Luxury Real Estate

By Jim Walberg
From his blog: Los Altos - Dominican Republic’s Ultra Luxury Fractional Resort!

Casa de Campo Resort is one of best resorts in the Caribbean!

If you have read any of my past postings about what is happening in the luxury real estate opportunities in the Dominican Republic, you know I am a raving fan! The DR is not a secret anymore to the world travelers who want an amazing experience of Caribbean culture, luxury resorts, world-class golf courses, and GREAT cigars. The Dominican Republic is now known for its beautiful beaches and some of the friendliest people welcoming you to their tropical paradise.


“Los Altos” is a 116-unit ultra-luxury one, two and three bedroom villas and lofts development within Casa de Campo Resort. They even have a concierge service that takes care of EVERY detail of your Caribbean experience – from booking travel, hotels, transportation, and even grocery shopping so your kitchen is stocked when you arrive (Wouldn’t be great if they could rent out this service at our full time homes?).

Here is an example of what is included in the two-bedroom / three-bath / 2,533-square-foot lofts: swimming pool, complete furnishings, and even a garage-door opener! This limited-edition luxury property is right in the middle of the DR’s best golfing, spa and resort amenities in the Caribbean, and features some over-the-top gardens, and even an optional private pool. All of the Los Altos villas have breathtaking views of the Dye Fore golf course. I have heard from many golfers coming off the links that there is not a more beautiful sight in golf than to finish a round and watch a Caribbean sunset at the 18th hole of this course, which is actually perched at the top of the resort’s highest point! You will be blown away by this finishing hole. OK, so what is the price? How about a fractional ownership price of $200,000, to $795,000 for a full ownership! WOW! What an opportunity for a primary home or a part-time getaway!

AND, Los Altos is located right next to Altos de Chavon, a gorgeous replica of a 16^th-century Italian village, with shops, restaurants and many cultural attractions. In fact, in the village there is even a 5,000-seat open-air theater! The concert schedule they are planning is world-class! Casa de Campo Resort has already won the Travel & Leisure Magazine’s #1 “Family Friendly Resort in the Caribbean,” plus, the #1 “Golf Course in the Caribbean”! Casa de Campo Resort is one of the very special Caribbean paradises! What a place to have your “home away from home”! Los Altos’ villas and lofts are just a few of over 1,200 private villas at the 7,000-acre resort with outstanding amenities to satisfy clients with the most discerning tastes.

Owners of Los Altos villas and lofts enjoy ALL of Casa de Campo resort’s amenities and services. And, there are even MORE!

- Equestrian center!
- Tennis courts!
- Sailing facility!
- Full-service spa!
- Poolside lounges!
- Three championship golf courses: Teeth of the Dog, the Links and Dye Fore!

And even MORE! So, what are you waiting for? Contact me today for more information! The DR has become one of my Top Five favorite Caribbean destinations! Until next time… your Caribbean lifestyle detective is exhausted from the work required to bring these great opportunities to your favorite Caribbean website. OK, so I am just kidding! This “old dog” is having the time of his life!


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 LuxuryRealEstate.com 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. Don’t you love Jim’s blog entries? I sure do. They’re always so long and cheerful. Jim also has wonderful desires to serve others. By the way, there are a lot of exclamation points in this blog entry!

By Barbara Waugh

Cuernavaca’s perfect climate and proximity to Mexico City make it a favorite weekend retreat and the destination of choice for a large expatriate community.

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning (foreigners can own luxury property in their own name) or renting your own Mexican villa, this is the place, whether you’re looking for a winter retreat, summer vacation home, weekend getaway or year-round residence.

A strong buyer’s market exists for luxury homes in all styles, sizes and price ranges, usually including a pool and garden. But as prices rise, many of the real bargains are being snapped up, from the cool, tree-shaded heights of Rancho Cortes and Vista Hermosa to the warm, tropical gardens of Palmira and Acapantzingo, all fashionable Cuernavaca neighborhoods.

Both Travel & Leisure and The Robb Report, two popular U.S. luxury lifestyle publications, have ranked Cuernavaca as among the best communities in the world in which to live. Forbes magazine has on several occasions featured a luxury Cuernavaca property on its website as its Property of the Week.

Mexico City is an hour’s drive via a modern six-lane highway, and its international airport is a half-hour farther. The Cuernavaca airport, located on the outskirts of the city, offers limited commercial service within Mexico, charter flights and service for private planes.

At a lower cost than they would be charged at other world-class resorts, residents and visitors can enjoy golf, tennis and horseback riding, as well as holistic spas, fine international restaurants, cultural events, U.S. and international television programming, recreational parks and much more.

Many foreigners prefer Cuernavaca proper over life in the suburbs or countryside, citing privacy, security, convenience and cultural diversity.

Other resort destinations in the region, such as Tepoztlan, a charming village with a lively crafts market, and Cocoyoc, home to a popular golf course and equestrian events, have their admirers, but no outlying destination offers those four important qualities to the extent that Cuernavaca does.

Rental prices are higher during the high season, Thanksgiving to Easter, when it’s freezing up north. A house with all services, garden, pool and staff, rents from $250 a day, or about $7,500 a month, depending on size. Yearly rentals cost less proportionately, but offer fewer services.

Good neighborhoods in all areas offer a choice of property locations. Unlike other Mexican towns popular with expatriates, Cuernavaca’s international community is not concentrated in one place. You can choose to be in the Historic Center, near the impressive 16th-century Cathedral and the Cortes Palace, or in a quiet gated community, on a golf course or near equestrian facilities, at the Racquet Club, on a broad avenue or a cobblestone street – the choices are numerous.

Many residents live in a privada, a private street a block or two long with controlled access, security and no through traffic. A house built by a well-known architect in a privada with a lovely terrace, pool and garden is priced from about $475,000.

One key factor in deciding where to buy or rent is temperature: southern Cuernavaca is 1,000 feet lower than its northern counterpart, and can be as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit warmer.

Building in a foreign country, and therefore in a foreign language, shouldn’t be an obstacle: English-speaking architects can help. It is cheaper and easier, however, to buy a property than build, and prices are negotiable. Besides, most of the best sites have already been built on.

As an owner, you may rent your property during the seasonal months for enough to cover the yearly maintenance. Absentee ownership will require a good administrator, which is easy to find. Time-shares are almost nonexistent, except among groups of friends or relatives who make their own arrangements; there are more condominiums every day.

Title insurance for Mexican real estate (TIMR) protects against risks involved in the transfer of property rights. The price of the policy may vary between 0.5 percent and 1 percent of the property value, according to an attorney familiar with the insurance. But most buyers do not need title insurance because Mexican notaries are civil servants responsible for ensuring that titles are clear and there are no liens or debts on the properties.


Editor’s Note:
Barbara Waugh is the Broker/Owner of Barbara Waugh Properties Cuernavaca. A real estate broker in Mexico for more than 35 years, Waugh has for the past 10 years been an affiliate of Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate. For more information, visit www.barbarawaugh.com or www.cuernavacaproperties.com, or e-mail bw (at) barbarawaugh.com. These sound like some wonderful opportunities in Mexico. By the way, "Cuernavaca" means cow's horn in English. The photo above is from www.flickr.com/photos/kafka4prez/82996937 and it is the copyright of kafka4prez.

By Jim Walberg
From his blog: Cayman Islands Fractionals Are Some Of The BEST In The World!

“The Waterford” on Grand Cayman is setting a new standard of excellence with Caribbean fractional ownership!

You know that I am not only a fan of fractional ownership in the Caribbean, it has been the hottest real estate purchase options for the past year. I have let you know about the opportunities in the Cayman Islands in the past, but what is unfolding at The Waterford on Grand Cayman continues to evolve into one of the top luxury properties in paradise. Grand Cayman is the ultra-chic island in the Caymans. It has the international shopping, high-end nightlife, along with the traditional Cayman-style homes and a rich Caribbean history. George Town is the on Grand Cayman and it is the capital of the Cayman Islands. George Town is also the fifth largest financial center in the world!
 

Grand Cayman luxury real estate is some of the most valuable and prestigious you can find in the tropics. The Waterford Private Residence Club is Grand Cayman’s newest oceanfront luxury resort at Safe Haven overlooking the islands North Sound with breathtaking views of Rum Point. The Waterford is offering purchasers of an oceanfront villa for $1,700,000 US – pre-construction! They are also offering 1/8 fractional ownerships starting at $329,000 US – re-construction! The end result will be one of the most amazing turnkey, fully furnished, luxury properties in the Caribbean!

You will not believe all the luxurious amenities that are available for you and your guests. Here are a few of them so your imagination can run wild for a moment or two:
- Use of a car during your stay – Land Rover, Mercedes, Audi or BMW
- Boat privileges - a Boston Whaler complete with your very own captain!
- Private jet services are available for booking a direct flight to Grand Cayman!
- Golf and tennis club membership!
- The Waterford Spa – a 5,000 square-foot, full-service spa and fitness center!
- Two sprawling crystal blue pools right along the sandy beachfront!
- The Waterford Cigar Room – one of my favorites!
- An unmatched 24-hour concierge, maid and valet services.
- How about a pre-arrival grocery shopping service? Your kitchen will be stocked!

Are you getting the picture? The Waterford is creating an unforgettable experience for each of their owners. From the moment you arrive until the moment you depart, you will experience the most pampered lifestyle I have ever seen, right in the heart of paradise - the Caribbean! Your staff of professionals is on call every day to make sure that ALL of your needs are met! An added feature is that The Waterford staff speaks English, Spanish, French and Italian.

With its prime location on Grand Cayman, The Waterford provides its owners the ultimate Cayman Islands real estate opportunity by combining the advantages of ownership with five-star amenities and luxury resort services. All of the residences have breathtaking oceanfront views, elegant furnishings, and luxury amenities and services beyond any of your expectations! If you have ever dreamed of owning your own luxurious vacation villa in the Caribbean then you may want to seriously consider The Waterford Private Residence Club on Grand Cayman. Contact me TODAY for the next steps to take in order to find out how easy it is to secure your spot in paradise. Until next time… your Caribbean lifestyle detective remains on duty!


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 LuxuryRealEstate.com network. Jim is an exceptional blogger, as you can see by visiting his blog, Caribbean Islands Realty and reading great blog entries like the one above. He is the master of fractionals and other luxury homes in the Caribbean, and he always has a lot of great opportunities to share. Excellent!

By Allyson Metters

Like many of my friends, the most important thing in a home for me is the kitchen – not that I am a great cook, but there is something about that room that appeals to me. Every time I see a property listing, I always take a look through the photos for the kitchen shots.

According to an article entitled “What Luxury Looks Like in the New Kitchen and Bath” in Custom Builder magazine, multiplicity is a trend in luxury kitchens – multiple islands, sinks, appliances – even multiple kitchens.

The article also covers luxury trends for master baths – including showers equipped with steam, sound therapy, and aroma therapy.


Editor’s Note:
As she mentioned, Allyson Metters is the Relocation Manager for LuxuryRealEstate.com. She helps people who are moving to find a perfect broker to meet their needs in their new area. Allyson makes an interesting point about amenities and what people are looking for in a luxury home. Keep an eye on changing tastes.

By Kimberly Fulwyler

My favorite kind of home is one that has a little bit of history behind it. There is nothing like walking into your home and thinking about the life it had before you. In my opinion a historical home has a story to tell that is multi-faceted and intriguing in a way that new homes with blank slates can’t quite compete with.

If you are currently looking for such a home, my wonderful members Piping Rock Associates have a “new” listing for sale in Old Westbury, New York that fits the bill. This 12,000-square-foot historical home, once owned by steel magnate Henry Phipps, was built in 1930 and was designed by the Manhattan architectural firm of Delano & Aldrich. See below for the picture and description of this one-of-a-kind home.

MAGNIFICENT DELANO & ALDRICH brick manor on 20 acres of zoned Old Westbury. This architectural gem boasts 16-foot ceilings, elaborate moldings, parquet floors and carved mantles. There is also a charming paneled library with French doors that lead to a screened pavilion porch.

The grand master bedroom includes a fireplace overlooking the pool and pool house. Upstairs includes 6 bedrooms with 4 fireplaces and 4 baths plus servants quarters. There is also a 4-car garage with an apartment, and caretaker’s house. Last but not least, the beautiful landscaping includes a woodland garden with a waterfall.


Editor’s Note:
Kimberly Fulwyler is an Account Manager with LuxuryRealEstate.com, so she provides customer service and marketing materials to a variety of LuxuryRealEstate.com members. You can always find excellent properties like this one on LuxuryRealEstate.com in the Luxury Property Search section. By the way, many of our regular bloggers are away this week attending the 6^th Annual Luxury Real Estate Spring Retreat in San Diego. I’m sure they’ll have great stories to share when they return.

By Kimberly Fulwyler

I am surprised that more luxury homes don’t have rock-climbing walls, or indoor tennis courts. To me, the epitome of a luxury home is having amenities that reach beyond your wildest dreams. While many luxury homes do have incredible amenities, such as custom pools, heated floors, and outdoor kitchens, there are few that stand out above the crowd.

My dream is to have an indoor water park on the grounds of a luxury home. That would be a very unique, imaginative and fun feature. Sure, this may not be the most realistic or even practical amenity but, hey, a girl can dream, can’t she?


Editor’s Note:
Kimberly Fulwyler is an Account Manager with LuxuryRealEstate.com, so she provides customer service and marketing materials to a variety of LuxuryRealEstate.com members. When I read the title, the first thing that came to my mind was “Star Wars” and other fantasy feature films. Not so much, though. This post reminds me of Joey’s recent post about Billionaire Dream Homes. Now I’m beginning to hum “Dream the Impossible Dream” from “Man of La Mancha.” By the way, I hope you enjoy the photo of the Wilderness Lodge’s Wild WaterDome in Wisconsin.

By Kimberly Fulwyler

If you are currently getting your home ready to sell, building or updating your deck might be a great way to add additional value and curb appeal to your home. For instance, a recent Realty Times article states that “The average American homeowner who adds a deck can recoup 75 percent of the total cost if he or she sold the house within a year of the deck’s construction.

Even if you are not planning on selling your home, there are lots of new, maintenance-free materials that can update your deck. Composite lumber for instance, costs less, is very durable, and is virtually maintenance-free. For a more ornate approach, construct the deck in a shape other than a rectangle, or dress up your deck with patterns by placing wood at different angles. Keep in mind that a deck can sell a house, especially in the spring and summer months. So go ahead and get your home all decked out!


Editor’s Note:
Kimberly Fulwyler is an Account Manager with LuxuryRealEstate.com, so she provides customer service and marketing materials to a variety of LuxuryRealEstate.com members. It’s hard for me to imagine a deck that doesn’t need to be re-stained every other year or so. What a novel idea to have a maintenance-free deck that adds curb appeal and other potential benefits to your home. Genius!

By Jason LeMoine

WADSWORTH
One of us slipped through the same secret passage—

PEACOCK
Again...?

WADSWORTH
Of course! Back to the study!

As a child, “Clue” was one of my favorite movies, and back then I could think of few things more essential to a home than a series of secret passageways. I would design elaborate floor plans of mansions with square footage rivaling the Louvre (modest for an eight-year-old), and be sure I had easy access from my palatial bedroom to my 1,000-seat movie theater.

However, despite their frequent appearance in fiction (and eight-year-olds’ imaginations), secret passages have a very real history. Since ancient times, secret passages and rooms have been used for everything from evading persecution to smuggling to playing key roles in revolutions. Secret passageways were used in Egyptian pyramids to deter grave robbers. Pope Clement VII used the Passetto di Borgo to escape the Vatican City during the Sack of Rome in 1527. Anne Frank and her family evaded capture for two years during World War II by using a hidden room in her father’s office building.

These days, whether you want to escape intruders or tiresome dinner conversation, secret passages and rooms are making a big—albeit, less grand—comeback. Several companies such as Creative Home Engineering provide the chance for home owners to install and customize their own passages and rooms. Store game room accessories out of the way, protect your family and other valuables in case of emergency, or just get away for awhile—the possibilities are nearly limitless, and they’re almost certain to raise the resale value of your home.

Whether for convenience or security, a secret passage or room could be a valuable addition to your home—and your kids will think it’s cool.


Editor’s Note:
Jason LeMoine is a Technical Account Manager with LuxuryRealEstate.com. His ideas and hard work have helped create many innovative and effective Web sites for LuxuryRealEstate.com and its members. By the way, can you imagine how cool it would be during an open house to turn a candlestick in the study and see the fireplace twist, revealing a secret passage to the kitchen? Now I’m starting to feel like an eight-year-old.