Villae International Issue 18

The unique offering of a continent

In an increasingly global world, it somehow becomes even clearer just how unique certain parts of our planet are. Shaped by nature, history and successive generations, each has created its own cultures and traditions, a process that enriches our experience on earth. Within this context, Europe takes up a very special space that continues to draw people from around the world to its beauty spots, cultural centres and points of value. In many ways, these elements form the unique offering of our continent.

The world is full of natural beauty and local traditions, so what is it that makes Europe so special, and so sought after – not only among tourists but also those with the means to invest both privately and commercially? The answer is not easy to encapsulate in a single word, but, if you had to, it would be CULTURE. Culture, as defined by history, heritage and tradition, for the grand cities, palaces, parks and legendary luxury brands of this continent carry a weight that others have yet to equal, let alone surpass.

We live in an increasingly technological world, where North America and Asia appear to have the upper hand, but look closely at where many of the technological and conceptual innovations come from and you’ll see that Europe features prominently here too. This is in reality not surprising, for the ‘Old World’ can draw upon a long and rich tradition of learning and intellectual development as well. Many of the world’s oldest and most highly respected universities and research institutions are located in Europe, so in this too it has much to offer.

For all these reasons, Europe remains the destination for considerable private and corporate investment; a place not just to enjoy for its culture, gastronomy and luxury experiences, but also for the business and investment opportunities it offers. At the heart of it all is a philosophy that, over the course of centuries, has bonded the diverse countries of the continent into one civilisation: a strong belief in rule of law, democratic values and humanistic principles Let’s maintain these principles with our sights set far ahead, for they are what have made Europe so special.

Enjoy this new edition of Villae International Magazine.

José Ribes Bas. Director

José Ribes Bas EREN Director

VILLÆ INTERNATIONAL

is a publication of:

European Real Estate Network, Ltd., 19-21 Christopher Street London - EC2A 2BS.

United Kingdom

T: +44 207 592 8905 www.europeanrealestate.org info@europeanrealestate.org

EREN Board of Directors

Ueli Schnorf

Giancarlo Bracco

José Ribes Bas bod@europeanrealestate.org

Original Concept by Benedetta Viganò, Diana Morales & José Ribes Bas

Writer

Michel Cruz michel@avanteconsult.com

(+34) 610 780 354

Roberto Gómez Calvet rgomez@competecnia.es

(+34) 696 770 397

Design VENTURE EXPERIENCE

www.venturexperience.com

(+34) 963 122 200

Photo credits

Rosewood

Thomas Dressler Shutterstock

Advertising ads@europeanrealestate.org

Editor José Ribes Bas

D.L.: V-757-2006

46 FINEST OPERA HOUSES

The temples of classical music

58 LANDSCAPES OF ANDALUCÍA

Discover a world of textural and tonal variety

62 EUROPE FIRST–HAND: Glamorous Marbella

64 STEP INTO THE VISION OF ANDREU WORLD

Bespoke designer furniture with heart

90 SUCCESSFUL INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

The essence of EREN

94 EREN DIRECTORY

Our boutique office addresses across Europe

VERONA 2022

EREN holds a strategic meeting in Verona

After three years of looking forward to the EREN annual meeting, it was finally held on the 27th and 28th of October 2022 in Verona.

Thanks to Cofim Immobiliaire, founding member and shareholder of EREN, the inspiring event was full of good vibes and a friendly re-encountering of the participants in a non-virtual world. The gathering, meticulously organised by Marco Argentieri, took place in Hotel Due Torri. This venue, just a stone’s throw from Juliet’s famous balcony, provided the unique setting for such an anticipated moment.

WORDS: ROBERTO GÓMEZ CALVET

Early in the morning the shareholder meeting took place with a presentation of EREN’s financial situation jointly with the evolution of the organisation. In this session, Mr. Ribes presented the main financial statements of the firm showing balanced and healthy accounts.

Afterward, the members’ meeting was held. At this gathering, most of the participants confirmed a surprising recovery of the real estate market following the pandemic and the common perception was that 2021 had been the best year ever with a strong demand for properties, prices rising and inventory levels remaining low.

Nevertheless, there were some signs of uncertainty about the near future due to the impact of the war in Ukraine. In addition, some economic indicators are not showing a positive trend (inflation, growth of interest rates or GDP slow recovery). On the positive side, the announcement of potential new members will increase the strength of a consolidated family with the idea of doing business by focusing on a customer service-oriented philosophy. As Giancarlo Bracco stated at the conference, we are here to do business with philosophy.

The programme of entertainment organised by Cofim Immobiliaire began with a meeting on Thursday evening at the magnificent terrace of the Hotel Due Torri. From this stylish setting, we could appreciate not only extraordinary views of the historic city but it also provided a unique atmosphere for the re-assembly of EREN members after three years. Despite Verona having a tradition of sometimes being cold and grey, it welcomed us with sun and pleasant weather during the whole stay.

Dinner on Thursday evening was hosted at Ristorante Maxelâ, with a delicious tasting menu where we could discover that not only EREN members are acknowledged experts in the real estate sector, but also some of them are granted with natural gifts for singing.

Early on Friday evening, a group visit to the superb Arena amphitheatre and the historic city centre took place. To round off a day totally dedicated to sharing information and ideas, the group finished off with a black tie gala dinner at Ristorante Vittorio Emanuele.

VILLA MAGNA MADRID

At the heart of Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art, the Rosewood Villa Magna is one of the premium hotels in this vibrant European capital – set within its own oasis of tranquillity yet surrounded by the shops, eateries and famous museums of the Serrano district.

To distinguish yourself in the field of luxury hotels is not an easy task. The world is replete with impressive city destinations and welcoming resorts, so standing out is far from straightforward. In point of fact, it requires a supreme level of perfectionism and meticulous attention to detail in combination with a clear vision and the determination to see it realised. Since its founding, this is exactly what the Rosewood Hotel Group has achieved, and today it has a presence in the finest locations across three continents and through its exquisite hotel properties, service and detailing ranks among the global elite, creating stand-out destinations around the world.

WORDS: MICHEL CRUZ Images courtesy of Rosewood

Reception of Rosewood Villa Magna Madrid

PREMIUM HOTELS IN PRIME LOCATIONS

To offer the very best to your guests you need to be present in the top locations. Within cities, this means in the most exclusive central spots, and in the case of Madrid it is the Serrano district at the very heart of this imposing capital’s grand avenues and monuments. Here you are surrounded not only by the beauty and elegance of Madrid’s finest buildings, parks and palaces, but also by an equalled shopping, dining and cultural offering, with some of the world’s most iconic sights and museums on your doorstep. Thanks to a privileged location off the Paseo de la Castellana, these include the ThyssenBornemisza and of course the Museo Nacional del Prado.

Here the very best of Madrid is at your fingertips, a delightful stroll or short taxi ride away, in addition to which the hotel – in time-honoured fashion – offers chauffeured cars and limousines. In venues of this standing, sense of arrival is an important element, and one which sets the tone as you approach the Rosewood Villa Magna’s private driveway. The interior reflects the brand’s fine taste in a blend of timeless style, comfort and refinement that matches the solid elegance of a city business hotel with the sumptuous surroundings of a spa resort. Indeed, one of the highlights of any Rosewood hotel is its spa and wellness retreat.

Lobby and Bar

A SENSE OF PLACE

With a presence in top locations around the world, Rosewood applies a blend of recognisable brand values aligned with a desire to infuse its establishments with the flavour of its surroundings. This is embodied in the Sense of Place philosophy that sees art feature prominently within the hotel, its elegant lounge, bar and fine dining restaurants, as well as the wellness spa, suites and without doubt the four exquisite penthouses that crown the building, offering impressive city views as well as the highest level of service and style. These fine properties embody the spirit of the famous Palacio de Anglada that once stood here.

The Villa Magna in Madrid is one of the prime hotels of the Rosewood brand, but others include the legendary Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, as well as top destinations in London, Tuscany, Hong Kong and New York, each endowed with both Rosewood quality and local character. Imminent new openings include Salzburg, Rome, Venice and Miyakojima in Japan, among others, as the group builds upon its growing reputation as one of the foremost purveyors of quality hospitality in the world – a feat maintained every day by teams led by inspired general managers such as Friedrich von Schönburg, the young director of the Rosewood Villa Magna in Madrid.

“A room with a view”

“Here, in the Serrano district, is the very best of Madrid at your fingertips”

Las Brasas Castellana

Private dining cellar

SPA

MADRID

by Friedrich von Schönburg Director, Rosewood Villa Magna, Madrid.

Where are guests at the Rosewood Villa Magna mostly from?

In reality from everywhere. Madrid is very in vogue with Europeans, North Americans and Asians, but we also receive a lot of guests from Latin America, North Africa and the Middle East, right down to Australians, so our client base is highly diverse.

Is this reflected in the luxury market in the area?

To a lesser extent, yes. The core of the market, even in the iconic luxury districts around the hotel, is Spanish, but a large proportion of visitors are international. They are mostly Europeans, Asians and people from the Americas working at blue chip companies or running their own businesses, but also include residents and owners of holiday homes from across the world.

Would you say the luxury hotel and the property markets are parallel in Madrid?

In broad terms they are, with the two markets having grown rapidly in recent decades. Perhaps the hotel sector has expanded at a slightly faster rate, but property prices have traditionally outstripped average daily rates (ADR), albeit maybe not since Covid.

How do you see economic sectors evolving in the near future?

The market remains strong because Madrid is the driver of the Spanish economy and also enjoys a business-friendly environment, while the charm, beauty and vibrancy of the capital continues to draw both visitors and investors across all segments, but especially the upper one. Madrid offers excitement and value at all levels.

Our hotel, Rosewood Villa Magna, is an icon in Madrid that benefits from both the economic and leisure environment mentioned above.

Enjoy the city!

ORGANIC ARCHITECTURE

DESIGN INSPIRED BY NATURE

Architects often speak of their immersion into the site and the location, but look around you and 100 years of construction paints a different picture. In a world where such practices are catching up with us, organic architecture, though not new, offers an inspiring way forward, for not only does it champion harmony between mankind and nature, but it also addresses the needs of the individual, of society and of our personal wellbeing in its very design philosophy.

WORDS: MICHEL CRUZ

The irregular patterns of organic architecture

We see it all around us; urban jungles of concrete, glass and steel that look impressive on the drawing board, imposing when first delivered shiny and new, but ultimately sad and neglected as they form part of a growing collage of rusting structures that require constant maintenance and investment or else add to the desolate landscape we’re creating. Detroit, Mexico City, Sâo Paulo and Moscow, the examples are many, but you needn’t look too far to spot the concrete rot and urban decay, for it surrounds us even in the most picturesque of places.

From Monaco to Manchester, ill-advised designs or the actual lack of design, planning and consideration seem to be the norm, rather than the bashful exception, and the individual actions of many different developers add up to the often austere, artificial and not particularly human-friendly environment we have created for ourselves. We leave nature behind to live in urban centres, but with the exception of some parks, most cities are jungles of unfriendly, unyielding materials whose ultimate decline ushers in a host of social problems.

Classical, cultural and natural inspiration of early modern American architecture

This is partly due to a scale that dwarfs the very societies they were intended to serve, the lack of softening green spaces, and in general terms the unforgiving density of buildings, roads and traffic that makes many urban centres and highrise suburbs around the world a bit of a hell. It is out of a reaction against this that the flight to the new suburbs of the early 20th century first took place, but these too have now become so big and sometimes monotonous that the original purpose is lost. In an age where sustainability is becoming a gradual need, we look to organic architecture for inspiration.

American Art Deco was strongly influenced by natural forms

A BATTLE OF PHILOSOPHIES

Architecture is often regarded as the science of design, but whereas the shapes given to the edifices created is central to this discipline, there are many other facets that are almost as important, especially when you regard it not just as the abstract exercise of construction in its own right, but believe that architecture has a vital social role to play in shaping our urban landscapes. If it cannot be denied that buildings, homes and urban planning in general affect individuals and societies, then it follows that a gentler, more beautiful, spacious and nature-friendly urban setting is also conducive to a happier, healthier society.

Architects have been pondering these issues for centuries, and increasingly so since the right to prosperity and happiness became a thing a little over a century ago, and it is out of this that movements such as organic architecture evolved. It was just as mankind’s technological and industrial advances enabled it to bend nature to its will and create new artificial materials and densely-packed, mass-produced housing, that the first reactions against this form of soulless, automated living took root. Already at the turn of the 20th century, Art Nouveau sought inspiration in the complex, organic shapes of nature for the design of buildings, furniture, art and jewellery.

The rationalist, functionalist thinkers who would dominate much of the 20th century and so far most of the 21st, saw the world through different glasses, abhorring the apparently chaotic variety of organic styles and preferring instead the imposition of rigidly simplified linear lines – minimalism. Unlike William Morris and other members of the Arts and Crafts Movement, they eschewed the use of more natural materials such as wood, stone, ceramics and cork in favour of steel, polished stone, chrome, glass and concrete, as their favourite material.

“Apart from being beautiful, organic architecture is also innately human in scale and experience, enhances the appeal of a town or city, and of course is based upon a philosophy of sustainability that is now no longer a luxury but a need. Fortunately, we are starting to list such properties.”

Marianne Walde Walde & Partner Immobilien AG Zürich, SWITZERLAND

Falling Water by Frank Lloyd Wright – an iconic design surrounded by nature

SHAPES, MATERIALS AND LAYOUTS INSPIRED BY NATURE

If much of the 20th century – and our present urban world – was shaped by the latter, there have still been notable movements that have fought it or sought to assimilate the rational and technological thinking of ‘modern’ architecture into a human and nature-friendly philosophy. Organic architecture is perhaps the most important of all of these, and its desire to find a harmony between people, their habitat and the natural world dates back to the early 20th century but is all the more relevant today, not just in terms of the need to protect the environment, but also to keep our ever-expanding urban centres liveable.

Architects such as Rudolf Steiner didn’t walk away from modern austerity, but when he did use concrete there was a complexity in his designs that softened harsh edges and replicated the intricacy of nature. Rounded shapes are much loved by organic architects but not a requirement, as shown by Frank Lloyd Wright, who coined the phrase when explaining the need for architecture to work not only in rational and technical terms, but that it should also consider the psychological and emotional wellbeing not just of the individuals that use buildings, but also the broader society that interacts with them every day.

Looked at in this way, architecture should be rich in diversity of materials, styles, shapes and inspiration, but while it can stand out in its own right, organic architecture seeks not to diminish nature but to complement it as much as possible, and harness natural beauty for the wellbeing of human occupants. This affects volumes, functionality, internal distribution, views and the use of materials, including recycled ones, but above all it depends upon a benevolent and idealistic urban planning ideology that wishes society to be the very best it can – happy, healthy and inspired by the beauty of nature. Surely this is the answer to our present and future needs!

The proponents of organic architecture aim to integrate their designs into nature

SWISS ALPS

by Quentin Epiney

FGP Swiss & Alps. Geneva. Switzerland

Which factors characterise the Swiss property market right now?

The Swiss residential property market has seen an almost uninterrupted increase in prices since 1996, despite a slowdown between 2012 and 2017 in the French-speaking part of the country, linked to the delayed consequences of the sub-prime crisis. This extraordinary increase is due to a number of factors that make this market attractive, beyond the restrictions that limit the acquisition of residential property by foreigners. These include, of course, the country's extraordinary political and economic stability, a quality of life that stands out on an international scale, health and transportation infrastructures that are among the best on the planet, as well as unparalleled access to financial and diplomatic hubs, and to the world of luxury, inclusive of haute watch-making.

The Swiss market is therefore an oasis in the heart of Europe that makes it one of the most desirable places to settle down, raise a family and develop or run a successful business. We have a particular expertise in assisting clients wishing to establish themselves in Switzerland, or to invest there, whether in a second home or in a commercial investment vehicle. What drives us in our day to day work, is to introduce our clients to this haven and make remarkable projects become reality.

What is the status of new developments in the area, and could you give us an update on the new developments you are involved with?

While the market remains very demanding, we are particularly active in the field of real estate development and have, through our family group, delivered more than 1000 residential units in 2022, while we have around 500 other units under construction in 2023 and more in the years to come. In addition to the recent delivery of a new neighborhood of 2,500 inhabitants in Geneva, as well as a magnificent complex of 300 rental apartments on the shores of Lake Geneva, including both luxury condominiums and state-sponsored yet high-quality housing for the economically less advantaged, as well as the construction of the headquarters of one of the world's leading private banks; we are now focusing on our ongoing developments.

We have among our most notable projects a new neighborhood of more than 50,000 m2 in the heart of Sion, the capital of the Valais, as well as two luxury second home projects in the charming and up-and-coming Alpine resort of Grimentz, where real estate prices are still very affordable but are increasing as the location gains in reputation. The first of these is the "Guernerés Exclusive Lodge" Ski-in / Ski-out & Spa complex, which overlooks the resort and offers 16 chalets and a high-standing residence, as well as hotel services, a restaurant and a spa - already more than 75% sold. The second project, which will soon be commercialized, "Le Hameau des Bains", consists of the rehabilitation of a historic hotel dating from 1880 and benefiting from a panoramic view of the Weisshorn, with the creation of baths exploiting a still untouched thermal spring, and the realization of tourist residences ranging from 4 to 5 stars depending on the project's stage. Through these projects, we are very proud to participate in the sensitive and responsible development of our regions, for the benefit of all.

Which buyers are attracted to this region?

We are fortunate to work with a very diverse clientele, ranging from Swiss and European clients, notably from the Benelux, the United Kingdom, France and the Nordic countries, to more diversified horizons such as the United States of America, Asia or the Middle East.

What sets life in the Swiss Alps apart, from a lifestyle perspective?

Beyond the many qualities of our country mentioned above, the alpine lifestyle is an approach to healthy living in harmony with nature, without losing the comforts of modern life and while enjoying extraordinary high mountain landscapes. We like to combine sports and outdoor activities with indulgence in wellness, crowned by moments of sharing with friends or family, around a good table, appreciating the many local products or exceptional wines.

Switzerland is arguably the most efficient country in Europe

By MICHEL CRUZ

PHOTOVOLTAIC OR WHICH WILL LIGHT UP THE WORLD?

After decades of talk and relative inactivity, the world finally seems poised to make the shift to renewable energy sources. Naturally, this process will in itself take several decades to complete, but which out of the possible options will be the energy source with the potential to liberate us from fossil fuel dependency?

Images: Shutterstock

Right now we’re only using a fraction of the natural geothermal energy available to us

OR GEOTHERMAL

The transition from petroleum, coal and gas to cleaner, renewable energy sources has been many decades in the making. We’ve had hydroelectricity for a long time now, but its capacity is localised and limited, and according to some not all that environmentally friendly. The same could be said for other renewable energies such as aeolic (wind) energy and even solar panels distributed across the planet, but even so they belong to the alternatives that are considered preferable to either fossil fuels or the kind of nuclear power currently available to us.

Some decades ago, nuclear power appeared to be the solution of the future – and it is – but the first wave of fission plants proved potentially dangerous (see Chernobyl, Three Mile Island and Fukushima), and also produce highly toxic nuclear waste. Billions are being poured into the ITER international research centre in France, where it should only be a question of time before far more stable and waste-free fusion technology becomes a reality, but in the meantime the search for presentday alternatives is on. Wind, wave and similar sources are limited in their capacity and efficacy, so right now two of the most important options are solar and geothermal energy.

Iceland was one of the first countries in the world to develop its geothermal resources

PHOTOVOLTAIC (SOLAR) ENERGY

Solar energy is perhaps the sustainable, CO2-free source that most hopes are pinned on, and it can be used for heating as well as generating electricity. The technology used for the latter revolves around the photovoltaic process by which solar rays captured on devices such as solar panels are converted into electric energy with the use of semiconductor materials such as silicon. Though the original concept dates back almost a century, the technology became feasible in the 1990s. Since then, the nature and cost of solar panels has changed favourably, with technical development and economies of scale reducing costs by up to 90% and producing far more durable and effective production methods.

The essence of solar power generation is the conversion of light into electricity, a process by which solar panels – or rather, the solar cells they are made up of –

catch the sunlight that hits the earth’s surface and feed this energy into an electric grid, be it a localised one or the greater power grid. Though they operate best at an oblique angle, solar panels can be mounted on the ground, fitted to a wall or attached to a flat or sloping roof, as is often the case. The main material used as the semiconductor, silicon, is abundant and cheap to produce, though others, such as silver and polysilicon are more costly.

For all this, the hundreds of thousands of panels placed on rooftops and brownfields around the world amounts to little more than 2% of global electricity supply – a fraction of what is possible. Moreover, the panels last 10-30 years and cannot be recycled, but tests with a new semiconducting material, perovskite, point towards a potential wave of breakthroughs that could yet see solar energy realise its potential.

Solar panels have become increasingly efficient and economical forms of energy production

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

As a sustainable energy source, geothermal has the capacity to produce heating and generate electricity from the heat – or thermal energy – stored under the earth’s surface. In all, the planet’s subterranean heat content is about double the present energy requirement of us humans living on the surface, but it isn’t as easy as all that, as the process is only viable in locations where the hot steam can be tapped at the surface or drilled down into.

Nature gave us the example of potential heat extraction early on, as there are many spots around the world where natural geysers spray geothermally heated water jets high into the air. Think of New Zealand, Iceland and of course ‘Old Faithful’ at the Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, USA. About a century ago, scientists cottoned on to this potential, but geothermal energy production has only gradually evolved since the 1950s, yet now seems set for a big leap forwards. Currently, world output stands at around 17,5 gigawatts (GW), which though considerable is just a fraction of the energy required and produced every year, and also roughly onetwentieth of the potential capacity of geothermal energy.

Developing all the potential that lies under the earth’s crust will, however, require a great deal of further investment, technological development and the perfecting of extraction and storage systems around the world. Over time, different systems have been developed to extract thermal heat and convert it into electricity, and currently there are three in use: Flash Steam, Dry Steam and Binary Cycle. Geothermal is one of the cleanest energy forms, though detailed geological studies of potential sites is important, as it has caused subsidence and even earthquakes. Even at full viable production, it will extract only a relatively small amount of the earth’s thermal heat capacity, and if development and investment continue to accelerate, it can account for 3-5% of our energy needs by 2050 and reach approximate full potential at 10% by 2100.

Geothermal will never be the magical one-stop solution to humanity’s power requirements, but it is renewable, sustainable, generally safe and a big potential source in localised settings around the world. Like wind and solar energy, it will make a big contribution to present and future energy needs, but in the end it is still nuclear fusion that holds the key to a world free of fossil fuel pollution.

Geothermal plants of this kind could soon be dotted around the world

“We’ve come to a crossroads where the need to distance ourselves from fossil fuels and find new sources of energy has become an imperative. There is no one solution today, so we will need various sources, and both photovoltaic and geothermal energy look set to play a big role, with implications for investment.”

Roberto Gómez Calvet Professor of Economics at Madrid European University and an energy expert. Valencia, SPAIN

“The planet’s subterranean heat content is about double the present energy requirement”

There are natural geothermal ‘hotspots’ across the globe

Dr.

THE SOFT WORLD OF SILK

The shimmering sensuality of silk has been treasured for centuries. In fact, it formed the basis of an extensive trading network that covered almost all of the Eurasian landmass. In some cultures, such as those of China, this precious commodity has an even deeper, cultural importance, and is woven into the fabric of national identity.

By MICHEL CRUZ

Images: Unsplash

• Silk can be highly modern Todd Kent on Unsplash

Produced by the larvae of the mulberry silkworm, silk is a textile revered for its visual and textural qualities. The very mulberry worm was once worth its weight in gold many times over – a resource jealously guarded and even fought over, for it produced untold wealth for countless centuries. Controlling such a trade meant great power the way oil has done in recent decades, so China did everything it could to maintain its monopoly even after the opening of the Silk Road in 114BCE. Not a single road, but actually a 6.400-kilometre-long network of trade routes that spanned the middle Eurasian landmass from the second century BCE to the mid-1400s. Though many goods were exchanged, silk was the initial spark that would produce an unprecedented flow of people and ideas between East and West over a period of more than 1500 years.

The sumptuous silk textiles crafted in classic China were unlike anything had ever been seen, sensual to the eye, soft to the touch and dazzling with its shimmering array of colours that catch the light. The singular qualities of silk immediately made it the preserve of the wealthy and a symbol of power. This textile of the gods created a chain of links between Europe and China that run across the length of the Middle East and Central Asia, and by the 6th century the Byzantines had succeeded in capturing the prized silkworm eggs and beginning production in northern Greece that would form the basis of their trade monopoly and increased wealth. China lost its control of the market, and production also spread to Japan and Arabia. Today, the process has come full circle, and silk is once again a luxury product made primarily in its homeland, China.

“Silk was the initial spark that would produce an unprecedented flow of people and ideas between East and West”

It has symbolic importance in Indian culture

Silk has always been greatly valued in China

Silk continues to be highly sought-after in Asia today

Bulbul Ahmed on Unsplash

Pablo Heimplatz on Unsplash

Maud Beauregard on Unsplash

SENSUAL LUXURY

Silk is a sensory product, thanks to its lustre and delicate softness, which make it the king of fabrics. For centuries, Italian and French silk manufacturers created some of the finest pieces of clothing and soft furnishings ever seen, and though the European silk industry largely faded in the 20th century, this tradition is maintained by luxurious names such as Dolce Gabbana, Versace, Gucci and above all Hermès, all of which are famous for their sumptuous dresses, gowns, blouses, scarves, bedding and furnishings. The prices they command are a reflection of the quality of raw material and workmanship, produced by master craftsmen in France, Italy as well as China.

Silk is now firmly entrenched within the cultures and traditions of India, the Middle East and Southeast Asia as well, with saris, wedding dresses and other finery made from the material, and while it can be bought in places as diverse as Harrods and the Istanbul Bazaar, few spots are as representative of it as Singapore. In this melting pot of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Arabic culture, you will find many of the world’s leading silk merchants – complete with tailors that are experts at creating beautiful garments to measure. Complex and therefore expensive to produce, silk will always remain a luxury natural alternative to synthetic mass production.

“We value those products of human ingenuity and skill that are rare, beautiful and inspire the senses. If they have a long tradition, or story, behind them, this adds further cachet. Silk ranks among the finest examples, in decoration as well as fashion.”

Julia Bracco Immobilsarda Sardinia, ITALY

Some of the most prized accessories are made of silk

By MICHEL CRUZ

Images courtesy of Corticeira Amorim

CORK, NATURAL BOUNTY OF IBERIA

In an age where we are looking to technology to deliver us from fossil fuels and chemical substances, nature has already provided us with a ready-made wonder material.

BOUNTY

A typical dehesa cork grove in Spain or Portugal

Evidence suggests that Quercus Suber has been used by humans for over 5000 years, providing a seal for food and beverage containers, floating devices, fishing equipment, shoe soles and also forms of insulation across the Mediterranean region and into the Fertile Crescent in the days of the Persians, Babylonians, Egyptians and even as far as China. The Cork Oak, which is native to the western extreme of the Mediterranean, flourishes in the wooded pasturelands of Spain, Portugal and also parts of Italy and North Africa, where it has formed part of a sustainable blend of pastoralism and extensive forestry for millennia.

The difference between cork harvesting and normal forestrelated production is that it is sustainable, since the trees are not chopped down and can live for over 300 years, the cork barks being stripped in nine-year cycles when the cork oak reaches an age of 25 years. In this way, cork production forms part of a repetitive system that does not deplete the environment. In fact, the Spanish Dehesa and Portuguese Montado landscapes that characterise much of the Iberian Peninsula, prevent desertification and provide an important habitat for large numbers of animal species.

“This wonderful material with its many valuable characteristics blends ancient traditions with natural eco-friendly applications that are being rediscovered by modern technology. The result is a boom for this ecological bounty of the Iberian Peninsula and its beautiful cork plantations.”

Marta Silveira Silfiducia Real Estate Lisboa,

PORTUGAL

An age-old industry with modern ecological applications

SUSTAINABLE WONDER MATERIAL

Quite distinct from wood, cork is a uniquely light, flexible and impermeable material thanks to a set of physical characteristics that are found in almost no other natural material, but are naturally abundant in Iberia. Composed of a complex structure of flexible membranes, cork is so fantastic because it is: impermeable – which makes it an ideal container or stopper of liquids; light and buoyant; flexible and malleable; a first-class humidity, heat and sound insulator; natural and recyclable, not to mention fire retardant. Its production exploded with the expansion of the wine trade in the 19th and 20th centuries, yet in more recent times this important export market has come under threat from plastic and aluminium bottle tops brought into the wine industry through the likes of Australia, New Zealand and the USA.

Not only do plastic and aluminium products not have a natural origin like cork, but their production also releases ten to 25 times more CO2 than that produced in the process of making bottle corks. Moreover, cork is a naturally degradable product, where aluminium and plastic bottle tops simply collect and litter land and water for decades to come, eventually leaching into our water supply and food production. It may be clear, then, that cork is one of the most environmentally friendly materials known to mankind, and it has been handed to us by nature, with applications that stretch far beyond mere bottle stops to also include insulation material for the construction industry, machinery and even your humble thermos flask. Flooring, wall panels, decorative items, handbags, shoes and even clothing can be made from cork, but this is only the beginning.

“Cork is one of the most environmentally friendly materials known to mankind”

MODERN TECHNOLOGY LOVES CORK

We see cork as an almost artisanal, traditional industry, and it is, but it is also increasingly a high-tech sector with which the sciences are rapidly falling in love. The reasons for this are simply: cork is relatively easy to produce, it is natural, offers the kind of sustainable solution we’re looking for right now, and it has an expansive and growing scope of exciting applications. These range from more typical items such as badminton shuttles and baseballs to sealing and friction reduction for machinery, fire insulation, heat shields in spacecraft, shoe manufacture, scale models, construction materials, fishing and boating equipment, recording studios and even as an additive to concrete in building.

As a natural alternative to potentially harmful petrochemical materials such as neoprene and polystyrene, cork is a material of the future, giving us the perfect example of production and usage that is in harmony with nature.

Though there is some cultivation in North Africa, Italy and southern France, the bulk of global production comes from Portugal and Spain, where Corticeira Amorim is not only the industry leader, but also one of the most important Portuguese conglomerates and a developer of next-generation technologies and applications derived from this most natural and noble of materials.

www.amorim.com

Verona, as immortalised by Shakespeare and Charles Aznavour

VERONA

by Marco Argentieri COFIM, Verona, Italy.

What kind of properties make up the property market in Verona and surrounding areas?

In Verona city, the property type sold the most consists of apartments between 80m2 and 120m2, within the historic centre. This includes the areas of Borgo Trento/Valdonega and San Zeno/Valverde above all. Most in demand are new or comprehensively restored properties, ideally with a garage.

In the surrounding areas, the most famous ones are Lake Garda and Valpolicella. In the case of the former, the top zones are within the municipalities of Bardolino, Lazise, Garda and Torri, where new apartments of 50m2/100m2 with lake views command €7500/m2. Compact new lake view villas of 120m2/200m2 with pool and garden reach around €1,5 million. Famous for its red wines, Valpolicella offers the same kind of homes but at a somewhat lower price of around €3500/m2 for the apartments and €700.000 for villas.

Who are the main buyers for each of these two areas?

In the city of Verona, the market is made up of around 75% Italians – many already from the area – and about 25% other Europeans. The Lake Garda area, however, has a different picture, with around 70% of buyers coming from Europe (especially Germany and Austria), and 30% Italians from Veneto, Lombardia, Emilia Romagna and Trentino Alto Adige. Valpolicella is very popular with Veronese people, but there are also buyers from the USA, the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland.

What makes life in this region so sweet?

This part of the Veneto region is one of the finest jewels, especially the lake area, but also the iconic rolling countryside and warm climate. It offers such variety of landscapes, including of course lakes, but also hills, mountains and lots of greenery. All of this can be admired within a 30-40 minute radius. This being Italy, there is lots of history and culture, and also fantastic food and wine, not to mention the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of the Italians in towns and villages that are like an open-air museum in their own right.

BY MICHEL CRUZ

FINEST OPERA HOUSES

The temples of classical music are unlike the venues of any other musical genre. These palatial works of elegance and opulence are worth a visit in their own right, and very much part of the enchantment of opera, philharmonic orchestras and grand musical events. Like the spectacles they host, the finest opera houses of the world transport us to a different era.

Images: La Scala, Unsplash, Shutterstock, Royal Opera House, Sydney Opera House, Vienna State Opera

An opera house is far more than a musical venue – usually it is a beautiful palace in its own right

The Vienna State Opera

Lovers of culture, architecture and simply beautiful things as well as those who enjoy music have an experience waiting for them in the classic opera houses of the world, for these icons of art and elegance relive the enchantment of a bygone era. Enter through the red carpet and you step into a world of finery that was once the domain of royals, aristocrats and famous composers. It is an environment of creativity in every sense, from the architecture of the exquisitely decorated theatres to the music played within them; enjoy the decorative splendour of some of the finest works of art in the world – an experience to be savoured. Though the list of potential candidates is large, here is a collection of some of the very finest opera houses of all.

VIENNA STATE OPERA

Few cities can boast the intimate relationship with classical music that Vienna has, and not surprisingly the Austrian capital is home to one of the most important opera houses, the Wiener Staatsoper. Completed in 1869, it is the epicentre of classical music in a city that is the global capital of the genre, complete with a very comprehensive calendar of events. Annual highlights are the New Year Concert and the Vienna Opera Ball.

“The appeal of an opera house is manifold, for quite apart from the musical experience, the elegant ambience and the chance to dress up a little, it is a pleasure just to enter these gorgeous cultural palaces and sense the charm of bygone eras.”

Eva Marschall Marschall Real Estate Vienna, AUSTRIA

TEATRO ALLA SCALA, MILAN

Generally known as La Scala, the world’s most famous opera house was opened in 1778 as the Nuovo Regio Ducale Teatro alla Scala. Since then, it has become the unofficial temple of classical music, home to the local choir, ballet and two philharmonic orchestras, as well as a prestigious academy. Situated at the heart of Milan’s historic district, the theatre is the epicentre of a classical hub that also includes the famous Duomo cathedral and the Vittorio Emmanuele gallery.

Inside La Scala

PALAIS GARNIER, PARIS

Certainly one of the most beautiful as well as famous opera houses in the world, this spectacular edifice designed by Charles Garnier and situated on the Place de l’Opéra in the heart of the finest Paris quarter, hosted its inaugural performance in 1875. Designed in the Napoleon III style, it is a symbol of the elegance and refinement of the French capital, and apart from being a fine work of art in its own right, is home to a rich schedule of internationally acclaimed musical and cultural events.

The beautiful Opera Garnier, Paris

The elegance of the Royal Opera House in London

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE, LONDON

The British home of classical music is situated in the lively Covent Garden district, an impressive neoclassical masterpiece first inaugurated in 1892. The current opera house is the latest edification of earlier theatres on the location, and houses some of the most important ballet, opera and orchestral performances held in the world, as well as one of the most prestigious schools. Its interior reflects the breath-taking splendour that makes opera houses so special.

METROPOLITAN OPERA HOUSE, NEW YORK

As befits an opera house from the New World, The Met is rather more modern than its European counterparts. Designed in the International Style and first opened in 1966, this cultural gem on Broadway nonetheless has an equally rich history of memorable performances by famous artists, and is every bit as prestigious as its older counterparts.

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

While Australia is not immediately associated with classical music, its iconic Sydney harbour opera house with the sail-inspired design penned by Danish architect Jorn Utzon was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973. Today it is recognised across the globe as a Sydney and Australian landmark – a fact that almost overshadows its cultural importance within the city, so while the interior décor is somewhat more contemporary than classic opera houses, it is nevertheless every bit as impressive.

These are perhaps the jewels in the crown of global opera houses, but there are others, including noble palaces of culture in Madrid, St Petersburg, Budapest and Stockholm, as well as the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, and the amazing Amazon Theatre in exotic Manaus, on the edge of the rainforest. From urban chic to the edge of untamed nature, the opera house is an oasis of refinement and classical beauty the world over – a haven of all things beautiful within a fast-moving, bustling world.

The iconic sails – this design by Danish architect Jan Utzon helped to put Sydney on the map

“Enter through the red carpet and you step into a world of finery”

By MICHEL CRUZ

Photographic feature by Thomas Dressler

UNKNOWN LANDSCAPES OF ANDALUCÍA

The southernmost region of Spain is also in many ways its most iconic, with landscapes that mesmerise the senses and offer a wide variety ranging from desert plains to mountain greenery, and vice versa.

The dry Tabernas Desert in Almería province

“With scenery that ranges from deserts to green forests, and from sandy beaches to snowy mountain peaks, Andalucía is a region that plays on the senses with its sheer wealth of visual and textural impressions. No wonder it is so soughtafter for holiday homes and year-round living.”

The landscapes of Andalucía are as beautiful as they are diverse, ranging from the dry wastelands of Tabernas (Almería) – the only desert in Europe – to the rolling hills of the interior, the wetland wilderness of Doñana and the ancient mines of Rio Tinto in Huelva, as well as the desolate coastline of Cabo de Gata (Almería), the endless olive groves in Jaén and Córdoba provinces, the sandy beaches of the Costa de la Luz (Cádiz) and the soaring peaks and deep green valleys of the Serranía de Ronda (Málaga). It is a world of colours and textures, from the snowy white peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the pink almond blossoms that mark spring, to the wildflowers of the same season, black and brown rock formations, green fields and forests, as well as the sandy tones of beaches and deserts.

Andalucía is a land of variety, of tourists lying on the beach, exploring hillsides and skiing, but it is also a region steeped in rural traditions, where white villages dot rocky and wooded hillsides, and fishing villages have long since been discovered by sun-worshipping visitors. Castles, country estates and endless groves share spectacular scenery that also includes soaring peaks, deep gorges, canyons, waterfalls and natural pools. Not surprisingly, this is a land of national parks, including the sea-fronting dunes and wetlands of Doñana, a paradise for flamingos, deer, wild boar, all manner of wetland bird species and also one of the last refuges of the Iberian Lynx.

It is a region that wants to be explored and experienced, always capable of surprise and fascination.

Maria del Mar Bas Segura Rimontgó Jávea, SPAIN

The north-western part of Andalucía is famous for jamón ham production

The world’s largest concentration of olive groves is in Jaén province

Flamingos take off in Doñana National Park, Huelva province

Salt marshes of Cádiz province

Puerto

Banús, the yacht harbour that embodies much of Marbella’s classic glamour

MARBELLA

by Antonio Ribes Rimontgó. Spain.

How would you characterise the Marbella property market right now?

2022 was the second record year in a row, based on property sales but in particular value terms. It is an indication of how the market has continued to move upmarket, and just how strong the demand is for what Marbella has to offer.

Why is Marbella so popular, what kind of lifestyle does it offer?

Marbella’s climate, surroundings, service levels and way of life have been popular for decades, but ever more so since Covid, when it seems a lot of people decided to opt for quality of life. Marbella is at the top of many lists for those considering such a move.

Who are the main buyers?

The market is highly diversified. There are slightly fewer British buyers since Covid, but they have been more than made up for by a growing number of Scandinavian and Belgian buyers, while the Dutch, French and German-speaking markets also remain strong. Russian money has frozen, yet this market too has been replaced by Eastern European and Middle Eastern buyers, while we’re also seeing an important rise in North American interest.

What would a typical collection of Marbella properties look and feel like?

The typical Marbella property has changed. These days the style is far more modern, the layout open-plan and the properties have high-tech home management and entertainment systems. It is a different type of living experience now, offering classic Marbella lifestyle combined with 21st century comforts and luxuries. This applies to a great new stock of villas, apartments, penthouses and semi-detached homes of increasingly avant-garde styling.

Is it only a glamorous seaside resort that people seek or is there more here

One of the reasons that Marbella is so popular is the fact that it has evolved from a glamorous resort into a dynamic city that is suited not only to holidaymakers and owners of second homes, but also to fulltime residents and digital nomads who spend extended periods there. This is reflected in the level of services, the evolution of the properties and the fact that more and more tech businesses are setting up in Marbella and surroundings, diversifying and enriching an already remarkable beauty spot.

STEP INTO THE VISION OF ANDREU WORLD

WORDS:MICHEL CRUZ

Images courtesy of Andreu World

“A longstanding reputation is not enough. One needs solid values to thrive, and to become a leading furniture designer and develop an internationally recognised brand of bespoke collections for home, commerce and office such as Andreu World is a task built upon decades of hard work and consistent striving for perfection.”

Adela Rex chair, eco-designed by Philippe Starck for Andreu World with 100% FSC sustainable wood

Nuez Lounge BIO, designed by Patricia Urquiola, a 100% biodegradable and compostable shell

Look at Andreu World today and you see a 21st century collection of beautifully styled and artfully made chairs, indoor and outdoor furniture pieces, lighting and accessories designed for corporate environments, hotels, top hospitality venues and of course stylish homes. There is little to indicate it now, but this avant-garde brand has its origins in the humble beginnings of Francisco Andreu Marti, a talented carpenter who could have spent his life in a little workshop in the town of Alaquás, not far from Valencia, had he not had the inspiration to establish his own furniture company in 1955.

The Spain of the 1950s was a very different place, austere and gaunt; deprived of its natural vivacity by the ravages of war and economic hardship. And yet it was within this period that people such as Francisco laid the foundations for the future resurgence and prosperity of the country. His creation, Andreu World, would emerge not only as a leading light of furniture design and manu-

facture in Spain, but it also built a sound reputation that has led to a growing client base in Europe and beyond. Today, Andreu World is a renowned specialist in modern chair design that carries the firm’s name across the world.

It is a success story built upon a surprisingly simple philosophy: design and quality. “This sounds straightforward enough,” says Jesús Llinares, CEO, “but such words are empty if they don’t have true meaning, and guide everything you do on a daily basis, from original concept and styling to material selection, manufacture processes and subsequent presentation and marketing. It is when you’re faced with typical business decisions, such as production costs, whether to cater to mass markets and give in to the will of large distributors, that remaining true to to your stated principles no longer seems so straightforward.”

Next armchairs with Reverse Wood table, a master piece that combines craftsmanship and technology

DESIGN AND QUALITY

Integrity is therefore the dividing quality, and the company’s ability to stay true to its principles of design and quality has in the end been a major ingredient in its success. “We could have chosen an easier and possibly more risk-free path, but what would have come out of that is something very different to Andreu World.” Today that means a leading European producer of the finest quality chairs featuring a broad range of modern and retro-chic designs but always the finest quality materials and manufacturing standards. “This, design, married to material and production quality, is the basis of our success,” says Francisco.

The unrelenting dedication to these principles sets Andreu World apart as a purveyor of the finest chairs on the continent, complemented by a superb collection of furniture, accessories and lighting that also forms the basis for a professional interior design service. “Our

projects include private homes as well as hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and corporate offices, using a blend of top international brands and our own designs, and always matched and suited to the project in question. As a result, no two are ever really the same, and this is what makes the process so creative and rewarding.”

Soon to be celebrating its 70th anniversary, Andreu World is firmly established as a leading international producer of designer seating, a position built upon an apparently simple philosophy that in reality is far from simple to uphold.

“From individual items or home furnishing to use by professional interior designers, ours is a world dedicated to beauty and durable functionality.”

www.andreuworld.com

Marina Outdoor amrchairs, made for a long life cycle outdoors. It fits perfectly indoors or outside

“When you have a vision and the ability to realise it, add creativity and passion, and the result is always a thing of beauty. Bending wood to the forms of your designs is not an easy technique, but from its humble early beginnings, Andreu World has built upon the values of a family-run business to become a leading international designer of chairs and quality furnishings with a style of its own. A success story derived from an unbending dedication to design and quality.”

José Ribes Bas Rimontgò Valencia, SPAIN

Ronda armchair, an ecodesigned chair and WInd table, 100% sustainable wood

Property with Approved Project for a Splendid Villa Küsnacht, Switzerland.

Europe’s Finest Real Estate

Extravagant apartment in a new built villa with pool in top location, Vienna, AUSTRIA

This luxurious garden apartment with private garden and pool is located in a newly built residence in prime location on the edge of the vineyards of Vienna.

Living space 277 m2, wellness and fitness area, private garden with pool and fully equipped pool house, garages.

Price upon request. Ref. MI-2578

Exclusive penthouse with pool and in-house fitness club, Vienna, AUSTRIA

Luxurious penthouse in the heart of Vienna with spacious roof terraces and its own pool, internal lift, impressive view.

Living space 187 m2, wellness area, wine cellar, high-end finishings. Price upon request. Ref: MI-1924

Luxurious penthouse apartment with terrace and garages and concierge service, Vienna, AUSTRIA

In top location in the historic center of Vienna, this luxurious new building offers concierge service, a gym and a library.

Living space 217 m2, spacious roof terrace, unique architecture and high-quality furnishings. Price upon request. Ref: MI-2568

Ulysses' Cove, Ithaca Unique waterfront estate

Ithaca, Ionian Islands, Greece. When thinking of Ithaca it is the journey that comes to mind and all the lifetime events which make it memorable. In the case of this estate, it is about the destination. It is not just the pure magnitude of its size (well over 1,000,000 m2 or 100 hectares) which makes the property stand out, but its beauty spread over a terrain including eight beaches with crystal clear blue, green and turquoise waters as well as numerous hills and plateaus covered with mature trees and vegetation. Nine structures were built in the 1960s with elegance, style and simplicity blending perfectly with the natural surroundings. These buildings measure 849 m² in total and feature reception areas including a spacious living room with fireplace and a formal dining room, nine bedrooms with eight bathrooms, two kitchens, two staff rooms, and several auxiliary spaces which may be used according to the wishes of the new owners. Outdoor terraces and flowerfilled gardens feature large and comfortable areas for al fresco dining, entertaining and relaxing. A 12-metre traditional Greek caique boat moored on a jetty is perfect for daytime excursions and is included with the property. This unique estate may be the ideal haven for a family seeking a private paradise, or it may be developed into an exclusive hotel or collection of holiday homes.

9 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, interior: 849 m2, land: 1.000.000 m2

Price: Upon request

Unique villa with breathtaking sea and castle view   Trieste, ITALY

Completely renovated 2022, large garden, infinity pool, 2 master suites, 2 rooms, 4 baths  1.000 m2

Price upon request

Ref. MA1883

Luxury villa

South Verona, ITALY

Huge garden, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms,  500 m2

Price: € 790.000

Ref. MM1828

Penthouse  old town

Verona, ITALY

Terrace, 3 bedrooms, 2 batrooms, garage, 200 m2

Price: € 950.000

Ref. EL1791

Villa in Lazise

Lake Garda, ITALY

New construction, 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 350 m2

Price upon request

Ref. MD0159

Lake view apartment Desenzano

Lake Grada- ITALY

1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, mezzanine, 120 m2

Price: € 498.000

Ref. IA0158

Cala di Volpe - Waterfront property in Private Sale

Costa

Private Sale - Price on request.

Smeralda, Sardinia, ITALY. Rare waterfront position for this property located in the prestigious bay of Cala di Volpe, immersed in a splendid Mediterranean park of circa 6000 m2, with a waterfrontage of over 200 m that includes 2 secluded bays and a pier with tender berth.

34 ha Vineyard Estate with 11 ha Vermentino –Gallura, Sardinia, ITALY

Extraordinary 34 ha estate, including 11 ha. vineyards Vermentino production. Stunning location, natural amphitheatre facing the Archipelago de La Maddalena. Perfect microclimate and organoleptic characteristics. Significant plot for developing hospitality and production activities. Price upon request.

Villa Marem

– Pantogia Hills, Pevero Bay, Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, ITALY

Fairy tale property designed by Arch. Savin Couelle, overlooking the Pevero Bay. 5-minute from Porto Cervo. Recently renovated by Arch. Patrick Lesuisse, wisely immersed in the landscape, exquisitely crafted for entertaining. Stunning ca. 3.500 m2 manicured lush garden with sea view, swimming pool, solarium, belvedere corner, 6 beds, 6 baths. Minutes from Marina, Pevero Golf, International Airport. Price upon request.

Extraordinary waterfront two-villas estate – Porto Rafael, Sardinia, ITALY

Unique rare location on the sea, in front of the Archipelago de La Maddalena, 2.7 hectares Mediterranean garden, direct access to a secluded bay. Designed by renowned Arch. Busiri Vici, large comfortable interiors – outdoors, 10 beds. Few steps from Piazzetta, Yacht Club, boutiques, Porto Cervo. Price upon request. Ref: IMSPRF2986B

Private Sale Villa – Cala di Volpe, Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, ITALY

A masterpiece by Arch. Savin Couelle on the hill overlooking Cala di Volpe Bay. Masterfully handcrafted by local artisans. 2.500 m2 manicured garden, swimming pool, generous outdoors, bbq area. Panoramic living- dining, 5 en-suite beds.

Private Sales - Price upon request.

Luxury Penthouse next to the Altar of the Fatherland. Rome, ITALY

Luxury penthouse on three levels in the heart of Rome, just a short walk from the most important monuments of the Eternal City.

The property enjoys a breathtaking 360-degree view of Rome, over Piazza Venezia, the Altar of the Fatherland and the Aracoeli.

This magnificent penthouse allows you to live surrounded by luxury and opulent materials. The Altar of the Fatherland is just a heartbeat away.

Buildings: 350 m2, other surfaces: 270 m2

Price Upon Request. Ref. LC158

Wonderful villa in Rome, ITALY

In a unique area of Rome of priceless historic, artistic and naturalistic heritage, close to the Circus Maximus and the Thermae Antoninianae, better known as Baths of Caracalla, we propose the sale of a Nineteenth Century splendid Villa, surrounded by nature.

The 400 m2 circa villa develops on one level, it is equipped with a sauna, a 50 m2 circa ancillary room and a 2.100 m2 circa well-finished garden with English grass.

The villa is refined with valuable materials, such as Versailles oak parquet with yellow Siena marble inserts.

Buildings: 400 m2, other surfaces: 50 m2, land: 2.100 m2

Price Upon Request. Ref. LC418

Exclusive apartment in Via Margutta. Rome, ITALY

In the historical center of Rome, in the famous Via Margutta, an exclusive street, residence of well-known people and where art galleries, charming hotels and à la mode restaurants are on every corner, we propose the sale of a prestigious property of 275 m2 circa with a terraced garden of 60 m2 circa. The property is developed on different levels and is refined with wooden boiseries, frescoed ceilings and Portugal rosé marble covers.

This absolutely unique property is precious piece d'art.

Buildings: 275 m2; other surfaces: 60 m2

Price Upon Request. Ref. LC381

Villa in Lampedusa, in front of the Spiaggia dei Conigli. Sicily, ITALY

The villa is situated in the nature reserve of the Lampedusa Island, an area characterized by a land and nature of great value. It is also in front of the Spiaggia dei Conigli, one of the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean Sea, which you can access directly from the property.

The villa is composed of two buildings and it is surrounded by a magnificent garden encircled by a dry-stone wall and many Mediterranean plants.

This property represents a unique opportunity to live in contact with nature in your own heaven on earth.

Buildings: 220 m2; other surfaces: 120 m2; land: 1.000 m2

Price Upon Request. Ref. LC390

Project Building of a Modern Villa

Impressive modern house under construction project set on a plot with views in La Siesta, Jávea.

Jávea, Costa Blanca, SPAIN. Master living consisting of two levels plus the basement. Accommodation includes four bedrooms and five bathrooms, including dressing room, pergola, closed garage and large infinity pool. High-end finishings and fittings.

Plot: 2.035 m2, built: 533 m2, 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms

Price: € 3.947.000 Ref: RMG6141

Grand Modern Villa in secluded setting

Dramatic

Santa Barbara, Valencia, SPAIN. Distinctive exterior design and exclusive indoor features. This property is bathed in natural light thanks to its glass walls. Exquisite presentation with endless bespoke fittings. Versatile accommodation composed of spacious rooms. Further benefiting from a pool, several impressive outdoor areas and a wine cellar.

Plot: 3.293 m2, built: 917 m2, 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms

Price: € 4.100.000 Ref: RMGV096

Villa Genthod Splendid contemporary waterfront property

Genthod, Geneva, SWITZERLAND. Located on the right bank of Lake Geneva, only 10 minutes from downtown Geneva and the airport, this sumptuous waterfront property combines design and refinement. Built on a beautiful plot of almost 6.000 m2 under the direction of the prestigious South African agency SAOTA, its unique contemporary architecture, a mix of curved lines and geometric shapes, blends harmoniously into the landscape. Moreover, the combination of materials - metal, concrete and glass - enhances its intimate setting. Its luxurious interior spaces, benefits from 5 bedrooms and a total surface area of 1.772 m2 An annex consisting of offices and accommodation, a pavilion on the lake, and finally a garage of over 250 m2, complete this exceptional property. High quality services, contemporary design, lake view and private pontoon make this property unique.

Price Upon Request. Ref: 26884

Stunning modern villa Lake views and infinity pool

Herrliberg, Switzerland. This modern architectural villa sits high above Lake Zurich surrounded by a Mediterranean-style garden with pines and a heated infinity pool. Built in 2001 by the wild bär heule architecture firm, the outside of the building is distinct with clear, sharp lines. 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, house: 367 m², land: 1.166 m²

Price on request. Ref: 20.42.978

Property with approved project for a splendid villa

Küsnacht, Switzerland. House: 811 m², land: 3.671 m²

Price on request. Ref: L12.209

Exclusive villa with unique garden and pool

Küsnacht, Switzerland. 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, house: 335 m², land: 2.556 m²

Price on request. Ref: 20.71.208

The luxury of living in the centre & on the front row of Lake Lugano, next to the renowned Via Nassa Lugano, Lake Lugano, Ticino, SWITZERLAND 4 bedrs. 4 bathrs, house: 420 m² Price: CHF 12.500.000. Ref: LUX1090

New, comfort & very spacious terrace in central location, close to the lake promenade

Ascona, Lake Maggiore, Ticino, SWITZERLAND.

4 bedrs. 4 bathrs, living: 250 m², terrace: 210 m²

Price: CHF 5.660.000. Ref: LOC1110-9

Oasis surrounded by greenery with spectacular lake view Bissone, Lake Lugano, Ticino, SWITZERLAND.

3 bedrs. 2 bathrs, living: 235 m², terrace: 66 m²

Price: CHF 3.720.000 Ref: LUG1156

Directly by the lake, with two private docks

Carabietta, Lake Lugano, Ticino, SWITZERLAND.

11 bedrs. 6 bathrs, house: 460, land: 2.097 m²

Price: CHF 10.000.000. Ref: LUX1175

Spectacular view of Lake Maggiore, silence & privacy Lake Maggiore, Ticino, SWITZERLAND.

8 bedrs. 4 bathrs, house: 409, land: 1.602 m²

Price: CHF 7.500.000. Ref: LOC1088

Successful international cooperation

The productive cooperation between members of EREN continues to grow, and this implies not only an increase in cross-border transactions but also the ability to offer an ever-improving service to our international clients. A signature benefit of working with an EREN member firm is the expertise and high quality of service each member gives its clients, while working cooperatively with the highest degrees of trust and accountability. Here is a sample of case studies from the past few months.

“The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more”.

Dr. J.E. Salk

Successful cooperation between Germany and Spain, Italy and Austria.

Thomas Zabel, Managing Partner of Savills Residential Agency Germany, has proactively addressed the demand from buyers in Germany for a place to live and work abroad.

Thomas Zabel: "Our analysis of the search behaviour of buyers in Germany on German portals shows that 10% of all demand for real estate is for properties abroad; of which one third is for Spain followed by Italy and Austria.”

In Spain, 65% concentrate on the Balearic Islands (of which 87% on Mallorca alone), 11% on the Valencia region, followed by the Canary Islands, Andalusia and Catalonia. In Italy, they prefer the Lake Garda region, while in Austria the main buyers come from Munich and these buyers prefer locations in the Tyrolean Alps. Of interest are properties that are suitable for hybrid use for several months of the year with scenic views, broadband internet access and large, sunny terraces.

Cooperation between Marschall Real Estate Vienna and Cofim Immobiliare Verona

New listing in top location near Miramare Castle / Trieste

Due to our international marketing, the owner of an exceptional villa in a top location with sea views turned to Marschall Real Estate. In cooperation with Cofim Immobiliare we were able to take over this outstanding property for sale. As lead broker, Cofim Immobiliare will manage the sale on site.

Luxury penthouse in Vienna / Swiss client

Thanks to the international marketing of Marschall Real Estate in cooperation with EREN, we were able to rent an outstanding penthouse with a pool terrace in a prime location in Vienna, to a Swiss client.

Significant sale

Marschall Real Estate succeeded in selling the penthouse of the opera diva Anna Netrebko to the famous British screenwriter ("The Crown") Peter Morgan. The excellent contact network and internationally oriented marketing contributed significantly to this successful sale.

EREN MEMBERS 2023

AUSTRIA

MARSCHALL REAL ESTATE. Vienna

A modern, dynamic company that combines its technical know-how and knowledge of the local property market with a customerorientated service. Providing a key brokerage and surveying service to private buyers and investors, embassies, trusts and foundations, the firm offers a portfolio of upmarket residential properties, commercial real estate and industrial premises.

Währinger Straße 2-4

1090 Wien – Austria

Tel: +43-1-533 20 30 Fax: +43-1-533 20 30 30 office@marschall.at www.marschall.at

GREECE

PLOUMIS SOTIROPOULOS. Athens. Ploumis Sotiropoulos is a full-service real estate brokerage founded in 1924 and offering a wide range of property in the greater Athens area and in selected other areas around Greece.

6 Panepistimiou, 10671 Athens, Greece +30 210 3643112

ps@ploumis-sotiropoulos.gr www.ploumis-sotiropoulos.gr

ITALY

COFIM. Verona

Founded in 1978. Cofim is a leading property firm that specializes in both sales and rentals of residential and commercial properties in the Veneto Region and Lake Garda. Its staff provides to multilingual clients quality service from the very beginning of the sale/rental process over offering a smart marketing plan. Cofim's goal is to satisfy clients offering them an extensive portfolio of properties, from apartments to high-end villas and a wise knowledge of the local territory.

Via Brescia,8. 25019 Sirmione - Brescia +39 – 030 – 337 79 72 info@cofimimmobiliaregarda.it www.cofimimmobiliaregarda.it

Stradone Porta Palio, 16/A. 37122 Verona - Italy

Tel: +39 – 045 – 800 11 99 info@cofimimmobiliare.it www.cofimimmobiliare.it

IMMOBILSARDA.

Sardinia-Costa Smeralda-Porto Cervo.

Since 1974, Property Finder and leading high-end real estate specialist in Sardinia –Costa Smeralda. Providing brokerage and surveying services as well as project management , market research and valuations.

As developer, promoter and consultant, Immobilsarda guarantees an invaluable local knowledge, an extensive portfolio of high quality properties for sale and rent, seafront villas and estates, luxury golf resort projects, sustainable developments.

Via Nazionale 28.

07028 Santa Teresa di Gallura - Italy

Tel: +39-0789-754500

Fax: +39-0789-754371

Vicolo degli Archi, 1

07020 Porto Cervo - (OT) - Italy

Tel. +39-0789-909000

Fax. + 39-0789-909022

Piazzetta Mare

07020 Porto Rafael – (OT) - Italy

Tel. +39.0789.700381

immobilsarda@immobilsarda.com www.immobilsarda.com

LA COMMERCIALE. Rome

This property specialist for Rome and the surrounding province of Lazio is a leading brokerage, accredited by the Chamber of Commerce to operate with the Real Estate Stock Exchange of Rome, and entrusted with the sale of luxury city properties, large historical country estates and commercial real estate.

Lungotevere dei Mellini 44.

00193 Rome - Italy

Tel: +39 06 3200613.

Fax: +39 06 3218100

lacommerciale@lacommerciale.org

www.lacommercialerealty.it

PORTUGAL

SILFIDUCIA REAL ESTATE. Lisbon.

Founded in 1981, SILFIDUCIA is one of the longest established real estate agencies in the market. Our experienced teams cover commercial and residential property, combining innovation with traditional values to provide clients with the highest level of customer service. We provide agency, as well as customised real estate solutions including investment consultancy, development and market research. SILFIDUCIA is part of Grupo SIL, a leading real estate business with more than 60 years of knowledge and perspective of the real estate market.

Av. Fontes Pereira de Melo, 6 - 5th floor 1050 - 121 Lisbon, PORTUGAL

Tel: +351 213 555 555

international@sil.pt

www.silfiducia.pt • www.sil.pt

SPAIN

RIMONTGÓ. Valencia, Jávea, Madrid

Specialising in Valencia and northern Costa Blanca regions, Rimontgó is a wellestablished family business that has been building, marketing and selling quality villas and apartments since 1959. Rimontgó’s multilingual team offers a full range of residential and commercial property services, ensuring the company’s success in a vibrant region of Spain.

Avenida de Lepanto, 1

03730 Jávea (Alicante) - Spain

Tel. +34 965 791 035

Fax. +34 965 795 129

Po. Amanecer, bl 9, local 10

03730 Jávea (Alicante) - Spain

Tel. +34 966 470 983

Fax. + 34 966 470 983

Gran Vía Marqués del Turia, 62

46005 Valencia - Spain

Tel.+34 963 504 444

Fax. +34 963 504 445

Pº de La Castellana, 18, 7

28046 Madrid -Spain

Tel.: +34 667 635 774

rimontgo@rimontgo.es www.rimontgo.com

SWITZERLAND

FGP SWISS & ALPS. Geneva. With origins dating back to 1825, COMPTOIR IMMOBILIER is a leading real estate Group in French-speaking Switzerland. Based in Geneva, the company also operates agencies in the Cantons of Vaud and Valais, employing today more than 320 professionals and active in residential, commercial, and luxury real estate with its Prestige division CI EXCLUSIVE PROPERTIES. This family structure carries strong values with a focus on Service, Performance, Ethics and Sustainable development.

Cours de Rive 7, 1203

Geneva. Switzerland

Tel:+41(0) 22 319 89 15 contact@fgp-swissandalps.com www.fgp-swissandalps.com

WALDE IMMOBILIEN AG

Zollikon, Baden, Lucerne, Sursee, Thalwil, Uster, Zurich

Walde & Partner Immobilien are the leading independent real estate agents for prime, exclusive properties in the Germanspeaking region of Switzerland. Founded in 1985, Walde & Partner operates with a staff of 60 at its seven offices in and around Lake Zurich and Lucerne. The Brand Walde & Partner Immobilien stands for quality, professionalism and the highest level of customer satisfaction.

Alte Landstrasse 107

CH-8702 Zollikon - Switzerland

Tel. +41 44 396 60 60

Fax. +41 44 396 60 90

eren@walde.ch

www.walde.ch

WETAG CONSULTING IMMOBILIARE SA. Canton Ticino, Switzerland

A leading specialist in high-end real estate in the Ticino region of Switzerland since 1973, Wetag offers a broad range of customized real estate and personal solutions. These include the purchase and sale of residential property, assistance with residence permit applications and also with guidance regarding tax-related or legal issues.

Via Antonio Ciseri, 13A 6601 Locarno - Switzerland

Tel: +41-91-601 04 40

Fax: +41-91-751 96 38

Via Beato Berno, 10

CH-6612 Ascona - Switzerland

Tel: +41-91-791 29 20

Riva Antonio Caccia, 3 CH-6900 Lugano - Switzerland

Tel: +41-91-601 04 50

info@wetag.ch

www.wetag.ch

UK

EREN HEAD OFFICE

London

19-21 Christopher Street

London - EC2A 2BS

bod@europeanrealestate.org www.europeanrealestate.org

The deepest rivers flow with the least sound

Quintus Curtius Rufus. Roman historian.

Author of “Histories of Alexander the Great”. 1st Century A.D.