Luxury Real Estate

November 16, 2009, (Splash News) - The on-screen family home of Twilight vampire Edward Cullen is up for sale in real life for a cool $3.3m.

The stunning three-floor Vancouver pad is home to Twilight hunk Robert Pattinson's bloodsucking Cullen clan in New Moon, the latest installment in the hit vampire saga.

The house is the setting for a pivotal scene in the new film, when Cullen's adopted brother Jasper tries to attack Bella Swan (played by Kristen Stewart).

But now that filming of the third Twilight movie, Eclipse, has recently been completed, the house has been put on the market, priced at $3,298,000.

Real estate agent Jason Soprovich, who is handling the sale, describes the luxury five-bedroom property as "the Cullen House, as seen in the recent world-wide hit saga Twilight: New Moon".

It is understood that the house will not be used as a filming location for future Twilight movies.

Courtesy of: Coldwell Banker Previews International

Coldwell Banker Previews International® and Pacific Union/Christie’s Great Estates Hold the Listing

CALISTOGA, Calif. & LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Villa Montana, the magnificent California wine country estate owned by football legend Joe Montana and his wife Jennifer, has come onto the real estate market for $49 million—a fitting price for a property owned by the former 49er. Set on more than 500 acres in Calistoga, the ultra-private property includes a 9,700-square-foot Tuscan-inspired main residence, professional-grade equestrian center, two creeks that run year-round, a private pond, full-sized basketball court, skeet shooting range, caretaker’s residence, guesthouse, pool and spa, gym, Bocce ball court, and a producing olive farm.

The main residence features three bedrooms, three and a half baths, a sitting room/upstairs tower, great room and dining room, loggia, kitchen, breakfast room, media room, office, climate-controlled wine cellar and tasting room, outdoor viewing tower, and two laundry rooms. The home offers a flawless display of authentic Italian art, historic Tuscan-style architecture and ancient craftsmanship while paying tribute to the indoor/outdoor tradition that defines wine country living. From the imported marble floors to the carved Baroque wood portals, no detail was spared in the house.

“Villa Montana was designed to feel as if it was handed down through the generations,” said Jennifer, whose artistic vision can be found in nearly every detail throughout the main residence. “It’s a real celebration of California’s food and wine culture.”

Adding life to the home, the lines between indoor and outdoor spaceshave been masterfully integrated to create the ultimate entertaining home. The loggia opens to the outdoors, letting in natural light and fresh air during the summer. Wine tastings or olive samplings can be enjoyed in the outdoor courtyard with hand-painted frescos, antique statues and fountains. The Montanas have taken particular joy bringing their family and friends to the outdoor viewing tower, which offers 360-degree panoramas of Mount Saint Helena and Knights Valley.

Joe describes the property with equal affection as Jennifer: “We have a lot of great memories here with our friends and family. It’s a home made for entertaining.”

Information about Villa Montana can be found online at www.villamontanaestate.com.

About Coldwell Banker Previews International®

Coldwell Banker Previews International® is Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s luxury real estate program representing the finest homes on the market, typically priced in the top 10 percent. Over 2,000 sales associates market under the Coldwell Banker Previews International® name in Southern California. For more information, please visit www.coldwellbankerpreviews.com.

About Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Greater Los Angeles

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Greater Los Angeles (www.camoves.com), a leading residential real estate brokerage company, operates 37 offices with 2,550 sales associates. The Company is part of NRT LLC, the nation’s largest residential real estate brokerage company. NRT, a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, operates Realogy’s company-owned real estate brokerage offices.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6095512⟨=en

By Maureen Buckley of Buckley & Buckley Real Estate

Barefoot Contessa Ina Garten gives you a private tour of The Kitchen of the Year, that has been in the process over 6 months. Learn about the Kitchen Triangle, what is the best sink, why she uses open cupboards and best of all, put two comfortable chairs in the kitchen!! 

By Jillian Parker

SEATTLE – (November 6, 2009) – Hall of Fame third baseman Mike Schmidt of the Philadelphia Phillies has recently listed his home on the market in the Admirals Cove Golf and Yacht Club in Jupiter, Florida. Schmidt purchased the home in 1991, two years after playing his last major league game. After 18 seasons with the Phillies, 10 winning seasons and 9 Golden Glove awards Mike Schmidt is ranked as the number one best Phillies player of all time according to PhilliesNation.com. With 548 career homers, Schmidt is No. 14 on the all time list of the top Major League homerun hitters.

The 8,500 square foot home has recently undergone renovations and is on the market for $4.5 million. Renovations include crown moldings, stone and wood floors, brand new kitchen appliances, butler’s pantry and wet bar, master suite w/ his/hers baths, exercise room, marble counters & floors.

Rob Thomson, of Waterfront Properties won the listing. Thomson says Schmidt and his family love the Admiral Cove community and are looking for a more suitable home within the community. “They just want a change,” says Thomson, of Waterfront Properties. “The house was perfect for them and their two children. Now the kids are gone, they want something that fits their lifestyle.”

“Rob Thomson and Waterfront Properties are an important part of our global network, and I am pleased to hear that Rob is representing Mike Schmidt on the sale of his Jupiter Home,” said John Brian Losh, CEO and publisher of LuxuryRealEstate.com, and CEO, chairman and broker of Ewing & Clark, Inc., Seattle’s oldest real-estate brokerage.

Visit Schmidt’s home by clicking here courtesy of Waterfront Properties. For more information about the property contact Rob Thomson, Managing Partner of Waterfront Properties & Club Communities (561) 746-7272. Waterfront Properties is a member of the Board of Regents, the governing body of Luxury Real Estate. For more information on the Board of Regents, visit www.Regents.com.

About the Luxury Real Estate Board of Regents The Board of Regents is an exclusive network of the world's most elite luxury real estate brokers, comprised of the most legendary names in the industry selected by Luxury Real Estate CEO John Brian Losh. The Board of Regents is the governing body of Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, the worldwide network of luxury real estate brokerage firms. Members of the Board of Regents are marketing experts, providing innovation and unparalleled service to their clients. For more information, visit www.LuxuryRealEstate.com or www.Regents.com.

By Gary De Martini of Hill & Co. Real Estate

San Francisco, CA – November 3, 2009 – Architect Richard Neutra (1892-1970) has long been considered one of Modernism’s most important architects. His design thought has been described as being based on a proposed “new realism” of focus; the realism of the “needs of the user,” the human. His concentration was based on designing specific relations among rooms and outdoor views. His open floor plan, wide expanses of glass, and use of industrial finishes have withstood the test of time and are popular choices for modern living today.

The home now for sale at 2056-2058 Jefferson is a stunning example of the Neutra style of architecture in a prime San Francisco location, near the Palace of Fine Arts and Marina.

The building includes two flats plus a studio. The upper three bedroom, three bath unit occupies two levels, with an expansive roof terrace off the master suite that affords Golden Gate & bay views. The penthouse level also houses a 600-bottle wine room. The lower unit has the same footprint of the upper's main floor, with two bedrooms and two baths. The property includes a gorgeous garden, plus a four-car garage and a dumbwaiter from the garage to every floor.

A local newspaper once explained how home owners engaging Neutra played a significant role in shaping the design of the home itself. “What may have contributed to the individuality of a Neutra design was part of the process that was unique for architects at the time: to methodically inquire, using detailed questionnaires, what the owners of the homes truly wanted, allowing them to define the true needs for their residences.” This was indeed a remarkable approach, displaying an astonishing ability to address practical lifestyle needs coupled with brilliant architectural design.

2056-2058 Jefferson was built for Dr. William Schiff and Dr. Ernest Wolfes in 1938. The current owner – an architect – purchased the building from original owner, Ilse Schiff, in 1993 and has spent the last decade restoring the building with remarkable care and precision.

Neutra’s affinity for designing spaces which incorporate the outdoors through seemingly transparent walls of windows is evident throughout all the living areas. Overall, the property is a stunning example of the Bauhaus style of architecture in a prime San Francisco location. The Schiff house was featured in the Architectural Record of 1939 and Sunset Magazine in April 2005, along with many other publications.

More photos and information on this very special property can be found at www.2058Jefferson.com. Private showings can be arranged by contacting Hill & Co. Real Estate’s Caroline Kahn Werboff at (415) 321-4260.

Please Note: Sources for this piece include Richard Neutra Complete Works by Barbara Mac Lamprecht, and Time Magazine’s cover story on Neutra in August of 1949.

Hill & Co.

Founded in 1956, Hill & Co. Real Estate is a San Francisco brokerage long associated with the City’s finest properties. With four offices and nearly 100 full-time agents, the company enables clients to successfully navigate San Francisco’s complex real estate market. Two additional Hill & Co. offices provide property management and rental services. For more information, visit www.hill-co.com.

Courtesy of: Ann Adenius of International Luxury Real Estate

Brazil real estate prices are expected to escalate over the next few years after Rio de Janeiro was selected as the host city of the 2016 Olympic Games - the first time ever that the Games have been given to a South American nation.

The Brazil property sector and rapidly expanding economy are expected to be the real winner of the decision to award Rio the rights to host the tournament.

Brazil has already been selected to host the 2014 FIFA Football World Cup, the largest sporting event in the world. But with the 2016 Olympic Games to add, it will mean not only a massive boost to tourism, but a huge - and sustained - increase in government spending.

The games will help sustain Brazil’s economic growth by injecting $51.1 billion into Latin America’s largest economy through 2027 and add 120,000 jobs annually through 2016, according to studies by a Sao Paulo business school for the Ministry of Sports.

International property investors will also be cashing in on these sporting events’ popularity by purchasing property in Brazil. Demand for homes to both rent and buy is expected to soar in the run-up and during the tournaments themselves, and in turn drive Brazil property prices upwards.

Brazil is rather devoid of sophisticated luxury resorts, so investment in high-end property is likely to be lucrative

Natal Ocean Club Resort & Spa will be the most luxurious and glamorous resort in Northern Brazil. The capital city Natal is the safest city in Brazil, while the state of “Rio do Grande Norte” gives visitors 400km of golden sandy beaches, 360 days of sunshine, superb sea food, scuba-diving and scenery. Add to this the world’s 4th largest airport scheduled for completion in 2012 forecast to introduce an additional 5m visitors a year from the U.S. and Europe, and the future growth in Natal’s tourism and real estate value is undeniable.

Natal Ocean Club Resort & Spa’s exclusive selection of private residences has been masterfully designed by David Bastos, one of Brazil's leading architects, incorporating the finest native hardwoods, marble and granite. All properties are delivered turnkey, fully furnished down to the luxurious bedding and the plasma televisions. The luxurious condos and villas offer spacious and relaxing living space set in 25 acres of tropical landscaped gardens with dramatic views over the ocean and sands dunes. The resort offers the ultimate in stylish living with various sporting and Spa facilities and sumptuous dining in a unique and private community.

Already under construction, panoramic, uninterrupted ocean-view apartments start from just £138,000. The Natal Ocean Club Resort & Spa is the first project in Brazil offer guaranteed 50% mortgages.

There has never been a better time to get involved in this superb project.

Available from International Luxury Real Estate, www.ilre.com, email info@ilre.com or call +44 (0)20 7095 8701

By: Nicola Christinger of HomeHunts

GETTING INTO THE SWING OF THINGS

It‘s official – golf is good for your health.

It has long been a very enjoyable sport and golf can be highly beneficial to your well being. Walking is the easiest form of exercise; it stimulates the heart and circulates the blood. All medical practitioners agree that fresh air, exercise and a relaxed body and mind can do wonders for lowering blood pressure plus the bonus of decreasing cholesterol.

Today’s modern golf course can extend in length to between three to four miles and the average player will spend up to 4 hours playing 18 holes; there is nothing that can compete with the experience of an outdoor sport. Play when the sun is warming, you will find your senses are heightened to the beauty of the lush green grass, this is definitely one easy way to lower any stress levels you may be under.

Golf can break down barriers, everyone is equal; it all comes down to how you play. The golf course is an excellent place to meet and make new friends, especially if you are walking the course. Your round of golf, regardless of whom you are playing with, promotes peace, tranquility and a stress free environment.

Championship golf in the sunshine

For Mediterranean golf with championship courses look no further than the South of France. Famous and championship golf courses in the South of France include Cannes Mougins, Royal Mougins, Taulane, La Grande Motte, Four Seasons, Barbaroux, Saint Endreol, Gassin, Fregate, Saint Donat, Pont Royal, Nimes Campagne. There are no less than 18 great golf courses in the South of France. Stretching from Perpignan to Monte Carlo – 300 miles of sunshine, resorts, historic towns and sights this area has some of the finest golf courses in Europe. Buying a property on or next door to a golf course combines a lovely lifestyle with a healthy lifestyle.

SOUTH WEST FRANCE:

The Golf courses in the South West have wonderful greens and fairways which are permanently green. Many of the courses are adjacent to the large rivers which flow through the departments and the soil base of varying mixtures of rock, blue clay and sand retains and traps the moisture throughout the year. South West France has a long tradition of being a golf mecca, the course at PAU – BILLERE being the oldest club in continental Europe, created for and by the British Army in 1856.

Situated on the border of Lot and Dordogne is this beautiful property next to the COUNTRY CLUB DE SOUILLAC.

Fully restored on a hectare of land, it offers 4 bedrooms, kitchen/diner, library, cellar, garage, independent studio, solar heating and lovely pool area. Price: 805,000 euros

RIVIERA

Whilst some bronze themselves on the glamorous beaches along the Cote d’azur, golf lovers flock to this part of France to enjoy glitz of their own on the greens. The Golf resort of Saint Enderol is one of these great courses. This villa is set on an award-winning golf course in Saint Enderol. which is renowned to be the best site on the whole 370 acre Domaine, enjoying views to the south west, with the benefit of a large 2,163m2 plot giving extra privacy.

The Villa of 133m2 has 4 air-conditioned bedrooms: two bedrooms ensuite, and two bedrooms with separate shower room. The large drawing room/dining room opens up onto a spectacular sunny and private terrace of 89m2 overlooking the fully enclosed 5 x 10 metre swimming pool. The garage is large and has been designed for a golf buggy as well as a car. There is also extra sheltered parking. Price: 1,100,000 euros. A beautiful place to relax and enjoy the stunning French countryside, just half an hour from Cannes or Saint Tropez.

Also located not far from St Tropez is this Golf property in the famous Gassin Golf Course. A unique environment for an exceptional golf resort on the French Riviera.

This gated domain is of rare beauty, located just five minutes from the Saint-Tropez harbour and the Pampelonne beaches, in the heart of the world’s famous peninsula. Completely secure, with a privileged members Club and a selection of exclusive services.

A domain of more than 100 hectares, in a conservation area, wooded environment, where an exceptional world-class golf course designed by Thierry Sprecher, golf course architect and Gery Watine, former French number one, with the participation of Gary Player.

This terraced villa has 120m² of living space, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, living-room, kitchen, 200m² of private garden open toward the fairways. Property owners have the right to relax in the club-house, the pool, the 3 tennis courts and access to the green-fee and right to play. Price: 1,475,000 euros.

ROYAL MOUGINS GOLF COURSE

A very well presented, two bedroomed extended villa situated on the famous Royal Mougins Golf course.

PRICE: 545,000 euros

Ground Floor: Kitchen, Living Area, Dining area and Sun Lounge opening onto main Terrace overlooking a lake & fountain and Fairways, WC, Utility Cupboard. First Floor: 2 Double Bedrooms. The Master Bedroom has an en-suite Bathroom with ‘his and hers’ sinks, and opens onto its own small Terrace overlooking lake. Guest Shower Room. WC. Terrace: Dining area (seats 6) Front: Patio & Sun Lounge Room (can double as 3rd sleeping area)

Parking: Driveway plus communal parking area for guests (buggy in garage).

Swimming Pool: communal to the Domain (40 metres from villa)

Also available (separately) with this property is a RESIDENTS FAMILY GOLF MEMBERSHIP – unlimited golf for 2 adults and 2 children (up to 21).

The property is being sold fully furnished ready to live in or rent out ROYAL MOUGINS CLUBHOUSE & SPA

Enjoy the Golf Club facilities Restaurant, Lounge area, Bar, relaxation/snooker lounge plus an outdoor Restaurant overlooking the magnificent course. There is also a newly opened Spa with treatment rooms and Gymnasium. NOTE: You can walk directly to the Club House using the paths through the course.

PROVENCE:

The famous Domain de Terre Blanche in Tourettes in the VAR, has become a very popular place for buyers looking to combine great weather, fabulous countryside and a superb golf course.

This magnificent 380m2 villa is situated in a secured resort of 266 hectares with two 18-hole golf courses, a hotel Four seasons and an exceptional Spa. Comprising: on ground floor, nice entrance, living room of 70 m², fitted kitchen with storage/laundry room, two bedrooms ensuite bath/shower rooms. On the first floor, master suite of 50 m² with dressing room, bath/shower room with solarium and a second shower room, a bedroom ensuite shower room and solarium. In the basement, air conditioned wine cellar, cinema room, double garage with buggy parking space. Swimming pool. Beautiful landscaped garden of 3800 m². High standing fittings. Reduced notary fees Price: contact us.

The international Golf course of Pont Royal in Aix en Provence is perfectly situated from Marseille Airport and allows easy access to Provence.

It is rare to find such a beautiful “Aixoisie Bastide”situated in the golf resort, particularly in such a calm environment, with an open outlook on a beautiful wooded park. This remarkable property is set in a 2540 m² wooded park and offers 250m² living space. Ideal for golf fans looking for a quite comfortable residence in Provence. Price: 1,650,000 euros.

LANGUEDOC:

One of the most exciting developments in the Languedoc region of France is the International golf course at the Domaine de Lavagnac, which will be one of the most beautiful and natural in Europe. It will also be quite radical in design. Rather than being forcibly carved out of the landscape like so many modern courses, the 18 holes of Lavagnac will follow the natural contours of the land. The philosophy and passion behind this unique design is that of the domain’s co-owner, Charles Cox, who played professional golf at the highest level for seven years on the PGA European Tour. His dream was to take golf course design forward by going back in time – to an era when courses could only be built where the landscape was interesting enough to sustain them. To bring his vision to life, Charles teamed up with award-winning golf course designer Ray Hearn. Together, they have designed a course that will make the most of every natural curve and undulation in the terrain – and so challenge and delight even the most experienced of golfers.

It combines luxury homes; an 18-hole golf course and club; and a luxurious spa. All this encircles a 400-year old chateau known as the ‘Versailles of Languedoc’ – which is to become a 5-star hotel, where you’ll sip champagne on limestone terraces overlooking the chateau’s formal gardens. Properties available on the fabulous location signify five elements: Light, Air, Space, Wood and Stone. The homes at the Domaine de Lavagnac will offer everything you need to feel comfortable, relaxed and positive about life. And with 9 different designs, offering a range of sizes and configurations, there’s bound to be a home at the Domaine de Lavagnac that fits you and your lifestyle perfectly.

The homes at the Domaine de Lavagnac have been designed by award-winning architect Pascale Malet-Seeli who incorporates the environment to blend naturally with her designs.

‘The biggest challenge with this project was the site. It’s 180 hectares of land – that’s 440 acres, and is effectively 5 kilometres long. In some areas we have dense woodland. In others we have garrigue – a mix of scrub and wild herbs such as thyme and rosemary. Other areas are rocky. So a huge variety of landscapes. So we’ve designed each hamlet and avenue to fit in with its surroundings. For example, when I was designing houses that were surrounded by forest – I would use more wood in the design. When in more rocky areas, I would design the houses using more stone. If you asked me what it would be like to live in one of these homes – I’d say that the most surprising thing would be the amount of light pouring in, apart from the fact that we are in the south of France, but because of the height of the ceilings. The Cox brothers were insistent that we didn’t have standard 2.5 meter ceilings – but instead designed the houses to achieve a real sense of volume – with large sliding glass doors that open on to either gardens or terraces – often with views of the golf course. Inside, you feel like you’re outside. And in the south of France that really feels wonderful.”

The course here promises to make the Domaine de Lavagnac one of the top luxury golf developments in all of France.

PARIS.

The internationally famous Golf course at Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche, 20kms west of Paris, famous for the Lancôme Trophy, was originally designed in 1959 by the architect Fred Hawtree. With two magnificent courses this prestigious club is for members only and their guests and offers first class golf.

This estate is located near the course on a land of 253 hectares and offers exceptional living space and grounds. Price contact us.

Also in the same area of the Yvelines district is the Golf course de Saint Germain en Laye, where President Mitterand used to play every Wednesday.

For sale in the nicest residential area of Saint Germain en Laye and close to the Golf de St Germain en Laye, this stunning property composed of 2 buildings on a landscaped land of 1600m² offers superb accommodation. Excellent condition with heated pool and parking for 3 cars. Price: 3,350,000 euros.

MARRAKECH

If you are looking to combine a property and sport in the captivating country of Morocco then the magnificent Golf d’Amelkis is a few minutes from the centre of Marrakech on the Route de Ouarzazate is the perfect destination.

Situated on a very good place of the course, this Moroccan villa is for sale completely furnished and decorated with a view on the golf course.

It offer four rooms with bathrooms, big patio Moroccan style, several lounges (Moroccan and European), and swimming pool of 10×4 m. Price: 3,465,000 euros.

USA

Across the Atlantic, golfing in the USA is just as popular. For this property, views of the golf course are fabulous, it is right on the greens of the prestigious North Dallas golf called Preston Trail. Previously priced at $1,060,000 the property has been just reduced at $850,000.

The house has a very spacious 530m2 and a gorgeous surrounding garden of 0.750 acre and it has fabulous views. The owner can walk directly onto the golf course as there is a small gate from the property directly on to the course. This home is extremely well maintained and has been constantly updated. You will find a fabulous floor plan allowing entertaining and family life at its best. Formal living and dining are very spacious as well as a large kitchen with professional gas range and oven, family room open to the garden golf course views. A great cinema room and many other features make this house an incredible property. An additional studio is ideal for Nanny or office is privately tucked over the garage with separate entrance. Olivier Mevellec a Golf pro from Dallas says whatever your age, it is never too early or too late to start learning.

“Any time is OK, as long as you find yourself a golf pro that has patience, and I mean a lot of patience. Find a club that offers a special beginner’s course, and lots of buddies that play as bad as you do to begin with!.” “But that said, it is a way to enjoy life, (except when you start competing) walk 18 holes, under the breeze, play at your leisure, yes playing golf is really a fabulous thing to do.” Historically property sales on golf courses have been at the heart of the international property investment boom, with increasing numbers of people choosing to buy apartments or villas that offer a relaxing, exclusive and ambient place to stay. Golf properties are very successful in terms of capital appreciation and rental income. Owning a property on or near to a golf course provides substantial benefits for a property investor. Buying a golf property means improving your game, enjoying beautiful surroundings and having the chance to holiday abroad. (a little birdie told us.)

For more information on all our golf properties please contact: info@home-hunts.com For more information on Golf USA contact : olivier@castlesandestates.com

By: Nicola Christinger with HomeHunts

CAROLYN QUARTERMAINE – ARTIST, FABRIC DESIGNER AND STYLIST.

Carolyn Quartermaine’s career in design has stretched over nearly three decades. After she graduated from London’s Royal College of Art she launched her first textiles range and since then has worked with many luxury brands such as French crystal company Baccarat, Hermes and Louis Vuitton.

The Designer of the Year by Maison & Object in 2008 has completed a diverse range of stunning projects, from decorative elements for the Sketch restaurant in London, to unique displays in Tokyo, and decorating for the renaissance of the Le Delos hotel on the island of Bendor and Chateau Beloeil in Belgium.

She works from her home in London and also the south of France and with such an eclectic mix of achievements, Carolyn’s own design studio and living spaces bear a remarkable resemblance to an artist’s sketchbook.

Her extraordinary work is hard to define in a few words, just as there are “nose” connoisseurs in the wine industry; Carolyn is the “eye” connoisseur in the interiors world.

Her brilliant use of colour, against stark white interiors are often the backdrop for opulent French 18th-century pieces and sensuous silks and Louis XV chairs are used like sculpture in modern day rooms.

Her lavish 1997 book, Carolyn Quartermaine ‘Unwrapped’, showed how she uses her London flat as an ever-changing design laboratory.

Both the photography and the text are inspiring and entertaining. The book is becoming harder to find but if you do manage to come across a copy, grab it with both hands.

Her “maison en France” is set back in the hills, overlooking the lively Riveria and inside is dazzlingly light and the walls provide the perfect background for the splashes of coloured glass and Carolyn’s own textile collection.

There are simple, clever touches around the home, which achieve a feeling of informal beauty, such as huge canvas paintings propped up, rather than hung up. ‘I truly care about every little thing,’ she admits. ‘Nothing in this house is chosen at random.’ She sorts furniture by shape rather than colour, which results in seamless pieces which glide through the house making the atmosphere more natural rather than being a museum.

Earlier this year she was featured on the front cover of Vogue and she combines a mix of baroque with minimalism but you are not left feeling shortchanged on style. In fact, quite the opposite.

Floaty fabrics, with an eye catching mix of bright white and jewel-toned colours make rooms dance with beauty; it is a talent which has inspired many designers like Donna Karen and Joseph.

This lady has a serious sense of style. A painter at heart, Carolyn Quartermaine incorporates her paintings into her signature textiles making everything feel so fresh and romantic.

Although much of her work is by commission, fabrics are available from a selection of agents throughout the world and by contacting the company direct.

Go on, spoil your home and yourself, pleasure and beauty is guaranteed.

UNWRAPPED – copies available to order via the London Studio (£50.00 +delivery charge )

The french version is called Une Decoration de Charme (pub Armand Colin) copies also available

www.carolynquartermaine.com

Photo credit Carolyn Quartermaine

By Kenneth Burnside

The Cliffs Communities^® offers a membership unlike any in America. Membership in one community entitles you to over $150 million in completed amenities at all eight, including what will soon be eight courses of championship golf crafted by the masters - Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Gary Player, Ben Wright, Tom Jackson, and now, Tiger Woods - and a comprehensive wellness program developed in conjunction with renowned health and medical experts

If you are interested in learning more about The Cliffs Communities^® and luxury real estate in Asheville and Greenville, South Carolina please contact Kenneth Burnside at kenburnside@att.net

By: Mr. Pierre-Yves Guillaume of Rive Droite Immobilier

The charming and authentic little harbor of Saint-Tropez has been the true best holiday destination of the French Riviera since the 1960s. It became the place to be after the French actress Brigitte Bardot bought in 1958 her famous waterfront property « La Madrague » where she still lives.

Since then, Saint-Tropez, with its superb bay harboring the most beautiful yachts, its picturesque little streets, its unique charm, has been a must destination for the rich and famous. This summer, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Cindy Crawford, Denzel Washington, Leonardo di Caprio and the Edge, visited Saint-Tropez. Just to name a few…

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, a lot of painters discovered the charm of the village and the region, especially this inexpressible light that Paul Signac, Francis Picabia, Henri Matisse or Pablo Picasso have shown on their paintings.

The Saint-Tropez peninsula (on one side the village, on the other side, the famous beaches of Pampelonne), has been quietly developed and kept its authenticity. Only a few high end properties have been built, giving it a very exclusive atmosphere.

Very discretely located at a 10 minute drive from the Place des Lys and the Pampelonne beaches, resting in a enchanting and very vast park planted of splendid « pins parasols », offering a beautiful sight on the Pampelonne bay, lies an outstanding estate designed by a renowned architect. With its powerful charm and timeless presence, it showcases several buildings totalizing 25 bedrooms, 23 bathroomsand large indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces (to include a day and night heliport, a superb swimming pool, a night club, etc…).

Known as one of the most prestigious properties in Saint-Tropez, the master mansion (1,000 sqm) and the guest mansion (530 sqm) offer a warm sensibility that will delight the future and fortunate owner.