PERFECT
ISSUE 21
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INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE
OWN YOUR OWN PIECE OF PARADISE Little Pipe Cay is considered the jewel of the Caribbean but it will cost you $85 million!
There are plenty of reasons to love
WATERFRONT LIVING HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT A showcase of lesser known luxury communities
Here are our top 7 cities
INVEST IN PARIS
Now is the time to buy as investors flock back to the City of Lights
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Discover some of the world’s most exclusive real estate available for sale or rent including celebrity owned properties.
www.billionsluxuryportal.com Offering travel inspirations with news on luxury holiday homes, exclusive resorts and new hotel openings from around the world.
Browse our news of the latest watches and jewels released to market or discover 2
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priceless pieces being auctioned.
Billons Luxury Portal represents a window into the world of luxury presenting informative and interesting articles on the world’s most luxurious products and services and a providing a global market place for: • Luxury Cars • Superyachts for sale or charter • International luxury real estate for sale • Private Jets for sale or charter • Helicopters for sale • Luxury real estate for rental • Designer watches & jewels Billions Luxury Portal provides you with a unique opportunity to promote your goods and services to our readers composed of global high-net worth individuals. With over 25,000 daily unique impressions across thousands of pages our content gets yours message heard.
Billions Luxury Portal
REAL ESTATE | SUPER & MEGA YACHTS | SUPER CARS | LUXURY TRAVEL
connecting you to the world of luxury Billions is a dynamic online luxury portal that provides an all-encompassing guide to an affluent lifestyle including informative and interesting articles on the world’s most luxurious products and services from some of the most exclusive brands in the world. Billons Luxury Portal connects to all social media platforms, engaging and converting your message to attract more followers, impressions and conversions. To advertise with us contact info@billionsluxuryportal.com PERFECT HOMES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE
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I Our Regular Features I
contents
I New Features I
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Style News
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Your own private Island
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Interior News
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Waterfront Living
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London landlords
The warm weather is back! Which means our homes should reflect vibrancy and warmth A round up of what’s new within interior design and furnishings
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Knight Frank has launched one of the most impressive islands in the Central Bahamas Cities that combine fantastic waterfronts with generously sized parks, top-notch restaurants and cultural musts
are left thousands oput of pocket as rental properties take months to fill
100 Hidden Luxury Enclaves
A showcase of up-and-coming lesser known international luxury communities hidden in plain sight
128 So, you want to live in Paris
144 Celebrity House Hunting
Want to live like a superstar? Here we review the homes of the rich and famous currently for sale
174 International Property News
Presenting new property developments from around the world
Investors flock back as luxury property markets hit high notes
154 Homes in cycling heaven
Key property hotspots on the Tour de France route
180 Outdoor Trends
How to maximise sumptuous outdoor living spaces
CLEARVISION MARKETING SL www.clearvision-marketing.com | info@clearvision-marketing.com Perfect Homes International Magazine takes no responsibility for claims made in advertising or advertorial in this magazine. No part of Perfect Homes International Magazine may be reproduced or copied in any way without prior written consent. © ClearVision Marketing SL
Deposito Legal Nº MA 1386-2012
ISSN Nº 2445 – 0413 PERFECT HOMES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE
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FLORIDA OUTDOOR COLLECTION
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RODOLFO DORDONI DESIGN
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WWW.MINOTTI.COM
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Style News
The warm weather is back! Which means our homes should reflect vibrancy and warmth. This season’s colour trend focuses on green a playful, soothing or calming colour that can be strong or subtle able to make a gentle statement in any room. Travel is of course another major trend this season with inspirational themes taking us from the jungle to sun drenched tropical beaches...
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Go Green Whether dark or vibrant, green is representative of the season! Whether you plump for the drama of forest green, go for playful lime green accents or keep it classic with a sage-green sofa, green can be integrated into any living environment. In bright airy spaces, painting the walls in a flat matt forest green colour will help to reduce the glare projecting a mellower mood that’s perfect for a room you just want to relax in. To give a slightly darker room more zest mint is the perfect colour. Pair with denim blue, grey and mellow yellow it will create a refreshing vibe. For white purists simply adding differing shades of green plants to your white interiors will add a modern bohemian appeal – paired with black and white accessories this is a modern contemporary look.
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World Traveller
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This season, travel is also a big theme. But, you don’t have to actually jet around the world to look like an experienced globe-trotter. Moroccan-print rugs and lanterns, macramÊ wall decorations, or a framed map of your favourite destination can add an exotic, well-travelled touch. To dive into this trend, try mix-and-match chairs at your kitchen table, or weave in different textures like wood, metal, and fabric throughout a room. Rugs and pillows with exotic patterns also add a flair of world travel to any room.
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Take inspiration from tropical or safari-inspired interior with exotic motifs, tropical prints and citrus shades. Colour scheme should be reminiscent of a day on the beach with zesty tones of yellow, orange and green and choose statement pieces with bold prints and of course the must have motif – the pineapple. Tropical interior design can involve the use of many natural materials, such as wicker, rattan, bamboo and teak. You can also go tropical with fabrics featuring palm leaves, lattice prints and flowers. The great thing about tropical themed decors is that they can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Tropical Theme
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Minerals & Natural Fibres
Natural materials in design is a huge trend. As more global and environmental awareness issues become front and centre, people want to feel more and become aware of the beauty of nature’s minerals and the resilience of and sustainability of using natural fibres. Handmade furniture with materials such a rattan and wicker take centre stage. Look out for geode book ends, marble bowls, natural stones set into cement counters, and unpolished precious stones turned into door pulls.
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Tribal Custodian
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Celebrate a bright and heady mix of global traveling influences, decadent tribal patterns and bold colour combinations with this impactful summer trend. Vibrant graphic designs are printed and mixed together to form a dramatic look that is both striking and fun. The synergy between colour and textile design is at the heart of this trend. Designers are looking at traditional crafting processes and modernizing them with new materials and colour combinations to create something innovative and otherworldly. Textiles are a mixture of bright prints, rich weaved tapestries and hand dyed finishes. Walls are hand painted with visible brush strokes and raw edges. Key materials: textiles, wood, wicker, plastic, wire, silver, gold, printed ceramics and digital prints.
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Discover paradise this summer with
The luxury travel & lifestyle magazine Subscribe for free to receive a copy of this luxury travel and lifestyle magazine PLUS regular updates via our newsletter. Alternatively you can purchase a copy via Magzter.com
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www.millionaireescapes.com
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Bringing
LONDON property to the world
Sharing the global reach of the Harrods brand, Harrods Estates holds the key to the thriving London property market. The agency offers a broad range of services, dedicated Middle Eastern and Russian desks, as well as translators - including Mandarin speakers. Wherever a client calls home, they can access London’s most exclusive properties through Harrods Estates. • LONDON RESIDENTIAL SALES • LONDON RESIDENTIAL LETTINGS • ACQUISITIONS • NEW DEVELOPMENTS • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
KNIGHTSBRIDGE OFFICE: 82 BROMPTON ROAD LONDON SW3 1ER T: +44(0)20 7225 6506 MAYFAIR OFFICE: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44(0)20 7409 9001 KENSINGTON OFFICE: 48-50 KENSINGTON CHURCH STREET LONDON W8 4DG T: +44(0)20 3650 4600 NEW DEVELOPMENTS: 61 PARK LANE LONDON W1K 1QF T: +44(0)20 7409 9346
HARRODSESTATES.COM @HarrodsEstates PERFECT HOMES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE
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Established 1897
A Three-Bedroom Lateral Flat Directly Overlooking Eaton Square. Eaton Square, Belgravia SW1 • Entrance hall • Very spacious reception room • Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom
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GUIDE PRICE
£6,500,000 LEASEHOLD
Approximately 65 years EPC RAtInG
B
• Two further bedrooms • Dining room • Access to private gardens & tennis court
H A R R O D S E S TAT E S . C O M
COntACt
KnigHTSBRiDgE OffiCE +44 (0)20 7813 8044 jake.irwin-brown@harrodsestates.com
Established 1897
A Beautifully Interior Designed Two-Bedroom Apartment In This Exclusive Block. One Hans Crescent, Knightsbridge SW1 • Large reception room • Master bedroom with en-suite bathroom • Family bathroom • Balcony
GUIDE PRICE
£4,795,000 LEASEHOLD
Approximately 982 years EPC RAtInG
C
• Underground parking space • 24-hour concierge & security • Dining Room
H A R R O D S E S TAT E S . C O M
COntACt
KnigHTSbRiDgE OffiCE +44 (0)20 7225 6509 michael.harte@harrodsestates.com
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Established 1897
Voluminous Three-Bedroom Apartment on Park Lane. Park Lane, Mayfair, W1
GUIDE PRICE
£7,200,000 LEASEHOLD
Approximately 184 years EPC RAtInG
B
• A beautifully presented apartment • Approx. 2,897sq ft / 269.1sq m • Large kitchen with Miele appliances • Reception room with large French Doors
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• Light and tranquil garden • Sun room accessed directly from the master suite • Located moments from Hyde Park
H A R R O D S E S TAT E S . C O M
COntACt
MAyfAiR OffiCE: +44 (0)20 7409 9047 robert.cox@harrodsestates.com
Established 1897
A Grade II Listed Period Building in the Heart of Kensington.
GUIDE PRICE
£7,500,000 FREEHOLD
Hornton Street, Kensington W8 • Four beautifully presented apartments • Two three-bedroom mainsonettes • Two mid floor one-bedrooms
EPC RatInG
C-E
• Communal garden access • Ideal investment opportunity • Approximately 4,444sq ft / 412sq m
H A R R O D S E S TAT E S . C O M
COntaCt
KENSINGTON OffICE +44 (0)20 3650 4600 joel.hughes@harrodsestates.com
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Established 1897
A Beautifully Presented Two-Bedroom Home Arranged Over Four Floors. Old Brompton Road, Chelsea SW5 • Large open-plan double reception room • Spacious kitchen and dining room • Master suite complete with balcony
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GUIDE PRICE
£3,350,000 LEASEHOLD
Approximately 91 years EPC RAtInG
C
• Steam room • Wine cellar • Approx. 2,844sq ft (264sq m)
H A R R O D S E S TAT E S . C O M
COntACt
KENSINGTON OffICE: +44 (0)20 3650 4600 joel.hughes@harrodsestates.com
Established 1897
A New Development Combining Heritage With Contemporary Design. 50 Kensington Gardens Square Bayswater, W2 • 30 beautifully appointed apartments • One penthouse • Secure underground parking
• Located on an attractive garden square • CrossRail from 2020 is within easy reach • Close to the open spaces of Hyde Park
H A R R O D S E S TAT E S . C O M
GUIDE PRICE
£1,990,000 LEASEHOLD
Approximately 980 years ESTIMATED COMPLETON
Summer 2018 Contact
Christian DeMeillac +44 (0) 20 7409 9289 christian.demeillac@harrodsestates.com
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www.doryainterioRs.com PERFECT HOMES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE
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Knight FranK launches US$85m
Private island
to market
Knight Frank has launched one of the most impressive private islands in the Central Bahamas to market for US$85m. Little Pipe Cay is a jewel within the archipelago of the Exumas island chain, which has been the incredible cinematic backdrop of Bond films and Pirates of the Caribbean.
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Little Pipe Cay makes up one of 365 islands in the Exumas famed for pristine seas, deserted, pure white sandy beaches and sea full of marine life. Over the course of 15 years, the current owners have transformed the previously uninhabited 38 acres of island, to host five elegantly furnished houses for family and guest use, each designed with the same thoughtful attention: floor-to-ceiling windows frame the panoramic views and there is a light, airy feel throughout. There are also four private beaches as well several hundred feet of dock frontage to accommodate boats. Edward de Mallet Morgan, Head of Knight Frank’s Caribbean desk said, “It is a great privilege to be exclusively managing the sale of one of the most exciting real estate assets I have ever worked on. A true, once in a lifetime, incredible private island. Little Pipe Cay is what dreams are made of.” Located 70 miles south east of Nassau and 270 miles from Miami, the island is accessible directly by sea plane. For local amenities, Staniel Cay is less than three miles away by boat and ‘Pig Island’ Big Major Cay famed for its swimming pigs is less than two miles away.
Little Pipe Cay is on sale exclusively through Knight Frank for US$85m (approximately £64,496,300)
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View video here
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Interior
NEWS
Flower Power Chandelier
Following the incredible success of the first edition of Flower Power chandelier, entirely dedicated to tulips, VG New Trend has unveiled a new and sophisticated version where a family of white Phalaenopsis are protagonists of this original and scenic light source. This special and fascinating chandelier, which is exclusively custom made, consists of a large number of artificial white Phalaenopsis, or a choice of other types of flowers all created by VG, in between which Murano glass lamps with LED lighting are harmoniously placed. Flower Power is a ceiling luminaire designed for both domestic environments and contract spaces, to be used either as an ornament or as an efficient light source. For more information visit: www.vgnewtrend.it 32
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3D Designer Wall Coverings for Contemporary Spaces Lineadeko, developed by Inkiostro Bianco and Listone Giordano, is a collection of three-dimensional effect wooden surfaces, designed by Aldo Cibic, whose refined graphical and decorative impact is rich in striking elements inspired by nature as well as by geometry, and perhaps even by the wider world of the graphic and visual arts. The unique wall surfaces, even large ones, are engraved with elegant motifs and textures, for a marked tactile effect that lends a new identity to matter.These surfaces have a significant visual impact while providing extraordinary tactile sensations, velvety and soft to the touch. Thanks to their technical properties, they are suited to decorating, or better clothing a variety of rooms, from bathrooms to contemporary kitchens, as well as more complex projects in the sector of wellness or hospitality: offices, hotellerie, luxury yachting and public spaces.
Bloom Easy Armchair Inspired by a delicate blossom, Bloom by Kenneth Cobonpue is composed of hundreds of fine running stitches that radiate from the centre of the seat. Handmade in microfiber stitched over a fiberglass-reinforced top, Bloom sprouts from a revolving base made of steel. Invisible supports form shapes reminiscent of soft and graceful musical tones. Bloom sits on top of a steel base that provides a good counterpoint to its playful organic form. Materials: indoor: microfiber, resin, steel. Available in different finishes, colours and two versions.
The collection offers two large size and moulds surfaces with force and personality. The geometries and motifs are designed to leave room for new creative inputs, free to renew over time, following future trends in interior design and decoration. Lineadeko offers nine textures, whose different patterns evoke elements from the botanical world or geometric and linear motifs, unfolding in rhythmical and harmonious shapes. The laser engravings feature bold lines that are animated according to the observation point and the incidence of light, providing additional dynamism to the surfaces. All the structures are available in warm nuances that enhance their softness, emphasising the personality of the motifs. For more information visit: www.inkiostrobianco.com
For more information visit: www.kennethcobonpue.com
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Oasi - a kitchen under the branches Introduced during Eurocucina, Oasi is the new Aran Cucine project, designed by architect Stefano Boeri. More than just a functional furniture element: OASI is a one-piece kitchen unit / dining area able to contain all those characteristics of a traditional Italian kitchen. Starting from the classic layout of the free-standing kitchen island, OASI defines a simple single dining table-cooking block that houses all the essential elements of a traditional living space like the typical Italian kitchen. The square-shaped free-standing block that results from this is developed as a well-expressed multi-function technological device able to support all the phases of the food cycle – storage, washing, preparation, cooking, serving, consumption and recycling but with a a twist because at its core as a focal point is a fruit tree. The lemon tree functions as a spatial, mnemonic and symbolic reference point where familiar and convivial relationships gather round: an increasingly complex and variable network, able to change according to multiple life stories of the participants. This “ecological-kitchen” is however also versatile in the spatial sense. The top in solid Corian develops on two levels which thanks to a complex piece of engineering allows two symmetrical “wings” to flow smoothly on the opposite sides. The result is a double surface which can easily be used as a dining/breakfast table for a “variable-sized family” from three to nine people. For further information visit: www.arancucine.it
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Floral Fancy
British paint and wallpaper makers Farrow & Ball have unveiled their new wallpaper collection Atacama, Hegemone and Helleborus. Inspired by the latest trends in texture each pattern has a bold botanical design but with a modern twist Taking its name from the Greek goddess of fruit and flowers, Hegemone is wonderfully optimistic and looks almost as if it has been cut from paper. Less rigid and defined than a classic floral pattern, each colourful petal blooms freely in all directions. Inspired by a brightly coloured fabric found nestled in an old mill, Atacama has a playful tropical print. Named after the flowering South American desert, the intricate botanical design combines rich textures and delicate patterns. For its new collection, Farrow & Ball has experimented with a range of scales exploring the expressive trend of maximalism, creating its largest motif design yet, Helleborus. First drawn with a pipette for a sense of unrestrained fluidity, each petal feels as though it is unfurling on the wall. Latin for the hellebore flower, the organic pattern creates a sense of growth and rejuvenation, transforming the home into a warm and wonderful retreat. Throughout the collection, there is a tactile almost three dimensional finish to the wallpapers which is achieved by printing paint on paper, with each design available in seven colourways from soft neutrals and muted pastels, to striking colour combinations with metallic accents. The beautiful florals jump out of each print and help create the ultimate escape within our homes, transforming rooms into a wonderful retreat where we can feel safe, calm and inspired. For more information visit: eu.farrow-ball.com
Above: Atacama Collection. Below left: Hegemone collection.Below right: Helleborus Collection
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Savour the arrival of Summer with the Smania Outdoor Collection Smania expands its outdoor collection with new playful and colourful proposal with soft and sinuous lines this is the ideal collection for a summer of elegance. From sofas to lamps, side tables to armchairs, the Smania Amalfi outdoor collection knows how to transform a simple patch of grass into a relaxing oasis of paradise. The brains behind Smania’s outdoor furniture is Alessandro La Spada, who took his inspiration from the colours and essences of nature, combining them with sinuous and simple geometries. These details are supplemented by the elegant, expertly-processed fine materials. One example is the polyester webbing used to create weaves and light effects on the backrests of the Delos chairs, the Samos sofas and armchair, the Hydra armchair and the Evia chaise longue. The geometrical forms, the teak essence and the shades of the surfaces are the standout features of the dining tables and outdoor tables. The Capri table is enlivened with refined touches of the Nero Assoluto granite colours and Skiathos is illuminated by the glass top available in the Bronzo, Carob and Notte finishes. Smania’s outdoor furniture is completed with the Chios and Marrakesh floor and pendant lamps, and the alluring Cachepot and Cook series of vases with their clean designs: decorative elements that warm the atmosphere and embellish the summer panorama. Smania’s total outdoor look includes light and pure white shades that match perfectly with the natural grain of the wood and the shininess of the metals. This outdoor furniture is eye-catching and luxurious and reflects the style of the company: a refined aesthetic language, elegant and stylish, unaffected by the passing of time. For more information visit: www.smania.it
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Waterfront Living Some cities around the world are intrinsically tied to their harbours, coastlines and bays, their geographic location shaping the way they develop and how their residents interact with the urban landscape and with each other. The following cities combine fantastic waterfronts with generously-sized parks, top-notch restaurants and cultural musts, making them truly wonderful places to live, work and visit.
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Stockholm, Sweden Only one third of the Swedish capital is actually city: the rest is water and parkland spread across 14 islands in Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea. Much of the waterfront is easily accessible, from paths and pedestrian areas to the ferries that crisscross the archipelago. Since so much of Stockholm is on the water, almost every neighbourhood is close to the coastline. One of the most sought-after districts is hip Södermalm just south of Gamla stan, the medieval Old Town. Within Södermalm, SoFo (South of Folkungagatan) is known for its trendy shops, cafes and nightlife, and the area around Mariatorget is full of houses with lake views. Also very desirable is calm Kungsholmen, located across Riddarfjärdern bay from Gamla stan, and exclusive Östermalm to the northeast.
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The majority of residents own property, although the market is up, the International Monetary Fund recently warned that Sweden is in a housing bubble and warned against low-amortisation mortgages. A townhouse in a popular neighbourhood can cost anywhere from 21.5 million Swedish krona to 43 million SEK, and a less grand single-family house in a popular neighbourhood costs anywhere from 4.3 million SEK to 8.6 million SEK. Most of the available properties are condos and flats, and a typical two-bedroom flat costs around 4.3 million SEK. PERFECT HOMES INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE
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Sydney, Australia Sydney is synonymous with its harbour, home to such iconic structures as the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge as well as Bondi and Manly Beaches. In fact, it is the proximity to beaches that draws so many people from around Australia and the world, who move to the city for its easy going lifestyle, sophisticated culture, world-class restaurants, and of course, stunning views. “Certainly anything on the harbour front with a view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge or Opera House is seen, not only locally, but globally as being extremely desirable,” said Shayne Harris, head of residential at Savills Australia. “It is the reason why such high prices can be achieved for these properties when they do become available.”
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Blessed with riverfront, harbour-front or oceanfront settings, some of the city’s most popular areas include Vaucluse, north of Bondi Beach; leafy, upscale Double Bay and exclusive Point Piper, two adjacent areas on the south side of the harbour; and Hunters Hill, one of the city’s oldest residential areas, west of the harbour. These homes tend to be some of the most expensive in Sydney. There are no houses directly on the harbour but there are many apartment buildings with stellar views and equally stellar prices. The average house price in Vaucluse is $3.9 million, while in Hunters Hill it is around $1.1 million. In Point Piper, where there are huge estates and the average price of $19.8 million per estate reflects this.
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Hamburg, Germany
In addition to its large working port, this city on the Elbe River has more canals than Venice or Amsterdam and the most bridges of any city around the globe, more than 2,000 of them. Water is all around, as are green spaces and parks in fact. Areas near the water are very popular with home buyers, including the riverside districts of Blankenese and Othmarschen, located west of the city centre in the borough of Altona. Parallel to the river is Elbchaussee, the grand boulevard that runs west from the neighbourhood of Altona-Atlstadt out to Blankenese and is very desirable for its beautiful architecture and views. Around Binnenalster (Inner Alster) and Aussenalster (Outer Alster) – the two urban lakes – the area of Harvestehude is popular, as are Winterhude and Uhlenhorst for their central location. Hamburg is one of Germany’s biggest cities and is one of the top locations for real estate investments. The expected increasing demand for residential space, the high purchasing power of the residents and the growing population make this market attractive and rewarding for capital investors.
Many families look to live in peaceful Alsterdorf in the northeast because of its green spaces and good transport links to the city centre. One of the largest urban developments in Europe, HafenCity, was built right on the harbour, similar to London’s Docklands, and is popular for its location and modern infrastructure. A desirable waterfront house in these areas can cost as much as €15 million, while a 90sqm flat sells from €4,500 per square metre
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Nice, France Nice is a key player in the allure of the Cote d’Azur; the French Riviera jewel has been the playground of the rich and the privileged for more than a century. Along the seafront, the long curve of the Promenade des Anglais follows the beach, connecting the airport and the harbour, and is the perfect spot for people watching with views of the Mediterranean and the Old Town’s Belle Époque structures. In the summer, the super yachts moor nearby, adding to the glamour. “Be it a middle manager from Dusseldorf or a Russian oligarch, they all basically crave the sun in a safe environment, where you can access glitzy Cannes and Monaco or the olive groves and inland villages,” said Alex Balkin, a broker at Savills French Riviera. “Today, the high end of the market is dominated mainly by buyers from Eastern Europe.” Nice’s most popular areas to live are the Promenade des Anglais, the Quai des Etats-Unis (the boulevard fronting the Old Town), and the Boulevard Franck Pilatte to the east, due to their Mediterranean views and 19th-century architecture. Housing styles range from Belle Époque apartments to modern residences with swimming pools and downtown seafront houses. A mint-condition two-bedroom apartment in these sought-after locations costs between €400,000 and €800,000 euros.
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San Francisco The City on the Bay sits on a peninsula with the Pacific Ocean on one side and San Francisco Bay on the other. The Golden Gate Bridge soars across the mouth of the bay, connecting the city to Marin County, while the Bay Bridge connects to Oakland in the east. From the sea lions sunning themselves on the pilings at Fisherman’s Wharf to swimmers and strollers taking advantages of the many parks and promenades, life in this city is centred on the water. The many hills have astonishing views of the blue bay, skyline, and on some days, the fog rolling in. “Home buyers in San Francisco are willing to pay top dollar to have a glimpse of stunning vistas in neighbourhoods perched high atop the city,” said Betty Taisch, the San Francisco Association of Realtors president elect.
The Marina District, close to the Presidio and Fisherman’s Wharf, has access to waterfront activities such as swimming and sailing and the Aquatic Park Historic District, as do nearby Russian Hill and Presidio Heights. Many properties in these neighbourhoods have classic Victorian architecture, with views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. The average price for a single-family home in the Marina is $4.15 million, while the price for a condo is around $1.16 million. In Russian Hill prices range from $1.75 - $2.5 million. To the east, the new and up-and-coming neighbourhoods of Mission Bay and South Beach are vibrant and walkable. A condo in Mission Bay starts around $1.5 million. In the west of the city, the prices become slightly more affordable with the average price in Outer Sunset and Outer Richmond starting from $856,000
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Vancouver, Canada Beyond Vancouver’s snow-capped mountains, coastal forests and scenic waters lies a metropolis that has taken its place on the world stage. Vancouver has been chosen world’s “Most Liveable City” eight times by the Economist Intelligence Unit, and was host city of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. It’s one of Canada’s largest economic centres, North America’s gateway to the Pacific Rim, and its real estate is among the most desirable in the world
Located on the southwest corner of the mainland of British Columbia, Vancouver is bounded by the sparkling waters of Burrard Inlet to its north, the Fraser River to its south, and the Pacific Ocean’s Strait of Georgia along its western coastline. Many of the cities affluent residents live with in the Shaughnessy Heights area located west of Granville Street where the average house price is $3.09million, Kerrisdale another favourite area offering a mix of condominiums and townhouses averages $2.5 million.
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With its white beaches and azure seas, the West Coast of Barbados has always been the most expensive and fashionable part of the island for vacation homes. Exclusive villas and the grand mansions of the superrich hug the narrow palm-shaded beaches here, with sale prices reaching as high as $50 million. But as rarefied as this 12-mile, or 19 kilometre, stretch of coastline is, prices are now relatively low. Known for its relaxed lifestyle, tropical beauty and good infrastructure, Barbados underwent a building boom in the early 2000s, especially on the West Coast. But the 2008 global downturn hit the Caribbean hard, though Barbados fared better than most other islands
St James, Barbados
Still, prices dipped as much as 30 percent on Barbados over the following years. Depending on the area that you want to live, the house prices can start as low as $350,000 Barbados dollars and go right up to $2 million Barbados for a 3-bedroom house. With prices now levelling off, Barbados is an attractive real estate option for both locals and overseas investors with prices now almost back to 2008 levels. The most affordable it has been in years.
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Options for affordable waterfront living How to find a bargain in pricey communities without drowning in debt.
Even with recent dips in real estate prices, the cost of living on the water can make you gasp. But there are ways to own a place in waterfront communities without spending your kids’ inheritance. These simply tips are guaranteed to put you in flipflops and a bathing suit for less. • Check out neighbourhoods you might have once considered too pricey. Before the property crash some areas where simply “no go areas” unless of course you had won the lottery, however following the downturn many areas which were once overpriced have levelled off, they may still be more expensive that the average home but there are definitely bargains out there. One way to discover a bargain is to check out new developments, developers want to offload stock as quickly as possible so check out off-plan deals. TIP: Talk to area residents for leads on homes coming onto the market. • Buy a street or two away from the water’s edge. You don’t need to be on the water’s edge to enjoy the benefits of waterfront living, instead consider buying a property that has a great view; the cost difference can often be in the hundreds of thousands. Secondrow beach and lake homes drop dramatically in price, yet usually are only a few extra steps to the water, and there’s a plus to buying a little farther back: They may fare better when a big storm hits in terms of erosion”. TIP: Make sure when you buy that you have guaranteed water access.
• Go Urban. Urbanisations / condo’s or developments are traditionally good buys because developers can put more of them on a smaller amount of property, giving their investment a bigger payoff and passing some of the savings along to you the buyers. TIP: Don’t fail to factor in usual maintenance and homeowners association fees, when you calculate your payments. • Consider a duplex. Duplexes are particularly popular at the beach and are a great way to land a freestanding home at a lower price. Tip: If you have the bucks, buy both sides and rent out the other one for extra income. • Take your time and really look around. Once you have discovered the area you want to purchase in, scout around, there are always hidden pathways, tracks that once ventured down often lead to housing developments. TIP: Be patient and don’t forget to look for houses up for sale as part of an estate. • Don’t pass on older places or handyman specials. True, that 1970s-style kitchen with the harvest gold and avocado bath sets may give you nightmares, but you can use that as a negotiating point with the owners. TIP: Consult an interior designer of local handyman to see how much the work would cost to remodel before you sign on the dotted line.
If you crave living near water, there’s something for almost every budget you just have to research. Once you’ve found that special place kick back and watch the sun slip beneath the lake, river or ocean outside your door. 52
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