Luxury Real Estate

By Serge Cowan of Unique Living, International Real Estate

“A renovation property opens up a whole new world”, says Serge Cowan, Managing Director at Unique Living. “Whether you intend to take on the project yourself or buy a property in the Algarve that has already had the work done, you certainly own something unique”.

Take for instance Quinta Cebeca de Vento (Day Dreamers Farm) at Almancil, Central Algarve, Portugal, the current owners have transformed an 150 year old Portuguese farmhouse into a stunningly beautiful, four bedroom villa for sale which is on the market for 1,509,954 Euros. With this property there is absolutely nothing for a new owner to do!

Located in a nature reserve the dedication of the owners over the last 10 years has resulted in an exceptional home where they have scoured architectural salvage sites for original fittings to add to their carved kitchen doors and cabinets from a 200 year old palace in Bahrain, and incorporated this with the local vernacular, to produce a truly spectacular property. Energy efficient, eco friendly and with a total rainwater conservation system, this rustic, yet bright and light home with massive stone archways, mezzanine, library, study, open fireplace and traditional terracotta doors and farmhouse style ceilings with natural wooden beams, is set in an acre of orchards and manicured lawns, ponds, terraces and pool.

For those more adventurous, there is a windmill with sea views in Carvoeiro, Western Algarve, Portugal. With sea views, this exclusive project in a prime location, offers great potential for building a unique home. The current project consists of a large villa, preserving the existing windmill. The property is in walking distance of the beach and amenities with a secluded plot and spectacular views. Plot available at 480,000 euros.

“It is important to remember that if you take on a renovation, you need time and patience”, adds Serge. “Falling in love with a derelict property in a prime location is one thing, seeing it through to fruition is another. Consider seriously the need to secure full planning permission before you commence and work out carefully the time and money needed to create your dream. It often helps to seek guidance from a good agent operating in the area who can offer advice based on local knowledge and perhaps suggest suitable builders and architects”.

Another property in Carvoeiro but totally different in concept, is a five bedroom, five bathroom home with pool totally renovated for 750,000 euros.

This is a traditional old style farmhouse fully renovated into a truly immaculate home.

The property is surrounded by country views and is within minutes of the International School of Porches and Horseback Riding School. Golf and local shops are nearby. The beach is five minutes as is the local town. The airport is just 45 minutes drive time.

The property has a swimming pool and garden. The home has beautifully appointed bathrooms and bedrooms and a handsome fireplace to main lounge.

by Michael Marquette of Marquette Turner Luxury Homes

Australia has topped an index of the world’s most prosperous nations, with economic stability and high quality of life putting it over the edge.

The index, produced by Dubai-based investment group Legatum, measured 104 nations against levels of wealth, quality of life, and life satisfaction.

Australia tops the list, with Austria and Finland rounding out the top three. Legatum claims Australia reached first place in part due to its strong economic performance.

“(Australia) has reinvented itself as a wealthy, service-oriented economy with good scores on live-ability indicators, including health, charitable giving and effective governance,” the group says.

“Strong norms or civic participation, robust health, and plenty of leisure time contribute to the high live-ability ranking.”

Australia ranks highly in good governance, education, high incomes and active community culture, but ranks lower in avoiding dependency on exports, moderate climate and investment through competitive markets.

Germany, the United States and Singapore all ranked in the top 10, but Mali, Zambia and Yemen were dropped to the very bottom of the list. The new for Australians and those that are aware of just how good it is to be part of the great nation is confirmation of what we have all known for many years.

Michael Marquette is the Director of Marquette Turner Luxury Homes in Sydney, Australia. Established by Michael Marquette and Simon Turner, the Agency is at the forefront of Luxury real estate in Australia.

Par Rodophe Chayla de R. CHAYLA IMMOBILIER

Le marché s'effondre ! les prix baissent ! l'immobilier va mal ! le chômage et les licenciements augmentent !... Nous, nous recrutons, nous allons de l'avant et nous ne souhaitons pas subir cette ambiance morose. Si les journalistes étaient moins focalisés sur ce qui ne va pas et plus attentif à ce qui va bien, le moral des Français serait certainement meilleur. Tous les jours, du matin au soir, nous subissons la pression médiatique... Il est vrai que ce n'est pas le Top des affaires en ce moment mais il y a pire ! regardons les autres Pays, notamment d'Afrique ou d'Europe de l'Est... Bref, nous, nous restons optimistes, vigilants, attentifs, énergiques et motivés !! Bertrand a rejoint notre équipe de l'agence de la rue Barbes à CARCASSONNE, André celle de Trèbes, Diane celle de Limoux et plus précisément pour notre division anglophone "simplylanguedocproperties". Notre négociatrice Sylviane est aussi de retour sur Trèbes suite à une longue absence consécutive à un grave accident de voiture. L'équipe est maintenant au nombre de 30 et chacun est spécialisé dans un domaine, à savoir : la gestion locative - la location - la vente - les biens de prestige - la clientèle internationale - la comptabilité. Si l'immobilier va, tout va.. alors allons-y !!

By Ottavia Panciroli of Capolavori Immobiliari

Since 1990, the region in central Italy was one of the most popular spots in Europe for second home-buyers seeking la dolce vita—including celebrities and royals such as Sting, Antonio Banderas, Richard Gere and Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.

Spanning approximately 9,000 square miles, Tuscany is the site of several important Italian cities, including Florence, Siena and Pisa. Yet the region is equally well known for its pastoral countryside. Most of the landscape is rural and mountainous, with a generous stretch of coastline along the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Tuscany has remained pristine and picturesque because the area is very protected against unrestricted urbanization.

Rivaling the beauty of the cypress-covered hills and charming vineyards are the creations of the Italian Renaissance masters who called Tuscany their home—a roster that includes Michelangelo, da Vinci, Giotto, Puccini, Boccaccio and Galileo. Italian Renaissance paintings and sculptures are displayed at dozens of famous museums throughout the region, such as the Uffizi in Florence, which houses one of the most important collections of paintings in the world.

The most-requested area in Tuscany for those buying a luxury home is the Chianti region between Florence and Siena and other areas, such as Siena, Montalcino, Maremma and the area around Lucca.

By Kass Coleman

So you want a place in paradise, either while you live here or to come to on vacation? Luxury homes in Cayman meet the needs of most people, both internationally and locally. If you’re local, you can work and live here with or without children and there’s never a dull moment.

Cayman offers an abundance of activities for kids of all ages: sporting activities, arts, music, etc allow kids to flourish and express their creativity and talent through avenues that in some other countries aren’t as eager to welcome such raw talent. Cayman has an active social scene comprised of a number of charity events, art and music shows with many local musicians playing nightly in various locations island-wide and endless sporting and water-sports events. It’s just one more way in which we here in Cayman are truly blessed.

Now, if you’re only here for a short period of time – not to live here, but just love to visit – this is also the place for you too! Foreign investors aren’t just welcomed, they are encouraged to make Cayman their “home away from home.” You’ve probably heard the phrase “no restriction of foreign ownership” before… what’s that mean? It means you can own a luxury property here in Cayman outright – no one else needs to be involved if you choose for them not to be. You can own it in your own name or through a Cayman Company, set up through one of Cayman’s law firms, many of them internationally known and well-recognized.

The Caribbean lifestyle has become somewhat internationally-flavored here in Cayman – you can search the world over and probably never find a blend quite as unique as Cayman’s social scene. Imagine a multimillionaire local executive having a drink at a party with a visiting entrepreneur; it’s much more common that you think. The social, business and residential sectors of The Cayman Islands mix just as beautiful as the Caribbean Sea with an exotic cocktail.

Cayman’s diverse market pleases every single palette: from $150,000 to $10 million, there is a home for any and everyone. The World-Famous Seven Mile Beach is home to both residents and non-residents alike, all enjoying the Cayman Islands for what they truly are: a place in the sun!

Whether you are looking for something to enjoy part of the year, as a vacation home, semi-year-round or 365 days a year, you won’t be disappointed by what Cayman has to offer, no matter your needs or residential status.


Editor’s Note:
Kass Coleman has lived in Cayman since 1986 and has been with RE/MAX Cayman Islands since 1993. She has achieved numerous awards with the RE/MAX International and is a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, a member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame and Member of the Institute of Luxury Home Marketing. In her spare time loves horseback riding, sailing and beachcombing and yoga and spending time with her teenage daughter. This is the first blog entry we’ve received from this wonderful member of Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, but you might remember a blog entry I wrote about them joining our network a few months back. For more information on Coleman and her company, visit www.beachcastles.com.

By Serge Cowan

Cyprus offers a superb tax system whereby foreign pensions will only ever be taxed at 5 percent – maximum. “This is exceptional,” says Serge Cowan, MD at Unique Living, specialist property agents offering supreme luxury and lifestyle homes around the world including luxury homes for sale in Limassol.



“When looking for a retirement home, one has to consider not just what the country has to offer but also where you stand financially. Cyprus must come high on people’s agenda because it has so many benefits”.

In some countries you could be paying tax in your home country on pension income of 40 percent or even higher, so the 5 percent is something that really needs to be taken into consideration when buying abroad.

Cyprus also has many other benefits: good year-round weather, low crime rate, you drive on the left, a cosmopolitan atmosphere, quality golf courses, European Union membership and superbly located at the east end of the Mediterranean, providing convenient access to the Middle East and Far East as well as Europe.

In addition, the Government of Southern Cyprus is making big strides to be a serious contender in the world of “movers and shakers.” Developments are increasingly for the luxury market, and soon to be released is a Marina Resort in Limassol. This is to include a manmade island for residential villas, plus there is rumoured to be a 5-star hotel and berths for 600 privately owned boats. All of which is to be in the heart of the old town of Limassol and its rapidly growing commercial and business centre.

“Southern Cyprus is rapidly changing and those who are astute can be part of this altering picture – one that is creating a supremely elegant and sophisticated island to appeal to discerning buyers from around the world. A shrewd buyer looking at the current market place will not be disappointed with Cyprus and in particular luxury real estate in Limassol,” concludes Serge.


Editor’s Note:
Founded in 2002 by Serge Cowan and Sophie Hammond, Unique Living’s portfolio of luxury properties for sale includes new property developments, resale property, villas, townhouses, penthouses and apartments in prime locations around the world. Unique Living is headquartered in London and it is a member of Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate. Let’s see, in the past week or so we’ve received blog entries on Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, Australia, Vanuatu, France and now Cyprus. This is very exciting. Keep checking the Luxury Real Estate Blog for great information like this. Also, feel free to submit your own blog entries for consideration. The photo of the Limassol, Cyprus shoreline is from www.flickr.com/photos/mamchenkov/281322233 and it is the copyright of Leonid Mamchenkov.

By Todd Cutter

Breathtaking beaches, stunning rainforests teeming with wildlife, pristine waterfalls, lakes, and rivers, along with endless activities ranging from adrenaline-boosting eco-adventures to soothing relaxation in some of the worlds premier resorts are just a few of the reasons why Costa Rica has become a Mecca for vacationers, retirees and investors from the world over. Costa Rica’s stunning natural beauty and abundance of wildlife are matched only by the warmhearted and peace-loving people who call this paradise home.

The unique combination of tropical rainforests, stunning beaches, active volcanoes, world-class surfing, an array of adventure activities,  some of the world's most breathtaking rivers, waterfalls, and other dazzling natural phenomenon have made Costa Rica an ideal location for travelers from all walks of life, looking to rediscover the natural wonders which inspire us all. In recent years, Costa Rica has also become increasingly well-known for its investment potential, stable democracy, inexpensive cost of living, first-class health-care system, and overall lifestyle it can offer the international community.

With an environment of enormous potential, Costa Rica has investors, retirees, as well as vacationers from all over the globe flocking to seize on the opportunities to own their own piece of this tropical paradise. Whether you are looking for a vacation getaway for you family, a rental property offering secure annual returns and appreciation, or the retirement spot of your dreams, Costa Rica offers the answer.

Finding a more complete destination is nearly impossible. To have such a spectacular natural backdrop, without sacrificing a peaceful and stable democracy, tremendous investment potential, a fantastic health care system, booming tourism, and an ever-expanding infrastructure makes Costa Rica a truly unique destination for investors, vacationers and retirees alike.


Editor’s Note:
Todd Cutter is a real-estate agent with 2Costa Rica Real Estate, a member of Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate. Originally from Birmingham, Ala., Cutter came to Costa Rica in 1998 after graduating from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a degree in Spanish for International Business. Upon his arrival, he founded an online travel business. Although his travel business is still in operation today, he sold the business to dedicate all of his time and energy to 2Costa Rica Real Estate. He specializes in large development parcels, hotel development and marketing programs for developer partners. Another LuxuryRealEstate.com member has submitted content to the Luxury Real Estate Blog. This is wonderful. That’s a lot of praise for Costa Rica! I’ve been hearing quite a bit about great investments to be found in that beautiful country. Maybe that would be a good place to seek your new luxury home.

By Jim Walberg
From his blog: Caribbean Fractionals Expanding To Botany Bay Resort!

St. Thomas, USVI is the location, and the former Preserve At Botany Bay is the spot!

Caribbean fractionals continue to be THE real estate choice of thousands of Caribbean buyers. Last week David Burden – founder and CEO of Timbers Resorts – announced that the ultra-luxury resort located on the western tip of St. Thomas will be managed by the international hospitality management group – Jumeirah Group, which is a member of Dubai Holding. This announcement was made at the signing ceremony with Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman of Jumeirah (Remember my past article about the Virgin Islands fractional market?).

“We selected Jumeirah as the ideal hotel company to partner with at this unprecedented resort on the secluded western tip of St. Thomas,” remarked David Burden. “Based on their internationally renowned hotel experience in luxury service, they will be a perfect match for our discerning owners and resort guests.”

Jumeirah Botany Bay Resort is one of the true world-class luxury resorts which include mashed-potato sand beaches, private coves to explore, protected coral reefs and a nature conservancy, ultra-fine dining, a beach club as well as a Talise Wellness Spa.

Jumeirah Group will manage the five-star luxury hotel of 84 rooms, spread over nine tropical buildings in a very secluded setting on St. Thomas’ western shores. Scheduled to open in 2011, the 400-acre resort will also include 30 fractional residences, 30 whole-ownership villas and 20 grand estates. These full-service residences will be managed by Jumeirah Living, combining the luxury of a prestige hotel with all the privacy and comforts of your home away from home.

Jumeirah Group is also in the midst of ultra-luxury resort developments in Phuket, Shanghai, Argentina, Mallorca, London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Jordan, among others. “We are impressed by Timbers Resorts’ commitment to responsible development and the care with which they intend to develop this protected enclave,” said Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman of the Jumeirah Group. “With its secluded location in a tropical environment, the Jumeirah Botany Bay Resort will be true to our ‘STAY DIFFERENT’ promise.”

Timbers Resorts is a world-class developer that we have enjoyed working with in serving our client’s needs. The Timbers Collection is a group of small, private, luxury resort properties in the world’s most sought-after ski, golf, beach and scenic countryside locations. They include One Steamboat Place in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; Botany Bay Resort on St. Thomas in the USVI; Castello di Casole in Tuscany, Italy; The Rocks Luxury Residence Club in Scottsdale, Arizona; Esperanza Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; The Timbers Club in Snowmass, Colorado; and there latest is The Orchard at The Carneros Inn in Napa Valley.

For further information regarding Botany Bay Resort, or any other of the Jumeirah and Timbers Collection, contact me today! We are standing ready to serve any of your luxury real estate needs around the world! I look forward to speaking with you soon.


Editor’s Note:
Jim Walberg is the co-Broker/Owner of The Bay Area Team, the most-successful team at Keller Williams Realty-Danville. He is also a member of the global Luxury Real Estate network. Jim is an exceptional blogger, as you can see by visiting his blogs, East Bay Real Estate and Caribbean Islands Realty, and reading his great blog entries like the one above. He is the master of fractionals and other luxury homes in the Bay Area and the Caribbean, and he always has a lot of great opportunities to share. Hmm… Botany Bay. You know what that reminds me of? Call me crazy, but Botany Bay brings to mind Khan Noonien Singh, the famous villain in one of my favorite films of all time, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. As Khan would say: Ah, Jim Walberg… my old friend. Do you know the proverb that says vacations are a dish best served warm? It is very warm and pleasant… in the Caribbean! Feel free to nerd out in the Comments section if you know what I’m talking about.

By Robert Lockard

Ilya Moshenskiy, the Principal Photographer of Ilya’s Photography, recently came home from an eventful trip to Cannes for the International Boat & Yacht Show. He arrived with a whole bunch of beautiful photos highlighting the celebration of luxurious watercraft of all shapes and sizes. Check out his collection of photos here:

http://ilyaluxury.com/gallery/luxury/Cannes%20International%20Show/expl.php?user=Cannes%20International%20Show

Ilya is no stranger to covering big events with his keen eye for small details. Near the end of summer this year, he took time to photograph beautiful images at Seafair in Seattle. He has also been present at many Luxury Real Estate conferences, and he will be at the 13^th Annual Luxury Real Estate Fall Conference on Oct. 11-14, 2008. He’s such a hard worker and we definitely appreciate all of his efforts here at Luxury Real Estate.

Enjoy some of his amazing work below. Be sure to contact him at Contact him at ilya (at) ilyaestate.com or 425.883.2246 for all of your photography needs, including luxury homes, events, food and more.

Editor’s Note:
Robert Lockard is the Public Relations & Media Specialist with LuxuryRealEstate.com. I am Robert. I create all of Luxury Real Estate's newsletters, write the editorials in LuxuryRealEstate.com Magazine and much more. All of the photos in this blog entry are the copyright of Ilya’s Photography.

By Michael Marquette
From his blog: Australia’s most expensive apartment SOLD in Potts Point

Potts Point in Sydney has achieved Australia’s record apartment price with a $20 million penthouse sale.

An undisclosed “prominent Sydney businessman” bought the apartment off-the-plan after the Sydney City Council approved the development on Monday.



The two-level penthouse, with views across Woolloomooloo Bay towards the central business district, Sydney Harbour and the Opera House, will have 530 square metres of internal space and 115 square metres of balcony.

The Wylde Street sale trumps an $18.2 million off-the-plan penthouse sale in East Melbourne and the $16.8 million Sydney record sale in Macquarie Street’s Bennelong block earlier this year.

The Ashington Group, chaired by mortgage broker Mark Bouris, bought the development site for $15.5 million last year, indicating it viewed Potts Point as one of the true urban villages of Sydney.

“The sale was a sign that buyers will act quickly for distinctive apartment product,” Ashington’s director, Craig Minahan, said yesterday.

The design by architects Tzannes Associates echoes the curved glazing and copper roofing in the neighbouring 1930s heritage-listed Wyldefel Gardens residential complex.

The nine apartments included in the development with the penthouse will have interiors by fashion designer Alex Perry.

Interestingly, the Australian newspaper incorrectly quoted the apartment as being in Point Piper, not Potts Point.


Editor’s Note:
Michael Marquette is the co-Founder and Director of Marquette Turner Luxury Homes, a member of Luxury Real Estate in East Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Founded on Australia Day 2007 by Marquette and Simon Turner, Marquette Turner is a property consultancy company covering the Australian states of New South Wales and Victoria. Marquette has a background in medicine and a large retail and wholesale business. Marquette and Turner just can’t stop providing excellent content like this for the Luxury Real Estate Blog. People are still interested in purchasing luxury properties for the right price. Keep looking for good news and you’re sure to find it.