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I N T E R N AT I O N A L
HOMESLuxury Collection
Vol 17 No 2 / £4.50
T H E F I N E S T H O M E S , T R A V E L & L I F E S T Y L E
Front Cover:Deepwater, BermudaSee page 4
A lifestyle leisurecompany for thosewith impeccable
From a luxury villa in Cannes toyour own Caribbean Islandhideaway; from an exclusive skichalet in the world’s mostsought after resort, the LuxuryRentals Group provides acomplete leisure lifestyleservice.
As the world’s leading luxurylifestyle service provider, not onlydo we offer some of the mostluxurious villas available, ourLifestyle Management team willmake your stay extra special bymaking sure your every need istaken care of, from a dedicatedchef, private security, to yacht orjet charter.
We also have a dedicatedcorporate event managementdivision offering a completeservice for product launches,promotions and cliententertainment.
So for luxury villa, chalet rentals,yacht or jet charter with adifference, turn to the LuxuryRentals Group and live thedream.
taste.
www.Luxury-Rentals-Group.com18 Hanover Square • London • W1S 1HX
Tel: + 44 (0)207 89 80 532 Fax: + 44 (0)207 89 80 533
LIVE IN YOUR DREAM
LUXURY VILLAS FOR SALE
Freehold Property | Attractive Financing Available | Homeowner Privileges
No Capital Gains Tax | No Inheritance Tax | Rental Programme
Limited Availability | 18 Hole Golf Course | Beach Club | Spa
+230 404 2266 - [email protected] - www.anahitamauritius.com
www.international-homes.com
You may notice that we have placed even more emphasis on
living the high life this issue with skyscraper properties and
penthouses featured throughout our articles as much as
possible. Opting for a home in the heavens not only gives you
a wonderful bird’s eye view, it also presents an excellent
opportunity for architects and interior designers to come up with the most
innovative living spaces imaginable.
Talking of being on a high – that’s exactly how the winners of the
International Property Awards were feeling when the results were announced in
San Diego recently. Nominees from across the globe travelled to California to find
out if they had achieved the ultimate accolade of being heralded the World’s Best
in their relative property related profession. We have the full story and details of
the winning companies in a special focus starting on page 86.
Our regular look at the different islands of the Caribbean takes us to Barbados
where we seek out a fabulous selection of properties. Steeped in sun and
surrounded by sand and sea, they are the perfect antidote to what has proved a
long and dismal winter for many. We also head to Italy to spotlight homes in both
town and country settings. If an Italian castle appeals then you can take your
choice as we have a couple of excellent examples that are ready to move in to
straight away. There are also some exclusive apartments in Rome and Milan for
the ultimate in city living.
Last but far from least, car enthusiasts should be sure not to miss their chance
to win the ride of a lifetime by entering our competition in Driveway (page 26).
Our winner will experience a breathtaking test ride in the supermodified Porsche
GTurbo, capable of more than 200 mph, plus a tour of the German sportscar
manufacturer 9ff ’s factory in Dortmund. Life in the fast lane doesn’t get much
better than this!
CONTACT US AT:
3, St John’s Court, Moulsham Street,Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 OJD, England
Telephone: +44 (0)1245 358877Fax: +44 (0)1245 357767
Web: www.international-homes.comEmail: [email protected]
PUBLISHER: Stuart Shield [email protected]
GENERAL MANAGER: Paul [email protected]
EDITORIAL TEAM
Editor-in-Chief: Helen [email protected]
Editor: Jill [email protected] Editor: Ben Bouckley
DESIGN TEAM
Andrew [email protected] Odonkor, Hendus Strydom
ADVERTISING SALES TEAM
Ben Hewlett, Claire Wright, Gerard Waldron
SUPPORT TEAM
Production Co-ordinator: Jo FindlayAccounts: Irene Pickles, Mary Wright,
Peter Wright; [email protected]
PUBLISHED by PPASS Ltd. REPRODUCTION: International Property, Chelmsford, Essex.
CIRCULATED to the Newsagency Trade by Magazine MarketingCompany (MMC), Octagon House, White Hart Meadows, Ripley,
Woking, Surrey, GU23 6HR, England. Tel +44 (0)1483 211222
Copyright © INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY 2009INTERNATIONAL HOMES LUXURY COLLECTION:
ISSN 1756-2929
While great care has been taken in the receipt and handling of material, production and accuracy of content in this magazine, thepublishers will not accept any responsibility for any errors, loss oromissions which may occur. The publishers would like to thank allthose companies and individuals who took part in the magazineand wish them every success.
READERS PLEASE NOTE: Some properties will be actually priced inforeign currency and subject to exchange fluctuation. Property buyers should allow for extra financial costs such as legal advice,local taxes etc. which may not be covered in the advertised prices.The descriptions of properties, the contents, whereabouts and priceare given in this magazine as a guide only. Please request furtherdetails from the advertiser as required. Private advertisers are responsible for their own descriptions. Please take care to verifywhat you are buying in writing before proceeding. The publisher
suggests all buyers of property seek independent legal advice
before entering into any contract to purchase. All informationand prices were correct at time of going to press – fluctuations inthe currency market mean that some prices will have changed. Supplied editorial material cannot be returned.
Jill [email protected]
I N T E R N AT I O N A L
HOMESLuxury Collection
Vol 17 No 2 / £4.50
T H E F I N E S T H O M E S , T R A V E L & L I F E S T Y L E
Front Cover:Deepwater, BermudaSee page 4
Welcome!
On the cover:Deepwater, BermudaSee page 47
www.toptenproperties.net
1017223037556373869094
In this issue
98102113
Luxury collectionSurrey mansions made to measure and a restored Regency estate in Croydon
A contemporary twist on traditionPippa Toledo presents a Mediterranean-inspired balance of old-meets-new
DrivewayChoice dream drives, plus a competition to ride in a 850hp Porsche modified by 9ff
Banking on the X-factorDoes your home lack that special something? London pads with the elusive ‘X’
Bound for BarbadosWith 340 days of sunshine a year, this chic Carib isle is a popular place to call home
From town to terrazzaItalian properties provide the perfect setting – from Alpine lakes to ancient cities
Property caravanInvestors are beating a path back through the sands, to Arabia’s premium property
Penthouse peopleThe global highlife attracts aficionados of glamour and elevation
On top of the worldProud nominees and winners of the 2009 International Property Awards
Travel with the world’s bestTwo chic hotels that struck gold in the International Property Awards
New design horizonsCommercial projects foregrounding architecture’s wider social import
Designs to delightSpatial awareness, mood lighting…discover the factors that shape elite interior design
Prime projectsDevelopments that will stand the test of time, courtesy of the world’s top developers
The World’s Best 2010Showcasing the overall winners of the 2010 International Property Awards
WORLD REAL ESTATEIMMOBILIARE
Raphael T. Harris, Jr.6, Piazza Catalani - Messina, Italy 98122
+39 348 3528083 • [email protected] • www.worldrealestate.it
T H E F U T U R E O F L U X U R Y R E A L E S T A T E I N S O U T H E R N I T A L Y & S I C I L Y
MEMBER SINCE 2005
ACI BONACCORSI, CATANIA, SICILY: This Arab-Norman castle wasbuilt in 1570. A short distance from Taormina, at the base of Mt. Etna.There is a total area 400m with salon and dining rooms, several bedroomswith baths and 2 large kitchens. There is also a very spacious garden of over550m, embellished with antique statues and a fountains.
CASTELMOLA / TAORMINA, SICILY: Castello di Josephina includes avilla which consists of four small apartments all with lounge, kitchen, bedroomand bathroom, a dining room. Also, three bungalows of different sizes with living room with kitchenette, bathroom and bedroom all well furnished. Thereis a swimming pool with adjoining party room and bath.
MESSINA, SICILY: This is a wonderful property in Sicily, 50 meters fromthe sea. It has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, large living room with fireplaceand dining room, two separate kitchens: one internal and one external, witha wood oven and grill. The villa is walled and is surrounded by a beautifulgarden with pool and garage.
PANAREA, AEOLIAN ISLANDS: This villa is 140m and has 3 bedroomsand 3 bathrooms, kitchen and living room with fireplace. The property hasa pool and separate hot tub and wood-burning BBQ outside. It is locatedon the highest point of the island.
SALINA, AEOLIAN ISLANDS: The villa is 180m on two levels. On theground floor is a large living room with bright kitchen and dining area and also alarge room with bathroom. On the second floor are 3 bedrooms with 2 bathroomsand large terraces with views of the islands of Lipari, Panarea and Stromboli.There is a large garden of 310m, with orange, tangerine and lemon trees.
TAORMINA, SICILY: This classy and elegant penthouse is in the heart of thepicturesque town, but gives great privacy. The home consists of 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a kitchen, a living room and an amazing winter garden. It has beautiful terraces with an outdoor whirlpool and a roof garden. The residence hasa swimming pool, covered garage with a place for the car and a storage room.
Raphael T. Harris, Jr.6, Piazza Catalani - Messina, Italy 98122
+39 348 3528083 • [email protected] • www.worldrealestate.it
WORLD REAL ESTATEIMMOBILIARE
T H E F U T U R E O F L U X U R Y R E A L E S T A T E I N S O U T H E R N I T A L Y & S I C I L Y
MEMBER SINCE 2005
CAPRI: This is a 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom home with another two separateapartments also with bed and bath. This home is one of the old historic Bismarck properties on the island of Capri. The property offers direct accessto the sea and looks out at the gulf of Naples.
CAPRI, VIA TUORO: After a delightful walk and a few stairs and you arrive at the Villa Rosablu. The house is 260m with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, kitchen and large living room also the home has a separateapartment with a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and salon. The house hasseveral terraces and gardens, for a total of about 700m.
CAPRI, VILLA SETTANNI AI FARAGLIONI: One of the few residences ofCapri on the sea and the only one near the Faraglioni Rocks. A total of 320mincluding terraces on two floors, with 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, living room,dining room, 2 kitchens, offices and storage. This home offers an unbelievableviews of the Faraglioni and Marina Piccola like no other place on Capri.
POSITANO, AMALFI COAST: This historic home of Positano is locateddown in the center on the northern slope on the mountain. The propertyboasts 6 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms with separate quarters for the home assistant. Looking over the historic costal town the property offers easy access to parking and the sea.
POSITANO, AMALFI COAST: This villa is 620m with 350m of gardens and terraces. The first floor consists of 2 bedrooms, each with theirown luxury bathroom. Upstairs are situated two junior suites. The mainfloor has a well appointed kitchen, a dining room & downstairs is a swimming pool.
SORRENTO: Enjoy one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world between the Gulf of Naples and the Gulf of Salerno. This villa is a splendid420m with 11 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms, salone, dining room andgourmet kitchen. It has a private swimming pool, terraces, gardens, and awonderful view of the seascape and both the Sorrento and Amalfi Coasts.
On a stunning headland between the two best beaches in Phuket, Kata Rocks takes oceanfront living to a new level. The unique sloping site gives the perfect, uninterrupted sunset view of the Andaman Sea and the picturesque Ko Phu Island.
Set in a spectacular environment with a unique blend of design features, unit sizes unmatched on the island and a total commitment to quality and service, Kata Rocks makes a very sound investment.
Stunning Oceanfront Living Full Sea and Sunset Views Secluded, Private and Secure
1,2,3 and 4 bedroom Sky Villas From 134 sq m to 460 sq m All Sky Villas with Private Pools Latest Smart Home Technology
Oceanfront Bistro and Sunset Bar Luxury Spa and Gym, Lounge and Function Room Management and Service at its best Minutes from the finest restaurants in Phuket All the benefits of being on Asia’s premier resort island
Kata Rocksevery day extraordinary
www.katarocks.comKata Rocks Co., Ltd.T +66 (0) 7628 4750-1 F +66 (0) 7628 [email protected]
34 Luxury Oceanfront Sky Villas in Phuket
All with Full Ocean Views and Private Pools
Award Winning DesignersArchitect: Original VisionInteriors: Kelly Hoppen MBE
Beautifully refurbished 460m2 villa, with stunning panoramic sea views set on a commanding flat plot
of 1620m2, only 150 metres from the most charming, unspoilt beach, and less than 1km from the
picturesque town of Moraira, where a mooring is available, by separate negotiation, if required.
5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, large lounge, games room, nanny suite, huge covered terrace, Clive Christiankitchen and master bedroom, multiple terraces, and parking.
El Portet, Moraira, Spain – Jewel of the Costa BlancaAlicante 70km • Valencia 90km • Ibiza 55 nautical miles
Previously €3,950,000 • Now offered at €3,450,000
Further details / brochure: +44 1628 898308 • Email: [email protected]
www.toptenproperties.net
After nearly three decades of luxury housebuilding Octagon has considerable knowledgeabout the aspirations and expectations of discerning clients who are buying at the verytop end of the property sector. This has driventhem to maximise on their expertise, hence theintroduction of Octagon Bespoke.
Over the years the multi award winningcompany has encountered clients with biggerbudgets who want Octagon quality but have theirown distinct ideas about the perfect dreamhouse, so in recent years it has quietly been designing and building made to measure properties for a number of clients with a startingbudget of £2m (€2.3m).
One of the recently completed bespoke projects is on the Wentworth Estate, Surrey. Thisis on a prime plot of just over 2.5 acres, wherethe large detached house has an interior livingspace of 12,645 sq ft. The client had distinct interests that all had to be considered; large scaleentertaining, family living, wine appreciation,and a diverse number of sports activities.
Stealing the sceneThe approach is via a video-controlled entrancegate, which opens on to a very large forecourtwith circular carriage driveway. On entering, thehall delivers the first scene stealer in this exceptional house; a dramatic curved timber andstone staircase, with underlit stair treads, leadsto two floors with oval galleried landings creatinga triple height space. Ornate polished brassFrench balustrades, and a central chandelier(which is suspended from a specially constructedsupport bar strong enough to take the weight ofa Fiat Punto), put a distinct touch of opulenceto the overall scheme.
A pair of glazed double doors lead into thefamily living zone. This heartbeat of the homecomprises a kitchen, along with informal dining and sitting areas. A custom built, temperature-controlled wine library leads off thekitchen. The four-car garage is accessed from theinternal lobby, along with stairs to the first floorstaff wing. This has two single bedrooms, bothwith en suite bathroom facilities, a small kitchen,and an open plan living/dining room.
On the first floor, off the galleried landing, are four double bedrooms, all with en suite bathrooms. The master suite has two bathroomsand two dressing rooms with French doors leading from the bedroom on to a large semi circular terrace. On the second floor are two further large studio bedrooms, both with en suitebathrooms and walk in dressing rooms. Thishouse even has two separate basements, one with a full size cinema room, utility room and storerooms for the owner’s seasonal wardrobe.
The owners are keen sports enthusiasts andrequested an impressive cross section of leisurefacilities. These include an indoor ‘level deck’swimming pool, with integral spa, steam roomand sauna. There is also a changing room withshower and a mirrored poolside bar. A stainlesssteel and glass spiral staircase from poolside leadsto the glass walled gym at mezzanine level overlooking the pool. Outside there is a full sizedall weather tennis court and jogging track, an Octagon first. This non-slip 400 metre pathwayoffers excellent circuit training for LondonMarathon candidates! ■
£14m :: €16,019,556 :: $22,355,278John Pope: +44 (0)208 481 7500
Mansionsto measure
www.international-homes.com
www.toptenproperties.net
On the edge of the rolling acres of Kenley Common and enjoying an aspect that belies itsposition, just miles from central London,Kenley House appears every inch the fine Regency mansion. But until recently, this wasa very different story – during the th centuryKenley House had gone the way of manygrand country houses within striking distance of the capital. Its estate was graduallysold off for development and the house itselfconverted, initially for use as flats, later officespace and, most recently, a catering college forthe Forte group.
However, this 1800’s gentleman’s countryseat has seen the usual pattern of conversion reversed and, courtesy of a visionary project byMillgate Homes, is once again a glorious six-bedroom country house – this time with all thetrappings of lavish modern living.
When acquired by Millgate Homes in 2007 thehouse had lost much of its period charm, its highceilings and classically proportioned roomsdivided by utilitarian partition walls. But oncethe 20th century detritus was stripped away, theshell provided an inspiring backdrop for Millgate’s ambitious plans as sales director,Jonathan Cranley, explains, “Kenley House hadsuffered like many large houses throughout the20th century and we were left with very muchan empty shell. Our vision was to recreate a magnificent family home, being sympathetic to
the building yet creating spaces designed for today’s lifestyles. As a result you get the best ofboth worlds – an imposing period façade set in mature grounds and an interior that perfectlybalances modern living with restored featuressuch as huge sash windows and soaring ceilings.”
The result is simply breathtaking with asweeping driveway and turning circle providingan impressive approach. Once inside, a feelingof space and light pervades, natural light spillinginto the double-height hallway and diningroom to provide an entertainment space withreal ‘wow’ factor. A 32' formal drawing room,cloakrooms and a separate study complete thereception space, while the real heart of the homeis undoubtedly the vast kitchen with its adjoiningfamily room and elegant orangery.
Steeped in luxuryA galleried staircase leads to the first floor which houses four bedrooms, three of which are en suite, and the family bathroom. Whileboth the master and second bedrooms havedressing rooms, the master suite also enjoys a generous terrace – perfect for summer breakfasts. To the second floor are two furtheren suite bedrooms and a media room. The basement, meanwhile, houses a gym, three winecellars, a pantry, laundry and two store rooms.And the living space doesn’t end here – abeautifully restored lodge house in the
grounds provides self-contained two-bedroom accommodation, perfect for housing staff,guests, elderly relatives or grown-up childrenwho want their own space.
Outside, the house has a private walled garden to the rear, the original ha-ha providinga natural boundary and offering uninterruptedviews over Kenley Common’s 138 acres ofgreen open space. The grounds include a veryspecial tree – the Kenley House oak which, ata thousand years old, is one of South EastEngland’s oldest examples.
All things considered, it’s hard to believe thatcentral London is just 14 miles away from thisslice of English country living. Kenley benefitsfrom a thriving community with its own schools,pubs and local amenities that cater for day-to-day needs. Meanwhile, the villages of Caterhamand Bletchingley are also close by providing aselection of local shops and boutiques as well asa Waitrose store.
For commuters, transport links are first rate.There are regular train services from nearby Kenley station to London Victoria with journeytimes of around 33 minutes. The nearby M25provides swift, easy access to the motorway network and, for travel further afield, Gatwickairport is only around 12 miles away. ■
£4.25m :: €4,730,932 :: $6,875,503Millgate Homes: +44 (0)20 3253 2005
Regency restored
www.international-homes.com
www.toptenproperties.net
Reminiscent of a great European manor house, this -year-old waterfront mansionfeatures cathedral ceilings, exotic wood floors,carved fireplace surrounds, hand painted murals, an indoor pool, spacious apartment,secret passage, acres ( hectares) of landscaped gardens, -year-old trees, and aprivate beach on feet ( meters) of waterfront.
Additional acres ( hectares) available.
Living Space: A total of 37 rooms in 17,000 sq ft (1,600 sq meters), including 9 bedroomsand 8 bathrooms. Walkout garden room has alarge business meeting area.Location: Hudson Quebec with its quaintshops, renowned yacht club, tennis club, famousflea market, theatre, beautiful golf courses, antique stores, art galleries, country inns, andvaried restaurants. Named “One of the 10 prettiest towns in Canada” by HarrowsmithCountry Life Magazine.
www.montrealluxuryhouse.com ReMax: Sylvia or Youri +1 450-458-7051CDN$4,900,000 US$4,650,000 £3,000,000 €3,500,000
Country living close to Montreal and Trudeau International Airport
LUXURY INTERIOR DESIGN • PRODUCTION • INSTALLATION OF YACHT & RESIDENTIAL INTERIORS
Shop & Showroom4 Formosa Street • Maida Vale • London W9 1EE • Tel: +44 (0)207 286 4400 • [email protected]
www.jacquib.co.uk
LUXURY DESIGNS &INTERIOR TREASURES
LUXURY INTERIOR DESIGN • PRODUCTION • INSTALLATION OF YACHT & RESIDENTIAL INTERIORS
Shop & Showroom4 Formosa Street • Maida Vale • London W9 1EE • Tel: +44 (0)207 286 4400 • [email protected]
www.jacquib.co.uk
LUXURY DESIGNS &INTERIOR TREASURES
LUXURY INTERIOR DESIGN • PRODUCTION • INSTALLATION OF YACHT & RESIDENTIAL INTERIORS
Shop & Showroom4 Formosa Street • Maida Vale • London W9 1EE • Tel: +44 (0)207 286 4400 • [email protected]
www.jacquib.co.uk
LUXURY DESIGNS &INTERIOR TREASURES
LUXURY INTERIOR DESIGN • PRODUCTION • INSTALLATION OF YACHT & RESIDENTIAL INTERIORS
Shop & Showroom4 Formosa Street • Maida Vale • London W9 1EE • Tel: +44 (0)207 286 4400 • [email protected]
www.jacquib.co.uk
LUXURY DESIGNS &INTERIOR TREASURES
www.international-homes.com
“Your own house is always the last one that youget round to sorting out!” smiles Pippa Toledoas she glances round her newly-completed living space within her chic and eclectic Maltesehome. “But finally this project is complete andthe results morph beautifully with the rest ofthe property to create an indoor haven.”
Typical of the region, Pippa’s home boastschunky Maltese-stone walls and oodles of character, which she has effectively workedinto her design to craft a contemporary spacethat remains true to tradition. The entire project took five weeks to complete.
“Homes in the Mediterranean often have somuch character of their own that it is sometimesdifficult to envisage how you can incorporateyour own style,” she continues. “When it comesto effectively blending old and new there are numerous elements that you will need to takeinto consideration when starting work on a property like this, including managing flakingwalls, rising damp and humidity. It is very important to plan ahead and get the groundworksorted before you begin.
Creative changes“Personally speaking we were ready for a changein this part of the house. Our home has grownand developed with us over the years, and nowthat our children are older my husband and Iwanted to give this space a chic and stylish liftwhile still retaining its comfy and cosy feel. Webegan with structural changes as I was keen tooverhaul it completely and bring much morelight into the room. In an effort to banishdamp and humidity, I chose to line most of thewalls with moisture-resistant boards and createda system that still allows them to breathe. All thesockets, plugs and lighting points were surfacemounted behind these boards to give a clean, finished look and also to protect them.”
Pippa chose to segregate the space differentlyby building a wall to close off her dining area,and knocking through into a bedroom to openup alternative options. Elements of the room spillout into the spacious hallway, which has beenenhanced with lush greenery, bright pots andmood lighting. “It is so important to bear lightin mind when planning your property; you needto look at your options for bringing morebrightness in, as well as what commodities youwill need to incorporate to protect your roomfrom the sun. ▶
LIVE Interiors
www.toptenproperties.net
Letting in light“Previously, this living room had small windowsand was often quite dark. The back bedroom offered plenty of scope to allow light to streamin and I was eager to incorporate that. I alsochose to surround the room in glass, utilisingarches that were already part of the structure ofthe house and thus effectively closing the spaceoff. It worked out brilliantly, as while the spacefeels individual, it is still very much part of therest of the house and allows us to look throughinto the hallway and out on to the garden.”
The expansive room includes a raised areawhich efficiently creates different spaces withinit. “It is a large area so I did want to break it upa bit in order to make best use of what was available. In using different floor patterns, andby arranging the furniture to segregate thespace, this has been achieved, as the more informal living space now blends into a seatingarea that is perfectly suited to entertaining.”
The soft furnishings of the room also add tothe elegant character of the space. “I’m normallyknown for adding bursts of colour through mywork as I believe bright hues to be very representative of Mediterranean temperamentand often this works brilliantly. Within this spacethough, thanks to the new abundance of light,I chose a different colour palette, opting insteadto use charcoal greys, taupe and black.
Home comforts“Keeping comfort in mind at every stage of theprocess, I was also drawn to luxuriant fabrics,including velvets and satins, as well as thick patterned rugs which also add colour and interest. As an art collector I also wanted an areato display some of my favourite pieces, and thusthis room is now absolutely covered in wonderfulworks, and I find that it adds so much of ourfamily’s personality to the room.
“It is important to remember that you growwith your interiors, and that they need tochange to keep up with you. As this space willnow largely be utilised by adults, I wantedsomething plush and grown-up for us to enjoy.I think that this finished space is a genuine reflection of who we are, while still retaining itsvery Mediterranean roots and character.” ■
Further information
Pippa Toledo Design Ltd: +356 2132 3616 / 2134 1367
Mobile: +356 9927 3333www.pippatoledo.com
www.international-homes.com
DrivewayThe most desirable cars and momentous motoring
Dream drivesWe celebrate the enduring strength of imaginative car
design, in an era when aesthetics often play second fiddle
to first violins safety and economy
Contemplating the cars we see about us on ourroads, we forget that – for every design facet thatmakes it to production, countless others arenixed. Nowadays, concept cars are used as vehicles (forgive the pun) at motor shows togauge media and customer reaction to ‘radical’style and safety cues. Rarely does an iconic design make it to production unmangled, as cardesigners’ imaginative offspring are stymied bycorporate bean counters or safety rules. Automotive poetry rarely makes it to press.
Take the impressive Volvo S60 Concept,which caused a stir at the Detroit Motor Showin 2009. Volvo has gained a name for itself on
these shores for churning-out waves of solid yet unspectacular Scandinavian longshipsfavoured by a portion of the UK’s middle classes. These can be seen lumbering around thenation’s roads, loaded to their Viking gunnels withchildren, wet dogs and/or forlorn-looking middle managers.
‘Volvo can’t you hear me – S.O.S?’But the Volvo S60 Concept was different – Agnetha Fältskog from ABBA rather than SvenErikkson: racy and swoonsome rather thanpedestrian (the ultimate car-killing word) andsound defensively. It was touted as a BMW 3-
series killer, and according to Auto Express, Volvo’s chief designer Alex Chan said, “If yousquint, you’ll see the production car.” We all began squinting hopefully. Especially whenjournalists drove the 180bhp S60 Concept, and raved about its cabin and distinctiveSwedish chic.
Then we woke up and it was 2010. My ocular torticollis had become so pronounced thatI was seeing Sven: gone was the floating glasscentral console created by Swedish glassmakerOrrefors, as were the electric ‘parallelogram’ reardoors. Perhaps neither were practical or affordable enough for Volvo amidst a world
Audi Locus
www.toptenproperties.net
recession, but shouldn’t some things be just that– gloriously impractical? Like ABBA…
Poetry at the top tableAt the higher end of the market things remainblessedly different, since fewer aesthetic concessions are made when designs are fine-tuned for production. For instance, Maserati’snew GranCabrio is all grace and poetry: Liz Hurley talkin’ Italian with a Pininfarina body thatflows on forever. Simply put, it’s a great productioncar that has retained its soul. The ideal has beenfully realised.
More of a dream car, the Trident marque’smesmerising Birdcage is a driveable 75th-anniversary concept vehicle, produced withPininfarina in 2005. Pininfarina’s then chief designer Jason Castriota tells us about the car’s gestation, “I began work on the Birdcageas the GranTurismo project was starting, and itwas the perfect opportunity to share our visionfor Maserati through a spectacular dream car that would create excitement about thebrand’s future.”
Maserati based the Birdcage on its MC12, a205mph charger groomed to compete in the FIAGT, and Mr Castriota emphasises the car’s lineage, “Futuristic as the Birdcage seems, it’s notthat far from the MC12, and could be developedinto a road car without drastic modifications. Themost unfortunate loss would be the jet-fightercanopy, in favour of Le Mans Prototype-style butterfly doors, while inside the projectionscreen would need replacing with somethingmore ‘crash friendly’, as would the single fixedseat. But a roadgoing Birdcage 75 would losenone of its beauty or drama.”
Such designs are rare, according to a Maseratispokeswoman, who tells us that the marque’s
concept vehicles are usually the work of independent design houses such as Pininfarinaor Italdesign (headed by Giorgio Giugiaro),which design cars around the mechanics and chassis of production vehicles. She expatiates, “It’salso integral to our DNA to build one-off cars forcustomers such as the 1959 5000GT ‘Shah of Persia’, which adopts a strengthened chassisfrom the 3500GT and a powerful V8 fromMaserati’s 450S racer. Although this costs the clientserious money it’s a practice driven primarily bypassion.” As for the current fortunate owner ofthe famous Birdcage? “I believe it’s owned by Pininfarina, and housed in their Turin-basedmuseum,” she concludes.
Beat three-series syndromeIndependent design bureau Ugur Sahin Designconceives improbably sexy-looking cars to entice the likes of Ferrari, and we initially likedthe firm’s Audi Locus, until we noticed that itlooks just like a Bugatti Veyron yawned-up bySalvador Dali. More promising is the FerrariDino, which looks like the progeny of a lawfullywedded Ferrari 599 GTB and 612 Scaglietti, with the suggestion of a Corvette’s aggressive, sawn-off shotgun bulk towards its rear end.
Ferrari are one of the few firms that has theresources – both imaginative and financial – topotentially deliver a design like Ugur Sahin’sDino undiluted, and it’s worth celebrating the risks some manufacturers take to shake-upthe marketplace, as well as design flair in its many incarnations. Such imagination is a welcome antidote to a world where cars are often focus-grouped and costed to death, andBMW’s successful yet sterile 3-series syndromeleads drivers to die of boredom in prosily efficient surrounds. ■
Automotive artistryVolvo S60 Conceptwww.volvocars.com/uk
Maserati Birdcagewww.maserati.com
www.pininfarina.com
Audi Locus, Ferrari Dinowww.ugursahindesign.com
Ferrari Dino
Maserati Birdcage
Volvo S60
www.international-homes.com
Driveway Top TenThis time round the track we’ve gathered together 10 of the world’s fastest production cars on our grid.
Perfect for the Nürburgring, or simply making a statement…
� Produced by Maserati to satisfy drivers bored by the ‘sedate’
177mph version, the GranTurismo S ups the original car’s
engine displacement to 4.7 litres, and even though the
powerplant has 1880kg of Italian diva to haul around, it does
so in style on a stiffened sports suspension. 0-62mph in 4.9
comfortable seconds, 183mph. Nice one Maserati.
From £78,215 :: €89,500 :: $130,000w: www.maserati.co.uk
� Apparently the new Ferrari 458 can lap the firm’s Fiorano
circuit in 1 minute 25 seconds. That’s as quick as Ferrari’s
legendarily quick Enzo, and the F458 is certainly more up to
speed where comfort goes. With 562bhp it’ll shatter 62mph
in 3.4 seconds and go over 202mph. Race car fierce. Can you
face it?
£160,000:: €183,000 :: $250,000w: www.ferrari.co.uk
� Luxury tuners Alpina are famed for turning perfectly
sensible BMWs into not so sensible rip-snorting executive
sports machines. With the B7 Bi-Turbo, the firm are filling the
market gap left by the absence of a 7-series M variant, by
splicing twin turbos onto BMW’s factory V8 and fitting
signature 21-inch alloys. 507hp, so sensible it ain’t.
Electronically limited to 173mph, which says it all.
£97,950 :: €112,000 :: $153,000 w: www.bmw.com
� The Shelby GT500 is ugly beautiful in the way that only
serious American muscle cars and rhinoceroses are, and can
drive over just about anything else on the road, if not outpace
it. Still, it’s a fast car with an electronically limited top speed of
155mph, 540hp and massive torque available at 4,500rpm: the
engine redlines at 6,250rpm which means brutal acceleration
for such a solid scrap of pig iron. Plus, the uprated interior
won’t make a Dynasty properties buyer faint this time round.
From £47,000 :: €54,000 :: $73,000w: www.shelbyautos.com
� Dutch firm Spyker is famous for buying Saab, and its jet-
fighter inspired C8 Aileron is the vehicular equipment of a
super-GT Spitfire, from the premium aircraft-style cabin toggle
switches to tortoiseshell aluminium dash. Blip its 400hp V8
(sourced from Audi) and before you know it – 4.5 seconds –
you’ll hit 60mph on the way to 187mph. Beautiful to look at,
beautifully built, and with hair-trigger responsiveness from a
Lotus chassis – beautiful to drive.
From £192,000 :: 221,000 :: $300,000w: www.spykercars.com
� German engine tuners and specialist carmakers 9ff have
rummaged around under the bonnet of the Porsche 997 GT
(itself no pansy) and turned-out the GTurbo850, a car with
1,000hp. No, your eyes are not deceiving you, there are four
figures there. You’ll go grey after hitting 62mph in 2.9 seconds
and at 243mph your hair will fall out. Wig not included. MPG
figures unprintable. Who cares? Prices include German VAT.
£115,192 :: €100,000 :: $156,000w: www.9ff.de
www.toptenproperties.net
� Does your Aston
need a lick of paint? We
thought not. But that
doesn’t allow us to
gloss over the finery
that this limited edition
V12 Vantage CarbonBlack displays. Each car boasts the distinction of 50 man
hours of hand painting, whilst other benefits include
gloss-black, 10-spoke diamond-turned alloys, interiors
swathed in Obsidian leather and a bespoke 700-watt Bang &
Olufsen audio system. All built around Aston’s inspired 190mph
V12 Vantage platform.
Around £141,750 :: €163,000 :: $222,000w: www.astonmartin.co.uk
� Sometimes you wonder whether some Americans think
some Brits are really stupid, and the pricing policy for the new
Corvette ZR1 exemplifies this. It costs $105,000 in the States,
the UK price is printed below. Still, for roughly £42,000 more
we get the same 638bhp V8-enraged beast that’ll rip-up
205mph. Unofficial import anyone?
From £109,000 :: €125,000 :: $170,000 w: www.chevrolet.com
� The latest incarnation of Jaguar’s XKR is winning plaudits
for delivering a 510bhp drive in a user-friendly package that
could potentially spank the likes of BMW’s 6-series and
Porsche’s 911 as an all-rounder. Pros: seriously quick at 155mph
(although there are whispers of 220mph+ speeds
unrestricted), supple suspension, competitive price. Cons:
somewhat cheap interior plastics.
From £74,995 :: €86,000 :: $117,000w: www.jaguar.com
� Supercar performance at a snip. Think you can with Nissan?
Well, you really can. For half the price of Corvette’s ZR1 we have
the slightly older Nissan GT-R that’s almost equally fast
(194mph) and won’t fall to pieces around you when you make
an emergency stop for sushi. Being Japanese it’s also darned
clever, packing-in dashboard graphics for monitoring tech stuff
like g-force and turbo boost.
From £59,400 :: €68,000 :: $93,000 w: www.nissan.co.uk
Look at the car in the photograph. What doesit say to you? We’re searching for a form ofwords to sum up a complex sensation, whereour attitudes to cars are often premised upontypes of people: a Rolls Royce is a member ofthe House of Windsor, British Leyland’s AustinAllegro is a wheezing elderly gent and aPorsche modified by German car firm 9ff is thesprinter Usain Bolt disguised asa car.
Because in Dortmund, a city inthe Ruhrgebiet region of north-west Germany, engineer JanFatthauer and his firm 9ff has effected a quiet revolution in thedynamics, and dare we say thepoetics of speed that has hadraucous and unconscionably quickresults. Renowned as supercar manufacturers aswell as tuners of performance Porsches, 9ff tookthe record for designing the fastest road-goingcar in the world in 2008, when the firm’s veryown 9ff GT9 trumped Bugatti’s Veyron by
touching 254mph on an oval course. That’s twomph quicker than the Bugatti for a fraction ofthe price. Pas mal.
In 2009 Mr Fatthauer unleashed the GT9R,a 1,120hp fire-breather that’s set its sights on toasting Shelby’s SSC Ultimate Aero TT for therecord once again. Only 20 of these cars will ever be built, and the GT9R uses a Porsche 911
Turbo engine bored out to fourlitres, twin turbo-charged to thehilt and cocooned in a carbon-fibre body shell. Customers canspecify every level of fit and finish, from a luxurious cabin toa stripped out F1-style cockpit,and 750hp and 987hp variantsoffer greater usability.
It’s fair to say that you won’tsee many of these athletes in car clothing orbitingthe pedestrian racetrack that is the M25. But thenagain, you will certainly see more GT9Rs on theUK’s roads in future, as well as 9ff ’s line-up of super-tuned Porsches. The firm has a new
dealership opening in England, so UK-basedreaders in pursuit of these dream cars will findit easier to touch gold. Alternatively, you can enter our exclusive competition to win a test ridein 9ff ’s Gturbo850. ‘850’ refers to horsepower,in case you were wondering! The starting pistol has been raised, the gauntlet throwndown. Can you stand the pace?
Terms and conditions Employees of International Homes & Travel and their families are ineligible to enter. The competition will be judged independently. Email entries will be numbered and one winning number will be drawn at random. No purchase is necessary. No cash prize alternative is available. Neither International Homes & Travel or 9ff assume any responsibility for cancellation of the test ride due to unforeseen circumstances, adverse weather or road conditions. For insurance reasons a 9ff company driver will pilot the car. If the 9ff GTurbo850 is unavailable 9ff reserve the right to substitute another high performance vehicle. Travel to and accommodation in the Dortmund region is not included.
9ff GT9R 1,120hp0-62mph: 2.9 secondsTop speed: 257mphPrice: £614,000 :: €695,000:: $948,000 (exluding Ger-man VAT)Contact: Germany +49(0)231 967 8911 or UK +44 (0)1832 731687Web: www.9ff.de
Speed trial WIN!The ride of a lifetime
We’ve teamed up with German sportscar manufacturer and Porsche tuner 9ff – responsible forsome of the world’s fastest road-legal cars, to offer one reader a rare factory tour and test ride
How to enterTo win a tour of 9ff’s factory in Dortmund, and atest ride in one of the firm’s supercars piloted by a9ff driver, please send an email with the subject‘Speed Trial Competition’ to Motoring Editor BenBouckley at [email protected] Pleaseinclude a daytime telephone number, countryand region of residence, and tell us(1) which car(s) you currently drive, and (2) which car(s) you would ideally like to drive.The first entry to be randomly drawn after theclosing date of May 1 2010 wins the prize, whichcan then be finalised with 9ff subject to bothparties agreeing a mutually convenient date andtime. Please specify if you do not wish to becontacted by 9ff for indirect marketing purposes.
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Mauritius Island, pearl of the Indian OceanLocated in the heart of the Mascareignes archipelago in the Indian Ocean, the island ofMauritius is surrounded by blue lagoons anda magnificent barrier reef that extends for330km along the coast. Only a mere 200kmaway from its sister island of Reunion, Mauritius is characterised by its sandy, pristinebeaches bordered by magnificent turquoise lagoons. The island benefits from a tropical climate that is ideal for a mild season in winter(17 to 24 degrees) and for warm temperaturesin the summer season (29 to 33 degrees).
The Domaine des Alizées Club & Spa is a hotel type residence which offers for sale a totalof 90 apartments, comprising two or threebedrooms and of a very high quality. The property is on an extraordinary site offering quitea number of services ranging from a lounge club
with its feted atmosphere, to the magnificenttropical spa which includes a restaurant besidethe water flanked by small kiosks. The wholeconcept of the place is to entice visitors and residents to spend an unforgettable time here.This can either be relaxing within the carefullyconceived apartments or in the shade of coconutpalms around one of the numerous watersources scattered in the garden.
Superior serviceThe residence will be run like any prestigious hotel offering a level of incomparable servicewhich will benefit the permanent residents aswell as the visitors occupying the rented apartments. Indeed, Evaco Holiday Resorts, a filial of the Evaco group, will be given the responsibility to look after the rental management
of a certain amount of apartments. This will assure their owners of substantial rental income during the periods that they are notthemselves occupying the premises.
The Domaine des Alizées Club & Spa is located 10 minutes away from the centre of GrandBaie, the most well renowned seaside village ofthe island, and five minutes from the beach. GrandBaie has a wide variety of cafes, restaurants, barsand boutiques as well as a supermarket which sellsa selection of imported products, mainly from Europe and South Africa. ■
Prices between €246,830 - €279,856
Tel: +230 269 1800www.evacogroup.com
www.toptenproperties.net
PRICES FROM £4M
THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER T IME TO INVEST IN GUERNSEY’S MOST LUXURIOUS OPEN MARKET PENTHOUSE APARTMENTS
L IVE A LESS TAXING LIFESTYLE OFFSHORE
UP TO 3,600 SQ FT LIVING SPACE
WITH TERRACES UP TO 1,600 SQ FT.
AMAZING WATERFRONT VIEWS
OVER MARINA AND SISTER ISLES
INSTANT LICENCE TO LIVE AND WORK IN
GUERNSEY | NO CAPITAL GAINS TAX
NO ESTATE DUTY | NO INHERITANCE TAX
NO PURCHASE OR SALES TAX
NO VAT | NO PENSION CAPPING
NO CAPITAL TRANSFER TAX
PERSONAL INCOME TAX CAPPING
READY FOR BESPOKE FIT OUT NOW
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR REMAINING
LUXURY PENTHOUSES IN GUERNSEY’S MOST
PRESTIGIOUS DEVELOPMENT, WHICH INCLUDES
A WORLD CLASS SPA, PLEASE CONTACT A
MEMBER OF THE LONG PORT SALES TEAM ON
TEL: +44 (0) 1481 728722OR EMAIL:
W W W . R O Y A L - T E R R A C E . C O M
L U X U R Y P E N T H O U S E SI N A L E S S T A X I N G E N V I R O N M E N T
Whether relocating home or business, many issues have to be considered when transferringassets abroad. Guernsey is an obvious choicefor the discerning businessman – it has it all,long sandy beaches, a calm tranquillity, athriving business community and favourablefiscal advantages.
Moving to the island is relatively hassle free.Any EU citizen can purchase or rent a propertyon the Open Market, which also affords a rightfor the individual to then work in Guernsey. Theadvent of new tax regulations across the EU/UKis likely to encourage individuals to considermoving to Guernsey.
What can Guernsey offer?Perhaps the most attractive financial incentivesfor settling in Guernsey are the 0% corporationtax, the 20% personal income tax and the absence of capital gains tax. However, there isa plethora of other enticing measures offered tohelp drive investment in Guernsey.
CommercialIf the low corporate tax does not differentiateenough, there also exists no local value addedtax related to purchases. Due to Guernsey’s
position outside the EU, value added tax (VAT)is not levied on goods arriving on the island fromthe UK.
IndividualHigh net worth individuals can limit their taxcontributions in Guernsey. A ceiling of £100,000is apportioned to all income generated outsideof Guernsey and £200,000 on that generatedwithin Guernsey.
Some individuals who choose to live inGuernsey may also reside in other countries at certain times of the year. These individualsshould be mindful of the number of ‘days’ theyreside in Guernsey as this will affect their tax situation. They will only be taxed onGuernsey sourced income or income remittedfrom overseas.
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Benefits at a glanceThe island offers a variety of fiscal benefits for individuals and corporations alike. • Income tax rate of 20% (versus UK top bracket
of 50% from April 2010)• A tax ceiling of £100,000 for non Guernsey
sourced income or £200,000 for Guernsey sourced income
• Mortgage interest relief• No capital gains tax• Generous personal tax relief
What can the Long Port Group offer?
PropertyWhether residential, commercial, industrial, retailor health and leisure, the Long Port Group isleading the way with their innovativedevelopments in Guernsey. In particular theflagship residential and commercial developmentsRoyal Terrace and Royal Chambers offer theultimate in luxury living and state-of-the-artoffice accommodation in St Peter Port,Guernsey’s capital
Royal TerraceThis is the group’s luxurious residentialdevelopment currently under construction,comprising eight superlative Open Marketpenthouses. With unrivalled sea and marinaviews and pure space and luxury, they are theperfect choice for the discerning individual.
The penthouses are vast, measuring from2,500 to 3,600 sq ft, with terraces up to 1,600 sq ftthat can even feature a private infinity pool. Theycan provide up to four en suite bedrooms andseveral reception rooms. However, thedevelopers have taken an innovative approachand will tailor the final living space to meetclients’ needs, reflecting lifestyle, relaxation andsocial likes. Clients decide the number ofbedrooms and reception rooms, their sizes andother added luxuries – like a private gym, or even a home cinema. The penthouses sit atopthe development commanding stunning vistasof Guernsey’s sister islands of Alderney, Hermand Sark.
Onsite amenities will include world classrestaurants and retail outlets and an exclusiveworld class spa comprising a 15m swimming pool,hydrotherapy pool, plunge pool, and an array ofboth thermal and cold experiences together witha number of treatment rooms offering the verybest in beauty therapy and relaxation.
For more information on Royal Terrace,
please contact a member of the Long Port
sales team on +44 1481 728 722 or email
Perfectly placed for business and pleasure
www.international-homes.com
Developers have certainly sharpened up their actat the top end of the market over the last 10 years.Sure, a gold-plated London postcode counts, butso too do conveniences such as concierge services, home automation systems and world-class interior design. And as a case in point, elite property design firm Finchatton has completely remodeled interiors at MontpelierHall, a former home for nurses built in 1896,only 150m from Harrods in Knightsbridge.
Finchatton director Alex Michelin commentson the luxe levels available here (with the top duplex penthouse weighing in at a slightly eye-watering £11.25 million or €12.82 million),and the desires that shape the prime segment ofthe city market – with prospective buyers as farafield as the States, Germany and Russia (as wellas the UK) apparently interested in propertiesat Montpelier Hall.
“Buyers at this level of the market expectworld-class accommodation to replicate whatthey are offered in hotels, on yachts and at theirprestigious homes around the world. They require security and privacy in equal measureand to know they have the best available, all within their control,” Mr Michelin opines.
Elsewhere, Quintessentially Estates are marketing a matchless inner-city maison thatalso scores highly where integrated facilities areconcerned. As the former residential base forcontestants in recent UK television series the X-Factor, there’s no doubting the je ne sais quoithat lavish investment has lent this property,through tasteful spending on all the internalproperties that we do know and, more crucially,aspire to. Wave your wand or write a cheque for£5.75 million (€6.55 million) and all this magic will be yours!
Bonuses for the bankers andexcess in general is gettingbad press right now, butthere’s no denying the magicthat money, judiciously invested, can buy
Banking on the factor
� Golders Green, London NW11Step inside this opulent six en suite bedroomhome and you’ll immediately be impressed bythe glass roof and triple-height atrium. Thehallway showcases a polished concrete and glassstaircase, whilst special features include oakflooring throughout. Technology ranges from aCrestron audio-visual infrastructure andViabizzuno architectural lighting to electricentrance gates and underfloor heating. FoxLinton designed the main reception room, thereis also a Boffi-designed kitchen, large dining andfamily rooms and gym. Gardens are landscapedby Charlotte Rowe and there is extensive off-street parking.£5.75 million :: €6.55 million :: $8.83 million
Quintessentially Estates: +44 (0)845 224 3658
www.toptenproperties.net
� Knightsbridge, London SW1Situated just 150m from Harrods, Montpelier Hall was originally constructed as a nurses’ home in 1896, and has now been fullyredeveloped behind its glorious gabled façade.Six world-class furnished apartments featureinteriors designed by London-based Bahlly, andcomprise two ground-floor duplexes, three lateralapartments and one standout 435m2 duplexpenthouse (priced below) on the fourth and fifthfloors. The development has an integrated fibre-optic infrastructure, Crestron automation,multi-scene lighting and underfloor heating,while services for residents include 24-hourporterage and concierge. £19.85 million :: €22.65 million :: $30.57 million
Philip Woolf Property: +44 (0)20 7935 8181
www.international-homes.com
Battersea Reach, London SW18This four-bedroom penthouse is situated on the 13th and 14th floors of the Baltimore House tower, anaward-winning riverside development with breathtaking views. An en suite master bedroom and separateroof terrace occupies the entire top floor, and an impressive reception room spans 13m. The property alsobenefits from four secure underground parking spaces, a luxurious kitchen and an additional roof terrace.Onsite facilities include a private business centre, fitness suite, waterfront bar-restaurant, patisserie and 24-hour concierge service.£3.25 million :: €3.7 million :: $5 million
Douglas and Gordon: +44 (0)20 7720 8077
London Bridge, London SE1Record-breaking structures are always impressive, and The Shard is no exception. Set to be the UK’s highestskyscraper at 310m on completion in 2012, the structure has already been pre-let to bodies such asTransport for London and hotel firm Shangri-La. Designed by architectural star Renzo Piano, the structuretapers up from a wide base to a graceful spire that riffs on London’s maritime past and its impact on theskyline. Interior spaces will contain restaurants, bars and gallery spaces, and office spaces will benefit from‘winter gardens’. A mere handful of prestigious apartments – 12 are currently planned spanning 5,800m2 intotal – will be available, with prices yet to be finalised. Sellar: +44 (0)20 7493 5311
www.toptenproperties.net
Porchester Terrace, London W2Arranged over eight floors, this fully air-conditioned, stucco-fronted period home has eight bedrooms and a stunning indoorswimming pool and gymnasium, as well as off-street parking for at least three cars. Situated in afashionable tree-lined street close to KensingtonGardens, Westbourne Grove and Notting Hill.£6.25 million :: €7.12 million :: $9.62 million
Chesterton Humberts: +44 (0)20 7298 5900
NO VAT | NO INHERITANCE TAX | NO CORPORATION TAX | NO CAPITAL GAINS TAX | MILD CLIMATE |
CONTEMPORARY LIFESTYLE | GLOBAL BUSINESS BASE | FINE FOOD | ONLY 40 MINUTES FROM LONDON
Livingroom is the Islands most dynamic estate agents
specialising in the finest property currently available
in the island, luxurious International homes and
a bespoke global Property Search Service.
Discover a better quality of life that’s closer than you think.
+44 (0)1481 233008
www.livingroombespoke.com [email protected]
To include private beach and headland £6.5m Brand new 10,000sqft cliffside house £4.95m
Seclusion and elevated rural living £2.95m Sympathetically renovated Townhouse £1.4m
www.toptenproperties.net
Mention Guernsey to those who’ve never beenhere and they’ll imagine old-fashioned seasideholidays, cream teas served by friendly but rickety old hostesses and quaint customs –probably involving cows and/or tomatoes.But this is a view of the island that is increasinglyout of step with the modern reality.
Guernsey is now a bustling, cosmopolitan island, populated by a large number of young, worldly wise and increasingly wealthy professionals. Many of these new islandershave moved here from other places: they’ve madea good living and now they want the good lifeto match. And it’s not just the stunning scenery,healthy lifestyle and beach life that brings themto the island.
Boutique lifestyle“I didn’t come here just for the views,” says oneself-made 48-year-old who moved to the island two years ago. “I came here because Ican have a boat moored within spitting distanceof my house, I can get to Europe at any time, and when my friends come to visit there are someamazing restaurants and bars to entertain them in.”
You don’t have to look very far to uncover evidence of the lifestyle accoutrements thatmake the island so attractive. The marinas in capital St. Peter Port are filled with luxury cabin cruisers and yachts that would graceMonaco or Miami. Top restaurants draw chefsfrom around the world and independent boutiques offer chic clothing and jewellery.
A gentler pace of life also entices people toGuernsey, in a world of frightening newspaperheadlines where the UK seems increasingly insecure. Guernsey presents a grounded alternative, and is commonly described as being like England 40 years ago. The influx ofwealth onto the island also means that schoolsare modern and well-equipped, the health service is excellent and there are great travel linksto the UK and Europe.
Less taxing times Other advantages include the tax-friendly environment, with income tax charged at a flatrate of 20% and generous allowances availableto residents. There’s also no capital gains tax, nocapital transfer tax, no estate duty, no inheritancetax, no purchase tax, no turnover tax, no VAT
and no wealth tax. Little wonder then that largecorporations such as Specsavers, Healthspan andSporting Bet are based here.
Guernsey’s business-friendly government iscommitted to nurturing a diverse, moderneconomy. The finance industry is still the mainstay, but other sectors are gaining groundon the island. Cocktail bar conversations are peppered with references to rumoured five-stardevelopments and forward-thinking hoteliers areinvesting heavily in upgrading properties for citydwellers seeking a luxury escape.
And when future visitors come here and enjoy Guernsey, there’s every chance that they’llcome back for more. Then, as the island’s multi-layered character reveals itself and the numerous advantages of living here become apparent, the attitudes of visitors will change.Like the many who’ve already chosen to settlehere, they’ll stop asking, “Why would I want tolive in Guernsey?” And ask instead, “Whywouldn’t I?”
Livingroom LimitedTelephone: +44 (0)1481 233 008Email: [email protected]: www.livingroombespoke.com
The NewGuernseySimon Torode from Livingroom updates our conceptions of an island many still perceive, erroneously, as something of a backwater
International PropertyEvent 2010
in association with
� Meet leaders in the property industry and winners of the International Property Awards
� See award-winning projects
� Meet and greet high-level decision-makers
� Attend property seminars from Google, Bloomberg and more
INTERNATIONAL
HOMESLuxury Collection
The Royal Lancaster Hotel, London27 – 28 November 2010
Introducing the
Entry by invitation only
For tickets, or to book a stand, call
+44 (0)1245 358877
Bound for BarbadosThe Caribbean with its heady mix of sun, sea and sand is always in the top 10 most popularplaces to own a home. We explore the delights of one of its most beautiful islands - Barbados
Often referred to as ‘the pearl of the Caribbean’, Barbados, averages 340 daysof sunshine a year making it one of the most highly desirable holiday destinations. A hideaway for celebrities, the island also attracts a glamorousmix of visitors, lured by its stylish hotels and shops and a thriving restaurant scene, all within walking distance of deserted beaches.
Barbados has a very strong tourist industry and the government goes outof its way to ensure that this continues to be healthy bringing in much of Barbados’ GDP. Judy Delaforce of Springcourt Barbados, says, “The property
market continues to be strong as people purchase in Barbados for the long term, whether for their
retirement or holidays, so it’s not theboom and bust culture of many
other places. Money investedin bricks and mortar in Barbados will potentiallygrow by up to 15% a year.”
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Villas On The Beach, Holetown, St JamesWatch the ships sail by from this three-bedroom,three bathroom contemporary condo lined withglass. It has a bright 22-foot wide patio that’s perfectfor entertaining, marble tiled baths, soaring pickledpine ceilings and a gourmet Italian kitchen withgranite worktops.
This penthouse apartment is one of 18 within theVillas On The Beach complex and has use of theswimming pool, gardens, and secure beach access.The building has a lift/elevator, generator andbackup water storage facilities and is staffed 24hours a day. There is also ample parking with spotsallocated above and below ground. From £1,601,640 :: €1,841,597 :: $2.5m
7th Heaven Properties: +44 (0)208 960 1010
www.toptenproperties.net
The Penthouse 501, Sandy CoveDerricks, Sandy Cove is a private community in lushtropical gardens on the scenic west coast ofBarbados. The Penthouse occupies the entire topfloor and has uninterrupted panoramic views of theCaribbean Sea.
The Penthouse is exquisitely decorated withelegant indoor living areas opening to twobalconies: one for casual dining, while the other hasa tanning deck and private pool. Of the fourluxurious bedroom suites, two have private ocean-facing balconies while the master bedroom anddeluxe master bath both open to their own deckwith a whirlpool tub and outdoor shower. The fourthbedroom has been converted into a full gym.
Entertaining is made easy with the ultra-modernkitchen and there’s also an office with high-speedInternet and a temperature-controlled wine cellar onthe lower level. Residents also have access to theshared gym, pool, sauna, and beach facilities.£5,207,482 :: €5,870,316 :: $8.5m
Altman Real Estate: +44 (0808) 120 2364
Ocean One, Christ ChurchLocated on a half mile of pristine, white sandy beach,on the south coast of Barbados with the CaribbeanSea as a backdrop, is the contemporary Ocean One.This spectacular residence, stylish from the outside-in, has only 21 units on six floors and includes frontdesk services, a two-storey gym, beachside pool andpool deck for owners.
Penthouse 601 is one of only two units on the topfloor and shares semi-private elevator access to itssprawling living space. The large, fully equippedItalian kitchen opens on to the dining and livingrooms for modern living and entertaining but itsmost impressive feature is the floor to ceiling glasswindows overlooking the beach. The outdoor terrace can be accessed through glassdoors connecting it to both the main living space aswell as to the master bedroom with its ocean views.The fully furnished unit has three bedroom suites, alaundry room and powder room. £2,144,430 :: €2,417,392 :: $3.5m
Altman Real Estate: +44 (0808) 120 2364
www.international-homes.com
Springcourt, Christ ChurchOnly a mile from Accra beach in Rockley, Springcourt is a small, gateddevelopment with 24-hour security. It has the charm of traditional Barbados stylewith elegant high specification European interiors. Air conditioning and fittedkitchens with ceramic hobs and granite worktops and all appliances come asstandard as do a balcony or terrace overlooking the landscaped gardens. Choosefrom a mix of luxurious three-bedroom condos, two-bedroom townhouses andone-bedroom condos. From £156,875 :: €180,412 :: $245,000
Springcourt Barbados: +44 (0)1892 725756
Beachlands, St JamesOn the Platinum Coast between the famous SandyLane Hotel and Holetown, Beachlands is a stunningcollection of just 46 beachfront apartments andpenthouses. Apartments have from two to fivebedrooms and penthouses from three to fivebedrooms.
Set within four-and-a-half acres of maturegardens, they overlook 700ft of white sands. Thissecluded beach is one of the island’s best-keptsecrets and loved by many for its picturesque,crescent shaped bay. The residences have beendesigned to capture the essence of Barbadoscombining the grandeur of classic plantationmansions with the elegance of Riviera style homes.The architecture is classic Bajan style, with highcolonnades framing wide terraces all withspectacular ocean views.
The apartments will be built to a very highstandard and specification using natural materialssuch as stone, limestone and oak, with the benefit ofhigh-grade on-site security. Residences will be largeand luxurious and each one has its own private spapool finished with miniature glass mosaic tiles andunderground parking, while ground floorapartments include a private garden. High ceilingsand large windows will provide light and space andthere’s full air-conditioning throughout.
Beachlands will include an outdoor infinity pool,bar, gym, and games room and owners will enjoy arange of hotel-style facilities and amenities. Theseinclude 24-hour concierge which will be linked toeach apartment via a video entry phone system.Additional services will be booked throughconcierge on a bespoke basis including extradomestic help such as a butler or maid and even achauffeur service. From £1.3m :: €1,494,606 :: $2,028,394
LTG Real Estate +44 (0)207 078 7355
A marriage ofsand, sea & styleHappily named “SeaForever”this luxurious beach front10,000 sq ft home is located onthe historic seaside enclave ofBoggy Sand road at thenorthern tip of world famousSeven Mile Beach.
A quiet sense of dramaenvelopes every aspect of thehome including its grandfoyer, the 30 ft high ceilingsand expansive sea views. Thefirst thing that strikes visitors,having taken in the oceanview from the front door, isthe magnificent sweepingdouble-curved staircase.Unquestionably, SeaForever is the number ONE beachfront address to have in theCayman Islands.
For complete property amenities visitwww.seaforever.ky andwww.caymanluxuryproperty.com Telephone: +1-345-945-6000
CALL 0800 082 8103WEBSITE www.harlequinproperty.co.uk E-MAIL [email protected]
Contact the primary agentHarlequin Property
www.harlequinhotelsandresorts.com
All information contained in this advert is correct at time of going to print but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed and none of the information forms part of any contract. The Vendorreserves the right to alter the specifications referred to in this advert without prior notice. While Harlequin Hotels & Resorts believes that the properties represent excellent investments, eachinvestor must undertake their own research to satisfy themselves before proceeding and where required seek independent financial advice. There may be an initial set up fee and ongoing
annual charges associated with management of a SIPP. Harlequin Property does not give financial or legal advice.*A SIPP is a Self Invested Personal Pension enabling the investor to choose where their pension fund is invested. Harlequin’s properties in the Caribbean are suitable for SIPP investment.
� First phase includes 368 rooms. † Subject to Status. Terms and Conditions apply.
A 5 STAR LUXURY RESORT WHEREDREAMS BECOME REALITY
HARLEQUIN’S FIRST CARIBBEAN RESORT WILL OPEN IN JULY 2010�
These images are computer generated artists’ impressions
� Harlequin’s investment properties are freehold with excellentpotential for high capital appreciation and an annual rentalincome
� Properties are sold off plan at up to 50% below market value
� Receive a two year 10% rental guarantee followed by 50%net room rate share
� 70% developer loan available on completion
� All you pay is £1,000 reservation fee. 100% finance† isavailable – the developer pays the monthly repayment on theloan for the 30% deposit
� Harlequin properties are suitable for SIPP investment*
� 30 days free use per year (except SIPP investors)
Harlequin is creating investment properties in luxury 5 star resorts in Barbados,St Vincent & The Grenadines, St Lucia and the Dominican Republic
5 star amenities include Pat Cash Tennis Academy, Liverpool FC Soccer School, Diving & WatersportsCentre, Alaia Spa created by ESPA, several restaurants & bars including Trader Vic’s
These images are computer generated artists’ impressions
Gated Community • River-front Access • Caribbean Getaway
BEST DEVELOPMENTBELIZE
Camino Del Rioby Tareig, LLC
Bask in natureCome to a place where a walk in the park is your home
� � � � � � � � � � � �
Project developed byTAREIG, llc9900 Greenbelt RoadSuite E-200Lanham, MD 20706+1 (800) 895-6924
Camino Del RioCaves Branch River, Belize, Central America
affordable luxury in the heart of belizeA unique gated-entry and waterfront site on 63 acres of private open space along the CavesBranch River and Maya creek. tareig’s commitment to preserving nature’s gifts allows residents to enjoy privacy, views, sunshine and gentle building sites in a natural park-like setting. Amenities include nature trails, park sitting areas, bird-watching towers and a future clubhouse and pool. This sustainable living community is located near shopping, services, and within one hour of the airport and beaches.
Purchase a lot or buildBuy your lot now and build your dream house or purchase one of our full turnkey home-sitepackages. Lot prices start at $20,000, single family homes start at $99,000 on a one-quarteracre parcel. One-quarter to one acre home parcels are available.
Call us about our pre-construction sales
+1-800-661-4838www.caminodelriobelize.com • [email protected]
Belize offers tropical climates and is an English-speaking country
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Belize has become one of the world's most biologically diverse nations with the integrityof its natural resources still very much intact.It boasts 93% of its land under forest covers, thelargest coral reef in the western hemisphere, thelargest cave system in Central America, over500 species of birds, thousands of Maya archaeological temples and the only jaguar reserve in the world. As an overall country mandate, support for the conservation, preservation, enhancement, and managementof Belize’s natural resources and protected areashas become an important country attribute.
Camino Del Rio in Central Belize is a 63-acrecommunity along the Caves Branch River andoffers an excellent opportunity to utilise conservation and green building technologiesand components. With at least 30% of thecommunity designated as open and green space
areas and numerous waterways that pass throughthe site and eventually into the Caribbean Sea,the preservation of the natural surroundings isan important aspect to maintaining the beautyof the community.
The design and planning of Camino Del Rioincorporates sustainability and green buildingprinciples as a foundation to the environmentalpreservation strategy. Implementing sound bestpractices puts it in the forefront for a progressivepreservation program and provides economicand environmental benefits for property owners and the community.
Starting a new life in BelizeBelize is becoming the new North American sun-belt. With year-round tropical temperatures,a low to moderate cost of housing, a stable twoto one dollar conversion, and Central America’sonly English speaking country, it’s no wonder this
small emerging country has been attracting morenew residents every year.
Imagine floating for miles along the CavesBranch River, cruising for the best fishing spot,exploring the mysteries of a dense rainforest, orimmersing yourself in the history of ancientMayan ruins. With a home at Camino Del Rio,these experiences are right in your own backyard– a tropical paradise in the heart of nature andsustainable living.
Home sites are perfect for a dream vacation,investment unit, or retirement home. No matterhow you choose to spend your days, Camino DelRio provides the perfect combination of modern luxury and comfort in the heart of adventure. You can walk the onsite trails and cavesystems nearby, tube along the river, and watchan endless display of birds and nature all aroundin the community’s unique bird-watching tree.
Yet, that’s not all, you can also design yourhome online and use the latest in energy efficienttechnologies. All this plus dramatic landscapes,lush, green mountains, dense jungles and thewestern hemisphere’s longest barrier reef are tobe found here—along with some of the best realestate opportunities. ■
Three good reasons to consider Belize
1 Belize is one of the best banking and tax havens in the world. There is no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no corporation tax.
2 If you join the special retiree program, you don’t pay tax on foreign-earned income.
3 You can buy a single-family Mediterranean styled home for less than $100,000 (£62.000). It’s one of the most affordable places in the Caribbean sun.
Further informationCall +44 (0) 800 661 4838
An ideal location
Camino Del Rio’s location in the central area ofthe country is convenient for everything.• Only 10 miles from the capital Belmopan with
government offices, restaurants, hospitals, and other services.
• Only 45 minutes from any gorgeous beach.• All the fish you can catch is right along the
river’s edge.• Fresh fruits and vegetables can be picked right
off the tree or plant.
Living with nature
Th e C a r negie A bbe y Clu bOn The Shores Of Portsmouth, Rhode Island • Minutes From Newport
866.535.6151 • www.TheCarnegieAbbeyClub.comequal housing opportunity. membership is required. carnegie abbey private estates.
Will it be the view of Narragansett Bay from the 18th green? Perhaps it will be watching your daughter take her first ride in the new Equestrian Center or the exceptional individualized attention you’ll receive from each member of the Club staff. Maybe it will be the sense of exclusivity that comes with your own private yacht slip or the relaxing couples massage in the European Spa. From fine dining with our award-winning chef to the educational fun of Kids’ Camp and the Club’s endless array of five-star amenities — you’ll love whatever brings you to The Carnegie Abbey Club.
Now Accepting Social and Golf Membership Applications. Residences from $799,000 to $14,500,000.
What Will You Love Most About
The Carnegie Abbey Club
Deepwater, BermudaDesigned and constructed in the Europeanstyle of Renaissance-era architect Andrea Palladio, the magnificent villa is perfectly locatedamidst almost three acres, with owners able toenjoy panoramic Bermudan sunsets.
Regal gates open to welcome visitors across abridge with exotic plantings on either side. Directlyahead is a breathtaking view of Deepwater’sstriking façade framed by two spectacular banyantrees with a grand stairwell fountain leading to theimpressive main entrance.
A circular lower courtyard leads to formal gardens, tennis court and statue of King Neptuneto the left; to the right, you pass the bocce courtand whimsical bronze, life-size sculptures of giraffes and zebra spotted on the main lawn. Thecharming guest and staff cottage catches your eyebefore reaching the main house parking. Withinthe few seconds of entering the Deepwater Estate,you are captivated by its magic.
Throw magical soiréesEntering the house you are immediately struck by breathtaking water views from the main entrance, library and great room. Indeed, spectacular views of Harrington Sound are visiblefrom every west-facing room on the villa’s twoprincipal floors.
The vast great room has a ceiling of 21.5 feet –where high ceilings and Jerusalem stone are twoof Deepwater’s many hallmarks – whilst the adjoining formal dining room seats 20 comfortably.A spectacular environment for entertaining,Deepwater easily accommodates over 100 peoplein its combined library and great room: from heredoors open onto the horizon pool patio, diningroom and private family room, which adjoins thedream gourmet kitchen.
A real talking point for guests is the custom-designed, double-level mini-rainforest, aquariumand aviary with over 100 types of exotic birdswhich can be enjoyed from the first-floor greatroom or upper bridge.
The third Deepwater bridge at the end of thefamily room leads to business offices where no detail is left unattended. The upper level of thisspace is a beautiful sunroom with panoramic viewsthat doubles as a media room; the lower level isequipped as an office space with adjoining bathand modest kitchen.
Suite viewsLuxury accommodation includes two bedroomsuites on the main floor and two on the upperfloor; the master bedroom and bathroom offermagnificent water vistas. On the lowest level, a
large games room with adjoining full bathroom(also configurable as a fitness suite) is the perfectbolthole for kids. Furthermore, Deepwater has private access and elevators for family membersor guests who are mobility challenged.
The Guest & Staff Cottage complements themain house with two charming semi-detached residences; these have three and one en suite bedrooms respectively. Outside, three covered loggias overlook the tranquil waters of HarringtonSound, accessible via three moorings that makeDeepwater the very byword in Bermudan waterfront luxury.
Sale by informal tenderInterested parties are invited to post sealed informaltenders for the Deepwater Estate to Listing AgentMargaret Young at Rego Sotheby’s InternationalRealty, via the address printed below. All tendersshould be received no later than 12:00 pm (Atlantictime), Wednesday, June 30th 2010 and must beoffered with a statement of qualification. The vendoris not bound to accept the highest or any offer. Pleasecontact the agent with a view to acquiring fullerparticulars of Deepwater, and arrange a viewing.Serious enquiries only please.
Margaret Young
Rego Sotheby’s International RealtyCavendish House, 2 Cavendish Road, P.O. Box 169,Hamilton HM AX, BermudaTelephone: +1 441 299 1514Email: [email protected]
Photos by Jean-Pierre Rouja
BEST PROPERTYBERMUDA
Deepwaterby Rego Sotheby’s
International Realty
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Luxury Living on Cape Cod, Massachusetts
PRESENTED BY:
Today Supreme HomesA Division of Today Real Estate, Inc.
TodaySupremeHomes.com
Telephone: +1 508.568.8100
NantucketABUTTING CONSERVATION Beautiful 3 bedroom, 3 bathranch, spacious living room, formal dining, eat-in kitchen, office, plans to convert outbuilding to a 2 bedroom cottage.
Offered at $1,850,000 MLS# (20910342)
West DennisWRINKLE POINT Lovely contemporary Cape with waterviews of Nantucket Sound. Association pool, marina &beach. Features 5 bedrooms, open kitchen and fireplacein living room.
Offered at $1,230,000 MLS# (21000091)
West DennisOPPORTUNITY KNOCKING This move in condition 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch challenges comparison and ispriced to sell to the well-informed purchaser! Comes withpermitted seawall and 48' of deep water docking floats.
Offered at $1,135,000 MLS# (21000022)
South ChathamLOT WITH WATER VIEWS OF TAYLORS POND Located across the street from town landing and just .3 to Cockle Cove Beach. Launch your boat & motor or sail to Nantucket Sound.
Offered at $620,000 MLS# (20910265)
BUY USA
www.international-homes.com
BUYUSA
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Lakeside living couldn’t possibly come muchgrander than at this outstanding property. Secluded on a private peninsula within the waters of Candlewood Lake and designed byDonald McMillian for the former ABC newscaster Ron Cochran, this country lakehome affords a panorama well beyond the reachof the land.
The property is wrapped by a stone bulkheadcomplemented by two white sandy beaches (one facing east and the other facing west for catching both sunrises and sunsets) with lawnand gardens that surrender to the beauty of thescenery. The lake itself is 8.4 miles long with 86miles of shoreline, and is one of the largest man-made lakes in the US.
Arriving in styleMaking its location even more special, this property comes complete with a summer dock
to receive friends and guests by boat or seaplaneto this enchanted peninsula. This home has water on three sides and the large formal livingroom with see through fireplace is sited to takeadvantage of the views. Every element of its designmakes the most of having the premier locationon the southern end of Candlewood Lake.
The interior was designed by the renownedinterior and fashion designer, Iris Barrel Apfel.A masterpiece in leading edge design then, thisstill holds true today. Positioned on the highestpoint of the peninsula boasting a more than 180-degree view of the lake, morning and afternoon sun fills the home with light. Thishome has appeal as a year-round or summer residence. Its elegant landscaped gardens complement the property and help to make the property truly one of a kind. This is the firsttime the property has been offered since the 1960s.
The Quintessential Lake HomeOak Point Club – Côte d’Azur – Connecticut
Portfolio Properties Group, LLPTelephone: +1 860 491 2000Web: www.PPGRealtors.com
Call Invico on:
Tel: +376 807970 Invico s.l.Member of Agents i GestorsImmobiliaris d’Andorra
A N D O R R A
A N D O R R AA N D O R R A
A N D O R R A
Call Invico on:
el:TTe +376 8077970 Invico s.l.Member of AgenImmobiliaris d’A
nts i GestorsAndorra
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Andorra has recently been attracting interna-tional attention for all the right reasons andcould even be your passport to fiscal securityin Europe. For many years it was considered asleepy mountain hamlet snuggled up in the cradle of the Pyrenees Mountains.
Today the wary investor is discovering Europe’s best kept secret, with its private banksand low taxation policy as Andorra is seducingresidents from other ‘bright light’ low tax countries like Monaco and Switzerland.
Country of contrastsAndorra is a country of great contrasts, for herein the height of the Pyrenees you will find a placewith no personal income tax or death duties.High net worth individuals can take advantageof a system that allows non Andorrans to becomeresidents, invest in an ever more lucrative property market and move their funds offshoreto one of Andorra’s modern and efficient private banks.
Yet that’s not all, they can also enjoy a safe andhealthy lifestyle that is hard to beat in today’s
society of personal insecurity. Snow cappedmountains in the winter, and tumbling mountainstreams with fragrant meadows of wildflowerscram the four seasons, making an ideal locationfor the nature lover. Andorra’s bustling streetsare bursting with chic boutiques, internationalrestaurants, and an eternal nightlife for thosewho just don’t want to stop. There is a little ofsomething for everyone.
A modern country that will never lose touchwith its rich and eventful history, today you findAndorra has state-of-the-art communicationsand a banking system which excels on offeringfantastic personal service with efficiency and a lackof bank charges. The tax advantages available tonew residents together with negligible crime rate,a dry, healthy climate and a cosmopolitanlifestyle on the Mediterranean’s doorstep, all goto make this tiny mountain paradise a must onthe discerning investor’s wish list.
Pyrenean paradise
Invico s.l.Telephone: +376 807970Web: www.invicoandorra.com
From townto terrazza
Whether your idea of a dream home is beside a picturesquelake or in the heart of a town steeped in history and
culture, Italy can provide the perfect setting
Collalto Sabino, LazioIl Castello Baronale is a stunning castle only 50kmfrom Rome, dating from the 12th century. Itfeatures nine bedrooms, a separate apartment,grand ballroom, reception rooms, heated pool,tennis court, gardens and historical features.£10,272,498 :: €11.5m :: $16,702,188
Chesterton Humberts International:
+44 (0)20 3040 8210
Country
BUYItaly
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Casale Madama, Lubriano, UmbriaProperty on a hilltop with fabulous views of the‘calanchi’ on the border of Lazio and Umbria. Itconsists of three hectares of land, a beautifullyrestored casale and a detached annex which hasalso been renovated. The whole property andgarden is well maintained and fenced with accessvia an electric gate located at less than 1km fromthe paved road. A swimming pool with great viewscompletes the estate and all utilities are in place.£2,646,108 :: €3m :: $4,052,928
Case in Italia: +39 335 832 9779
Castello di Lucignano, Near SienaOn top of a hill overlooking the landscape of the Chianti Classico region,surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and forests, only 12km from the town ofSiena. Castello di Lucignano’s rich history reaches back to Etruscan times. The castlewas converted into an aristocratic estate, owned by the Barons Ricasoli and hasbeen part of the history of Tuscany ever since, hosting lords and producing wineand olive oil.
The farmhouse is completely restored and divided into two levels, each with anindependent entrance. The top floor is designed for daytime life, with onebathroom and an ample kitchen completely furnished with hand decorated tiles, awonderful fireplace with direct access to the loggia and a living room that opensup into different living areas comprising a dining area, library, TV lounge and sittingroom. The downstairs has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a laundry room.£1,339,094 :: €1.5m :: $2,178,546
Tuscany Real Estate: +39 348 154 3810
Vista Faraglioni CapriJust 15 minutes walk from the Piazzetta of Capri,towards the historic antique Passetiello toAnacapri, this fabulous home has views to die for.It includes three-bedrooms and three bathroomsand is in an ideal position on the mountainbetween Capri and Anacapri. The property isbeing sold fully furnished and leaves nothing to desire. Offers in excess of £4m :: €4.5m :: $6,072,000
World Real Estate Immobiliare:
+39 348 352 8083
Villa Peduzzi, Lake ComoThis Liberty villa was built in 1909 and still has its original art nouveau andfrescos. Empty for the past 50 years, this is a very rare find. Once restored therewill be just four, four to five-bedroom private apartments, each offeringimpressive views and set in three acres of mature grounds which ensureconsiderable privacy. Apart from two large infinity pools, it will also have atennis court.
Only the first floor apartment remains available, measuring 300m2 with fourspacious bedrooms all with stunning views. This apartment will share a largeinfinity pool with one other. The villa has panoramic views over the lake andmountains and is beside the village of Pigra from which a cable car can takeyou to Argegno in just four minutes. Here you can arrange to have your ownboat on a private mooring. £1,523,183 :: €1.75m :: $2,478,258
Ultissimo: +44 (0)203 178 4975
BUY Italy
www.international-homes.com
Cavour 220, RomeThis new development project represents theevolution of the serviced apartments conceptthat has already become established as a newlifestyle in New York, London and Paris andaccepted as a sound investment opportunity.
Cavour220 presents the aesthetic code andstyle of Armani/Casa in an imposing buildingoffering spacious interiors and meeting thehighest criteria of materials and finishes. This isthe first time in Europe that Armani has agreed totake part in a project of such scope and ambition.Sixty-two exclusive apartments have beenplanned, designed in a subtle and sophisticatedstyle and located in one of Rome’s most historicquarters: on the legendary Via Cavour that leadsto the Fori Imperiali and the Coliseum.
Composed of a series of six linked buildingsgrouped around a large garden, it includesunderground parking. Each apartment will haveits own specific ground plan, which can befinalised and furnished to reflect the taste of theowner on the basis of layouts and finishesproposed by Armani/Casa. Personal conciergeservices are also guaranteed 24/7, 365 days a year.From £872,020 :: €600,000 :: $536,006 -
£8,933,547 :: €10m :: $14,532,522
John Taylor Milan: +39 02 48 199 464
Town
Via Marina, MilanA magnificent, modern art penthouse withpanoramic views in Milan’s historical centre in theexclusive Via Marina. Close to both PalestroGardens and Villa Reale, it has 410m2 of livingspace plus a terrace and has been designed bythe famous architect Caccia Dominioni. Builtusing premium materials and with extraluxurious finishes, the penthouse comescomplete with an annexe of 180m2 featuring arelaxation and fitness area.£8,933,547+ :: €10m+ :: $14,532,522+
John Taylor Milan: +39 02 48 199 464
Via della Vitte, RomePenthouse apartment fitted with every modernluxury; centrally located in Via della Vite, just500m from the famous Piazza di Spagna in Rome.This very bright, l,232m2 loft apartmentcomprises a large open plan living room, diningroom, fitted kitchen, master bedroom with walk-in-wardrobe, double bedroom with en suitebathroom, bathroom, Turkish bath, office/furtherbedroom, storage room with bathroom, 60m2stunning roof terrace with Jacuzzi. £4,175,433 :: €4.8m :: $6,794,700
JSS International: +44 (0)20 7828 7387
BUY
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Kea / GreeceEasy access from Athens international airport
(30 min semi-motorway plus 1 hour ferryboat)
Beautiful beaches and bays. Sailing and yachting paradise.
Superb large villa ideal for vacationing and entertaining.Swimming pool and tennis court.Seven bedrooms, five bathrooms.
Fully furnished and equipped + security alarm system.
For further details: owners fax : +30210 3611340
TuscanyTuscan farmhouse beautifully restored immersed in a quaint medieval hamlet
amidst vineyards and olive trees minutes away from Siena. 210m2 on two
levels, with an independent apartment in the lowest floor, plus 2 bedrooms &
2 bathrooms in the main floor, kitchen, living room & dining room. Wonderful
terrace with panoramic views, bbq grill, in 400m2 private garden.
Guide price €750,000. Ref. T-VCO-118
Local estate agents, all properties personally selected. Villas, apartments,
properties to restore, investments, on-going concerns, castles & resorts
REAL ESTATE • VACATION RENTALS • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Tel: +39 0577 355 255 / +39 348 154 3810 Email: [email protected]: www.TuscanyReal-Estate.com
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L
HOMESLuxury Collection
Vol 16 No 5 / £4.50
T H E F I N E S T H O M E S , T R A V E L & L I F E S T Y L EFront Cover:
Pacific Resort Aitutaki
Read International Homes online!www.international-homes.com
Burj Khalifa, DubaiNine hundred homes at The Residenceinclude studios and one to four-bedroomresidences covering levels 19 to 108 of theworld’s tallest building the Burj Khalifa. Apanoply of amenities and services includesky lobbies on Levels 43, 76 and 123,cutting-edge fitness facilities,indoor/outdoor pools, Jacuzzis and arecreation room. There is also a library,cigar club, gourmet market andconvenience store, whilst valet parkingis provided. The tower is set within 11acres of verdant grounds with tenniscourts, water features and a children’splayground; a chic club annexed to thetower incorporates indoor and outdoorpools, two gymnasiums and a spa.Price on application
Burj Khalifa: + 971 4367 5566
Why investors are beating a path backthrough the sands to the doors of Arabia’s
premium high-rise homes, which haveweathered the financial storm
If the 2008 economic crisis was the perfect storm, then it’s fairto say that the United Arab Emirates lay at its epicentre. Inflated prices – spurred by processes such as off-plan flipping – and overproduction, meant that it was just a matter of time before the Middle East property bubble burst,especially given that the wealth of Emirates such as Dubaiwere founded, to some extent, upon hearsay rather than reality. Such is life.
But since then the world has turned, and the scales of illusion have fallen from our eyes revealing the imprimaturof reality. Yes, much of Dubai is still a construction site, andwill remain so until much-fêted developments such as TheWorld are completed. But chastening times have meant thatthe developers and developments that survive in Dubai havedemonstrated their durability, and are now committed tohigher professional standards, whilst flagship state-ownedinvestment company Dubai World is working overtime to appease creditors, namely the multinational banks. Reassuringly, oil-rich neighbour Abu Dhabi lent DubaiUS $10 billion in late 2009, so rumours of economic cataclysm are unfounded.
Bullet-proof propertyBesides, upon the basis of what has been built in Dubai,it is a mightily impressive place. Moreover, not only areyou guaranteed value for money – with prices down ▶
Property Caravan
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more than 50% from peaks in early 2008, youknow that wherever you invest now is likely tobe protected, given crisis-driven horror storiesabout buyers completing on properties, only fordevelopers to fail. Prominent website PropertyAdvice Dubai quotes Dubai Land Department’ssenior legal advisor, Emad Eldin Farouq, as saying, “There are lessons to be learnt from the crisis and we are emerging with a new legalregime. Loopholes in laws are being dealt withand things will become more organised in 2010.”
A draft law being considered by Land RegistryDepartment will predominantly protect buyersin the event of material defects or late deliveryof properties, with remedies available includingrefunds or replacement homes. Failure on thepart of developers to match developmentprogress to payment plans would constitutebreach of contract, and buyers would be able towalk away from signed deals. The Department
is also considering introducing legislation tooversee property brokers who handle trust accounts for transactions.
Identity crisis?Hardly. Although of course, it’s a moot point inrelation to this feature whether Turkey can be reckoned part of Arabia or not, given that the country lies at the apex of four continents:Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe. As for investing here, the country is on the comeback trail after stalling briefly in May2008, when the Turkish Constitutional Courtbriefly suspended the issuance of title deeds forforeign nationals, due to a row over Article 35of the new Title Deed Act.
The dispute did not relate to property ownership rights for individuals per se, who are forbidden from owning property in non-zoned areas. Instead the court suggested that like restrictions be placed on foreign
companies, at a time when outside investors were buying-up swathes of land in rural Eastern Turkey.
Confidence, shaken somewhat but not seriously stirred, is fast-returning to the market,and the timeline for Turkey’s accession to the EUcontinues apace, a process begun in 1987 thatmight be finalised as soon as 2015, whichwould push prices north in the mid to long term.That said, French President Nicolas Sarkozy isa vocal opponent to the country’s accession,whilst problems with Greece (an EU member)relating to the governance of Cyprus continue.Time will tell in this respect.
Now it’s Istanbul…‘[N]ot Constantinople’, as the lyrics to catchy1930s swing song They Might be Giants by Jimmy Kennedy and Nat Simon go. And investors are certainly hymning the attractionsof high-end property in Istanbul. Turkey’s ▶
Sapphire, IstanbulAs well as taking the title of highest building inTurkey and Europe, the 261-metre Sapphire isalso a design classic, and 56 imaginative storeyspack-in 180 apartments, interior gardens everythree storeys, a golf course at 163m and a spaand swimming pool. The tower also includes ashopping center with 134 stores; called SapphireÇarşı it focuses on Turkish design and is situatednext to the metro station in Istanbul’s 4 Leventdistrict. A scenic terrace at the 236m mark islikely to host an upscale restaurant and anightclub, the first of its kind in Turkey. From £637,180 :: €734,000 :: $1 million
Istanbul Sapphire +90 212 444 5111
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spiritual city – towering over Ankara in all butname – the criminally underrated ‘Stamboul isone of three European Capitals of Culture during 2010, and it continues to attracts significant amounts of foreign direct investment,as well as multinational firms that choose to locate here for both favourable business conditionsand Istanbul’s excellent strategic location.
But the city’s advantages do not end with business alone. The hallowed city of Ataturk, revolutionary statesman and first president ofTurkey, is strikingly beautiful, bisected by theBosphorus, spread over seven hills and surrounded on three sides by water, whilst
minarets vie with modern high-rises for controlof a burgeoning cityscape.
Sultanahmet is a small peninsula within Istanbulthat contains a large proportion of its principal sights:the Haghia Sophia is a one-time church that is nowa mosque – revered by Christians and Muslims alike.Tokapi Palace is a remnant from the days of empire, while the Grand Bazaar is claimed as theworld’s oldest shopping centre. Here you cansouse off the grime from one of the world’s biggestcities at a hamam or Turkish steam bath, photographOttoman-era mosques, enjoy fine dining, art galleries and a myriad of nightclubs – all in a placedubbed the ‘City of the World’s Desire’. ■
Samanah Country Club, MarrakechA chic complex located near Marrakech,Samanah Country Club includes a 100-hectare,18-hole golf course designed by Nicklaus Design,a David Leadbetter golf academy, practice areasand a nine-hole ‘chip and putt’ facility. Oncompletion the resort will provide three hotelsand 450 luxury three to seven-bedroom villasthat follow the contours of the golf course;further apartments and houses will be basedaround a residential hub. Architecture andlayouts within the 300-hectare complex are thework of Alain Lelieur and Abdel Ilah Slimani, whowere inspired by traditional Moroccanarchitecture and prioritised views of the Atlas Mountains. General facilities include aswimming pool, spa, tennis and pétanque courts,children’s club and grand place with shops andrestaurants. Morocco’s best ski stations are only45 minutes away.From £132,000 :: €150,000 :: $204,000
Groupe Alain Crenn +33 (0)1 40 75 04 07
THE SAMANAH COUNTRY
CLUB WON THE HIGHEST
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Minh Viet Investment Corporation (MVIC) isa new generation of real estate development in Vietnam. A full service company in real estate, consultancy, investment, development, marketing and sales, it continues to expand tonew levels of prosperity in a diverse and ever-changing market.
By adopting the highest standards throughoutall its projects and business contracts, MVIC delivers innovation in design and constructionto create truly iconic developments. An excellentexample of this is the company’s new landmarkdevelopment. Known as the Tricon Towers, it isthe largest urban development in Northern Vietnam and is strategically located in the major expansion of Hanoi – the capital city ofVietnam. Another development displayingMVIC’s famous ‘one of a kind’ trademark is Bay View Towers in Ha Long Bay, which has been named one of the finalists for the New 7 Wonders of Nature contest. Combining luxurious residential apartments with shoppingand entertainment, it represents the pinnacle ofstylish city living on the coast.
MVIC’s identity has been even furtherstrengthened by the introduction of the international brand power of Coldwell Banker.The company acquired this franchise in orderto help it develop and maintain a world-classstandard of services, training and consultancywithin the real estate sector.
MVIC is also committed to making every effort to support the sustainability of the environment. Due to this, its corporate responsibility initiative program will centre onintroducing green technology throughout its realestate development projects.
Remaining at the forefront of business growth,MVIC continues to develop its business portfolio in Vietnam as well as internationally,in real estate development, investments andmanagement.
As to the future, MVIC is focused to becomea leading investment corporation for real estateboth in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Its aim isto provide the most professional real estate services resulting in the highest benefits and values to all clients.
Minh Viet Investment Corporation
Km 10, HighWay Lang - Hoa Lac., VietnamTel: 04 33656986Fax: 04 33656998Email: [email protected]: www.mvi.com.vn
Iconic
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Penthouse peopleThe highlife isn’t for everyone: you need an appreciation for the finer things in life and ahead for heights – from Monaco to London town
Two words connect all these penthouse apartments: ‘exclusivity’ and ‘elevation’. Theonly problem is deciding where to invest, andwhether to go for something independent orserviced, contemporary or classical.
Starting in the UK, acclaimed firm Dekra has 25 years of experience designing and constructing rooftop developments, and thefirm’s off-site modular method allows it to create sumptuous new-build luxury apartmentson top of existing buildings, thus bringing
residents all the efficiency and comfort of a newbuild apartment in a characterful and classicalsetting. The Penthouse London is a case in point,a three-bed apartment that tops elegant art decobuilding Wellington Court in fashionable St.John’s Wood, with superb views of Lords CricketGround and Battersea Power Station.
“Prospects for the London market in 2010 lookmuch better than for the rest of the country,”according to Yolande Barnes, head of residentialresearch at renowned property agency Savills. ▶
Above: Cannes, French RivieraA splendid penthouse with 180-degree oceanviews and a living area of 295m2, this homecomprises four master suites with full bathroomsat the first and second levels, a kitchen withdining room, large living room and summerlounge. The penthouse also has 480m2 ofterracing that includes a private pool, and it lieswithin a secure complex where lobby access iscontrolled by the concierge, whilst basements aremonitored by CCTV. The residence also contains aluxury spa and beauty salon.Over £8.68m :: €10m :: $13.6m
John Taylor: +33 497 066 565
BUY Penthouses
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Nonetheless, Ms Barnes warns that prime priceappreciation is likely to stagnate in the short-term, given that bonuses to City financiers arelikely to be curbed, “This is likely to reduce theamount of money going into the prime centralLondon property market,” Ms Barnes concludes,meaning that now is a great time to stake yourclaim to a piece of it.
Monte Carlo or bustIf London in the spring isn’t quite warm enoughfor you, then how about the Côte d’Azur? Let’sface it, properties here will always be sensible investments even amidst the most protracted
economic ice age since the 1930s, and prices atthe top end are as competitive as they’ll ever be. Elite Monte Carlo-based agency Monaco Villas is marketing an exceptional frontlinepenthouse in cultural hotspot Juan les Pins, an ‘estate in the sky’ on a quiet frontline residential street.
Only 10.5km from Cannes, the chic town ofJuan les Pins is famous for its jazz festival andpopular with the jet set. Situated opposite thebeach, the apartment enjoys panoramic viewsof Cap d'Antibes, the Isles des Lerins, Cannes,the Esterel mountains and the Alps. Monaco ismore exclusive still, and according to Trevor
Gabriel, managing director, Monaco Villas,“The principality’s skyline highlights the fact thatapartment living is the order of the day, and thepinnacle of apartment living (in every sense) isthe penthouse.”
Mr Gabriel is also sanguine about the commercial advantages of living the high life,“For those high net worth individuals seeking tominimise their exposure to tax, Monaco remainsone of the pre-eminent places to live, whilst italso offers an excellent climate, security and general quality of life.” Monaco Villas is marketing an exquisite three-bedroom penthousewith pool in Le Florestan for a cool €33 million
St John’s Wood, London NW8This Dekra penthouse comes complete with concierge service,and interiors are the work of the firm’s renowned in-house designteam. The living space has a built-in plasma television andpanoramic views over London; an adjacent eat-in kitchenincludes Gaggenau and Siemens appliances, and offers both abreakfast bar and formal eating area. The master suite opensonto a 54m2 terrace with great views, and also has a dressingroom and en suite bathroom. £4.25 million :: €4.9 million :: $6.66 million
Knight Frank: +44 (0)207 586 2777
BUYPenthouses
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(£29.1 million), although Mr Gabriel tells us thathis firm also has homes in the principality opento offers in excess of €80 million (£69.6 million). It’s obvious from these figures thatMonaco is hardly the place to flip property: sellers are rarely desperate to sell and serious buyers already have serious money. Transactionshere are more a labour of love.
Sunshine (e)stateStateside, we were taken by a duplex that encompasses the top two floors of one of the most desirable bayfront buildings in downtown Sarasota, Florida. For sale with
Michael Saunders & Company at $4.425 million(£2.82 million), it has a grand salon with full-length windows and glorious views ofSarasota Bay. Eighty per cent owner financingis available to the buyer, and like the French Riviera, Sarasota possesses excellent long-term investment potential: on account of equable year-round weather, cultural activities, restaurants, golf and the proximity of the AtlanticOcean, not to mention the profusion of luxurious properties in lifestyle communities or condominiums.
What’s more, according to Charles Peerless,director of Winkworth International, you
could potentially turn a tidy profit here, “With low prices on a wide range of top quality luxury villas and condominiums inworld-class developments, combined with afavourable exchange rate and low interest rates, buyers can now buy a home in Florida for about half what they would have paid in 2005.”
Mr Peerless tips prices to rise again sharplythroughout 2010, with Sarasota recently toutedby NBC as the top place in the States to buyproperty. So with interest rates at an all time low,it’s time to turn that stagnant bank balance intoa penthouse, people! ▶
Juan Les Pins, French RivieraThis air-conditioned 385m2 frontline ‘sky estate’ occupies the top four floors ofa new apartment complex. The top level includes a roof terrace with nine-metre pool, gardens and a living-dining-bar area giving on to a deep terrace,kitchen and guest bedroom. Floors are linked by a private lift, and the nextlevel down includes a master suite with his/hers bedrooms, two bathroomsand a study, plus two guest bedroom suites – all adjoining a terrace. Lowerstill there are two guest apartments, each of which has a salon, threebedroom suites and a kitchen. The property includes 228m2 of terracing, sixparking spaces and cellarage.Monaco Villas Real Estate: +377 97 70 10 10
Le Florestan, MonacoAn exceptional penthouse apartment in excellent condition, with threebedroom suites, a generously proportioned reception room, family kitchenwith large terraces and private pool on the roof terrace. This palatial propertyalso includes ample parking and a separate studio apartment for staff.£29.1 million :: €33 million :: $44.7 million
Monaco Villas Real Estate +377 97 70 10 10
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Sarasota Bay, FloridaWith its wraparound balcony and amazing views over Sarasota Bay, thisbeautiful duplex penthouse has four bedrooms and four full bathrooms.Other rooms include a grand salon with full-length window and a 148m2terrace. The luxurious master suite offers breathtaking night views, whileother rooms include a gourmet kitchen, cooking island and reception roomwith bay views. Upstairs a guest suite enjoys panoramic views and anotherseparate guest apartment can be entered privately via the elevator lobby.£2.82 million :: €3.25 million :: $4,425 million
Michael Saunders & Company +1 888 552 5228
Longboat Key, Florida1211 Gulf of Mexico Drive is a three-bedroom condo/townhouse with threefull bathrooms and gorgeous panoramic views of the beach, Gulf of Mexicoand downtown Sarasota. Stunning interiors, remodelled in 2004, includecustom cabinetry throughout: panelled walls, skylights, 10-foot ceilings, solidwood doors, mahogany floors and a wet bar. Other advantages includewooden plantation shutters, a master bathroom with steam unit and massagetub and a kitchen with granite counters and top-end appliances. Touchlighting features throughout, as does Bose surround sound. There are threelarge balconies, as well as two covered parking spaces, and gated communityfacilities include an Olympic-sized swimming pool and tennis courts.£1.02 million :: €1.18 million :: $1.6 million
Michael Saunders & Company +1 888 552 5228
More than just…
www.monaco-villas.com
MonacoMonaco
In the centre of Monte Carlo, 2 minutes walk from the Casino, a fabulously refurbished 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom residence (living space 116m) with alarge living/dining room, wrap-around balcony, a Thai-inspired roof terrace with pool and teak decking. Views are superb to the sea, the coastline, theGrand Prix (from Casino Square to the tunnel) and the mountains in the background. 2 large parking spaces and a cellar. Ref Mo130 is offered at€16,000,000 and its ownership structure enables reduced-cost conveyancing.
Overlooking the beach of Larvotto, Monaco, in a modern high-rise block with superb gardens, pool and fitness centre, with views to literally blow youaway, a pair of duplex apartments which when put together will produce one of the most sensational 5 bedroom, 3 reception room apartments in thePrincipality. The property (320m living space, 130m of terraces) is offered at €25,000,000, and estimates to refurbish are around €4,000,000. Ref 174A also offers the possibility of reduced-cost conveyancing.
2, avenue Saint-Laurent – MC 98000 MonacoTel. : +377 97 70 10 10 – Fax : +377 97 70 10 11 – E-mail : [email protected]
MonacoMonaco
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The Toyosu Tower is a residential building developed by a conglomerate of Japan’s fourlargest developers (Mitsui Fudosan, NomuraReal Estate Development, Mitsubishi Estate andTokyo Tatemono). The project is built on16,000m of land area and it opened in March2009 in Toyosu, Tokyo. Garde designed the interior public spaces including the rooftopdeck, sky lounge, community plaza, library,gym, meeting rooms and guest rooms.
The design is based on an ‘Urban and Nature’concept intended to appeal to people who wantto experience a sophisticated urban lifestyle andstill feel comforted by the surrounding nature.Unity, prestige and comfort are the main designthemes that are carried throughout the project.The goal was to create a benchmark for futureresidential towers, by developing a design thatwould not age though time, and would featureadvanced technology to satisfy residents’ needs.
Depth by designThe seven metre high entrance hall follows a grid-based design which adds depth by leading the viewer’s line of sight far into the backand also helps to create an architecturally well balanced space.
High quality materials, furniture and propsare used to express the prestige of this residentialtower. This is reflected in the marble and leatherfinishes applied to the walls, the polished floortiles, and the five-star hotel level amenities. Thevarious materials also serve to mark the different zones. The warm coloured graniteflooring has two distinct finishes (flamed andchopped) in order to achieve this zoning effect.The deep joints between the limestone slabs onthe walls create visual lines that reflect thegrid based design and enhance the sense ofdepth. The prominent columns also fallingalong the line of sight of the viewer feature amore rugged surfaced stone. This texturedquality is also visible in the ceiling which is painted with a plaster-like finish, adding to thesoft feel of the environment. The seating area isplaced next to the glass wall looking out into the
garden outside and is delineated by a warm, darkwood ceiling.
Artistic design elements are included through-out the interior to accentuate certain areas. Forexample, the elevators are decorated with patterned panels and indirect lighting to attractattention to this area. The lounge area is distinguished from the corridor leading to theelevator hall by specific design features, such asthe dark wooden ceiling, the rugs and theplants. Warm coloured planters and furniture
are chosen to create a relaxing atmosphere.Aimed to serve as one’s second living room, thelounge functions as a space where residents canwelcome guests in a more intimate environmentthan the entrance halls. The large glass wall allowing a view of the garden outside and thewide and comfortable sofas contribute to the luxurious atmosphere.
Warm and welcomingGuest rooms offer unique services and high quality amenities by creating an extraordinaryspace to offer a unique experience. The entranceto the common space is accentuated with onyxstones and indirect lighting, clearly marking theentry into the next rooms. Although the ceilingsare rather low, the indirect lighting placedaround the upper edges of the wall serve to give
the impression of height. Glass walls are used toopen up the space and to give a view of thegreenery outside. More glass is used along thecentral staircase which has been designed in anelegant shape. Gradation sheets are applied tosome of the walls and curtains to give a sense ofprivacy but still allow you to see through to a certain degree.
The design of the walls and columns are inspired by the shapes of the trees outside andviewed together, interior and exterior, create oneunified space. Even the gym environment is designed to be in touch with nature. This isachieved by installing a natural wooden flooringand tall floor to ceiling windows on two sidesof the room, allowing a view of the outside. Thecalm and chic private room is designed tooffer an out of the ordinary environment that isnot readily available at home. Here one can enjoymusic, home theatre, high spec audio visualequipment, and other high tech features.
Last but not least, a simple and straightforwarddesign is used in the library, meant to be a practical and comfortable space. The mainmaterial used is natural wood. The prominent,dark wooden bookshelf against the wall spreadsfrom floor to ceiling and adds a unique quality. The library is equipped with special lighting and furniture not usually installed inapartments, therefore making it a place for residents to enjoy.
Tower of plentyToyosu Tower, Tokyo, Japan
Garde is a leading interior design firm with officesin Tokyo, Osaka, Singapore, Milan, Paris, New Yorkand Los Angeles. Originally specialized in thehigh-end retail sector, Garde provides creativedesign and consulting services for a wide varietyof projects ranging from shops and boutiques todepartment stores and shopping centers, foodand entertainment venues, to corporate interiors,residential and hospitality projects. The companyhas a solid, 25-year track record and has workedfor clients around the world including in Japan,China, Taiwan, Korea, Macao, Estonia, Azerbaijan,Italy, France and Spain. Web: www.garde.co.jpTelephone: +81-3-3407-0007Email: [email protected]
LIVEJapan
Situated in Johannesburg, South Africa – thecontinent’s financial power house – ShakespearePlace One and Two offer opulent luxury and the perfect position in the heart of the city’s reclaimed, redeveloped and rejuvenated CBD.These landmark developments are just a strollaway from all major corporate Head Officesand within striking distance of the stadiumshosting finals of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup.
Following an upgrade in the style of capitalcities such as New York, London, Berlin, Sydney and Los Angeles, the thriving Johannesburg Financial District is well andtruly open for business, and demand for residential space is huge: from the discerning up-and-coming professionals working hereand international visitors alike. Once avoided,this is now a place to aspire to.
Few markets in the world offer such potential for growth. Shouldn’t you be investingin the most desirable address in town?
Shakespeare Place One & Two• Supremely styled and exquisitely elegant
luxury apartments• Superb standard of finish• Magnificent views over the cityscape• Designed by multiple award-winning
Source Architects• Easy access to exclusive shopping promenade,
up-market eateries, trendy coffee shops, boutiques and cigar bars
• Hotel concept with professional rental pool ensuring excellent returns
• SP1: 60 luxury apartments ranging from 48m2 – 300m2
• SP2: 48 luxury lock-and-leave apartments ranging from 38m2 – 83m2
2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup: Facts & Figures
• Taking place in South Africa in June/July 2010• Billions to be invested infrastructure
development in Johannesburg and South Africa
• Projected incoming tourism numbers of 3 million
• Projected direct spend of US $2 billion and economic cash infusion of $3 billion.
• Previous World Cup hosts Paris experienced 60 – 100% escalation in property prices in the year after the event alone, while 70% of previous World Cup Hosts saw an average 25% increase in growth
• Johannesburg is the only South African city to have two Soccer World Cup stadiums, along with another four in striking distance.
• The event has created a desperate demand for luxury accommodation in close proximity to host stadiums.
Contact
Annerette Fourie [email protected] / +27 (0) 82 452 1930
Or visit www.shakespeareplace.co.za and www.coolsp2.co.za
Two perfectly pitched investments The Financial District – Johannesburg CBD – South Africa
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PUNTA SKALAPREMIUM LIVING BY FALKENSTEINER -
LIVING IN PARADISE!
Do you dream of living in paradise? Waking up in your own exclusiveapartment directly on the sea, surrounded by the spectacular naturalbeauty of the Mediterranean?We can give you all that and more. In addition to owning your own dream property, Premium Living byFalkensteiner offers you all the services you would normally expect to find only at a top hotel. From finedining and cleaning services to a wellness and spa area and childcare. Everything you need to make yourstay at Punta Skala pure paradise.
Punta Skala – for the highest quality of living, the best lifestyle and maximum convenience.
Advice and Sales: Falkensteiner Hotels & Residences, Tel.: +43 (0)1 605 40 78, [email protected], www.punta-skala.com
THE REGION OF ZADAR
Swiss blissIf the thought of bathing in thermal spa waters and being massaged with gold after a day’s skiing appeals, then Helen Shield has found just the place
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I must confess that I am usually quite fussywhen faced with the prospect of a hotel stay. Being comfortable in my own home I oftenwonder why I want to go away at all.
I sometimes think it’s a pity that I can’t ski frommy doorstep, have waiter service at home anda full spa on hand just for my ‘holiday’ moments.Due to this, I find I spend an inordinate amountof time researching my idea of a perfect resortwith a focus on finding something different within a couple of hours from the UK.
This year I came up with the eastern Swisstown of Bad Ragaz which is an hour’s easy drivefrom Zurich International Airport. The ‘Bad’ isthe thermal water that streams down from themountains into the town. In the middle of the12th century, hunters from the Benedictinemonastery in Pfafers discovered these hot thermal springs gushing from the rocks of theTamina gorge. The waters, which still flow from the gorge today, have a constant temperature of 36.5ºC.
Going with the flowSome six centuries later this water was transportedalong a four kilometre conduit from the sourcedirectly to the town of Bad Ragaz, which overthe centuries has established itself as one of theworld’s most fashionable health resorts. It has apublic thermal spa with many different pools of this natural thermal water of differing
temperatures which are also used immensely bythe townsfolk themselves.
Attached to the impressive array of publicbaths are two glorious five-star hotels. TheGrand Hotel Quellenhof and the Grand HotelBad Ragaz are owned by the same company withlittle to choose between them. The Grand Hotel Quellenhof was completely rebuilt in1996 and the Spa Suites tower is brand new, having opened in May last year. A gentle
renovation was given to the historical part of theGrand Hotel Hof Ragaz while the rest of the building was demolished and rebuilt in 2008. Infact, the two hotels are joined together and sharethe same facilities. These are far from being justhotels, they are all year round spa and golf resorts, with a thriving casino, a huge businesscentre and even a Swiss medical clinic as attachments. With a ski bus to the ski resort ofPizol in Bad Ragaz just a few kilometres away,this resort topped my list to try.
There was a whole host of things to do at thishotel. Provided you had a healthy budget youcould stay in the spa all day and have one treatment after another. There is the usual arrayof options you would expect, plus a few surprisesas this hotel has a menu of its own. Here you caneven be massaged in gold leaf and chocolate if youwish! Emphasis is put upon total relaxation for the guests and the staff are courteous,knowledgeable and always polite.
Golf and tennis are high on the agenda in thesummer with a PGA 18-hole championshipcourse, as well as a nine-hole. There’s also an outdoor swimming, al fresco dining and walking.The latter is very much on the programme in thewinter months too, with the hotel organisingvarious hikes through the Swiss countryside andmountains. The hotel is very accommodating whenguests need transport to the nearby Pizol Mountain resort for skiing. Here I found the ski-lifts to be almost queue-free, the snow to be goodand a range of runs totalling around 40 kilometres.
The hotel has its own cinema room, which wasnearly always free for viewing, in which case youcould choose from a large film menu wheneverthe idea took your fancy. Waiter service is alwayson hand to provide you with refreshments to order. Other leisure facilities include a bowlingalley, table tennis, snooker, a gymnasium, various swimming pools (all with thermal spawater), saunas, steam rooms and jacuzzi baths.
1 A Spa Suite in the Quellenhof
2 The world’s first Swarovski Crystal embellished steam room
3 Choose from the singing bowl massage, the tam tam gong treatment or try the choco-therapy or vinothererapy massage for something different
4 Feel the power of Bad Ragaz spring thermal waterwith its balanced minerals and healing benefits
5 The ‘Tamina’ public spa baths
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Lap of luxuryEach individual and beautifully decorated bedroom left little to be desired in terms of facilities. My room was a new spa suite whichoffered not only a spa bath but also a huge plasma screen which was additional to those in both the bedroom and sitting area. The bathroom also included a full sized sauna anda steam shower. As for the bed, this had a remotecontrol which allowed you to soften or hardeneach side of the mattress to ensure you were going to be comfortable – even the toilet had its own gadgets, again operated by a remote control.
The hotel has seven restaurants ranging from gourmet to traditional, oriental and international. There was a huge food choice andall the dishes were well presented and cooked.More unusually these days there was even a separate cigar room provided for the after dinner smokers. Indeed, hardly anything seemed to be missing from this aptly namedGrand Hotel. ■
Grand Resort Bad Ragaz7310 Bad RagazSwitzerlandTel: + 41 (0)81 3033030Fax: + 41 (0)81 3033033Email: [email protected]: www.resortragaz.ch
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If you are a perfectionist who sets very high personal standards and is therefore only satisfied with the best in property, architecture,location, leisure facilities, amenities and customer service, then look no further than thewinning entrants from the International Property Awards. Anyone doing business withthese companies can rest assured that they havehad to demonstrate the highest level of expertise to win first of all at country level before going forward as a nominee to be re-judged at international level.
Each individual awards’ programme has a total of 36 different residential and commercialcategories and up to two of the most outstandingentries in each category are given a four-staraward, while the best overall entry is given a five-star. Supported by a host of well-respectedprofessional bodies such as FIABCI, NAEA andNHBC to name but a few, and judged by an independent team of experts in the property,
design, construction fields, property writers andsponsors, the awards are now in their 16th year.
The winners were announced at a gala presentation dinner in San Diego, California andnominees from around the world gathered todiscover whether they had achieved the ultimateWorld’s Best status. A networking event also tookplace during the day which enabled the gatheredproperty professionals to present and attend seminars and forge important links with othercompanies in the same business.
President of the International PropertyAwards Stuart Shield says, “Companies reallyrose to the challenge during this difficult year and their supreme efforts have been justly rewarded. They can now display winners’ logos on all their marketing material and berecognised by both their peers and the increasingly discerning public as being amongthe best property companies, not only nationallybut worldwide.”
On Top of the WorldAfter much deliberation by the judging panel, we can now reveal those
proud companies who have become the nominees and ultimate World’s Best winners of the International Property Awards
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How to Enter
The Property Awards programme is open to property developers, builders,estate agents, brokers, realtors, interiordesigners, architects, public relations and advertising agencies. Propertiesunder development can be entered atany stage of construction providedplanning approval has been granted and companies may submit single ormultiple entries.
For further information call the awardsteam on +44 (0)1245 358877 or visit thewebsite at www.propertyawards.net toregister online.
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Bidding raises the roof!Bidding went through the roof at a charity auction in aid of Save the Children at the International Property Awards’ gala presentationdinner in London’s Grosvenor Square recently.The coveted prize was a three-night stay in aluxurious apartment on the yacht named The World.
Bigger even than Roman Abramovich’s £300million yacht, this amazing vessel is renownedfor its elegance, first class service and superb facilities. The yacht, which is the size of a ship,is jointly owned by a number of very wealthy individuals. It was launched eight years ago andis on a continuous round the world voyage.
Auctioneer for the event was Peter Bolton-King, chief executive of the National Associationof Estate Agents, who brought the hammer downon a £12,500 bid after 30 minutes of nail bitingtension. Having expected to raise around £4,000for the charity, the organisers were delightedwhen property professionals from across Europewho were gathered to collect their awards took
part with such enthusiasm. This appears to showthat, despite the recession, those in the propertymarket are displaying positive signs of recoveryand renewed confidence for 2010.
The highest bidder was Erdinc Varlibas,CEO of Varyap, an award winning propertycompany based in Istanbul, who is now considering raising money for another charity,the Make A Wish Foundation for childrenwith life threatening illnesses, by auctioning thevoyage a second time.
In light of the recent horrific earthquake inHaiti and the large number of injured, StuartShield, president of the International PropertyAwards, expressly requested that the money be sent to aid the children affected by the devastation. He says, “The amount would haveprobably been even bigger but the bidding waswrapped up otherwise our event would haveended well after midnight and I was delighteda noble cause will benefit from such an indulgent pastime.”
The Wave, Muscat, is being developed through a joint venture comprising Waterfront Investments S.A.O.C. (representing the Government of the Sultanate of Oman), National Investment Funds Company (representing the Omani Pension Funds), and the UAE-based Majid Al Futtaim Group.
Combine the stability of Oman with the lifestyle you dream of.That’s The Wave, MuscatThe Sultanate of Oman has historically proven itself to be a beacon of stability and
economic growth in the Gulf region. And, within Oman, The Wave is leading the way in
combining a great lifestyle with solid investment potential. With an 18-hole Greg Norman
links golf course and a 300-berth Marina, The Wave is a carefully master-planned project
with residential properties, shopping and restaurants, 5 star hotels and 6 kms of natural
beach. With over 350 homes already delivered to its customers, The Wave, Muscat is
fast becoming a vibrant, sustainable, international community. That's why a home at
The Wave is an investment in life for generations to come.
The Wave, Muscat. An investment in life.
www.thewavemuscat.com
+968 24 54 54 28 | [email protected]
1 8 H o l e G o l f C o u r s e • 3 0 0 B e r t h M a r i n a • 5 S t a r H o t e l s • 1 2 0 R e t a i l O u t l e t s • 1 8 P a r k s
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If spotting whales is your ‘thing’, and let’sface it, the sight of 14m Southern Right whales‘tail-slapping’ is impressive, then the seasidetown of Hermanus, set within Walker Bay onSouth Africa’s West Cape, is the perfect basefrom which to observe their seasonal antics.
These occur principally during May andNovember each year, when the whales come hereto calve, mate and frolic. Hermanus is touted asthe best land-based point in the world to watchwhales from – so if you come here pack an SLRcamera and binoculars. Local firms also offer water-based whale safaris, and Hermanus WhaleCruises (+27 (0)28 313 2722) is a trustworthyoperator providing two-hour cruises for adultsat R400 (£33) and children R150 (£12.40). But when the whales come within metres of themainland, such trips are a luxury rather than a necessity.
Enter the Cape Floral KingdomMost South African and foreign visitors gather inHermanus to enjoy the great outdoors, and thetown’s lagoon is ideal for sailing, paragliding orsimply paddling. Thrill-seekers will revel in pastimes such as shark cage-diving whilst budding botanists will appreciate the more
tranquil Fernkloof Nature Reserve, part of therare belt of native South African shrubland orfynbos that constitutes the Cape Floral Kingdom.This is the smallest and richest of the earth’s six floral kingdoms, with over 9,000 species ofplant covering 46,000m2. The reserve lies in theKleinrivier Mountains above Hermanus, and attracts sunbirds and superlatives – the last from visitors.
Wine, dine and unwindTraditionally revered as South Africa’s Riviera,on account of its appeal to sun-deprived Europeans keen to escape northern winters, Hermanus isn’t a party place, and attractions arecorrespondingly civilised.
That said, you can have a whale of a time atthe town museum and golf course, whilst culinary highlights include bistros, steakhousesand seafood restaurants: The Burgundy (+27(0)28 312 2800) is highly rated by travellers – aseafood platter costs only R130 (£10.50) –whilst the family-run Savannah Café (+27(0)28 312 4259) serves tasty breakfasts andlunches from around R80 (£6.50).
The West Cape produces some of the finestwine in South Africa and the world, so a visit to
one or more of the local vineyards is wellworthwhile. We heard about Lynx Wines (+27(0)21 867 0406) on the travel grapevine. Just outside Franschhoek – around 100km and a scenic drive north of Hermanus – this boutiquevineyard produces only 2,500 casks per year.Owner Dieter Sellmeyer leads guided tours, andthe vineyard’s flagship is a ‘meaty’ Shiraz (R1,440or £117 for a case of 12 bottles); other varietiesof note include a Cabernet Franc, Viognier andGrenache, all of which would serve as finechasers to the wonderful food and stunningwildlife of South Africa’s Western Cape.
Walker Bay, South Africa
Travel with the world’s bestHunker-down at these two bijou resorts, both of which proved world-beaters atthe 2009 International Property Awards
Fast facts – Hermanus
■ When to go: July/August can be wet and cold, so the locals suggest September (early spring) when the temperature reaches a clement 17˚C and the Whale Festival (September 24th - 27th 2010) is underway. During November and December (high summer) Hermanus is crowded and costlier.
■ Pastimes: Whale-watching, vineyards, hiking, beaches.
■ Get there: British Airways BA0059 services Heathrow and Cape Town daily.
www.toptenproperties.net
Birkenhead HousePerched high on the cliffs of Hermanus, overlooking Walker Bay, Birkenhead
House is the ultimate coastal retreat. An elegant beach-house atmosphere
reflects the beauty of its coastal setting, along with decorative antiques,
maps and artworks; most of the 11 opulent sea-facing studio rooms offer
vistas of Walker Bay and the Overberg Mountains. Expect full room service
and lavish meals on varied menus, whilst facilities include split-level and
infinity swimming pools, a gymnasium, spa and treatment centre. Two
great beaches lie nearby, as do mountain and cliff trails that showcase the
Cape Floral Kingdom.
From £280 :: €324 :: $455 – Nightly rates include meals and wineBirkenhead House: +27 (0)28 314 8000
BEST INTERNATIONAL SMALL HOTEL
Birkenhead House
www.international-homes.com
World-class hotels in Mauritius are renownedfor being the best in the Indian Ocean, and amixture of bloodlines ensure that the countryis as multicultural as it is secure and friendly.Where activities are concerned, as alwaysnowadays, the well-heeled traveller can go à lacarte, although not all pursuits cost money.
Mount Le Pouce or ‘The Thumb’ at 812m isan easy two-hour hike from La Laura village, andit rewards with 360-degree views of Mauritius’nearby capital Port Louis and sister peak PieterBoth, the latter named after the first Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies who drownedoff the island in 1615.
Stamp of excellencePort Louis was once a drowsy colonial town, butmankind’s quest for the higher and (often) lesscharming means that the CBD now looks disappointingly international. Yet underneath itssteely veneer, the city’s softer, postcard-friendlypast survives amidst half-overheard snatches ofFrench Creole patois, the colourful ChineseQuarter with its spice sellers and the statelyMoorish arches of Mauritius’ most impressivereligious building, the Jummah Mosque.
Elsewhere, the sun-dappled paths of palm-filled Jardin de la Compagnie lie adjacent to theNatural History Museum with its skeleton of thehapless Dodo bird, hunted to extinction in
1690. Rather more lively is the colourful Central Market that piles high everything from pareos (wraparound skirts) to handbags,whilst philatelists will appreciate two of the world’s rarest stamps, one and two-pennyMauritian first issues, at the Blue Penny Museum (Rs150/£3).
Life’s great gameFurther north, fishing village Grand Baie isrenowned for watersports, although gourmandswill prefer renowned restaurant La LangousteGrisée (+230 263 1035). A calorific menu terroirfeatures delicacies such as Perigord Duck Magret and the restaurant’s signature lobsterdishes, although these last weigh-in at Rs2,500(£54) per kilo. Still, it’s a price worth paying foreating inspired Franco-Mauritian cuisine andrubbing shoulders with the international jet-set.
Near our featured hotel Le Touessrok on thecentral eastern coast, Ile aux Cerfs is a chic island playground with beaches, golf and watersports, whilst Black Gorges National Parkin Southwest Mauritius is a 16,788-acre forest fullof indigenous flora and fauna. For an adventurousisland lunch of venison curry – with an equallybold view – try Panoramour Restaurant (+230634 5011, open 11am-3pm daily) within theKestrel Valley resort. Near La Vieux Grand Porton the southeast coast, this rustic eco-tourism
retreat is popular with celebrities fond oftrekking and (some might object to this) hunting – specifically Java deer.
Whilst on Mauritius, you should also try big-game fishing, although there have beenrumours of overfishing in recent years. JPHCharters (+230 729 0901), situated in Black River Bay on the west coast, charters modern 26, 34 and 43-foot boats from €330 (£286) fora half day, including lunch. Nothing beats a sea-breeze rough with salt early in the day, andlater on a fresh marlin steak chased down witha glass of the local rhum arrangé – rum infusedwith cinnamon, bergamot and orange peel.Hopefully, our synopsis has also whetted yourappetite, in terms of providing a brief précis ofwhat Mauritius, pearl of the Indian Ocean, hasto offer. ■
Mauritius
Fast facts – Mauritius
■ When to go: During winter, July to September, temperatures on the coasts average 24˚C – given low humidity levels this is the best time to visit. January to April is humid and stormy, Christmas and New Year is busier and pricier.
■ Pastimes: Trekking, hunting, fishing, museums, markets, fine-dining.
■ Get there: British Airways BA123 services Heathrow and Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport several times weekly.
Le TouessrokMember of The Leading Hotels of the World and
five-star flagship of Sun Resorts Limited, Le
Touessrok lies on Mauritius’ east coast, 50 minutes
from Port Louis. The resort includes two islands: Ile
aux Cerfs, with its Bernhard Langer-designed golf
course, and the Ilot Mangenie retreat. The resort is
the quintessence of easy-going chic, and facilities
include a Givenchy spa, fine restaurants, beaches
and pools, a fitness centre, tennis courts, watersports
facilities and kids’ club. Accommodation comprises
197 Junior Suites, 68 Deluxe Rooms, six Ocean
Suites and one Royal Suite. Several three-bedroom
villas have private pools and gardens.
From £146 :: €160 :: $241 per nightLe Touessrok: +230 402 7400
BEST INTERNATIONAL HOTEL
Le Touessrokby Sun Resorts Ltd
www.international-homes.com
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New designhorizonsArchitecture isn’t just about building houses. These three builds highlight itswider social import, from logistics centres to design-led office and public sectorspaces, proving that the sun never sets on architectural innovation
GazeleySince 1987 Gazeley has built over 5.6 million m2
of high quality, cost-effective warehouses and
distribution parks across the globe for clients
such as P&G, Nestlé, Asda/Wal-Mart, Morrisons,
Volkswagen, John Lewis, DHL, CEVA, Geodis,
TNT, Zufall and Norbert Dentressangle. Gazeley
delivers ‘build-to-suit’ warehouses from
10,000m2 on a leasehold or freehold basis, and
is committed to developing structures with
strong environmental and energy efficient
credentials, as well as providing customers with
operational savings. The company forms part of
Economic Zones World (EZW), a Dubai World
company engaged in development projects
across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and
the Americas.
G.Park Blue Planet, Stoke-on-Trent, UKThe world’s first logistics building to be rated‘outstanding’ by top building environmentalassessment method BREEAM, G.Park Blue Planetis also the UK’s first carbon-positive structure ofits kind, with all its energy and heat supplied byrenewable sources. These include an onsitebiomass micro power station, rooflights withintegrated photovoltaic cells, solar thermal waterheating for offices and kinetic energy plates thatproduce power when driven over by vehicles onoutside access roads. Energy-saving featuresinclude ‘intelligent’ lighting, superb insulationand rainwater collection for office use. In fact, thefacility exports energy to the UK National Grid,enough to power 3,100 homes. Total savings forbusinesses based here are estimated at animpressive £3 million (€3.39 million) over 10years, and space is still available. Gazeley: +44 (0)207 901 4455
BEST INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIAL
DEVELOPMENT
G.Park Blue Planetby Gazeley
www.international-homes.com
SHH Architectural practice and design consultancy
SHH was established in 1992 by directors and
co-founders David Spence, Graham Harris and
Neil Hogan. Based in west London, the 40-
strong practice comprises architects, interior
designers, graphic designers, technical and
administrative staff. Prestigious international
clients include Christie’s, Savills and the Mittal
family, and SHH offers a full architectural,
interiors and branding service – from planning
and architecture through to styling, decoration,
environmental and 2D graphics. Having initially
specialised in luxury housing, the firm’s
portfolio now encompasses shops, bars,
restaurants, hotels, leisure centres, nightclubs
and offices, as well as lighting, graphics,
signage and digital media projects.
Manchester Square Offices,
London W1, UKAt the bidding of a private investment firm, SHHwas asked to create a ‘high impact, 21st-centuryoffice interior with a strong personality’, morereminiscent of a gentlemen’s club than atraditional office space. The basis for this briefwas a Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse, andalthough the clients favoured a contemporarydesign, they were happy to strike a subtlebalance between modern elements and classicaltouches that respected the history of thebuilding. This approach is reflected in the lack offront-door company branding, while interiorsexpress different personalities by virtue of variedcolour saturation and differing degrees offormality – from office areas to dramatic meetingrooms. Bespoke lighting and art includes twochandeliers specially designed by MichaelAnastassiades and wall projections by HugoDalton, whose sketches of ballet dancers werecut on to stainless steel disks and fitted intoceiling-mounted projectors. SHH: +44 (0)20 8600 4171
Astudio ArchitectureEstablished in late 2006, Astudio is a young,
dynamic practice that delivers world-class
architecture. Noting the ever-increasing
emphasis upon low energy buildings, the
company employs a specialist environmental
engineer who is involved with the design of
each project from the outset, and the practice
also works hard to maximise the potential of
each site, creating low-energy structures with
minimum environmental impact. Using
experience as well as sophisticated modelling
software, Astudio offers clients a unique service
that brings the environment to the heart of the
design process.
Wigan City Campus, Wigan, UKA radical development that links the commercial,civic and cultural quarters of Wigan town, the CityCampus was designed by Astudio in associationwith LCE Architects. Two new public spaces oneither side of the existing town hall incorporatecouncil offices designed to provide thecommunity with a one-stop shop for councilservices, while a public library and 25mswimming pool are also integral to the project. A cutting-edge building in the heart of Wigan’surban conservation area, the campus utilises thehistoric façade of the old municipal building,which provides an impressive and strikingcontrast to the new facilities. These project aforward-thinking vision that reflects the council’svision for the future.Astudio Architecture +44 (0) 207 401 4100
THE INTERNATIONAL INTERIOR DESIGN
AWARD
Manchester Squareby SHH
BEST INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC SERVICES DEVELOPMENT
Wigan City Campusby Astudio Ltd, LCE
Architects, Bisset Adams
www.international-homes.com
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BUYInteriors
www.toptenproperties.net
Landmass PropertiesLandmass was set up in 1998 by Alan Waxman
to develop a portfolio of rental investments. As
the price of property grew, Landmass changed
direction and began to develop instead of
buying to let. The company identified a gap in
the market for high end interior designed
homes, where purchasers would appreciate the
space planning, design, finishes and execution.
Over the last nine years, Landmass has bought
and sold 40 properties with re-sale values now
in the £5m - £20m (€8,110,000 - €32,436,000)
bracket.
The company specialises in transforming
outdated, tired properties into sophisticated
homes with high quality facilities, interiors and
finishes. For some time, it has been a market
leader in made to measure designs for clients.
Landmass says that its approach is unique in
that it has its own building company, Lionhead
Construction, guaranteeing superlative quality.
The specialist techniques Landmass uses are
to spend more time than usual on
brainstorming the space planning because
unless this element of design is spot on, even if
the finishes are good, the product is still
compromised if its layout is poor. For this
reason, Landmass prides itself on creating the
best layout and luxury finishes within the
challenges created in the London market -
continual lack of space and light.
Landmass aims to handle the client’s
property as one of its own and take the project
all the way from design conception through to
completion on their behalf so that the client
gets a fabulously designed home which they
can enjoy to its full potential.
21 Grosvenor Crescent Mews, Belgravia,
London SW1Prime Belgravia, Knightsbridge and thesurrounding areas attract high net worthindividuals who want a London internationalbase. They are used to being in the best locationsand surrounded by exciting design and qualityworkmanship. Hence, this magnificent mewshouse over four floors comes complete with aretractable glass roof and internal water featureplunging the height of the entire property.
A totally newly developed house in Belgravia’sonly private, exclusive and secure gated mews.Landmass has been using skilled designers andcraftsmen and a two-year timescale to producean exquisite home, where attention to detail iseverything. All the furniture for the kitchen andbathrooms has been designed and built by hand,nothing is off the shelf.
The extensive interior design includes an inneratrium with a nine metre internal water feature,Zen garden, air-conditioning and heated floors,media room, steam room, gym, study and garage.Technology and security throughout the home ispiped through over 10 miles of cabling. Virtuallyevery indulgence has been fulfilled to satisfy themost discerning tastes.£12m :: €13,753,184 :: $19,375,589
Landmass Properties Limited:
+44 (0)20 7731 6147
INTERNATIONALNOMINEE
THE INTERIOR DESIGN AWARD UK
21 GrosvenorCrescent Mews
by LandmassProperties Ltd
www.international-homes.com
Design ClassHaving lived and worked in the Gulf Region for
almost 20 years and after successfully completing
an array of projects there, mainly in the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia, Kamal Barhoum founded Design
Class in 1995. He was later joined by his son Tarek
who graduated from the American University of
Beirut in 2003 and who had already accumulated
four years of experience with practices in Jeddah
and Beirut. With its main office now located in
Beirut, Design Class takes on projects of all
ranges in architecture and interior design.
Design Class has a simple but strategic
approach in interior design: follow the client’s
requirements and reflect his vision and
aspirations through the space itself. In residential
spaces, stress is put on client taste and needs
and search for comfort and serenity. In
commercial spaces, the identity of the brand is
analysed and enhanced through the
environment that Design Class creates for it. In
workspaces, users’ requirements are studied in
relation to their patterns of work, always
considering that the workplace environment
created would greatly influence the attitude of its
users. As with architectural projects, engineers
and cost consultants are always involved from
the early stages of the design process in order to
ensure a comprehensive project within an
efficient time frame.
HRH Prince Mohammed Bin Fahed Bin
Abdulaziz Al-Saoud Private Residential
Complex, LebanonDuring the summer of 2002, HRH PrinceMohammed Bin Fahed Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saoudawarded Design Class the full interior designcontract for his private residential complex inLebanon, just after the company had completedthe architectural documents for the same project.
Located on one of Lebanon’s most beautiful hillsin Shnaniir, the main villa has a full 360-degreeview towards Beirut, the bay of Jounieh, and MountLebanon. The client requested a summerhousewith very specific requirements and it was DesignClass’ task to insure that the end product wouldtruly reflect his royal status, stressing on thedichotomy between public and private use of the house.
The design approach focuses on the client’srefined classical taste, and modern thinking inlayout planning and furniture distribution.Therefore, it was imperative to fully understand thelifestyle of the owners in order to faithfullyimplement it in the design. The majestic mainentrance hall was thoroughly designed toimmediately give the user a first impression of royalproportions, thus triggering his imagination on thespaces to come.
Throughout the interior design reasoning, theconcept of corridor spaces was eliminated. Thebedroom suites open up to lobbies which aredirectly adjacent to the main hall, thus maintainingand stressing the notion of privacy. The bedroomsare treated individually according to each user’srequirements and preferences. For instance, theyoung prince requested Versace designs and sothey were integrated in the carpets, fabrics, andfurniture. Meanwhile, the princesses are fans offairy tales and so feathers decorate the lightingfixtures and their beds are wonderfully extravagant creations.Design Class: +961 5 455 770
BEST INTERNATIONAL INTERIOR DESIGN
H.R.H. Prince Mohammed Bin Fahed Bin Abdulaziz
Al-Saoud Private Residential Complex
by Design ClassKamal Barhoum
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Prokris GroupFollowing a very successful 48-year career in
the construction industry, Angelos
Dimitropoulos formed Prokris Group with his
son Georgios. Formerly known as AGDev,
Prokris Group is a name synonymous with
quality in the property sector in Greece.
Established in 1988, Prokris Group consists of
Prokris Architecture, Interior Design, Planning,
Construction and Technologies all working
together and supplementing each other in
order to design, construct, market and service
superior properties.
Prokris Architecture and Interior Design
created its own custom design tools to provide
customer friendly services. The team has
collected several custom interior and exterior
models and developed their very own software
applications including a set of sophisticated
virtual design tools so that customers can
visualise their concept ideas instantly (real-
time), creatively and conveniently.
The software applications are supported by
state-of-the-art computer hardware in order to
show customers their home completely
finished before construction starts. The team,
together with the customers, can then design
the interior and the exterior of the house right
down to the smallest detail.
Villa Quarda, Kefalonia, GreeceCreated with great respect for the scenery, a mixof high quality materials and thoughtful design,Villa Quarda is a property with understatedelegance and simplicity. The reasoning behindthe design was for the house to complement theview fully. The villa is set in a magical location onthe edge of a cliff, just metres away from thewater’s edge in one acre of lush green land whichextends to a secluded sandy beach.
The house has an ‘upside down’ layout with theinterior living space (lounge, dining area, kitchenand wash room) on the top level. There are threebedrooms, family bathroom, shower room, homecinema and utility room on the lower level. Allbedrooms have sea views and open to anexpansive lower balcony.
The living area is dominated by a hugewindow with sliding doors which open on to alarge balcony. The concept was for the view to bethe first thing that one would see upon enteringthe living area and to create the feeling of beingat sea – permanently cruising. The interiordecoration with its simple, elegant, minimal styledoes not distract the eye with busy patterns andcolours, instead it frames the view and creates arelaxing environment.
The materials used were chosen to be inkeeping with the nautical style of the villa, forexample the all wooden bespoke kitchen and thearched wooden bath surround which follows thecurves of the boat. The use of white washed painton the wooden roof is reminiscent of washedbeach wood.
Although the owners would only be inresidence during the summer, this could changein the near future. Therefore the specificationsshould not be for a seasonal home, so extrafeatures such as central heating and a fire placewould have to be included.
The clients were very specific about their ideas.The husband has a busy work life and wanted tocreate a kind of sanctuary, a place where he couldrelax. They had chosen the plot because of itsideal location and wanted the interior of theproperty to be a calm space. They also requestedthat the living space wasn’t ‘cut up’ by followingthe conventional design layouts of kitchen,lounge, dining as separate rooms. Prokris Group: +30 267 102 9312
BEST INTERIOR DESIGN EUROPE
Villa Quadraby Prokris Group
BEST INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Villa Green, Tropicana Indah Resort Homes
by Dijaya Corporation Berhad
Dijaya Corporation BerhadOne of the finest property developers in
Malaysia, Dijaya Corporation Berhad strives to
develop innovative, high-quality builds in
sought-after locations. The firm is active in the
property investment, property management,
investment holding and manufacturing sectors,
and acceded to the main board of the Bursa
Malaysia in 1992.
Originally involved in the manufacturing of
building pipes, the company broadened its
base to involve mechanical engineering,
equipment fabrication and installation, as well
as general contracting. Then in 1995, the
acquisition of Tropicana Golf & Country Resort
significantly marked Dijaya’s business
diversification and its first venture into the
property industry. Subsequently, the group’s
present name – Dijaya Corporation Berhad –
was formally assumed in 1997 in order to better
reflect the change in the group’s overall core
business to resort and property development
and other related activities.
Petaling Jaya, MalaysiaVilla Green comprises only 86 three-storeyFairway Villas located within the Tropicana IndahResort Homes township, a secure resort adjacentto the Tropicana Golf & Country Resort that offersa select range of bungalows and semi-detachedhouses. The township is set within 409 acres thatincludes manicured 18-hole fairways and 50 acresof virgin forest. Fairway Villas at Villa Green allhave floorplans of 576m2, five bedrooms(including two master suites with en suites andJacuzzis), smart home security systems and airconditioning.
Other things of note about Villa Green are themany ‘Smart Home’ features that comestandardised in every property. For example, theair-conditioning can be turned on to cool thehouse before you arrive simply by remotelyswitching it on via your mobile phone, lights andburglar alarms can also be activated remotely.Dijaya Corporation Berhad: +603 7728 2018
Building on firm foundations, these
award-winning developers are shaping
the future for properties that will
stand the test of quality as well as time
Prime projects
www.international-homes.com
Domaine de LavagnacHaving competed against 32 other companies
for the Chateau de Lavagnac project, Domaine
de Lavagnac (DDL) won the tendering process
because its resort concept was thought by the
French authorities to be far and away superior
to all the others. Its ideas included a golf course
(to be finished at the same time as the first
phase), golf clubhouse and golf academy,
tennis courts and tennis academy and a world-
class spa. However, it also made provision for a
village centre with restaurants, shops and a
conference centre. This provides the 'critical
mass' for the resort to function financially in the
future.
DDL has brought together the finest people
to create the project, using only the best
architects, project managers, financial
controllers, golf architects, resort and tourism
advisors and legal experts. No less than 216
properties were sold in just five months, which
DDL believes must be the finest performance of
any project in Europe, and construction will
commence imminently.
Domaine de Lavagnac Described as the most exciting development inthe south of France, Domaine de Lavagnaccombines luxury homes, an 18-hole golf courseand club and a luxurious spa. All this encircles a400-year old chateau known as the ‘Versailles ofLanguedoc’ – which is to become a five-star hotelwith terraces overlooking the chateau’s formalgardens. The chateau with its hotel is the 'jewel inthe crown' of the estate – and around it will beevery facility one could wish for – all withinwalking distance of their home, and all integratedinto 192 hectares of unspoilt woodlands andvineyards.
Properties will be within one of many highlyindividual hamlets and avenues scatteredamongst the pine forests and vineyards of theestate. Each house has been designed to follow(rather than impose itself on) the naturalcontours of the land – striking a perfect balancebetween privacy and a sense of community.Every home will be built from the highest-quality,natural materials, such as Mediterranean oak,Caune marble and local limestone. Sophisticatedheat-reducing glass, centrally-controlled woodenshutters and ‘green roofs’ will keep interiors cool in summer, while letting in Languedoc’sfamous sunlight.
The international golf course at the Domainede Lavagnac will be one of the most beautifuland natural in Europe. It will also be quite radicalin design. Rather than being forcibly carved outof the landscape like so many modern courses,the 18 holes of Lavagnac will follow the naturallie the land.
The philosophy and passion behind this uniquedesign is that of the domain’s co-owner, CharlesCox, who played professional golf at the highestlevel for seven years on the PGA European Tour.His dream was to take golf course design forwardby going back in time – to an era when coursescould only be built where the landscape wasinteresting enough to sustain them.Domaine de Lavagnac: +33 (0) 4 67 24 84 98
BEST INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
WEBSITE
www.domainedelavagnac.comby Domaine de Lavagnac
BUYDevelopers
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St Sophia HomesAs one of the leading real estate development
and investment companies in the Kiev market,
St Sophia Homes has encompassed the whole
development process from planning and
design to building maintenance. Over the
course of less than four years, the company has
grown into a leading player in Ukraine’s
business, residential and hotel property sectors.
Its focus is on upscale residential developments,
exclusive hotels at the top end of the market,
and some of the most prestigious offices in
Europe. Across almost 1,500,000m2 of current
projects, St Sophia Homes has a single aim – to
deliver the highest standards in quality and
design available on the international stage.
Riviera Riverside, Kiev, UkraineOccupying a superb river location on the RiverDnieper in central Kiev, Riviera Riverside is anelite residential development in its own right, butits crowning glory is a private marina forresidents with 211 fully equipped berths. This hasspace for craft of six to 18m and super yachts upto 30m, and also has a recreation zone, cafés,restaurants, bars and boat servicing facilities.
There are 201 one to six-bedroom apartmentsand exclusive penthouses housed in seven linked,fine tile and glass-fronted buildings of nine to 14floors, with fluid lines that reflect the Dnieper’scourse. All units are serviced by elevators andhave private balconies or sun terraces, while 3.3mglazing ensures panoramic city views; interiorsshowcase elegant pastel décor, wood flooring,fibre-optic services and air conditioning.
A secure development, Riviera Riverside alsooffers easy road or infrastructure access andunderground parking, and all within verdantparkland that includes a children’s playgroundand sports facilities such as a tennis court.Ground floors in buildings contain lobbies withconcierge service desks and lounges, while publicareas are styled by prominent interior designers.St Sophia Homes: +38 044 492 0505
Nice Day DevelopmentsFounded in 1996 in Nicosia, Cyprus, Nice Day
Developments is a daughter company of the
reputable J&P Company, which has strong
international growth in and around the
Mediterranean and the Middle East. Preliminary
a land development company, Nice Day’s target
has been to establish an incomparable high
quality-building standard, whilst keeping a
close relationship with architectural perfection.
The company’s latest pioneering project sets
to make a national landmark by commissioning
French architect Jean Nouvelle known for his
internationally distinguished architecture to
design the tallest high-rise building in Cyprus.
Elysian Gardens, CyprusSecluded beachfront resort on the south eastcoast of the island designed to make the most ofthe sun-loving Mediterranean lifestyle. Completewith an expansive recreational area, this resorttype development features a fully equipped gym,sauna, Jacuzzi and a large multifunction sportsfacility. Residences are skilfully placed so thatthey all have direct sea views of theMediterranean Sea.Nice Day Developments: +357 22 761 795
BEST INTERNATIONAL MARINA
DEVELOPMENT
Riviera Riversideby St Sophia Homes
BEST DEVELOPMENTEUROPE
The Elysian Gardensby Nice Day
Developments Ltd
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Where in The World?We continue our series of articles plotting the course of the ultra luxuriousocean residence as she gradually makes her way around the globe stopping atthe most glorious ports of call imaginable
The first and only residential ship, The Worldoffers four high-quality restaurants, an expansive fitness centre and The World Spa byBanyan Tree, a golf simulator, onboard theatre,art gallery and even a marina for water sports.Add to this elegant and intimate surroundingsand impeccable service and you have the ideal home away from home.
www.toptenproperties.net
April
The World will arrive in Cochin (1) on the 1st April inthe southern Indian state of Kerala. Guests will spenda few days onboard, as the ship navigates theArabian Sea on its way to the Tropic of Cancer andthe glittering city of Dubai and Doha, Qatar (2).
Departing for Safaga, Egypt (3) on the 18th April,The World will remain at sea for one week, givingtravellers ample opportunity to avail of the ship’sexceptional onboard amenities, such as the firstBanyan Tree Spa at sea, state-of-the-art golfsimulator, exceptional cuisine and of course,unrivalled ocean vistas. April’s last port, Al Aqaba,Jordan (4), will lure guests with its expansive deserts,numinous Byzantine and Crusader history andworld-class resorts.
May
Traversing the Suez Canal and its assorted lakes, TheWorld will continue its Egyptian journey as it docksin Alexander the Great’s home of Alexandria (5) on3rd May. Highlights will include the stunning
Bibliotheca Alexandria and the fascinatingCatacombs of Kom el Shaqafa. The next two weekswill be spent navigating the azure waters of theGreek Isles and Dalmatian Coast. After surveying theglistening white buildings of Santorini and the rurallifestyle of Apiranthos, the vessel will navigate theAegean shore. On May 19, The World will visit Kotor(6); the UNESCO World Heritage site often deemed“the jewel of Montenegro,” before heading to thecerulean waters of the Croatian Isles and arriving inVenice (7) on the 25th May.
June
The month of June will be filled with warm sun,authentic Mediterranean cuisine and award-winningwines, as The World visits the rural and metropolitanports of Italy, France and Spain. The ship will begin inSiracuse. Sicily (8) on the 4th June, known for itsmagnificent Greco-Roman ruins and fresh, localproduce and seafood. After a two-day Captain’sChoice, travellers will arrive in Rome (9) to explore itsfamed architecture, masterful cuisine and fashion.
After stopping in romantic Portofino (10), The World will spend the next week in France,making stops in Nice, Antibes and Collioure to visithistoric landmarks such as the Hôtel du Cap-EdenRoc. On 22nd June, The World will arrive in Spain tovisit Barcelona (11), Minorca, Puerto Banus and Cadiz (12).
July and beyond
The World will spend the second half of the year inGreenland (13) for a stunning 10-day expedition, anextensive tour East Coast USA (14), Brazil (15) andArgentina (16) and a further expedition to Antarctica(17) over Christmas and New Year.
Suites start from £1,020 per night including
all food and selected wines and champagnes,
port charges and gratuities (minimum six night
stay). Early booking discounts are available.
To book your stay onboard The World call
+44 (0)20 7016 6740 or visit the website at
www.aboardtheworld.com
Follow the WorldWe trace the ship’s route over the next few months
More than 4,000 square feet make this thelargest apartment onboard, with five double ensuite bedrooms, one double en suite study bedroom, two living areas, two dining areas,two kitchens, both with laundry facilities,and 150 square feet of verandah space.
Apartment 1110 and 1108 can comfortably fitup to 12 people and is custom-designed. Thismakes it ideal for large families or groups offriends visiting the ship together, as its connectedliving spaces have internal dividing doors andprivate entrances for assured space, privacy and flexibility.
The apartment is one of only a few to offerboth bow and port views with two heatedwhirlpool spas on the 150-foot verandah. Theen suite study bedroom offers a quiet place to
use the internet or a convenient extra sixth bedroom for children or an au pair.
The ship’s overwhelming success and the increased demand for bigger, more luxuriousapartments led to 1110 and 1108 being a multi-suite living option. These combinedapartments have been cleverly configured withinternal doors (some disguised as book cases)allowing for a variety of rental options with either two, three or five en suite bedrooms.
Each suite within the apartment is outfittedwith a range of amenities including sophisticatedhome entertainment centres in the living roomswith a comprehensive supply of the latestmovies and music; space for private, cateredmeals; dining areas with wet bar facilities; fully equipped kitchen and laundry areas;
stunning views from floor to ceiling windows;internet, fax and phone services; cable television,and more.
Other onboard offerings such as daily housekeeping, private chef services, dry cleaning, concierge and 24-hour room serviceallow those onboard to be free to explore and enjoy the ship.
£8,555,850 :: €9,847,878 :: $13.5m For more information call +44 (0)1245 358877and quote reference IH17/02TW02
Apartment 1110 & 1108
BUY Classified
www.international-homes.com
I Cipressi – Lucca (Toscana)This 15th Century villa has just been brought back to its originalsplendour with frescos in every room. The main house has largeliving and dining areas, a study plus bedrooms and suites on both floors. A restored Chapel is part of the main building. Garden and land with olive trees and vines. Swimming pool.Annex buildings to be restored. Charming, fascinating and elegant. Unique.
Price On Request
Case in Italia srl
Via Crescenzio, 91, 00193 Romewww.caseinitalia.net
Pietro Giella
Email: [email protected] Mobile: +39 335 832 97 79
INVESTING IS ALL ABOUT APPRECIATION Introducing SENI Mont’ Kiara, located in Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia, a collaboration between London-listedAseana Properties Ltd and CapitaLand, one of thelargest real estate developers in Asia.
An exquisite condominium which embodies artisticand architectural finesse, sculpted with resortlandscapes and a panoramic view of the city, lies in theheart of the international community of Mont’ Kiara.
SENI Mont’ Kiara, a home you can appreciate while it appreciates.
Freehold • Irresistible Financing Package
Limited Edition • Remarkable Returns
Call +603 6203 1919
senimontkiara.com.my
Contemporary African architecture and design onSerengeti Golf & Wildlife Estate. Interior by TOOI Interior Design.
Prices from €600,000
Serengeti Golf & Wildlife Estate
Johannesburg, South Africa
Telephone: +27 11 552 7020 • www.serengeti.co.za Email: [email protected]
Kastro-Kyllini IliasGR-27050 West Peloponnese, GreeceT: +30 26230 64000,8-11
F: +30 26230 95206, 404
Kyllini Beach ResortSport and Wellness Paradise with superb beach and
services on the west coast of Peloponnese, Greecewww.kyllinibeach.com
CL A S SIFIED
www.toptenproperties.net
SPEND LESS TIMEAT THE AIRPORT
Quote HI08 for preferred rates at:
www.meteormeetandgreet.com
Anguilla, British WestIndies Hideaway!For Sale: 1-2 acres SecludedSeafront on the Caribbean’s exclusive, laid back Island.Home to 33 of the world’s best ‘Bounty Ad’ beaches.
Rare opportunity in Stunning Setting for Dream Villa / SuperVilla Compound.
Price from £800k-£1.5m.For details call +353 86 2332746
Email [email protected]
110
Saraya Holdings
P.O. Box 815321 Amman 11180, Jordan Tel: + 962 6 551 3071Fax: +962 6 5561738
Email: [email protected]: www.sarayaholdings.com
.:: JORDAN DEVELOPER ::.
Saraya turns untapped locations anddevelops them into luxurious destinationscomplemented by exclusive services guaranteeing all customers an integrated,holistic and effortless experience from theminute they decide to escape to the second they return.
Orascom Hotels & Development
Nile City Towers, South Tower, 9th Floor2005A Corniche El Nil, Cairo – Egypt 11221
Tel: +2 02 2461 9966Fax: +2 02 2461 9280
Email: [email protected]: www.orascomrealestate.com
Orascom Hotels & Development is a leading developer of fully integrated towns
complete with hotels, real estate, golfcourses and marinas. OHD is present in 7countries in 3 continents with more than
16 destinations.
z.:: EGYPT DEVELOPER ::.
Shaikh Holdings
P.O.Box 502462, Dubai, UAETel +971 4 364 2722Fax +971 4 367 8054
Email: [email protected]: www.shaikh-holdings.com On the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf
Estates, Sanctuary Falls is a collection of96 resort-style villas set amidst lush golf
vistas and inspiring lakes. Created byworld renowned hotel and resort architects, landscape and interior
designers, Sanctuary Falls villas brings tolife a true ‘resort home’ experience.
z.:: DUBAI DEVELOPER ::.
Aristo Developers Ltd
8 Apriliou 1st Street, CY 8101, Pafos, Cyprus
Tel: +357 268 42842Fax: +357 269 38290
Web: www.aristodevelopers.com
Agnades Village 1 is a stunning development featuring beautiful 3 & 4
bedroom villas with large plots, spaciousrooms, private swimming pools, and fantastic mountain and sea views.
Prices from ¤462.600 + VAT
`.:: CYPRUS DEVELOPER ::.
LEADING INTERNATIONAL AGENTS & DEVELOPERS
AdMakers InternationalAdMakers House, Building 26,
The Waverley, Corner Kotzee andWeymouth Streets, Mowbray 7700
Cape Town, South AfricaTel: +27 21 448 7074Fax: +27 21 448 7095
.:: INTERNATIONAL MARKETING CONSULTANCY ::.
AdMakers International - the world’sforemost advertising and marketingconsultancy for ultra-luxurious goods.Specialising exclusively in high-ticketitems like expensive property, luxurymotor vehicles, jets and private yachts,AdMakers has a proud track record ofsuccess spanning over two decades –under the same core management.
TEAK S.A.
Achlada, Gazi71500, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
Tel: +30 2810 811930 - 4Fax: +30 2810 371935
Web: www.theseusbv.com
Three storey dwelling with four bedrooms, garden and extensive
verandas includes Jacuzzi, sauna, utilityrooms, parking space. Wall surfaces
have been kept to a minimum addingto the expansive view.
`.:: GREECE DEVELOPER ::.
111
United Development Company
PO Box 7256, Doha, Qatar Tel: + 974 44 63 444Fax: +974 44 38 971
Email: [email protected]: www.udcqatar.com
.:: QATAR DEVELOPER ::.
Embrace the lifestyle you always wantedon the Middle East’s most glamorousIsland. Spanning 4 million sq. meters, ThePeal-Qatar is truly a destination for RivieraArabia living and home to 10 uniqueprecincts that harmoniously unite luxuryresidences, upscale shopping, exclusive din-ing and world class leisure and hospitality.
Strutt & Parker
37 Davies Street, London W1Y 2SPTel: +44 (0) 20 7629 7282Fax: +44 (0) 20 7409 2359
Email: [email protected]: www.struttandparker.com
Faircrouch - £4.7 million. A classic Georgiancountry house with parkland and cottages8 Beds, 5 Receps, House, Period, Detached,Garden, Land, Rural, Village, Staff/SCAccomm, Swimming Pool, Tennis Court,Woodland, Fair decoration, 37 Acres
.:: UK AGENT ::.
Knight Frank
55 Baker Street, London, W1U 8ANUnited Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7861 1440Email: [email protected]
Web: www.knightfrank.com
Striking Grade I listed house with exceptional views to the south coast.Exceptional formal gardens, outbuildings,estate office and helipad with storagehangar. Surrey Hills close to London.
.:: UK AGENT ::.
The Wave, Muscat
PO BOX 87, PC 118,Sultanate of Oman
Sales Centre: Tel: +968 24545428Fax: +968 24545158
Email: [email protected]: www.thewavemuscat.com
The Wave, Muscat combines more than4,000 villas, townhouses and apartments, a
300-yacht berth marina, Greg Norman signature golf course, three premier hotels
and an award winning marina.
z.:: OMAN DEVELOPER ::.
Folla Properties
AV.15, October Complex, Dorra, PO BOX N°80, Souk Lahad 4000
Sousse-TunisieTel: +216 73 520 400Fax: +216 73 524 258
Email: [email protected]: www.follaproperties.com
.:: TUNISIA DEVELOPER ::.
Aqua Resort Apartments, a front linebeach residence located in Chott Meriam(Sousse), one of the most popular touristarea in Tunisia. 800 apartments underconstruction and it will be built on 3 phases, the first one named “Aqua Blue”.Prices from £24,000.
International Homes’ Leading International Agents & Developers are speciallyselected to represent the most outstanding companies in the business. Membership of thisprestigious group is by invitation only and the number of members from each country isstrictly limited so that our readers can be assured of consistently high standards. Thefollowing directory will prove an invaluable source of information for home-buyers wishingto find the very best properties around the world.
Eden IslandEden House, Eden Island,
SeychellesTel: +248 346 000Fax: +248 346 666
Email: [email protected]: www.edenisland.sc
.:: SEYCHELLES DEVELOPER ::.
Part of an archipelago of more than 116picture perfect islands, Eden Island is onlythe beginning of a lifelong journey ofexploration. It is an island adventure thatshould be lived. Make it your own.
Country Company Address Telephone Email Address Website
Angola Vivendi Plaza, Lda Rua Cristiano Dos Santos, No.3 Miramar +244 923 869999 [email protected] www.vivendiplaza.com
Belize Camino Del Rio in Belize 9900-E Greenbelt Rd, Suite 200 Lanham, MD 20706 +1 800 661 4838 [email protected] www.caminodelriobelize.com
Brazil BRIC Group Marketing Office, Centro de Negocias 37, Puerto Banus, Nueva Andalucia, 29660, Malaga +34 95281 0711 [email protected] www.thecorallakeandbeachresort.com
Cape Verde Cape Verde Development Springville House, Blackrock Road, Cork. Ireland +353 21432 0955 [email protected] www.capeverdedevelopment.com
Caribbean Belmont Resorts Ltd Unit A-10, The Sands Complex, Bay Road, Basseterre, St. Kitts +1 868 621 3835 [email protected] www.kittitianhill.com
Caribbean Grupo Rodelsa Pedro Henriquez Urena 138, Torre Reyna II 804, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic +1 809 616 1677 [email protected] www.gruporodelsa.com
Caribbean Island Villas Limited Trents Building, Holetown, St. James, BB24017, Barbados +1 246 432 4627 [email protected] www.island-villas.com
Caribbean Liz Quintyne Inc 2 Maxwell Road, Christ Church, Barbados +1 246 421 3335 [email protected] www.lizquintyneinc.com
Caribbean Prickly Bay Waterside Ltd Lance-aux-Epines, St. George's, Greneda, West Indies +1 473 533 1943 [email protected] www.pricklybay.com
Cook Islands Pacific Resort Aitutaki, Cook Island PO Box 90, Aitutaki, Cook Island +682 31720 [email protected] www.pacificresort.com
Cyprus Alpha Panareti Public Ltd 2 Artemidos Street, 8041 Kato, Paphos, Cyprus +357 26 849849 [email protected] www.apcyprus.com
Cyprus Nice Day Developments Ltd 106 Kranidiotis Str, 1065 Nicosia, Cyprus +357 227 61795 [email protected] www.niceday.com.cy
Cyprus Patroclos Group Of Companies Patroclos Tower, 6th Floor, 41-43 Sp. Kyprianos Ave, Larnaca 6051, Cyprus +357 248 12000 [email protected] www.patroclosgroup.com
Cyprus Property Gallery Holdings Ltd Monastiraki Center, Of. 3-4, Georgiou A' Street, 4046, P. Yermasoyias, Limassol, Cyprus +357 25 322 112/3 [email protected] www.cypruspropertygallery.com
Europe & USA Waldeck Capital LLC 1220 New Market Street, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801, USA +32 473 171 567 [email protected] www.waldeckcapital.com
France Domaine De Lavagnac 35430 Montagnac, France +33 467 248498 [email protected] www.domainedelavagnac.com
Germany Zabel Immobilien KG Leipziger Platz 15, D-10117 Berlin +49 305 2009700 [email protected] www.berlin-capital.com
Ghana Devtraco Ltd P.O. Box AN 12284 Accra Ghana +233 21 810275-7 [email protected] www.devtraco.com.gh
Greece Archipelagos SA: Erytha Hotel & Resort Karfas, 82100 Chios Island, Greece +30 227 1032311 [email protected] www.erytha.gr
Greece Prokris Group Rizospaston and Doriza St., Argostoli, Kefalonia, 28100 Greece +30 26710 29312 [email protected] www.kefalonia.com
Hong Kong Aedas 31/F, One Island East, 18 Westlands Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong +852 2861 1728 [email protected] www.aedas.com
Hungary TóPark, Walker and Williams Investment Group Hungary, Budapest 1012, Marvany U.18. +36 1 225 0398 [email protected] www.topark.eu
India Sheth Developers Sheth House, Vasant Valley, Off W.E Highway, Near Dindoshi Bus Depot, Malad (E), Mumbai, India +22 2842 6227 [email protected] www.shethdevelopers.com
India/Asia S D Corporation Pvt. Ltd. The Imperial, 5th Lvl, B.B Nakashe Marg. Tardeo, Mumbai, India 400034 +91 22 408 28686 [email protected] www.theimperial.in
Indonesia Exotiq Real Estate Jl. Kayu Aya (Lesmana) no. 77X, Seminyak, Bali 80361, Indonesia +62 361 737 358 [email protected] www.exotiqrealestate.com
International Barefoot Developments Limited 14th Floor, Net Cube Building, Taguig, Manila, Philippines +63 2 479 5429 [email protected] www.barefootinvestments.com
International Design International 20-22 Stukeley Street, London, WC2B 5LR +44 (0)20 7092 2700 [email protected] www.deisgninternational.com
International Theseus Beach Village Achlada Gaziou, 71500, Crete, Greece +30 2810 811930 [email protected] www.theseusbv.com
Italy Gruppo Leonardo Caltagirone Via Caldonazzo 22A, 00135, Rome, Italy +39 06 334 8551 [email protected] www.caltagirone.com
Italy Ultissimo Central Court, 25 Southampton Buildings, London, WC2A 1AL +44 (0)20 3178 4975 [email protected] www.ultissimo.com
Italy VFI Overseas Property 8 Dawsons Street, Dublin 2 +44 (0)20 3178 5043 [email protected] www.vfioverseasproperty.com
Malaysia Dijaya Corporation Berhad Lot 301, 3rd Floor Wisma Dijaya, 1a Jalan SS 20/1, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor +603 7710 1018 [email protected] www.dijaya.com.my
Malta RE/MAX MALTA 76a Gorg Borg Olivier Street, St. Julian's, STJ 1081, Malta +356 9947 5620 [email protected] www.remax-malta.com
Middle East DTZ Bahrain PO Box 10670, Bahrain World Trade Centre, Bahrain +973 171 33666 [email protected] www.dtz.com.me
North African Mario Cassar Incorporated Design De Studio', No.5, Gheriexem Street, Rabat, Malta, RBT1907 +356 7946 8905 [email protected] www.incorporatedmalta.com
Portugal Exclusive Algarve Villas Rua Ernesto Cabrita, Edificio Vales Loja A, Portugal +351 282 353019 [email protected] www.exclusivealgarvevillas.com
Portugal Quintasales, LDA 48/49 Buganvilia Plaza, Quinta Do Lago, Algarve +351 289 350140 [email protected] www.quintasales.com
Qatar Lusail Real Estate Development Company P.O.Box 26060, Doha, Qatar +974 550 5375 [email protected] www.lusail.com
Saudi Arabia Barton Willmore 7 Soho Square, London, W1D 3QB +44 (0)20 7446 6888 [email protected] www.bw-international.net
Singapore PropertyGuru.com.sg 51 Goldhill Plaza, #11-03/05, Singapore 308900 +65 6238 5971 [email protected] www.propertyguru.com.sg
Singapore Ray International Real Estate Group 237 Alexandra Rd, #05-15 The Alexcier, Singapore, 159929 +65 673 80873 [email protected] www.ray.com.sg
South Africa Birkenhead House 10 Hathaway, Dunkeld Avenue, South Africa +27 21 761 8292 [email protected] www.birkenheadhouse.com
Spain Bolt Property Group SL Urb. Las Torres de Marbella Club s/n, Local 1, 29602 Marbella, Malaga, Spain +34 951 277 460 [email protected] www.boltpropertygroup.com
Switzerland Hartmann Singleton Ltd Skipton Hill Farm, Thirlby, Thirsk, North Yprkshire, YO7 2DQ +44 (0)1845 597795 [email protected] www.hartmannsingleton.com
Tenerife Tenerife Property Shop S.L. Puerto Colon, Local 117, Playa de las Americas, 38660, Adeje, Tenerife +34 922 774700 [email protected] www.tenerifepropertyshop.com
Thailand CB Richard Ellis (Thailand) Co., Ltd 46th Floor, CRC Tower, All Seasons Place, 87/2 Wireless Road, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand +662 654 1111 [email protected] www.cbre.co.th
Turkey Ark Developments Turkey Ltd 27 Farmer Street, Bradmore, Nottinghamshire, NG11 6PE +44 (0)7590 672594 [email protected] www.arkdevelopments.eu
Turkey Letsgototurkey Ataturl Cad 90/1, 07400 Alanya, Turkey +90 242 516 2064 [email protected] www.lgt.com.tr
Turkey Nirvana International The Granary, Tudor Cottage, Stanford Dingley, Reading, RG7 6LX +44 (0)1189 744955 [email protected] www.nirvanainternational.com
UAE The First Group Office 3224, Building 3, The Gold K Diamond Park, Dubai, UAE +971 4 409 7500 [email protected] www.thefirstgroup.com
UK Barton Wyatt 2 Station Approach, Virginia Water, GU25 4DL +44 (0)1344 843000 [email protected] www.bartonwyatt.co.uk
UK Blue Forest 16 Cornfield Terrace, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 4NS +44 (0)1892 750090 [email protected] www.blueforest.com
UK Callister Russell Unit J3, Ascot Business Park, Lyndhurst Road, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 9FE +44 (0)845 450 3895 [email protected] www.callisterrussell.com
UK Clearview Homes 201 Pinner Road, Northwood Hills, Middlesex, HA6 1BX +44 (0)1923 840048 [email protected] www.clearviewhomes.co.uk
UK Dekra 2 Boucher Close, Startford-Upon-Avon, CV37 9YX +44 (0)1789 551645 [email protected] www.dekra.co.uk
UK Gibbs Gillespie Chapel Lane Chambers, 1 Chapel Lane, Pinner, Middlesex, HA5 1AA +44 (0)20 8426 1972 www.gibbs-gillespie.co.uk
UK Harrods Estates Ltd 82 Brompton Road, London, SW3 1ER +44 (0)20 7225 6506 [email protected] www.harrodsestates.com
UK Ladera Lodge Retreat & Spa Back Lane, Eaton, Cheshire, CW12 2NL +44 (0)845 459 0016 [email protected] www.laderaretreat.com
UK Landmass Interior Design & Development Cooper House, 2 Michael Road, London, SW6 2AD +44 (0)20 7731 6147 [email protected] www.landmass.co.uk
UK Lillicrap Chilcott Landrian House, 59-60 Lemon Street, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 2PE +44 (0)1872 273473 [email protected] www.waterfrontandcountryhomes.com
UK Northbeach 2 Dents Road, London, SW11 6JA +44 (0)20 7228 9822 [email protected] www.northbeachproperty.com
UK Relocation Unlimited 17 Cloncurry Street, London, SW6 6DR +44 (0)20 7736 2076 [email protected] www.relocationunlimited.com
UK The Milestone Hotel 1 Kensington Court, London, W8 5DL +44 (0)20 7917 1000 [email protected] www.milestonehotel.com
UK Trinity Mirror Digital Property Ltd 10/11 Gladman Business Quarter, Edison Court, Wrexham Technology Park, Wrexham, LL13 7YT +44 (0)1978 315800 [email protected] www.SmartNewHomes.com
UK Weston Homes PLC The Weston Group Business Centre, Parsonage Road, Takeley, Essex, CM22 6PU +44 (0)1279 873333 [email protected] www.weston-homes.com
UK Williams & Goodwin The Property People Ltd 21-23 Church Street, Llangefni, Isle of Anglesey, Wales, LL77 7DU +44 (0)1248 751000 [email protected] www.tppuk.com
Ukraine NAI Pickard Office 20, 9 Prorizna St., Kyiv 01034, Ukraine +380 44 278 0002 [email protected] www.naipickard.com
Ukraine St. Sophia Homes 9/2 Chervonoarmiyska Str., Entrance 3A, Kiev, 01004, Ukraine +380 44 492 0505 [email protected] www.stsophia.ua
USA Pepe Calderin Design 7500 NE 4th Ct, Suite 104, Miami, FL 33138 +1 305 757 5535 [email protected] www.pepecalderindesign.com
USA Walker USA LLC C/O Glacier Sotheby's International Realty, 100 Baker Avenue, Whitefish. MT 59937 +1 406 863 3060 [email protected] www.slopesidebigmountain.com
LEADING INTERNATIONAL AGENTS & DEVELOPERS
112
D E V E L O P E R S • AG E N T S • D E S I G N • I N T E R I O R S
AegeanEssence of the
Karfas, 82100 Chios Island, GreeceTel: +30 2271032311 Fax: +30 2271032251 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.erytha.gr
the Island the ResortErytha Hotel & Resort is located in Karfas, the most famous area ofChios. With views of the coast of Ionia, the 4 star hotel harmonizesEast and West, combining the originality and warmth of the past withmodern demands.
Vitality…Quality…Comfort Taste those small things that make vacations special: the unique cuisine of Chios, sun and sea,
calmness, music, enjoyment, entertainment, exercise…everything is here in the calm rooms, the private beach withthe light blue water, the turquoise pool, the atmospheric
restaurants and bars and the traditional hospitality.
At the heart of the North Aegean Sea lies Chios, enshrined in centuries of historic significance. The birthplace of Homer, the
island’s legacy stretches through ancient Greek and medieval timesto its current peaceful prosperity.
Chios is the exclusive source of mastic, a resin exuded from thebark of the mastic tree and world-renowned for its health benefits.
The island is home to Byzantine monasteries and medieval villages where tradition remains an important part of every-
day life. It is the perfect combination of history andmodernity, a gentle and relaxing home from home.
BEST HOTELGREECE
Erytha Hotel & Resortby Archipelagos S.A
Chairman of Judges
Helen ShieldEditor-in-Chief,
International Homes Luxury
Collection Magazine
The run up to the International Property Awards where the World’s Best
property companies are revealed gets more closely contended and
exciting every single year. In 2009 we had a significant increase in entries
with no less than 105 different countries represented across Asia Pacific
the UK, Americas, Europe, Africa and Arabia.
Companies are initially selected by our diligent team of researchers
before they are invited to submit their entries for scrutiny by a 52-strong
panel of judges. We also ask entrants to recommend companies in differing
areas of the property profession where they have experienced
exceptionally good business practice.
By carrying out this stringent selection procedure our judges, many of
whom are representatives from leading professional bodies such as the
NAR and FIABCI, are presented with the strongest contenders right from
the start of the judging process. Although it makes their task even harder as
the competition is so fierce, we can be totally confident that only those
companies that truly excel in all aspects of their profession will win one of
these coveted and prestigious awards.
The International Property Awards were announced at a gala
presentation dinner held at the US Grant Hotel in San Diego, California.
Nominees travelled from right across the globe and the atmosphere was
electric as the ultimate winners were revealed during the course of the
evening. During the day, the Americas Property Awards were presented
and a networking seminar was held to allow the congregated property
professionals to forge new business alliances.
We are always pleased to receive feedback from our winners on how
their awards have benefited their companies and 2009 saw a considerable
number of success stories. These included increases in business
opportunities due to the amount of coverage award winners can enjoy
both through their own public relations efforts and our media partners.
Talking of which, we are delighted to welcome Bloomberg Television to our
esteemed list of sponsors and media partners for 2010.
Our thanks go to all those companies who participated last year and
many congratulations to the winners, particularly those who won at
international level and are listed in this publication.
International Property Awards 3
Foreword
Judges
Sponsors & Supporters
2009 International Winners
The Wave, Muscat
Walker and Williams Investment Group
A.N. Buildwell Pvt Ltd
Dijaya Corporation Berhad
&Beyond
SCP Architects and Engineers
Atelier Nini Andrade Silva
Hillside Su Hotel
Khalil & Kane
Astudio Ltd
Fine & Country Ltd
SHH Architects
Weston Homes
Pepe Calderin Design
5
6
8
12
16
18
20
22
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
Index
International Property Awards4
Kirkor Ajderhanyan President, International Relations, FNAIM
Hans-Ulrich BerendesPresident, FIABCI, Germany
Ed BinkleyNational Design Director, AIA
Peter Bolton KingGroup Chief Executive, National Federation of Property Professionals
Samantha BraniffSydney Morning Herald
Pat V. CombsPast President, National Association of Realtors
Adrian CoolbergenManaging Director, Starguard Development
Charles Tyler ClayPresident, FIABCI, USA
Iris DunbarPresident, BIDA
Fiona DuncanTravel & Hotel Journalist
Imtiaz FarookhiChief Executive, NHBC
Karl FenderPresident, Australian Institute of Architects
George GrahamDevelopment Director, Gleneagles Hotel
Christopher HallVice President / President, FIABCI Marketing &Networking Commitee / FIABCI UK
Michael HarrisEditor, Golf Monthly
David HoppitProperty Columnist
Lisa HutchinsonReal Estate Fairfax Media, Australia
Katie HyamsDaily Mail UK
Mike JordanArchitect, Cornish Stairways International
Christian H KälinHenley & Partners, Switzerland
Jill KeeneEditor, International Homes Magazine
Des KellyDaily Mail Columnist
Dean KeyworthManaging Director, Armstrong Keyworth Interior Design
David MarchantGeneral Manager, Business Development NHBC
James MattinBond Wolfe, West Midlands
Christian Morris Director, Aukett Fitzroy Robinson Architects
Bob NationRegional / Design Director, Kann Finch Architects
Fiona NixonChairman, Australian Institute of Architects
Graham NorwoodProperty Correspondent, Daily Mail
Jonathan PricePast President, FIABCI UK
Sarah PurvesInterior Designer
Oliver RichardsDirector, ORMS Architects
Luke SchuberthAukett Fitzroy Robinson Architects
Subhir ShahFIABCI Asia
Thijs StofferCEO, ICREA
Paul TaylerResidential Faculty Vice Chairman, RICS
Mark TaylorInterior Designer, Silent Gliss
Anne WarrArchitect & Conservation Professional
Ben WoodIndustry Head, Property Markets Google UK
Diana YakeleyFormer Chairman, British Interior Design Association
Chairman of Judges
Helen ShieldEditor-in-Chief,
International Homes Luxury
Collection Magazine
Judges
International Property Awards 5
International Property Awards6
Headline Sponsors
Associate Sponsors
Sponsors
www.cnbcarabia.com
www.maserati.co.uk
www.simaexpo.com
www.hsbc.ae
www.nyt.com
www.yamaha.co.uk www.aboardtheworld.com
www.dailymail.co.uk
www.kohler.com
www.vertu.com
International Property Awards 7
I N T E R N AT I O N A L
HOMESLuxury Collection
Media Partners Supporters
www.faz.net
www.bangkokpost.com
www.smh.com.au
www.sinchew.com.my
www.international-homes.com
International Property Awards8
Commercial WinnersBest Commercial Property AgencyArabia Jones Lang LaSalle Middle East & North AfricaAsia Pacific CB Richard Ellis (Thailand) Co., Ltd.Europe Jones Lang LaSalle (Portugal)
International WinnerJones Lang LaSalle (Portugal)
Best Commercial Property Agency MarketingAsia Pacific Fareps Property Investment
International WinnerFareps Property Investment
Best Commercial Property Agency WebsiteAsia Pacific www.cbre.co.th by CB Richard Ellis (Thailand) Co., Ltd
International Winnerwww.cbre.co.th by CB Richard Ellis (Thailand) Co., Ltd
Best Commercial Redevelopment Americas Westfield San Francisco Centre by RTKL Associates Inc.UK 100VE – Unilever London Headquarters by Kohn Pedersen
Fox Associates International
International WinnerWestfield San Francisco Centre by RTKL Associates Inc.
Best Hotel Africa Le Touessrok by Sun Resorts LtdAmericas Marigot BayAmericas Delamar Greenwich HarborArabia The Palace –The Old Town Managed By The Address Hotels
& ResortsAsia Pacific The Sentosa Resort & Spa, SingaporeEurope Hillside Su Hotel UK The Milestone Hotel by Red Carnation Hotels Ltd
International WinnerLe Touessrok by Sun Resorts Ltd
Best Industrial Development UK G.Park Blue Planet by Gazeley
International WinnerG.Park Blue Planet by Gazeley
Best Leisure Development Americas Gaia House by Urban Muse and YoungWoo & Associates for
Gaia House, LLCArabia King Abdullah International Gardens by Barton Willmore /
Buro HappoldEurope Hotel Des Deux Domaines, Belle Plagne by Profin
Developpement et Gestion
International WinnerKing Abdullah International Gardens by Barton Willmore / Buro Happold
Best Mixed Use Development Arabia LUSAIL CITY by LUSAIL Real Estate Development CompanyAsia Pacific Saigon Centre by Keppel Land Watco I Co., LLC.Europe TóPARK Project by Walker and Williams Investment GroupUK Cabot Circus by Hammerson PLC, Land Securities PLC
International WinnerTóPARK Project by Walker and Williams Investment Group
Best Office Development Africa Fairland Office Development by Eris Property Group Pty LtdAsia Pacific Spire Edge by A.N. Buildwell Pvt. Ltd.Europe Tower 79 by Property GalleryUK The Peak by Heron International
International WinnerSpire Edge by A.N. Buildwell Pvt. Ltd.
Best Public Services DevelopmentEurope New Corvinus Campus by Wing LtdUK Wigan City Campus by Astudio Ltd, LCE Architects,
Bisset Adams
International WinnerWigan City Campus by Astudio Ltd, LCE Architects, Bisset Adams
Best Retail Development Arabia Beirut Mall by Saudi Marketing and TradingAsia Pacific VivoCity by Mapletree Investments Pte LtdEurope Prime Mall by Prime DevelopmentUK Highcross by Hammerson PLC, Hermes Real Estate
Asset Management
International WinnerPrime Mall by Prime Development
International Award Winners
International Property Awards 9
Best Small Hotel Africa Birkenhead HouseArabia The Montgomerie DubaiAsia Pacific Pacific Resort Aitutaki, Cook IslandsEurope Hotel Claude / Willmes Y Del Bosque, S.L UK The Egerton House Hotel
International WinnerBirkenhead House
The Architecture Award Africa Kigali Convention Complex by Spacial SolutionsArabia Technosphere by James Law Cybertecture
International HoldingsAsia Pacific Civic, Cultural and Retail Complex by AedasEurope Zorlu Center by joint venture of EAA-Emre Arolat Architects
and Tabanlioglu ArchitectsUK Chelsea F.C Training Facility by AFL Architects
International WinnerTechnosphere by James Law Cybertecture International Holdings
The Interior Design Award Africa Aluko & Oyebode by Miranda Meyer Interior ProjectsAmericas Conga Room by Belzberg ArchitectsArabia The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai by WA InternationalAsia Pacific Hilton Beijing Wangfujing by Wilson AssociatesEurope Hotel The Vine by Atelier Nini Andrade SilvaUK Manchester Square by SHH
International WinnerManchester Square by SHH
Residential WinnersBest ApartmentAfrica The Franklin by AdMakers InternationalAmericas Portico by Aberconia LtdArabia The Bridge Penthouse @ Dubai Sports City by The
First GroupAsia Pacific Grand Duchess at St Patrick’s by United Industrial
Corporation Ltd / ADDP ArchitectsUK Apartment 51, Esplanade Grande by Roffey Homes
International WinnerPortico by Aberconia Ltd
Best Architecture (Multiple Units)Arabia The Wave, Muscat by The Wave, MuscatAsia Pacific Windmills Of Your Mind by Total Environment Building
Systems Private LimitedEurope Minthis Hills by Pafilia Property DevelopersUK Portelet Bay by Dandara Jersey Ltd
International WinnerThe Wave, Muscat by The Wave, Muscat
Best Architecture (Single Unit)Americas Paraty House by Studio MK27Europe Marinou Residence / Kiti LGA by SCP Architects EngineersUK The Conifers, Woodland Drive by Consero Homes
International WinnerMarinou Residence / Kiti LGA by SCP Architects Engineers
Best DevelopmentAfrica Waterfall Equestrian Estate by Century Property
DevelopmentsAmericas Emerald Monkey Eco-Luxe Resort & Residences by Emerald
Monkey Eco-Luxe Resort & ResidencesArabia Bloom Gardens by BloomAsia Pacific Villa Green, Tropicana Indah Resort Homes by Dijaya
Corporation BerhadEurope The Elysian Gardens by Nice Day Developments LtdUK Wall Hall Mansion by Octagon
International WinnerVilla Green, Tropicana Indah Resort Homes by Dijaya Corporation Berhad
Best Development MarketingAfrica Natures Glen by AdMakers InternationalAmericas Emerald Monkey Eco-Luxe Resort & Residences by Emerald
Monkey Eco-Luxe Resort & ResidencesArabia The First Group @ Dubai Sports City by The First GroupAsia Pacific Sandy Island by YTL SingaporeEurope Central Park Praha by CPP Development, s.r.o.UK Balls Park by Explore Living
International WinnerSandy Island by YTL Singapore
International Property Awards10
Best Development WebsiteAsia Pacific The Royal Residence by TCC Capital Land LimitedEurope www.domainedelavagnac.com by Domaine de LavagnacUK www.ypresrose.com by Ypres Rose Developments
International Winnerwww.domainedelavagnac.com by Domaine de Lavagnac
Best Golf DevelopmentAfrica Serengeti Golf & Wildlife Estate by Serengeti Golf & Wildlife EstateArabia Samanah Country Club by Groupe Alain CrennAsia Pacific Horizon Hills by Horizon Hills DevelopmentEurope Domaine de Lavagnac by Domaine de Lavagnac
International WinnerSamanah Country Club by Groupe Alain Crenn
Best High-rise ArchitectureAmericas 360º Building by Isay WeinfeldArabia The Gate Towers by Sorouh Real Estate PJSCAsia Pacific Dock 5 by John Wardle Architects & HassellUK Bridges Wharf by Weston Homes PLC
International WinnerBridges Wharf by Weston Homes PLC
Best High-rise DevelopmentAmericas Silo Point by Turner Development GroupArabia The Gate Towers by Sorouh Real Estate PJSCAsia Pacific The Sukhothai Residences by Grace Ivory Co., Ltd Europe Westkaai by Project²UK Image by Dandara Limited
International WinnerThe Gate Towers by Sorouh Real Estate PJSC
Best Interior Design Africa African Homesteads by &BeyondAmericas Palazzo Del Mare Residence by Pepe Calderin DesignArabia H.R.H. Prince Mohammed Bin Fahed Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saoud
Private Residential Complex by Design ClassAsia Pacific The Metropolitan Showflat by Cameron Woo DesignEurope Villa Quadra by Prokris GroupUK 21 Grosvenor Crescent Mews by Landmass Properties Ltd
International WinnerH.R.H. Prince Mohammed Bin Fahed Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saoud Private Residential Complex by Design Class
Best Marina Development Europe Riviera Riverside by St Sophia Homes
International WinnerRiviera Riverside by St Sophia Homes
Best PR CompanyArabia Craven Group
International WinnerCraven Group
Best Property Africa African Homesteads by &BeyondAmericas Emerald Monkey Eco-Luxe Resort & Residences by Emerald
Monkey Eco-Luxe Resort & ResidencesEurope Athanatos Villa by Hellenic HomesUK Regency House by Hyatt Group Ltd
International WinnerAfrican Homesteads by &Beyond
Best Property FinderAfrica Khalil & KaneUK Relocation Unlimited
International WinnerKhalil & Kane
Best Property PortalArabia www.bayut.com by Imzee ConsultingAsia Pacific www.propertyguru.com.sg by AllProperty Media Pte LtdUK www.zoopla.co.uk by Zoopla
International Winnerwww.propertyguru.com.sg by AllProperty Media Pte Ltd
Best Real Estate Agency Americas Illustrated PropertiesArabia The Oryx CorporationAsia Pacific Leonarder Collins Luxury HomesEurope Tenerife Property Shop S.L.UK Williams & Goodwin The Property People
International WinnerLeonarder Collins Luxury Homes
International Property Awards 11
Best Real Estate Agency Marketing Arabia Lime Tree Valley by The Oryx CorporationAsia Pacific Fareps Property InvestmentEurope Falkensteiner Residences edel:weiss by REDS Real Estate
Direct Sales / FMTG DevelopmentUK Fine and Country
International WinnerFine and Country
Best Real Estate Agency WebsiteAmericas www.propertybrazil.com by Brazilian Homes LLCArabia www.theoryxcorporation.com by The Oryx CorporationAsia Pacific www.klcc-living.com by Zerin PropertiesEurope www.internationalpropertyagents.co.uk by International
Property AgentsUK http://search.knightfrank.com by Knight Frank
International Winnerhttp://search.knightfrank.com by Knight Frank
Best RedevelopmentAfrica The Franklin by AdMakers InternationalEurope Du Parc – Kempinski Private Residences by Swiss
Development Group
International WinnerThe Franklin by AdMakers International
Best Retirement Development Africa Waterfall Hills – Mature Lifestyle Estate by Century
Property DevelopmentsUK Grove Place by Renaissance Lifecare
International WinnerWaterfall Hills – Mature Lifestyle Estate by Century Property Developments
Best Ski DevelopmentAmericas Slopeside At Big Mountain by Walker USA, LLCEurope Hotel Des Deux Domaines, Belle Plagne by Profin
Developpement et Gestion
International WinnerHotel Des Deux Domaines, Belle Plagne by Profin Developpement et Gestion
The International Property Awards in 2009were held at the US Grant Hotel in SanDiego, California.
To find out more about entering for 2010,visit www.propertyawards.net
�����
Oman
International Property Awards14
The Wave, Muscat is a joint venture
between the Omani Government,
UAE-based developer Majid Al Futtaim
Investments and the Omani Pension
Funds. Part of the government’s Vision
2020, this exclusive development seeks
to encourage a select tourist
infrastructure within Oman.
The Wave, Muscat is situated on a six
kilometre beachfront site overlooking the
Gulf of Oman, only five kilometres from
Seeb International Airport and 20
minutes from capital Muscat, with its
shops, medical facilities and schools. The
development comprises more than 4,000
apartments, townhouses and villas with
pools, a marina, golf course, three
premier hotels, retail, leisure and dining
facilities. Villas will also be available on
Sinesla island – a man-made offshore
island inspired by the Florida Keys.
Residential standards at this
development are matchless, and the
award-winning three bedroom show
apartment is a case in point. A fabulous
open-plan living area of 165m² net
incorporates floor-to-ceiling glazing on
two aspects, and a ‘wraparound’ terrace
of 35m². A designer kitchen separates
informal and formal dining areas, and a
master bedroom with en suite has walk-
in wardrobes. Here, as in all the homes,
there is smart-wiring for flatscreen
televisions and sound systems.
Architecturally things are equally
impressive. Unique designs for homes at
The Wave, Muscat reflect traditional
Omani architecture, as well as influences
from the other Gulf states, Europe and
Florida. There are no high-rise towers,
and prominent features include Arabian-
style arches, fortifications and mashrabia
shading around balconies and verandahs.
Varied streets feature attractive
elevations to homes in white and ‘date
palm’ green, white, sand and terracotta,
and properties are interspersed amidst
green areas and inland waterways that
provide boating opportunities.
Interior design standards at The
Wave, Muscat are unsurpassed. The Triad
villa reflects a modern twist on a classic
BEST INTERNATIONALARCHITECTURE
(MULTIPLE UNITS)The Wave, Muscat
by The Wave, Muscat
BEST ARCHITECTURE (MULTIPLE UNITS)
ARABIAThe Wave, Muscat
by The Wave, Muscat
BEST ARCHITECTURE (MULTIPLE UNITS)
OMANThe Wave, Muscat
by The Wave, Muscat
�����BEST APARTMENT
OMANThe Wave, Muscat
by The Wave, Muscat
�����BEST DEVELOPMENT
OMANThe Wave, Muscat
by The Wave, Muscat
�����BEST GOLF
DEVELOPMENT OMANThe Wave, Muscat
by The Wave, Muscat
International Property Awards 15
PO Box 87, PC 118
Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
t: +968 2454 5428
f: +968 2454 5158
w: www.thewavemuscat.com
The Wave, Muscat
Omani style with colours redolent of
native hues: honey and gold, turquoise
and blue, fresh greens and pinks.
Furniture unites tactile leather, velvet and
dark woods punctuated with brass studs,
whilst walls are covered with gold
‘papyrus’-style wallpaper. Professional
interior designers will assist all buyers in
selecting options and upgrades.
Perhaps the jewel in the crown of
The Wave, Muscat, the onsite Greg
Norman signature links-style golf course
is Oman’s first sea-facing PGA-standard
course with two nine-hole loops. An
elevated clubhouse has superb ocean
views and striking traditional fort-style
architecture; there is also a golf academy,
gymnasium and spa.
Last but not least, the ‘pulse’ of the
development is Oman’s first serious
pleasure marina with 300 to 500 berths
and refuelling facilities, which will attract
serious boat traffic to Oman, especially
since excellent dive sites are within easy
striking distance. The marina includes
2,500 marina apartments and boutiques,
restaurants and shops.
Elite developments deserve elite
websites, and www.thewavemuscat.com
reflects the development’s quality and
encourages potential clients to visit.
Designed to rank highly with search
engines, the website also provides news for
clients and journalists and allows buyers to
register their needs while floorplans and
brochures are downloadable.
�����BEST INTERIOR DESIGN
OMANThe Wave, Muscat
by The Wave, Muscat
����BEST MARINA
DEVELOPMENT OMANThe Wave, Muscat
by The Wave, Muscat
����BEST DEVELOPMENT
WEBSITE OMANwww.thewavemuscat.com
by The Wave, Muscat
�����BEST MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT
HUNGARYTóPARK Project
by Walker and Williams Investment Group
�����BEST COMMERCIALPROPERTY AGENCY
MARKETING HUNGARYTóPARK Project
by Walker and Williams Investment Group
Hungary
International Property Awards16
Led by chairman Farbod Lotfi,
Luxembourg-based Walker and Williams
Investment Group is a privately owned
property investment group with an
impressive international track record.
Active in many sectors, the firm’s portfolio
includes office buildings, logistics centres
and commercial and residential real estate
developments. Within Hungary itself,
Walker and Williams Investment Group is
renowned for projects such as the Belle
Époque office building and TóPARK.
Nicknamed the ‘Monaco of Central
Europe’, TóPARK city centre is the most
significant of Hungary’s complex real
estate projects, and one of Central
Europe’s most significant. Situated in the
Budapest Business Region, TóPARK lies at
a key junction near the city’s western
gate and offers superb economic
potential. The project’s investment
volume exceeds €2.4 billion with future
values predicted to reach €4.8 billion.
TóPARK’s final phases are scheduled
for completion in 13 years, with
construction and leasing already well
underway. The 180-hectare mixed-use
development includes office buildings,
the region’s largest shopping mall, leased
apartments, Europe’s longest covered
pedestrian street, a recreation and
rehabilitation centre, outdoor and indoor
sports complex, EXPO exhibition area,
education and events centre and
intermodal transport hub.
The nearly 40 hectare Lake
Törökbálint serves as a fitting centrepiece
to TóPARK, and a promenade, running
course and bicycle trail are all planned
to follow its circumference. With
quality of life central to the design
ethos at the development, eco features
include selective waste collection,
noise/load control and extensive
landscaped grounds. Further measures
involve technology to reduce CO2
emissions, gas-engine energy production,
use of alternative and renewable
energy sources, waste heat use and
shading technology.
BEST MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT EUROPE
TóPARK Project by Walker and Williams
Investment Group
BEST INTERNATIONALMIXED USE
DEVELOPMENTTóPARK Project
by Walker and Williams Investment Group
International Property Awards 17
1012 Budapest,
Márvány u. 18.,
Hungary
t: +36 1 225 0398
f: +36 1 355 5002
w: www.topark.eu
Walker and Williams Investment Group
Due to be signed-off in 2010, the
development’s first phase comprises a
large complex with a 92,000m² office
park and service units of 17,900m², as
well as more than 150 leased apartments
covering 12,000m². Thereafter, what will
become Hungary’s largest shopping and
entertainment centre, TóPARK Shopping
Mall, will be built, offering a leasable space
of 89,000m².
In addition to cutting-edge facilities,
office buildings at TóPARK evoke the
architectural highlights of large European
cities such as Berlin, Rome, Paris and
London. They blend elements of
neo-classical, Vienna secession and art
deco styles with modern, contemporary
influences. Interiors are inspired by the
work of a range of renowned
international designers.
Excellent access makes TóPARK an
ideal location for both Hungarian and
international companies to base
operations and hold international
business meetings, conferences and
events. Proximity to three motorways
ensures access to all Hungary’s principle
towns and links with Austria, Slovakia,
Croatia and Slovenia, while three
international airports are also close by
in Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava.
Moreover, during 2008, implementation
began on more than 10 new motorway
exits and an intermodal transport hub
that will integrate bus and train services
to and from TóPARK.
�����BEST MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT
HUNGARYTóPARK Project
by Walker and Williams Investment Group
�����BEST COMMERCIALPROPERTY AGENCY
MARKETING HUNGARYTóPARK Project
by Walker and Williams Investment Group
BEST MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT EUROPE
TóPARK Project by Walker and Williams
Investment Group
BEST INTERNATIONALMIXED USE
DEVELOPMENTTóPARK Project
by Walker and Williams Investment Group
International Property Awards 19
India
Spire Edge is a world class IT park in
Manesar – rated amongst India’s top six
growth destinations. It is built on the
tenets of ‘Mainstream Green’
development – an architectural philosophy
that aims to resolve the conflict between
nature and infrastructure. The practice
involves harnessing renewable natural
resources, using locally sourced building
materials, reducing loads and the
optimisation of energy usage.
Spire Edge is set to be the future
beacon of Manesar. Spread over 10 acres,
it will comprise of nearly 150,000m² of
office spaces and facilities. Its Signature
Building is also India’s first commercial
‘bioclimatic skyscraper’. This deep green
iconic 91m high building will have
average floor plates of 1,486m².The
complex will include a nine-storey
Anchor Block with rooftop garden and
independent car drop, Business Suites,
Club and Shopping mall.
Efficient space planning will allow for
adapt-to-suit offices – while common
meeting pods, incubation spaces and
expo centre will make smaller offices
viable. A parking lot for 2000 cars is
designed to grow by another 70%. Spire
Edge marries form and function, striking a
balance between a structured workspace
and the organic landscape surrounding it.
Created by a team of world
renowned architects and consultants, led
by Dr Ken Yeang – the world’s foremost
authority on sustainable architecture and
father of ‘bioclimatic skyscrapers’, it is
being co-developed by A N Buildwell.
�����BEST OFFICE
DEVELOPMENT INDIASpire Edge
by A.N. Buildwell Pvt. Ltd.
�����THE ARCHITECTURE
AWARD INDIASpire Edge
by A.N. Buildwell Pvt. Ltd.
BEST OFFICE DEVELOPMENT ASIA PACIFIC
Spire Edge by A.N. Buildwell Pvt. Ltd.
5D, Plaza M6, District Centre,
Jasola, New Delhi,
110025, India
t: +91 11 4051 5600
f: +91 11 4051 5601
w: www.spireworld.in
A.N. Buildwell Pvt Ltd
BEST INTERNATIONALOFFICE DEVELOPMENT
Spire Edge by A.N. Buildwell Pvt. Ltd.
Super Green Ramp SunshadesRainwater Harvesting
BEST DEVELOPMENTASIA PACIFIC
Villa Green, Tropicana IndahResort Homes
by Dijaya CorporationBerhad
Malaysia
Asia Pacific Property Awards20
As an established name in the property
development industry, Dijaya
Corporation Berhad pioneered the
concept of resort-styled developments
in Malaysia with the Tropicana Golf &
Country Resort. Driven by this
successful formula, Dijaya went on to
develop the Tropicana Indah Resort
Homes of which Villa Green is an award
winning part.
A fine collection of 86 luxurious,
three-storey semi-detached homes
within the exclusive neighbourhood of
the resort, Villa Green is conveniently
close to all the amenities of the thriving,
modern city of Petaling Jaya. As you drive
through the main entrance, past the
guardhouse, breathtaking views of two
golf courses greet the eye. Indeed,
purchasers at Villa Green all receive free
golf club membership to the Tropicana
Golf & Country Club with its 27-hole,
international-standard course and the
biggest clubhouse in Malaysia.
The exterior designs of Villa Green’s
properties are based on the beauty of
simplicity and elegance. Facades have
clean and uncluttered lines to enhance
their elegance and the homes are set
in a circular, private formation to amplify
the feeling of a closed and secure
neighbourhood. There are two façades
to choose from and these are
differentiated with two colour schemes
to give consistency of the overall design
scheme yet break the monotony of a
row of houses.
Furthermore, these homes have
been designed to complement the
unhindered internal and external spaces
with large window areas, spacious living
and dining rooms as well as luxurious
bedrooms with en suite bathrooms that
embrace the outdoors. An entrance hall
and large foyer give an impression of
grandness when walking in to each
property and the dry kitchen has access
to the terrace where the family can
gather for a relaxed breakfast while
taking in the fresh morning air.
Each home comes complete with a
Smart Home Security System with
�����BEST DEVELOPMENT
MALAYSIAVilla Green, Tropicana Indah
Resort Homes by Dijaya Corporation
Berhad
BEST INTERNATIONALDEVELOPMENT
Villa Green, Tropicana IndahResort Homes
by Dijaya CorporationBerhad
Asia Pacific Property Awards 21
Lot 301, 3rd Floor, Wisma Dijaya,
1A Jalan SS 20/1, Damansara Utama,
47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul,
Ehsan, Malaysia
t: +603 7728 2018
f: +603 7725 3035
w: www.dijaya.com.my
Dijaya Corporation Berhad
exceptional capabilities. These include
activation of lights, air-conditioning and
water heaters remotely via a touch-tone
phone or mobile, intrusion alerts sent to
four designated mobile phone numbers,
motion and vibration sensors, a siren and
alarm system. Even when you are out you
can speak to visitors at the gates as the
advanced intercom system will make a call
to your phone and allow you to speak just
as though you were in residence.
As for ensuring the well-being of Villa
Green residents, much has been done to
provide a truly conducive living
environment. Extensive landscaping has
been carried out throughout the
neighbourhood with mature trees
offering extensive shade within a Green
Street concept where there are roll-over
kerbs, and hidden utilities like cables and
drains. What’s more, Feng Shui, the
ancient art of maximising the presence
of Qi (a body of energy that circulates
where we live), has been incorporated
within the layout of every single room.
Dream homes may come in many
shapes and forms but what makes Villa
Green so extraordinary is that it is an
expression of the passion and
craftsmanship to create not just a home
but a unique masterpiece that can
proudly be described as a super villa.
BEST DEVELOPMENTASIA PACIFIC
Villa Green, Tropicana IndahResort Homes
by Dijaya CorporationBerhad
�����BEST DEVELOPMENT
MALAYSIAVilla Green, Tropicana Indah
Resort Homes by Dijaya Corporation
Berhad
BEST INTERNATIONALDEVELOPMENT
Villa Green, Tropicana IndahResort Homes
by Dijaya CorporationBerhad
International Property Awards 23
Pinmill Farm, Block F
Katherine Street, Sandown
2010, South Africa
t: +27 11 809 4523
w: www.africanhomesteads.com
&Beyond
South Africa
African Homesteads is an exciting safari
property venture between &Beyond,
one of the acknowledged leaders in
responsible luxury travel, and Tara Getty.
The Getty Family Trusts are one of two
major shareholders in &Beyond,
previously known as CC Africa.
Located on the pristine &Beyond
Phinda Private Game Reserve in
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, the 15
exclusive African Homesteads are priced
from US$6 million each and are offered
on a 70 year leasehold. Each includes a
four hectare private site and full
traversing rights over the full extent of
the 23,000 hectare Reserve. Phinda
showcases seven distinct natural habitats
and boasts exceptional game viewing
experiences including the Big Five: lion,
leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo.
The award-winning show Homestead
extends over 800 square metres and
comprises four large bedroom suites with
beautifully appointed bathrooms built
around spacious indoor and outdoor
living areas. There is a fifth ensuite
bedroom for the owner’s staff. Other
features include expansive wooden
verandahs, a large crystal infinity pool, a
traditional outdoor dining area called a
boma, and an exercise pavilion.
Each African Homestead is equipped
with its own 4x4 safari vehicle and is
managed by an &Beyond-trained team
including a game ranger, tracker, chef and
host who will provide the unbeatable
safari experience characteristic of
&Beyond’s award-winning safari lodges.
In addition, &Beyond Phinda Private
Game Reserve’s proximity to the
unspoilt beaches and spectacular reefs of
the Indian Ocean offer African
Homestead owners the ultimate in bush
and beach adventure.
�����BEST INTERIOR DESIGN
SOUTH AFRICA
�����BEST PROPERTY SOUTH AFRICA
����BEST ARCHITECTURE
(SINGLE UNIT) AFRICA
African Homesteadsby &Beyond
BEST INTERIOR DESIGN AFRICA
BEST PROPERTY AFRICA
BEST INTERNATIONALPROPERTY
E x p e r i e n c e t h e G r a n T u r i s m o - T e x t G T t o 8 1 0 2 5
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I N T E R N AT I O N A L
HOMESLuxury Collection
Vol 16 No 3 / £4.50
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T H E F I N E S T H O M E S , T R A V E L & L I F E S T Y L E
Cyprus
International Property Awards26
101 Phaneromenis Avenue,
PO Box 42624, 6501 Larnaca, Cyprus
t: +357 24 664585
w: www.scp.com.cy
SCP Architects and Engineers
SCP Architects and Engineers is a
Cyprus based practice that undertakes
architectural projects and master plans.
The company’s aim is to achieve high
quality buildings of architectural
individuality and self-identity, respecting
the occupants and broad surroundings.
Designing and supervising residential
buildings, apartment blocks, housing
compounds, commercial foundations
and industrial installations, SCP
Architects endeavours to accomplish
function into form through simplicity
and conceptual comprehension.
Completed in 2006, Marinou
Residence is situated in Kiti, Larnaca,
Cyprus, on a plot of 1560m². The house is
spread over two floors, includes a small
basement and evolves around the
concept of experiences. White walls,
penetrating pockets, large openings,
intriguing views and water are the main
characteristics. Its spaces offer relaxation
and, being strategically placed in the plot,
inhabitants can enjoy the outdoor views
from all major internal spaces. The
residence also offers big covered verandas
both on the ground and first floor, giving
protection from direct sunlight.
A void has also been cleverly
placed in the core of the house to allow
natural lighting to all major spaces. In
addition to this, large openings are
created to ensure maximum natural
lighting and ventilation throughout. All this
results in Marinou Residence being a high
quality establishment of exquisite
materials, offering interesting views and
relaxing internal and external spaces to
its inhabitants.
�����BEST ARCHITECTURE
(SINGLE UNIT) CYPRUSMarinou Residence
/ Kiti LGA by SCP Architects Engineers
BEST EUROPEAN ARCHITECTURE (SINGLE UNIT)
Marinou Residence/ Kiti LGA
by SCP Architects Engineers
BEST INTERNATIONALARCHITECTURE (SINGLE UNIT)
Marinou Residence/ Kiti LGA
by SCP Architects Engineers
International Property Awards 27
Portugal
Nini Andrade Silva Atelier is a company
dedicated to architectural design.
Directed by Nini Andrade Silva herself,
it has become an international brand
name in the world of interior and
architectural design. The company
currently has offices in Portugal and
2010 will see expansion with the
opening of further studios in Europe.
Nini’s ever growing team is currently
engaged in many projects across
Europe, North and South America, Asia
and Africa.
The Vine Hotel on Madeira is one of
Nini Andrade Silva Atelier’s many award-
winning projects. As the first five-star
design hotel on the island, The Vine was
created around the concept of its name.
Arriving at the hotel, the great purple
staircase and metal mesh symbolise the
summer rain, offering a warm welcome.
In the lobby, the restaurant Terra Lounge
represents the vineyards; a garden with
sofas like big baskets and purple cushions
the colour of wine.
The floor finishing is covered in small
round pebbles, representing the beaches
on Madeira with each one designed in a
different colour to signify the four
seasons. Bathroom facilities are even
designed in the form of a grape while the
purple swimming pool symbolises a tank
of wine and the Jacuzzi represents the
channels leading the water around the
island. The result is a true work of
interior design art.
THE INTERIOR DESIGNAWARD EUROPE
Hotel The Vine by Atelier Nini Andrade Silva
�����THE INTERIOR DESIGN
AWARD PORTUGALHotel The Vine
by Atelier Nini Andrade Silva
Rua Do Barão No. 25 & 29
Lisbon, 1100-072, Portugal
t: +351 218 123 790
f: +351 213 462 220
Rua Princesa Dª Amelia Nº 1,3, 5
9000-019 Funchal Madeira
t: +351 291 204 350
f: +351 291 204 379
w: www.niniandradesilva.com
Atelier Nini Andrade Silva
Turkey
International Property Awards28
Konyaaltı, 07050
Antalya/Turkey
t: + 90 242 249 07 00
f: + 90 242 249 07 07
w: www.hillsidesu.com.tr
Hillside Su Hotel
�����BEST HOTEL TURKEY
Hillside Su Hotel
Since opening in 2003, Hillside Su has
pioneered the concept of offering a
five-star destination hotel experience
for the leisure and business traveller at
an impressively attractive price level.
Deriving its name ‘Su’ from the Turkish
word for water, Hillside Su is a
remarkable contemplation of clarity
and transparency.
The architect Eren Talu has designed
the property conceiving an all white
1960’s inspired hotel and created every
single element of it from the design
layout and construction through to the
furniture and soft furnishing items. As
Turkey’s first Design Hotel Member,
Hillside Su proves that comfort and
innovative design go hand in hand.
Everything from the standard of its
culinary offering and spa activities to the
conference and business facilities is
consistently high.
The hotel offers a wide range of
accommodation from standard double
rooms with land views all the way
through to Premium suites with sea and
pool views.
In addition Hillside Su boasts
extensive meeting facilities with spaces
including an 860m² and 480m² ballroom
with foyer, 270m² conference hall, eight
meeting rooms and an international
standard business centre.
All this, together with the impeccable
service reaching beyond all customer
expectations and a warm and welcoming
atmosphere, makes for a ‘tried and
tested’ hotel product with a loyal
following and an impressive repeater rate
of 30 per cent in 2009.
BEST HOTEL EUROPEHillside Su Hotel
International Property Awards 29
UK & Africa
51 Petty France,
London, SW1H 9ET, UK
t: +44 (0)207 222 2622
f: +44 (0)207 371 3355
w: www.kkpa.com
Khalil & Kane is a leading provider of
property acquisition services. The
company specialises in residential and
commercial property finding, acquisition
consultancy and management. They pride
themselves on their outstanding service,
professionalism and ability to deliver for
their clients. At the centre of this is
understanding their clients’ requirements
and tailoring the company’s expertise
and skills to their needs.
Khalil & Kane emphasise the
importance of communication with
clients. Through the Kkonnection content
management system each client is given
their own online account through which
they receive a full history of all
information relating to their transaction
and through which they can correspond
with their advisor.
They have a leading research team
and are focused on identifying and
acquiring the most suitable properties
for each client’s needs, tastes and
requirements. The company operates in
a transparent, articulate and open
manner, which enables their clients to
have a full understanding of the
transaction they are undertaking.
However, whilst they provide a premium
service their prices are reasonable.
The last couple of years have been
challenging for buyers, which has made
Khalil & Kane’s services particularly
valuable. A lack of good stock on the
market, difficulty in obtaining finance and
reduced buyer equity have made it
especially important for buyers to take
acquisition advice. Khalil & Kane’s track
record and their unique ability to source
and acquire property and consistently
exceed their clients’ expectations has
continued to strengthen their reputation
as an industry leader.
����BEST PROPERTY FINDER
LONDONKhalil & Kane
BEST PROPERTY FINDERAFRICA
Khalil & Kane
BEST INTERNATIONALPROPERTY FINDER
Khalil & Kane
Khalil & Kane
United Kingdom
International Property Awards30
The Tower Building,
10th Floor, Elizabeth House,
11 York Road, London,
SE1 7NX, UK
t: +44 (0)207 401 4100
f: +44 (0)207 401 4101
w: www.astudioarchitecture.com
Astudio Ltd
�����BEST PUBLIC SERVICES
DEVELOPMENT UKWigan City Campus
by Astudio Ltd, LCE Architects, Bisset Adams
The City Campus is a groundbreaking
development master planned from a
macro scale of Wigan to knit together
the retail, civic and cultural quarters.
Its award winning design creates two
new public spaces, either side of the
existing town hall, and also houses the
new public library. The new public
swimming pool and council offices have
been designed to provide the community
with a one-stop shop for modern
council services.
A modern cutting edge building in
the heart of the conservation area,
Wigan City Campus utilises a retained
façade to maintain the historic character
as well as provide a great contrast to the
new facility.
The development team’s belief from
the outset was to create a new ‘place’ to
sit significantly at the junction of the town
centre, the historic conservation area and
the commercial centre for Wigan. A great
deal of thought has gone into the sensitive
relationship between the old and new.
Both in physical terms and philosophically,
the retention of the Municipal building
façade retains the historical character of
the local area, yet still projects a dynamic
forward thinking vision the council has of
the future. In fact, the development itself
may well provide the catalyst to develop
the town hall between the two new
public spaces to become the centrepiece
of Wigan’s community facilities; its new
civic campus.
BEST INTERNATIONALPUBLIC SERVICES DEVELOPMENT
Wigan City Campus by Astudio Ltd, LCE Architects, Bisset Adams
International Property Awards 31
119-121 Park Lane, Mayfair,
London, W1K 7AG, UK
t: +44 (0) 20 7079 1515
f: +44 (0) 20 7629 2329
w: www.fineandcountry.com
Fine & Country Ltd
United Kingdom
Founded in 2003 to specialise in the
sale of residential property in the
upper quarter of the UK market, Fine
& Country had its ambitions clear
from the start. Here was a marketplace
characterised by a lack of high-quality
competition, and overpopulated with
companies that underachieved in terms
of service.
An opportunity existed for a
dedicated real estate agency to provide a
marketing proposition refreshingly
different in its approach, one that focused
on achieving the best possible outcomes
for buying and selling clients alike.
By working closely with clients and
understanding what made them and their
properties tick, Fine & Country made
lifestyle central to its brand and the way it
presented homes for sale – effectively
distancing itself from the typical ‘one size
fits all’ philosophy.
Since then, stunning photography
combined with clever and informative
lifestyle descriptions have attracted
selling clients and chimed with buyers’
aspirations. In seven years, Fine &
Country has grown exponentially, and
now has more offices handling more
properties in more locations than any
other UK prestige brand.
Widespread and creative marketing
campaigns also give selling clients
exposure to a wider marketplace, and
Fine & Country has earned an enviable
reputation for achieving the best results
for clients more quickly. All these
advantages saw the firm triumph in the
2009 property awards, at both UK and
international level.
�����BEST ESTATE AGENCY
MARKETING UKFine & Country
BEST INTERNATIONALREAL ESTATE AGENCY
MARKETINGFine & Country
United Kingdom
International Property Awards32
1 Vencourt Place, Ravenscourt Park,
Hammersmith, London, W6 9NU, UK
t: +44 (0)20 8600 4171
f: +44 (0)20 8600 4181
w: www.shh.co.uk
SHH architects + interiors + design consultants
SHH created this office interiors’
scheme for a private company in
London’s west end in close consultation
with client-side design director Zeljko
Popovic. The brief was to create a ‘high
impact, 21st century office interior with
a strong personality’, with more in
common with a gentlemen’s club than a
traditional office space.
Although the property was made up
of a classic (Grade II-listed) Georgian
townhouse with a former stables and
garage mews building to the rear, the
client was very open to a sense of
contrast for the scheme, favouring a
highly contemporary treatment. The
inherited interior – also previously an
office – was not particularly grand, but
any standout details were to be retained.
The newly generous per capita space
was exploited with very individual rooms
with differing colours and degrees of
formality – from a breakout room to
office space to dramatic meeting spaces.
The scheme had to house five company
directors and around 20 administrative
staff, along with a range of differing
meeting facilities.
Standout features include two
chandeliers, made to order and
designed by Michael Anastassiades and
four wall projections by artist Hugo
Dalton. He produced a series of sketches
of ballet dancers morphed with floral
motifs, which were laser-cut on to disks
and fitted into ceiling-mounted
projectors, resulting in stunning ‘floating’
light projections.
�����THE INTERIOR DESIGN
AWARD UKManchester Square
by SHH
THE INTERNATIONALINTERIOR DESIGN
AWARDManchester Square
by SHH