THE ADDRESS Magazine No. 10

Winter 2011/12

No.10

THE ADDRESS CELEBRATING THE WORLD OF LUXURY REAL ESTATE, FOOD & TRAVEL

PALATIAL GRANDEUR

The world’s most exclusive beachfront residences

CLASSIC ELEGANCE & DESIGN PERFECTION

Limited edition, luxury masseria in Puglia

ULTRA-COOL AND FABULOUS

TIMELESS. ELEGANT. CONTEMPORARY

Striking architectural designer villas in Morocco

MOUNTAIN REFINEMENT

Stylish ski chalets in the French Alps

PROPERTY INVESTMENT

Glamorous designer residences in Puerto Vallarta

Investing in uncertain times

FOOD & TRAVEL AROUND THE WORLD

Kitchen confidential

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Welcome to THE ADDRESS Magazine - celebrating the world of Luxury Real Estate, Food & Travel THE ADDRESS Magazine is an international showcase for distinctive properties, delivering inspiring, content-rich articles and high-quality photography depicting the most prestigious and interesting main residences, second homes and vacation properties throughout the world.

Each issue of THE ADDRESS features some of the most spectacular properties, exclusive estates and luxury homes currently available for sale in the world - from Andalucia to Vietnam, from Barbados to Tuscany. The magazine offers a carefully curated selection of luxury properties, featuring luxury real estate from the most popular destinations to more private locales. Ocean front dream homes, golf course estates or game lodges are among the plethora of distinctive choices available to the discerning buyer.

This issue’s Pièce de Resistance is a classic masterpiece in Puglia, Italy. The masseria residences are a superlative mixture of stunning design and glamorous outdoor spaces (page 4).

Arguably the most elegant property ever built in Barbados, this magnificent enclave, replete with eight sumptuous residences, is a convergence of architectural élan, master craftsmanship, and the casual elegance that exemplifies the Barbados lifestyle (page 22) Mallorca real estate remains one of the most coveted and desired in the Mediterranean. For modern minimalism at its best, contemporary designer villas on this Island are hard to beat (page 102).

France continues to be the European buyer’s most popular second home destination, attracting more interest than any other country. You will in this issue 2

find an elegant château park property in Languedoc, prestigious villas on the French Riviera and gorgeous villas in Provence (pages 90, 74 & 134).

There is continued high demand for mountain chalets and ski properties in the French and Swiss Alps. In this issue, we have included some of our favourite ski properties (pages 68 & 16).

Our market features in this issue are “Property investing in uncertain times” (page 28), “Avoiding the pitfalls in acquiring real estate in Thailand” (page 170) and ‘”Market Insights from around the world” (page 174).

We also asked our Food & Travel Insider, Albarosa Simonetti, to open her address book to some of her favourite places in Venice, with its irresistible mix of culture, romance, heritage and beauty (page 186).

Our food and travel discoveries, which this time take you from Paris to Patagonia to Kenya, a must for everyone’s to-do list (page 174).

I doubt that you will be able to resist the delicious recipes in our Kitchen Confidential feature.

Chef Jun Tanaka at the Pearl Restaurant & Bar, London, shares some of his favourite recipes (page 198).

We also share some fabulous foodie inspirations (page 196) as well as our recent discoveries of global style, design and good living (page 204) .

I do hope that you enjoy this issue of THE ADDRESS Magazine.I do hope that you enjoy this issue of THE ADDRESS Magazine.

Curator

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Contents Winter 2011/12 | No.10 PIECE DE RESISTANCE Luxury masseria residences in Puglia BEST OF MODERN Striking architectural villa in Madrid BEST OF SKIING Glamorous alpine living in the Swiss Alps TROPHY PROPERTY The world’s most exclusive beachfront residences LUXURY REAL ESTATE Algarve (Portugal) Andalucia (Spain) Anguilla Athens (Greece) Barbados Basilicata (Italy) Czech Republic Emilia-Romagna (Italy) French Alps French Riviera Ibiza (Spain) Lake Geneva (Switzerland) Languedoc-Roussillon (France) Lombardy (Italy) Madrid (Spain) Mallorca (Spain) Mexico Morocco Mykonos (Greece) Phuket (Thailand) Provence (France) Puglia (Italy) Tuscany (Italy) U.S. Virgin Islands Venice (Italy) Vietnam PROPERTY INSIGHTS Investing in uncertain times PROPERTY INSIGHTS Market insights from around the world PROPERTY INSIGHTS Avoiding the pitfalls in acquiring real estate in Thailand FOOD & TRAVEL Discoveries from around the world FOOD & TRAVEL Insider’s Guide Venice FOOD & TRAVEL Fabulous foodie inspirations FOOD & TRAVEL Kitchen confidential: Leading Chefs share their recipes TA STYLE Style & design discoveries for your home

4 10 16 22 30 34 48 50 54 60 64 66 68 74 80 82 90 94 96 102 112 118 122 126 134 138 142 150 152 158 28 164 170 174 186 196 198 204

COVER PHOTO: One Sandy Lane, Barbados (page 22).

THE ADDRESS Magazine is published by W International Management Ltd Email: info@theaddressmagazine.com Tel: +44 20 7095 8700

© W International Management Ltd.

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piece de resistance

A haven of classic elegance and design perfection Bespoke, luxury, brand-new masseria residences set in ancient olive groves 4

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uglia, Italy’s most southeastern region, is a magnificent and unspoilt area. It is a land of extraordinary colours, starting with the rich red earth, to the green of the olive trees and vineyards, and contrasting with the gleaming white farmhouses and the blue sea.

With its marvellous weather, glorious beaches, fascinating cities steeped in history, seductively wild landscape, wonderful food and wine and ancient culture, the area has long been a magnet for Italians from the north. The architecture in Puglia is diverse in the extreme. There are Moorish-influenced buildings, Baroque churches, whitewashed Greek-like villages, and traditional northern 6

Italian tenements with elegant brass doors and Romanesque arches.

With more than 800 kilometres of Adriatic and Ionian coastline, the longest of any Italian region, Puglia boasts some of the cleanest beaches in all of the Mediterranean.

The summers are long and hot, spring and autumn are gloriously warm and the winters mild. The rainfall is the lowest in Italy.

The microclimate produces some of Italy’s tastiest food, and the region yields more wine and olive oil than any other in Italy. The food is invariably organic, with plenty of locally produced pasta, vegetables, cheeses, meats

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and, of course, delicious seafood.

For culture lovers, there are plenty of places to visit. There is the ancient fishing port of Gallipoli, the stunning Baroque city of Lecce, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Alberobello, the most picturesque cluster of the area’s whitewashed, conical trulli houses.

Attracted by unspoilt land and great value in comparison to oversubscribed regions further north, wealthy Romans and Milanese are snapping up holiday homes in Puglia. Now overseas property investors are also showing an increasing interest in the region. Buyers are looking beyond well-established areas and are

acquiring properties in the south as holiday homes and permanent residences.

One convert is the Oscar-winning actor, Dame Helen Mirren, who bought a house near Tiggiano, not far from Lecce. The former Tory party treasurer and deputy chairman, Alistair McAlpine, and wife Athena, own Il Convento di Santa Maria di Constantinopoli in Marittime di Diso, near Lecce. The American actor, Mickey Rourke, had been searching for some time in the area before buying a masseria in Salento. Apart from having famous neighbours, buying a property in Puglia is also a sound financial investment.

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For a luxury Pugliese holiday home, look no further than Salento, the very southernmost part of Puglia. As well as the dazzling white sandy beaches and sparkling seas, Salento has a jewel in its crown – the city of Lecce.

It is a white city full of amazing Baroque architecture and is known as ‘the Florence of the South’.

Just 20 minutes from Lecce can be found new, elegant artisan-built masseria properties in a magical setting. A masseria is a fortified farmhouse, a vast, walled dwelling that is built around a courtyard with cloisters. Although original examples are hard to find and costly to renovate, demand for masserie is outstripping supply.

Designed for the connoisseur of fine living and modern lifestyles, a select number of stunning, exclusive offplan masseria villas are available for sale. Each home is unique and custom-built, based on your personal preferences, specific requirements and lifestyle. The newly built stone farmhouses offer between 175m² and 400m² of living space, plus 255-821m² courtyards.

Elegance and incomparable craftsmanship are evident throughout these magnificent homes.

The bespoke residences are built of local stone in traditional style, using techniques passed down through the generations.

Gracious and elegant, the gorgeous country homes offer exceptional accommodation and complete privacy. Set in 1.3-4 hectares of private plots among ancient olive trees, each residence enjoys a private swimming pool. This is a private sanctuary where luxury, comfort, pleasure and relaxation coexist in perfect harmony.

The residences are within easy reach of two international airports, Brindisi and Bari. It is a 10-minute drive to the renowned beaches (Otranto, Alimini, Torre dell’Orso and Sant’Andrea) and less than five minutes from a village with all the necessary amenities.

These dream homes make a new epoch in high-end living in Puglia.

CONTACT

International Luxury Real Estate www.ilre.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701 8

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BEST OF MODERN

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Striking, Stunning and Sophisticated Dramatic design, unparalleled craftsmanship and paramount location make this property a true work of art www.theaddressmagazine.com

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esigned for the most discriminating owner, here is a rare opportunity to possess a designer villa located in one of the most coveted neighbourhoods of Madrid.

This is a world where design is celebrated and perfection is in the details. From bold sculptural forms to sleek, simple lines, from ultra-modern to timeless elegance, this villa has been exquisitely crafted to produce a masterpiece with an uncompromisingly luxurious feel. Contemporary design, cutting-edge technology and modern comforts create the scene for this extraordinary villa.

Sprawling and extravagant, the impressive 5-bedroom villa delivers 875m² of supreme excellence. Boasting grand-scale rooms, the serene, minimal interior is ideal for stylish urban living and grand entertaining.

The ground floor consists of dramatic spaces designed for ultra-sophisticated, world-class entertainment. A breathtaking 140m² lounge and dining area is connected to a 70m² gourmet chef’s kitchen with breakfast room. The fully equipped kitchen is fitted with professional appliances, a kitchen island entirely in Corian and cabinets finished in glamorous white lacquer and stained oak.

The sensational master suite measures 130m² and consists of a bedroom, sitting room, luxury bathroom and spacious walk-in closet.

Meticulously crafted, this brand-new home defies description. The intelligent villa is fully automated with state-of-the-art technology. Curtains, lighting, temperature, music, alarm system and security cameras are controlled by an iPhone and/or an iPad. There is a 50m² state-of-the-art home cinema/music room with a 3-metre screen. The entertainment systems include indoor and outdoor Sonos music systems and a 5.1/7.1-channel home cinema system.

In addition, there is a 50m² gym and an independent area for staff with a bedroom and kitchen-lounge.

There is also a 5-car garage.

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include ebony woodwork, black lacquered oak, porcelain tiles designed by Patricia Urquiola, bathroom furniture by Boffi, bathroom fittings

by Duravit, central vacuum system and dressing rooms by Poliform.

The luxurious villa is eco-friendly, fitted with an innovative geothermal heating system that cuts fuel usage by 40%.

With walls of glass and doors opening to the professionally designed gardens, the property offers urban indoor-outdoor living at its best, 14

with a heated 15-metre by 6.5-metre pool, 50m² covered terrace and dining area.

A showpiece of cutting-edge design and European glamour, the superlative family house is decorated with many world-famous luxury brands, such as Flexform, Rimadesio, Zanotta and Gaggenau.

The incomparable site of 2,601m² in the ultimate area of La Moraleja provides a privileged setting for this exceptional home.

Considered one of the premier residential

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areas in the world, La Moraleja is favoured by sports stars, international business executives and Spanish celebrities. Conveniently located, La Moraleja is less than ten minutes from Barajas-Madrid International Airport and La Moraleja Business Park. Two 18-hole golf courses, a tennis club, Real Madrid’s training area and numerous shopping centres are nearby. La Moraleja is a safe community, equipped with surveillance cameras and its own security team.

The villa stands out as one of the more extraordinary examples in Madrid where luxury and sophistication blend with modern comforts and state-of-the-art technology, offering the ultimate cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Price: â‚Ź7.8 million.

CONTACT

Modern Homes Worldwide www.modernhomesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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BEST OF SKIING

The epitome of iconic design and understated luxury 16

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Modern alpine living in architecturally designed homes with sweeping panoramas

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igh in the heart of the Swiss Alps, this property is stylish mountain luxury at its best. A showcase of sophisticated design and jaw-dropping beauty, it is located in one of the best-kept secrets in all the Alps, the historic village of Leukerbad between Lake Geneva and the Rhône Glacier.

Sitting at an altitude of 1,411 metres, this authentic Swiss mountain village, in the heart of the stunning mountain landscape of Valais, is famous for its curative thermal waters and spectacular Alpine backdrop. Added to that is its old-world charm, security, and a great outdoor lifestyle, making it a very attractive proposition.

Thanks to its extraordinary mineral waters, Leukerbad has been the site of thermal baths since Roman times and remains the largest thermal spa and wellness resort in the Alps. Few thermal baths in the world are as pure, breathtaking and holistically effective as the historic springs in Leukerbad.

As deeply and addictively relaxing as the Leukerbad thermal waters can be, there is no shortage of activities.

Skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, mountain biking, scooter biking, paragliding, cross-country skiing and climbing are just some of the activities in the Valais Alps. As one of Switzerland’s five Olympic training bases, Leukerbad offers Swiss athletes ideal conditions to prepare for the Olympic Games.

With over 50 kilometres of downhill skiing on the doorstep, the winter season offers exceptional mountain

adventures. Sun worshippers and lovers of the alpine terrain will be in awe of the magnificent views of the surrounding Valais Alps peaks that reach 4000 metres. Leukerbad is accessible to places like Zermatt, Crans-Montana and Saas-Fee, all of which are within an hour by car.

The vast and extensive network of trails in the Gemmi and Torrentalp regions offer a paradise of the most breathtaking hiking trails in the world, including hikes into the thermal spring canyons themselves.

Many trails are also suited for mountain biking. For golfers, there is an 18-hole course at the Golf Club Leuk, run by Swiss PGA professionals.

Some of the highest-altitude vineyards in Europe flourish on the outskirts of the village, proof of the amazing amount of sunshine and heat the region receives both summer and winter.

Leukerbad is conveniently located and easy to reach: Bern (2.50 h), Geneva (3.00 h), Zurich (3.10 h) and Basel (3.20 h).

Surrounded by some of the most majestic peaks in Switzerland’s famed Valais region, the deluxe property enjoys an elevated position, overlooking Leukerbad and opening onto the three great mountains, the Daubenhorn, the Balmhorn and the Torrenthorn.

The striking residences have everything you could possibly want in a home. The stunning architecture,

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spectacular interiors, scenic setting, dramatic views and unmatched amenities provide a modern lifestyle of prestige and luxury.

The design strikes a masterful balance between classical tradition and the clean, streamlined freedom of modern design, alongside masses of glamour. Slate-roofed structures of stone and timber, designed by the renowned architect Michael Graves, highlight the magnificent property and pay homage to some of the finest chalet architecture in the Alps.

The residences are generous in size and limited to just 30. Fabulous for entertaining and serene living, the mountain homes offer 137-225m² of opulence. The elite residences are available in one, three and four bedrooms, kitchens with state-of-the-art Gaggenau appliances and high-tech quartz composite worktops, bar with wine refrigerator and generous terraces or balconies. Blending seamlessly into the alpine environment, the elegant homes boast panoramic views of the mountains and valley.

The reverence demonstrated for tradition is heartfelt, apparent in the split-log walls, wideplank floors and high, beamed ceilings, as well as the grand stone fireplace – made from boul20

ders found in the area – that dominates every great room. The rustic wooden balustrades on the private terraces, sheltered by the building’s deep eaves, echo the Swiss chalets of the 19th-century golden age of mountaineering.

Expansive and airy floor plans reflect modern living tastes, a spirit reflected in the oversized proportions of the rooms as well as in the giant panes of glass in every room opening onto the magnificent Alps.

Interiors are stylish and contemporary, with an elegant colour palette against natural materials such as reclaimed oak, translucent white quartz, charcoal green slate and smoke grey granite.

The pièce de résistance, however, is that this is the world’s first development featuring indoor and outdoor thermal spas, with water from deep mountain springs tapped directly into each private residence. Each residence has its own dedicated, unlimited supply of Leukerbad’s fabled thermal water and mineral salts.

Each master suite has its very own personal spa facility, with an indoor-outdoor soaking pool, a steam room and an indoor master bathtub, all of which are fed by dedicated

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water lines directly from the thermal spring.

Most sublime of all is what is probably the best bath in the world. Made of heavy, dark wood and situated next to both the suite’s fireplace and the folding glass wall with its majestic view of the Alps, the massive free-standing soaking tub is the ultimate indulgence.

One of the most carefully thought-out features of the personal spas is the sun shower, a personal steam room and multifaceted shower cabin. Housed in glass and limestone, the radiant-heated cabin offers a range of drenching or misting shower settings such as water curtain and tropical rain. In addition, the cabin functions as a steam bath and has a state-of-the-art chromatherapy function.

One of the more decadent indulgences is the sumptuous moon bath, an oversized soaking tub set into the Concetto stone slab on every terrace. Designed for either solitary or social use and accessible from both the master spa suite and living area, and equipped with Jacuzzi water jets, this larger tub can accommodate up to six people. With the outdoor fireplace close at hand and surrounded by history’s most fabled mountains, the outdoor soaking tub is the perfect way to relax.

There will be an impressive array of luxury amenities awaiting residents, including a 5-star hotel, 900m² spa with treatment rooms, fitness studio and pool, restaurants, wine bar, private lounge, private wine cave, screening room, game rooms, children’s club, panoramic lobby/ salon area, branded boutiques, doorman, ski valet and expert concierge services.

There will also be a Residents’ Club, offering owners a comprehensive array of refined lifestyle services, which extends to other properties in the developer’s collection.

The developer retains ownership of certain residences at each property and makes them available exclusively to members of its Residents’ Club who wish to spend time at a property other than the one at which they have purchased.

This is the chance for the few to have their own bit of sanctuary in this little-known alpine gem.

Price upon request.

CONTACT

Signature Residences Worldwide www.signatureresidencesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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TROPHY PROPERTY

Palatial Grandeur The world’s most exclusive beachfront residences, where unsurpassed opulence and distinguished excellence abound

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raced by more than 70 miles of flawless coastline, Barbados sits as a refined jewel in the shimmering waters of the Caribbean.

The island is one the world’s most desirable places to live and visit. It is a magnet for royalty, international dignitaries and celebrities. Barbados is an alluringly diverse island with glorious white sandy beaches, stunning natural beauty, fashionable restaurants, popular international sporting and cultural events and warm, welcoming people.

Overlooking the dazzling Caribbean Sea, One Sandy Lane is a distinct statement of style and sophistication. This is the ultimate in limited24

edition living, with only eight architecturally significant residences for sale. It is a rare opportunity to acquire a much-desired collectable at one of the world’s most prestigious addresses.

A profound luxury of space, breathtaking panoramic ocean views and lavish interiors converge at the rarefied One Sandy Lane private residences.

Arguably the most luxurious property ever constructed in Barbados, the magnificent enclave has been built to a standard of unparalleled grandeur and detail, where master craftsmanship and the finest materials blend

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with gracious classic detailing and the most advanced technology. Meticulously crafted, no detail was spared in the development of these singular residences.

The marble used throughout was selected by experts from Bufalini Marmi, then cut and pre-assembled in Italy to guarantee uniformity of colour and vein. The hand-made iron balustrades that grace the elegant spiral staircase were designed by Les Ateliers Saint-Jacques of Paris, renowned worldwide for executing exceptional renovations of historic buildings, most notably the Palace of Versailles. The many spectacular vaulted ceilings are by EG

Deco of Monaco, which set up and operated a complete workshop inside One Sandy Lane for more than two years.

In a similar manner, no compromise has been allowed with regard to the exceptional quality of the paintwork on the interior walls of One Sandy Lane. French artisans have used natural pigments to make the paint, then applied it with a palette knife, adding as many as seven layers for texture and tone.

The result of this traditional method is a truly exquisite finish that adds a remarkable visual depth to the decor.

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Housed in a breathtakingly beautiful Neo-Palladian building, the impressive homes from 8,147 to 9,675 sq.ft. combine graceful floor plans with elegance and volume, with each capacious room flowing into the next. Each sumptuous apartment features five bedrooms, five full bathrooms plus powder rooms, extensive living areas, gourmet kitchen with Miele cabinetry and appliances, lavish furnishing, expansive verandas and a modern digital entertainment and home management system.

Designed for ultra-sophisticated, grand-scale entertainment as well as intimate gatherings, every event will be enhanced by the magical island setting and sparkling sea views.

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Exclusively for owners, residents will enjoy privileged access to One Sandy Lane’s 5-star amenities that include a gorgeous beach with private facilities and uniformed attendants, an impressive rimless pool, beautiful tropical gardens, state-of-the-art Technogym and spa and the Sunset Terrace for fine dining. The Terrace offers breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and cocktails. Residents also have the option to order food and drinks for delivery.

The exclusive community is supported by a team of dedicated staff, experienced in delivering discreet first-class service. A 24-hour concierge service, operated by qualified

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professionals, provides prompt support to residents at any hour. The wide range of services includes valet, porter, chauffeur, vehicle care, housekeeping, booking services and business and IT solutions.

Protected by vigilant but low-key security, and with the benefit of a centralised security control room, underground parking and private elevators, residents at One Sandy Lane will rest assured that their safety and discretion, anonymity and privacy are of utmost priority.

A signature property of ultra-luxury and prestige, these magnificent residences boast an incomparable setting in one of the most coveted neighbourhoods in the world. They are located on the most desirable stretch of Barbados’ fabled Platinum west coast, commanding two idyllic beachfront acres of sublime privacy and seclusion. The palatial residences are adjacent to Sandy Lane Hotel, a name synonymous with luxury, excellence and unsurpassed opulence.

Long considered the premier address of the Caribbean, Sandy Lane’s legendary style makes it one of the most distinguished hotels in the world. Ever since it opened its doors in 1961, Sandy Lane has attracted many of the world’s most successful business magnates, illustrious stars of stage and screen, leading sports personalities, world leaders and royalty. With a luxurious 47,000-sq.ft. spa, four restaurants, six bars, nine floodlit tennis courses, beachside service, 45 holes of championship golf and The Treehouse Club facility for kids and teens, Sandy Lane offers everything you can wish for – and more.

Golfers at One Sandy Lane are blessed with three superb championship courses less than a 10-minute drive away. Sandy Lane is home to two magnificent Tom Fazio-designed, 18-hole championship courses. The Green Monkey is

an ultra-exclusive, 7,343-yard, par-72 course, while the adjacent Country Club course, the host venue for the World Cup of Golf in December 2006, can be thoroughly enjoyed by golfers of all levels. An immaculate central clubhouse serves both courses. Nearby Royal Westmoreland boasts the Robert Trent Jones II course, with Caribbean views from every green.

For horse racing enthusiasts, there are three race seasons per year, held at the historic Garrison Savannah, which is only ten minutes from One Sandy Lane. The biggest racing event of the year is the Sandy Lane Gold Cup, held on the first Saturday in March.

Barbados has four world-class polo fields, all of which are readily accessible from One Sandy Lane. Hosting a number of international tournaments each year, Barbados attracts the very best professional players from around the world.

For residents of One Sandy Lane who might be interested in bringing their yachts to Barbados, Port St. Charles has six mega-yacht berths that can accommodate yachts up to 250 feet, and two offshore mooring buoys for yachts in excess of that.

Conceived to emulate the graceful beauty of the legendary Sandy Lane Hotel, there are not enough superlatives to adequately describe the masterpiece residences. While the price point might be more than hoped for, it could well be less than expected.

Flawless in every respect, this singular property achieves the pinnacle of elegance, luxury, privacy and prestige.

Price upon request.

CONTACT

Signature Residences Worldwide www.signatureresidencesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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Investing in uncertain times

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During turbulent times, avoiding new financial decisions and refraining from new investments seems to make sense. However, when looking back at history, to the experiences of those who have become wealthy, one thing becomes clear: The most successful do not do what everyone else does. Investors who prosper are the ones who see opportunity in a downturn.

Recession creates opportunity

Even during the Great Depression of the 1930s, huge fortunes were made. The Kennedy, Rothschild and Rockefeller families all dramatically increased their holdings and their wealth throughout the depression.

John D. Rockefeller stated: “These are days when many are discouraged. In the 93 years of my life, depressions have come and gone.

Prosperity has always returned and will again.”

It has been reported that in the 1930s, Rockefeller leveraged everything he owned to buy products on the cheap, knowing he would be exponentially richer when they inevitable rose in value again.

In times of high inflation, investors should own real assets

It is likely that governments throughout the world will be printing money, devaluing their currencies and, in that way, encouraging inflation to reduce the real value of their debts. This means that cash is the worst asset to hold, as interest rates remain low and rising inflation reduces its purchasing power. Legendary investment guru Jim Rogers (co-founder of the Quantum Fund with George Soros) advises his clients to buy physical assets, as these tend to go up in value in line with inflation. Unique and scarce assets will obviously do even better.

Intelligent investing

Around the world, the stock market, pension schemes and savings plans are performing poorly and without doubt, real estate has also suffered during the last few years. There will be a whole series of difficulties over the next 20 years. We will see recessions, currency crises, booms and busts. But when looking at any 20-year trend, property values always seem to withstand these ups and downs better than many other asset classes.

The currency dilemma

Exchange rates and currency fluctuations are hard to predict, and the future of the Euro is widely discussed. France and Germany are the powerhouses of the Euro zone. There is a lot is at stake for both countries, as well as for the whole of Europe and, indeed, the world. They may implement decisions that hit weaker players, but they will certainly do their utmost to not let the Euro fail.

When is the right time?

It is possible to not only survive, but to thrive during a financial downturn; an economic crisis inevitably creates unique opportunities.

The “wait and see” approach has served many investors well over the last few years, but now may be the time to reconsider that strategy.

The year 2012 could be the time to dive in to the real estate market. And as always, due to the law of supply and demand, quality properties in prime locations are considered a top investment choice.

Feature provided by Leading Luxury Real Estate www.leadingluxuryrealestate.com

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luxury algarve

Cutting-edge modernity Crisp lines and strong geometry define this beautiful modernist villa Year-round sunshine, magnificent scenery and a stunning coastline have made Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost province, a Mecca for golfers for over four decades – time that has been spent building some of the most impressive golf courses in the world.

Arguably Europe’s top golfing destination, Algarve is home to over 30 established and well-regarded golf courses. These range from 9-hole courses stretching over the grassland, to dramatic coastal 18-hole courses set amongst picturesque cliffs.

It was the pre-eminent British golfer, Sir Henry Cotton, who first placed Algarve firmly on the 30

world golfing map, when he designed the course at Penina, Portimão. Built in 1966, this championship course is considered Sir Henry’s masterpiece, a triple-champion of the British Open who became a course architect.

Penina Sir Henry Cotton Championship Golf Course, which has hosted many major international competitions – including the Portuguese Open on several occasions – is legendary amongst golfers. The course is a true test of a golfer’s skill, and has a reputation as one of the toughest courses in the region.

Situated in a front-line position on the Penina Championship Golf Course, this ultra-modern villa enjoys a much-admired setting.

Borrowing from the principle of design that

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states that simplicity is beauty, the elegant villa is a timeless example of the clean modern aesthetic. The single-storey home affords every amenity in a sleek and beautiful geometric structure, detailed with the finest attention to materials, including glass, wood and stone.

Offering 396m² of living space, the brand-new luxury villa combines everyday comfort, flawless functionality and awe-inspiring contemporary style. It features a gorgeous master bedroom with walk-in closet and glamorous designer bathtub, three additional bedrooms, a large open living room with floor-to-ceiling windows, office/library and a superb kitchen with pantry and laundry room.

In order to ensure maximum integration

between inside and outside, large glazed windows have been employed, allowing several rooms generous interaction with the surrounding grounds. It makes this striking family home perfect for an indoor-outdoor lifestyle, complete with a stunning pool, barbecue and exquisitely landscaped gardens of 2,500m².

The stylish home captivates the essence of luxurious golf course living at its finest.

Price: €1.35 million.

CONTACT

Modern Homes Worldwide www.modernhomesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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LUXE. LIFESTYLE. LOCATION.

Expansive home for the true connoisseur

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ortugal’s western Algarve is the perfect holiday destination regardless of the season. The sun-drenched coastline, rocky coves and sandy beaches are ideal for water sports whilst inland, some of Europe’s leading championship golf courses tempt amateurs and professionals alike.

Like most towns on the Algarve coast, Praia da Luz, which means “Beach of Light,” was originally a fishing village. Even though it has grown into one of the finest and most sought-after tourist resorts in the Algarve, the picturesque town manages to retain its old world charm. It remains a place of cobbled streets, amiable little restaurants and whitewashed villas, their walls smothered with colourful bougainvillea.

Adored for its sheltered bay and stunning sandy beach, Praia da Luz is just a short drive from the protected Costa Vicentina Natural Park and some of the most glorious and varied beaches in Europe.

This mansion villa exudes an air of refined elegance and quiet opulence and is one of the most luxurious villas for sale in the Algarve. Sophisticated and exclusive, the magnificent villa combines timeless design with comfort. The 6-bedroom residence offers

fine entertainment areas and abundant family living spaces.

Encompassing 1,372m² of living space, the home features elegant reception rooms, an exquisite kitchen, a games or media room currently used as a snooker room with bar - a spa with gym, sauna, hot tub and steam room, as well as a home cinema room.

Built on a 12,400m² plot, the stunning landscaped grounds provide the picture of perfection. They include ample outdoor relaxation and entertaining areas, including beautiful gardens, swimming pool, covered terrace, a gorgeous summer house, children’s play area and poolside sun-bathing terrace.

From its prominent elevated position, the luxury villa offers expansive sea views.

Superbly situated in Praia da Luz, the luxury family home is only two minutes from the beach, town, shopping, restaurant and golf.

This is indulgent family living at its finest.

Price: €5.7 million.

CONTACT

Signature Residences Worldwide www.signatureresidencesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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luxury aNDALUCIA

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Refined rustic allure Elegant hacienda steeped in history and natural beauty

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ndalusia, the seductive southernmost region of Spain, is blessed with one of the most attractive cities in the country. Seville, the historic and cultural capital of Andalusia, is the embodiment of the best Spain has to offer.

Glorious sunshine and cobalt-blue skies for much of the year turn exploring the city into an exhilarating experience. Whether you are strolling through the winding cobbled lanes of the atmospheric Santa Cruz quarter, walking along the banks of the Guadalquivir River or admiring the breathtakingly ornate churches that dominate Seville’s many hidden squares, it is immediately clear why so many fall in love with the city.

This magnificent city boasts powerful displays of extravagant Mudéjar architecture, which includes exceptional historic buildings and exquisite palaces. White-washed streets lined with orange trees and flower-bedecked balconies, fiery flamenco, bullfighting, fantastic fiestas, stylish shops and tapas galore complete the picture.

Only ten minutes from Seville’s airport lies this unique opportunity to acquire an authentic 18th-century Andalusian hacienda.

Boasting splendid views of the countryside, the superior property is surrounded by 50 hectares of land. The gorgeously traditional estate grows olives and oranges on a commercial scale.

This is a country estate of rare beauty and architectural integrity. Tastefully restored and converted, it strikes a balance between rustic charm and classic sophistication. The luxury estate retains many of the home’s original features, including wooden beams, arched doorways and passageways, terracotta floors, vaulted ceilings and wrought iron elements.

A gracious home for grand entertainment as well as serene family living, the olive estate offers ten bedrooms, a countrystyle kitchen, plus several imposing and informal living and dining areas. It features a stunning courtyard, private garden and pool.

The unique property would lend itself to that special boutique hotel, but would be just as perfect as a magnificent family home.

This is Andalusia at its finest.

Price: Upon request.

CONTACT

Signature Residences Worldwide www.signatureresidencesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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A Historic Jewel Grand elegance and exquisite artistry combine in this magnificent palace

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erez de la Frontera has largely escaped the notice of foreign buyers – until now. With its aristocratic buildings, Andalusian allure and easy access to golf and seaside resorts, the increased interest from property hunters in search of an authentic and accessible Spanish environment is well deserved.

Well-known for its sherry wines, its horses and its flamenco music and dance, Jerez is without doubt one of the most enchanting towns in Spain. Surrounded by vineyards, Jerez’s famed sherry production houses are located right in the centre of town. Jerez de la Frontera is the principal of three sherry towns that in total produce most of the world’s supply.

For more than two centuries, Jerez has been famous as one of the most important centres for flamenco dance and hosts the highly respected international Flamenco Festival de Jerez.

Jerez’s magnificent horses can be seen at the world-famous Royal

Andalusian School of Equestrian Art (Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre). This institution is devoted to conserving the ancestral abilities of the Andalusian horse and maintaining the classical traditions of Spanish baroque horsemanship.

The city is exceptional not only for its charming appearance but for its location, close to the Atlantic beaches and the Cadiz mountain range.

Its modern international airport is the principal airport for the Costa de La Luz, with daily flights between most major European cities. In addition, there are many interconnecting flights from Madrid, which also can be reached

by High Speed Train (AVE) in just a few hours.

Jerez boasts a noble air, with wide avenues, exquisite squares and stately palaces. It has also managed to preserve its historical centre, which has been declared a national Historic-Artistic Site.

This residence represents a unique opportunity to acquire

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an extraordinary and rare property of architectural and historical value. Elegant in scale, architecturally exquisite and with classical details, this spectacular palace promises a sophisticated lifestyle at one of the finest residential addresses in the heart of the historical centre of Jerez. The façade is one of unsurpassed beauty and features distinctive architectural craftsmanship.

This stately and elegant palace was rebuilt 1839 and boasts 20 bedrooms, several sumptuous living areas, an impressive dining room and a kitchen, with staff quarters. The architecturally magnificent residence also enjoys a wonderful garden, a large terrace and patio areas with lovely arches and columns.

With palatial grandeur, the splendid palace enjoys soaring ceilings and an exceptional and dramatic gallery landing that overlooks the double-height entrance reception hall.

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It also features original architectural elements such as mosaic floor tiles, an imposing Genoa marble staircase and a lovely chapel.

Breathtaking in detail, the luxury period property could be retained as a sensational private dwelling or converted to a tourist establishment, subject to necessary approvals. The superb location, along with the property’s layout and garden, would lend itself admirably to a flagship boutique hotel.

This property truly makes a distinct statement of style and sophistication for the refined, discerning connoisseur of fine living.

Price upon request.

CONTACT

Signature Residences Worldwide www.signatureresidencesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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Contemporary elegance This villa combines sleek design with comfort

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ith its unique climate on offer, Andalusia continues to be the favourite destination for buying holiday homes and investment properties. With the younger entrepreneurial influence now becoming apparent along with the continued investment by senior residents looking for a sunny retirement, all translates into an attractive property investment climate for sales, resales and rentals.

At the region’s centre is the magnificent city of Seville, the capital of Andalusia; an alluring, cosmopolitan city packed with culture, traditions and history. Among its narrow, winding, medieval lanes and romantic, hidden squares soaked in the scent of orange blossom, you will find exquisite churches, elaborate buildings, parks and museums, all offering a beautiful backdrop for a desirable lifestyle.

Located in Mairena del Aljarafe, south-west of Seville, this striking villa offers sophisticated luxury with a modernist approach juxtaposed to the traditional architecture in the city.

The elegant villa has been created with clean lines and a sculptural look that make a strong architectural statement. Inside, a boundless flow of open space provides unparalleled freedom to create your own personalized living space and a sense of modern luxury.

Sleek, streamlined and at home with its surroundings, the contemporary residence is intelligently designed for a modern lifestyle. The home totals 545m² of living space, and features three bedrooms, designer kitchen and dining and living areas.

An incredible attention to architectural details is evident throughout with features such as multiple fireplaces and LED outdoor landscape lighting.

The extensive use of stone, glass and hardwood floors speak to the durability of the residence, while walk-in closets and the stylish kitchen respond to the needs of everyday living.

With a seamless transition of indoor into outdoor spaces, the property represents fine Mediterranean living with a lovely pool, private garden, courtyards and terraces.

This is a wonderful residence for those seeking the best in modern living.

Price: â‚Ź1.6 million.

Modern Homes Worldwide www.modernhomesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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Elegant and timeless with great scale and classic style A splendid mansion steeped in history

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t Andalusia’s centre is the magnificent city of Seville, one of the most beloved places among those who visit the south of Spain.

Seville is certainly one of the most alluring, soulful and seductive destinations in this remarkable country. The city is beaming with beauty and exuberance. This is clearly one of Spain’s cosmopolitan gems.

Situated in the middle of the autonomous community of Andalusia, Seville and its surroundings comprise this quintessentially Spanish region. Olive groves sprawl across rolling hills, uniting soaring mountain ranges to the gorgeous waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

The region is the birthplace of flamenco, tapas and bullfighting – traditional practices tied strongly to the Spanish identity. In the centre of it all stands Seville, a city defined by history, religion and tradition.

Seville – capital of the southern Andalusia region and Spain’s cultural and artistic core – boasts an artful mix of Mudéjar architecture and Moorish culture, alongside winding cobbled streets, stunning baroque churches, exquisite plazas, fashionable shopping areas and world-renowned museums.

Seville enjoys an international airport and is just a 2-hour drive from the Costa del Sol to

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the east, Portugal to the west and the famous cities of CĂĄdiz and Jerez to the south.

In prime position in Seville, this beautiful mansion offers formal elegance, pure luxury and fine living at its best. This is a rare and magnificent home that is rich with history and gracious in its architectural details. The elegant mansion dates to the early 20th century, and was once the private home of the Marquis and Marquise of Castilleja.

Only the finest of materials and workmanship have been tastefully employed in this home to blend true classic design with modern details 46

of understated elegance. It has been scrupulously renovated, offering impeccable restoration work and meticulous decoration. Refined styles combine and complement the exquisite artistry of original features. The stunning 800m² of lavishly appointed interiors offers ten bedrooms, various salons and living rooms.

The classically decorated house boasts luxurious features such as high ceilings, marble floors, imposing staircase, gorgeous fireplaces, French doors, crystal chandeliers and enormous oil paintings by 17th-century painter Bartolome Esteban Murillo.

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Intended for full-scale entertaining as well as comfortable living, the aristocratic residence sits within leafy gardens, complete with lovely terraces and a swimming pool.

The deluxe residence is located on the most beautiful avenue in Seville, which was built during the Latin American Exposition of 1929.

The broad esplanade is lined with palm and orange trees and is home to several prestigious buildings constructed for the expo.

Many of them have extensive gardens and now serve as consulates, private residences or university buildings.

This stately home is the epitome of what a luxury real estate property should be, with fantastic architecture and interiors, all in a much-coveted setting.

Price upon request.

CONTACT

Signature Residences Worldwide www.signatureresidencesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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luxury aNGUILLA

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An exclusive world awaits Caribbean warmth, pristine surroundings and elegant luxury are the hallmarks of this elite Founders’ membership opportunity on the paradise island of Anguilla

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tiny island with a giant reputation, Anguilla is a place of serenity and extreme beauty.

The island’s pristine beaches, laid-back culture and elegant resorts make it the ultimate A-list escape. It boasts over 30 epic beaches, crystal clear waters, extraordinary sail-flecked sea vistas and fine dining.

It is these characteristics that have made Anguilla a magnet for celebrities; a place to come to luxuriate in a serene idyllic environment.

But at just 35 square miles in area, this island in the British West Indies, just north of St. Maarten, is about so much more than beaches and vistas. Those searching for that special second home are showing a great interest in Anguilla, one of the Caribbean’s most upscale islands, making it the ideal location for investment as well as lifestyle.

Thanks to Anguilla’s unique blend of high style, low-key elegance and utterly chic atmosphere, this coveted hideaway attracts celebrities, including Mariah Carey, Beyoncé Knowles, P Diddy, Meryl Streep and Liam Neeson, as well as business moguls from around the globe.

All of this is what makes Angillla the perfect spot for Jumeirah Anguilla. The resort property provides everything buyers are looking for in a premier luxury real estate offering; a highly prized piece of beachfront, a Jack Nicklaus

Signature Golf Course, a 5-star Jumeirah hotel that includes an array of amenities, and a collection of luxury estate homes and condominium residences. This promises to become one of the finest Caribbean properties for sale in Anguilla, the discriminating buyer’s opportunity to own a piece of paradise.

Limited to just 20 buyers, ultra-exclusive founding memberships are now available.

Offering an unmatched array of prestige and privileges, each membership includes a fully furnished 1-, 2- or 3-bedroom ocean-front or ocean-view residence, as well as a golf course ocean-front or ocean-view villa estate lot.

In addition, members will receive associate membership in the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course Club, a Jumeirah Anguilla golf membership with no annual dues or deposit, the highest priority for future offerings, and multi-generational Founders’ member status with dues paid for a lifetime.

Jumeirah Anguilla provides a vacation home ownership experience of the most luxurious kind. Make it yours today.

Prices: Founders’ packages from USD1.6 million.

CONTACT

International Luxury Real Estate www.ilre.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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luxury aTHENS

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TIMELESS ELEGANCE Experience the fine art of luxury living in this magnificent home

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ituated in a prestigious address in the elite area of Ekali, one of the most sought-after residential areas in Athens, this elegant property offers spacious and luxurious design. Refined and elegant, the magnificent home provides 681m2 of beautiful formality and relaxed family living for the connoisseurs of fine living.

Undoubtedly opulent and highly exclusive, yet by the same token supremely comfortable, the luxurious villa features seven bedrooms, an impressive reception room with fireplace, dining room, kitchen, wine cellar, family room, office, laundry room and separate staff quarters.

The lovely grounds of 2,450m² boast a gorgeous swimming pool (7.5m x 15m), a poolhouse with change rooms and shower, a garden pavilion with barbecue and several sitting and relaxation areas. There is parking for three cars.

Ekali was once the home of the prominent Greek politician, Andreas Papandreou. The name “Ekali” was used as a moniker that became as familiar to the Greeks as Downing Street is to the British or the White House is to Americans. It is a leafy, green, understated area known for its upmarket lifestyle and luxury homes.

Ekali offers the highest quality of life within commuting distance of the city. The location is ideal, providing easy access to Athens’ main arteries and is close to the capital city’s business districts. The fashionable Athenian suburb of Kifissia is just a short distance away, where plenty of chic boutiques and stylish dining are on offer.

This is a truly wonderful property for the discerning buyer seeking the best in distinguished design in the most privileged of locations.

Price: €7.5 million.

CONTACT

Signature Residences Worldwide www.signatureresidencesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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luxury BARBADOS

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Gorgeously Luxurious This oceanview custom home is an absolute showcase of perfection Barbados has long been considered a leader in Caribbean real estate. The island is blessed with an appealing climate year-round, gorgeous beaches, crystal-clear

sea and the friendliness of the Barbadian people. It is a coveted place to live, with a vibrant economy in a politically stable setting with excellent infrastructure.

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arbados is an international business hub with a rapidly expanding roster of international companies. Today, the island is home to more than 4,000 transnational companies in such fields as software development, call centres, medical transcription, information processing, international banking, insurance, ship registration, investment and manufacturing.

The Barbadian government has stated that the country is on course to reaching developed economy status by 2025. This would make it the world’s smallest nation to achieve that distinction. Alongside this motivation for economic success is the commitment to preserving the environment and cultural heritage that makes this beautiful island so desirable.

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the ultimate lifestyle opportunity, defining luxury living at its finest. Breathtaking design, awe-inspiring panoramas and a scenic hilltop setting are combined with luxury, privacy and exclusivity. This villa has it all.

Its styling is a fine balance of classic and contemporary design, combining sleek lines with colonial features and evoking a sense of understated elegance and quality. Glamorous in every detail, the exceptional residence showcases 8,000 sq.ft. of pure opulence, making it perfect for large-scale as well as intimate entertaining.

It features five en suite bedrooms, spacious living areas with vaulted ceilings, designer kitchen with professional stainless steel appliances, entertainment room, gym and study. The family home is complemented

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by fine finishes that include top-of-the-line bath fixtures, natural stone floors, large glass windows and cooling louvres.

The grandiose villa boasts panoramic vistas overlooking the fairway and onward to unobstructed views of the Caribbean Sea. Enjoying wonderful island breezes, the expansive open-floor layout has been carefully designed to integrate Caribbean indoor-outdoor living at its best.

Architect-designed and positioned for the views, this distinctive home sits on an elevated, private 44,563 sq.ft. plot on a ridge above the west coast of Barbados in the renowned district of St James. It is close to Sandy Lane and the Royal Westmoreland and Sugar Hill Resort developments. Within a 5-minute drive is Holetown with its shops,

banks, medical centre, supermarket, a large choice of excellent restaurants and white sandy beaches. The Grantley Adams International Airport is a 35-minute drive away.

The luxurious villa comes with generous outdoor entertaining areas, including a striking infinity salt-water pool, open terraces, impressive sun deck and slate-lined pond.

This villa is the epitome of Caribbean luxury at its finest.

Price: USD5.5 million.

CONTACT

Signature Residences Worldwide www.signatureresidencesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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Luxury Beachfront Living A superlative residence in a singular setting

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arbados is often called the jewel of the Caribbean islands because of its warm and friendly people and culture. The island enjoys a stable political and economic environment, one excellent reason that so many of the world’s wealthiest families invest in properties and purchase prime real estate here.

The beaches, the sea breezes, the culture and the people are all fantastic. But it is Barbados’ sophisticated infrastructure that sets it apart from other Caribbean locales. It boasts a vibrant social scene, with international polo matches and Test Cricket as well as fashionable restaurants, incredible golf courses, excellent hospitals and schools.

Although a small island, by any international standard, real estate in Barbados can boast some of the grandest properties anywhere in the world.

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Located on Barbados’ famed West Coast, here is one of the island’s most desirable beachfront residences – one that represents a fabulous opportunity to experience the best in fine Caribbean living.

With a breathtaking beachfront location that promises to deliver a lifestyle of privilege and privacy, the magnificent villa commands unparalleled blue water panoramas. Elegant architectural design and meticulous restoration blend with modern finishes to create an exceptional residence. The villa’s exquisite beauty and grandeur offer a warm and comfortable ambiance, creating a spectacular setting for everyday living and elegant entertaining.

The grand luxury home offers 7,300 sq.ft. of living space, with many of the rooms enjoying picture-perfect views of the sea, pool and gardens. The gracious family home features

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an impressive master suite that includes a spacious sitting room and a huge bathroom designed by Milldue, a dressing room, four additional bedrooms and an ultra-modern Valcucine kitchen with Miele and Gaggenau appliances. Patio doors lead onto a stunning terrace that is perfect for those alfresco dining experiences. The villa also offers a spacious living room, media room, staff quarters and gazebo with wet bar.

The house is a masterful blend of traditional craftsmanship, with creamy coral stone details and travertine floors, plus state-of-the-art kitchens and bathrooms.

Wrapped in beautifully landscaped grounds, the deluxe villa sits on 23,000 sq.ft. of prime beachfront land. Set against a backdrop of the azure ocean with the magical sound of the waves gently lapping the shoreline, this is a dream home location that is second to none.

Seamlessly blending outdoor living with indoor comfort, the outdoor spaces include

an expansive veranda overlooking the tropical gardens, the swimming pool and the sea.

The residence is located in the heart of St. James, home to some of the most exclusive residences in the world, as well as three of the island’s most prestigious 18-hole golf courses (Sandy Lane, Royal Westmoreland and Apes Hill). Boasting a coveted location that offers unending panoramas of the mesmerizing Caribbean Sea, the exceptional villa is just minutes from Sandy Lane and the centre of Holetown.

Here is a rare opportunity to own a luxury beachfront home on the famous Platinum Coast - the ultimate in fine living.

Price upon request.

CONTACT

Signature Residences Worldwide www.signatureresidencesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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luxury BASILICATA

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Sophisticated, Unique and Distinctive Elegantly styled and graciously comfortable country homes Here is a chance to get in on the ground floor of Italy’s “Tuscany in the making,” with a made-to-measure country home constructed for that select few, outside the mysterious and historic town of Matera.

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his is Basilicata, one of Italy’s lesser-known regions that is finally being discovered by foreign property buyers. Situated between the hauntingly beautiful region of Calabria, the olive groves of Puglia and the region of Campania where the Amalfi Coast is located, Basilicata offers a world of unspoilt beauty and tranquillity.

Named by the Financial Times as “Tuscany in the making”, Basilicata is the ideal spot for those seeking rural Italy’s most loved qualities: unspoilt countryside, beautiful beaches, medieval churches and castles, charming old towns, ancient ruins, vineyards, mountains and delicious food.

One of Basilicata’s main appeals is its idyllic rural landscape – especially the hilly countryside around Matera. The visitor might mistake the region for Tuscany. This area could well become Italy’s next property hotspot, appealing to the many buyers who seek a dream home in the countryside.

Matera itself is a unique and very ancient town.

Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is where the hugely impressive Sassi caves are located. Carved into the solid rock, these places

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are believed to date from prehistoric times.

The Sassi are being restored and turned into amazing hotels, restaurants, hi-tech offices and private residences. Also undergoing restoration are more than 100 churches carved into the rock.

Over the years, Matera has attracted Hollywood film-makers seeking stunning historical locations. James Bond’s Quantum of Solace and Mel Gibson’s epic, The Passion of the Christ, were filmed here.

American film director Francis Ford Coppola is contributing to the Basilicata buzz as he converts a 19th-century listed building into a hotel in nearby Bernalda called Palazzo Margherita. The town of Matera has also been voted the safest city in Italy by the prestigious Sole 24 Ore for the second year running.

In the cypress-dotted hills just outside of Matera, luxury country houses are being built for the select few. Buyers choose their own space, interior layout and design to complement and reflect their taste, personality and lifestyle. Here is an opportunity to create an inspiring dream home.

Timeless sophistication, flawless execution

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and unparalleled finishes are all hallmarks of these luxe residences. The gorgeous, hand-crafted stone houses are being built to exacting standards by artisans using traditional techniques. The skillful stonemasons will carve vaulted ceilings, large fireplaces and arched cloisters to provide shade from the summer sun. The quality and craftsmanship are second to none.

Each elegant masseria (traditional one-storey farmhouses built around a courtyard with cloister) offers old-world European charm with all the comforts and sophistication of a modern luxury villa. Beautifully crafted from local stone, called pietra leccese, the contrast of the crystal blue sky with the white stone of the exterior is truly striking.

The masserie feature 175-400m² of living space, which can be divided up to your preference. In addition, each property has a private courtyard that ranges in size from 255m² to 821m² as well as a private swimming pool.

The luxurious villas are set in their own plots of at least 1.5 hectares, offering the ultimate in

privacy, together with panoramic views over the countryside.

Buyers of the exclusive custom-designed masserie will also receive free regular supplies of the best organic produce the region has to offer. What could be healthier than the sunripened crops grown in a region famous for supplying produce to Italy and the world?

The plots are located just 12 kilometres from the Puglia border and 45 minutes from Bari International Airport. Brindisi International Airport is an 80-minute drive. The town of Matera is less than a 10-minute drive and the dazzling beaches of the Ionian Coast are 25 minutes away.

Experience an idyllic world of timeless beauty, sophisticated charm and the splendour of graceful living in one of Italy’s last hideaways.

Prices: From €750,000.

CONTACT

International Luxury Real Estate www.ilre.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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luxury CZECH REPUBLIC

Baroque Grandeur Historic and staggeringly beautiful ch창teau

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astles, historic manor houses and other extraordinary real estate are high on the list with international investors. That is because there are so few castles on offer and once they are brought back to their original splendour, they will remain a prestigious and valuable investment.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire an authentic and historic property, which has been masterfully restored to its former glory.

Gracious and elegant, the magnificent property is an imposing and expansive baroque château with a truly grand appearance.

Dating to the 13th century, the splendid castle has undergone several rebuilds throughout its history and has existed in its current appearance since the 17th century.

Grand halls, elegant salons, stunningly beautiful formal gardens and an astronomical observatory are just some of the highlights of this unique property. With palatial grandeur, the sprawling property boasts 20,000m² of opulence.

Amid its glorious surroundings, the breathtaking castle sits in the middle of a 30-hectare park, complete with French-style gardens and an adjoining deer park. It comprises one of the most significant gardens in Moravia.

The truly unique property is located in Holešov, a small town between Prague and Krakow. Throughout its long history, Holešov has been the property of the Moravian archbishops, the centre of an important Jewish community and the seat of several noble families. Foremost among those families were the Earls of Rottal, who started construction of the early baroque château in 1651 on the place of the original stronghold. It was finished after 1717.

The classic castle is appealing not just because of its magnificence and splendour, but because of its dual function potential as a baronial home and hotel/business in one (subject to permission).

This is an extraordinary architectural and historic masterpiece of incomparable scale and grandeur.

Price: €8 million.

CONTACT

Signature Residences Worldwide www.signatureresidencesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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luxury EMILIA-ROMAGNA

Aristocratic beauty, Extreme luxury.

A gracious estate affords palatial grandeur and serene living

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pic scale and refined style enveloped in idyllic tranquillity, this prestigious residence has been designed for the most discriminating owner. The architecturally magnificent house dates to the 18th century and has been owned by several noble families.

Nestled in the lush green hills of Parma, the historic residence exudes timeless elegance and grandeur, reflecting the generous sense of space and sophistication. Occupying 1,600m², the manor home’s embassy-sized rooms interconnect for living on a grand scale and worldclass entertaining.

The residence is elegantly appointed and crafted beyond compare. Commanding soaring ceilings and exquisite frescoes set the grand tone of this architectural gem and evoke the elegance and style of a bygone era. The stately home features several lavish reception and dining rooms, multiple kitchens, elegant terraces and eight luxurious bedrooms.

The luxurious house boasts a majestic park of 45,000m², replete with towering trees, flower beds and professionally manicured gardens. In consort with this wonderful setting are enchanting views, including 66

the impressive backdrop of the Castle of Torrechiara on the horizon.

This extraordinary property is suitable as a private aristocratic family home, boutique hotel or a spectacular venue for fashionable high society events and VIP conferences.

It is wonderfully located near Parma, a gorgeous town brimming with culture. Parma features many precious works of art, monuments from Romanesque to Art Nouveau, splendid architecture, theatres, museums and picturesque cobbled streets. Each vies with the others to delight even the most discerning visitor. Parma’s elegant shops, charming cafés and lovely restaurants are enchanting, while a short drive away you will find yourself surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Apennine Mountains.

A masterpiece of magnificence, this stately residence offers fine living at its grandest.

Price: €8 million.

CONTACT

Signature Residences Worldwide www.signatureresidencesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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luxury FRENCH ALPS

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Mountain Beauty

Stylish elegance is combined with an idyllic setting in these luxury ski chalets

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es Gets is the perfect blend of pure mountain splendour and historic charm, of world-class skiing, spectacular golf and unsurpassed beauty.

Located in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area, between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc, the resort of Les Gets is a well-kept secret, popular with the French and others in the know. Traditional and unspoilt, Les Gets is a beautiful and authentic Savoyard mountain village, with charm and character in every corner. The buildings are a lovely mix of wood and stone, all in traditional style. The village has done much to preserve its history. Les Gets enjoys some of the finest views in the Alps, across alpine meadows toward the stunning, snow-capped Mont Blanc.

Les Gets is conveniently located only an hour from Geneva in the massive Portes du Soleil area. A skier’s paradise, Portes du Soleil vies for the title of the largest ski area in Europe, with 201 interconnected lifts servicing a staggering 650 kilometres of groomed pistes that sprawl across 12 areas, eight in France and four in Switzerland. The scenery is breathtaking and ever changing as you ski from one valley to the next, with magnificent views of the Dents du Midi, Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva.

For those in search of great skiing, a pretty town and a short transfer, Les Gets is the perfect choice.

Within this popular alpine town, the superb, south-facing domain of only nine ski chalets offers one of the few opportunities to own a newly built luxury ski property in a prime location.

Combining traditional elegance with modern sophistication, this is where alpine chic meets luxurious Savoyard style. The ski chalets are being built from traditional materials and finished to the highest specification. The exterior showcases an exquisite blend of Douglas Fir wood, stonework and traditional plaster, while the wooden roof adds a touch of alpine authenticity rarely seen in new-build chalets.

The luxurious ski chalets offer a comfortable atmosphere reminiscent of a rustic mountain lifestyle, featuring 69-139m² of living space with three or five bedrooms. The deluxe chalets boast stunning views of the surrounding mountains and slopes and come with private balconies of 14-34m². The stylish kitchens and bathrooms are fully fitted and equipped. The bedrooms are nicely appointed with carpets, while the living areas come with tiled flooring for easy-going elegance. The cosy wood-burning stove gives the authentic alpine chalets character and warmth. Each elegant mountain home enjoys its own parking space and storage.

Owners may take advantage of full property management operated by an established company that has been handling luxury chalet rentals in Tignes since 1999.

This is mountain living at its finest.

Prices: From €550,000.

CONTACT

Luxury Ski Properties www.luxuryskiproperties.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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Elegant design. Bespoke lifestyle. Enviable address

Superlative mountain homes in a singular setting

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eep in the heart of the Alps, in a dramatic landscape famed for its skiing, lies the picturesque resort of Méribel. The village, located in the valley of Les Allues, is at the very heart of the world’s largest ski resort, Les Trois Vallées. Consisting of 600 kilometres of slopes set amid breathtaking scenery, the Courchevel Valley and Val Thorens are situated on either side of Les Allues.

Buying in Méribel offers a central position in the area, an excellent base to explore the whole of the Three Valleys, with the huge variety of ski runs and facilities available.

Méribel, with its quaint Savoyard architecture, high-altitude skiing and international appeal, continues to attract property buyers.

This Méribel ski property for sale offers a rare opportunity to buy into one of France’s 70

premier ski resorts, offering the best in facilities and pistes, while retaining the picturepostcard look of the traditional alpine village amidst the magnificent snow-capped mountains of the Alps.

Boasting one of the world’s most desirable locations, the prestigious enclave is destined to be the point of convergence for all the elements of the good life. The exclusive mountain homes sit in the heart of Méribel, boasting exceptional views over the valley and La Chapelle Notre Dame des Neiges. The ski property is wonderfully located, only a few minutes from the main ski lift and from the boutiques, restaurants and bars of the Méribel town centre.

There are just eight exclusive and luxurious residences, offering old-world charm with

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all the comforts and sophistication of a modern luxury dream home. The development consists of three chalets; one large chalet comprising six apartments and two individual chalets. The apartments range from a 2-bedroom suite of 73m² to a 4-bedroom duplex of 157m². There are also two detached chalets of three and four bedrooms, with living spaces of 130m² and 180m² respectively. Several ski apartments will feature a balcony or terrace with valley views, and all will come with two parking spaces and individual storage space.

Buyers have the option to alter floor plans and select interiors, ensuring all requirements of that bespoke dream home are met in style.

Personifying all that is glamorous and gorgeous about the French Alps, an elegance

made of beauty and true craftsmanship gives the houses a comfortable and warm ambience. The classic freehold chalets and apartments will be built using wood and natural stone in traditional Savoyard-style architecture. The stylish residences will be decorated to your specification, preferences and personal tastes.

This property represents mountain luxury at its finest.

Prices: From €720,000.

CONTACT

Luxury Ski Properties www.luxuryskiproperties.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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Mountain Refinement

Alpine beauty envelops this inviting jewel

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ndisputably part of the crème de la crème of world ski regions, the Espace Killy, combining Val d’Isère and Tignes, ranks highly among any keen skier’s Top 10 resorts. And deservedly so.

Rising to France's highest skiable glacier of La Grande Motte, the Espace Killy is one of the finest and most extensive ski areas anywhere: two glaciers, 300 kilometres of piste, 90 ski lifts, a top altitude of 3450 metres and an exemplary snow record. This is truly a firstclass destination for skiers of all standards throughout the season.

Considered the prettiest place in the whole of the Espace Killy, Les Brévières is a traditional Savoyard village dating back to the 13th century, replete with enchanting stone farm72

houses, narrow streets and wooden chalets.

Set high in the French Alps at 1550 metres, Les Brévières is perfectly situated at the foot of the Espace Killy ski domaine. Fully integrated into the vast Val d'Isère and Tignes area, Les Brévières has an excellent snow record with excellent off-piste opportunities and some of the most varied ski terrain in France.

This hidden gem offers the rare and unique combination of authentic village charm and picture-perfect views, together with immediate access to world-class skiing. With a variety of bars and restaurants and just ten minutes from cosmopolitan Val d'Isère, this is the perfect location for optimal skiing and authentic mountain village life.

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Enoying a fabulous elevated setting in Les Brévières, these ski-in ski-out chalets boast lovely views of Tignes and the village, the surrounding mountains and the lake in Les Brévières.

Offering the pinnacle in luxury mountain homes, the prestigious enclave is destined to be the point of convergence for all the elements of the good life.

With a masterful blend of fine architectural details and stunning furnishings, the exceptional mountain homes are picture-perfect and move-in-ready. The architecture draws its inspiration from the Savoyard chalets in their most noble expression, with refined materials such as brushed wood, wooden floors, local stone and authentic wrap-around balconies.

Encompassing 120-220m² of impeccable living area, the elegant chalets offer five to six en suite bedrooms, modern kitchens by Mobalpa and fabulous living spaces. The

fully furnished ski residences enjoy the finest luxury touches of a modern home, including flat-screen TVs and state-of-the-art cinema systems with surround sound.

Chalet residents may also make use of the beautiful indoor pool, sauna, boot room and parking spaces, all available on-site.

Owners may take advantage of full property management from a company that has been successfully managing luxury chalets in Tignes since 1999.

Set in one of the most desirable mountain retreats, these stylish ski chalets offer the epitome of Alpine luxury.

Prices: From €960,000.

CONTACT

Luxury Ski Properties www.luxuryskiproperties.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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luxury FRENCH RIVIERA

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One of the world’s finest addresses A residence of exceptional beauty, quality and style

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he French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, ranks among Europe’s most enduring and alluring playgrounds for the rich and famous. The South of France offers a fashionable lifestyle, scenic surroundings, rich cultural heritage and a salubrious climate year round. In addition, it is centrally located in the heart of Europe, with easy and fast access from every main capital to Nice International Airport.

The region boasts country and coastal estate jewels in spectacular locations – all surrounded by breathtaking beaches, marinas, golf courses and Alpine ski resorts.

In the realm of this rarefied real estate, Cap Ferrat has become one of the Cote d’Azur’s most desirable residential addresses for prestige property, defining the French Riviera at its most opulent.

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Cap Ferrat is an absolute natural wonder, a stupendous peninsula containing some of the most beautiful Belle Epoque-, Art Deco-, and Renaissance-inspired villas in the world, with unrivalled panoramic Mediterranean Sea views.

This is a place for billionaires: Roman Abramovich the Russian oligarch, the composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and Paul Allen of Microsoft own mansions here. Through its history, some of the estates on Cap Ferrat have hosted celebrities such as King Leopold II of Belgium, Baroness de Rothschild, Charlie Chaplin, Prince Rainier III, David Niven, Somerset Maugham, Jean Cocteau, Hubert de Givenchy, Isadora Duncan, Winston Churchill and many more.

Commanding a coveted location, this magnificent villa was designed for the best in fine living. Majestically situated on the western side of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, the deluxe residence enjoys a spectacular elevated location.

Offering a lifestyle of privilege and privacy, the quintessential trophy property is a superlative mixture of exclusivity, timeless design and glamorous outdoor spaces.

Elegant in scale, architecturally exquisite and with aweinspiring panoramas, this dream home features 300m² of pure elegance and classical touches. The refined villa features a wonderful master suite with a large bedroom and dressing room opening onto a private terrace that offers dazzling views, plus four more bedrooms, living and dining areas that open onto a large terrace, a kitchen and library/study.

Occupying 1,800m² of land, the villa boasts breathtaking sea views onto the Baie des Anges and the harbour of Villefranche, plus a gorgeous swimming pool.

The villa features a self-contained studio and is sold with the permission of extending the first-floor terrace and creating two pergolas.

A paragon of elegance and excellence, this is Riviera glamour in all its glory.

Price upon request.

CONTACT

Signature Residences Worldwide www.signatureresidencesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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The pinnacle of luxury and prestige A Mediterranean masterpiece located in one of the most coveted neighbourhoods on the French Riviera hen it comes to the most exclusive French Riviera real estate, certain enclaves along the gilded coast from Menton to SaintTropez stand apart from the rest. Prices of elite properties on the “caps” – Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Cap d’Antibes, Cap d’Ail and Roquebrune-CapMartin – regularly hit new highs.

Tucked between Monaco and Menton at the eastern end of the Côte d’Azur, RoquebruneCap-Martin is perhaps the most discreet of the small peninsulas.

The prestigious Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is a quiet and beautiful residential area. It was one of the most sought-after locations by artists and aristocrats of the Belle Epoque. It remained under the control of the Grimaldi

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Family of Monaco for over 500 years until the mid-18th-century.

Its most luxurious area, Cap Martin, is an absolutely astonishing peninsula, offering total tranquillity and privacy to a select few elegant villas set within luxuriant vegetation and facing the sea. Its proximity to Nice, Monaco and the Italian border make it a very privileged location. There is a low-key ambience which has been favoured by many among the rich and famous, including the Agnelli family, the Grundigs and the owners of Dolce Gabana.

Exuding elegant sophistication, this magnificent Cap Martin villa offers the opportunity to purchase one of the most exclusive pieces of real estate on the French Riviera. The residence represents the epitome of gracious living. From the grand design to the historical features, this luxurious family home evokes a feeling of refinement, indulgence, elegance and wealth.

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The Neo-classic residence, built at the end of the 19th century in a style inspired by the Italian Renaissance, exemplifies premier French Riviera living at its finest. Designed by Hans-Georg Tersling – the most prominent architect on the Riviera during the 19th century and famous for the many wonderful residences he designed for the French and European aristocracy and other elite who resided in the area – this property oozes luxury and sophistication.

The luxury family home offers 450m² of pure opulence, featuring four bedrooms, an impressive reception room opening onto a terrace with views of the grounds and the sea, dining room, kitchen, library, several sitting rooms and a study. The residence also includes staff quarters, garage and parking for several cars.

Preserving the original architectural integrity, the deluxe property has retained many original features such as a majestic staircase, 5-metre

ceiling, marble fireplaces and splendid classical decoration. Refined and imposing, the exterior comes with a gorgeous stone façade and a roof of turquoise glazed tiles.

Set in a private domaine, the southwest-facing grounds are equally impressive. The 2,018m² of verdant Mediterranean gardens provide a haven of privacy, offering a wonderful pool and pavilion entertaining area on one of the Côte d’Azur’s most beautiful promontories, just ten minutes from Monte Carlo.

This singular villa is the prime Riviera home for the discerning buyer who seeks the best in life and the most beautiful at hand.

Price upon request.

CONTACT

Signature Residences Worldwide www.signatureresidencesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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luxury IBIZA

Total privacy. Stylish luxury.

Absolute nature.

Gorgeous country home with breathtaking panoramic vistas

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nternational buyers are back in force, hunting the most sought-after prime properties in the best locations on Ibiza. The island’s natural beauty and reputation for understated sophistication attract a wide cross-section of highnet-worth individuals, many of whom wish to buy a holiday home on the island.

Investing in property on Ibiza continues to be regarded as a safe and secure investment. It has become a desirable paradise destination, retaining a sophisticated and cosmopolitan air of glamour. Property buyers are attracted to the crystal-clear waters, quiet beaches, pine forests, great seafood, tranquillity of the rural interior and the scenic beauty of its lesserknown coastlines.

This property presents a fabulous opportunity to experience the best of Ibiza island living.

The estate was developed for those looking for comfort and elegance in a natural setting.

It is best described as island chic, perfectly combining its prime position in the midst of unspoilt nature with the most modern comfort and luxury. One is left to wonder where nature ends and the country house begins. It is man and nature in perfect harmony.

Set in one of the most untouched parts of Ibiza, the magnificent estate is wrapped in beautiful landscaped grounds affording breathtaking 180-degree views of the valley and the sea. A former finca, the classic farmhouse has been cleverly and impeccably restored, giving this elegant country domain a rare combination of modern style and traditional elegance.

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Intended for full-scale entertaining as well as comfortable living, the exquisite beauty and grandeur of the newly built Ibicenco-style house offers a stylish and relaxed ambiance.

Encompassing 700m² of living space, the estate offers the ultimate luxurious blend of space and style. The exceptional country property features seven bedrooms, a large open-plan kitchen and dining room with floor to ceiling windows, opening onto a covered terrace, several living areas, a TV room and a guest house.

The grand property commands a spectacular setting from atop its own mountain in the area of San Juan. Occupying 62 acres of land, this is an oasis of privacy, peace and tranquillity. The pool area features a large teak-decked terrace with an infinity pool and a small children’s pool. There is a covered terrace that houses an outdoor kitchen, barbecue and large dining area.

The property is a 5-minute drive to San Juan, less than 10 minutes to the beach, 20 minutes to Ibiza town and 25 minutes to the airport. The property makes a perfect family or second home, while also offering fantastic rental potential.

A haven for fine island living, the property combines contemporary elegance with timeless old-world charm at its best.

Price: €5.5 million.

CONTACT

Signature Residences Worldwide www.signatureresidencesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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luxury LAKE GENEVA

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Beyond Luxury

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et in the UNESCO-protected vineyards of the Lavaux and along the shores of Lake Geneva, this magnificent property faces the lake’s glittering waters, overlooking the fairy tale beauty of the towns of Vevey and Montreux, with sweeping views of the surrounding Alps.

Arguably the world’s most prestigious address, this is a unique opportunity to own a landmark residence replete with Belle Epoque opulence and hotel-style luxuries.

Majestically situated in an area of incomparable beauty and splendid views, the imposing mansion is perched high atop Le Mont-Pèlerin in Chardonne, in the canton of Vaud, above Vevey, Switzerland.

Privacy, exclusivity and luxury are the coveted attributes of Du Parc Kempinski Private Residences.

Located in the heart of Europe in the charming village of Le Mont-Pèlerin, an hour from Geneva International Airport and 30 minutes from the private airports of Lausanne Blécherette and Bex, Du Parc offers owners both ease of access and privacy. Zurich Airport is three hours away. With easy access to the main motorways leading to the mountain resorts of Verbier, Gstaad, and Zermatt, internationally acclaimed skiing is about an hour away, door to door.

The grandiose property is minutes from Lausanne and Montreux, which provide a full range of entertainment, cultural and sport activities, alongside world-renowned universities such as IMD, EHL and the EPFL, as well as one of Switzerland’s leading teaching hospitals.

Many Swiss and foreign nationals have made this lovely little village their main residence or second home, thanks to an exceptional way of life, magnificent scenery and a quality of life that is legendary throughout the world.

Once the refuge of princes, aristocrats, diplomats, socialites and luminaries who included Victor Hugo and Pierre Cardin, this magnificent and historical hotel building dates back to 1906. Now it will be transformed into a limited number of ultra-luxury private residences. Du Parc’s vision is to restore the extraordinary Grand Dame of European hotels to its former glory and to capture the legendary opulence of its era.

With only 24 architecturally significant residences, Du Parc is indeed limited-edition exclusive. Ultra-high specifications, combined with cutting-edge technology, sumptuous furnishings, on-site concierge services and a private and secure setting are all hallmarks of the deluxe property.

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Refined and prestigious, each hotel residence is an extraordinary work of art, blending classic architectural elements with state-of-the-art systems and lavishly appointed interiors.

Boasting 200–674m² of impeccable living space, each of the 2- to 6-bedroom residences is a celebration of opulence, glamour and elegance. Each gracious home is created for fine living and elegant entertaining, with interior design and decoration by internationally acclaimed interior designers BBG-BBGM (creators of the W hotels interiors and St. Regis Palace NYC).

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The elite homes boast high ceilings, wide windows facing south over the lake and a wealth of cutting-edge technology that would impress James Bond, including biometric recognition entry controls, baths that fill up in response to a text message and invisible speakers built into walls and ceilings.

The gourmet kitchen is a chef’s dream, with built-in Gaggenau appliances, wine cooler, deep freeze, steam oven, coffee machine and vitroceramic induction plate. The stylish kitchen is fitted with black granite worktops and varnished, wood-finish cabinetry.

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The larger apartments also incorporate private guesthouse units in the annex park building, ideal for visiting friends and family or members of staff.

The three triplex penthouses are the crown jewel of Du Park Kempinski Private Residences, exemplifying the ultimate in luxury living. Apart from palatial living spaces, each penthouse commands breathtaking views of Lake Geneva and comes with cathedral ceiling, plus its own separate apartment for guests or staff. There is an option to have them decorated by the prestigious interior design firm of Fendi Casa.

Managed by internationally renowned Kempinski Private Residences, Du Parc offers an unparallelled lifestyle that blends the finest amenities and services with the ultimate in discreet privacy and security.

The lobby will be the heart of the property, with concierge and honour bar for those moments of relaxation while waiting for the limousine or a game of billiards before dinner.

Facilities will include 5-star hotel services provided by Le Mirador Kempinski Lake Geneva and concierge services by Quintessentially, the world’s leading luxury concierge.

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Residence owners will enjoy exclusive access to an array of exquisite lifestyle amenities, including: wine cellars and tasting room managed by Quintessentially; cigar connoisseurs lounge operated by Davidoff; and 650m² private spa operated by Givenchy that is complete with treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor heated pools, Jacuzzis, sauna, hammam and fitness room. There is also a private 16-seat cinema with surround sound, a 24-hour business centre and a rental programme.

All owners at Du Parc Kempinski Private Residences are given membership in the Mirador Country Club for ten years. Benefits include unlimited access to the fitness/ sports centre that includes swimming pool and Jacuzzi; tennis courts; plus discounts on hotel accommodation, amenities and services.

Owners will be offered a lifetime membership and the first-year green fee at the neighbouring Golf de Lavaux, a championship 18-hole course designed by Peter Harradine.

The Lavaux Golf Course enjoys a fabulous location, above the vineyards and with an unforgettable view of the Alps.

All the main building residences benefit from a wide range of services, from 24-hour concierge service, valet parking and house management, to more specific à la carte services that can be organized by the concierges on-site, at the Mirador Kempinski Hotel or through the individual Quintessentially membership. These include specialist fitness support, catering, event management, specialist dry cleaning, chauffeur services, wine tasting and more.

The magical setting overlooks Europe’s largest lake, majestic snowy mountaintops and UNESCO-recognized vineyards. The property enjoys 32 acres of park grounds, replete with romantic rose gardens and a 32,000m² natural playground for children.

Be among the discerning few to own one of tomorrow’s icons, Du Parc Kempinski Private Residences is haute living at its finest.

Price on application.

CONTACT

Signature Residences Worldwide www.signatureresidencesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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luxury LANGUEDOC-ROUSSILLON

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Idyllic parkside living A home on the grounds of a Languedoc château

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handful of discerning buyers now have the opportunity to own a second home situated in a Mediterranean château park in southern France’s Languedoc region.

Just 14 homes of two and three bedrooms will be constructed in this gorgeous development situated in the medieval village of Lézignan la Cèbe. Set within a fragrant park of 6,400m2, this elegant yet intimate residential development offers the best in the charming lifestyle that has long been associated with the South of France.

Each beautiful family home comes with its own private garden stocked with native trees, shrubs and aromatic herbs, complemented by a terrace, barbecue and optional private pool. Each home will combine authenticity and traditional character with natural materials, and be masterfully designed for the needs of modern life. Two of the residences will be housed in the 19th-century château that sits on the property.

With on-site facilities and an optional service contract for hassle-free ownership, this is a unique opportunity to experience the authentic ‘Art de Vivre’ for which southern France is famous. Also planned are an outdoor swimming pool and children’s pool, while residents will receive discounts on services at a nearby hotel that offers a restaurant, wine bar, pool and spa.

Tranquil and discreet, the property is nevertheless just minutes away from the picturesque medieval village of Pézenas.

One of the most singularly beautiful towns in the south-west, Pézenas is a place of grand architecture, cobbled streets and wonderful courtyards. It was home to 17th-century playwright Molière and is still a thriving artists’ community with writers, artisans, antique dealers and craftsmen.

Pézenas is also within 2½ hours of alpine skiing, and 90 minutes from the Spanish border.

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Stretching along the Mediterranean from the Côte d’Azur to the Spanish border, the Languedoc is a place of vibrant fishing villages, endless beaches, rolling vineyards and olive groves fringed with cypress trees, medieval castles perched on snow-capped mountains, thriving market towns and charming, littleknown hamlets.

The region boasts an amazing diversity of leisure options. Relax on the beach or partake in every imaginable water sport.

Explore historic cities – Roman, Medieval and Renaissance – with internationally recognised cultural attractions that include five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore antique markets that rival any in Europe. Enjoy the wonders of four national parks. Improve your swing on one of the 16 golf courses. Or discover superb cuisine and amazing local wines in simple bistros and Michelin-starred gastro palaces.

The immediate area offers a wide range of recreational facilities. There are golden beaches that feature waterfront restaurants just a 20-minute drive through the vineyards and picturesque villages. The area is a gastronome’s paradise, with countless

vineyards to explore, and markets offering the best produce.

Also nearby are the Languedoc’s biggest cities, including Narbonne, Nîmes, and Montpellier, dubbed “France’s most exciting city.”

Languedoc is easily accessible, with efficient motorway and high-speed rail links providing fast connections to the rest of Europe. No fewer than eight airports connect Languedoc to major European cities, as well as many smaller ones, via both scheduled and low-cost carriers.

This community represents a rare opportunity to invest in a unique, high-quality property in one of the world’s most stable economies, while enjoying anytime access to a superb family home. A sound investment and a source of pleasure for generations to come.

Prices: From €255,000.

CONTACT

International Luxury Real Estate www.ilre.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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luxury LOMBARDY

Lakeside Beauty Stylish elegance and sweeping panoramas define this villa

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or years, Lake Maggiore and real estate along its shores have attracted the rich and famous, artists and writers. The region’s Mediterranean charm continues to inspire breathless awe and adulation.

Architectural wonders, period palaces, Romanesque churches, ancient hamlets, sprawling villas, verdant gardens, elegant hotels – all blend harmoniously with the lake and the mountain scenery to make this one of the most beautiful and picturesque places in the world. A unique, magical and enchanting place, Italy’s most beautiful lake enjoys seductive powers.

From its spectacular position on the magnificent shores of Lake Maggiore, Italian Cannobio is only four kilometres from the border of Switzerland, between Verbania and Locarno.

Cannobio is a lovely village that boasts a fairytale-like atmosphere, mild climate, tranquillity, infinite greenery and scenic setting. The village has managed to preserve its rich architectural and historic heritage on this awe-inspiring lake among the mountains. It boasts many fine 17th- to 19th-century buildings as well as charming cobbled streets.

The village’s lakefront is one of the finest promenades on Lake Maggiore. Passenger ferries come and go to the botanical gardens of Villa Taranto and the

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celebrated Borromeo islands of Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori. The Lido at Cannobio boasts one of the few wide, sandy beaches along the lake, and the waters offshore are renowned for sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and other water sports.

Behind the town, the Cannobio Valley winds up to the Vigezzo Valley, which is widely known as The Valley of the Painters. It is known for the proliferation of artists as well as its natural beauty, with many stunning mountain hamlets and unforgettable vistas.

Most sought-after are those properties featuring villas with direct lake access, which are very limited in supply due to the topography.

Enjoying one of the most privileged positions, this historic villa is situated in a prized enclave of Cannobio, on the lakeshore. Combining sophisticated and elegant styling with comfortable family living, the luxurious villa enjoys dropdead gorgeous vistas and private mooring.

Encompassing 360m² of living space, the home features a dining room, living room, kitchen, four bedrooms and a garage of 45m².

Interiors are refined, with a stylish palette of white against natural materials such as wood and stone. Designed to complement rather than compete with nature, this perfect home incorporates rooms that open onto outdoor entertaining areas and magnificent landscaping.

The fine villa sits on 1,800m² of immaculate park-style grounds, with lakeside frontage in an area of incomparable beauty. The luxury waterfront home is blessed with its own boathouse of 130m². The villa also features a glorious terrace of 290m².

Located in a peaceful and private setting, the lakefront villa is just 60 kilometres from the airport of Lugano, 18 kilometres from Locarno and 80 kilometres from Milan Malpensa.

This is lakeside living at its finest.

Price upon request.

CONTACT

Signature Residences Worldwide www.signatureresidencesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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luxury MADRID

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Grand living at its finest A stately style and elegant design define this aristocratic residence

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adrid, the hub of modern Spain, is a vibrant city known for its unique atmosphere and incomparable lifestyle. In recent years, Madrid has consolidated its position as an international leader: the influence it exerts on politics, education, entertainment, environment, media, fashion, culture and science contributes to its status as one of the world’s major centres.

It is fast becoming one of Europe’s hubs for business, too, with many of the leading Spanish and multinational companies selecting the national capital as the location for their corporate headquarters. Madrid also boasts the fourth largest stock exchange in Europe and seventh in the world.

Although Madrid is one of Europe’s most prestigious capitals, property prices are still lower than in other major capitals such as London and Paris. The family house market is a key driver in the Madrid real estate market.

Demand for large family homes in good locations continues to grow. The exclusive neighbourhood of La Moraleja is very popular with international families, especially foreign

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diplomats and executives, because of the proximity to the centre of Madrid, lovely surroundings, great amenities and good international schools.

Easily accessible in La Moraleja, yet wonderfully private, this ultra-luxury villa offers everything you can wish for – and more. The sheer grandeur, opulence and beauty of the commanding family house is truly breathtaking.

The luxury villa represents the convergence of architectural elan, master craftsmanship, classic detailing, gracious elegance and incomparable taste.

It is an imposing and expansive home. Its 2,400m² of lavishly appointed interiors present a distinguished appearance. Designed for living and entertaining on a grand scale, the distinctive and refined family home comes with six bedrooms, an exceptional gourmet kitchen and several gorgeous reception rooms. The elite villa also enjoys a wonderful indoor pool, a gym with sauna, a beautiful lift and garage for ten vehicles.

The pièce de résistance is the majestic entrance reception room. This is beyond breathtaking, beyond spectacular, beyond beautiful. The monumentalscaled area of 175m2 opens onto a living room, formal dining room, sumptuous library and office.

It boasts dramatic ceiling heights of seven metres and is adorned with a magnificent staircase made from mahogany and wrought-iron. Stunning gallery hallways overlook the grandeur below.

The glamorous and opulent interiors open onto an impressive exterior. The elegant villa sits on an exceptionally rare, south-facing 10,000m² site, boasting lovely city views and delightful gardens.

This outstanding residence of supreme style and distinction has been conceived for connoisseurs of fine living.

Price: €12 million.

CONTACT

Signature Residences Worldwide www.signatureresidencesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701 98

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Cutting-edge design and clean-lined architecture A truly singular residence for those seeking the best in modern living

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n recent years, Madrid has become a hub of modern architecture, with big names such as Rafael Moneo, Norman Foster, Richard Rogers, Santiago Calatrava, Jean Nouvel and many more contributing to the changing face of the metropolis.

Nouvel and Moneo were responsible for the addition to the Reina Sofia Museum and the Museo del Prado respectively; Foster was responsible for the Torre Caja Madrid Tower; and Rogers designed Terminal 4 at Madrid’s Barajas Airport. As well, à lvaro Siza was responsible for the Centre for Tourist Information in Plaza de Colon and the refur100

bishment of the Prado-Recoletos areas; the Herzog & Meuron studio was responsible for the CaixaForum project and Calatrava was responsible for the Caja Madrid Obelisk in Plaza de Castilla.

A masterpiece of liveable contemporary design, this ultra-modern residence stands apart for its geometric purity, material sophistication and compositional elegance.

Integrating limestone, glass, wood and cutting-edge design, the villa makes a bold contemporary architectural statement. Expect sleek lines, monumental living spaces and high aesthetics.

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Boasting 1,042m² of distinct architectural design, the sophisticated villa offers a sculptural living space ideal for a modern lifestyle.

The spectacular expanses of floor-to-ceiling glass introduce bright, light-filled interiors that exude minimalist elegance in their aesthetic of peace and serenity.

Designed with elegant simplicity and functionality in mind, this villa captures the essence of today’s modern design, with an intelligent open-plan layout. A stellar 44m² master suite, including bathroom and dressing room, is complemented by six additional bedrooms, a 138m² living room, 43m² dining room, stylish

kitchen, gym and utility room. The villa also includes a terrace of 147m².

Located in a private plot of 2,500m² in La Florida, this location boasts everything one could wish for in a luxury urban home.

The splendid villa truly exudes the Wow factor.

Price: €2,995 million.

CONTACT

Modern Homes Worldwide www.modernhomesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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luxury MALLORCA

Cutting-Edge & Breathtaking This villa has the Wow factor with ultra-modern design and dazzling ocean views

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Mallorca real estate remains one of the most coveted and desired in the Mediterranean. The excellent climate, beaches and natural beauty attract investors from around the world.

Home to the island’s most dramatic scenery, the lesser-known north is becoming an increasingly sought-after location for holiday homeowners. Scenically full of contrasts, north Mallorca is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and unspoilt areas of the island. It evokes the essence of the Mediterranean way of life, a palette of colours with ancient olive

groves, citrus orchards, green pine trees, grey limestone rock and white almond blossoms.

The magnificent Tramuntana mountain range sets an enviable backdrop against the honeycoloured, picture-perfect villages steeped in history and atmosphere. Peaceful and idyllic, the area is graced with rocky coves, sandy beaches and the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. This haven of Mallorcan traditions is served by a sound infrastructure of good roads, public transport, excellent golf courses,

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several marinas and sporting facilities ranging from horse riding to tennis and nautical sports such as kitesurfing, diving and swimming.

In an exclusive setting in the north of Mallorca, this designer oceanview home affords the owner a stunning modern masterpiece. Iconic architecture and design, holistic vision and enhanced comforts of a contemporary home blend effortlessly to deliver a true work of art. The 473m² residence seamlessly merges clean, linear architecture with floor-to ceiling glass, exquisite woods and natural stone. It features five stylish bedrooms, Italian designer kitchen with stainless steel appliances by Siemens and glamorous living areas.

Among the impressive amenities are Wenge wood finishes, Duravit Philippe Starck bathrooms, Technal aluminium doors and windows in black, underfloor heating and Daikin air-conditioning.

The contemporary villa has a fantastic indoor-outdoor flow, with large walls of glass that showcase the splendid views of the valley and the beautiful Bay of Pollensa with its spectacular sunsets.

Blessed with fabulous entertaining spaces, awe-inspiring vistas and serene living, the sweeping and expansive interiors open up to a variety of outdoor spaces.

The large terraces and the infinity pool transform the home into a sexy showplace by night and über-chic living by day.

Next to the infinity pool is a sensational covered chill-out area boasting Gandia Blasco’s ultra-cool outdoor lounge furniture.

Sitting on a private plot of 1,096m², this luxury architectural masterpiece is located in Bonaire, one of the most prestigious neighbourhoods in the north of Mallorca. This exclusive residential area is surrounded by beaches, natural beauty and a marina, while being near the ancient walled town of Alcudia and a yacht club.

This is a truly singular residence for those seeking sophisticated modern living coupled with exclusive finishes throughout.

Price: €1.4 million.

CONTACT

Modern Homes Worldwide www.modernhomesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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lthough property prices in Spain have fallen in the last few years, one region that has kept its appeal – and a more stable market – is the Balearic Islands. Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera have not suffered as much in the downturn, especially at the top end of the market where there is simply not the same oversupply that you would find on Costa del Sol, for example.

The Balearics’ proximity to mainland Europe, ease of access and good weather attract a wide international mix of buyers who are looking for second homes, rental investments or permanent residences.

Mallorca is the most popular destination. It has more year-round flights and a longer season than the other islands, plus a higher standard of infrastructure and services, offering some of Europe’s best real estate investment opportunities.

Mallorca is also one of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean, with a stunning coastline and spectacular countryside and mountain scenery adding to its cachet. With idyllic white sandy beaches and azureblue Mediterranean Sea, constant sunshine, pretty villages and a wealth of fine restaurants, together with the excitement of the cosmopolitan city of Palma, the island attracts a glamorous set, including celebrity residents such as Michael Douglas, Annie Lennox, Claudia Schiffer and Boris Becker.

The array of exciting leisure activities in Mallorca is endless, with 22 golf courses, over 25 marinas and glorious beaches offering a multitude of water sports and activities.

Majestic and imposing, this first-class home is a uniquely designed testament to casual luxury and timeless sophistication. Combining elegant design and fine architectural detailing with modern finishes, the luxury home is truly an exceptional residence.

The quality finishes and refined interior design allow for sophisticated entertaining, as well as comfortable relaxation. Offering 600m² of luxury, the family villa features five bedrooms, a lovely living room with open fireplace, an office and a guest apartment.

Boasting a second sea-line position, the villa in Cala Vinyas is within walking distance of gorgeous sandy beaches, yet only a 5-minute drive to Palma. The house is complemented by 1,950m² of fabulous gardens, a swimming pool and 120m² of covered terrace with barbecue area.

The architecturally magnificent villa has been designed for connoisseurs of fine living.

Price: €3.49 million.

CONTACT

Leading Luxury Real Estate www.leadingluxuryrealestate.com +44 (0)20 7095 8703 www.theaddressmagazine.com

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Contemporary modernism Magnificent Bauhaus-style villa with dazzling views Tranquil, sophisticated and beautiful, Mallorca is a true Mediterranean island paradise. Uncrowded beaches, pine-clad mountains and verdant valleys, and not least the island capital of Palma with its beautiful architecture, all explain why it has become a highly sought-after escape and an excellent place to invest in property.

The island is easy to get to, with frequent, yearround flights from most major European cities and ferry services from mainland Spain. The island population of almost 900,000 enjoys the highest disposable income per capita in Spain, adding to the sense of prosperity.

The wealth is understated rather than brash, however, and the island’s famous residents, including Claudia Schiffer, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Richard Branson, Boris Becker, Rafael Nadal and Michael Douglas have their privacy respected. King Juan Carlos and his son, Prince Felipe, regularly attend the family retreat, Palma’s Marivent Palace, where they are able to enjoy the sun and scenery without the harassment of paparazzi.

The property market in Mallorca is distinctly different to what can be seen on the mainland costas. Tight planning regulations have protected the island’s authentic beauty and kept it free from the expansive and overdeveloped projects that tend to dominate many Spanish resorts.

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Another influencing factor is the island’s geography and the fact that there is a very limited amount of land that can be developed or built upon. National parks and protected areas of outstanding natural beauty, including the newly designated UNESCO World Heritage Site of Serra de Tramuntana, make up much of the mere 3,640 square kilometres of land.

Scarcity creates credibility, trust and appeal.

Even if the British presence has diminished due to the strength of the Euro, the Germans certainly are buying, along with the Swiss, Dutch and the Scandinavians.

A sure sign of Mallorca’s popularity as an exclusive escape is the increasing number of super-yachts and private jets. Port Adriano now features new mooring berths for yachts of up to 60 metres, while the recently approved expansion of the airport at Son Bonet will create more capacity for private jets and helicopters.

For those searching for the alluring combination of luxury, privacy and exclusivity, Mallorca is the obvious choice. But the most important reason that so many people want to own a slice of this paradise once they have visited Mallorca is the simple fact that they fell in love with the island.

This magnificent contemporary residence is designed in a Modernist fashion, to reflect the style of high Bauhaus, and to present all the

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aspirational qualities of modern family living.

The design of this ‘White House’ is a variation on Bauhaus architecture, emphasising the simple geometric form and sleek appearance, purposefully stripped of any ornamentation or excess.

With the streamlined appearance of modern architecture, the iconic design offers 350m² of stylish and elegant living space. It features four bedrooms, a spacious open-plan kitchen and a lounge-dining area with a gallery.

The generous and flowing spaces are suffused with light from sliding glass doors, inviting the living space to flow into the outdoors. The striking villa sits on 835m² of land and comes with a Mediterranean garden, swimming pool and several terraces.

Ideally situated southwest of the capital, Palma de Mallorca, the stunning villa boasts

180-degree sea views, overlooking the Royal Palace and the harbour of Palma. It is 20 minutes’ drive from the airport, ten minutes from the centre of Palma and five minutes from the glitzy marina of Puerto Portals and several beaches. The luxury villa is situated in the immediate vicinity of Bendinat Golf Course, an attractive course with spectacular sea views.

With sweeping panoramas, glamorous and cool interiors and inspirational architecture, the villa represents the pure fusion of elegance, function and sophistication.

Price: € 2.45 million.

CONTACT

Leading Luxury Real Estate www.leadingluxuryrealestate.com +44 (0)20 7095 8703

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luxury MEXICO

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ULTRA-COOL

& FABULOUS Sleek, glamorous and unapologetically modern

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n one of Mexico’s most desirable shorelines, this residential resort offers impeccable oceanfront living, extravagant residences and a pampered lifestyle.

This is Icon Vallarta, set in an area graced by lush mountain ranges, panoramic vistas, silky beaches and the Pacific’s eternal flow. It is the most exclusive beachfront condominium property along Bahía de Banderas in Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Gold Coast.

The resort is five minutes from downtown Vallarta’s legendary restaurant and gallery scene. It is a modern oasis of luxury resortstyle amenities offering a medley of personalized services, stellar design and luxury residences.

Set on more than three acres of stunning oceanfront property with exclusive beach access, Icon Vallarta boasts all that could be wished for in a beachfront vacation home.

The property offers expansive views of the

Pacific Ocean as well as the old City of Puerto Vallarta, its famed Malecon and the fantastic mountain ridges.

Consisting of a trio of 26-storey towers, Icon Vallarta is comprised of 336 ultra-stylish condominiums and seven dazzling ocean-view villas fronting the Pacific Ocean. Sophisticated, witty design and intelligent attention to detail come together in this splendid resort property.

Designed by the internationally acclaimed architectural firm, Arquitectonica, and with interiors designed by the world-renowned firm Yoo by Philippe Starck, Icon Vallarta presents the ultimate in luxury condominium living in Puerto Vallarta.

The elegant residences boast captivating views of the Pacific, nearby mountains and the quaint winding streets of downtown Puerto Vallarta. The contemporary interiors by Yoo

by Philippe Starck, creator of world-renowned

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Artist’s conceptual rendering

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buildings - such as the NW8 in London, Icon South Beach and Icon Brickell in Miami and the Downtown by Starck in New York - add an elusive combination of glamorous design and liveability.

The 1-4 bedroom residences, many with private elevators, enjoy oversized, glassfronted terraces or balconies, allowing for the ultimate indoor-outdoor lifestyle. All residences are bathed in natural light that floods in through magnificent floor-to-ceiling windows. The 9-foot ceilings add to the feeling of space.

Kitchens are designed by Yoo by Starck, with features that include professional-grade kitchen appliances, premium Italian cabinets and elegant stone countertops. The residences offer lavish master bedrooms with grand walk-in closets and bathrooms - again designed by Yoo by Starck.

Each of the seven luxurious 2-storey, 2-bedroom villas comes with exceptional ocean and pool views. They have private rooftop terraces with barbecue areas and private pools, direct beach and pool access as well as private landscaped gardens.

Icon Vallarta is truly an indulgent escape with incomparable facilities.

The 1,000 feet of pristine beaches on BahĂ­a de Banderas provide a liberal dose of oceanfront glamour. There is a striking 500-foot infinity pool, plus refreshing cool-mist sprinklers at the pool and beach, and poolside private cabanas with dining option. There is also an outdoor fire pit overlooking downtown Puerto Vallarta, a full-service beach bar and grill serving poolside.

The Icon Vallarta Aqua Club offers exclusive access to waterfront luxuries such as jet-skis, kayaks and other watercraft, mere steps from the residences. The grounds are open to beautifully landscaped gardens and feature breathtaking artwork from designer Philippe Starck.

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Other spectacular amenities include an oceanfront gourmet restaurant with lavish dining area, 20-seat state-of-the-art theatre, oceanfront gym, fitted with top-of-the-line cardio equipment and Temascal, an old Mayan ritual spa with sauna and steam rooms.

Owners have access to an array of 5-star services, including 24-hour valet parking and security, in-room dining service and personal chef, concierge services, full-service business centre, private catering for meetings, luncheons and dinner parties, preferred access and signing privileges to top golf courses in Vallarta.

Housekeeping, pre-arrival and on-going grocery shopping and delivery, dry cleaning and laundry services, nanny/babysitting services, pet service and more are also available.

Puerto Vallerta was made famous by Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton during the filming of Night of the Iguana. It has evolved from an enchanting fishing village to a world-class resort city, but it never lost the quaint charms of that original village.

A luxury oasis for jet-setters and adventureseekers alike, Puerto Vallarta continues to offer the strongest second-home market in Mexico.

The charming seaside resort, with its alluring beaches, colonial ambiance and architecture, has been voted the best place to retire globally

by AARP (2010) and the best Mexican Vacation destination by USNews.com (2010), beating out CancĂşn and Los Cabos.

An investment in Puerto Vallarta is akin to purchasing a little slice of heaven. Icon Vallarta is the ultimate cosmopolitan retreat for those seeking an address in paradise.

Prices: From USD250,000.

CONTACT

International Luxury Real Estate www.ilre.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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luxury MOROCCO

Timeless. Elegant. Contemporary.

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The bold, sleek lines integrate beautifully with the scenic setting

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he timeless allure of the Sahara Desert, the majestic Atlas Mountains and a rich Berber heritage have led Morocco to become a celebrity playground. In this fascinating country, ancient and modern happily coexist, and tradition mingles with cosmopolitan attitudes.

Marrakech still attracts celebrities from all over the world and has been a top choice for luxury holiday homes. Now property buyers in search of peace and space are looking at a different part of Morocco, the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.

Last year the Financial Times said this about real estate in Morocco: “The real opportunity at the moment is in the Atlas Mountains. It’s outstandingly beautiful, close to Marrakech and very well protected from overdevelopment.”

The stunning Ouirgane Valley is attracting royalty, celebrities and the chic and fashionable from Marrakech. It offers national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty in abundance, making it one of Morocco’s premier destinations.

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The area is perfectly placed to offer endless possibilities for outdoor pursuits in one of the world’s most beautiful environments.

Activities include mountain biking, horse riding, birdwatching, fishing and kayaking.

There are excellent opportunities for trekking, being one of the main starting points for the Mount Toubkal trek (the highest mountain in North Africa at 4,167 metres above sea level).

Also within easy reach is the Oukaimeden, Africa’s highest ski resort, with its village sitting at 2,600 metres, offering over 20 kilometres of trails.

Poised on a plateau surrounded by the magnificent snow-capped Atlas Mountains and with panoramic vistas across the Ouirgane Valley, the view from this property is nothing less than picture-perfect. Best of all, the area surrounding the property is a national park, ensuring the breathtaking views will remain as untouched in the future as they are today.

Set in the serene foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, this exceptional property is char120

acterised by the contrast between its striking architectural design and its stunning rural location. With only 15 residences, privacy and serenity abound on the scenic 11 acres.

A building density of only 5% ensures that much of the gorgeous natural surroundings will be retained.

With outstanding minimalist design, the villas offer a very fine composition of simplicity, luxury and style. The modern property was conceived and designed by award-winning London-based architect Nick Gowing, together with one of Marrakech’s leading architects, Hicham Belhouari. The villas blend the best of Moroccan artisan craftsmanship and traditional materials with pure, streamlined design aesthetics.

The serenity of the immediate landscape and far-reaching views has influenced the villa design, offering a seamless integration of architecture and nature. Intelligently laid out, the deluxe villas comprise 204-267m² of living space with two to three en suite bedrooms,

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modern kitchen with European stainless steel appliances, lounge and dining area.

Every room is decorated in calm, natural stone colours, maximising the light and views.

Kitchen worktops and bathroom vanity units are made of fine cut marble from the Atlas Mountains, with traditional Tadelakt wall finishes, Bejmat tiled flooring and lights that are handmade locally or constructed on-site.

Positioned for the views, the elegant villas come with private gardens of at least 1,260m², providing secluded natural beauty. Each villa has its own private plunge pool with pool deck, an internal courtyard and roof terrace to enjoy sweeping 360-degree views over the magnificent mountains and the lush valley.

The development comes with a full management and rental scheme, offering a range of facilities one expects of a luxury resort.

Owners have access to on-site facilities such as separate adult and children’s swimming pools, a tennis court, spa treatment rooms, clubhouse, 24-hour security and landscaped

gardens, replete with bougainvillea, almond and citrus trees. Optional management services include private gardener and chef, laundry, cleaning, transportation services, airport shuttle and grocery delivery.

A heavenly retreat from the bustle of Marrakech, yet just 50 minutes away, the villas enjoy a privileged location. There are eight hotels within about 20 minutes, ranging from the elegant La Roseraie where the Moroccan King stays, to Sir Richard Branson’s sumptuous Kasbah Tamadot, a hotspot for the well-heeled.

The stylish enclave occupies an unrivalled position, with villas at a level of build and finish quality rarely seen in Morocco, offering a truly unique and attractive property investment.

Prices: From £349,000.

CONTACT

International Luxury Real Estate www.ilre.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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luxury MYKONOS

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Sheer Elegance

The view from this stylish villa is nothing less than picture-perfect

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M

ykonos is the quintessential Greek island: sugar-white villages, blue-domed churches, rocky landscapes, the azure Aegean and sandy beaches. In a nation of legends, Mykonos is Greece’s most fabled island.

This villa is nestled in the north of the island, near Moroergo and Ftelia Bay, a place of spectacular natural beauty. Set in its own private grounds of 8,000m2, the modern house commands a peaceful panoramic hill-top setting.

The house faces the secluded beaches of Panormos and Agios Sostis, noted for their golden sand, low dunes and crystal clear waters.

The island’s famous south-coast beaches are only a 10-minute drive away. The villa is conveniently located 2.5 kilometres from the village of Ano Mera and 12 kilometres from the town of Mykonos.

The gorgeous villa offers 280m² of living space and is currently divided into four apartments, but could easily be converted to a spacious and stunning family home with an independent guest apartment.

Bathed in natural light, the residence offers the finest in everyday living and fluid indoor-outdoor entertaining, with fabulous outdoor spaces that include a pergola with seating for 12. Brilliant unending views of sea and sky can be taken in from the inviting swimming pool.

Mykonos began to charm the international elite in the 1960s when the Greek shipping magnate, Aristotle Onassis, arrived there on his yacht with celebrated opera diva Maria Callas, and later Jacqueline 124

Kennedy. Film stars Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot and Grace Kelly were part of the international jetset to grace its shores.

Today, Mykonos continues to dazzle. The jewel of the Aegean is still the place to see and be seen amid some of the most astounding scenery to be found anywhere in the Greek islands. Mykonos is renowned for its gorgeous beaches, crystalline, turquoise waters and the island’s iconic windmills, which are probably the most photographed in Greece. The island is a dazzling kaleidoscope of mountain scenery, homey taverns and enchanting churches, all set against a striking blue backdrop.

The island’s capital, Chora or Mykonos Town, is particularly charming and considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the Cyclades. Its beauty has made it the star attraction of many movies.

Situated in a staggeringly scenic location, this chic villa is situated to make the most of the unbeatable panoramic views. This is another world, one of supreme privacy, tranquility and comfort. This is a hideaway that blends seamlessly with its environment.

With an alluring combination of effortless style and quality finishes, the property offers its owners a private, luxurious and highly sought-after lifestyle.

Price: €2.8 million.

CONTACT

Leading Luxury Real Estate www.leadingluxuryrealestate.com +44 (0)20 7095 8703

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luxury PHUKET

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The Pinnacle of Luxury Living Grand residence framed by a backdrop of sea and sky

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n internationally renowned tropical playground, Phuket is a fantastic place to call home.

Set in the crystal blue waters of the Andaman Sea, the island of Phuket combines the spectacular scenic beauty of its coastline and pristine, sandy beaches with dramatic forest-clad hills.

Renowned worldwide for its climate and ideal tropical living, the island boasts some of the world’s greatest resort hotels and offers stateof-the-art hospitals, international schools, fine dining and unlimited leisure activities that include renowned golf courses, diving reefs, sailing, cruising and other water sports.

Phuket has become home to discerning people from around the world who can choose to live where they wish, as well as for those who are looking for that perfect second home in a tropical paradise.

As one of the finest oceanfront villas for sale in Asia, this elite home sets a new standard in luxury villa living. The rare combination of waterfront setting, modern facilities and elegant sophistication is epitomised in the luxurious villa.

It is a world-class residence of outstanding design and location, blending refined architectural elements with state-of-the-art systems and luxury finishes and fittings.

The grandiose family home boasts elegance at its finest, with a spacious floor plan encompassing 1,213m² of impeccable living space. Breathtaking sea and sunset views set the scene for five levels of ultra-fine living.

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views, balconies or deck, a private cinema and entertainment room, gourmet kitchen that includes a breakfast nook with seating for six and a walk-in wine cooler, plus a stunning dining-living room with 270-degree ocean views and wrap-around deck.

Sitting on a glorious waterfront site of 1,597m², one of the standout features of the prestigious villa is the private, man-made beach. A striking pool, outdoor bar and private seaside sala overlooking the Andaman Sea complete the picture.

The villa was recently completed by the famed Paris-based architecture practice Arte Charpentier after three years of careful planning and construction.

The splendid villa is located along Phuket’s famed Millionaire’s Mile, on the dramatic and secluded oceanfront Kamala headland, one of the most coveted areas in Phuket. It is just minutes from the village and beach of Kamala, and within 15 minutes of the fashionable Laguna area with the Banyan Tree Resort and Golf Club. The Central Festival shopping mall, Blue Canyon Country Club, Phuket International Airport and the nightlife of Patong are all less than 30 minutes away.

Absolutely stunning in every respect, the dream home is an oceanfront masterpiece of irresistible allure.

Price: USD5.95 million.

CONTACT

Signature Residences Worldwide www.signatureresidencesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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huket is renowned as much for its prestige real estate as for the fact it is one of the world’s leading holiday destinations.

Widely accepted as the pinnacle of the Asian resort market, the Phuket villa market has expanded since the 1990s in line with the growth in its tourism. Due to direct air links, the island has been successful in attracting a cosmopolitan blend of Asian and international investors and buyers, which has led to stable property prices at times when other Asian markets have been suffering economic slowdowns.

Boating, golfing and spectacular beaches, together with an international lifestyle, create the perfect combination for modern tropical island living. Phuket boasts the extraordinary beauty of the Andaman Sea and its gorgeous coastline, along with an excellent infrastructure, including first-class amenities and leisure facilities, as well as international-standard schools and hospitals.

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Phuket has a total of six golf courses, including Blue Canyon Country Club, Laguna Phuket Golf Club, Loch Palm Golf Club and Mission Hills. With beautiful cruising grounds and four world-class marinas, Phuket is widely known as the Monaco of Asia. Many investors choose to invest in the Phuket villa market for its unbeatable blend of western luxury and exotic tropical lifestyle.

The ultimate in a luxurious tropical lifestyle awaits at this exceptional family villa with its priceless panoramas. Understated and discreet, the villa was conceived to offer complete privacy and luxury. It represents the height of elegance and liveability, craftsmanship and lasting value. The refined interior is finished with the utmost of perfection. Gorgeous finishes include stone floors, glass walls, stunning Thai elements and hardwood, carried through the invitingly elegant rooms in a manner that blends comfort and style.

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Ideal for family living and entertaining, the 5-bedroom residence features 1,710m² of pure elegance and natural beauty. Expansive living and dining areas, large terraces and the seamless transition of indoor into outdoor spaces reflect the modern Asian design. The luxurious villa also enjoys a private gated entrance and four parking spaces. It has extended staff and storage facilities as well as basement expansion possibilities.

Located on a gentle hillside on the famed west coast of Phuket overlooking Kamala Beach, the pristine Andaman Sea and coast stretching to the north, the villa enjoys one of the most exclusive addresses on the island. From its prestigious elevated position, the magnificent villa showcases breathtaking mountain, coastal and sea views.

Situated in a prized enclave, the 2,640m² verdant gardens are a secluded haven.

The exquisite private garden comes with

two salas (pavilions) for outdoor dining and relaxation, as well as a pool terrace.

The centrepiece of the outdoor area is the striking 18-by-5-metre infinity pool that blends the property seamlessly with the vast expanse of ocean and sky.

Villa owners have access to various on-site luxury amenities and services such as spa treatments, private chef, an exclusive beach club on Kamala Beach, pool, fitness centre, restaurant, tennis courts and rental management.

This truly singular residence is the ultimate island retreat for those seeking a prestigious address in paradise.

Price: THB220 million.

CONTACT

Signature Residences Worldwide www.signatureresidencesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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luxury PROVENCE

Provençal Bliss

The historic farmhouse combines rustic beauty with an idyllic setting

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uberon is one of the most sought-after areas for those in search of the finest in luxury real estate in the South of France. This privileged corner of Provence is France at its finest. The region is characterised by magnificent hilltop medieval villages and sweeping views that seem to never end. The rolling hills are dotted with old stone farmhouses and the fields blanketed in wild flowers and aromatic herbs, orchards and vines.

There is also an astonishing array of historic villages and picturesque towns, including Bonnieux, Gordes, Goult, Lacoste, Lourmarin, Ménerbes, Oppède le Vieux, Roussillon and Fontaine-de-Vaucluse.

The full allure of Provence – its blue skies, scenic beauty and endless sunshine – can be wholly enjoyed in this beautifully restored farmhouse.

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Enjoying an idyllic setting, the charming farmhouse is blessed with wonderful views over the Luberon and the scenic surroundings.

The authentic stone house dates back to the 18th century and has been tastefully restored, upholding all of the traditional characteristics of a Provençal home.

Welcoming, warm, comfortable, the gorgeous farmhouse offers 320m² of living space.

Blending liveability with luxury, the property consists of four bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, dining room and a vast sitting room with stone fireplace.

The luxurious villa is graced by its own private park of 1.9 hectares, giving it an air of complete peace and privacy. The southfacing grounds consist of a lavender field and orchard, together with a landscaped

garden. Ideal for enjoying the quintessential Mediterranean indoor-outdoor lifestyle, the property comes with beautiful terraces, a swimming pool and pool house that includes a summer kitchen.

The property is conveniently situated just a few minutes from a small town, 25 minutes from the TGV station at Avignon and 40 minutes from Marseille airport.

The timeless beauty of Provence is epitomized in this exquisite dream home in France.

Price: €1.6 million.

CONTACT

Leading Luxury Real Estate www.leadingluxuryrealestate.com +44 (0)20 7095 8703

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Living the good life Provençal property graced with stunning scenery

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ordes, the flagship village of the Luberon, is deservedly known as one of “les plus beaux villages de France” (the most beautiful villages in France) and has a worldwide reputation as a centre for cultural and artistic events.

Situated between the Coulon Valley and the Vaucluse Plateau, the ancient village enjoys a picturesque setting.

With its narrow cobbled streets, Gordes has retained all its charm and authenticity over the centuries, thanks to its preserved heritage. The most photogenic of the Luberon villages, it boasts sensational panoramic views of the region. Houses built of golden stone rise to the Renaissance château crowning the top of the village.

The exceptionally beautiful and wellpreserved 16th-century castle is today home to the Pol Mara Museum, named for the former Flemish painter who resided there. The Sénanque Abbey, in the Commune of Gordes, is one of the most exquisite Roman abbeys in Provence. Surrounded by the most magnificent fields of lavender, the abbey is still occupied by a community of Cistercian monks who produce delicious lavender honey.

For those searching for that ideal holiday home or second home in the South of France, Gordes also offers easy access to the TGV in Avignon, approximately 40 kilometres away, and Marseille International Airport, approximately 75 kilometres away.

Luberon has become a sought-after abode for artists, businessmen and poli-

ticians, and Gordes affords some of the best real estate in Provence.

For those looking to invest in a second home in a place of extraordinary beauty, this is an attractive opportunity to acquire a wonderful stone house near Gordes. Seductively irresistible, the property epitomises the perfect Provençal villa: modern living blended with superb comfort and a refined sense of tradition.

Decorated in neutral colour palettes, infusing peace and calm, the stylish villa offers 230m² of living space. It features four bedrooms, a lovely kitchen and spacious living room. Exuding a quietly understated classic elegance, the luxury villa is exquisitely appointed. Newly constructed, the stone house is built to a very high standard, using first-class materials and fittings.

Set in its own private grounds of 2,200m², the villa has a stunning swimming pool, a delightful terrace and is blessed with fabulous uninterrupted views of Luberon, making it ideal for enjoying the quintessential Mediterranean indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

This elegant villa incorporates luxury living with great comfort and gorgeous beauty.

Price: €1.35 million.

CONTACT

Leading Luxury Real Estate www.leadingluxuryrealestate.com +44 (0)20 7095 8703

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luxury PUGLIA

An artful blend of tradition and design A scenic splendour surrounds this enchanting hideaway

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magical setting, stylish design and wonderful private grounds, set amidst an incredibly peaceful atmosphere, are just some of the highlights of this unique property.

Located within the striking scenery of the Itria Valley, the stylish property is nestled amongst the hillside foliage. The wonderful Itria Valley, in the heart of Apulia, is one of the most beautiful areas in the south of Italy.

The region boasts a picturesque landscape studded with fairy-tale trulli houses ­– the traditional white stone dwellings characterized by conical roofs – and a scenic rural countryside of rolling hills carpeted in ancient olive groves and vineyards.

The Itria Valley is also home to some of Apulia’s most beautiful towns. Cisternino, with a medieval centre and winding lanes dotted with

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whitewashed buildings and colourful flowers; Ostuni, the “white” town; the picturesque Locorotondo; Martina Franca, a pretty and unique Baroque town; Ceglie Messapica, with its old town and first-class restaurants hidden among its tiny streets; Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is famous for its trulli; and the fishing village of Savelletri. In the old city centres, whitewashed houses stand sideby-side with Baroque palaces that sport noble family friezes. Here too, hidden courtyards and a maze of pretty little alleyways will transport you back in time.

The Itria Valley is an ideal place for the discerning beach-lover, being within easy reach of both the idyllic beaches of the Adriatic to the north, and the crystalline waters of the Ionian to the south.

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This historic masseria, or fortified farmhouse, enjoys gorgeous views of the city of Cisternino. With typical Apulian architectural features preserved in the loving restoration, the property is a showcase, an extraordinary combination of chic design and historical appeal. Operated as a fabulous boutique hotel, it offers 20 bedrooms, some located in the ancient trulli cottages and others in the main building of the masseria. Decorated by local artisans in the traditional style but with all the modern comforts, this is a design of alluringly classical simplicity.

A glorious haven of seclusion and tranquillity, the property sits on 13 hectares of private gardens, replete with acacia trees, oaks, pines, magnolias, palms and fragrant lilacs. An array of colourful vegetables, including eggplant, radishes, green beans, pumpkin, zucchini,

potatoes, tomatoes and several varieties of lettuce, are grown in the organic garden.

Soak up the stunning views of the surrounding countryside while lounging by the hotel’s elegant swimming pool, 24 metres long and 12 metres wide. The exquisite hideaway also offers a restaurant, bar and lounge.

The opportunity exists to add 24 rooms, with the possibility of EU funding.

Irresistible allure combined with an idyllic setting, this is Apulia at its finest.

Price: â‚Ź4.5 million.

CONTACT

Leading Luxury Real Estate www.leadingluxuryrealestate.com +44 (0)20 7095 8703

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luxury TUSCANY

A setting like no other Superlatives can never do justice to the vista and understated elegance of the beautifully presented country estate

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here is a millennium-old history to this estate, situated midway between Florence and Rome, perched strategically atop a hill that affords breathtaking views over Val d’Orcia. Regarded as the real icon of Tuscany, Val d’Orcia is the quintessential Tuscan landscape - an area recognized

by UNESCO in 2004 as a World Heritage Site.

Here is a rare opportunity to own one of Val d’Orcia’s foremost properties.

Just south of Siena, Val d’Orcia has become one of Italy’s most sought destinations. Close by are Pienza – considered the most perfect Renaissance town in Italy – the medieval hot springs of Bagno Vignoni, the walled town of San Quirico d’Orcia and the wine capitals of Montalcino and Montepulciano, arguably Italy’s most important wine territory.

This is a land that has inspired artists and writers from the world over, and has served as the backdrop for some of cinema’s finest films. Important films like the Oscar winner “The English Patient”, ”Gladiator” and “Under the Tuscan Sun” were filmed here, cementing Val d’Orcia’s beauty in cinematic history.

The same scenic setting that has inspired film producers makes Val d’Orcia, with its proximity to Siena and Florence, a coveted area for Tuscan property buyers, too, as well as those searching for lands that produce fine wines and premium olive oils.

This is an idyllic location, a world of natural splendour that envelops the estate. It is a place of timeless beauty and tranquillity.

The residence is blessed with breathtaking 360-degree panoramas, set on a peaceful hilltop spot that overlooks the historic medieval towns of Pienza, San Quirico d’Orcia, Torrenieri and Montalcino.

It is hard to match the panoramic locale, scenic backdrop and grandness of this estate.

Offering sophistication and grace, and adorned with the finest of finishes, the historic estate has been crafted for a life of grandscale living and world-class entertaining.

The homestead is a property of majestic proportions, featuring an unsurpassed 1,000m² of pure luxury and classic elegance.

It features nine en suite bedrooms, a large kitchen with a grand fireplace and an impressive living area. The property also offers two single-bedroom independent apartments, wine cellar, garage and stables.

There is a private pool and a small lake.

The property is steeped in history: the courtyard farmhouse was mentioned in documents dating back to 1074 AD, while the main building is a 17th-century former convent. The old farmhouse has retained all the traditional features of a typical Tuscan country home, with terracotta floors, travertine stone staircase and chestnut ceiling beams.

The elegantly imposing estate presides over five hectares of land, replete with 1,000 olive trees for the production of extra virgin olive oil, plus dozens of 500-year-old cypress trees.

The grand estate would be ideal as a magnificent private residence for a large family, their dream home in a dream location. It also lends itself to countless other uses, including an exclusive, up-market boutique hotel, corporate retreat, wellness centre or event venue.

This is the ultimate country estate, where elegance and sophistication preside forever.

Price: €4.5 million.

CONTACT

Signature Residences Worldwide www.signatureresidencesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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Timeless Allure A splendid vineyard estate in Tuscany: A wine lover’s dream It is easy to see why Tuscany retains such timeless appeal. The region is a gorgeously romantic blend of centuries of art, culture and history, seen in its famous jewels such as Florence, Lucca, Siena and Pisa, as well as in its swathes of picture-postcard countryside and 260 kilometres of stunning coastline. But it is not just enthusiasts of art and architecture who come to indulge in their beloved passion, Tuscany is also a paradise for gastronomes, gourmets and wine connoisseurs.

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This is a unique opportunity to own a distinctive winery and vineyard in Tuscany. Nestled in a hilly area in the heart of one of the major wine- and olive-growing regions of Tuscany, this premium vineyard estate is just 50 kilometres from Pisa and six kilometres from the sea.

Boasting picturesque views of fertile vineyards, lush olive groves and acres of private natural landscapes, the exceptional estate combines a historical villa originally built in the 18th century and an olive oil- and wine-producing estate.

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Grandly scaled, the farm estate consists of 400 hectares, including five hectares of olive groves and 65 hectares of vineyards, the vast majority being DOC vineyards. The wine estate produces two main varietals, Tuscan Sangiovese and Trebbiano. Other varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The favourable soil and climate provide the ideal terroir for the production of 15 wine types and some 300,000 bottles of wine.

The olive grove on the estate, which consists of about 1,200 trees, produces about 20 tons of extra virgin olive oil. Most are typical Tuscan cultivars, namely Leccino, Frantoio, Moraiolo and Lazzero.

The restored principal residence offers 800m² of living space and is surrounded by 5,000m2 of gardens, vineyards and olive groves.

The immaculate one-of-a-kind wine estate features a 400m² wine tasting room, a store, renovated farmhouse used as staff accommodation, offices and various outbuildings.

The grounds also feature a forest of 150 hectares, grassland, arable land and woodland, with 40 hectares dedicated to autumn/ winter cereals such as hard and soft wheat, barley and oats, or renewal crops such as corn and sunflowers.

The Tuscan property is not only spectacular, it is a priceless piece of real estate.

Price upon request.

CONTACT

Signature Residences Worldwide www.signatureresidencesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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Idyllic Countryside Living Scenic beauty envelops this inviting jewel

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n the Tuscan countryside, Maremma has become a much prized destination for its scenic coastline, sprawling hills and wild, natural forests filled with pinewoods. The feeling of la dolce vita, the sweet life, still resounds here.

Maremma is the perfect blend of untouched nature, with sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, endless green fields of olive groves and vineyards and small ancient towns with historical architectural jewels. The region is also home to the 9,800 hectares Maremma National Park, which boasts an unspoilt beauty that makes it immensely popular with hikers and horse-riders. All this is accompanied by an outstanding culinary tradition, where good home-made food and wine are king.

This historic old farm enjoys a timeless refinement, boasting an idyllic setting among tranquil country scenery. It enjoys a wonderful location at the foot of the hills of the Maremma Toscana, near the medieval village of Scarlino and only four kilometres from the sea and the new marina. Several beaches are nearby, including the gorgeous Follonica Beach, as well as Cala Violina, one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Italy.

In yachting circles, Marina di Scarlino (Etrusca Marina) is a desirable destination where many yachting enthusiasts converge to enjoy its natural beauty, abundance of sights and sailing-friendly infrastructure. The Marina di Scarlino is one of the most modern and efficient Tyrrhenian yachting ports, with 950 berths, and capacity to allow boats of up to 40 metres.

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The finest of Tuscany comes wrapped up in this beautifully renovated stone farmhouse, which has maintained its old-world charm whilst offering high-quality appointments in an elegant, subtle dĂŠcor. The estate boasts many typical Tuscan features such as terracotta floors, exposed wooden beams and feature brickwork.

The owners have brought the land and buildings back to their original beauty and productivity. The farmhouse is an azienda agrituristica, a combined farm and agriturismo farmhouse holiday property, offering charming and elegant styling with comfortable living.

The estate currently consists of a farmhouse, holiday apartments and cottages, two restaurants, vineyard and outbuildings. The farm extends over 40 hectares of land, partly arable, featuring a vineyard and olive grove of about 750 trees. The estate produces fines wines as well as extra virgin olive oil.

There is also an opportunity to further expand the estate with an additional building and extend the grounds with a hectare of parkland.

The grounds are peaceful and picture-perfect, with enchanting sunflower fields, from where the views of the town of Scarlino and its imposing medieval castle can be enjoyed.

This luxury estate is an exquisite lifestyle investment.

Price: â‚Ź5.5 million.

CONTACT

Signature Residences Worldwide www.signatureresidencesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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luxury U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Absolute Luxury Multimillion-dollar views meet classic elegance at this graceful villa

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t. Thomas, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is blessed with incredible natural beauty, pristine coastlines with picturesque bays and an idyllic climate, making it an attractive luxury real estate market.

Mile upon mile of stunning white sand beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, historic churches and enchanting pastel Dutch colonial buildings attract visitors from around the world. And there is plenty to do, including firstclass golf, sailing, scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, kayaking and deep-sea fishing.

Yacht Haven Grande, the Caribbean’s premier marina facility for mega yachts, offers berthing for vessels up to 450 feet. The marina is complemented by a galleria with over 7,400m² of retail space, exciting dining and entertainment.

St. Thomas stands apart as one of the finest Caribbean island destinations, home to some of the most spectacular private villas in the region.

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Lavish interiors and picture-perfect surroundings grace this supremely luxurious family home. Perched high above the Atlantic Ocean, the wonderful home affords a sophisticated lifestyle at one of St. Thomas’ finest residential addresses. Just minutes from Magen’s Bay, one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, the villa is blessed with unending panoramas of the mesmerizing ocean.

Splendour and sophistication define this stunning real estate offering. The strikingly elegant 5-bedroom residence, with 650m² of living space, is styled in refined classical grandeur that evokes the elegance and style of a bygone era.

Perfectly designed for formal entertaining as well as comfortable everyday living, the magnificent home is exquisitely appointed on all three levels. Inside is every conceivable luxury and amenity, from beautifully detailed entertaining spaces, to a custom kitchen ideal for serious

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cooks. The impressive gourmet kitchen is fitted with side-by-side Northland and Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer combination, a wine cooler, two dishwashers, two ovens, deluxe stovetop with grill, gleaming granite worktops, a walk-in pantry and a breakfast bar.

In addition, the gorgeous villa offers an office, home theatre room, gym, bar and wine room.

There is also a caretaker’s apartment.

Finished to perfection, the luxurious villa features exquisite décor that includes ornate bespoke wrought iron gates, custom mahogany woodwork, designer mosaic tile, stone and glass vessels, Murano glass lighting, vast granite surfaces, and native stonework walls studded with sea glass and shells, handbuilt by local craftsmen. Additional features include Old Chicago bricks, Italian travertine floors, Tuscan trompe l’oeil detailing, Bose indoor-outdoor surround sound and Brazilian hardwood windows and doors.

The setting for this unique and distinguished house is spectacular as well as inviting. It is set on professionally landscaped grounds that offer a generous outdoor entertaining area including a patio, a breathtaking negativeedge pool which appears to flow into the ocean, a colourful lighted waterfall, large Jacuzzi, outdoor kitchen and barbecue area and billiards area.

Filled with rich and opulent architectural detailing and dazzling ocean views, this singular villa exudes all the qualities associated with luxury properties. It is island living at its finest.

Price: USD3.8 million.

CONTACT

Signature Residences Worldwide www.signatureresidencesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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luxury VENICE

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Sleek, stunning and very stylish Impeccable style and glamorous sophistication unite in this superb contemporary duplex

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enice is a city that never fails to make an impact. Not only is the place staggeringly beautiful, owning a property in the world’s most romantic city is an attractive investment.

Apart from being one of the best-preserved cities in Europe, Venice is well-known for its magical atmosphere. In addition, there are superb transport links to the coast and ski resorts. Skiing in the Veneto region, of which Venice is the capital, is centred on the Dolomite Mountains, where there is snow from November to April.

This Renaissance city has a great allure for prospective foreign buyers who want a second home or investment property in La 154

Serenissima, the most Serene Republic, as Venice used to be called.

One district drawing considerable interest is Castello, which is one of the oldest parts of the city. It is Venice’s largest sestiere (district), extending from the Rialto to Sant’Elena at the eastern tip of the city. A large part of the district is covered by the picturesque Giardini Pubblici park.

Renowned for its Venetian authenticity, eastern Castello is one of the few areas of Venice’s historic centre that can boast its own residential character. The quieter end of the waterfront (riva), which runs along the length of Castello on Venice’s southern shore, is a

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good destination in the early morning or at sunset, when there are dazzling views over the skyline. With old men fishing in the lagoon alongside moored luxury yachts, it has the air of a charming fishing village.

With an ultra-modern and sleek architectural design, this stylish duplex makes a bold statement with the emphasis firmly on city chic.

Comfort and elegance for modern living merge beautifully in this striking duplex apartment. The Ăźber-stylish residence boasts key architectural design elements such as sophisticated curved staircases, dramatic gallery landings that overlook a double height lounge, exposed beams and modern designer lighting.

Perfectly showcasing modern aesthetic, the ground floor with open plan and soaring ceilings provides a dramatic space for fine living.

The luxury duplex is carefully appointed to combine designer kitchen, elegant livingdining area and two contemporary bedrooms in a sophisticated manner.

This is modern urban living at its finest.

Price: â‚Ź650,000.

CONTACT

Modern Homes Worldwide www.modernhomesworldwide.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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Refined Elegance.

Timeless Appeal.

A luxury Venetian palazzetto blessed with a prestigious location

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With its picture-perfect canals and gondoliers, Venice is undoubtedly the jewel in Veneto’s crown. Achingly beautiful, the exquisite city of Venice is truly magical beyond compare, a haven of seduction where dazzling palazzi rise majestically from the tranquil waters of the Grand Canal. This is a city composed of equal parts chic sophistication and opulent luxury, with Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic architectural magnificence linked by a myriad of narrow alleyways, canals and bridges.

This beautiful historical palazzetto dating to the 1500s is located in the desirable San Marco quarter, a refined and cultured neighbourhood of prime Venetian real estate just minutes from the Grand Canal.

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Meticulously renovated by local Venetian specialists, this property embodies the finest in architectural design, decor and detail. Exuding a quietly understated traditional elegance, the distinguished property boasts many lovely period features such as a gorgeous fireplace and a Sansovino ceiling.

The architect and sculptor Jacopo Sansovino (1486-1570) was the most influential architect in Venice. His masterpiece is the Library of Saint Mark’s, the Biblioteca Marciana, one of Venice’s most richly decorated Renaissance structures, which stands in front of the Doge’s Palace, across the piazzetta.

Owned by the same family since 1938, this distinctive palazzetto of 500m² is currently

operated as a splendid boutique hotel with an apartment for the owner. The hotel is comprised of eight bedrooms, four reception rooms and two kitchens. The remainder consists of five bedrooms, kitchen, several dining and sitting rooms.

The architecture and ambiance of the luxurious property offer gracious Venetian living at its finest. A solid investment, it comes with unlimited lifestyle potential and real estate value.

Price: €3.5 million.

CONTACT

Leading Luxury Real Estate www.leadingluxuryrealestate.com +44 (0)20 7095 8703

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luxury VIETNAM

Stylish Eco-luxe A masterful piece of modern design, framed by the beauty of nature

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erging exceptional design, an unrivalled location, flawless personalized service and the highest environmental principles, Six Senses Private Residences Con Dao is a truly remarkable property set in an area of outstanding natural beauty off the southeast coast of Vietnam.

Resting in the quiet waters of the South China Sea, the Con Dao Archipelago remains a pristine gem – one of the very few natural spots still untouched by the modern world. This archipelago is one of Southeast Asia’s most breathtaking getaways.

Situated 230 kilometres or an hour’s flight south from Ho Chi Minh City (the official name for what many Vietnamese still call Saigon), Con Dao is a 16-island archipelago where sheer granite cliffs border empty, white sand beaches and coral-rich aquamarine waters.

This truly is a picture-perfect coastline, with nothing but the odd brightly coloured fishing boat to distract visitors from the views across the sea and the archipelago beyond.

Set within one of the most beautiful locations on Con Son Island, the Six Senses Con Dao is the newest addition to the Six Senses’ collection of award-winning resorts. Nestled into the dunes along a 1.5-kilometre crescent-shaped beach with the turquoise waters and the Elephant Head Mountain as a backdrop, this beachfront retreat is an escapist’s paradise.

This is the setting for the discriminating few who will experience the distinct and prestigious opportunity to be a part of something so unique, so amazing, so extraordinary. Even by Six Senses’ standards, this is an exceptionally beautiful property.

The architecturally significant villas available for private ownership wow without distracting from the aweinspiring setting. Light-filled interiors exude minimalist elegance in their aesthetic of peace and serenity. The contemporary architecture has been designed empathetically to enhance the serene surroundings with materials and colours blending seamlessly into the terrain.

The 15 ultra-modern villas boast space and privacy, along with an uncompromising standard of luxury. Occupying 1,700-2,300m² plots, the ultra-stylish residences enjoy 542-67m² of living space and have all been built with sustainable materials, including reclaimed teak from 160

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Vietnam’s interior. Each of the 3- and 4-bedroom villas enjoy a 70-100m² infinity pool, several deck areas, a master bedroom with walkthrough dressing area and open-air shower, large open living and dining room, custommade kitchen with pantry and Bose hi-fi system.

Six Senses Con Dao won the International Architecture Award for 2010 from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design, for its ultra-contemporary architecture.

Complementing this dream home will be 5-star amenities. Villa owners will enjoy access to the resort’s facilities, as well as the option to enter the resort’s rental program.

The heart of the resort has been designed to resemble a traditional Vietnamese fishing 162

village and marketplace. Covering an area of 19.3 hectares of secluded private beachfront, the property showcases two restaurants, offering a range of atmospheres and cuisines, from traditional street food to beachside seafood barbecues and romantic private dining.

There is also a bar, a large swimming pool, gym, gallery, library, deli, non-motorized water sports and a world-class spa with four indoor treatment rooms, one Thai therapy room, three outdoor treatment salas, a yoga and meditation pavilion and a juice bar.

Villa owners enjoy many privileges that include a 20% discount on food and beverages and spa services, plus complementary access to the fitness centre, butler and housekeeping

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services (for a maximum 45 days per annum), as well as resort activities that include yoga classes, Vietnamese cooking classes, trekking and outdoor activities.

Farther afield, discover deserted beaches, magnificent jungle forests, plus rare wildlife and marine life. Go snorkelling, diving and hiking. This beautiful area has been a designated nature and marine reserve for decades.

Its unspoilt beauty is home to many endangered and indigenous species.

The mountainous jungle-clad interior is home to monkeys and black squirrels, while the surrounding sea is filled with 349 species of coral and over 1,400 marine species – not just reef fish, but a thriving population of

hawksbill and green turtles. Dugongs, a rare and endangered relative of the manatee, have occasionally been spotted at high tide from the promontory that marks the southernmost edge of the Six Senses beach.

The archipelago is recognised as the best diving spot in Vietnam.

Six Senses Private Residences Con Dao will appeal to sybarites with its privacy and luxury, set in the most idyllic location imaginable.

Prices: From USD2 million.

CONTACT

International Luxury Real Estate www.ilre.com +44 (0)20 7095 8701

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Market Insights

from around the world

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Thailand tops HSBC’s Expat Explorer Survey 2011 The findings of HSBC Expat Explorer survey 2011 show that Thailand is the number one expat destination when compared globally across economic and lifestyle factors. The survey was conducted among 3385 expats from over 100 different countries to find out their thoughts and opinions on where they are now living and this is the second time since the survey started four years ago that Thailand takes the No 1 position.

Lisa Wood, head of marketing at HSBC Bank International, said: “For those looking for the best overall expat experience, our findings this year show Thailand as the top expat destination, being ranked as number one by our expats for ease of organising healthcare, finding accommodation and the work environment. Last year this destination was ranked highly as a retirement hotspot so it’s great to see the country develop in terms of its economic appeal“.

One of the biggest appeals of living in Thailand is the standard of living. The cost of living here is extremely low in comparison to many western countries. At present, Thailand currently scores 0.319 on the International cost of living index in comparison to 1.00 for the USA. This therefore means that living in Thailand costs approximately 1/3 of the amount of living in the USA.

Tourism boom boosting demand for property in Brazil The huge influx of tourists to Brazil this year has provided the already growing Barzilian property market with an even bigger boost.

The latest figures released by the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism have revealed that the country saw 4.4 million tourists arrive in

the first 6 months of 2011. This equates to an 18.8% increase in comparison to figures from 2010. Compared to just a 5% increase in tourism on a global scale, this data shows that Brazil really is now clearly one of the top spots for tourists worldwide.

As a result of more tourists than ever making their way to Brazil, the property market has experienced a surge caused by overseas investors and visitors keen to get their own place in the sun as well as securing their slice of the current boom.

And the boom is likely to continue for some time, not least as a result of Brazil hosting two major international sporting events – FIFA World Cup in 2014 and the 2016 Olympics. The two events will be attracting visitors from all over the globe, further helping put Brazil on the map as the ideal holiday and investment destination and tourist numbers are predicted to continue to rise.

The combination of domestic and foreign demand is making Brazil one of the strongest property markets in the world, attracting ever more international holidaymakers and property investors.

Growing international tourism is good news for the property market International tourism will continue to grow in the period 2010-2030, but at a more moderate pace than the past decades, with the number of international tourist arrivals worldwide increasing by an average 3.3% a year.

The main reasons for this more sustainable growth are mainly:

The base volumes are higher, so smaller increases still add substantial numbers Lower GDP growth, as economies mature

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A lower elasticity of travel to GDP, and a shift from falling transport costs to increasing ones.

With the projected increase in tourism arrivals and revenues by 2030 and the strengthening economy, forecasts for prime real estate markets are positive.

The increase in demand for properties for rent from the growing tourism base is an attractive opportunity to invest in high-quality real estate in sought-after destinations.

Châtel is one of best kept secrets in the Alps – but for how long The Haute Savoie area, and especially the Portes du Soleil, has for many years been a sought-after area for second homes in the Alps. Located in the Northern French and Swiss Alps, the attraction is obvious – extensive snow sure skiing, exquisite alpine architecture, within easy reach and only 60 minutes from Geneva International Airport.

The skiing is massively varied and will cater for beginners to those searching for the ultimate powder experience.

The most popular resorts in the Portes du Soleil have historically been Morzine and Les Gets but the overlooked and undiscovered gem in this winter wonderland is the smaller resort of Chatel.

Apart from being a absolutely superb ski resort, Chatel has a lot of extra benefits. Being right on the Swiss border gives easy access to the Lake Geneva towns of Montreux and Lausanne. Summer activities include an endless variety of exciting activities including trekking, cycling, mountain-biking, tennis, swimming, golf, sailing, waterskiing, whitewater rafting, rock-climbing, paragliding, horse-riding and fishing. Lake Geneva is 166

only a 40 minute drive and the lakeside spas of Evian and Thonon Les Bains are close by and there are also many cultural activities around Châtel and Lake Geneva throughout the summer, including the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival.

The fact that Chatel has remained relatively undiscovered has given it the reputation as the Alp’s “best keep secret” between those in the know. However, all this may be about to change.

7 million Euros have been invested into new lifts and snow cannons. The new Linga 6-man chairlift is said to be the fastest lift in Portes du Soleil. There are plans to put a link lift between Super Chatel and Linga via a new lift near the picturesque Lac De Vonnes area of the village, which would be a massive boost to Chatel.

If you are considering in buying a ski property or a ski leaseback investment property in the French Alps, now is the time to buy in Chatel before the market starts to take off.

London voted Best Business City in Europe for the 22nd year running The accolade comes from global property consultant Cushman and Wakefield, which compiles the annual European Cities Monitor.

Now in its 22nd year, the European Cities Monitor is based on interviews with board directors in charge of location for the 501 largest companies in Europe. It positions 36 cities against overall rankings of which European city is considered to be ‘best for business’ as well as the ‘best city in which to locate a business today’ in addition to a number of specific criteria.

Once again London, Paris and Frankfurt remain the top three cities for doing business, and this has not changed since the survey

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was first undertaken in 1990. What has changed though is the order of the top five with Amsterdam and Berlin replacing Barcelona and Brussels, who have slipped to 6th and 8th place respectively.

London has retained its top ranking in terms of familiarity as a business location, but second placed Paris continues to close the gap.

France beats Spain as top location for second homes France has overtaken Spain as the most popular country in the world for British people buying a second home abroad.

Britons have flocked to Spain’s sunny costas for decades, but a new report suggests that negative coverage of the country’s “boom and bust” property sector is putting potential buyers off from buying a home there. According to the survey by Savills International and HomeAway. co.uk, buyers are instead turning to France, which is widely perceived as a “stable and easily accessible market”.

Nearly 30% of all overseas properties bought

by UK buyers since the recession have been in France. By contrast, the number bought in Spain have dwindled from roughly 30% prerecession to closer to 15%.

“France did not see the dramatic house price decline of neighbouring Spain and its banks have continued to lend on second homes thereby stimulating the market,” the report says. “The relative stability of this market and its ease of access from the UK mean that buyers remain confident to invest.”

The research also revealed that holiday home ownership abroad has continued to grow over the past 5 years, despite the economic slowdown. It is estimated that over two million British tax payers own holiday homes in the UK and overseas, with the estimated value of British owned properties in the eurozone currently considered to be around £47.5 billion.

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Méribel hosting the 2015 Alpine Skiing World Cup Finals could mean peak profits for property investors Méribel has been awarded the most prestigious competition in the skiing calendar, the Finals of the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup. Obviously good news for Meribel and consequently also very positive news for buy-to-let propety investors in Meribel. A major sporting event like this should mean more demand for rental properties, both on a short-term as well as on a longer term.

This international event, to be held in March 2015, will see10 international races in 5 days.

Competitions are held in all the major men and women’s disciplines: Super-G, Downhill, Super-Combined and Giant Slalom and Slalom.

The best of the best will compete: the world’s 25 top skiers from each discipline, plus the European and Junior World Champions will battle for World titles on Méribel’s pistes.

The preparations for 2015 are already underway. A host of top level competitions have been scheduled in the run-up (2012: Europa Cup Slalom and Giant Slalom; 2013: Europa Cup Downhill; 2014: French Championships). The site – the Grand Duc and Stade pistes – is about to undergo extensive improvements.

If you are in the market for a ski property in the French Alps, chalets and ski apartments in Meribel should represent an excellent investment opportunity.

The French property market is still going strong Residential property prices in France, particularly in sought locations, are continuing to rise steadily, the latest report from the FNAIM shows.

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Prices have risen for the fifth consecutive quarter in a row, up an average of 3.3% over the previous quarter with a stronger rise of 4.3% in properties outside of Paris. It means that the average price of a property sold by FNAIM estate agents has now risen by 6.8% so far this year.

The French Government is currently overseeing some radical tax changes to French property ownership. It is believed that changes such as the new wealth tax will make France an even more attractive location for international buyers.

The new wealth tax rules coming into place are making France one of the most attractive destinations in Europe, as the threshold for this tax (ISF) is increasing from €800,000 to €1.3 million. Households with assets of between €1.3 million and €3 million will be subject to a tax of 0.25% and for assets over €3 million the tax will be 0.5%.

Market volatility in some parts of Europe is also drawing buyers back to France, which has always traditionally been seen as a safe haven for investors. France will therefore continue to attract not only discerning property investors but also more expats looking for a new life and a new homeland.

Most expensive property in Spain sold in Mallorca The most expensive piece of luxury real estate in Spain, located in Pollensa Bay in the north of Mallorca, has been sold.

La Fortalesa (The Fortress) on the peninsula of Punta de l’Avançada in the Bay of Pollenca has been sold by its British owner to a British financial investor for an estimated 40 million euro.

Sa Fortalessa de Pollenca has for years been considered one of the most spectacular and exclusive properties in the Mediterranean.

Set on the peninsula of Punta Avancada and protected by Cabo Formentor and a military base, it has for many decades been considered as a possible high-security residence for dignitaries and heads of state.

In reality Sa Fortalessa is more than just a residence, it is a 22-acre estate which houses a historic castle and seven buildings with a total of 17 bedrooms. There are also several beaches, tennis courts, marina for mooring boats, a forest, two pools and a helipad.

A retirement haven: Cyprus is a winner for those wanting to invest in a sun-baked location Realising the dream of moving abroad later in life can bring many advantages; warm sunny weather, better lifestyle, lower cost of living and of course lower taxation.

An exceptionally popular destination for a retirement retreat that tick the boxes is southern Cyprus. It has a warm climate benefiting from southern Mediterranean sun, there are good medical facilities and infrastructure in place, as well as favourable taxation policies.

Cyprus is a modern country that effortlessly marries European culture with a rich heritage.

Amazing mountains, crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, green valleys, historic monuments and beautiful landscapes are all bathed in sunshine. Cyprus is the perfect place for those who enjoy al fresco living and a carefree life in the sun.

Having some of the best tax breaks in the EU (if not the best) Cyprus is considered a taxefficient destination.

It is easy to see why Cyprus is one of the world’s top retirement destinations.

Feature provided by Leading Luxury Real Estate www.leadingluxuryrealestate.com

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Avoiding the pitfalls in acquiring real estate in Thailand

by Jiraporn Thongphong, Attorney at Law at Chaninat & Leeds Limited

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Thailand has become an attractive option for many people interested in acquiring a second home, as well as those in search of a permanent residence or a retirement home. Blessed with warm weather year round, modern health care, a developed infrastructure, safe streets and a fascinating culture, Thailand competes favourably with other destinations around the globe. In addition, Thailand’s growing spa and hotel industries provide opportunities for savvy investors seeking real estate opportunities.

However, foreigners considering acquiring real estate in Thailand need to be aware of the potential pitfalls to ownership. As in any country, there are those ready to take advantage of a foreigner’s lack of knowledge concerning local property law and customs.

Here are the most common risks a property buyer ought to be aware of before signing a real estate transaction in Thailand: There is no government-mandated licensing process for estate agents. Buyers should never place undue trust in anyone representing themselves as a real estate agent in Thailand before thoroughly checking them out.

Secondly, language and culture barriers exist.

Most foreign buyers enter the Thai real estate market without speaking Thai. Moreover, the Thai legal system, as it involves real estate, title deeds and related issues, is likely to be very different to the system a foreign purchaser may be accustomed to.

Finally, many real estate purchasers in Thailand become interested in buying a second home here after having experienced the beauty of Thai nature and culture during a holiday.

In many cases, people become infatuated with Thailand and make emotional decisions without hiring qualified legal counsel or conducting due diligence and negotiation.

For the careful investor, however, Thailand provides excellent opportunities for acquiring that dream holiday home, investment property, permanent residence or retirement home.

The risks on the horizon The types of problems foreign purchasers may walk into are numerous but are, in most cases, preventable.

Perhaps one of the most publicised instances of Thai real estate fraud took place in 2006 on the island of Koh Samui. Government investigations into land companies on the island revealed that thousands of plots of land had been illegally issued title deeds. Deeds for measurements of land exceeded the amount of land on the entire island, and encroachment and development of state-protected reserves was revealed.

Similar cases have occurred elsewhere in Thailand, usually involving land that borders national parks and mountainous areas. Most cases of land fraud are on a smaller scale, however, and usually involve a purchaser or investor not performing proper due diligence, or not demanding basic contractual safeguards.

Less dramatic cases of real estate misrepresentation and fraud can involve foreign clients discovering that their purchased property lacked promised (and paid for) amenities, including water pipes and sanitation systems.

There are also cases where buyers have discovered that the title deeds for the property they believed they had purchased were simultaneously sold to another party, leading to lengthy lawsuits. In other cases, overseas buyers have found agents or business partners had suddenly become unresponsive, or disappeared altogether after receiving large deposits.

Know the laws, understand your rights

The basic premise of Thailand Land Law as it concerns foreigners is, unfortunately, often downplayed in real estate brochures and advertisements. The most important point is that Thai law prohibits, with very limited exceptions, foreigners from purchasing freehold land in Thailand.

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The Thai law does, however, allow longterm leases and the freehold purchase of condominium units in designated areas. Thai law also allows foreigners to own buildings (but not land) and allows foreigners real estate rights that do not amount to full ownership. In general, it is advisable to be wary of agents who promise outright ownership of freehold land or the use of complicated company “nominee” structures as a way to avoid the prohibition on freehold ownership by foreigners. Most importantly, prospective investors should obtain qualified, independent legal counsel and execute a thorough due diligence.

The safest, and recommended, option for foreigners acquiring legal rights to real estate in Thailand is to use the widely recognised options for land acquisition that do exist. Such options include acquiring land leases, condominiums and land rights such as usufructs and habitation rights.

Land leases: While Thai law prohibits non-Thai nationals from owning land in the country, foreigners may hold a 100% interest in a Thai land lease for a maximum of 30 years, with the possibility of renewal for additional 30-year periods. Depending on the type of land lease, title deeds may be transferred and inherited, and leases may be negotiated so that the holder has the right to build on, or develop the land in question.

Usufruct or right to habitation: Under Thai law, a usufruct is essentially a right to use real estate owned by a Thai national for a time period that can be extended until the demise of the usufructuary. Traditionally, a usufruct is used for agricultural purposes. A “right to habitation” under Thai law provides similar rights as the usufruct, but applies to habitation purposes. While usufructs and habitation rights are appealing due to the option to extend them for lifetime periods, they are inferior to leases in a number of ways. Unlike leases, usufruct rights may not 172

be inherited and do not allow holders an absolute right to develop land.

Company Ownership: Purchasing shares in a Thai-registered company has previously been a common means by which foreigners may obtain property rights in Thailand. In the past, and under certain circumstances, a foreigner may own up to 49% of shares in a Thai limited company that owns land.

This method has come under increasing scrutiny. In many cases, this structure is not allowed due to concerns that it may be an attempt to circumvent the prohibition on foreign land ownership by use of Thai nominee shareholders.

Investments and BOI (board of investment) approval: Another means by which foreign nationals may own land in Thailand is through an investment approved by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI).

Through an investment of 40 million TBHT for 5 consecutive years, foreigners may buy a limited amount of land, provided that the land is used for residential purposes.

Foreign companies, alternatively, may request the approval of the BOI to purchase land for a limited time period.

Condominium Purchase: Foreigners may purchase condominium units in designated projects in Thailand. This is an attractive option for many, as a foreigner may possess outright ownership of condominium units under Thai real estate law. Legally, non-Thai nationals may purchase condominiums in approved locations and projects throughout Thailand, provided that foreign ownership in the building does not exceed 49% of the total floor area.

Foreigners who wish to purchase condominiums in Thailand may do so without a Thai residence permit, provided that they can show proof that funds for the purchase came from outside of Thailand. Foreigners possessing legal Thai residence permits are not required to show evidence of funds

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from abroad at the time of a condominium purchase. Like many title deeds under land leases, condominiums may be inherited by either Thai or non-Thai nationals.

A final, but ill-considered, method of acquiring land, that has gained notoriety, is using a Thai national to purchase real estate in their own name on behalf of a foreigner. The Thai national may then execute an agreement saying that the land is held for the benefit of a foreign client. This method of land purchase is illegal under Thai law, as it is unlawful for a Thai citizen to act as a nominee for a foreigner in the purchase of real estate. There are a number of problems and risks in following this method.

Due diligence A thorough due diligence by a qualified attorney offers potential purchasers a good measure of protection from real estate fraud and misrepresentation.

Due diligence is a customary legal investigation based on documents provided by the seller, the legal review of these documents, and then inquiries and investigations based on said documents, all with the aim of providing the purchaser with the maximum amount of information and transparency on the property he or she wishes to acquire. The procedure can also reveal important issues regarding the value of the property.

Due diligence can be extensive or minimal, depending on the property under review. A wide variety of documents may be requested for review, including, but not limited to: Copies of the title deed; Copies of the ID cards and signatures of the owners; Copies of insurance policies covering the land in question; Descriptions of lawsuits a land owner might have been involved in; Copies of land leases;

Should the property in question include a business or enterprise, copies of assets owned by the company, and employee names and their salaries; Copies of mortgages registered against the land.

Due diligence normally also involves enquiries to the Government Land Department as well as inspection of the land involved. Most law firms will provide a detailed report that outlines potential risks and considerations.

Investment in Thai real estate can still be secure

Acquiring a second home in Thailand is an attractive option for many people. Thousands of foreigners successfully and securely acquire properties in Thailand each year. However, due care must be taken. Prospective investors should retain a qualified law firm and complete the necessary due diligence and not sign anything, or deposit funds, until potential risks have been either eliminated or minimized.

The extra time, effort and expense involved in hiring a qualified attorney to oversee the purchasing process is well worth the payoff of the carefree enjoyment of a residence in one of the most beautiful countries on earth.

Feature provided by Chaninat & Leeds Limited is an international law firm based in Bangkok, Thailand. Specialising in Thai real estate law, Chaninat & Leeds is managed by a licensed U.S. attorney and staffed by licensed, bilingual Thai attorneys.

Chaninat & Leeds has authored several publications on Thai real estate laws and is the official editor of the Thailand Land Law Act and Thailand Condominium Act translations.

Chaninat & Leeds has been assisting foreigners in acquiring real estate in Thailand since 1997.

More information is available at www.chaninatandleeds.com

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Food & Travel around the world

Explore epicurean inspirations; from hidden gems to perennial classics, from simple delights to refined pleasures. The Great Address shares some of their food and travel discoveries to be included on your mustto-do list. Join us on a journey from Paris to Patagonia to Kenya.......

Image: Bénédicte Maindiaux

Explore and Enjoy!

Un Dimanche à Paris

UN DIMANCHE À PARIS Paris, France This is a sleek showcase for all things chocolate; a chocolate concept store. The space is impressive and luxurious, the chocolate outstanding. Owner Pierre Cluizel is the son of one of the most respected chocolatiers in 174

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Paris, Michel Cluizel. The ‘chocolate concept entreprise’ consists of a large chocolate shop, patisserie, salon de thé, full-scale restaurant and stainless steel kitchen for cooking classes and workshops.

The restaurant menu is impressive, a place where chocolate finds its way into everything - sweet and savoury. Winning dishes include

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three types of foie gras with Venezuelan chocolate and sea salt, and codfish with cocoa powder served with mussels and saffron risotto. The dining room is luxurious and tastefully appointed with creamy stone floors and leather tufted chairs. The historic stone wall is softly backlit; you’ll feel as though you’re in a private dining room at an exclusive club. There is an enormous lounge/cocktail area with plush velour armchairs and love seats done in smoky purples, reds and browns, the lighting low and seductive. In the pristine shop, decadent pasties, chocolates and macaroons are displayed on glass trays laid out on an immaculate white counter. The service in the shop is utterly charming.

The gorgeous spa comes with huge windows affording stunning views of the magnificent surroundings. The spa menu includes special programmes based on the regenerating and toning properties of rose hip and vita murtilla, two bushes native to the region.

This all-season destination is a world-class place for summer water sports, winter snow sports, plus golf, fishing, archery, rappelling, trekking and mountain biking throughout the year.

Enjoy one of the most picturesque golf courses imaginable, the Llao Llao 18-hole course, which is framed by the dazzling lakes, magnificent mountains, and centennial forests. This is Patagonian majesty at its best

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LLAO LLAO

VILLA LA MASSA

Patagonia, Argentina Argentina’s Lake District presents a Patagonian paradise of forests, rivers, lakes and some of the world’s most dramatic mountain peaks. Situated in this majestic landscape, the emblematic Llao Llao Hotel & Resort, Golf-Spa is a true ecologic paradise with sensational panoramas.

Built in 1940, at the height of Argentina’s Belle Epoque, by architect Alejandro Bustillo, the hotel is a sprawling structure, built from huge cypress logs and the green stone that is typical of the region. It is considered an architectural masterpiece for its setting and harmony with its natural surroundings.

Spectacularly located within the Nahuel Huapi National Park, the luxury hotel sits atop a promontory between two impossibly blue lakes, framed by snow-crested mountains.

It is reminiscent of Canadian mountain lodges, with cypress and pine-log walls, massive stone fireplaces, beamed ceilings, impressive antler chandeliers and barn-sized salons.

Book the rooms in the Lake Moreno Wing to enjoy the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake.

Florence, Italy From the magnificently preserved Renaissance architecture to its river-side position, to the views of Tuscan hills, cypresses and olive groves, everything about this hotel is magical, fairy-taley. Nestled on the banks of the River Arno with views out over the legendary Tuscan countryside, the hotel is housed in a stunning 16th-century Medicean villa. Over the years, many aristocratic families have lived in this Tuscan manor. Then, in 1948, it was converted into a hotel.

It boasts one of the finest locations in all of Tuscany, just outside the city of Florence, splendidly secluded amid the rolling hills. It occupies 20 acres of olive groves and fruit trees, with vegetable and herb gardens, and provides commanding views over the Arno and the surrounding countryside. Refurbishment has been done in quintessentially Renaissance style, complete with individually styled guest rooms featuring vaulted ceilings and exquisite antiques, fabrics woven at the historic Florentine textile mills, wrought iron and woodwork from famous old-time Florence cabinet makers, plus lavish marble bathrooms.

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The highly acclaimed Verrocchio Restaurant features a gorgeous indoor dining room with columns, vaulted ceiling, imposing chandeliers and a unique terrace with panoramic views of the Chianti Rufina Hills and the ever-present Arno. The restaurant has its own vegetable garden and produces its own olive oil. It also offers a superb wine cellar with excellent regional vintages.

Don’t miss some of the signature treatments at the spa, including the Chianti wine therapy massage and the chocolate experience - a white and dark chocolate massage- and the truffle experience with a lifting serum that contains white truffle from Alba and porcini in lemon juice.

The lovely outdoor pool is set in pretty, leafy surroundings.

The hotel features a vine-covered chapel, available for weddings in an atmosphere of magical charm; David Bowie and Iman were wed here.

The guest book is indeed star-studded, and includes Clark Gable, Winston Churchill, Gregory Peck, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. www.villalamassa.com

KENSINGTON PLACE Cape Town, South Africa From thoughtful touches such as candle-lit corridors, free champagne and oysters, and Molton Brown toiletries, to the stunning views of the city, harbour and Table Rock Mountain, this boutique hotel speaks the language of the ultra-chic.

Bedrooms are decorated in an elegant European style, overlaid with a subtle African influence. This is sheer modernity, with heavily interlined neutral curtains, zebra fabric-covered chairs, luxurious throws and sumptuous bathrooms.

Around the room, guests will find those important items that might have been left behind, including laptops and an “emergency box”

stocked with condoms and headache pills, plus beach kits and a miniature gym-in-a-bag.

Service is both personal and professional.

The hotel is furnished and accessorised with a funky variety of sofas, quirky photos and rows of purple orchids.

There’s a small pool and a terrific deck with white sofas and animal-hide stools, surrounded by fragrant potted plants.

Waking up in a supremely comfortable bed to watch the sun rise over Table Bay is a not-tobe-missed experience. www.kensingtonplace.co.za

L’ANDANA Tuscany, Italy The former summer palace of Leopold II, the last archduke of Tuscany, now presents itself as a gastronomic country hotel.

Arrive at this stunning address along an aristocratic allée of cypress and umbrella pines leading to the imposing villa. The property sits on more than 1,200 acres of pristine Tuscan landscape, a land of rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves. Owned by the Moretti family, it has been developed in partnership with the worldfamous Michelin-starred chef, Alain Ducasse.

The décor is sophisticated and eclectic.

Created by designer Ettore Mochetti, who edits the Italian magazine AD, visitors will discover the occasional campy detail - such as cowhide sofas. The reception and bar are housed in a magnificent Florentine glasshouse.

Breakfast is served buffet-style, on the huge wooden table in the lodge’s old kitchen, allowing guests to return to the trays of custard-filled doughnuts, milky brioche with peach, mini pains au chocolat, sticky apricot jam cake, yoghurt plum cake, hams, cheeses, omelettes and bacon.

Trattoria Toscana, set across the grounds in the old stone barn, has a Michelin star for its inno-

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vative approach to Tuscan specialities, taking Maremman recipes and adding a French flair.

The restaurant serves traditional Tuscan cuisine, based on locally grown, seasonal products, interpreted by the resident chef with simplicity and authenticity. Take time to sit on the terrace with a glass of wine from the Tenuta la Badiola winery, located next to L’Andana, and a platter of finocchiona - typical Tuscan ham with rosemary-infused focaccia.

Listen to the crickets and watch the sun set over the picturesque hills.

Rooms are palatial, filled with antique furniture, with Italian linen sheets and oak floors.

Notice the stone fireplaces, lavish taffeta curtains and gilded mirrors. There are even chaise longues and fireplaces in some of the stunningly luxurious bathrooms.

Book Prestige Suite 20 in the fattoria (farm) and enjoy the bathtub you can swim lengths in.

The gourmand spa by ESPA offers treatments using ingredients from the kitchen garden. A collection of teapots by 100 Japanese artists adds a quirky touch to the walls of the spa, and complements the menu of infusions and desserts created by Chef Ducasse.

There is a stunning black indoor pool, which is overlooked by posters from classic Italian movies. The beautiful outdoor pool is set in the garden, with stone lions’ heads spouting arcs of water, and framed by lounge chairs, where guests can lie back and be pampered by the attentive wait-staff. www.andana.it

THE RED PEPPER HOUSE Lamu Island, Kenya Lamu Island is a rare gem, a blend of history, charm and fabulous scenery. Located a stone’s toss from the historic town of Lamu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the exquisite boutique hotel can be your window onto the authentic Swahili culture, right in the midst of that laidback beach life.

The Red Pepper House is situated between the beach and an enchanting forest and consists of five exclusive nyumbas, meaning houses in Swahili. Each boasts incredible sea views with the décor and furnishings providing that eclectic mix of Swahili and contemporary African style. The main house is brimming with Swahili art, one-off colonial pieces and antiques from all over the world. Each nyumba is fitted with a luxurious bedroom, covered living area, veranda, a boma or enclosure, open-air shower and sun lounges, with private beach space.

The cuisine offers a journey in tastes that range from traditional Swahili to Mediterranean.

Guests have their own personal butler. Enjoy the sunset cruises to Shela Town on the hotel’s own dhow as well as day trips to Manda Toto for snorkelling and a sampling of octopus, lobster and lion fish. www.theredpepperhouse.com

HISOP Barcelona, Spain The über-chic Michelin-starred restaurant, run by a young, exuberant and talented chef, offers an adventerous yet insanely decadent cuisine.

It balances modern gastronomic technique with classical Catalan flavours, all beautifully presented. The menu clearly demonstates that the Chefs know how to combine quality and modernity with exemplary mastery. The divine tasting menu is a must. And don’t miss the bread that comes with finely contrasting olive oils ranging from the fruity to the spicy. Dishes may include “After Eight” foie gras; John Dory suquet with lemongrass; Veal with potatoes and coffee; Pigeon with mango and armagnac.

The setting is dramatic, if slightly monastic, with high ceilings and high-gloss red and black interior. Sample the excellent wine list that favours top vintages from the Rioja and local Penedés vineyards. www.hisop.com

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LAS VENTANAS AL PARAÍSO Los Cabos, Mexico Situated dramatically on the Sea of Cortez at the tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, this is where Hollywood’s jet-set comes to relax. Stunning Mediterranean-Mexican architecture marks this fabulous hideaway in Los Cabos, a place where a strikingly beautiful desert landscape encounters the sea.

Las Ventanas al Paraiso’s guest quarters are exquisite.

Furnishings are intricately carved and contrast with the precious artefacts, colourful Mexican artwork and adobestyle, wood-burning fireplaces. Ensuites feature oversized Jacuzzi bathtubs and walk-in marble showers. Stroll out onto the large private terraces to soak up the panoramic views. One signature touch is the telescopes in every room for star- or whale-gazing. Book one of the larger suites, which are replete with rooftop terraces and private pools.

There is a dazzling Tequila, Ceviche & Sushi bar. Private dining is provided on the beach next to a bonfire, while a guitarist plays Mexican ballads. Try the pastry chef’s silky Baja lime pie – it is worth every calorie.

The resort boasts an extensive array of ultra-luxury amenities, from pool butlers to aromatherapy turndown service.

The dramatic infinity pool offers sensational uninterrupted ocean views.

It is even possible to have a personal film-screening on the beach, presented on a flat-screen TV, next to the fire pit.

Gourmet snacks will be laid on for the occasion Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy that award-winning spa, where products are made from blends of Baja’s plants, and native remedies and healing rituals abound. In the Raindrop Aromatherapy treatment, therapists use ten essential oils, which they scatter along the spine to stimulate blood circulation and detoxifying properties. It is a divine experience.

For their own water excursion, guests can call up the hotel’s private yacht and contemplate what it would be like to live the life of James Bond.

The hotel is pet-friendly, with the pampered animals even offered a dedicated luxury programme that includes a special dining menu, spa services and their own cabana.

The desert around Los Cabos is a mosaic of colour and texture, with forests of saguaro cactus, sand dunes and stunning rock formations.

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As for the personal service, it is sublime, well-honed and – of course – ultra sleek. The housekeeping staff even tailors your sewing kit to match your wardrobe www.lasventanas.com

HOUSE OF JASMINES Salta, Argentina A stunning 120-year-old ranch at the foot of the Andes, once the home of actor Robert Duvall, has been turned into a boutique retreat that combines hacienda-style architecture with a crisp mountain ambiance. The expansive, 300-acre grounds are Eden-like, overrun with aromatic rose and vegetable gardens, eucalyptus trees and blossoming jasmine. Sitting next to the Arenales River, the views across the valley to the Salta mountain range are spellbinding. Peace and tranquillity abound in the timeless colonial ambiance.

Inside, the white-on-white adobe casita offers a stunning mix of classic French design and chic northern Argentine style. An exquisite and cosy living room with open fireplace is a wonderful place from which to take in the expansive landscapes. Predominantly white, with cowhide leather tabletops, the winter garden is magical and pristine.

Bedrooms are tastefully decorated, boasting plenty of rustic colonial charm . There are embroidered sheets, cowhide rugs, antique slipper chairs and loveseats covered in white linen and draped with indigenous textiles.

Don’t miss breakfast, a delight of fresh juices, fruit, yoghurt, homemade breads and pastries, with eggs cooked to order, all served with the local delicacy of cayote jam.

The restaurant features a very large open fireplace, earthen oven where guests watch meat grilling while enjoying breathtaking views of the Andres. The cuisine is of a hearty regional nature, showcasing fresh produce from the ranch’s own orchard and gardens.

Outside is a magnificent heated swimming pool. The wonderful spa offers treatments with names such as Princesa Inca (the Inca princess), Amanecer Salteño (Salta’s daybreak), Flores para un rey (flowers for a king) and Cinco sentidos (five senses), which use minerals and herbs from the area.

Offsite riding is a must in order to enjoy the glorious Salta countryside where valleys, canyons, forests, historic settlements and vineyards are on display. www.houseofjasmines.com Feature provided by The Great Address www.thegreataddress.com 184

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Insider’s Guide

Venice The city of Venice, whose allure and beauty have been incessantly described, photographed and filmed, is the fabulous setting for this issue’s Insider’s Guide.

It is one of the most romantic cities in the world, with its intricate web of canals, charming gondoliers, glorious Renaissance architecture and narrow cobbled streets.

We asked Albarosa Simonetti, Principal of Brillante Interiors, to share her favourite gems in this magical city.

Where to stay Ca Maria Adele A romantic hotel near Chiesa S. Maria della Salute, a masterpiece of 17th-century architecture, with 12 rooms and 5 concept rooms. It offers a terrace, a lounge and a gorgeous living area, 1950s style.

Dorsoduro 111, Rio Terà dei Catecumeni, Tel. 041 520 3078 www.camariaadele.it

Casa de Uscoli A Renaissance building on the Grand Canal

with 3 rooms and 3 apartments. Amazing art from Lucio Fontana and other masters, objects

by Castiglioni and more.

Campo Santo Stefano 2818, Tel. 041 241 0669 www.casadeuscoli.com

Villa F Only recently opened, Villa F offers beyondluxury, long-stay (minimum 4 nights) apartments on the island of Giudecca. Villa F offers a private garden, a swimming pool and beautiful views of the Grand Canal and San Marco. www.villafvenezia.com

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Where to drink

My favourites

When in Venice, do what Venetians do. They would rarely sit outside in Piazza San Marco’s Caffe’ Florian or Caffe’ Quadri, paying an exorbitant price. They prefer to stand up at the counter inside for coffee or drinks.

Rosa Salva

Traditional Venetian bars, known as bacari, are always the best way to taste wines of the Veneto region and areas nearby. Again, locals rarely sit down, preferring to hang out at the bar for a quick drink and snack.

Toniolo

When you’re walking around Venice, don’t be surprised to see historical pastry shops with many people inside, just before lunch or dinner. The shops sell delicious pastries and traditional Venetian cakes, but there is always a bar at the back, serving aperitivo like spritz al bitter: Campari, white wine and soda water.

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Castello 6779, Campo San Giovanni e Paolo, www.rosasalva.it

Da Bonifacio Castello 4237, Calle degli Albanesi, Dorsoduro 3764, Calle san Pantalon

For more elegant surroundings Bar Dandolo Nestled amidst marble columns on the ground floor of Hotel Danieli’s 14th century Palazzo Dandolo, Bar Dandolo provides a magnificent setting for a perfecty made Bellini.

Riva degli Schiavoni 4196 Tel. 041 522-6480 www.danielihotelvenice.com

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Villa F

Skyline Bar Skyline Bar is located on the 8th floor of the Hilton Hotel, with an amazing pool and an enchanting view over Venice.

The Rialto Market Every morning the Rialto market, with its noisy fishmongers and colourful vegetable stalls, attracts locals and tourists. Nearby, there are:

Molino Stucky Hilton, Giudecca, Fondamenta San Biagio 810, Tel 041 272-3311 www.molinostuckyhilton.com

Osteria ai Osti

Where to eat

Osteria Banco Giro They will delight you with the fresh catch of the day served on the terrace looking out over the Grand Canal.

Best lunch

Avoid restaurants displaying the menu turistico sign and head to a trattoria with a familystyle set lunch for the working crowd.

La Bea Vita With a canal-side terrace.

Cannaregio 3082, Fondamenta delle Cappuccine, Tel. 041 275-9347

Cannaregio 3849, Corte dei pali Testori, Tel. 041 520-7993

Campo San Giacometto, San Polo, Tel. 041 523-2061 www.osteriabancogiro.it

Gatto Nero If you have time for an excursion, take line LN from Fondamenta Nuove to Burano Island and

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have lunch at Gatto Nero restaurant.

Tel. 041 730-120 www.gattonero.com

Best Dinner Osteria da Fiore For the once-a-year celebratory dinner, most Venetians will reserve at pricey but worth it Osteria da Fiore

the Old Masters, handed down through the generations, fuses with the creativity demonstrated by the younger artists who are always in search of different ways to demonstrate that modern look.

Fondamenta Serenella 3, Murano, Tel. 041 739-005 www.seguso.it

San Polo 2202, Calle del Scaleter, Tel. 041 721-308 www.dafiore.net

Codognato The most glamorous collection of jewels in Venice, including antique gold rings with stones, Art Deco jewelry, diamonds and precious stones.

Alla Madonna Another restaurant where Venetians love to spend hours with their families is Alla Madonna.

San Marco 1295, Tel.041 522-5042 www.attiliocodognato.it

San Polo 594, Calle della Madonna, Tel. 041 522-3824 www.ristoranteallamadonna.com

Roberta di Camerino Set in the historic building Loredan-Falconi, the atelier is still displaying fashions in the same space where bags, scarves and garments were expertly produced in the 1950s. The purse Bagonghi was a favourite of Grace Kelly.

Anice Stellato Typical Venetian dishes and great fish in one of the most appealing areas of Venice.

Cannaregio Fondamenta Della Sensa 3272, Tel. 041 720 744

Where to shop Bevilacqua Tessuti d’Arte One of the oldest tapestry and silk-making operations, it has the most exquisite and elaborate textiles. The utterly beautiful store truly represents the Venetian splendour of the past, the present and the future. From the modern and minimalist, to the most traditional in decoration – sometimes opulent, sometimes subtle. Certainly even a few pieces of these fabrics can create a stunning effect.

San Marco 2520, Campo Santa Maria del Giglio, Tel. 041 241-0662 www.bevilacquatessuti.com

Gianni Seguso Murano Island is famous for its glass factories.

One of the best is Seguso. The tradition of

Cannaregio 6359, Tel. 041 241-9494 www.robertadicamerino.com

Rubelli Luxury textile production began in the 16th century at Palazzo Corner-Spinelli. Today in the same location, thousands of historic pieces can be seen. You can even find fragments of velvets dating back to the late 1400s.

Palazzo Corner-Spinelli, San Marco, www.rubelli.com

Jesurum-Venezia 1870 Famous for the most beautiful lacework, embroidered sheets, bedspreads and table runners. Muted colours and gorgeous lace detailing.

San Marco, Ponte della Canonica 2310, Tel. 041 520-6177 www.jesurum.it

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Bevilacqua Tessuti d’Arte

Alberto Cavalier Alberto has taken over his father’s business as a doreur and restorer. A grand artisanat d’art for antique lacquered and gold leaf finishes.

San Marco 2863/a, Tel. 041 5238621 www.cavaliervenice.com

Massimo Micheluzzi A working space and gallery near the Accademia, with classic Murano glass reinterpreted with a twist of contemporary creativity that gives vases and vessels a sculptural quality.

Jonathan Ceolin Following the art of the wrought iron, he creates lanterns, sconces and other Venetian lights with forged iron in the same manner as in the 17th century. Secrets of the trade have belonged to the family for generations – secrets Jonathan still practises today.

Orsoni Famous around the world for its mosaics, founded in 1888, it is the largest of Italy’s last 3 mosaic foundries. They still make glass tiles the old-fashioned way. In the ghetto district, with a number of buildings that house the ovens, the store, the working rooms, offices and gallery.

Castello 6106, Santa Marina Square, Tel. 041 520-0609 www.ceolinjonathan.com

Cannaregio 1045, Ponte delle Guglie, Tel. 041 244-0002 www.orsoni.com

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Image: Albarosa Simonetti

Dorsoduro 1071, Calle Della Toletta 107, Tel. 041 528-2190

Antica Legatoria Piazzesi Piazzesi bookbindery was opened in 1851 and maintains its unique atmosphere, full of history, elegance and refinement. Beautiful paper and original patterns can be found.

San Marco 2511/c, Campiello de la Feltrina, Santa Maria del Giglio, Tel. 041 522-1202 www.legatoriapiazzesi.it

Mercatino dei Miracoli There are no fixed dates for this flea market, but it remains amazing for its treasures that include mid-century and rare books and photography. Don’t forget to visit the magnificent Renaissance church of Miracoli.

Sestiere Cannaregio, Piazza Santa Maria Nova and surrounding streets, Tel. 041 271-0022 for exact dates.

Where to go

The water bus system is very well organized.

But the majority of people travel on foot and Venetians walk quickly, so if you hear someone say permesso, respect their daily lives and let them pass. If possible, avoid the tourist yellow direction signs and wander in back alleyways, which are quicker and often deserted. Forget the guide book for a day and get lost; it will be your best experience.

If you are in Venice in spring and summer, take a boat and cruise along the Brenta Canal to Padua to see the magnificent Ville venete, representing the grandeur of the Serenissima (“the Most Serene Republic”).

Villa Pisani – Stra The magnificent Villa Pisani in Stra was built starting in the early 18th century in a late

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baroque style, commissioned by the noble, and then still very wealthy, Pisani family. In its 114 rooms, doges, kings and emperors were welcomed. Today, it has become a national museum with 18th- and 19th- century works of art and furniture and one of Gianbattista Tiepolo’s masterpieces.

The Napoleonic apartment is particularly interesting, with remarkable art treasures such as the imposing canopy bed with the emperor’s initial on it.

Via Doge Pisani 7, Stra, Tel. 049 502074

www.villapisani.beniculturali.it Peggy Guggenheim Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, a long searched-for dream home, is an unfinished palace on the Grand Canal. The name comes from the 8 carved marble lion heads decorating the façade. The palazzo construction began in 1748 for the Venier family (3 of the city’s doges were Veniers). The building remained unfinished for reasons still not known. When

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Peggy saw it, the palazzo still had only a single finished floor, so she decided to keep it that way. There’s a collection of superb modern and contemporary art inside and in the garden. It’s also a great place for lunch. www.guggenheim-venice.it

Punta della Dogana A fairly new exhibition space for contemporary art, created by François Pinault, the French tycoon and collector of French art, who has also bought the restored Palazzo Grassi. The project is by famed Japanese architect Tadao Ando, who restored the Dogana with the highest respect for its history, giving new life to the red bricks of the façade and the wood beams inside.

The fascinating place, suspended amidst water, was also given contemporary elements to create that perfect space for art exhibitions. www.palazzograssi.it

Churches worth a visit

In Venice and Italy in general churches abound.

Here are a few of those worth a visit:

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Bar Dandolo

Ca Maria Adele

San Zaccaria With the shockingly beautiful gilded chapel.

Fondamenta Nuove, Campo San Zaccaria 4693

Santa Maria dei Miracoli Built between 1481 and 1489 by Pietro Lombardo and recently restored to its former glory by the Save Venice Foundation, it is one of the hidden gems of Venetian Renaissance architecture. The façade is a jewel of multi-coloured marble and is also known as the marble church. Usually filled with flowers, since many Venetian weddings take place here.

Campo Santa Maria Nova, Cannaregio

Convento S. Francesco del Deserto A Franciscan convent on one of the most beautiful lagoon islands. You can wander through the beautiful garden, under old trees, and possibly have lunch.

Torcello Island

Albarosa Simonetti, principal of Brillante Interiors, is a consultant with many years of experience decorating homes and managing home improvement projects.

She works in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Milan, Italy. www.brillanteinteriors.com “I always favour furniture and accessories with a past. A good designer is a good editor, achieving harmony between past and future and creating an appealing and personal home.

Maybe it’s having spent most of my life in Milano, Italy’s centre of design and fashion, and traveling there regularly for business, going there on shopping trips for clients and to be in touch with the latest trends” explains Albarosa “Plus living in Vancouver for many years, whatever the reason, I love combining the classic appeal of the Old World with the contemporary flair of the New”.

Albarosa Simonetti is also the editor of a popular blog on Italian Design www.brillanteinteriors.blogspot.com

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Fabulous Foodie Inspirations Here we serve up gourmet food, nifty tools, and stylish tableware for the ultimate dinner party The Whisk(e)y Lover set from Teroforma is a must-have for any whisky connoisseur. It includes two gorgeous mouth-blown tumblers and a bag of six whisky stones. Designed at complementary angles, the elegant glasses boast a perfect mix of craft, tradition and timeless elegance. Handcrafted by the master glass-blowers of Rogaska Glassworks, one of the finest crystal producers in the world (established in 1665) and designed by Thea Mehl. The included whisky stones, designed

by Andrew Hellman, will chill but not dilute your most cherished whisky or Scotch. Made from natural soapstone by the craftsmen of Vermont Soapstone, the oldest soapstone workshop in the United States. The set makes entertaining at home a decadent experience. www.teroforma.com For the gourmet in all of us, these beautifully packaged, intensely flavourful salts by The Spice Lab are outstanding additions to your kitchen. The Gourmet Sea Salt Sampler Collections offer some of the best tasting, hard-to-find salts in the world. Stylishly packaged in test tubes and reclaimed wood bases, each set comes with eleven uniquely flavoured salts. Flavours and aromas include Murray River Pink Sea Salt, Indian Black Kala Namak Mineral Salt and Hawaiian Red Clay Alaea Sea Salt. From upscale dinner parties to backyard barbecues, these products will definitely leave a lasting impression. www.thespicelab.com Timeless and versatile, long-wearing and functional, this elegant piece of cookware from Staub is a must-have in every kitchen.Their 196

signature piece, the cocotte, also known as a Dutch oven, is a cast iron stewpot used by fine chefs around the world. Perfect for slow cooking hearty stews, casseroles and soups as well as braising and roasting meat and poultry. The secret of the Staub cocotte is the innovative lid.

It has self-basting spikes on the inside, creating a continuous “rainfall� effect of the juices during cooking ensuring the food stays moist and full of flavours. This is home cooking at its finest. www.staub.fr An intense green tea from Japan, matcha is used in traditional tea ceremonies, a formalized and elegant affair. Blend 100 by Breakaway Matcha, founded by celebrity chef Eric Gower, is quite possibly the finest tea in the world. Transcendent, velvety, creamy, almost chewy, full of complex and enchanting flavours, and so delightfully wakeful - this is the sublime world of artisanal matcha.

Unlike other teas, matcha is not steeped; it is frothed and consumed whole, which gives it the mouthfeel of espresso. It is also the most antioxidant-rich substance on the planet, mainly because the green tea leaves are consumed, not discarded. The long, subtly astringent finish is not unlike a great Burgundy.

Breakaway Matcha is my new obsession, the ultimate sensory experience. www.breakawaymatcha.com Danish designed, sleek and sculptural, the Sting jug from Herstal brings an elegant feel to stylish living. Strikingly designed for being on display, this water jug is truly a piece of modern art. www.herstal.dk

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Teroforma

Breakaway Matcha

The Spice Lab

www.theaddressmagazine.com Staub

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Kitchen Confidential Top Chefs share their recipes In each issue of THE ADDRESS Magazine, leading chefs from some of the world’s leading restaurants share their recipes.

In this issue, meet Chef Jun Tanaka at Pearl Restaurant & Bar in London, UK

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Pearl Restaurant & Bar, London, UK One of the most glamorous dining rooms in London, although the real star is the food • Housed in a Grade II listed former banking hall of the Pearl Assurance Company • The restaurant is stunningly opulent - more than one million hand-strung pearls adorn the interior • The polished walnut surroundings are graced with marble columns, high ceilings, curtains of pearls, leather seating and dazzling chandeliers • Modern French cuisine by one of London’s best chefs, Jun Tanaka • The haute cuisine is creative and exquisite where the dishes are masterpieces of texture, colour, flavour and contrast • The presentation is breathtaking • The menu changes weekly but dishes may include caramelised scallops with ginger and chives black cabbage risotto, crispy baby squid; or Denham Estate venison cooked in a spiced salt crust with beetroot tart tatin, pears and walnuts • The wine list is outstanding with one of the finest collections of wine in London. The centrepiece of the restaurant is a magnificent walnut clad wine cave which holds over 1400 bottles of wine. www.pearl-restaurant.com

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Baked sea bass with mozzarella, olives and tomato Courtesy of Jun Tanaka, Pearl Restaurant & Bar, London, UK

This is the easiest fish dish to make but it’s so tasty. It’s just a simple matter of adding everything on a tray and baking it in the oven.

INGREDIENTS 4 x 150g fillets of sea bass 1 buffalo mozzarella 2 fennel

300g cherry vine tomatoes 80g black pitted olives 8 leaves basil 50ml olive oil 25ml balsamic vinegar

Cut the fennel lengthways into 1cm thick slices and place on a baking tray, then put the sea bass fillets on top, side by side.

Slice the mozzarella into four pieces and place one on each fillet. Cut the tomatoes in half and scatter on the tray with the olives. Place two leaves of basil on each fillet of seabass. Drizzle over the olive oil and balsamic vinegar and season everything with salt and pepper. Bake in the oven at 180ËšC for 10 minutes. Serve immediately.

Serves 4 Note: This photo is the bass just before placing in the oven.

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Photo: Steve Lee

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Herb-crusted lamb with peas, broad beans and girolles Courtesy of Jun Tanaka, Pearl Restaurant & Bar, London, UK

INGREDIENTS For the herb breadcrumbs

1 bunch parsley 2 slices bread dried whole at a low heat until very crisp 1 clove garlic 1 sprig rosemary and thyme

1 bunch 1 tbsp 1 tbsp 2 tbsp

For the mint dressing mint caster sugar white wine vinegar olive oil

4 x 150g 2 25g 100g 120g 120g

lamb fillet egg whites butter girolles peas broad beans

Place all the ingredients for the herb breadcrumbs in a blender and mix for one minute. Season the lamb, dip in the egg white and coat in the breadcrumbs.

In a pan, heat a little olive oil and a knob of butter. Place the lamb in the pan to cook for one minute, then flip over and place in the oven at 180째C for five minutes. Take out and rest on a tray.

To make the mint dressing, place the mint leaves with the sugar in a pestle and mortar and grind to a paste, then adding the vinegar and olive oil.

In a separate pan add a knob of butter and fry the girolles for one minute, then add the peas, broad beans and a tablespoon of water and cook for a further two minutes.

To serve, spoon the peas onto a plate, slice the lamb and place it on top and finish with a drizzle of mint dressing.

Serves 4.

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Photo: Steve Lee

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TA STYLE

Style & design discoveries for your home

There is something gorgeous about this zerogravity style lounger, which is absolutely a must-have for those seeking to add an extraordinary furniture piece to their home decor.

Sleekly blending practicality and creativity, the ZERO chaise lounge will not only draw attention, but will diligently serve to provide a stylish lounging experience. Designed by Nolen Niu, each chaise lounge is individually hand-crafted and and supremely glamorous. www.nolenniu.com

Tired of buying inferior natural cleaning products or toxic products that are not effective? The divine detergent collection by The Laundress is revolutionizing proper fabric care while at the same time turning a necessary domestic chore into a luxurious and couturefriendly experience.

The stylish, eco-chic line combines superconcentrations of active ingredients such as enzymes and plant surfactants to be more efficacious, concentrated and non-toxic.

We love the variety of the detergents, especially the ones for your whites, and for your darks. They work wonders and prove that even laundry can be glamorous.

you can completely conceal all your wires, iPhones, cameras and other peripherals that take up space. This stylish workspace is truly a minimalist’s dream. www.bluelounge.com

If you are looking for a super-minimalist look in your hallway, take a look at this umbrella stand.

Designed by Naoki Terada for R.F. Yamakawa, PRATO can hold up to 21 regular-sized umbrellas by simply inserting them between the blades. Clever, functional and stylish. www.rf-yamakawa.co.jp

Sleek and minimalist, the Inipi sauna by EOOS for Duravit combines sauna and shower into a single unit.

It derives its inspiration from the Inipi ceremony, a type of sweat lodge, which is a Lakota purification ritual, and one of the Seven Sacred Rites of the Lakota people.

However, this ancient ritual now has a few modern touches to it like a remote control to set the mood light and music.

With a great design that merges with the most modern homes, this futuristic designer sauna is an oasis of relaxation and beauty.

www.thelaundress.com

www.duravit.com

We are massive fans of all things minimal and clutter-free. The StudioDesk from Bluelounge caught our eye for its beautiful construction and modern utilitarian design approach. The desk’s timeless design will certainly look good in any space.

The sleek, clean design is equipped with a simple yet ingenious way of managing your office clutter, by offering hidden storage and cable compartments. Its signature feature, however, is the hidden storage compartment under the sliding workspace surface where

SweepUp from Eva Solo is a stylish and innovative design object that is both practical and aesthetic with a broom and dustpan in one. Designed by Henrik Holbæk and Claus Jensen, focusing on creating a new and contemporary version of a conventional piece of cleaning equipment which is normally always put away after use. It elegantly combines shape, practicality and user-friendliness, while adding a decorative function to the modern home. www.evasolo.com

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R.F. Yamakawa

The Laundress

Duravit

www.theaddressmagazine.com Bluelounge

205 Eva Solo

Copyright Duravit AG

Nolen Niu

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