Luxury Real Estate

Nicola Christinger of HomeHunts SARL. The New Zealand property market is still booming. Prices have risen by over 10% a year for the last 3 years, and a recent study forecasts annual price growth of 9.8 per cent next year but 9.2 per cent annually overall between now and 2012, and the economy is still fairly young and unemployment is still low, with foreign nationals being encouraged to relocate and fill gaps in areas of the employment market. The New Zealand economy is well positioned for the future, as is the property market which still offers attractive long term potential. 

Living in New Zealand, residents benefit from strong health and education systems and a lifestyle second to none. With the strength of the British pound, those purchasing property in New Zealand can generally purchase a New Zealand property vastly superior to what they previously owned and there is also no stamp duty or capital gains tax.

Buying a home in New Zealand is one of the simpler processes due to the lack of restrictions for UK residents and the variety of visas for prospective migrants on offer and the New Zealand government is actively seeking migrants.

The beautiful open countryside, uncrowded beaches and low crime rate combine to make property in New Zealand a very attractive option. Summers in New Zealand are like no other place on the planet and of course the New Zealand summer falls during the Northern Hemisphere winter.

But there is one property which is perhaps unique in its location and it is rare that such a breathtaking residence comes onto the property market. This beautiful, contemporary eco-house in an exceptional location in the “Winterless North” of New Zealand has not only stunning views of the surrounding countryside and bay, but its own private golden sand swimming beach – one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

In 2003, the current owners bought the sun drenched north-facing property from the family that was given the land by the Maori in the early 1830s, and that’s when the hard work began. There were no roads or services for electricity or phone lines all had to be put in. Over 7500 native trees were planted, almost all by hand, working with local expert native landscaper Rory Clark from Kerikeri.

This property stands on a plot of land (16.2 hectares or 40 acres) and the owners worked very closely with the architects and designs to ensure that the property blended in with its environment and was designed to be ecologically sound and as aesthetically off-the-charts as the location.

The 340m2 home, with 5.5 metre ceilings (about 18 feet), comprises linked zones, or pods, containing a central Great Room and kitchen, which is flanked by a guest bedroom/office/library to the east and a Master Bedroom and impressive Master Bath with two glass walls to the west. The house is protected by the land around it and can only be seen from the sea.

Various courtyards and decks surround the house so there is always a sunny and wind-free place to enjoy the outdoors.

The materials in the house are of a natural palette. Flooring throughout is French Beaumaniere limestone and the ceilings are Philippine mahogany, the tone of which ties in well with the American cherry cabinetry and bookcases throughout.

There is a distinct feeling of luxurious anticipation, a feeling of an unfolding as you approach the house. There are gates, ponds, a native forest, which you drive through, statutes from Bali and Thailand, all offering a sense of protection and peace.

On the virtually private beach, you can swim, you can collect the famous NZ Green Mussels off the rocks and you can fish for snapper, kowhai, and other wonderful fish.

Kerikeri Airport is located 45 minutes south, Kaitaia Airport is located 25 minutes north and both have daily service to Auckland airport. Mangonui is a seven minutes drive south. This is considered to be one of the most charming villages in NZ.

Kerikeri, a town of approximately 25000 people and recently voted the best small town in New Zealand, and the famous Kauri Cliffs Golf course are both less than an hour’s drive. New Zealand is big into boating and Doubtless Bay and surrounds (Whangaroa Harbour and the Bay Of Islands ) are world famous for fishing, sailing and Big Game Fishing.

Paradise is not lost, it is most definitely here.

By: Weichert Realtors Points East Properties

The city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire is at its best as it hosts a notable celebration of Independence Day with great events spanning the week leading up to the 4^th of July. This annual historical celebration has a parade, fireworks, living history reenactments, music, and great food.

Portsmouth or Strawbery Banke as it is historical known is well known for its great shopping, fine dining, historical landmarks, and seaport. The intimate community offers a full array of luxury real estate options allowing savvy investors, second home owners, retirees, and even primary home owners a chance to take in this beautiful town and experience the great amenities first hand.

Happy 4^th of July! Don’t hesitate to come visit us in Portsmouth this summer.

By Pegasus News Wire

DALLAS — The Randall Davis Company in limited partnership with Hines, developer of Terranova along with Allie Beth Allman and Associates welcome Brenda Calvin as Director of Sales for Terranova Condominiums, the new high-rise in Dallas' Preston Center.

Calvin has more than 20 years of high-rise experience, including four previous Randall Davis developments in Houston and Las Vegas and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the development.

Calvin's own real estate brokerage in Las Vegas, The Calvin Group, was responsible for the sell-out of Metropolis High-rise in Las Vegas. She is a Certified International Property Specialist, a highly esteemed designation of the National Association of Realtors, an invited member of Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate Worldwide and a member of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. Brenda was a delegate to the Council's Tall Building Conference in Shanghai, China in 2007 and spoke at the Council's 8th World Congress in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in March of 2008. Her speech, entitled "Selling Luxury High-rise; Pre-sale through Completion," was well received by delegates from 42 countries and 51 members of the international press.

Calvin has also provided developer high-rise consulting, both domestically and abroad. A recent memorable consultation took her to Malaysia and India.

Terranova, inspired by the Italian resort of the same name, is a joint venture between Randall Davis and Hines. Offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom luxury homes in the heart of Preston Center in Dallas, Terranova was already 25 % reserved prior to the Sales Center opening in May. Visit the property Web site, or contact Brenda Calvin at the Sales Center 214-363-9463.

Terranova is a nine-story boutique high-rise condominium, containing 42 homes on eight floors. Concierge service is available to homeowners 24 hours daily from the private controlled-access lobby. A swimming pool, fitness center, and Terranova Club Room with wine storage and catering kitchen is located on the fifth floor. Residences range from 1,400 to 4,400 square feet. Standard home features include coffered ceilings, arched entries, hardwood floors and Italian Porcelains, marble and granite finishes, and Origami Air Baths. Penthouse residences offer custom kitchens with special cabinet selections, pot fillers, oversized wine coolers, Dornbracht faucets in master bathrooms along with steam showers, upgraded porcelain, marble and granite finishes, as well as private garages.

Randall Davis Company, in a limited joint-venture with Hines, is developer of Terranova. Davis was the first developer in 12 years to offer new high-rise condominiums in Houston with the Metropolis, followed by the Gotham and later Metropolis in Las Vegas, all of which sold out prior to completion of construction. Davis' other developments include the Renoir, Rice Hotel, the Manhattan, the Hotel Icon, the Empire, Sonoma in Rice Village, the Cosmopolitan, and the Titan. Davis is currently completing construction of the 32-story Sapphire twin condominium towers on South Padre Island, which are almost completed.

Construction of Terranova is projected to begin summer 2009, with completion and first move-ins anticipated for late 2010. Terranova will occupy the site located in the 8100 block of Douglas Avenue, at Weldon Howell Pkwy.

By Carina de Sousa of IRG International Realty Group

João Manso will be responsible for the overall day-to-day management of IRG International Realty Group and will be overseeing the performance on all levels. He will also be involved in business development.

João Manso has had a long career in Portuguese and international businesses and has been involved in big scale commercial and touristic residential developments. He is a member of Ordem dos Engenheiros and has been managing director of companies related to the resort/touristic industry.

Ole Jespersen, owner and managing director of IRG International Realty Group says: "It is a huge boost for our company that we are able to attract a capacity like João Manso to our company. He will bring a lot of experience with him not just professionally but, João having been involved in Portuguese business on top level, will also add to our already multi national business culture. His previous work in touristic residential developments fits well into one of IRG's core businesses and will strengthen our already leading role in this segment."

About IRG International Realty Group

IRG International Realty Group is the leading international brokerage company in Portugal and specializes in sales and marketing 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, Algarve, Estoril and Kensington, London.

www.irgportugal.com

By Michael Marquette of Marquette Turner Luxury Homes

Luxury Grand Mansion Estate

This exceptional luxury home in Stockton near Newcastle was built in 1897 and was originally known as “Quigley House“. Proudly presented by Marquette Turner Luxury Homes, the home is built on a fabulous estate covering 2333 square metres.

The interior of the main building has been stunningly restored and renovated, retaining much of its original Victorian elegance. North Coast cedar is one of the many features of this magnificent residence as is the arched beveled glass. The home offers seven marble fireplaces, each with unique tile work.

The significant work completed on the house has resulted in a home with every modern convenience. The gardens have been completely remodeled and additions include a wonderful courtyard, over-sized three car garage with abundant workshop space and a separate guest quarters.

For more information on this stunning property, please click on the images above or here

Media: Read what the New York Times had to say HERE

Price: $1.8 million AUD

From The National Trust for Historic Preservation

Courtesy of Paula Berthelot of Prudential Santa Fe Real Estate

Perched high in the foothills of the southern Rocky Mountains, Santa Fe, New Mexico is unparalleled in its richness of history, arts and culture. Signature adobe architecture and old world charm combine with culinary sophistication and a creative flair to make the city one of the country's most fascinating destinations.

History & Activities

One of the best-preserved cities in the United States, Santa Fe is an ancient city with a distinctive architecture borne out of its remote location and use of local materials. Dozens of historic sites transport visitors back in time, from ancient Native American ruins and Spanish Colonial churches to mining towns and remnants of the nation's Wild West frontier days. Historic walking tours showcase the spirit of Santa Fe, both old and new, most notably the Palace of the Governors, the oldest public building in the country. The revitalized Santa Fe Railyard now serves as a lively downtown commercial and residential hub, containing shops, galleries, restaurants, farmer's market as well as an outdoor park and performance space.

Art & Culture

Santa Fe has long been a center for arts and culture. It now ranks as the country's third largest art market with over 250 galleries and dealers. Perhaps most famous as the home of artist Georgia O'Keefe, Santa Fe boasts more than a dozen major museums showcasing an array of art, culture, history and traditions. Art galleries and boutiques line Canyon Road while Native American vendors representing 19 Pueblos and three tribes can be found everyday under the portal at the Palace of Governors, selling jewelry and handmade goods. The annual Indian, Spanish and Folk Art markets provide opportunities not found anywhere else in the county.

Outdoor Adventures

Surrounded by more than 1.5 million acres of national forest and the 12,500-foot Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Santa Fe offers year-round outdoor adventure. The breathtaking scenery is an ideal backdrop for hiking, biking, skiing or rafting. With an average of 300 days of sunshine and blue sky, the time is always right to stroll through lush landscapes, explore nature trails at the National Audubon Society center or attend a wine festival in the country’s earliest wine-producing region.

Submitted by Paula in Santa Fe at: March 12, 2009 I moved to Santa Fe about 11 years ago after many visits. Although I will always be a Texan in my heart, I have adopted this wonderful place and have enjoyed every moment I have lived here. If you plan to visit anytime in the near future, you can contact me at Prudential Santa Fe Real Estate, 505/988-3700, and I will give you the latest and greatest restaurants etc,

By Carina de Sousa of IRG International Realty Group

Portugal (March 2009) - As part of their continuous efforts to promote the absolute best in Portugal’s real estate, IRG International Realty Group is now introducing a new section on their website which focuses only on some of this country’s finest Estates and Manor Houses currently on the market.

Those that list their unique properties with this group have without a doubt a head start on the competition, since as a member of several exclusive, high profile networks IRG is able to provide the best international exposure. Among these International Networks is Christie’s Great Estates, the international real estate division of Christie’s, the oldest and leading auction house in the world, for which IRG is the exclusive affiliate in Portugal, EREN, The European Real Estate Network and Luxury Portfolio, an international network providing a unique platform for luxury real estate, just to name a few.

For inclusion in the Estates and Manor Houses program do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Sandra Évora on 21 0305022 or sandra@irgportugal.com or view IRG’s listings of Estates and Manor Houses on: www.irgportugal.com/properties/estatesandmanorhouses.

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

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By Ann Adenius of Signature Residences Worldwide

Emerald Monkey Eco Luxe Resort & Residences is one of the newest developments to be announced in the Caribbean. This one-of-a- kind development is located in the Archipelago region of Bocas del Toro, in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Panama. The development has been designed to be the first luxury “Zero Carbon Footprint Project” in the world.

You can’t help but to fall in love with the warm people and beautiful islands of the Archipelagos of Bocas del Toro. It’s one of the finest locations in the Caribbean. The islands offer a great diversity of breathtaking attractions including the amazing white sand beaches, magnificent coral reefs in crystal clear water, and magical mountainous rainforests.

Emerald Monkey sits on 80 acres of lush green foliage in tropical setting. Phase one includes 76 unique Balinese villas with indoor outdoor living. The villas are built in Bali by native craftsmen, and then disassembled and shipped to the island. Each villa boasts custom designed Balinese décor.



 

The residences are accompanied with five-star amenities. These include the “Banjar” Village which is filled with antique Balinese shops, two saltwater pools, spectacular coral reef diving, a world class anti-ageing rejuvenation Spa, two beaches, a sunken Bali village for snorkelling, two miles of walking trails, family activities center, on site restaurants, and even a meditation temple to watch the sun rise and set.

The developer is committed to build a luxury eco friendly community. Their inspiration came from the Balinese way of life that people should live at one with nature. Through use

of sustainable and renewable resources along with hydro-electric power, the team of Emerald Monkey will take its first step towards creating the first luxury “Zero Carbon Footprint Project”.

Construction has already started on Emerald Monkey, and the resort is scheduled for opening in summer 2010.

Villas start at mid $500’s to over $2.5 million.

For further information, contact Signature Residences Worldwide, www.signatureresidencesworldwide.com ,email info@signatureresidencesworldwide.com or call +44 20 7095 8703

By Janine Carey of Damianos Sotheby's International Realty

NASSAU, Bahamas (Feb 19, 2009)—Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty, a luxury real estate firm based in Nassau, today announced that its brand Web site, www.sothebysrealty.com, soon will be multi-lingual with the addition of seven new languages.

All functional and static information on the Web site were translated into Spanish and Portuguese this month. It also will be translated into French, Italian, German, Russian and traditional Chinese within the next few weeks. Translations will be done by professional translators based in each respective country, not by machine translation methods.

The brand added a currency conversion to the Web site earlier this year.

“The translations will be done by professional translators in each respective country, not by machine translation methods, and the Web site will be search engine optimized for each language,” said George Damianos, President of Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty. “Our customers around the globe will be able to search our inventory of Bahamian properties in their native language with just the click of a button.”

Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty, serves the entire Bahamas and is headquartered in downtown Nassau with offices in Lyford Cay; Governor's Harbour and Spanish Wells Eleuthera; Marsh Harbour, Hope Town and Elbow Cay, Abaco; with associates in Treasure Cay, Abaco; Indigo Island, Exuma, and Freeport. The Bahamas, offers exclusive Sotheby’s International Realty marketing, advertising and referral services designed to attract well-qualified buyers to the firm’s property listings. In addition, the firm and its clients benefit from an association with the Sotheby’s auction house, which promotes real estate referral opportunities with auction house clientele.

By Carl Peralta of 77 Great Estates

77 Great Estates, a luxury real estate firm in the Central Mediterranean Sea, is launching its new Web site: www.77greatestates.com.

Malta is an island-nation located about 60 miles south of Sicily (Italy) and 180 miles north of Libya. At the crossroads between West and East, North and South, and Arab and Western culture, Malta is uniquely situated to act as a commercial hub for regional and continental expansion. In 2004, Malta was admitted into the European Union. In addition, it enjoys an excellent working relationship with the Maghreb countries on the North African coast.

The capital of Malta is Valletta – where 77 Great Estates’ office is located. With a total area of 95 square miles, Malta is a little less than twice the size of Washington, D.C. Maltese, English and Italian are spoken fluently by the population of 400,000.

Malta has a fiscally beneficial tax system for international investors. Their laws forbid taxation on worldwide income but only on Maltese source income and on foreign income remitted to Malta; foreigners who become local residents may only be taxed at a flat rate of 15 percent; there are no net-worth or real-estate taxes and there is no capital-gains tax on people who sell their main residence after three years. Malta recently entered into a double-taxation agreement with the United States and other countries.

77 Great Estates was created by Carl Peralta (B.A., LL.D.) in 2003. Business being his chief interest, Dr. Peralta has successfully co-organized many large-scale entertainment events since 1995. His company specializes in representing luxury residences and high street commercial properties for sale or to let.

For additional information on 77 Great Estates, please visit their Web site: www.77greatestates.com.