Luxury Real Estate

Happy Client Posts Blog

Written by James Mason

Courtesy of Jeremy Onslow-Macaulay of Alfa Immobiliare Real Estate

I have recently returned from a part holiday, part property search trip to Tuscany. I have been searching for my own little slice of the 'Dolce Vita' for a few years now, and I had almost begun to think that my life long goal of owning a property in the hills of the Chianti, was a goal never to be achieved. Part of my problem has been that the local agents who I’ve been using tend to forget about you when you return home. I have noticed that they go out of their way to help and assist whilst your there, but the minute you've gone you rarely hear from them--out of sight out of mind, so to speak.

While strolling along the main street of the centro storico of Castellina in Chianti, after a long lazy lunch of mouth watering salumi, I noticed a sign I’m very used to seeing in the USA. I had no idea that Coldwell Banker existed in Italy, let alone had a branch in the Chianti district. I decided to enter the agency and to cut a long story short, I am now the proud owner of a delightful barn conversion perched on a hill top with fabulous views and breathtaking surroundings. My life long dream has finally become a reality!! I hope they give me discount for saying this, but it really is all due to the friendly and helpful staff of Coldwell Banker/Alfa Immobiliare Real Estate.

Coldwell Banker is one of those big name companies that exist everywhere in the states, and to be honest you don't really expect to get a personalized service. It couldn't have been more different in Italy however, as I really felt they considered their properties more than just products as often is the case in the USA. Their knowledge and passion in the descriptions were enough to make me want to buy before even doing the viewing. They considered each of their properties as special, and I noticed that they had great relationships with the owners, which made the purchase process so much easier. I now look forward to spending many summers sipping supple Chianti Classico in my Tuscan retreat, and it all came down to a big name company in a small Chianti town, who have incorporated their commercial, mass market way of working with small town, small business, Tuscan values and hospitality, to come up with a service that I found second to none!

By Raphael Harris of World Real Estate Immobiliare

One of the few houses on the seaside in Capri and forever the only home nearby the famous Faraglioni rocks. This unique combination makes the site and property exclusive. The house, built in 1913, includes an authentic Roman cistern, which can be transformed into an appealing extra room.

The home has two floors, each equipped with a kitchen, a bathroom, an extra toilet and a separate entrance. The upper floor, which holds 90 sqm, has a central oil heating system and a very big terrace of 110 sqm with amazing ocean views. The ground floor with 50 sqm, offers a terrace space of 70 sqm. Through a private access, one can go directly through the garden to the beach or to a boat anchored nearby. The Faraglioni Villa is one of the most famous and prestigious houses in Capri. It will offer you a new life shared between the mountains, infinite sea and the security in the property value of Capri, which is one of the most secure in the world. It is an enchanting place for you, your family and friends to rest, a prestigious place for one to meet business partners in a not so formal atmosphere. One can certainly not go wrong with the Faragiloni Villa.

By Marta Romolini of Romolini Immobiliare

It is with great honour that Romolini Immobiliare announces to represent , as exclusive agent, the sale of this magnificent prestigious Villa in the Amalfi coast.

Already chosen, for their luxury holidays, by Armani, Justin Timberlake, Jessica Biel, Madonna, Alice Kiss and attracting celebrities, business leaders and aristocrats from across North America and Europe.

History

Standing on a rock directly above Positano's bay, built as an Episcopal residence around 1680 and, in 1716, during the baroque age, enriched by particular and precious objects from the middle-east and other country of the world.

The Palazzo is still storing this human heritage among the painted ceiling, the lacquered doors, the inlaid-wood furniture, the stucco-works and the ancient laces hand-made by the master craftsman of that time; it never lost his magnificence, even when the world wars brought to Positano privation and poverty, it preserved its luxury, surrounded with breathtaking landscape that made, and still make, Positano a natural miracle.

Since the beginning of the year '900, day by day, Positano became the alcove of artists and literary men, maybe arrived the first time only by mistake, but so inspired by the place to come back again and again and again…

The same happened to Edward Ghillausen, a Bauhaus member , who, being a a Jewish, had to escape to Italy finding refuge in Rome.In the "Eternal City" he met and fell in love with Eva Maria Vivaldi and together they decided to live the rest of their life in the " Heaven on Earth": Positano.

Until the year 2000, Mr Ghillausen and Mrs Vivaldi, nearly hundred years old, impregnated the Palazzo with their culture and that of their illustrious guests: the Neapolitan Caprile, the German Richard Oelze, Picasso, Carrà, Siegfried Kracauer, John Steinbeck, Corrado Alvaro, Dino Buzzati, Alberto Moravia. Armin Wegner, Martin Wolf and the Russian painter Ivan Zagaruiko were their friends, too. Each of them left in the Palazzo a bit of their souls… a piece of their hearts.

Today's owners, an artist and an antique dealer, were Ghillausen's guests. During their visit at the palace they both could feel the magic power of the place. They wanted to preserve it and today they share, with few privileged guests, the never ending moments of peace and joy that fill up heart and soul, stopping the time and watching, like in a silent film, at the panorama and at the life of a land more singular than rare.

The current owners undertook a painstaking seven year restoration combining ultra-luxury accommodation with the highest possible standard for art and objects d'art of significant cultural interest.

Description

The villa is visible from the approach of the Amalfi Drive, sitting as it does above the village of Positano and blessed with a position that ensures it is bathed by the first as well as the last light of the day.

Through a series of walkways and characteristic shallow stairs , coming across gardens scented with the flowering citrus fruit trees, we reach Palazzo Positano, that, with its handsome and elegantly formal facade, faces the receding landscape of the Amalfi coast to the west.

The main entrances to the Villa are two:

the upper gate opens into the garden and, from there, to the central double staircase;

the second gate gives access to the large terrace furnished as living/dining room that links, through three doors facing it, kitchen, living/dining room and staircase.

The professional kitchen is a complex and well articulated space where technological elements harmonize with the stones of the arches and of the monumental fireplace, with the majolicas and the marble sink, the copper pans and the bread and pizza ovens, the large baroque cupboard overhanging the space available to eat also in the kitchen.

The living/dining-room, constituted of two rooms, hosts the antique Tuscan walnut table with monumental chairs and comfortable modern armchairs, the bookcase with a collection of antique books, the Neapolitan Rococò mirror and a collection of antique paintings among which, those representing episodes of Alessandro Magno’s life stand out.

The SPA is set on the lower ground floor and hosts the hydro-massage indoor pool equipped with the upstream-swim system and tiled with local majolica tiles .

The antique Calidarium and Frigidarium have been replaced with the modern Sauna and Turkish bath, Three spa showers, Weight training , Sitting room with plasma Satellite TV, massage/ relax area with access to the outside terrace with sunning deck and hydro-massage bath tub.

The first floor hosts two magnificent suites with original coffered ceilings and wall frescoes .

Coming up, on the right we find the first suite, dedicated to Alfonso d’Aragona, that, thanks to the imposing console with mirror, the numerous paintings (of the Lepanto battle, of the Circe enchantress) and the columns adorning the bed, is connoted by a 16^th century imprint.

The second suite, on the left, is dedicated to Isabella, Alfonso’s wife and characterized by a strongly spiritual furnishing with the presence of a privileged altar and paintings depicting mainly sacred scenes.

Reaching the second floor we find the two junior suites, characterized by the sloping wooden beamed ceilings, sober furnishing only sometimes enriched by pieces of antiques.

The central imposing staircase with old stone steps, decorates with polychrome stuccos, niches with statues and vases, harmonizes and links the various internal and external spaces of the villa and represents an antiques art gallery.

The property is completed by the Garden, all paved with “ Vesuviana”stone and interrupted by flowerbeds hosting the ancient citrus fruit, fig and pomegranate trees; at the end of it we find the gazebo and laundry room.

The property is sold including all the furnishing and antiques.

By Raphael Harris of World Real Estate Immobiliare

Sitting on a coastal hill up above the antique town of Sorrento, we propose a very beautiful villa surrounded by a panoramic lush garden of 12,000 mq. cultivated for olive & lemon groves.

The Sorrento city center is located only 2.5 Km away. One will be entranced by the views that embrace the entire Gulf of Naples, Vesuvius and the islands of Ischia and Procida.

This property gives one the privacy when acquiring a second home or retreat in paradise, but also the access to the movement this historic coastal town boasts all year round.

The villa is arranged on four levels and consists of five residential units of various sizes. The residence has 26 rooms and 9 bathrooms for a total of 630 mq. The property has been totally renovated with great attention to details, and it has kept its historic Sorrento Coastal feeling.

By Raphael Harris of  World Real Estate Immobiliare

Villa Milù is a charming residence furnished elegantly. The outside is structured with several terraces and is organized with tables, comfortable chairs and flowers everywhere. On the top of the property, there is 6 x 12 mt. swimming pool.

From each patio, you have a never-ending view of the sea. The villa is divided into: a large leaving room, a fully equipped kitchen, 4 bedrooms (3 doubles and 1 triple), and 4 bathrooms. The villa can comfortably accommodate 9 persons. A total of 4 vehicles can be parked inside the path.

From every window of the house, you can see the ocean! The Villa is just 3 minutes by car to the sea, and just a 6 minutes drive to the Amalfi center. Air conditioning is provided in each room. The residence was completely restored in 2003 and is being sold fully furnished.

By Raphael Harris of World Real Estate Immobiliare

Coming through the winding streets, lays this small monastery perched upon on the bay of Positano. The Villa Positano was founded as a bishop's residence in the 1700’s. With its architecture and purple facade, it dominates the spur of rock on which it lies. From the entrance door you can since the history when you enter the courtyard. The space is decorated with terracotta pots of different sizes and comfortable outdoor furniture.

The first floor gives access to both suites with coffered ceilings, painted murals and frescos, each with their own luxury bathrooms. Going upstairs you access to the two junior suites.

The main floor has the gourmet kitchen and a grand room and dining room, consisting of the ancient Tuscan walnut table with chairs and other comfortable furnishings. A monumental modern library with a collection of vintage books surrounds the grand room. One then winds their way downstairs to the swimming pool with counter current system, the Jacuzzi and bench.

The property is a total of 600 mq with 350 mq of gardens and terrazza. This home is the reality of pleasure and is being sold completely furnished.

By Jim Walberg of Caribbean Islands Realty

Buying your second or third homes are not just happening in the Caribbean. We have now discovered that many of our clients are buying in Italy, too.

Timbers Resorts, a leader in the emerging category of luxury, boutique resorts are completing the final work on beautifully restored and reconstructed farmhouse villas on 4,200 acres in the Tuscan region of Italy near Siena. For those who are wanting to enjoy the Tuscan lifestyle, Castello di Casole is a five-star luxury resort and residence club. These villas are being painstakingly restored and reconstructed to their original charm and further enhanced with modern amenities.

The Castello di Casole residences are organized around a series of glass-tiled, infinity-edge pools and hand-set stone patios complete with wood-burning ovens. Outside and in, one can trace the centuries across the hand-set loggias, terracotta vaulted ceilings and attention to exacting detail which makes each villa an individual expression of art and architecture. The farmhouse villas range from 3 to 5 bedrooms and include a private infinity-edged pool, with 4,000 to 7,000 square feet of living space. Furnishings are a collection of the finest interior appointments from local artisans and antiques gathered from throughout the region.

Located within easy access to Siena and Florence, this historic estate is also home to the 18th century Castello, opening in spring of 2010 as an intimate 41-suite, plus luxurious penthouse, hotel. Formal and casual dining venues, terraces, pools, artisan shops and a world-class spa and fitness center will be available for an Owner’s enjoyment

Some Of The Features and Benefits:

• Traditional Tuscan architecture and interiors
• Concierge team
• Airport transfers, private chefs and dining upon request
• Language and cooking classes
• Daily housekeeping
• Pre-arrival Grocery
• Extensive private trail system
• Guided regional day trips
• Grape and Olive harvesting
  

The pricing for fractional ownership starts at just over $300,000 for a 1/12 deeded interest. Your fractional purchase entitles you to three planned vacation weeks each year, plus usage as residences are available, and short notice vacation weeks. There are also whole ownerships available. Please contact me for further details. If you have an interest in owning a piece of Tuscany, this is a project you will want to seriously consider. Until next time…your lifestyle detective is on duty…

By John Brian Losh

I am traveling in Italy this week visiting friends and members of the Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate network. Tuesday, May 20th I visited the historic town Anghiari in Tuscany, where I met with my friends Riccardo and Marta Romolini of Romolini International Real Estate. The Romolini office, which they are beginning to remodel, is located in the heart of Medieval Anghiari. I am proud that they represent our network in Tuscany and I encourage anyone remotely close by to visit their beautiful town. They are currently representing many fine properties, including a gorgeous €5,500,000 Tuscan Vineyard Manor in Arezzo.

I also met with my long time friends and industry contacts Giorgio and Benedetta Viganò of Giogrio Viganó Real Estate Consultants in Milan today. From my meetings so far I can say the Italian luxury real estate market is holding strong and the properties are moving. And what marvelous properties they are. It is the perfect time of year to visit Italy, and I encourage you to take some time to do so.


Editor’s Note:
John Brian Losh is the CEO/Publisher of LuxuryRealEstate.com and the President, CEO and Broker of Ewing & Clark, Inc. in Seattle. He tirelessly trots the globe meeting with members of LuxuryRealEstate.com and getting the scoop on industry trends. Mr. Losh will be traveling around Europe for the next two weeks, meeting with many luxury luminaries. I’m excited to hear more about his experiences there. The photo above of Anghiari, Italy is from the following Web address: www.lestabbielle.com/anghiari-italy.html.

By Rosaria & Raphael Harris

To all the Members of the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate Network,

We are Rosaria D. Harris and Raphael T. Harris, Jr. at World Real Estate Immobiliare in Messina, Sicily, Italy. We want to introduce ourselves and let everyone know what a wonderful time we had in Salzburg at the Luxury Real Estate European Conference. We found it very beneficial, even if nothing comes of it other than just meeting people from around the world in the same business we are in and exchanging ideas and new ways of doing things. It was great. We look forward to seeing everybody next year.

As I said, we live in Messina, Sicily, Italy. We both work in luxury real estate, with a focus on Southern Italy – Capri, Amalfi Coast, Aeolian Islands and Taormina, and we also work local market real estate. There is a lot of talk about hard times in the real-estate industry, etc. But we here in the south are not feeling this problem. The market seems to be moving at both levels and we don’t have anything to say about the industry other than we are working hard and will have our best year of business since we opened three years ago on April 2, 2005.

I came to Italy and met my wife and we got married. My family and I in America have been in the real estate business for generations and when I saw the opportunities here in Southern Italy in the real-estate industry, my wife and I decided to stay here and raise a family and do my family business here in the south.

This part of the world where I live is really the last piece of Western Europe that can be developed. It seems, to me, like California in the 1800s – dig a hole in the mountain and go in and get the gold. The economy is begging for international investors to come and invest in the tourism market here, specifically in Sicily, and we are trying to help make it happen. This is the center of the world.

In Taormina, there is an antique Greek theater that is more than 2,000 years old. This is something money can neither buy nor create. The land is beautiful, the sea is amazing and I invite all of you to call me and make a trip and see for yourselves.

I wish you all the best. Rosaria and I look forward to seeing everybody next year.

Sincerely yours,

Rosaria & Raphael Harris

World Real Estate Immobiliare
di Raphael T. Harris, Jr.
Piazza Catalani, 6
98122 Messina – Italy
+(39)-090-6413496-off1
+(39)-090-6782102-off2
+(39)-348-3528083-cell
info@worldrealestate.it
www.worldrealestate.it


Editor’s Note:
This is wonderful praise for our recent Luxury Real Estate European Conference from one of our superb Italian members. For information on our next event, the 6th Annual Luxury Real Estate Spring Retreat, visit www.luxuryrealestate.com/conference. We also welcome blog entries from LuxuryRealEstate.com members throughout the world.