Villae International Issue 6

06 For connoisseurs of the good things in life...

INTERNATIONAL

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Dear reader, In the previous edition of Villae International I spoke of the maturing of the European Real Estate Network (EREN). The fruits of this international alliance of high-standing luxury real estate firms are becoming more and more tangible (see page 94), both in important cross-nation sales and in terms of global recognition, and so our organisation continues to evolve further.

At the annual strategic meeting in Frankfurt last October (see page 12) a new stage in the evolution of EREN was reached when it was decided to leave behind the former organisational structure in favour of a bolder one that will allow it to become the leading property organisation in Europe. The plans outlined are aimed at increasing the geographical scope and number of collaborating agents that form part of EREN. We aim to maintain the exclusivity and emphasis on quality that binds us together as members, so we will be pursuing a programme of expansion that remains entirely subject to strict conditions of quality, integrity and performance. In all these values EREN will remain the same, except that it will have a presence in more cities and regions across Europe.

The new structure provides us with a greater organisational flexibility, part of which sees itself reflected in the establishment of an international office at St James`s Square, London. A vital part of this exciting new phase is the further development of the EREN website into a powerful multilanguage tool complete with blogs in English, Italian, Spanish, German and French (see page 17). The role of President of the Association has become redundant, and so I now form part of a team that includes Giancarlo Bracco (Immobilsarda, Sardinia) and Ueli Schnorf (Wetag Consulting, Locarno) as the Board of Directors. Our individual skills complement one another well, and our shared vision should help us take EREN to the next level in its evolution as a collective of the finest luxury real estate agents on the continent.

Our commitment to Villae International naturally remains as strong as ever, and in this edition we bring you art, as expressed in jewellery, the sculpted perfection of the classic Riva, as well as an appreciation for the fine art of travel. The latter is represented in many forms, from the otherworldly Aurora Borealis of Norway’s northern cape to the reliving of charm and elegance that takes one across Europe, and if you so desire, to the mysterious rock-hewn temples of Petra. These are just a few of the experiences we have discovered for this edition. We hope you enjoy our selection.

José Ribes Bas Publisher

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INTERNATIONAL

06

VILLÆ INTERNATIONAL is a publication of:

ON THE COVER (European Real Estate Network, Ltd.) 33, St. James’s Square London SW1Y 4JS T. +44 0203 178 6154 F. +44 0203 178 6155 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 Editor and writer Michel Cruz MANIFESTO DESIGN s.l., Marbella info@manifestodesign.com (+34) 952 880 923 Design ESTUDIO MODESTO, Valencia Art Director: Modesto Granados www.estudiomodesto.com Photo credits Daniel Stone, Hergé/Moulinsart 2010, Khphotography.co.uk Shutterstock, iStockphoto.com/janrysavy Advertising ads@europeanrealestate.org Publisher José Ribes Bas Printing and distribution controlled by PGD D.L.: V-757-2006 VILLÆ 4

Los Monteros, Marbella, Costa del Sol, SPAIN. Stunning beachfront estate in the sought-after Los Monteros residential area, located at a 5 min drive to Marbella centre and 10 mins from Puerto Banus. With direct private access to the beach the property boasts tastefully decorated spacious rooms, great exterior relaxation and dining areas, a cinema room and a fantastic SPA area with indoor heated pool, gymnasium, Turkish bath, Sauna and massage room. A truly ideal property for beachfront living.

Offered by Diana Morales. www.europeanrealestate.org, Ref. DM2555-01.

CONTENTS 06 BEAUTY IN PURE FORM

66 LA REAL CASONA DE LAS AMAS

The nautical perfection that is Riva

12 EREN TAKES IT TO ANOTHER LEVEL

Country charm in La Rioja

67 PROPERTY SECTION

EREN enters a new phase of expansion

68 Austria

70 France

72 Germany

20 TRAVEL LIKE TINTIN

74 Italy

84 Spain

88 Switzerland

18 VICENTE GRACIA

Giving shape to romanticism

Relive Tintin’s adventures

28 CELEBRATED 11TH CENTURY ITALIAN CASTLE

Castle of Castagneto

30 IN SEARCH OF NORTHERN LIGHT

Aurora Borealis, nature’s very own light show

94 SUCCESSFUL INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION Success stories from 2010

40 ROMANCE REBORN

The Simplon-Orient-Express

48 IMMOBILSARDA

Real estate that is a philosophy of living

50 ITALY

Cultural heart of Europe

58 TOP SPOTS

A look at some of the finest golf clubs in the world VILLÆ 5

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By Michel Cruz

Beauty in pure form Where Rolls Royce is synonymous with the sumptuous luxury of a limousine and Ferrari is the sports car against which all others are measured, so Riva represents beauty and elegance on the waves.

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What is it that makes the Italians so creative, so knowing of shape and dimension, and ultimately so masterful in hewing beautiful form from mere inspiration? Whatever the secret, the creative geniuses of Turin and Milan have long since been able to transform concept into material form with apparently simple strokes on the drawing board.

But the alchemy does not end here. Just as master designers have given shape to the most beautiful cars, bikes and boats, so their compatriot engineers have provided the heart and soul that fills road and waterway alike with the sonorous timbre and speed of a mechanical beast.

If the Ferrari is a prancing horse, and the Lamborghini a raging bull, then the Riva has all the elegance of a dolphin speeding through the water. Sleek and handsome, gorgeously crafted and beautifully finished, Riva boats represent the very best in good taste.

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Carpentry and engineering As is often the case with legendary Italian marques, the story begins with the zeal, passion and above all the towering talent of a solitary man. It was in 1842 that Pietro Riva started his boatyard on Lake Iseo. A carpenter by training, he created boats that were so exquisitely crafted that he had made an international reputation for himself by the time his son Ernesto first began to motorise their floating limousines in 1880.

With the Italian love for speed and mechanical tinkering it wouldn’t take long before Riva speedboats had the performance to match their looks. Amid all this, the engines were refined and perfected over the years, the designs adapted to the times and the comforts and amenities doubled, then tripled, yet wood has always remained a defining element of any true Riva.

True classics It is an overused word, but Rivas are certainly classics in the true sense of the word. While the market has demanded ever bigger, more luxurious and comfortable Riva models, some of which feature stateof-the-art design and all of which sport the latest technology, the ultimate Riva icon remains the Aquarama first seen in the 1960s.

An immediate classic, this gorgeous, sleek, wooden-decked apparition has since become an inseparable part of the elegance of Portofino, Lago di Como and Venice – and quite the thing to be seen in if you’re in Monaco, Porto Cervo or Saint Tropez as well. For true style and elegance there simply isn’t an alternative.

www.riva-yacht.com

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EREN takes it to another level Since its foundation in November 2004, the European Real Estate Network (EREN) has established itself as an organisation that stands for quality and excellence.

International cooperation and the highest standards are at the heart of its creed, and so EREN has become a reference point for luxury real estate in Europe and the partner of choice for similar organisations around the world.

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Frankfurt am Main Central Business District skyline at dusk

At the annual strategic meeting, hosted by Von Poll Immobilien, in Frankfurt in October last year, the members however decided that the stage had been reached for EREN to evolve to the next level. With its structure as an association of leading real estate firms in Europe, the emphasis has been on establishing credentials built on shared principles of longevity, service, integrity and the expertise that makes EREN’s member agents leaders in their home and regional markets.

Now, however, it has been decided to relinquish the association structure in favour of a more professional organisation that will be aimed at expanding EREN’s presence in more countries, regions and cities across Europe. Association President, Mr. José Ribes Bas, presented the business plan for the transition period in Frankfurt together with Mr. Peter Marshall of Marshall Immobilien in Vienna, and Mr. Marco Argentieri of Cofim in Verona.

www.europeanrealestate.org VILLÆ 13

Meeting room in London’s St, James’s Square office.

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Club room

EREN Headquarters at 33, St. James’s Square. London.

A new phase of expansion

“If anything, ensuring standards are maintained will be more important than ever” U. Schnorf. EREN Director

The new structure will allow EREN to grow, yet its members are totally committed to maintaining the standards achieved so far. “We remain true to our creed in terms of the quality of service, expertise and ethics that define EREN,” said Mr. Ueli Schnorf of Wetag Consulting in Lugano, Switzerland and new Director of EREN. “These are qualities that mark us out as an organisation and we have no intention of watering them down.”

The growth will result in a numerical and geographical expansion of EREN, yet it will be set against the same stringent criteria as ever. “If anything, ensuring standards are maintained will be more important than ever,” said Mr. Schnorf. “The challenge for us will be to combine growth with quality as we expand into new territories and continue to forge international ties. This is an exciting new phase for the organisation.”

www.europeanrealestate.org VILLÆ 15

Our market today

North America 16,9% Europe / Russia 72,1% Asia/Pacific 3,3%

Middle East 1,9%

South America 3,5%

Africa 2,2%

EREN website visitors coming from a total of 144 different countries.

Members’ traffic on EREN website since November 2010 -launching of new EREN websiteuntil May 2011. Each color represents a different EREN member.

30

25

20

15

10

5

0 NOVEMBER '10

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DECEMBER '10

JANUARY '11

FEBRUARY '11

MARCH '11

APRIL '11

MAY '11

“Ultimately, EREN’s ambition is to be the leading luxury real estate organisation in Europe” G. Bracco. EREN Director

More powerful marketing tools The flexibility and efficacy of the European Real Estate Network will be further enhanced, as will the power and range of the tools at its disposal. One of the most powerful of these is the EREN website (www.europeanrealestate.org), which features European-wide content as well as a selection of the finest luxury real estate on the continent.

Specialists from across Europe provide information, advice, best professional practice procedures and news from their own regions, concentrating local know-how in one of the most userfriendly and authoritative luxury property websites available.

The websites and their accompanying interactive blogs are available in English, Italian, Spanish, German and French. In addition to the many individual members’ offices in cities across Europe, meanwhile, we have opened a central EREN office at London’s prestigious St James’s Square.

Languages used by EREN website visitors.

Total of 88 languages.

0,9% 1,5%

0,8%

3,5%

0,5%

English

1,1%

Spanish French

8,4% 33,8%

Italian German

13,6%

Russian Dutch Portuguese

16,9%

Polish 19,1%

Swedish Other

“The means at our disposal are growing,” says Mr. Giancarlo Bracco of Immobilsarda in Sardinia, now on the Board of Directors alongside Mr. Ueli Schnorf of Wetag Consulting and Mr. José Ribes Bas of Rimontgó in Valencia. “We have received first-class advice and representation from the London law firm Corren Troen -www.correntroen.com-, who assisted in the transition from association to a London established professional organisation and who are our legal representatives.”

This new evolution of the European Real Estate Network will be further ratified and further plans outlined in the organisation’s annual gathering in Geneva, in September this year that will be hosted by CGi Immobilier. “Ultimately, EREN’s ambition is to be the leading luxury real estate organisation in Europe, combining quality with European-wide presence and punch,” says Giancarlo Bracco, “and that is what the new plans are aimed at achieving.” www.europeanrealestate.org VILLÆ 17

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VICENTE GRACIA giving shape to Romanticism A

s a young boy, Vicente Gracia fell in love with jewellery in the family workshop, mesmerised by the precious metals, gems and techniques that sculpt these miniature works of art. Though his personal style as a creator of jewellery differs greatly from that of his father, the love affair with the fine materials and processes of his trade remains as strong as ever.

“My father produced solid, rather traditional jewellery,” says Vicente. “I may have diverged from this trail but it is certain that I got my grounding and indeed my love for the genre while growing up surrounded by gold, silver, rubies and diamonds.” Not one to follow the ‘fashion’ trends of the day, Vicente Gracia is someone who follows his own route, allowing inspiration to fire a creative streak that needs to run free. The result is a style of jewellery that is not only unique – but also highly sought after from New York and Valencia to London, Rome and the Middle East.

His success notwithstanding Vicente is essentially a romantic who draws much of his inspiration from the literature and imagery of the past. “I am a great lover of medieval literature, art and heraldry,” says the highly likeable eccentric who weaves the allegorical tales of love, suffering, conquest and loss into his works of gold, sparkling gems and brightly toned precious stones. “Each piece I produce is either a unique one-off or else forms part of a very limited edition series.” Many of his notoriously intricate pieces are largely created by hand, but all are conceived with a daydreamer’s mind and executed with heart and soul.

“For me, working on a great new piece of jewellery is like therapy, a process of immersion and fascination that starts with historical research, begins to take shape in freehand drawings, acquires its parts in

the selection of materials and colours, and finally comes alive as a finished ring, bracelet, pendant or objet d’art.” The spark that ignites this creative sequence is more often than not rooted in a piece of art, literature or architecture. “In Spain we are fortunate to be the curators of a cultural-historical legacy that encompasses both West and East, European Christendom and Middle Eastern Islam. It is out of the confluence and conflict of these two opposite but remarkably complimentary traditions that great inspiration can be drawn.”

Perhaps the single greatest source of inspiration for Vicente is the fabled Alhambra palace in Granada. “The very first time I saw it, it set something loose in me, and I have visited it many times since.” How could a fairytale palace not appeal to a man with such a romantic streak? Walking into Vicente’s atelier is like stepping into his ‘secret garden’ – a highly personal realm where he feels at ease among an eclectic collection of fascinating art, costumes and artefacts. It is in this setting that his imagination is set free, fed by the classical poetry, literature and folk tales of Medieval Spain, Europe and exotic Caliphates.

The result can be seen in such iconic works as his fountain ring based on the famous fountain in the Alhambra. At its centre a drop appears to be falling in the water, sending out concentric rings towards an edge engraved in Arabic scripts from the Alhambra. As with all his jewellery, the ring is part of a narrative that chronicles life in its many forms and observations. The sheer size and detailed exuberance of his style gives Vicente’s collections a touch of Baroque grandeur, just the thing for a clientele that wants to move beyond the strict geometry of designer labels to something altogether more artistically flawed. “Our pieces are very personal and unique, and this appeals to our collectors, many of which come from the USA.” Although his pieces are for sale in New York and London,

some of his best patrons choose to fly to Valencia, stay at Vicente’s chic little boutique hotel in the historic centre of the city, and pick out or commission their next pieces in person.

Vicente also enjoys a particularly close and personal relationship with Christie’s, who are great fans and supporters of his work.

His work has appeared on many a Christie’s catalogue and has been exhibited from London to Dubai, with some pieces specially selected

by Queen Sofia of Spain. “It all came about rather coincidentally,” says Vicente, who took a leading Belgravia beauty salon up on their offer to exhibit his work during an annual Christmas gala dinner and ended up meeting David Warren, head of Christie’s jewellery department. Renowned for his encyclopaedic knowledge, Warren recognised an individual piece in the Gracia collection from a feature in an American magazine several years before. Not surprisingly, the two struck up a friendship that has lasted to this day.

Another great influence in Vicente’s creative life has been Rene Lalique, to whom he pays homage through much of his work and indeed with his equally enthusiastic love of colourful semiprecious stones. “Before Lalique, jewellers were mostly master craftsmen. He infused this tradition with art and allowed a new generation of designers to explore new realms. Sometimes escaping the constraints of diamonds and working with the beautiful colours of precious and semiprecious stones is just a part of that process.” A recipient of international prizes and commissions from serious collectors around the world, Vicente Gracia is a creator of the kind of jewellery that allows us to take a flight of fancy and escape from the real world to a gentler romantic ideal.

Surely that is what art is all about.

www.vicentegraciajoyas.com

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By Michel Cruz

TRAVEL LIKE

TINTIN

Many of us first ‘travelled’ around the world in the company of Tintin and his comic book adventures, thus instilling in our generations a passion for exotic places and new cultures.

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© Hergé/Moulinsart 2010

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© Hergé/Moulinsart 2010

If, like me, you are a bit of a romantic, the lure of exotic Arabia, India, China and the lost cities of the Incas is something that has been instilled since a young age. It was through Tintin, amongst a few others, that I first discovered a passion for travel and exotic cultures long before I was able to do the real thing. Pouring over maps, I would follow Tintin as his exploits took him from his native Belgium in the heart of Europe to such romantic-sounding locations as Alexandria, Bombay and Shanghai.

As children, we were being educated while being entertained, and learned about colonial Africa, the America of the 1920s, and other distant parts of the globe. Always impeccably respectful, whether

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dealing with Somalis, Incas or Icelanders, Tintin was a shining example to the younger generations. Of course, not all his destinations were as easy to find as others. I could trace Scotland, Peru and the Himalayas easily enough on my trusty map, but it took me a little while to figure out that the likes of Sildavia and San Theodoros were ‘approximately’ Albania and really any of a series of potential Latin American countries respectively.

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Destination Tintin For those romantics for whom modern travel never quite did manage to live up to the classic ideal as depicted in Tintin, and for those who have fond memories of the comic strip series, the travel scene has just got a lot more exciting. Bringing together the best in adventure and romanticism, On The Go and Moulinsart have joined forces to create an itinerary inspired by Tintin.

Moulinsart hold the rights to Tintin and On The Go are specialists in bespoke adventure trips. The collaboration means they have been able to put their considerable resources together and create a series of inspired itineraries that will have lovers of authentic travel and fans of Tintin lining up. If you fit both categories you will be particularly enthralled as Destination Tintin offers the kind of travel you have always dreamed of.

© Hergé/Moulinsart 2010

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© Hergé/Moulinsart 2010

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Reliving the adventure Drawing from the broad palette of options provided by the books, On The Go have chosen to start with a selection of destinations that include the ancient world of Egypt, the exotic Kingdom of Jordan and the plains of Northern India. Naturally, Tintin’s homeland is also represented, with weekend trips in Brussels designed to walk in Hergé’s footsteps and discover this city of fine food, culture and Art Deco pleasures.

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© Hergé/Moulinsart 2010

Organised in a bespoke manner, travellers are taken to the famous sights visited by Tintin. In Jordania this includes the mysterious rock-hewn Nabataean town of Petra, where Captain Haddock had a memorable encounter with local troglodytes. Besides choosing the destination itself, you can also decide whether you want to join an adult group or get caught up in the family adventures that are sure to make it a holiday to remember for kids between seven and 12. Either way, local guides point you to the best spots while Tintin experts are on hand to maintain the classic flavour of the experience.

Though not compromising on modern comfort and safety, the organisers have done everything in their power to bring the halcyon era of travel and adventure back to life. As a result, you may find yourself following in Tintin’s trail as you board steam trains, river steamers and perhaps even a camel or two. For those who wish there is the possibility to adapt the trips even further to your own interests and timetable, effectively creating a uniquely bespoke travel experience in which to live out your own sense of adventure and discovery.

As the launch year, 2010 has seen the creation of four destinations ranging from a weekend in Brussels to eight days in Jordan and 15 days in India. With a growing itinerary, more parts of the world will open up to a revival of Tintin’s memorable exploits, though we imagine we’ll have to wait a little longer to emulate his Destination Moon series.

www.onthegotours.com

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CELEBRATED 11TH CENTURY ITALIAN CASTLE Turin Hill, Italy — The Castle of Castagneto Po, an estate of timeless enchantment, is recognized as one of the most unique dwellings in Europe.

The historic 11th-Century residence is being represented by ImmobilSarda s.r.l.

Located on the slopes of the famous Turin hills, a protected area containing a park as well as a natural reserve, Castagneto Po commands a towering position offering breathtaking panoramic vistas. Surrounded by more than 70 hectares, or nearly 173 acres, of verdant beauty, this historic estate, whose origins date back almost 1,000 years, was destroyed in 1705 and later rebuilt and completed in 1835.

The castle was once home to Carla BruniSarkozy, the First Lady of France. Virginio Bruni Tedeschi, her grandfather, was the founder of Italian tire manufacturing company CEAT. The Bruni Tedeschi family renovated the property into a refined residence as well as a venue for exhibitions and events of special artistic interest.

Characterized by Neo-Gothic lines that were added by its last architect, Ernesto Melano, the building spans 2,000 square meters, or around 21,500 square feet, excluding greenhouses and basement floors. The property contains more than 40 rooms and has been redesigned and equipped with modern amenities including elevators, kitchens and baths, and heating systems. Many stunning original details remain or have been restored, such as ancient boiseries, marqueteri floors, several hallway frescoes, majestic fireplaces, and fine marbles. This magnificent property stands nestled amid English-style parkland conceived by Saverio Kurten and encompassing

70 hectares, or almost 173 acres. Vegetable gardens, orchards, wide flowered terraces, ancient greenhouses, a caretaker’s house, and a farm building are harmoniously arranged for an exquisite aesthetic. The area is known for its plentiful and fruitful vineyards and farms, which support its many mouth-watering gastronomic and oenological offerings served up by notable local restaurants.

“The grandeur of Castle Castagneto Po, is unrivalled in Northern Italy”, says Giancarlo Bracco, Partner and Founder of ImmobilSarda s.r.l. “We are extremely proud to represent a property of this calibre.”

Boasting a rich provenance, the castle was mentioned in a written document as early as 1019, when Otto William, the son of Adalbert II, King of Italy, donated half the town of Chiasso to the monks of the abbey of Fruttuaria. In 1620 Victor Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy, offered it to Count Giovanni Antonio Trabucco, a powerful general of the king’s finance. Between 1500 and 1700, Castagneto suffered several invasions by French armies and was the object of contention in many battles, as it held a strategic position of great relevance to rulers. In the 19th Century, the property belonged to the counts of Ceriana, who brought considerable embellishments to the building. Eventually, the castle passed from the Ceriana to the Bruni Tedeschi family.

“Castagneto Po is part of a portfolio of exclusive properties throughout Italy, which are represented by BRACCO IMS, International Properties, a division of ImmobilSarda s.r.l.,”

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In search of Northern Light Though young, Daniel Stone is an up-and-coming photographer whose technical ability and dramatic compositional style has been recognised in his native England and beyond. A true lover of his chosen genre, Daniel is drawn to capturing the essence of both natural and man-made settings. His ability to represent the drama in apparently everyday situations marks him out as a true talent.

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FJORD CRUISE Large cruise liners depart from Tromso.

As the taxis/tube/trains of north Norway, they are the lifeblood of this remote region at the very top of Europe. Visitors can stay on board for several weeks, watching huge mountains rolling past them in imposing fjords; dinner is served as the lights dance over the evening sea.

TROMSO CHURCH Exiting the port, all boats head past The Arctic Cathedral, and with a look at the waves and weather you can see why it is placed where it is!

HUSKY SLEDDING We headed out of Tromso towards the border of Finland for two hours by car, followed by another hour on snowmobiles towards the border of Finland. Having seen neither a road nor sign of any humans for hours, we stopped at a single track in the middle of nowhere, where we were met by a team of dog sleighs. Many of the team had been to the North Pole, so we knew we were in good hands despite it being a six-hour helicopter ride to the nearest hospital! At -35C it was hard to tell if we were on land or crossing frozen lakes or rivers. Not always able to control my eager dogs, I crashed twice – but eventually reached my destination after traversing some of the wildest and remotest territory in Europe.

NIGHT LAKE While travelling 200 kilometres in one night to find the lights, we stopped at this lake for a break. It was pitch black, so I had to use a long exposure, and was amazed at what the camera caught that I wasn’t able to see with my eyes.

SHELTER ...at one point on the snowmobiles the wind was howling at 80km/h, the temp was -55C, so we were tremendously relieved to reach our log cabin for the night.

NORTHERN LIGHTS We spent eight days chasing the lights. On the last day, after sitting on a tree stump waiting for four hours, the sky suddenly lit up. It was as if someone was pouring neon liquid into the sky and it all seemed close enough to touch. The display, which lasted for 45 minutes, will remain one of the most amazing things I will ever see. After the initial excitement, it leaves a deep impression.

We had spent eight days in temperatures between -20C to -55C, but were rewarded with one of the best light shows on earth.

www.danstoneimages.co.uk

BENTLEY DESIGN IN SEINER REINS T E N F O R M

Die Rückkehr des Namens Mulsanne ist eine Hommage an das sportliche Erbe der Marke Bentley und ihre Leidenschaft für Hochleistung und Geschwindigkeit. Nichts drückt dieses Können besser aus als die legendären 24 Stunden von Le Mans. Ein Rennen, das Bentley allein sechs Mal gewann, und bei dem seine leistungsstarken und ausdauernden Rennwagen die lange Gerade in Le Mans hinunter schossen, direkt hinein in die legendäre Mulsanne Corner, deren Name das neue Modell trägt.

Das Design des neuen Bentley Mulsanne verbindet auf souveräne Weise Sportlichkeit und Hochwertigkeit mit einer eleganten Karosserie. In Anlehnung an den Bentley S Type der fünfziger Jahre ist die unverwechselbare Frontpartie des Mulsanne von einem traditionellen Bentley Matrix Grill geprägt. Die versenkbare Kühlerfigur in Form des legendären „Flying B“ ist auf Wunsch erhältlich.

BENTLEY WIEN Exclusive Cars Vertriebs GmbH Liesinger Flurgasse 14 –18 A-1230 Wien +43 (0)1 86688-0 office@bentley.at www.bentley.at

By Michel Cruz

The Simplon-Orient-Express

ROMANCE REBORN

Do you ever wonder what it would have been like to travel in the heyday of elegance and comfort?

With the revival of the legendary Orient Express, an important part of that era is reborn.

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At the time, ocean liners and luxury trains formed the very pinnacle of stylish travel, and amongst these, few could rival the allure of the Simplon-Orient-Express. Revived in 1976, it is a unique experience in a world made up of mass-tourism, congested airports and busy roads, taking discerning travellers back to a time that was less harried and stressful, and altogether more enjoyable.

If these days the offer of luxury destinations is very broad, the means of getting there doesn’t quite meet the same standards. Short of having your own private jet or mini-cruiser, travel is often the price you pay for getting somewhere special. The ideal suggestion, therefore, is to combine the two, making travel itself part and parcel of a very special occasion.

This is exactly where Orient Express fits in and how it positions itself in the market. Known above all for the iconic luxury rail journeys that link London, Paris and Venice to most glamorous European capitals through a series of mouth-watering itineraries, the company has grown to encompass luxury travel in the classic sense with a range of elegant hotels, resorts and rail journeys across 25 countries on five continents.

The original Simplon-Orient-Express still forms the benchmark and inspiration, but these days you can vary the setting to include the Andean Mountains of Peru, the waterways of France and an exquisite river cruise in Burma. The plush Pullman trains, private river barges and stylish cruisers on the Irrawaddy recall classic elegance and comfort, accompanied by personal service to match. Once arrived, there will be an Orient Express resort in which to continue the experience on terra firma.

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Crème de la crème For those with the time and the means to spare, there cannot be a better way to experience the best of Europe in a voyage that crisscrosses the continent in the luxurious manner of old. Starting out at London’s Victoria Station, guests are attended by their personal steward, who will be preparing the mahogany-clad cabin as you explore the train and get ready for the trip through the countryside of Kent and down towards the Channel Tunnel.

With the Continental Wagons-Lits of the Orient Express matching their British counterparts for comfort and opulence, the scene is set for travel in its most refined form. Watch the French countryside slide by as you head for Paris, enjoying a gourmet lunch, a drink in the bar or lounge, and the space to stretch your legs before rolling into Paris’ famous Gare de l’Est. Following its classic route, the Simplon-Orient-Express sets out across an Alpine wonderland before arriving at one of its most iconic destinations: Venice. To arrive in Venice by train is to experience one of the classic moments of travel. Slowly revealed, this floating town comes alive in all its shimmering glory; and naturally the accommodation is the Hotel Cipriano. A classic among classics, it is not only operated by Orient Express but actually inspired its very revival.

From here, some will want to savour the pleasures of Italy, rolling across the Po Valley and through Tuscan landscapes to Florence, Europe’s artistic treasure trove. Here the preferred destination is the Villa San Michele, a peaceful and elegant setting with views over Florence. A world of possibilities lays open for exploration in the Mediterranean, ranging from luxury island resorts and private residences to city destinations that combine culture with stylish hedonism.

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If still somewhat reluctant to relinquish the classic rail journey experience, and this is a distinct possibility given that it is the most comfortable, pampered and convenient form of travelling such distances, then there is always the option to head for the very edge of Europe. The ‘Oriental’ in the journey’s name relates to Istanbul, that city of beauty and mystery on the bridge of two worlds, so to set out from Venice towards old Constantinople is to complete the journey in its purest form.

You may miss the likes of Budapest and Prague on this particular itinerary but are richly rewarded with scenes of natural beauty as you traverse the Balkans en route to the capital of the former Ottoman Empire. Travellers on the original Orient Express would be passing from the Austro-Hungarian Empire into Ottoman-held territory at roughly the halfway mark, though today you have to wait until the final stages of the trip before you cross into the small area that makes up Turkey’s European landmass.

Arriving in Istanbul marks the end of the most iconic luxury rail journey in the world, though it also forms the beginning of an exotic exploration that will engage all the senses. In Istanbul Europe meets the Middle East, and present and past come together in a city whose energy and growth beguile just as they mingle in the air with exotic scents, sights and the ever-present aura of a glorious past.

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www.orient-express.com VILLÆ 47

Real estate that is a philosophy of living

T

o Giancarlo Bracco, the founder of Immobilsarda, a property is the ultimate expression of a life philosophy: “The British say that one’s home is one’s castle, but here in Sardinia the property, its location and the natural and cultural surroundings that embrace it together make up a way of life that affects your being whether you are inside your home or not.”

“What drew all those people who could have chosen any part of the world, was in first instance the stunning scenery.”

It is a lifestyle borne of clear blue skies, soft coastal breezes and deep azure waters, where ancient traditions anchor a people and colour their lives, just as modern innovations are embraced. And against this backdrop a natural setting that few can rival, and that remains in many places as untouched today as it was in Roman times.

Such a setting could not but draw those who appreciate beauty, and indeed, Sardinia has done so since the earliest of times. By the time the Sardinian authorities declared 450 kilometres of coastline protected in the late 1960s, the northern part of the island had already become the residence of choice for a growing number of artists, Maecenas and aesthetes from around the world.

Not long afterwards they were joined by actors, business tycoons and aristocrats to form a small but privileged society in a location that was becoming increasingly glamorous yet never lost its natural beauty or intrinsic appeal. And thus the Costa Smeralda was born. “What drew all those people who could have chosen any part of the world, was in first instance the stunning scenery,” says Mr. Bracco. “But Sardinia has a profound effect on you and it isn’t long before it casts a spell that comes, above all, from its ability to give you the peace to savour the simple joys of life.”

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“We are involved in some exciting new developments in other parts of Sardinia...”

A triumph of quality over quantity

The making of the Costa Smeralda

Today the Costa Smeralda and its main resort, Porto Cervo, enjoy worldwide fame as one of the authentic jet-set locations in the world.

Its desirability is such that people from all walks of life, all parts of the globe come together here to enjoy peace, beauty and elegance in the true sense of those words. The fact that even now, demand far outstrips supply in the midst of a global crisis, is a testament to both the desirability of this spot and the triumph of quality over quantity that has protected and nurtured that desirability.

Since its founding in 1974, Immobilsarda has been very much a part of the Gallura - Costa Smeralda story. “My partners, who included a small partner working for the Aga Khan, were all older and more experienced than I, but I developed along with the Costa Smeralda and it has become a part of me.”

Though not a Sardinian by birth, Giancarlo Bracco has seen the story of the Costa Smeralda unfold almost from its earliest beginnings in the 1970s. Originally from Italy’s northern Piemonte region, he belonged to the first generation of Italians to graduate from the new business school in Turin, and skilled with modern marketing tools was contracted by a famous woollen textiles manufacturer from Biella to conduct a market research study on the island of Sardinia.

“My first acquaintance with Sardinia was one that I was to see repeated frequently over the years. First, you are overcome by the paradisiacal quality of Sardinia’s coast, the rugged beauty of its interior and the simple enchantment of its Mediterranean culture. Before long, though, nature and culture conspire to draw you in and make you want to stay, to belong to this place with its glorious sunshine, unspoiled nature and old ways that make the simple pleasures in life so pure and enjoyable.”

Having completed his work for the woollen textiles firm, he lingered on the island, engaged first as a collaborator by international managers of the Aga Khan, who was planning the development that would later become Porto Cervo, and later commissioned by the US Navy to procure housing for several hundred of their officers and staff. “They needed 300 homes within a short period of time. Back then things didn’t move so fast in these parts, but I worked hard and delivered, and it proved to be the beginning of Immobilsarda.”

Now one of the leading luxury real estate companies in Italy, Immobilsarda is a property brand that forms part of a group of companies covering such fields as construction, property development, marketing and specialist divisions that exclusively handle the kind of historic landmark properties Italy is famous for. “As a Turinese I am particularly proud of the fact that we have received sole instruction for the sale of the Turin castle that is the ancestral home of the Tedeschi family, from which Carla Bruni hails.”

On the Costa Smeralda, meanwhile, he has to turn away people that want to buy into the exclusivity and quality of life this glamorous part of the world is so richly endowed with. “It seems amazing in a world better known for overdevelopment, but the building restrictions in Northern Sardinia, la Gallura are so rigorous that there is a serious shortfall in supply relative to demand.” The result is that property here is like gold dust, with frontline villas in Porto Cervo changing hands from 10 million upwards. “In the second line prices start from 3-4 million upward, but the kind of person who has two super-yachts in the harbour demands frontline locations.”

It makes for a very exclusive market in which people seldom sell unless they have to, and where the few luxury property developments created by companies like Immobilsarda are snapped up in no time.

“We are involved in some exciting new developments in other parts of Sardinia, where the characteristics and market are different but the emphasis on natural beauty, respect for the environment and enjoying that which makes Sardinia special are as important as on the Costa Smeralda. There is only one Porto Cervo, but Sardinia’s beautifully preserved quality of life comes in many styles and locations.”

www.immobilsarda.com VILLÆ 49

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By Michel Cruz

italy cultural heart of Europe

The country that gave us the Renaissance, not to mention thinkers and artists of the calibre of Michelangelo, Dante and Botticelli, is also the spiritual home of architecture, classical music and design. What started with the likes of Brunelleschi and Palladio continued through Piano and Giugiaro, while the ingenuity of Leonardo da Vinci was reborn in modern times through the engineering passion of Enzo Ferrari et al. Whichever way you look at it, Italy is a land abundant with the fertile pastures of human creativity.

A land of passionate people, the Italian peninsula has given birth to such creative and artistic exuberance that it can rightly be called the cultural heart of Europe. Others may have an equally rich tradition in art, cuisine and architecture, or an even more famous reputation for technology and engineering, but in Italy the very love of all things beautiful and exciting means that it is uniquely represented in all these departments. To visit its richly varied landscapes, therefore, is to surrender oneself to a symphony of the senses.

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milano Milan is as good a starting point as any, offering as it does a bridge between the Germanic world immediately to the north of it and the Mediterranean one that grows in stature the further south you go. Italy may be a land of noble civilisations such as Romans and Etruscans, but in Milan you find yourself in a territory named after the Langobardi, Germanic invaders who preceded centuries of Austrian influence in these parts.

This influence is noticeable, and indeed, the Milanese pried themselves on their work ethic and efficiency, looking north rather than south for inspiration. In spite of this, it is in many ways also archetypically Italian, complete with refined architecture, high fashion outlets and a passion for fine food. The heart of the city is symbolised by the magnificent Duomo cathedral, the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the world-renowned La Scala opera house, heir to the works of Verdi, Rossini and Donizetti.

Besides being a capital of fashion and design, Milan is also the home of Alfa Romeo, one of the most iconic of Italian car manufacturers.

Pass through Monza, the home of Italian motor racing, on your way north to the stylish lakes of Maggiore and Como, and soak up the atmosphere created by legends such as Tazio Nuvolari and Alberto Ascari before settling down to the immaculate elegance of classical lakeside villas, stylish Riva motorboats and the Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este.

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verona A short trip across the fertile Po Valley – preferably in a classic opentop Alfa Spider, a Ferrari Dino or even a Maserati Ghibli – brings you to Verona, the city made famous by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliette, and a classic in its own right. Its setting on the Adige River and the many historic architectural gems make it a smaller version of Florence and enthralling enough to inspire one of Charles Aznavour’s most memorable chansons. Speaking of which, no visit to Verona is complete without the enjoyment of an open-air area at the Roman amphitheatre, a location where the classics come together in more ways than one.

Then go and see ‘that’ balcony if you must, but don’t miss out on the Lago di Garda, certainly one of the most bewitchingly beautiful locations this side of the Alps.

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liguria Though it may be hard to imagine from the large port city of Genua, the Ligurian coastline is above all characterised by quintessentially picturesque coastal towns that rise up from the water’s edge as they cling to impossibly steep cliffs battered by the winds of time. Chic and earthy at the same time, it is no wonder that the stylish and cultural set come here to enjoy Italy as it should be, lapping up the sunshine, seafood and characteristic scenes in all their delicious idiosyncrasy.

Again, a journey along the winding roads that hug the serrated coastline and chance upon famous villages such as Portofino and Rapallo should be made in something glamorous, sporty and of course Italian. Indeed, a Lancia Flaminia Coupé or Lamborghini Espada would look right at home in this kind of setting, as you make your way through the idyllic Cinque Terre before cutting through the passes that lead inland into the rolling pastures of Tuscany.

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toscana Driving through this heavenly landscape to the soundtrack of Nessun Dorma or Mina and Alberto Lupo’s Parole, Parole is one of life’s ultimate pleasures, a privilege that only grows in proportion as you cross the Arno and enter this city of art. Suffice it to say that those who enjoy classical architecture, art, cuisine and the heady atmosphere of an Italian town will find themselves to be in seventh heaven here.

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gran sasso d’italia Head in a south-easterly direction and gradually the green, undulating carpet of Tuscany gives way to the rugged Apennines, the mountainous spine that runs along the length of the Italian peninsula.

Why take such a detour? Because of the Gran Sasso d’Italia; a 1400km2 natural park that straddles three Italian regions and offers some of the most stunning natural scenery in Europe. A picture of green valleys and crystalline lakes surrounded by snow-capped peaks means this is a paradise of peace and beauty.

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roma What can one say about Rome, other than to trade in the classic sports car for a Fiat 500, or better still, a Lambretta. That is, if you dare to immerse yourself in the headlong rush of traffic that sprints from traffic light to roundabout on the cobbled streets of this timeless city. A heaven for those in search of culture, refinement, hedonism and indeed spiritual guidance, Rome is a world unto itself – a ‘special’ part of Italy whose past is beautifully documented on every street. The distillation of all things Roman and subsequently all things Italian, it is at once monumental, earthy, chic and at times a little grubby. In other words, a typically Italian experience.

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Top Spots A look at some of the finest golf clubs in the world Golf, the gentleman’s game, is best played in that spirit and in a setting that reflects the gentlemanly origins of the sport.

The rapid growth and globalisation of golf has produced many good things, but also allowed the original charm that surrounds the sport to be watered down in places. For some, it has become a conduit for property construction, for others a glorified tourist attraction, yet among today’s veritable proliferation of clubs and courses there is still a wide choice of settings in which to enjoy golf the way it was meant to be.

This infers not only championship-class courses that are beautifully kept and set in awe-inspiring locations, but also a clubhouse and accompanying services that exude an air of quality, charm and dare we say it, exclusivity. After all, this is a sport born of an era of grace and gentlemanly behaviour, so to properly indulge in the game of golf one needs to at least pay homage to the spirit that produced it.

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Gleneagles, Scotland Where else to start such a line-up but at the home of golf: Scotland.

Famous names rebound in this country where golf inevitably is tangled with tradition and history. St Andrew’s always catches the imagination, but we’ve decided to focus on Gleneagles, a simply stunning resort of golf in the spiritual home of the game.

Gleneagles features three championship courses: the King’s Course, Queen’s Course and the PGA Centenary Course. Each and every one of them belongs to the best in the country, offering the game in its native setting of crisp greens bordered by trees, heather and views of the surrounding hills.

A temple of golf for the dedicated follower, this is also a place you can bring your family to and not feel guilty about. If the course is golfing royalty the accompanying hotel displays all the style and breeding of aristocracy. Housed in a magnificent manor home the Gleneagles embodies all the charm and civility that made Britain great. Modern additions include a stylish spa, but this is above all a place that feels like golf. www.gleneagles.com

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Indian Wells, Southern California If Scotland gave the world golf, America made it big. The game, as we know it today, has been largely exported back to Europe and then across the globe by the American golfer. Their numbers swelled as post-war prosperity opened the sport up to larger numbers of people, a process that started in the US but is now being repeated elsewhere in the world.

Among the many fine championship courses in the US, Indian Wells has a particular resonance. Set in Southern California, it is the home of an exclusive sports resort that focuses on golf and tennis but also includes a selection of luxury hotels and spa. Freshly kept lawns surrounded by pine trees and semi-succulent xerophytic flora, meanwhile, form a stunning alternative to the temperate greenness of Scotland. www.indianwells.com

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Penha Longa, Sintra Portugal has long been one of the leading golf countries on the European continent. In this, the Algarve features prominently, but one of the finest courses is actually located in Sintra, a beautiful historic town just northwest of Lisbon and a short drive from Estoril.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones jr, the Penha Longa course sprawls across the base of a mountain range that runs parallel to the coast and faces the stylish coastal resort towns of Estoril and Cascais. Just on the other side of the mountain is Sintra, the summer residence of the former Portuguese royal house and these days a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Set within a protected nature reserve, the course offers total seclusion from the outside world and with it come scenes of immense beauty.

The luxury Penha Longa resort hotel is in itself a historic estate that has been lovingly restored and modernised, featuring a spa, private residential areas and also a restored monastery that was home to a Jesuit monk who became the first Japanese person to set foot in Europe.

Penha Longa’s natural and historical credentials endorse it, but above all this is a wonderful course in a magnificent setting that also offers highly refined surroundings. www.penhalonga.com

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Troon North Golf Club, Arizona Golf in the desert; for a long time it was only the Americans who could conceive of such a thing. Conceive and turn to reality, that is, for the Troon North Golf Club in Northern Arizona is a verdant oasis that rises out of the arid land like a mirage shimmering in the Sahara heat.

Meticulously kept, its course is a favourite not just for its design and beautifully contrasting setting but also because the clean Arizona air offers some of the finest golden light in which to play.

Playing here on the right day is like seeing the world through honeycoloured glasses, as the gilded rays of the sun turn the surrounding rock into a thousand subtle tones and the cacti and scrub proffer a dreamlike backdrop. Though not boasting the historic lineage of a leading course, this is a place that represents American vitality in all its noble ambition and achievement – with a clubhouse that is an architectural marvel and fitting tribute to the Adobe styles of the region. www.troonnorthgolf.com

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The Els Club, Dubai These days golf in the desert is also strongly associated with Dubai, which has become quite a centre for golf in its own right. Though the branded concept seems very 21st century, The Els Club is a state-ofthe-art golf club designed and finished to the UAE’s exacting standards.

With crisp-green lawns that undulate like a verdant carpet through the soft white sand of desert dunes, the course has the feel of skirting a beach – you can almost hear the waves break.

Designed by a pro for serious golfers, The Els Club is all about an optimal golf experience, and with the service standards of Dubai you will want for nothing at all. www.elsclubdubai.com

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Club de Golf Valderrama, Sotogrande Founded by the exacting Jaime PatiĂąo, Valderrama has established itself as one of the elite clubs of Europe, with a course that is practically trimmed with scissors and ranged across green valleys bordered by Mediterranean olive trees, umbrella pine and cork oak. A championship course that has hosted the Ryder Cup and Volvo Masters, amongst others, it is a favourite on the European continent both for its play and the genteel surroundings.

These begin with the stylish clubhouse, restaurants and hospitality areas, but also include the nearby resort of Sotogrande, where Spain’s well-connected set come to play golf, enjoy spa treatment, a game of polo or a day at the beach or beach club, with the lively little marina forming the base for daytime water sports as well as night time socialising. www.valderrama.com

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El Saler, Valencia Perched on Mediterranean shores just south of Valencia, El Saler is recognised as one of the finest golf clubs in Spain, and therefore belongs to the European elite. The course is set on the grounds of a Parador – a chain of luxurious hotels in grand historic settings – itself located within the Albufera Nature Park.

This means that players will find themselves teeing off among dunes, with the crashing of waves on white sandy beaches within earshot. The course, designed by Javier Arana, makes the most of this lovely setting with fine fairways and finely manicured greens. The latter prove a particular challenge, yet the stylish clubhouse and luxury facilities of the Parador are just made for post-match soothing and pampering. www.parador.es

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Occasionally a property is released onto the market that is worthy of the adjective ‘unique’; La Real Casona de las Amas is, indeed, unique.

La Real Casona de las Amas This 17th century country estate is located in the northern reaches of La Rioja, SPAIN, a region with an international reputation for fine wine, so it is no surprise that La Real Casona de las Amas has a link with the wine trade. By traditional arrangement, the owner of the property is entitled to 1,000 bottles of the estate’s own label for five years, making this already very desirable piece of real estate even more compelling.

Discreetly located at the entrance of the small town of Azofra, within a picturesque landscape of undulating vineyards, this four hundred year old property stands out for its magnificence. With impeccably maintained gardens and manicured lawns, the property also features a private spa with thermal baths, a Jacuzzi and swimming pool. The interior is as impressive as the exterior; the current proprietors of this impressive boutique hotel, members of the same family as the original owner, have ensured that the property has undergone a complete restoration to the highest standards and specifications.

With 16 individually styled and named bedrooms suites, all of which reflect the pedigree of this magnificent house, it represents an excellent business opportunity. With Northern Spain – and the Rioja region in particular – being mentioned in newspapers across Europe as one of the country’s relatively undiscovered scenic gems, La Real Casona de las Amas offers a myriad marketing opportunities. However, it would also make a wonderful private residence made for comfortable living and entertaining.

As an additional bonus, La Real Casona de las Amas is also close to a golf course, as well as connections to major centres like Madrid, San Sebastian and Bilbao. On a more spiritual level is its location on the famous Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage route that draws both those in search of spiritual guidance and those who simply love to be surrounded by nature in a region that is still entirely authentic and unspoiled.

www.rimontgo.com VILLÆ 66

Property section

VILLÆ 67

Luxury penthouse with terraces and pool Vienna/Döbling Large panorama windows, roof terrace with pool.

Designer interior, highest standard and quality, 2 car garage.

4 bedrs, 3 bathrs. Apartment: 357 m², terraces: 125 m².

Price: j 2.650.000. Ref: MI 613

VILLÆ 68

Property section. Austria

Unique apartment with breath taking view Vienna/Döbling Recently completed stylish penthouse with large terraces. Located in the most exclusive residential area, south facing, spacious glass surfaces. Sophisticated interior design, 3 car garage, dining room, living room.

4 bedrs, 4 bathrs. Apartment: 252 m², terraces: 44 m².

Price: j 4.180.000. Ref: MI 723

Marschall Immobilen GmbH +43 1 533 20 30 office@marschall.at www.marschall.at

VILLÆ 69

Marnes la Coquette. Hauts-de-Seine, FRANCE. 6 bedrs, 4 bathrs. House: 400 m², land: 2850 m2.

Contact: + 33 (0)1 41 12 03 11. Ref: 5463790

VILLÆ 70

Property section. France

Paris 16th. FRANCE. 1 bedr, 1 bathr. Apartment: 108 m2.

Price: j 1.680.000. Contact: + 33 (0) 1 45 53 90 69. Ref: 5319589

Paris 7th. FRANCE. 5 bedrs, 5 bathrs. Apartment: 350 m2.

Contact: + 33 (0) 1 47 05 81 96. Ref: 6335339

Eure, close to Beaumont Le Roger, FRANCE. 14 bedrs, 14 bathrs. Castle: 1.200 m2, land : 132 ha.

Price: j 7.500.000. Contact: + 33 (0) 1 53 23 80 47 Ref.: 5031223

Paris 16th. FRANCE. 2 bedrs, 2 bathrs. Apartment 187 m2.

Price: j 2.950.000. Contact: + 33 (0) 1 56 88 48 48. Ref: 6045471

Belles demeures de France +33 (0)1 53 23 81 81 bellesdemeuresdefrance@bdfrance.fr www.paris-fineresidences.com

VILLÆ 71

Impressive Villa Magnificent family residence Hamburg, GERMANY This fairytale-like luxury villa is located in one of the most beautiful streets in Hamburg-Blankenese. The villa with the charm of a fairy-tale castle has been built on an idyllic large plot area. The widespread living area is spread on 2 levels. Already by entering this house the classy entrance hall with an open granite staircase convince. The floor-to-ceiling windows and the high ceiling speak for themselves. 3 rooms, a dressing room, a small bathroom with shower and luxury bathroom are on the upper area. The floor is as well mislaid with granite. The basement is with a wide sauna area, 2 rooms and also the access to the underground garage is given.

8 rooms, 2 bathrs. House: 280 m², land: 5.000 m².

Price: j 1.990.000

VILLÆ 72

Property section. Germany

Modern property Perfect location meets perfect design.

Inning at lake Ammersee, GERMANY This purist architectural villa is situated in the best environment and stands 80 feet above the lake Ammersee, which can be overlooked from almost each spot within the premises. The roughly 1000 square meters estate is separated from the shoreline by a meadow of nature reserve, which ultimately ensures the lasting of the undisturbed lake view. The entire garden was designed by the international highly esteemed landscape architect Enzo Enea. The solar-heated outdoor swimming-pool with counter current is the perfect spot to enjoy the garden architecture and the spectacular lake view. The Villa was planned by “sphere ATP”, Austria, a team well known for its high-class modern architecture. Space and view are the dominant themes of this outstanding building. The generous usage of full-screen glass windows, which do open completely without leaving any supporting bearings, enables the full lake view from every room. High-tech lightening and sound systems, a professional kitchen, a heating systems which is undependable of resources, let you relax easily at the fireplace, enjoying the individual designs and hand craft details.

6 rooms, 3 bathrs. House: 325 m², land: 1.000 m².

Price: j 3.800.000

von Poll Immobilien GmbH +49 (0) 69 / 95 11 79 0 frankfurt@von-poll.de www.von-poll.de

VILLÆ 73

Villa on the lake Magnificent family residence In Padenghe sul Garda, 243 m2 of covered area on 2 floors: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and open space living. A modern building with a full domotics system. Customizable building, ready to live in 2011. A beautiful garden of 1.000 m2 sorround the villa with swimming pool and private access to the beach.

3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. House: 243 m².

Price: j 2.200.000. Ref: CF - 211

Cofim Immobiliare +39 045 800 11 99 info@cofimimmobiliare.it www.cofimimmobiliare.it

VILLÆ 74

Property section. Italy

Villa in Castelletto di Brenzone. Verona, Veneto, ITALY. 3 bedrs, 2 bathrs. House: 250 m2, land: 300 m2.

Price: j 980.000. Ref: CF – 244 Villa Ca’ Helmann. Albettone Vicenza, Veneto, ITALY. 3 main buildings and ancient villa. Total: 2.900 m2, land: 1 hectare.

Price: j 2.500.000. Ref. CF–202 Villa Marta. Verona city, Veneto, ITALY 15 bedrs, 8 bathrs. House: 1.200 m2, land: 2000 m2.

Price on request. Ref: CF–123

VILLÆ 75

Luxury Hotel overlooking the Lake Cernobbio, Lake Como, Italy Offering an enchanting panorama, the hotel is located few minutes from the centre of Como, 30 km from Lugano and 55 km from Milan. Dated back to 1850, the building was later reconstructed and develops on 5 floors for a total of 6.200 sq m with a garden of 3.000 sq m.

Equipped pool and large parking area. 83 bedrooms all with en suite bathrooms, two restaurants (one with a pleasant outside dining area around the pool), bar, large congress spaces, three lifts, air conditioning and central heating system.

Price Upon request – Ref. GVS236

VILLÆ 76

Property section. Italy

Important Estate with large private Lake and cottage. Near Rivergaro, Piacenza, ITALY. 7+ bedrs. 5+ bathrs. 3 houses: total of 1.000 m2, land: 200.000 m2.

Price: j 3.000.000. Ref: GV992

Period “Art Nouveau” - villa. Lavena, Lago di Lugano, Ticino, ITALY. 4 bedrs, 3 bathrs. House: 320 m2, land: 4.000 m2 Price: CHF 4’500’000. Ref: GV900 Co-brokerage with WETAG CONSULTING (www.wetag.ch).

Unique Penthouse with two terraces. Historic centre, Milan, ITALY. 3 bedrs. 3 bathrs, apartment: 150 m2, terraces: 30 m2 + 65 m2, garage Price Upon Request. Ref: GVS290

Mediterranean-style villa on the sea with pool. Marina di Ostuni, Puglia, ITALY. 4 bedrs. 4 bathrs. House: 350 m2, land: 1.600 m2.

Price Upon Request. Ref: GV990

Giorgio Viganò Real Estate +39 02 7636151 info@giorgiovigano.com www.giorgiovigano.com

VILLÆ 77

Private Island Paradise. Porto Rotondo, Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, ITALY. One main villa, yacht club, guest quarters. Total Property: 650 m2, land: 4 ha.

Price upon request. Ref.: IMS-PR002

VILLÆ 78

Property section. Italy

Seafront Villa. Porto Cervo, Costa Smeralda, Sardinia, ITALY. 5 bedrs, 6 bathrs. Land: 5.000 m2, villa: 400 m2.

Price upon request. Ref.: IMS PC017

Villa Il Cormorano pieds dans l’eau. Portobello di Gallura, Sardinia, ITALY. Two-family villa located in the exclusive private residential park. 3 bedrs, 2 bathrs.

Price: upon request. Ref: IMS-PB009

Prestigious Villas in Protected Park. Porto Cervo, Sardinia, ITALY. 12 villas under development, 3/4/6 suites, Private gardens: 1.000 / 2.000 m2.

Price: from j 2.200.000 to j 4.500.000. Ref.: IMS-CS320.

Signature Golf Resort. Is Molas, Cagliari, Sardinia, ITALY. 240 villas, 2/3/4 bedrs, 3/4/6 bathrs.Villas: 800 to 2.700 m2, Land: 400 ha.

Price: from j 1.400.000. Ref: IM01 IMS

Immobilsarda Srl + 39 0789 909000 portocervo@immobilsarda.com www.immobilsarda.com

VILLÆ 79

Castle apartment. Capena, Rome, Lazio, Italy.

2 bedrs, 2 bathrs. Living space: 144m2.

Price upon request. Ref: LC219

Design Villa. Trevignano Romano, Rome, Lazio, Italy.

8 bedrs, 5 bathrs. House: 380 m2, land: 9.000 m2.

Price upon request. Ref. LC212

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Property section. Italy

Breathtaking penthouse. Rome, Lazio, Italy.

5 bedrs, 5 bathrs. House: 265 m2, land: - .

Price upon request. Ref: LC205

Charming Residence. Rome, Lazio, Italy.

3 bedrs, 3 bathrs. House: 200 m2, land: - .

Price upon request. Ref: LC224

Airy villa. Rome, Lazio, Italy.

9 bedrs, 11 bathrs. House: 900 m2, land: 10.000 m2.

Price upon request. Ref: LC213

Antique Villa. Sutri, Rome, Lazio, Italy.

5 bedrs, 6 bathrs. House: 950 m2, land: 5.500 m2.

Price upon request. Ref. LC218

La Commerciale Srl (+39) 06 3200 613 lacommerciale@lacommerciale.org www.lacommerciale.org

VILLÆ 81

Villa Reale Villa Reale. Lucca, Tuscany, ITALY. Important mansion of the XVIII° cent. belonged to Napoleone Bonaparte’s family, surrounded by 20 Ha of Italian style park with lakes, theaters, fountains, caves and perfumed exotic essences. The complex is composed by prestigious residences for 11.000 sqm, Villa dell’Orologio of 5.500 sqm, Villa del Vescovo of 1.500 sqm, the two ex Barracks of the Real Guard of 900 sqm and other buildings for 1.200 sqm.

100 bedrs and bathrs. Buildings: 11.000 m², land: 20 Ha. Price on request. Ref. PDC1512

Paolo Del Chicca Immobiliare +39 0586 813567 info@paolodelchicca.it www.paolodelchicca.it

VILLÆ 82

Property section. Italy

Podere San Lorenzo. Volterra, Tuscany, ITALY. 8 apartaments. House: 650 m², land: 9,3 Ha. Price on request. Ref. PDC1549 Palazzo al Bosco. Volterra, Tuscany, ITALY. House: 2.600 m², DOCG Vineyard: 4,6 Ha, olivegrove: 10 Ha. Price on request. Ref. PDC1518

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Sierra Blanca, Golden Mile, Marbella Hilltop Estate with Panoramic Views Marbella, Costa del Sol, SPAIN. Within a sought-after luxury residential area at only 5min from Marbella centre and its beaches is this exquisitely presented contemporary property offering commanding coastal views. Built to the highest standards, the villa features state-of-the-art installations as well as comforts such as a beautiful SPA with interior heated pool and gymnasium, spacious rooms including an office, TV and games room and a stunning pool house with bar, dining and sitting areas.

10 bedrs, 9 bathrs. House: 2.246 m2, land: 4.359 m2.

Price Upon Request. Ref: DM2186-01

VILLÆ 84

Property section. Spain

El Madroñal, Benahavis, Spain Simply Stunning Benahavis, Costa del Sol , SPAIN. Located in El Madroñal, a prestigious, gated, pine forested residential community with 24 hour security and located at a 15min drive from Puerto Banus. A truly imposing property which has been beautifully and tastefully decorated with the utmost attention to detail. With elegant formal rooms yielding to a beautiful kitchen and 5 uniquely conceived bedroom suites, there is a quiet practicality to this noble house. Self contained staff apartment.

5 bedrs, 6 bathrs. House: 1.016 m2, land: 4.380 m2.

Price Upon Request. Ref: DM2765

Diana Morales Properties +34 952 76 51 38 enquiries@dmproperties.com www.dmproperties.com

VILLÆ 85

Duplex Penthouse on the Paseo Alameda Luxurious penthouse, sensational terrace & views.

Central Valencia, SPAIN. This exceptional duplex penthouse offers real luxury living in Spain’s third largest city, with impeccable views over Calatrava’s futuristic City of Arts and Sciences from its large “L-shaped” terrace, complete with a Jacuzzi to soak in the city’s charm. The apartment is light and airy, and offers superb entertaining areas, both inside and out; all within one Valencia’s most prestigious residential locations.

3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Apartment: 157 m², terrace: 80 m².

Price j 2.100.000. Ref: RMG V769

VILLÆ 86

Property section. Spain

Villa La Mezquida. Jรกvea, Alicante, SPAIN. 5 bedrs, 3 bathrs. Villa: 420 m2, land: 1.567 m2.

Price: j 2.250.000. Ref: RMG 3594 Villa Senioles. Jรกvea, Alicante, SPAIN. 4 bedrs, 3 bathrs. Villa: 585 m2, land: 2.600 m2.

Price: j 1.575.000. Ref: RMG 3629

Rimontgรณ +34 963 50 44 44 rimontgo@rimontgo.es www.rimontgo.com

VILLร 87

Signal Palace. Lavaux, SWITZERLAND. Luxury hotel and 34 private residences from 77m2 to 303m2.

Price Upon Request. Ref: CG10904

1 Gevray. Geneva, SWITZERLAND. 27 luxury apartments simplex or duplex from 73m2 to 488 m2.

Price Upon Request. Ref: CG11973

VILLÆ 88

Property section. Switzerland

Exceptional chalet. Swiss Alps, SWITZERLAND. 3 bedrs, 3 bathrs. House: 480 m2, land: 2672 m2.

Price Upon Request. Ref: CG9850

Property near golf course. Lausanne, SWITZERLAND. 5 bedrs, 3 bathrs. House: 410 m2. Land: 3441 m2.

Price Upon Request. Ref: CG6836

Chalet with unique and exceptional facilities. Zermatt, SWITZERLAND. 4 bedrs, 6 bathrs. House: 778 m2, land: 395 m2.

Price Upon Request. Ref: CG4090

Magnificent waterfront apartment with view on the lake.

Geneva, SWITZERLAND. 2 bedrs, 2 bathrs. Living space: 144m2.

Price Upon Request. Ref: CG11445

CGi Immobilier +41 22 809 08 09 vente@cgi.ch www.cgiprestige.ch

VILLÆ 89

Grand Mediterranean Style Villa. Carona, Lake Lugano, Ticino, SWITZERLAND. 7+bedrs. 5+bathrs. House: 970 m2, land: 2364 m2.

Price Upon Request. Ref: WE1262

Grand mansion in a park-like setting. Croglio, near Lake Lugano, Ticino, SWITZERLAND. 4+bedrs, 4+baths. House: 3590 m2, land: 100722 m2.

Price: CHF 18’900’000. Ref: WE1019.

VILLÆ 90

Property section. Switzerland

Exclusive Residences with 5 star hotel service. Ascona, Lake Maggiore, Ticino, SWITZERLAND. 2 - 5 bedrs. House: 101 m2 - 490 m2, land: 80.000 m2.

Prices from CHF 1.465.000. Ref: WE7210.

Luxury villa with panoramic view. Brissago, Lake Maggiore, Ticino, SWITZERLAND. 3+bedrs, 4 bathrs. House: 450 m2, land: 1572 m2.

Price Upon Request. Ref: WE1078.

Impeccable Mediterranean View Estate. Brissago, Lake Maggiore, Ticino, SWITZERLAND. 4 bedrs, 4.5 baths. House: 750 m2, land: 4.625 m2.

Price Upon Request. Ref: WE1223

Luxury Estate in prime position. Ascona, Lake Maggiore, Ticino, SWITZERLAND. 4+bedrs, 4+baths. House: 1.010 m2, land: 13.600 m2.

Price Upon Request. Ref: WE133

Wetag Consulting +41 (0)91 751 3106 info@wetag.ch www.wetag.ch

VILLÆ 91

www.europeanrealestate.org BELLES DEMEURES DE FRANCE (France) Located at the heart of Paris’s most prestigious neighborhood, Belles demeures de France is the meeting point for the finest real estate and the most demanding international customers. Belles demeures de France, in partnership with Daniel Féau, accounts for over 30% of the market over 1.5 million euros in the best districts of Paris.

CGi IMMOBILIER, Genève, Lausanne.

(Switzerland) With almost sixty years’ experience and boasting around seventy-five employees, CGi offers a wide range of property services, with a down-to-earth approach ensuring a contact tailored to clients’ needs.

With offices in Geneva and Lausanne, CGi covers all the Lake Geneva area and neighbouring Swiss Alps.

COFIM. Verona (Italy) Founded in 1978, Cofim is a leading property firm in the Veneto region that specialises in both sales and rentals. A reputation for exhaustive due diligence gives their clients the assurance that the properties offered have been objectively and critically assessed.

DM PROPERTIES. Marbella (Spain) As one of the longest-established and most highly respected real estate agencies in Marbella, DM Properties attracts a highly selective clientele of vendors and buyers. Specialising in luxury homes, the firm has built up a name for integrity, professionalism and know-how that is sought by those in the high end of the market.

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GIORGIO VIGANÒ. Milan (Italy) The firm has grown substantially from its early foundations in 1960 as a traditional family business specialised in residential real estate. Today, the company is one of the leading property agencies in Milan and surrounding areas, combining high quality residential and commercial brokerage with long-term rentals, project management and valuations.

IMMOBILSARDA. Sardinia (Italy) Leading high-end real estate specialist in Sardinia – Costa Smeralda for over 35 years. Providing brokerage and surveying services as well as project management and valuations. Immobilsarda guarantees an invaluable local knowledge and an extensive portfolio of high quality properties for sale and rent, seafront villas and estates, luxury golf resort projects, championing sustainable developments.

LA COMMERCIALE. Rome (Italy) 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.

MARSCHALL IMMOBILIEN. Wien (Austria) A modern, dynamic company that combines its technical know-how and knowledge of the local property market with a customer-orientated 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.

PAOLO DEL CHICCA REAL ESTATE. Livorno (Italy) Boasting more than 30 years as a leading agency in Tuscany, the firm specialises in finding properties full of Tuscan charm for a portfolio of local and international clients. Property brokers are joined by an engineer, architect and surveyor to provide a comprehensive set of services to those in search of luxury properties.

RIMONTGÓ. Valencia, Jávea (Spain) Specialising in Valencia and northern Costa Blanca regions, Rimontgó is a well-established 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.

VON POLL IMMOBILIEN. Germany Specialised in preferred residential and business areas, Von Poll offers a whole variety of services concerning real estate in almost any city and metropolises in Germany. Their headquarters are located in Frankfurt/Main and they have a total of 24 offices across the country, including Berlin, Bonn, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne, Munich, Nuremberg and Wiesbaden, to name a few.

WETAG. Locarno, Lugano (Switzerland) A leading specialist in high-end real estate in the Ticino region of Switzerland since the 1970s, Wetag is also the exclusive representative of leading international real estate organisations such as EREN and The Leading Real Estate Companies of the World.

AUSTRIA WIEN MARSCHALL IMMOBILIEN GMBH Palais Kinsky, Freyung 4 1010 Wien - Austria Tel: +43 – 1 – 533 20 30 Fax : +43 – 1- 533 20 30 30 office@marschall.at www.marschall.at

FRANCE PARIS BELLES DEMEURES DE FRANCE 30 avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie 75008 Paris Tel: + 33 (0)1 53 23 81 82 Fax: + 33 (0)1 53 23 81 89 bellesdemeuresdefrance@bdfrance.fr www.paris-fineresidences.com

GERMANY FRANKFURT AM MAIN VON POLL IMMOBILIEN GMBH Eschersheimer Landstr. 537 D-60431 Frankfurt am Main Tel: +49 69 9511790 Fax: +49 69 95117911 Aschaffenburg Bad Homburg Bad Nauheim Baden-Baden Berlin Bielefeld Darmstadt Dreieich Düsseldorf Frankfurt Freiburg Hamburg Heidelberg Karlsruhe Koblenz Köln Königstein Mainz Mannheim München München Nymphenburg Nürnberg Wiesbaden frankfurt@von-poll.de www.von-poll.de

ITALY MILAN GIORGIO VIGANÒ REAL ESTATE Via Maggiolini 2 20122 Milan - Italy Tel: +39 – 02 – 76 36 151 Fax: +39 – 02 – 78 36 18 bvigano@giorgio-vigano.it www.giorgio-vigano.it

VERONA COFIM IMMOBILIARE VR Stradone Porta Palio, 16/A 37122 Verona - Italy Tel: +39 – 045 – 800 11 99 Fax: +39 – 045 – 800 26 96 argentieri@cofim-immobiliare.it www.cofim-immobiliare.it

MARBELLA - COSTA DEL SOL DM PROPERTIES Los Portales - Avenida Ricardo Soriano 72-B, 1º P.O. Box 390, 29600 Marbella - Spain Tel: +34 952 822 853 Fax: +34 952 771 871 enquiries@dmproperties.com www.dmproperties.com

LIVORNO PAOLO DEL CHICCA IMMOBILIARE Via Montebello 40/42 57126 Livorno -Italy Tel: +39 – 0586 – 813567 Fax: +39 – 0586 – 813510 info@paolodelchicca.it www.paolodelchicca.it

VALENCIA RIMONTGÓ Gran Vía Marqués del Turia, 62 46005 Valencia - Spain Tel. +34 963 504 444 Fax. +34 963 504 445 valencia@rimontgo.es www.rimontgo.com

ROME LA COMMERCIALE SRL Lungotevere dei Mellini 44 00193 Rome - Italy Tel: +39 – 06 – 32 00 613 Fax: +39 – 06 – 32 18 100 lacommerciale@lacommerciale.org www.italian-network.it SARDINIA SANTA TERESA DI GALLURA IMMOBILSARDA SRL Via Nazionale 28 07028 Santa Teresa di Gallura Tel: +39 – 0789 – 754500 Fax: +39 – 0789 – 754371 immobilsarda@immobilsarda.com www.immobilsarda.com SARDINIA - PORTO CERVO IMMOBILSARDA SRL Piazzetta degli Archi, 2 07020 Porto Cervo - (OT) Tel. +39 - 0789 - 909000 Fax. + 39 - 0789 - 909022 portocervo@immobilsarda.com www.immobilsarda.com

SPAIN JÁVEA - COSTA BLANCA RIMONTGÓ Avda. Cristo del Mar, 21 03730 Jávea (Alicante) - Spain Tel. +34 965 791 035 Fax. +34 965 795 129 rimontgo@rimontgo.es www.rimontgo.com

SWITZERLAND GENÈVE CGI IMMOBILIER Rue des Bains, 35 CP 242 - 1211 Genève 8 Tel. +41 22 809 08 09 vente@cgi.ch www.cgi.ch LOCARNO WETAG CONSULTING IMMOBILIARE AG MANAGEMENT OFFICE Via della Pace 1 a 6601 Locarno - Switzerland Tel: +41 – 91 – 751 31 06 Fax: +41 – 91 – 751 96 38 info@wetag.ch www.wetag.ch ASCONA WETAG CONSULTING IMMOBILIARE AG Via Beato Berno, 10 6612 Ascona - Switzerland Tel: +41 – 91 – 791 29 20 Fax: +41 – 91 – 791 77 66 info@wetag.ch www.wetag.ch LUGANO WETAG CONSULTING IMMOBILIARE AG Riva Antonio Caccia, 3 6900 Lugano - Switzerland Tel: +41 – 91 – 994 68 51 Fax: +41 – 91 – 994 68 52 info@wetag.ch www.wetag.ch

JÁVEA / ARENAL - COSTA BLANCA RIMONTGÓ Paseo Amanecer, bl 9, local 10 03730 Jávea (Alicante) - Spain Tel. +34 966 470 983 Fax. +966 470 983 rimontgo@rimontgo.es www.rimontgo.com

VILLÆ 93

www.europeanrealestate.org

International collaboration gathers pace The previous edition of Villae International reported the conclusion of several significant international sales that came about as a result of the close cooperation between EREN members and the efforts they have put into developing both their websites and europeanrealestate.org into luxury real estate resources of international note.

Promoting such collaboration, and the important cross-national sales that result from it, is one of the prime objectives of EREN, and indeed one of its founding raisons d’être. “With the growing strength of our individual and joint websites, and the expertise we have built up in establishing a prominent online presence and placing a very userfriendly property search tool at our clients’ disposal, we have truly become an international reference for luxury real estate not only in Europe but other parts of the world as well” –says Giancarlo Bracco of Immobilsarda and Director of EREN. Some examples that are a direct result of this trend are the sale of a pretty lakeside grand estate in Lugano, a luxury penthouse in New York’s Upper East Side, a charming Tuscan Villa and a frontline golf apartment at Oliva near Valencia, Spain.

VILLÆ 94

This is a perfect example of the value that an International Network has for our clients as well as for our EREN members.

W

hen a Danish couple visiting Switzerland’s Ticino region started searching the net for suitable properties in the area to visit they found something truly enticing on the website of Inmobilaria Rimontgó. In this era of modern communications the fact that Rimontgó’s offices are in Valencia and Jávea, on Spain’s east coast, was not a hindrance. The couple used the Webchat option to get in touch with the Jávea office and inquire about a wonderful castle-like villa that had caught their eye.

The exchange of information was swift, efficient and to the liking of the Danes, who wanted to view the property. The problem was that they were only in Lugano for a very short stay and ideally wanted to see the lakeside estate that same afternoon. Alicia, their contact person at Rimontgó, promised to get on to it and contacted Wetag Consulting, the EREN colleagues on the ground and the Company representing the sellers of this property. Within an hour an appointment had been made by Sarah Valli from Wetag and that afternoon someone from the Lugano office was there to show the prospective buyers around the beautiful little castle property bordering the lake. Within a few more weeks the sale of a property originally listed at 30 million Swiss Franc had been concluded.

VILLÆ 95

T

he international collaboration also extends to EREN’s close associates in important markets such as the USA. One such case is the sale of a brand-new luxury penthouse property on 400 East 67th Street in New York, and it closely mirrors the Lugano transaction. In this case it was Rimontgó’s Valencia office that was approached by email with the request to arrange the urgent viewing of a property seen on its website. The senders were a Venezuelan couple on a whistle-stop visit to New York. The Valencia office got in touch with them immediately and arranged several viewings through local associates Halstead Property in the areas earmarked by the prospective buyers.

Halstead coordinator Ann Kiel took care of the viewings and though only in New York for three days the Venezuelan couple found their modern dream apartment when they visited The Laurel on the Upper East Side. The property listed at $2 million was deal within days and although not all property purchases can be this swift it shows both that cross-country cooperation between agents is fruitful, and that efficient property firms can respond to client’s needs with haste when required.

I

n a reversal of this Trans-Atlantic traffic, Florida-based agents Michael Saunders and Company sent Rimontgó the referral of an American gentleman who wanted to sell his luxury frontline golf apartment in Oliva, between Valencia and Jávea. The owner did not want to travel to Spain to take the matter in hand himself, but the property was listed on all five of Rimontgó’s multilingual websites, and within several weeks a Spanish buyer from Madrid contacted the company to request more information.

A little over two weeks later the interested party viewed the property and made an offer that was conveyed to the US and accepted. The owner gave Antonio Ribes Bas, Rimontgó Director, Power of Attorney and the sale was concluded and notarised less than a month later.

Thanks to efficient collaboration between the American and Spanish partners, the owner of the apartment was able to sell his property and receive its proceeds without even having to travel to Spain.

“It proves the value of the process that we have started through EREN,” says Mr. José Ribes Bas of Rimontgó in Spain and Director of EREN. “This system serves the collaborating agents, the vendors and above all the buyers, who enjoy greater autonomy of action and can inform themselves and make pre-selections before contacting the agent.”

“We will continue to invest our efforts in award-winning websites, because they enable us to project our selections of top-class property on an international level and communicate with clients directly, efficiently and in a way that is convenient to all. After many years of promoting this form of operating we are now seeing its results gather pace” -adds Mr. José Ribes Bas of Inmobilaria Rimontgó in Spain.

www.europeanrealestate.org VILLÆ 96

V

illa Punta Ala is a charming Tuscan panoramic villa which spans 600 square meters, including two large circular porches, two covered patios, and two terraces featuring stunning sea view.

Featuring the highest-quality finishes, the villa is real jewel set in the splendid scenery of the Tuscany Coast. Previously owned by a French aristocratic woman, the villa was sold in September 2010, to an Italian businessman, in record time of three months from the acquisition of the seller mandate.

This extraordinary result was achieved thanks to cooperation between Immobilsarda and Paolo del Chicca Immobiliare. The sharing of expertise and networks has enabled these important companies to create new synergies and to experience a new way of doing business, offering the customer a quicker and more efficient service.

The villa is located in an exceptional seaside neighborhood characterized by a vast pine forest, gorgeous houses, and an array of outstanding community services. This elegant villa comprises fivebedroom, seven-bath home and offers a lifestyle of superb comfort amid a beautiful Mediterranean setting.

On the main level, the expansive living-dining area, overlooking the garden and swimming pool, a kitchen and an office area are also found in this section of the residence.

On the first floor there are private accommodations: the master bedroom, a luxurious retreat offering sweeping ocean views and four additional bedrooms with their own baths.

Among impressive highlights are an outdoor dining area with a barbecue and relaxation space next to the pool, an ample twocar garage with storage, a video security system, a stone stairway leading to the ocean and a small private beach, and beautiful parklike surroundings spanning 7,000 square feet.

VILLÆ 97

INTERNATIONAL

“

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

”

Dr. Jonas Edward Salk

VILLÆ 98

Vicente

GRACIA BARNEYS NEW YORK Madison Avenue • OCTIUM KUWAIT Zahra Area • KABIRI Covent Garden SELFRIDGES (Wonder Room) Oxford Street • COUTURE LAB Mayfair LONDON Calle de La Paz, 4. 46003 Valencia. +34 963 510 618. www. vicentegraciajoyas.com

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