.

The apartments have 2 or 3 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms, Just minutes away are the beaches of Benahavis and Marbella and its famous Puerto Banus, supplementing the possibility to practice all kinds of water activities.

The tourist towns of San Pedro de Alcantara, Ronda and Estepona with its spectacular highlands are also just minutes from the Avalon residential.

Ref: D902 l 2 or 3 bedrooms l 2 bathrooms l From 2500,000â‚Ź

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Prestigious location El Madronal

Situated within the private estates La Reserva del Madronal, or simply El Madronal, this luxurious newly built villa sits perched 400 meters above sea level offering breathtaking views of the coast below and the forested hills of Benahavis.

Stylish and contemporary this newly built property sits on spectacular landscaped grounds which comprises of a threestorey 5 bedroom villa with separate guest house.

Exquisite interior design and high quality furnishings compliment this light and airy villa, which has been decorated in a soft hue of lilac with natural wooden floors to create a feeling of openness and wellbeing.

Additional features include an impressive spa area fitted with sauna and steam room. The basement has also a very large room which is currently being used as a second living room but could be refurbished as a playroom or cinema.

Ref: V240 l 5+2 bedrooms l 5+2 bathrooms l 1027 m2 built area l 173 m2 terrace l 4,017 m2 plot l Private pool l Separate guest house l 3,800,000â‚Ź

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For more information call + 34 951 136 751 properties@sunsearchmedia.com www.sunsearchmediagroup.blogspot.com.es

Sunsearch Properties

Ocean views Los Monteros Playa

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This superbly renovated 5 bedroom, 5 bath villa is situated just 150 meters from the beach in the exclusive residential development of Los Monteros Playa.

This lavish AndalucĂ­an styled villa enjoys a sunny south east orientation and is set on a vast and level plot of 1197meters in lush landscaped gardens.

Designed beautifully to blend into its surroundings this villa offers polished marble floors, open plan living spaces, a stunning statement fireplace, fully fitted kitchen with Gaggenau and Miele appliances, large outside terraces with barbeque, Mediterranean summer kitchen, 5 large double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, steam room, fitness area and storage.

This villa hideaway.

is

the

ideal

beachside

Ref: V278 l 5 bedrooms l 5 bathrooms l 458 m2 built area Sunsearch Properties

For more information call + 34 951 136 751 properties@sunsearchmedia.com www.sunsearchmediagroup.blogspot.com.es

l 120 m2 terrace l 1197m2 plot l 3,250,000â‚Ź

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Priviledged location Reserva Cortesin

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This luxurious villa is nestled in a unique residential development comprising of 16 individual villas within the prestigious Finca Cortesin Golf Resort.

Divided over two floors this south facing contemporary styled villa is generously proportioned and finished to the highest quality. Offered with its own private garden with plunge pool, spacious terraces & veranda, fully fitted kitchen with appliances this modern villa is spacious, bright and luxuriously appointed. Comprising of four bedroom suites with en-suites, storage space, laundry room guest bathroom and two parking spaces this villa has been designed perfectly with family living in mind

Ref: V294 l 4 bedrooms l 4 bathrooms l 420 m2 built area l 1,900,000â‚Ź

For more information call + 34 951 136 751 properties@sunsearchmedia.com www.sunsearchmediagroup.blogspot.com.es

Sunsearch Properties

Golfers paradise

El Paraiso, Benahavis

Mirador del ParaĂ­so is a select resort with spacious gardens, lakes and magnificent panoramic views of golf courses, mountain and sea.

An exclusive Club House at the disposal of all owners sets this urbanisation apart, gated as it is throughout, with 24 hour surveillance and fenced in entrance area to ensure maximum security and peace of mind for all the family.

Others features include Fully fitted kitchen, Alarm system, Central heating, Underfloor Heating, Fireplace, Heated pool, Double Garage.

Sunsearch Properties

Ref: V202 l 4 bedrooms l 4+ bathrooms l 454 m2 built area l 106 + 85 m2 terraces l 980 m2 plot l 1,400,000â‚Ź

For more information call + 34 951 136 751 properties@sunsearchmedia.com www.sunsearchmediagroup.blogspot.com.es

Rio Verde Playa

Marbella

Rio Verde Playa is one of the most impressive frontline beach projects in Marbella, the only modern contemporary design on the Golden Mile on walking distance to both Puerto Banús and Marbella.

The modern villa, which will be finished by summer 2013, combines the very best of modern architecture with the ultimate in interior, installations and technology. The approx.

1.000m2 constructed area are distributed amongst 3 levels with 7 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms.

The basement consists of a laundry room, machine room, a bar, cinema room, sauna, gym and a guest bedroom en-suite which can be used for staff. The garden area contains a massive 80m2 heated pool surrounded by decking.

Ref: V206 l 7 bedrooms l 7 bathrooms l 1168 m2 built area l 1873 m2 plot l Price on application

Marbessa 22

East Marbella Ref: V207 l 5 bedrooms l 5 bathrooms l 485 m2 built area (including porches) plus open terraces l 1340 m2 plot l Top quality finishing and materials, installations and designed to the latest trends and international design l Spectacular – permanent panoramic views from all levels l Infinity pool, bar & BBQ area, roof terrace for lounging

Absolutely stunning, contemporary villa (five bedrooms) with spectacular sea views in the sought-after residential area of Marbesa, located just east of Marbella and within walking distance to the beach, restaurants and local amenities. The project is due to be completed at spring of 2013.

This unique, rare to find villa, is designed by the acclaimed Argentinean-born architect Carlos Lamas; built to the highest standards with exquisite attention to detail and exceptional views.

l Walking distance to the beach, restaurants and local amenities l Excellent beachside location between Elviria and Cabopino port, just 12 km. from Marbella centre l 2,950,000€

Aside from the high quality architectural features, the villa boasts a unique location, at the highest point of Marbesa, with incredible sea views to enhance the ‘WOW’-effect. Importantly, the views are permanent, as the surrounding plots are already built, with no more land available in the neighbourhood.

Sunsearch Properties

For more information call + 34 951 136 751 properties@sunsearchmedia.com www.sunsearchmediagroup.blogspot.com.es

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M agic C arpets TEHRAN MARBELLA

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The best rug store is close to you Come to Magic Carpets!

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Magazine

directory The Worldwide Property Bible

ADD

TEL

WEB

ARCHITECTS CARLOS LAMAS Urb. Marbella Real Local 25, Golden Mile T. +34 609 572 275 www.carloslama.com IDDOMUS Avda. España (La Mairena direction) 29000 Elviria Marbella T. +34 635 963 118

GENERAL MARBELLA CLUB HOTEL Blv. Pr. Alfonso von Hohenlohe Golden Mile, Marbella T. +34 952 822 211 www.marbellaclub.com HOTEL CORTESIN Ctra. de Casares Km. 2 Casares T. +34 952 937 800 www.fincacortesin.com CASINO MARBELLA Hotel H10 Andalucia Plaza s/n Marbella T. +34 952 814 000 www.casinomarbella.com HOLLAND FLOWERS Blv. Pr. Alfonso von Hohenlohe Marbella T. +34 952 779 651 www.hollandflowersmarbella.com SIX RENT A CAR T. +34 902 491 616 Quote CD Nº 9843498 MONEYCORP T. +34 952 587 657 Quote Ref. Nº 10387272 sunsearchmedia@moneycorp.com MARTINEZ - ECHEVARRIA Centro de Negocios Puerta fe Banús Edif. D 1st floor, Nueva Andalucia Free Call 900 100 039 T. +34 952 www.martinezchevarria.com LOCAL TELECOM +34 951 404 007 www.localtelecom.com/sunsearch

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ART HOUSES OF ART GALLERY Marbella Club Hotel Blv. Pr. Alfonso von Hohenlohe,Marbella T. +34 952 857 196 www.housesofartmarbella.com

HOME ENTERTAINMENT

BANG & OLUFSEN Avda. de Velázquez 470 Edif. Guarnieri 29004 Málaga T. +34 952 383 983 www.bang-olufsen.es/malaga-velazquez.com INGENIAMOS Engineering Management T. +34 952 911 320 www.t-ingeniamos.com

INTERIORS

BANG & OLUFSEN Puerto Banús T. +34 952 817 250 www.bang-ofufsen.com

ALEXANDER’S COLLECTION Ctra. N. 340 Km. 176 Edif Oasis Bussiness Center Local 1, Marbella T. +34 952 823 440 www.alexanders-collection.com

DOMOSAT Pol. Ind. La Quinta San Pedro de Alcántara T. +34 952 787 357 www.domosat.com

BALTUS MARBELLA Urb Carolina Park, Edif. Aries Ctra. 340 Km 179, Márbella T. +34 952 824 455 www.baltuscollection.com

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B. SPOKE Urb. Las Torres de Marbella Club Local Nº1, Golden Mile, Marbella T. +34 952 778 131 www.bspoke.es CASASOLA Ctra. Cádiz- Málaga Km 184.5, Marbella T. +34 952 772 758, 952 772 762 www.mueblescasasola.com CONTINENTAL DESIGN Urb. Nueva Alcantara, Edif. Mirador Bloque 6 - Local 3 Bajo San Pedro de Alcántara T. +34 952 900 313 www.continetaldesign.co.uk DAIRIN DECORACION Ctra. de Ronda, Pologono La Quinta Nº 11A San Pedro de Alcántara T. +34 952 781 827 www.dairindecoracion.com PATRICIA DARCH Avda. Mar del Sur, 26 11312 Torreguadiaro, Cádiz T. +34 956 615 350 www.patriciadarch.com MAISON AFRIQUE DU SUD OPPOSITE The Marbella Club Hotel Blv. Pr. Alfonso von Hohenlohe, Marbella T. +34 951 279 407 www.maison-afriquedusud.com

KITCHENS SAFER SIEMATIC Urb. Marbella Mar Local nº 5, Marbella T. +34 952 826 818-95 282 73 20 www.safersiematic.com

FIREPLACES PIAS CHIMENEAS C/ El Califa, 564, Marbella T. +34 951 275 693 www.pias-chimeneas.com

POOLS & GARDENS AQUA POOL & SPAS Pol. Ind. San Pedro T. +34 952 927 811 www.aquapool.es MARBELLA POOLS & SPAS C.C. Urb. Las Petunias San Pedro de Alcántara T. +34 952 781 939 wwwmarbellapolls.com AGRO JARDÍN A7 kM 164, 29680 Estepona, Malaga T. +34 952 796 231 www.agrojardin.com

REAL ESTATE

PEDRO PEÑA Centro Comercial Tembo, Bloque C, C.N. 340, Km 179, Marbella T. +34 952 824 962 www.pedropena.com

FINE & COUNTRY Marbella Club Hotel Blv. Pr. Alfonso von Hohenlohe, Marbella T. +34 952 764 018 www.fineandcountry.es

ROCHE BOBOIS Ctra. Cádiz 185, Marbella T.+34 952 777 858 www.roche-bobois.com

INTERNATIONAL MARBELLA C/ Califa 354, Local 1, Nueva Andalucia T. +34 951 319 914 www.internationalmarbella.com

UDESIGN Pol. Ind. La Quinta Ctra. de Ronda, km 168.5 San Pedro de Alcántara T. +34 952 794 117 www.udesign.es

LA ZAGALETA BENAHAVÍS Ctra. de Ronda Km. 38,5, Benahavís T. +34 952 855 450 www.lazagaleta.com

HOMESTYLE INTERIORS Pol. Ind. San Pedro de Alcántara Calle Fco. Moreno Lomena 4 T. +34 952 786 631 www.homestyleinteriors2012.com ROMANS WINDOWS & DOORS Showroom Puerto Banús Avda. José Banús, Playa del Duque T. +34 951 776 175 www.romanclavero.com DELUXE COLLECTION Avda. José Banús 2, Local 2D Edif. Malaga, Marbella T. +34 952 814 580 www.deluxecollection.es MAGIC CARPETS Avda. Luis Braille 18, San Pedro de Alcántara T. +34 952 788 075 parisimperial@gmail.com EMPORIO BEDS Ctra. de Ronda, Pologono de San Pedro Calle Eslovaqioa 30, Nave 15 San Pedro de Alcántara T. +34 952 787 916 www.empriobeds.com

DIANA MORALES Av.Canovas del Castillo 4, 1st Floor, Office 3 29601 Marbella, T. +34 952 765 138 www.dmproperties.com VANTAGE PROPERTY Urb. Fuente Aloha Lcal 5 Avda. del Prdao, Marbella T. +34 952 908 415 www.vpmarbella.com TRIMOBILIA PROPERTY CENTRE Centro Comercial Contur, local 5, Crta. N-340, Km 192, Eliviria Marbella T. +34 952 833 200 www.trimobilia.com ANGELS PROPERTY SERVICES Urb. La Alzambra, Marbella T. +34 952 818 259 www.angelsproperty.com STAND INMOBILIARIO C/Ortega y Gasset 3,Marbella T. +34 952 827 750 www.standmarbella.com INVESTOR SPAIN T. +34 693 751 858 www.investorspain.com

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gadgets 2013 4moms Origami Power-Folding Stroller

Few parental tasks are as cumbersome as folding and unfolding a stroller. Not so, with the 4moms Origami power-folding stroller that opens and closes autonomously at the touch of a button—you won’t even need to set down those grocery bags or that fussy toddler.

The stroller has generators in its rear wheels allowing it to charge itself—and even your phone with an optional accessory (30.00€)—while you walk. Daytime running lights illuminate the legs of the stroller to make you more visible while underbelly pathway lights automatically turn on in dim places.

An LCD dashboard with cartoon graphics also features a battery charge indicator, thermometer, speedometer, and trip and lifetime odometers.around 670.00€

Kodak’s Playsport

is fantastic at capturing the booming atmosphere in HD. Designed to withstand some punishment and waterproof upto depths of 3m. When you’re home you can easily upload your films onto your PC/Mac or simply play them direct to your TV via its in-build HDMI port. Touch!

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Light Touch

An interactive projector that runs Adobe FlashLite and instantly transforms any surface into a 10.1” virtual touchscreen. www.lightblueoptics.com

Larklife wristband

Larklife is a combination wristband and smartphone app that syncs over Bluetooth. Two wristbands, actually – one for daytime and one for night, each with its own rechargeable battery. The core sensor component clicks in and out and can be swapped between the two. (This allows you to charge the daytime bracelet at night, and vice versa).

Once you’ve charged up the bracelet and sync’d up with the smartphone app, Larklife goes to work. It tracks your activity during the day by way of an internal accelerometer. Take a walk or a jog and it will log time, distance and calories burned automatically.

You can also track meals through the Larklife system. Unlike the more complicated calorie-counting and meal-tracking apps out there, Larklife simply asks that you double-click the wristband button whenever you eat something. Then you can go back to the phone app later to fill in the details.

Harman/Kardon SoundSticks Wireless

The Harman Kardon SoundSticks Wireless speaker system is designed to offer dazzling beauty in both its stunning, see-through visual design and the exceptionally realistic sound from virtually any Bluetooth-enabled audio source. www.harman.com

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TV Technology

O

ver the past decade home entertainment technology has taken some huge leaps forward.

Today, the task of buying a new television can be very frustrating if you don’t know what you’re looking for gone are the days when you would just pick your favourite brand or buy the largest size you can afford. Now there are more options than ever, and this has certainly led to a lot of confusion among consumers.

With that in mind, what exactly are the main differences between the different types of TV, and which is the best?

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LCD

Plasma

Liquid Crystal Displays, or LCD sets are the most common type of TV. Arguments rage about whether it is the worst display in terms of contrast and colour, but over the past few years, it has improved to the point where, on the best sets, you’d be hard-pressed to tell the difference between that of a plasma.

Plasma displays don’t have a backlight; instead, each pixel on the screen emits its own light. In the past, this has given plasma displays an advantage where contrast is concerned, since when a pixel is turned off, it’s completely black.

Liquid Crystals do not emit any light, so they have to be backlit. A fluorescent backlight shines through the coloured pixels of red, blue and green. A filter is then used to create the colours you see displayed on the screen.

The main advantage of a LCD is that they tend to be slim and light, making them an ideal TV for mounting on flimsy walls.

LED Televisions Light Emitting Diode, or LED sets are actually LCD televisions with a different light source. Instead of fluorescent tube - LED lights are arranged either along the sides of the screen (‘Edge’ LED) or arranged behind the entire screen (‘Direct’ or ‘Full’ LED). These LED lights can switch on and off individually, allowing for better control over lighting and dimming of the image. Consequently, LED displays use the least energy of any flat-panel technology out there, due to their inherently lower power consumption. LED TVs can be configured in two ways: full-array backlit or edge-lit.

There are two styles of LED televisions. One is called “edge-lit”, with lights set around the television frame; the other is “full-array,” with lights set behind the screen in a grid pattern. Edge-lit models reflect light into the centre of the monitor, and are the thinnest, lightest models available. Since they have fewer lights inside, edge-lit LED models are cheaper compared to full-array models. Full-arrays, however, have the best contrast ratios in LED technology.

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Plasma displays are typically heavier and more expensive than their LCD counterparts – but if you prefer the picture, then go for it.

While Plasmas can provide some of the best images, Plasmas are the biggest energy hogs of modern flat screen TVs. While many are Energy Star compliant, LEDs consume less power and contain fewer harmful chemicals.

Eco-conscious and ethical gadget buyers may wish to consider this when buying a television. Plasmas are also more vulnerable to burned-in images than LCD/LED flat screens.

RPTVs The forgotten ancestors to theatre televisions, Rear Projection Televisions or RPTVs still have a lot to offer consumers. Since they are lit from the back by projectors, their contrast ratio is somewhat more limited, and their images look best in dark rooms. They are also thicker and deeper than any modern TV, which is usually a flat screen mounted on the wall. While many modern projection televisions are thinner than older models, many consumers see this as a limitation, as space and viewing distance may be an important buying factor.

You’ll find that RPTVs are surprisingly lightweight, because they are almost entirely empty space. Moving an RPTV is a simple task, while some dense flat screens may actually be heavier by comparison. Because the images are projected, the cost of huge screens is similar to the cost of smaller units, with excellent picture quality and reasonably price on units as large as 82 inches. By comparison, Plasma or LED screens of that size would be so outrageously expensive, most stores would not care to carry them.

Despite their shortcomings, RPTVs can deliver an excellent HD experience to the budget-conscious home theater.

HD HD stands for high definition – and is expressed in terms such as 720p, 1080i and 1080p. The numbers indicate how many pixels there are on a screen, and the letter shows how it’s displayed on that screen.

The best quality of these, 1080p, is usually referred to as ‘Full HD’, while the others are called ‘HD Ready’.

Don’t let anyone tell you that 720p or 1080i aren’t ‘proper’ HD, though. They are.

Here’s how it works. A TV picture is made up of horizontal and vertical lines of pixels. Ye olde cathoderay sets in the UK display 576 lines – so a modern 1080p set is nearly double that, showing a widescreen picture composed of 1080 horizontal and 1920 vertical lines (you’ll see 1920 x 1080 on marketing blurb).

The ‘p’ stands for ‘progressive scan’, and tells you that each line of the picture is drawn sequentially – 1, 2, 3, 4 … 1078, 1079, 1080 – for each frame of video shown.

The ‘i’ stands for ‘interlaced’, and means that for each frame, the picture is rendered in two passes (evennumbered lines followed by odd-numbered lines). It’s still an HD picture, but might not look quite as smooth as the progressive version. A 720p set has 720 lines of picture (1280 x 720 pixels horizontally and vertically), drawn progressively. You won’t see 720i.

Not only can you access a wealth of catch-up TV services such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Player, 4oD and Demand Five, you can get to web services like YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.

Want more? You’ve got it. How about LoveFilm, Blinkbox and all manner of manufacturer-specific services that pull web content together based on your viewing habits? And if you have a webcam (some tellies have them built in) and a Skype account, you can make free video calls – and never pay another phone bill again.

For the shutterbugs among you, a 2011 set will also display digital photos – either via USB or wireless transmission from your camera or phone, straight into the screen. You can also use a smart TV to play downloaded movies or camcorder footage, stream digital music from your computer and even play games without a console.

It isn’t as complicated to do as you might think, either.

The likes of Sony, Panasonic, LG and Samsung all have dedicated remote-control buttons that take you to their app dashboards.

On the horizon: Ultra HD TVs

Broadcast HD is generally shown in 1080i format while Blu-ray discs almost always use the full-fat 1080p flavour.

There are a number of emerging categories of televisions coming through which you should be aware of - Ultra HD TV’s, aka 4K TVs. The 4K number stands for the lines of resolution these TVs are capable of (either 4196 x 2160 or 3840×2160), which results in a max resolution which is about four times greater than the current HD standard at 1080×1920 lines. This increased resolution should result in noticeably improved picture quality for very large screen sizes.

Smart TV

OLED

Even 720p pictures make a difference to what you see compared with standard definition: images have more detail and objects stand out from their backgrounds more clearly.

Buy a brand new telly and chances are it will let you connect to the internet, either via a wired ethernet connection or wi-fi.

All of the major manufacturers have their own version of this concept, but they all boil down to the same thing: your set essentially becomes a huge smartphone.

This type technology is still in its infancy, so you won’t see it in shops for some time yet, but OLED is an exciting development.

It uses a thin layer of organic molecules that emit light when a current is passed through them and because it requires so little electricity and circuit bulk, the panels can be made incredibly thin and is will be astonishingly cheap to run.

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Worldwide Luxury Projects

Home Cinema & Automation Centre

Pol. Industrial La Quinta Nยบ1 Ctra. de Ronda km. 165.5 29670 San Pedro de Alcรกntara Malaga Spain T. +34 952 787 357 domosat@domosat.com www.domosat.com

Marbella FROM SMALL ACORNS GROW HUGE OAK TREES MAURIZIO SARDO INTERVIEW BY Annabell Milnes-Smith

Never has this been a more appropriate statement over the expansion of Maurizio Sardo’s company, the leader in home cinema & automation centers together with his Bang & Olufsen – Malaga dealership.

M

aurizio Sardo at the tender age of 45 has run Domosat, Spain’s principal home cinema and automation centre for over 15 years and I was fortunate enough to track him down, during his hectic schedule, to gain an insight into his extraordinary life, of now running a corporation that rivals most here, in Europe and now internationally His family have always been involved within the high end luxury business. Indeed his father ran Tecnauto selling Rolls Royce, Porsche and Ferrari amongst many others. Was that what inspired you to set up Domosat?

“No. Sadly my Dad and I were too fiery and we could not work together. Also in 1991 when the big recession hit my Dad lost everything.

I would have loved to have worked within the industry as I am a car fanatic but when the company closed I decided to start something different.”

So where and when did it all start? “Aged 17 I started this small video club in San Pedro called Video Club Europa selling satellite systems and TV sets.

Indeed I was the first man to install the first satellite dish in Marbella. I will never forget it – it took me over a week to install the system!”

Without a doubt Maurizio has now reached the top of his field in installations. It would probably

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now, according to this writer take him and his team one hour rather than one week!

Then I moved from there to a little shop in Aloha Gardens, Nueva Andalucia called Europsat, and then about fifteen years ago the representatives of Laguna de Banus called me about a promotion of some apartments in Puerto Banus and that is when we did our first home automation installation.

That was the first of many. We were the pioneer in home automation installations. Domosat are undoubtedly and irrefutably the leader in home automation and home cinema systems in Spain but what sets them apart from the many others here?

“Anyone can move boxes but to provide a first class installation and after sales services, is a different story. I have so many years experience with so much cutting-edge information, that to date, we have completed over 1500 installations. We also work with many different nationalities in Spain and have also completed projects in Angola, Brazil, Morocco, France and England, among many other countries. I think we understand what the clients really want.

We design ‘their dream systems’. We bring the clients into the showroom, give them a full demonstration; find out how many kids they have and how they would like their system set up within their home.

We design it specifically to their family requirements. We also have more than 20 highly qualified engineers. All of our highly trained professionals are sent on regular training courses to keep up with the latest technologies.

Ultimately, we specialise in “turn key” projects for the comfort of our clients. We offer total support and customised assistance throughout the design, installation, programming and after sales service of each and every system we install.”

Many of the 1500 high end installations that Domosat have carried out are vast. A couple of examples include a renowned house in Marbella, Casa Loriana. Says Maurizio, “It was one of our first and largest installations in the year 2000, and since then we have installed systems in over 100 luxury villas between La Zagaleta and Sierra Blanca. One of our biggest commercial ones which I was very proud of was in Malaga’s Picasso Museum.

Over the years, some of these must have been somewhat of a challenge? “It has to have been working in Angola. Prior to leaving I had to have all the jabs, stomach protectors. We installed systems in three large houses; combinations

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of Domosat and Bang & Olufsen. They were challenging!”

Many of the systems we install are exclusive to Domosat such as a contract with home automation and control systems Companies: Vantage and AMX. “We have been working with them for about 15 years now and have exclusivity for Marbella and Gibraltar. We are sole distributors for high end cinema audio equipment like Wilson, Krell and Martin Logan throughout the whole of Southern Spain, Mallorca and Ibiza.

“Now that things are starting to pick up in Marbella, we are concentrating on not investing money but investing in the future. We have opened up a small showroom in Ibiza, which I am travelling to a lot recently; we are also opening one in Mallorca and Gibraltar.

In the next four or five months we are going to have a large showroom in Rabat Morocco with showrooms in Madrid and Barcelona to follow.”

Is there no stopping this dynamic young man. The expansion of his Company certainly has achieved the ‘wow’ factor in this writer’s opinion!

It is therefore hardly surprising with Domosats outstanding reputation for high end “turn key” projects that they have a large stable of celebrity clientele.

Such names that have employed their services include Sean Connery, Antonio Banderas, Prince and a large number of famous football players and golfers. “We are currently carrying out a couple of amazing installations in Ibiza for famous names but those ones I cannot reveal.�

Well no doubt with Domosat being the European leader in state-of-the art systems, I am sure word will soon get round!

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The story continues....

N

ow the story continues over their leadership within the industry. 3 years ago they acquired the dealership of Bang & Olufsen in Malaga.

Maurizio explains his history with the Company, “Three years ago I was approached by the Head Office of Bang & Olufsen in Madrid as they were looking for a candidate to open up a shop in Malaga and would I be interested? I said, of course, absolutely.

So we opened up a 150 sq. meter showroom in Edificio Guarnieri next to the airport in Malaga where we can demonstrate the best of Bang & Olufsen together with the latest lighting and control systems.

I have to say it has opened up many doors. I am very happy, we are doing very well.”

Certainly with the Company strap line, “Bang & Olufsen manufactures a highly distinctive and exclusive range of televisions, music systems, loudspeakers, and multimedia products that combine technological excellence with emotional appeal”, can only be a further indication and accolade to his outstanding reputation and standing within the industry that this fellow giant within the industry approached him to open another dealership on their behalf.

Having spent some time with Maurizio, a dedicated family man with three daughters, within the opulent surroundings of his stunning Domosat showroom in San Pedro, I departed with the feeling that I had just interviewed, in my mind, the ‘Donald Trump’ of home automation and home cinema systems.

THE UNFOLDINGVISION CSEED 201 GIANT OUTDOOR LED TV Avaiable at:

Domosat Pol. Ind. La Quinta Nº 1 Ctra. de Ronda km 168.5 29670 San Pedro Alcántara, Málaga, Spain

Clients, who desire excellence, will certainly have their ‘dream systems’ realised under the guise of Mauritzio Sardo, Director General of Domosat and Dealer Proprietor of Bang & Olufsen, Malaga.

Without a shadow of a doubt, he is irrefutably the ‘signature’ leader here and will remain for decades to come.

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Avda. de Velรกzquez 470, Edif. Guarnieri 29004 Malaga Spain T. +34 952 38 39 83 www.bang-olufsen.es/malaga-velazquez.com Perfect Homes International Magazine

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BEOVISION 11 Challenge your senses with a Bang & Olufsen Smart TV. A masterpiece of sound, picture and digital entertainment

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Alexander’s Collection

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Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 11:00 - 20:00 Ctra. n-340, Km 176, Edif OASIS Business Center, Local 1. 29600 Marbella (Malaga), EspaĂąa T. +34 952 82Magazine 34 40 ac-spain@terra.es www.alexanders-collection.com Perfect Perfect Homes Homes International International Magazine