Luxury Real Estate

Courtesy of Michel Cruz of Rimontgó

Severiano Ballesteros, or ‘Seve’ as he was known to a golfing world filled with friends and admirers, passed away on 7th May this year. Spain was in mourning, having lost one of its most respected sons, and the sport mourned the passing of a legend. On such occasions we always say that he or she has gone too soon, but Seve Ballesteros really was taken from us too soon. The victim of a brain tumour, he leaves two sons and a daughter after having battled the illness for several years, yet Ballesteros’ legacy is a rich one.

Seve is described by world number one Lee Westwood as the man who “…made European golf what it is today.” Breaking through at a time when the game was dominated by American players, he inspired not only a generation of Spanish golfers but also other European champs like Bernhard Langer, Nick Faldo and Padraig Harrington, ultimately helping to put Europe firmly back on the map. Ballesteros’ contribution to Spanish golf is even greater, his being an influence that has helped shape Spain into a golfing superpower on the European mainland.

The Austrian first broke into the limelight in 1976, when as a 19 year-old he took second place in the British Open. The next years would bring him countless tournament wins, including five major championships that earned him his place among the greats of the sport. Most remembered will be his now-famous salute after winning the 1984 British Open, then known as the Open Championship. A keen promoter of new talent, he supported golfing clinics across the country and encouraged Spanish youngsters to break through into the sport, whilst also making a name as a course designer both at home and abroad.

Seve Ballesteros was far more than the sum of his achievements, though. Some sportsmen are admired; others loved. Ballesteros was both held in high regard as a golfing legend and much loved by fans and colleagues alike. A true gentleman golfer he remained an iconic figure long after he stopped winning major tournaments, and will always be remembered in the annals of the game. “It’s a very sad occasion for Spain and for golf,” said Rimontgó CEO José Ribes Bas, a very keen golfer himself. “Let’s hope that what he has started in this country will continue to live and thrive for many more years to come. That will ultimately be the greatest tribute to him.”

Courtesy of: Paula Maia of O & O

Unquestionably a prime area in Europe for golfing properties, the Algarve also offers the best golf property prospects in Europe.

Algarve’s overwhelming success as a golfing haven is a major factor in the region's continued capital growth figures, as golf properties continue to be highly sought after. This is mainly due to the fact that the golf properties are located in areas of low density and outstanding beauty. In some key areas of the Algarve rental yields are known to reach up to 8% per annum.

Carina de Sousa with IRG International Realty Group

IRG International Realty Group was the proud Sponsor of the Quinta do Lago Gala Week on Saturday, 19^th September 2009 and this year something completely different was done for the fellow golf members.

It was an early start for the Chef/Patron, Jonathan Pratt and the team of Restaurant Bistro des Z’Artes in Almancil, with fresh Irish soda bread still baking at 3am the night before to ensure the freshness for the golf members of Quinta do Lago to enjoy on their final day of the annual gala week.

The Irish soda bread was served with fresh smoked salmon, all the trimmings and a tasty glass of fresh orange juice or a splash of champagne; the members seemed to thoroughly enjoy the event. After the front nine, when the men reached the tenth and the ladies turned to the 1st tee, it was clear whose score card was impressive and whose was 'for the fun of it!!' Those that indulged in the champagne after nine holes seemed to be those that perhaps weren't as serious as others about winning, but the atmosphere was fantastic.

After some refreshing champagne and tasty canapés, everyone rested a little before the Gala dinner and prize giving at the Quinta do Lago Hotel that night.

Restaurant Bistro des Z’artes, Almancil.

Newly refurbished under Jonnie’s ownership, Bistro des Z’Artes is the ideal platform for Jonnie to demonstrate his extensive talents accumulated in his native Ireland and across leading hotels such as Hilton, Marriott and Le Meridien and to provide the quality of both food & service demanded from IRG’s discerning clientele. It was a successful evening all round.

About IRG International Realty Group

IRG International Realty Group is one of the leading international brokerage companies in Portugal and specializes in sales of Portuguese high-end and luxury residential real estate. IRG is the exclusive affiliate in Portugal of Christie’s Great Estates, a worldwide real estate network and subsidiary of the world’s oldest auction house, Christie’s. IRG’s Head Office is located in the prestigious Avenida da Liberdade in the heart of Lisbon and there are also boutique offices in Quinta do Lago in the Algarve, Estoril and in Kensington, London, United Kingdom. www.irgportugal.com

By Carina de Sousa of IRG International Realty Group

Pine Hill Residences, Portugal and IRG International Realty Group are proud to be at the Omega European Masters, known as one of the most prestigious and best golf tournaments in Europe.

Heidi Maedler, sales and administration manager at Pine Hill Residences and myself safely arrived yesterday afternoon at this amazing and picturesque village called Crans Montana. We were completely overwhelmed with the beauty of the site, the warm welcome of the local population and the unique atmosphere that this large resort in the mountains has to offer.

The views at and around the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club are simply breathtaking!

There is a great ambience at the Sponsor Village and we were very happy to welcome all visitors that came to see us at our stand.

After a very exciting first day, we will make sure to keep you posted on the upcoming events.

Heidi Maedler & Carina de Sousa at Pine Hill Residences stand

 BMW & Kanton Valais Putting Green, Sponsor Village

By Ann Brenoff of The LA Times

Well, what would you expect in 15-time PGA Tour-winner Fred Couples' backyard? The Montecito house he just listed at $12.5 million has a putting green that might make your front lawn look anemic. The 11,000-square-foot, two-story Monterey Colonial was built in 1939 and sits on 5 acres with sweeping ocean and mountain views. The main house has nine bedrooms and 7 1/2 bathrooms. There is also a 2,300-square-foot guesthouse with three bedrooms and two baths and a full kitchen.

The house has an arched front entry and hardwood floors throughout. There is a formal dining room with a beamed ceiling, and the master bedroom suite has a sitting area and office space. There is a formal study with French doors. The property also has a tennis court, rose garden and pool. Couples, 49, has relocated to the desert, near good golfing. His career high came in 1992 when he won three major events, including the Masters Tournament, for earnings of more than $1.3 million. He was named PGA Tour player of the year for 1991 and 1992.

Sharon R. Fisher and Vickie G. Craig of Village Properties, Montecito, share the listing with Dan Encell of Prudential California Realty, Montecito.

By Courtney Jackson

The summer 2008 issue of LuxuryRealEstate.com Magazine was just released. Be sure to pick up a copy or view it online.

Editor’s Note:
Courtney Jackson is the Print Director for LuxuryRealEstate.com. She works closely with The Wall Street Journal, Unique Homes and a variety of other publications to help luxury brokers gain domestic and international exposure for their properties. It’s funny, but I just read in another website, called Asiaing.com, that LuxuryRealEstate.com Magazine came out today. Very cool!

By Jim Walberg

From his blog: Tierra del Sol Expands Aruba’s Fractionals In The Caribbean Real Estate World!

NEWS FLASH: The most beautifully planned development in Aruba is about to offer fractionals!

Tierra del Sol – the only planned community in the Caribbean, with the Trent Jones champion golf course – is launching a fractional project to go along with their beautiful development that includes homes, villas, condominiums, golf, spa & fitness, fine dining and much more. At the northwest tip of Aruba, has emerged a gorgeous 600-acre community offering a lifestyle to satisfy even the most discriminating of owners and world travelers. With today’s planned lifestyle, Tierra del Sol gives you the opportunity to purchase the home of your dreams just a chip shot away from the green, even if you are not an avid golfer.

This private community offers a remarkable experience within a meticulously planned and highly acclaimed environment. Homeowners and vacationers experience world-class amenities, including fine and casual dining, a full-service spa, fitness and full-care beauty salon, lighted tennis complex and unlimited greens at a championship golf course, displaying its own challenging version of Robert Trent Jones II – the only professional golf course on Aruba.

The tranquil setting provides a gracious lifestyle amid some of the most beautiful views of the Caribbean. Custom homes, villas, casitas and home sites accommodate a wide variety of expectations for your personal lifestyle. Homes at Tierra del Sol incorporate distinctive design features, tailored to the desert surroundings and complementing the natural beauty of the landscape, creating an inspiring and peaceful environment within this beautiful private community.

Body & Soul is a sanctuary amidst the finest displays of nature. Nourish your body, revitalize your mind and enhance your well being with a journey to vitality. Pamper yourself from head to toe. Their spa treatments are designed to ease tension and restore balance to your body and spirit. The spa’s professional staff offers a variety of therapies, including massages, body wraps, skin and body treatments, aromatherapies, hydrotherapy, manicure and pedicure and a newly opened full-service hair salon.

As you know, each time I get off a plane in the Caribbean, no matter what island it is, the words that go through my brain are, “Welcome Home!” That is the experience you will have when you arrive at Tierra del Sol. For more information about pricing, contact me! Until next time…fair winds.


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 experienced blogger, as you can see by visiting his blog, Caribbean Islands Realty. Feel free to submit your blog entries and comments to the LuxuryRealEstate.com Blog.

By Brian Langhorst

We are featuring a special section in the upcoming Summer 2008 issue of LuxuryRealEstate.com Magazine on golf properties and developments. This is a phenomenal opportunity for our members to showcase their knowledge of the golf community marketplace and share sales opportunities. Please contact Robert Lockard, our PR writer, to be included in this great opportunity!

I look forward to hearing your ideas, and seeing your sales opportunities!


Editor’s Note:
Brian Langhorst is LuxuryRealEstate.com’s Membership Manager. He meets members’ unique needs through the dynamic services LuxuryRealEstate.com provides. As the author of this upcoming editorial in LuxuryRealEstate.com Magazine, I can definitely vouch for Brian’s sentiments. I hope to hear from you soon, as well. By the way, you can find the photo above at www.simonperry.org/golf-courseaircraft-carrier.