Remote realms For a second home with serious verve, escape to these extreme destinations Words: Cheryl Markosky
A
nthony Lassman of Nota Bene Global, a private client service which organises travel and uncovers prime real estate for ultra-wealthy individuals, believes “the experience of travel is the currency of status, from ash-boarding down a Nicaraguan volcano to deep-sea fishing with orca whales. And when a traveller discovers the right destination, he might well buy a home.” Anthony’s crowd wants off-the-beaten-track bespoke – salmon fishing on Iceland’s rugged Tolle peninsula, and authentic Nevis over St Barths. “When Prada and Gucci arrived in Gustavia harbour, it was time to move on,” he said. That’s not to say upscale wanderers don’t want “to get dressed up all soignee” occasionally, but many don’t want to show off. One client could afford a classy St Tropez domain. An avid cook, he opted instead for a humble abode near food markets. Affluent adventurers can be who they want to be on Bequia in St Vincent & the Grenadines,
explained Michelle Bass Bellegarde of Sotheby’s International Realty. “They can wake up to the sunrise and the crashing Atlantic waves, eat at some little fish place and connect with family and nature.” Michelle noted that extended families can gather in a grand central space in the main house at Hope Bay Estate – the most remote spot on the island – and sleep in separate lodges surrounded by five acres for extra privacy. Explorers frequenting ranches in far-flung Patagonia get to know and then buy them. “Homesteads in the mountains aren’t fancy,” said Andrew Amos at Remind Group, Christie’s affiliate in Argentina. “Foreigners like the simplicity, along with sheep, gauchos, good wine and meat.” You can pick up an expansive ranch in Patagonia for $1m. As well as a home being more profitable in the middle of nowhere, “most places don’t have internet so you can escape Brexit and Trump,” Andrew added. »
118
