PORTFOLIO BY SAVILLS | VOLUME 6

BY SAVILLS | VOLUME 6 | 2023

NEW BEGINNINGS

BALEARIC IDYLLS / HOMES FOR HOBBIES / LIFE SWAP: FROM WEST TO EAST LONDON KIT KEMP’S DESIGN RULES / A MILL HOUSE REIMAGINED / PORTUGAL’S NEW WAVE

WHAT DO WE LOOK FOR IN A HOME?

Justin Marking Head of Global Residential

W hat do we look for in a home? Is it a cosy sanctuary or an elegant showcase for art and entertaining? An ambitious restoration project bringing a magnificent house or garden back to life (p36) or the kind of “turnkey”, highly serviced apartment (p10) that provides an effortlessly soft landing when we’re in the city on business? Perhaps all of the above – in different locations or at different phases of our lives. Our property requirements change over time; likewise our sentiments (although in times like these, we’re also inclined to count our blessings and agree there’s no place quite like home). At Savills we have been accommodating these changing requirements for our clients for almost 170 years now, but in recent years we’ve seen a much broader and deeper reappraisal of our property needs, as remote working accelerated a dramatic reimagination of the lifework balance for so many of us. This isn’t news, of course, but what’s clear to us at Savills is that this process is evolving – and looking through the contents of this issue of Portfolio, it’s apparent how this process of transformation and readjustment continues to play out in global prime property trends. The growing interest in homes in Portugal (p30), for example, illustrates the way that the old idea of a primary residence and a vacation or holiday home is increasingly blurred, while many of the cities that are performing well, such as Lisbon or Miami, are urban centres where we can do business, enjoy world-class culture and cuisine – and then head to the beach (p13). And perhaps those city-centre apartments with all the bells and whistles might be best enjoyed in combination with the kind of country homes where we cultivate our hobbies – and even vines (p18). Meanwhile, for many, the case for renting (p62) has seldom been stronger, with the increased flexibility this can offer in uncertain times. It was Le Corbusier who described the home as a machine for living, and while that might seem reductive, one thing’s for sure: it’s true to say that, now more than ever, we want our homes to work for us and for the lives we want to live.

FEATURES

8 FRONTISPIECE

The ideas, trends and products shaping our homes right now

16 HOUSE STYLE: KIT KEMP

The interior designer, tastemaker and co-founder of Firmdale Hotels on her signature style and the people and places that inspire her

18 HOMES FOR HOBBIES

House hunters are putting lifestyle first, and seeking out properties from which to pursue their passions, from fishing to wine growing

25 EAST VERSUS WEST

What happens when a confirmed west Londoner trades places with a colleague in the trendy East End? The results might surprise you

30 PORTUGAL’S NEW WAVE

As Lisbon tops Savills list of the best cities worldwide for executive nomads, we look at the country’s increasing allure to global relocators

36 NATURAL HISTORY

The romantic appeal of restoring a historic garden – and how on earth to go about it

FOR SAVILLS

BRAND AND MARKETING DIRECTOR

Victoria Bennett

CONTENT & ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR

Rebecca Coats

SPECIAL THANKS TO

Georgina Pearson, Niki Riley, Alice Storrie, Molly Williams

Scan the QR code to visit portfolio.savills.com

© Copyright 2023 Uncommonly Ltd. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers or Savills. The information in this publication is correct at time of going to press. All rights reserved. No material may be used in whole or part without the permission of Savills. While every care is taken in compiling content, Savills does not assume responsibility for effects arising from this publication. Computer-generated imagery has been used to illustrate some properties for indicative purposes only

For enquiries regarding Uncommonly, contact Sarah Glyde: sarah@uncommonly.co.uk

40 THE SAVILLS SEARCH

Savills agents’ know-how is put to a global test – finding a holiday home for a London family

44 THE NEW ARTISANS

We shine the spotlight on the master craftsmen whose skill and vision bring our homes to life

50 OWNER’S STORY: REINVENTING THE WHEEL

The trials and tribulations of transforming a dilapidated 300-year-old Surrey watermill into a striking contemporary home

56 A BOLD MOVE

For our writer, embarking on a new life, postdivorce, meant ditching the beige to embrace a bright new colour scheme – and future

EDITORIAL

EDITORS

Gill Morgan, James Collard

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Sara Redhead

DESIGN

Vanessa Arnaud, Jess Lee

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Sarah Glyde, George Thwaites

WRITER

Alex Moore

SUBEDITOR

Natalie Reed

ADVERTISING

Julia Carrick OBE

PRINTING & REPRO

Walstead, The Logical Choice

CONTRIBUTORS

CAROLINE DONALD

Caroline’s book The Generous Gardener featured interviews with owners from her years as gardening editor of The Sunday Times. She has curated talks by leading designers and horticulturalists at Hauser & Wirth Somerset, near her own small patch in Bruton. In these pages, she writes about how to restore a grand garden.

Cover image: architectural detail of swimming pool, Ibiza

58 BALEARIC BEATS

The islands of Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca are having (yet another) moment in the sun. But which is for you?

62 THREE GOOD REASONS TO RENT

Why rent when you could buy? Increasingly, people are making this choice. We find out why

64 INSIDER’S GUIDE: SINGAPORE

From cool districts to biophilic buildings, we reveal the best of the Southeast Asian hotspot

168 VITAL STATISTICS

What £3m buys you, from a luxurious ski chalet in the French Alps to an apartment with sea views in buzzing Miami Beach.

THE COLLECTION

From a stately home in the English shires to branded residences in the heart of London and villas in France, Spain and Portugal, feast your eyes on some of the world’s most remarkable homes.

70

STACEY DUGUID

Stacey was fashion editor of Elle for 11 years, before going freelance to write for newspapers and magazines including The Sunday Times Style. Her hugely successful column for The Telegraph detailed dating, motherhood and life post-divorce. For Portfolio, she writes about the challenges and joys of creating a new home for her new life.

ALUN CALLENDER

Alun is a renowned portrait and lifestyle photographer. His portrait of designer Zandra Rhodes was a recent winner of the Portrait of Britain awards. He shoots for magazines including House & Garden, Country Living and Tatler. For this issue, Alun went to Lewes to photograph flint knapper David Smith in his workshop.

LUCIA VAN DER POST

Lucia is a celebrated writer on style, design and luxury living and an associate editor of How To Spend It, the Financial Times’ luxury magazine, which she founded. In this issue of Portfolio, this long-standing west Londoner goes east, swapping locations with a colleague to explore life as an East Ender on the far side of town.

ALUN CALLENDER

THE WORLD’S LEADING INTERIOR DESIGN DESTINATION

120 SHOWROOMS + 600 LUXURY BRANDS

INFINITE INSPIRATION ONE ADDRESS

PERSONAL SHOPPING DESIGNER SOURCING EVENTS + TALKS + TOURS

FRONTISPIECE

TRENDS, INSIGHTS AND UPDATES FROM THE WORLDS OF PROPERTY, DESIGN AND LUXURY LIFESTYLE

HANG THE EXPENSE

Gilded hummingbirds, 3D Chinese pagodas, iridescent blossoms, monkeys hand-painted on silk… These are the exotic elements populating the extravagant landscapes of the latest handmade wallcoverings. And while minimalists might see these flamboyant designs as de trop, more and more of us are feeling the need to bring richly layered beauty into our homes.

“We love to think of ourselves as painters and our clients as designers,” explains Claud Gurney, founder of de Gournay, the best-known name in the world of hand-painted wallpaper, describing a manufacturing process which is often bespoke. “If we can help them design beautiful things that we create, then eureka! We have achieved success.”

Detail is all at de Gournay. Its intricate designs are all about storytelling, according to Gurney – and “people want stories”. The studio’s very first design was created back in 1986, and its chinoiserie wallcoverings are still painted using a two-brush technique onto paper-backed silk, a method that dates from the 18th century, with panels taking up to 120 hours to complete.

De Gournay’s spectacular papers adorn Kate Moss and Poppy Delevingne’s walls, as well as Cartier stores and Annabel’s nightclub in Mayfair, where interior designer Martin Brudnizki has opted for a bespoke version of Palms, adding tropical birds and big cats. The studio has also collaborated with stars from the world of fashion, including designer Erdem Moralioglu, as well as Edgardo Osorio (the founder and creative director of Aquazzura), who conceived Amazonia, a lush, chinoiserie-style rainforest populated by toucans, parrots and love birds.

“Why wouldn’t you want to surround yourself with gorgeous things?” says Rima Patel of Rima & McRae, a London studio specialising in applied arts for interiors, including hand-painted wallcoverings featuring lush tropical flora and fauna. Although they chime with the trend for richly detailed, maximalist interiors, “a lot of these designs aren’t actually over the top when you see them in a domestic setting,” Patel argues.

Rima & McRae’s client list includes the Trianon Palace at Versailles, London’s Langham hotel and the Four Seasons group, purveyors of the kind of modern luxury that is all about the handmade and the one-off. “What drives many of our clients is the idea of exclusivity,” says Patel. “Increasingly, too, people are asking about the materials we’re using and how sustainable they are. Handmade wallcoverings mean very little waste.”

British studio Fromental, founded by Tim Butcher and Lizzie Deshayes, specialises in hand-painted, collaged and embroidered murals on paper and silk – interior designer Sophie Paterson worked with them to create the Savills Salon at Masterpiece London in 2022. Their repertoire includes Braque, a cubist-inspired homage to the French painter, while a collaboration with Goop embellishes a cherry blossom grove with Gwyneth Paltrow’s “mythical symbols of transformation”, from birds and woodland creatures to cannabis and mushrooms.

“We like to have our finger on the pulse,” says Butcher, “but we believe beauty should transcend passing fashions. We want to enrich your every day.”

Above: Etienne, an exquisite hand-embroidered wall covering by de Gournay

ALL THE EXTRAS

Do you want to live in a building with its own cinema, spa, padel court and Pilates room? If the answer is yes, the perfect new home is sure to be coming your way. Leading developers around the world are engaged in a luxury arms race, attempting to outdo one another – and satisfy the ever-more exacting requirements of residents.

“A lot of it is about kudos,” explains Alex Christian, director at Savills London Private Office. “It’s about being able to say you live somewhere that’s got a cigar humidor or a snooker room. Even if you’ll never use them, you can have people around and show them these amazing amenities – it’s the swagger factor, really.”

At The Cortland NYC, for example, the facilities rival those of any five-star resort or private members’ club. On top of the screening room, pool and spa –facilities many of us have come to expect – this waterfront condo complex boasts an interactive VR room, children’s play area, a maker space with pottery wheels and 3D printers, yoga and Pilates studios, a treatment room, basketball and squash courts and a golf simulator lounge. These kinds of creative trimmings can be found in many of New York’s more luxurious apartment buildings. Lantern House, a stunning new development by Thomas Heatherwick, also in West Chelsea, offers a co-working lounge and organises outings for kids, while across the East River in Brooklyn, 11 Hoyt even has a sound-insulated music rehearsal studio.

Urban developments in London might lack the endless space afforded in cities like Dubai – whose fanciest new-builds can offer private beaches, in-house dog parks and yacht-club memberships – but in many cases, they’ve become more imaginative with their hospitality. Homeowners at the Milestone Hotel & Residences can enjoy private performances by members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Twenty Grosvenor Square is built around a communal “garden library”; and One Bishopsgate Plaza has created its own mindfulness studio. The latter, a new landmark tower in the heart of the City, brands itself as a home with hotel amenities. Expect five-star service: babysitting, grocery delivery, butler service, swimming coaching – essentially, anything you can dream up.

Above: A cinema room at The OWO Residences by Raffles in Whitehall, London. Below: The saltwater lap pool at 11 Hoyt, Brooklyn, New York

TRENDS

DOG BEDS GO LUXE

You know when high-end labels have missed a market gap when homage brands with names like Chewy Vuiton and Chewnel start popping up – the latter advertising quilted dog beds printed with Coco’s signature camellias and pearls. Virginie Viard may be yet to launch a line of doggy divans at Chanel, but other high-fashion brands are dipping a paw in the water. Versace is offering a hexagonal black-and-gold Barocco pet bed and Gucci is celebrating its “house menagerie” with a “joyful collection” of canine chaises longues in the brand’s signature Geometric G and Herbarium prints. Hermès, meanwhile, has a more understated take: a quilted-velvet cushion in its familiar Feu orange, surrounded by sheepskin and handmade in Switzerland.

The trend for bedtime luxury is nothing new. The late Queen Elizabeth II furnished each of her corgis with its own wicker basket, with a mattress “raised an inch or two above the floor to escape the draughts”, according to one report – and the bed sheets were changed every day. The high-fashion iterations of the dog bed, however, are distinctly 2023.

In January, Florence’s Pitti Uomo menswear show launched PittiPets, an “exclusive space dedicated to the world around dogs and cats” – though its designer beds could look too flashily fashion for a Home Counties pup. A muddy English lab or springer might prefer a luxury Barbour mattress, with a waxed cotton shell and tartan lining, or a basket from Le Chameau, to “tie in with your favourite wellies by the back door”.

For the designer dog about town, ecommerce site mrporter.com offers a stylish selection, from Pendleton’s Kuddler bed in National Parks striped print to Loro Piana’s Mélange in soft black cashmere with contrast piping. Chelsea emporium Mungo & Maud’s hand-woven bed in Chocolate Italian leather looks not dissiilar to a Bottega Veneta handbag – and has a price tag to match. But for understated elegance, it’s the leader of the pack.

TECHNOLOGY BEST CELLARS

How best to store your wine and how best to serve it are the twin challenges faced by any serious oenophile. But technical innovations are providing some ingenious solutions to these age-old problems. If your collection has outgrown the wine rack and wine wall and has now taken over the cellar, maintaining optimum conditions there will be key. Companies such as Winesor provide smart sensors that notify you via an app should a specified temperature and humidity be breached.

If the collection expands to exceed the confines of the property, a professional cellarage service will be called for. Here, too, high-tech solutions are opening up new possibilities. Baxus, a New York-based startup, stores your wine in climate-controlled vaults in the US and France, and will ship it to you on demand. It also creates an NFT for each bottle to provide indisputable proof of ownership – and allow you to show off your collection even when you don’t have the bottles to hand. Alternatively, you could hire a specialist to create a bespoke cellar. London-based Spiral Cellars will bore a hole in your kitchen floor, into which they’ll fit a spiral staircase and built-in “bins” to house your collection. A depth of three metres should be enough for 66 bins or up to 1,600 bottles. And the striking signature glass door (pictured), means you can channel 007 every time you go to fetch another cuvée.

Storage, however, is only half the battle. To do your expertly preserved wine justice, as much thought ought to go into serving it. Decanting allows a wine to breathe, enhancing the flavour by softening the tannins – a process that takes at least half an hour and often far longer. But a simple gadget can speed things up immeasurably. Vinturi’s handheld aerator increases a wine’s oxygen exposure, enhancing its bouquet in the seconds it takes to pour. For even better results, try vSpin, an electric aeration system that creates a gentle vortex within a decanted wine, increasing the surface area of the liquid exposed to air. It promises four hours of decanting in less than four minutes. As wine writer Lauren Eads says: “A temperature-controlled cellar will always be a sound investment and high-quality wines will always benefit from a period of aeration. Both make the storing and serving of wines a more pleasurable experience.”

Above: The Wimbledon-based company Spiral Cellars specialises in creating show-stopping storage to keep your wine collection in optimum conditions

PRETTY TASTY

Savills long relationship with the Chelsea Flower Show has entered an exciting phase this year, with a sponsored garden that ingeniously brings to life the plot-to-plate theme. The “edimental” garden, created by Chelsea’s most decorated designer, Mark Gregory, incorporates a working kitchen from which chefs can serve up dishes made using food grown within the plot.

The edimental style is about planting with purpose, reinvigorating the potager, combining edibles with ornamentals and creating a visually appealing productive space. “I wanted to create a garden that is a vision for the eye as well as a feast for the palette,” says Gregory.

At a time of increasing concern about food security, a kitchen garden encouraging aesthetically pleasing self-sufficiency feels especially relevant. Herbs such as fennel, bay and sage frame a secluded sunken dining area, strengthening the connection between diner and produce. Sam Buckley, a young British chef known for his sustainable approach, was chosen to head up the kitchen.

If the thinking behind it is serious, the garden itself is playful. Gregory is renowned for “theatrical offerings with touches of realism”. In this case, the mechanics of the working garden are out on display, with details such as a newly dug bed and freshly harvested plants. Sustainability is embedded into every aspect of the design. Gregory opted for environmentally sensitive landscaping materials from his native Yorkshire, and at the end of show, the garden moves on to the next phase of its life cycle. Working with the national charity Shaw Trust, Savills is donating the garden to a residential home for young people in Nottinghamshire, where it will help inspire a new generation of gardeners and cooks.

While bespoke shoe storage is something you’d expect to find in a high-end dressing room, a dedicated spot for an Oscar is a little more unusual. “The client hadn’t won yet,” explains celebrity interior designer Naomi Astley Clarke, “but they were determined, so I planned the perfect spot to showcase a statuette in anticipation of a future win.”

Even if an Academy Award isn’t on the cards, a well-designed dressing room is the ultimate luxury. “There’s a sense of indulgence behind the idea of a room dedicated to dressing,” says Felix Milns, co-founder of architectural joinery company HUX London. “An understanding of how a client dresses is important at the planning stage. Do they have lots of gowns? Is it a dressing room for one or should it deliver for a couple?”

Mirrored, glazed or panelled closed storage with ample drawer space is recommended, although some clients prefer open rails. “They must be kept tidy,” warns Astley Clarke. “On occasion, I run a rail along the front of a closet as a place to hang evening dresses before an event, or to plan outfits for the following day.”

Backlit open shelving works well for displaying shoes or bags, while a solution more commonly found in the kitchen has migrated into dressing rooms. “An island can provide glass-covered storage to showcase jewellery or watches,” says Milns. “We often illuminate the contents, then incorporate extra storage underneath. Inserts in leather or suede are popular, and snakeskin can look incredible. The most outlandish storage we’ve created was in an Orient Express style, designed to look like vintage trunks.”   Requests also include dehumidifiers seamlessly integrated into the joinery, soft carpet underfoot, flattering task and decorative lighting, plush ottomans for 360-degree seating and hand-painted wallpaper and murals. “In a dressing room where wall space is at a premium, you can even decorate your ceiling,” says Astley Clarke. “I like metallic designs as the reflection can lift even the darkest of rooms.”

Above: a dressing room by HUX London

SAVILLS RESEARCH THE LIVEABLE CITY

Dubai, Miami and Milan are among the cities leading growth in the prime residential market. Why are they performing so well? “The pandemic brought a reset in terms of wellness and liveability,” says Paul Tostevin, head of Savills World Research. “It was a trend that was already there, but it has accelerated.” Each of the cities documented in Savills 2023 World Cities report where the value of prime residential property grew in 2022 and is forecast to grow further this year has its own particular character. But there is a common thread of liveability appeal for these top 13 international locations.

Many are cities that, Covid restrictions notwithstanding, have consistently been celebrated for being distinctly liveable, combining career opportunities with the chance to spend time immersed in nature or culture. The top performers include Dubai and Singapore (where prime residential markets are forecast to grow between 6 and 7.9 per cent in 2023), Miami and Milan (4-5.9 per cent) and, to a lesser degree of growth, Lisbon and Paris (both up to 1.9 per cent).

“The pandemic also opened up the opportunity for higher-level executives to spend some time living abroad, perhaps in their second home or renting in a new place,” says Tostevin. “That really benefited some beach destinations and also city locations, such as Lisbon. Those cities that have the sweet spot between quality of life, whether it’s access to the beach or to the countryside, and city vibrancy have done particularly well.”

Tostevin cites Miami as “a great example that has seen spectacular growth both in its rental and sales markets. You’ve got migration within the USA – people have moved from the colder northeast of

the country to take advantage of the weather – and also the business benefits of lower taxes there.” And when the working week is done, life’s a beach – perhaps a private one, depending on your club memberships. That outdoorsy glamour is complemented by the city’s cultural weight, including the acclaimed Miami City Ballet company and galleries that host one of the world’s biggest art weeks.

Dubai serves as an important regional business hub, as well as offering show-stopping mega-museums and statement fine dining in its luxury hotels. “Diversity of demand has certainly helped,” says Tostevin. “There is an established domestic market but Dubai is also pulling in high-net-worths, digital nomads and executive nomads. And it is maturing as a city, with ever more of an offering.”

In most other cities in the report, domestic markets have driven growth, but in the case of EU cities such as Milan, that can be extended to migration within Europe. Tostevin also notes: “Italian cities do tick those liveability boxes – they have the restaurants and all the cultural and social offering, and in the case of Milan also easy access to the lakes and mountains.”

Overall, speculation in recent years about the death of the city has not been borne out, even if some homeowners, including many highnet-worth individuals, are working and enjoying downtime in different locations than they used to. “Even with their challenges,” says Tostevin, “cities live on.”

View the Savills Prime Residential Index: World Cities at savills.com

THE INFLUENTIAL BRITISH INTERIOR DESIGNER KIT KEMP’S EXUBERANT STYLE RUNS THROUGH HER HOMES AND HOTELS

HOUSE

STYLE KIT KEMP

The designer, tastemaker and co-founder of Firmdale Hotels divides her time between homes in South Kensington and Hampshire, and a tropical retreat on Sandy Lane, Barbados

I LOVE NEW YORK because all your dreams can become a reality there or be dashed in a moment. Anything could happen, and the next day, New Yorkers would just be up and working again.

I WOULDN’T HAVE ANYTHING IN THE HOTELS that I wouldn’t want in my own home. We always think about the five Cs – colour, comfort, craft, character, curation.

FABRICS TELL SO MUCH OF A STORY. We design a lot of our own textiles, and our designs have a character all of their own – a certain handwriting – so our collaborations are with people who understand that. Our design ethos has an instantly recognisable personality. It’s a bit like Marmite – you either love it or hate it.

IT’S ALWAYS GOOD TO HAVE A FOCAL POINT in a room that says something about you. And if it’s something handmade, it opens a conversation and has a beauty to it.

ONCE I’VE FINISHED A SCHEME AT HOME, I don’t touch it for about four or five years. I’m not a constant tinkerer.

I THINK INTERLINKING SPACES ARE SO IMPORTANT – hallways, staircases. If you can make all those areas inbetween have a voice and an atmosphere, you’ve doubled the size of your building. Rooms in a house should speak to one another, but all have their own character.

I LOVE TO HAVE A WINGED CHAIR in the kitchen – ideally with a dog on it. The kitchen is the heart of the house.

WE’RE VERY LUCKY TO HAVE THE DESIGN CENTRE CHELSEA HARBOUR in London, because there are so many companies all in one space. I always visit the showroom of Pierre Frey for wonderful fabrics, wallpapers and rugs.

I LIKE TAKING PIECES OF FURNITURE and turning them into something else. We use Tess Newall, who will paint anything and who has a good sense of colour.

WE BUY A LOT OF ORIGINAL, INTERESTING ART – artists such as Breon O’Casey or Lucy Kemp-Welch, who was working at the beginning of the 20th century. And, of course, Bloomsbury. I was able to buy quite a lot when it was out of favour – Duncan Grant, Vanessa Bell, Henry Lamb, Roger Fry.

Clockwise from top left: Kemp; a lamp by Tess Newall; Ozone, a Kemp fabric design; illustration by Lucy Kemp-Welch; rug by Pierre Frey; a Kemp living room; Charleston, the Sussex home of the Bloomsbury set; a Kemp display at WOW!house 2022 at Design Centre Chelsea Harbour; Kemp’s Mythical Creatures cushion

HOMES FOR HOBBIES

Words by Anne Ashworth

Country properties that offer the possibility of fishing, wine-growing or horse riding are in high demand as buyers reassess their priorities and put their passions first

OUR HOMES MEET MANY NEEDS: they are places of shelter and repose, spaces in which to express our personal taste and assets that should appreciate in value. And for some of us, they are also places in which to develop and pursue a much-loved hobby.

If this hobby is fishing, horse riding or cultivating a vineyard with a winery, only certain locations will suit. Anyone aspiring to become a winemaker of note, for example, will need to seek out a property that has south-facing slopes and decent drainage, and is at most about 100 metres above sea level. Yet despite such exacting requirements –and the responsibilities associated with any type of estate – properties that allow you to pursue such a passion are much sought-after by UK-based and international purchasers. Americans can be particularly intent on the search for these opportunities in the British Isles.

As Phillippa Dalby-Welsh, director of the Savills Country Department, says: “There is not enough choice of these kinds of homes right now. The new registrations from buyers with budgets in excess of £5m at the start of this year have been higher than in any other year, and there are also buyers who have been looking for several years, who are yet to find the property that sufficiently meets their

requirements.” During the pandemic, there was a huge focus on homes that facilitated remote-working, but this is now shifting towards places where you can also easily pursue your passion. In some cases, the aim is to turn the hobby into a side hustle – a second line of work that could grow into becoming a full-time business. Dalby-Welsh senses that the hobby-homes trend stems from higher expectations of what a country property can deliver on every front. “People are asking themselves ‘how creative can we be with this place?’” she says. “When buying a substantial country property, there is the hope of investment upside, but lifestyle will always be the primary aim.”

For the eco-conscious house-hunter with a multimillion-pound budget, a key part of this lifestyle might involve the preservation of their own slice of rural Britain and its ecosystem. The ideal home for such a buyer will come with “natural capital” resources. Deer and grouse may roam the hillsides and moors of a large estate in the Highlands – an owner looking to exploit the estate’s potential may be able to plant trees or restore peatlands for carbon sequestration.

As William Hawes, head of Savills Natural Capital Scotland, says: “Being able to contribute towards mitigating the climate crisis – by

ACQUIRING A VINEYARD WITH THE AIM OF TURNING OUT BOTTLES BEARING YOUR OWN LABEL REQUIRES TRUE DEDICATION AND CONSIDERABLE PATIENCE

enhancing nature, increasing carbon sequestration and reducing emissions – offers both community and environmental benefits.” The carbon credits produced by these activities can also be set against carbon emissions from corporations.

The desire to be closer to nature is the reason many are drawn to properties with water. For some, the lure is the sight of the sun shimmering on a chalk stream stocked with trout; for others, it is the tranquillity afforded by a lake or riverside setting, where one can enjoy watching and listening to nature. We have received requests for properties with a lake or river for wild swimming, too, and some clients have created fabulous watery habitats from scratch using a variety of materials and inventive water-recycling systems. There is also the potential commercial angle that comes with owning water, whether that be granting a licence to a fishing club, hosting sailing events or creating a waterside wedding or events venue.

If you are the proprietor of a vineyard, however, you will be hoping for such success at your endeavour that you join the club of celebrated small wine producers. George Clooney and Sting are among the stars who have snapped up wine estates, while the Delevingne sisters, Cara,

Opposite: practicality should be top of the list if you are seeking an equestrian home. Above, from top: the romantic pull of vineyards and winemaking estates is strong – in Europe, the Americas and, increasingly, the UK. Previous spread: the modernist stables at the polo player Nacho Figueras’s property outside Buenos Aires

Poppy and Chloe, have launched their own brand of prosecco. But acquiring a vineyard, with the aim of turning out bottles bearing your own label, requires true dedication – and considerable patience.

Jeremy Rollason of Savills says: “It is not something on which you can embark on a whim. You have to be driven by a passion for wine. Fortunately at Savills, we take on clients when they have moved out of the zone of contemplation and into the realm of decision.” He says he is currently seeing interest from buyers who want a UK vineyard – to become part of Britain’s nascent wine industry – another in France and maybe also one in America or South Africa.

Whether they buy one vineyard or several, they must be ready for hard work for “there are a lot of moving parts,” as Rollason puts it. Wine growing comes with all the pitfalls associated with farming: the vagaries of the elements, a finite supply of suitable land, fluctuating supply and demand, pests and regulations. The process itself has changed little over the millennia, although technology has aided it in many ways, with steel vats for fermentation, for example.

“If you are embarking on wine growing, it will be two or three years before you see a decent harvest, and perhaps five to seven years

‘IT IS ABOUT THE TRANQUILLITY OF A LAKE OR RIVERSIDE SETTING, WHERE ONE CAN ENJOY WATCHING AND LISTENING TO NATURE’

DAVID GOWANS / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

before the grapes achieve the necessary roundness of flavour,” Rollason notes. If buying an existing operation, the know-how of the current owner is invaluable, so hiring that person or a senior manager for a period is useful.

However, Rollason says that one set of clients who bought a French vineyard achieved results by “just reading books”. The viticulture specialists at Savills who advise on the feasibility of projects cite the books and website of Stephen Skelton (englishwine.com). His Twitter (@spskelton) is full of his observations on vine rootstocks and other crucial topics.

More and more people are turning the dream into a reality in Britain. As figures from the trade body WineGB show, the UK now has 897 vineyards, with 3,758 hectares under cultivation – an area that has more than doubled in the past eight years. Some have just six vines, others are extensive flourishing enterprises: the largest 100 producers control about 75 per cent of the country’s total wine production. Sparkling wine accounts for more than 70 per cent of output, because the British climate favours the chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier grape varieties. The main areas of production are Kent, West Sussex, Hampshire, East Sussex and Surrey.

Among those on the hunt for a suitable site in these counties are the grandes marques of the Champagne region in northern France, who are branching out from their traditional area of cultivation in the 132 square miles around Épernay and Reims. These growers are boosting supply of their product, and readying themselves for the impact of global warming. Their presence means that for anyone who wishes to excel at their winemaking hobby, there is the chance to learn from the greats in the game.

As for prices, Rollason cites an old saying: “To make a small fortune from a vineyard, first you need a big one.” Land values vary enormously. An investor might expect to pay about £50,000 per hectare for wine-producing land in South Africa, at least double that for an AOC appellation in Provence and in excess of £900,000 per hectare in the Champagne region. Vineyard values in the UK typically range from £50,000 to £75,000 per planted hectare, but can be more for the better-known, high-quality estates.

The notion of the hobby vineyard – especially one in England – might still sound exotic. But homes with equestrian facilities have long been a staple of British country life and remain popular. Important practical considerations for buyers of such estates include good security and HGV-friendly approach roads. Louise Harrison, director of national farms and estates at Savills, also suggests seeking out a property on a free-draining chalky soil. Choose clay and your expenditure on drainage could dull your enjoyment, while raising your maintenance bills.

However, the factors to consider will change if you are searching for a home with horse-riding facilities outside the UK. Those hoping to spend more time in the saddle in Spain, say, should choose their region carefully. According to Alexander Vaughan of Lucas Fox, equestrian properties in the north of the country should suit those who like to ride on steep mountain paths, whereas estates on Ibiza and Menorca offer wonderful views and “expansive horse-riding acreage”. If you head south to Andalucia, you might be able to improve your equestrian skills at the Real Escuela de Arte Ecuestre, the famous horse-riding academy in Jerez, or at the polo clubs of Sotogrande, the upmarket resort on the Costa del Sol.

You may well conclude that you will never ride with as much style and daring as a top polo player, but you can dream – which is what acquiring a hobby home is all about, after all.

THE MILL HOUSE AND FARM, near Devizes, Wiltshire, is an extensive equestrian estate with six stables, a tack room and feed and grooming area; £5.75m, Alex Lawson, alawson@savills.com

OXTON MERE, outside Exeter in Devon, has a huge lake set in grounds of 19 acres, making it ideal for fishing enthusiasts; £3m, Tom Bedford, tom.bedford@savills.com

KINGSCOTE ESTATE VINEYARD, in West Sussex, boasts 60 acres planted with vines, a winery and a two-bedroom cottage; £4.75m, Chris Spofforth, cspofforth@savills.com

Opposite: Opportunities for fishing are bait for many buyers of rural estates

EAST VS. WEST LONDON

London’s centre of gravity has shifted steadily eastwards over recent decades, adding a sheen of cool and more than a dash of luxe to the East End’s post-industrial patina. Yet for many, Kensington and Chelsea still reign supreme in their elegant stuccoed glory. Portfolio tasked two writers to try life on the other side of town, with Lucia van der Post heading east, and James Collard going west – in parallel voyages of urban discovery.

LUCIA VAN DER POST

HEADS EAST

WHEN I FIRST ARRIVED IN LONDON in 1958, my stepmother, who lived with my father in Chelsea, told me firmly that “nobody, but nobody, lives north of the Park”. Very soon, I met the man who became my husband and quickly realised that her words seemed to be true – almost all his university friends, all on the bottom rungs of their working lives, lived in or around Chelsea. About 40 years later, we moved to Kensington, and as time went by, a few of our friends emigrated to Highgate or Hampstead. Islington and Canonbury gained a certain cachet, but as for the East End – Bow and Hackney, Shoreditch and Bethnal Green – these were merely names on the map, as mysterious as Timbuktu.

Today, of course, all is changed. Read the restaurant reviews – food being as good an indicator of change as almost anything – and it is obvious these days that much of what is hip and happening is in east London. See the crowds flocking to Max Rocha’s Café Cecilia, or stroll down Hackney’s Broadway Market where countless varieties of “heritage” tomatoes are on sale – more than at Whole Foods in Kensington, I note. Fin & Flounder is as smart a fish shop as any in west London, selling oysters and shrimps by the bucketload. Thankfully, a fish-and-chip shop can still be found lurking between stores serving up croissants or freekeh, ethically sourced coffee and free-range chickens (more expensive, it seems, than Holland Park’s C Lidgate).

When I wander around the squares and terraces of Kensington, there is an air of comfortable, settled prosperity. Though there are equally beautiful squares and terraces in the East End, the vestiges of its industrial past linger and lend an air of both character and grit – the canal looms large, old warehouse buildings make wonderfully airy apartments, and the pubs still convey something of the past in their names and signage.

I always feel the quintessential female inhabitant of Kensington’s fine houses has a slightly bohemian air, with her dresses from The Cross, bicycle by Pashley, food from Planet Organic or Ottolenghi. Wander around the East End and the prevailing uniform is different – baggy trousers, Air Force 1s, a bit more of an edge, perhaps, and a certain brand of cultivated scruffiness seems to be the look. A trip down Redchurch Street in Shoreditch reveals fine clothing brands such as Sunspel and APC side by side with Labour and Wait, the long-established purveyor of hip utility goods and homeware, as well as a branch of Cecconi’s Italian. All in all, it is a beguiling mix – the old is present enough to give it a certain character, while there is enough of the new to cater to the stylish tastes of the recent arrivals.

Could I live here? If I were young and starting out, I’d love it. Today it’s a different story – my friends and my life are rooted in the west. The two parks on either side of our house, the terraces and squares where I’ve walked for years are in my bloodstream. My tennis club, my book club, the shops I’ve known and loved for many a long year, the fish shop on Golborne Road, the aesthetician on Portland Road – all these things make up some of the fabric of my life, and giving them up would be like tearing away a little piece of my soul.

From top: the Bethnal Green gasholders and Regent’s Canal are part of the East End’s industrial landscape; Max Rocha’s Café Cecilia. Shellfish from Fin & Flounder; the Chinese Pagoda at Victoria Park; Climpson & Sons coffee shop on Broadway Market, Hackney

MUCH OF WHAT IS HIP AND HAPPENING IS IN EAST LONDON

MAUREEN M EVANS

JAMES COLLARD

GOES WEST

IT MUST BE 30 YEARS since I’ve been here, I realise, walking through Portobello and recalling an early west London phase of my life in the capital, living off Fulham Road and working at the Conran Shop. But since the late 1990s, I’ve been an East Ender – living in London Fields, Haggerston, Dalston and leafy De Beauvoir (over the border in N1) before settling in Bow, by Victoria Park. Yet as I explore the postcodes of Ws 8, 10 and 11, I realise my earliest recollections of London are of the west. On Portobello, the brick building housing the Spanish Institute used to be the convent where we’d visit a Dominican friend of my mum’s. And as a wide-eyed young provincial, I’d been taken by my older brother, Mark, to see the Biba boutique on High Street Ken’. Today, I spot a large M&S there – less glam, but more useful, I decide, while enviously clocking a Waitrose, too, these being thin on the ground on my side of town.

Strange how we become hefted to a patch of London. Exploring Golborne Road, it’s actually the similarities between this area and my East End that stand out. Artisanal carpentry?

Tick. (Goldfinger in W10, Lozi in E2.) And artisanal bakers? Ditto. Likewise vintage stores. Designer specs? For Cubitts on Portobello Road, take Jimmy Fairly on Broadway Market. I even see a Cockney’s pie & mash shop, a close relative of two near me – though instead of Hoxton’s countless Vietnamese restaurants, here there are Portuguese cafes.

Also holding true across the east-west divide is how markets like Portobello, Broadway and Columbia Road drive gentrification – an effect not yet evident “down the Roman”, Bow’s traditional East End market, apart from in Vinarius, my local enoteca. The topography feels the same, too – that mix of Victorian terraces, 1960s council blocks and pubs turned into gastropubs; of rough-around-the-edges and smooth, of smart and scruffy. But when west London goes smart, it goes vertiginously so. Like that moment when quirky, gritty Portobello Road meets Chepstow Villas – and suddenly it’s all haute-bourgeois stuccoed grandeur. To me, much of west London feels resoundingly swish.

“Ed Sheeran lives down there,” said the cabbie I’d hailed outside Notting Hill Gate Tube. He swiftly explains the lay of the land, pointing out where the celebs and the American expats live – and where they probably wouldn’t want to. But what about me – could I go west?

On Kensington Church Street, I ponder what it might be like to live in one of those handsome Edwardian mansion blocks, cocooned in comfort and all the soft furnishings people seem to go for in the Ws – judging by the umpteen upmarket fabric and upholstery shops that abound on this side of town. Given that I’m now far too old for the boîtes of Dalston and Hackney Wick, might I be happy here – pootling along to Clarke’s for supper? To be honest, Golborne Road and supper at Straker’s would be a better fit. But then it occurs to me, supper with who exactly? I’ve only got one or two friends in west London – I’ve probably got more friends in Paris or New York. Friends, surely, are what keeps us attached to our patch of London. And the west, as they say, is another country.

From above: Alice’s, a quirky antiques and vintage shop on Portobello Road; colourful terraced houses in Notting Hill; the Dutch Garden in Holland Park

WHEN WEST LONDON GOES SMART, IT GOES VERTIGINOUSLY SO

Interior

Alresford | Broadway | Chichester | Harrogate | Knutsford | Marlow

Marlborough | Saffron Walden | Salcombe | Sherborne | Tunbridge Wells

Design Bespoke Cu ains & Blinds

PORTUGAL’S NEW WAVE

The past decade has seen the Iberian country go from faded grandeur to high-tech hotspot, luring international relocators with a heady mix of historic charm, sunny lifestyle and tax incentives

Words by Cathy Hawker

PORTUGAL HAS BEEN KNOWN throughout history as a nation of explorers. Today, that process is happening in reverse as the world comes to Portugal, eager for a warm-weather, business-minded lifestyle with attractive fiscal opportunities. And in return, the country has prepared a warm welcome.

This has long applied to the British. Portugal and Britain have the oldest official alliance in the world – a proud 650 years of peace and cooperation between two maritime powers on the western fringes of Europe. Over the centuries, connections between the two countries have been forged from the bodegas of Porto to the golf courses of the Algarve. And while the British passion for Portugal endures, lately Brits have been joined by a global array of talent: digital nomads, executive nomads and high-net-worth buyers and renters clutching laptops instead of golf clubs.

The numbers of foreign residents in Portugal have increased for seven years in a row, according to figures from the Portuguese immigration and border service. Brazilians and Britons are the most numerous but they are joined by arrivals from India, Asia, across Europe and America. Portuguese government data shows that in 2021, the number of Americans living in Portugal rose by 45 per cent.

Many of these are executive nomads, a category described by Paul Tostevin, head of Savills World Research, as “a distant cousin of the freelance creative working from a cafe in Bali, who is more likely to own a villa in the Algarve or a condo in Miami, and regularly hops on a plane for a board meeting in London or Geneva”. In the latest Savills Executive Nomad Index, looking at the top 15 spots popular with long-term remote workers, Lisbon came out on top, beating Miami, Dubai and Barbados, with the Algarve in fourth place.

LISBON SOARS

“The Executive Nomad Index considers destinations based on connectivity, climate, prime residential rental market and quality of life,” says Tostevin. “Lisbon tops the ranking, thanks to the high quality of life Portugal offers helped by low pollution and strong physical connectivity through the international airport.”

The Portuguese capital’s burgeoning status as a tech hub – still relatively young but expanding rapidly, notably around fintech – has brought tech executives and entrepreneurs in numbers. “Lisbon is home to a rapidly growing international community of young entrepreneurs, startup founders and tech and sustainability innovators,” agrees Christina Hippisley, general manager of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK. “Portugal overall has the seventh greatest high-speed internet coverage of any EU member state, covering over 90 per cent of homes.” It’s an asset that makes everywhere from Lisbon to Porto to Melides even more attractive.

Few cities have changed as spectacularly as Lisbon over the past decade. Once rundown and slowly crumbling, today it is a vibrant buzzing capital. Restored historic houses lined with glossy azulejo tiles and on-trend new hotels and restaurants have revived the city. The changes started in 2012 with the introduction of the golden visa scheme, giving anyone spending more than €500,000 on property the right to residency. Later the same year, a relaxation of Lisbon’s protectionist rental rules, frozen since 1974, encouraged landlords to see the potential rental yields of the beautiful but long-neglected citycentre homes. Cranes started whirling and the transformation began.

Hippisley says the golden visa scheme was one of the most successful in Europe, granting more than 11,500 visas. She adds that the recent announcement by the Portuguese prime minister of plans to suspend golden visas should not deter those planning to make a permanent move.

“There is still a wide range of other residency and visa options covering foreign retirees, remote workers, second homeowners, families and businesspeople,” Hippisley says. “With over 48,000 Brits permanently residing in Portugal, the country remains extremely appealing.” That includes the non-habitual residency scheme (NHR), offering tax incentives that allow foreign residents who spend 183 days or more each year in Portugal to pay no tax on pension or investment income for 10 years (see separate box, overleaf).

PERFECT LOCATIONS

Where are the areas that most appeal to these next-generation, wealthy executive nomads? In Lisbon, Joana Vila Nova, sales manager at Savills Portugal, highlights the established areas of the grand tree-lined Avenida da Liberdade, the chic squares of Príncipe Real, the pretty Jardim da Estrela, the mansions of Lapa and the bustling and cool Santos neighbourhood where the singer Madonna lived while she was in Lisbon.

New names to note include Alcântara, with museums, restaurants, coworking and cool leisure spaces such as Lx Factory, and Marvila in the east, heading towards Parque das Nações. Both are close to the River Tagus, with Marvila in particular a fast-changing area where converted warehouses offer workspaces for Lisbon’s tech startup scene and contemporary apartments. Families who want easy access to international schools have very good options in the centre of Lisbon, Parque das Nações and the smart beach towns of Cascais and Estoril.

“The arrival of digital nomads since 2013 has transformed Lisbon and Porto,” says Miguel Lacerda, director at Savills Portugal. “Most of the historic buildings in Lisbon have been handsomely restored, and we have new restaurants and a thriving atmosphere. It’s a completely different city to what it was a decade ago and that’s thanks to demand from foreigners, including executive and digital nomads.”

PREVIOUS SPREAD & CURRENT: ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

Opening spread: the wild beauty of Praia do Carvalhal, just south of Comporta. Opposite: Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon. Clockwise, from above: The Ivens, one of many boutique hotels in renovated historic buildings that have revived the Portuguese capital; view over the rooftops of the city; a sunny restaurant terrace

‘LISBON IS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT CITY TO WHAT IT WAS A DECADE AGO ’

THE ALGARVE REIMAGINED

Portugal’s most expensive recent residential sale was not in the capital but on the sandy shores of the Algarve, which stretches for 200 kilometres along Portugal’s southern Atlantic coast. Kerstin Buechner, director and co-owner of QP Savills, who handled the sale, acknowledges that while eight-figure sales are common in prime markets in France and Spain, they are relatively rare in the Algarve.

“For the first time, we achieved a price tag of more than €20m for the sale of a single private residence,” she says. “An impressive figure, yes, but compared with other prime European destinations, the Algarve still has much room for growth.”

The Algarve is holiday-home nirvana, with Atlantic beaches backed by red cliffs, low-level umbrella pines and more than 30 golf courses. Its healthy, outdoor lifestyle has proved alluring for decades – catch a flight to Faro in spring or autumn and the number of golf bags emerging on the baggage carousel can outnumber suitcases – yet here, too, as in Lisbon, the demographics are changing.

“Twenty years ago, the central Algarve was a destination for retired golfers, mainly from the UK and to a lesser extent from Germany,” says Buechner. “It’s a very different story today. The average age of our buyers is in the mid-forties and we see a real mix of nationalities. The number of enquiries coming to us from people interested in buying properties last year was up 34 per cent, year on year. Portugal has the climate, the lifestyle, a favourable tax regime and attractive living costs. It’s no surprise to those of us already living here that Portugal has become seriously fashionable right across the world.”

In particular, Buechner picks out arrivals from the USA, with strong dollars to spend. “They are a relatively new stream of demand,” she says. “For buyers from the States, Portugal has a lifestyle comparable to that in California or Florida. They have already found Porto and Lisbon, and are now coming south to discover the Algarve. They are impressed by the security Portugal offers, the favourable taxation regime, the weather, beaches and outstanding properties, especially the private modern homes in Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo.”

Left: the popular seaside town town of Lagos, on the Algarve. Below: unspoilt Comporta is a favourite of the style set

‘IT’S NO SURPRISE TO THOSE OF US LIVING HERE THAT PORTUGAL HAS BECOME SERIOUSLY FASHIONABLE ACROSS THE WORLD’

These prestigious sporting and golf resorts, both within a 30-minute drive of Faro airport in the Algarve’s “Golden Triangle”, have some of the most desirable homes in the region. At Quinta do Lago, sustained investment over the years has maintained its status as one of Europe’s leading leisure resorts and now, in its 51st year, its facilities and natural setting are outstanding. More than 100,000 golf rounds each year are played on the resort’s three courses – about one in twelve of every round played on the golf-obsessed Algarve. The properties on offer are equally impressive. QP Savills average sales price last year, in its offices at Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, was €3.463m.

“Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo in particular offer excellent investment opportunities and are proven to withstand market fluctuations,” says Buechner. “Demand and property values have not faltered. These are world-class resorts with a year-round healthy lifestyle for the whole family, where we have seen unprecedented demand. High-net-worth individuals are driving our market and seem unperturbed by rising interest rates, instead choosing to place their wealth in euros and Algarve real estate. As with previous years, the vast majority of our purchasers are cash buyers, many of them executive nomads flocking to the sunniest region of Europe to invest in a permanent home rather than just a holiday home.”

NEXT PLACE TO WATCH

Portugal is a relatively small country – just over half the size of Florida – so finding an undiscovered region might seem unlikely. The Comporta peninsula, an hour and a half’s drive south of Lisbon, on the edge of the Alentejo region, managed for a long time to be both off-radar and a celebrity hangout – but with Madonna, football manager José Mourinho and designer Philippe Starck among regular visitors, the secret is now out.

Comporta’s attraction is a long, protected coastline with a lowkey “feet-in-the-sand” vibe. It is unspoilt, natural and blissfully undeveloped – a region of rice fields and fishing huts, where storks nest peacefully on top of telephone lines and church towers, while bottlenose dolphins frolic offshore.

World-famous shoe designer Christian Louboutin has owned a property here for more than two decades, first in Comporta itself and now in Melides, a village 25 minutes’ drive further down the coast, calling it “the place in the world that he feels most comfortable”. This year, he opened a 13-room hotel, Vermelho (it translates as “red”, the trademark colour of the soles on his shoes) there, decorating it with help from traditional Iberian craftsmanship and handsome antiques.

Much of the new property in Comporta and Melides recognises the flair of Portugal’s superb contemporary architects and designers. Spatia Melides is an upcoming development on 170 hectares, where lowlevel, open-plan and totally private homes are hidden among generous gardens and grounds filled with cork trees and olive groves. Prices start from €3.79m for residences of up to 350 square metres set around private courtyards, 20-metre pools and wide terraces.

Portugal, once a nation of explorers discovering the world, is now a nation welcoming the world to discover the many and varied charms of its cities and coastline.

THE NON-HABITUAL RESIDENT SCHEME

The NHR is a personal income tax regime available to foreign nationals who wish to relocate and reside in Portugal. Since its introduction in 2009, it has had more than 50,000 registrations. To qualify for this 10-year scheme, applicants must be either first-time residents or not have held residency status in Portugal within the last five years. Benefits include: a flat personal income tax rate of 20 per cent for qualifying employment and selfemployment income from activities performed in Portugal; tax exemption over certain types of foreign source income; no gift or inheritance tax for assets outside of Portugal.

Below, from top LISBON Sitting at the top of the handsomely restored Palacete Falcarreira, between PrÍncipe Real and Avenida da Liberdade, is a spacious three-bedroom apartment with two parking spaces; €2.3m, Joana Vila Nova, joana.vilanova@savills.pt

COMPORTA Spatia Melides is a spectacular new development of three- and four-bedroom homes on a secluded 170-hectare estate, offering hotel-level amenities on the unspoilt Atlantic coast; from €3.79m, Harry Philpott, hphilpott@savills.com

ALGARVE This magnificent clifftop villa in Carvoeiro has far-reaching sea views, as well as four bedrooms, two of which are master suites with Roman-style spa baths and access to a private terrace; €6.5m, Monica Mendes, monica@qp.pt

NATURAL HISTORY

Restoring a grand garden to its former glory is a romantic and costly endeavour. But with patience and planning, even the most neglected plot can be transformed back into an earthly paradise

Words by Caroline Donald

FROM FRANCES HODGSON BURNETT’S 1911 novel The Secret Garden to the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall, there is an enduring romance and lasting appeal to bringing a once-beautiful garden back to life. To uncover even the smallest revelation of its past is to feel the ghostly presence of those who made it a special place.

There are many advantages to an established garden, whatever its state, says Crispin Holborow, head of country at The Private Office: “It’s the difference between a 50-year-old tree and a five-year-old one. That is what you are paying for.” After all, you can cut back an overgrown shrub if it has become unruly, but you can’t magic it into maturity. If the garden was once one of significance, the rewards for rescuing it are so much the greater.

Lady Linlithgow, of Bryngwyn Hall in Powys, would agree. She has spent the past 35 years restoring and developing an abandoned nine-acre plot her grandfather had filled with rare plants from his travels to Sikkim, Bhutan, Tibet and Burma in the early 20th century. “It is wonderful, as it adds to your attachment to the place,” she says. Some of her grandfather’s original shrubs are still flowering more than 100 years on, and Lady Linlithgow has added more than 400 trees and shrubs of her own.

For renowned furniture- and interior designer Tim Gosling, uncovering his garden’s history and past glory has been one of the joys of his restoration project. Along with his fiancé, Steve Holmes, Gosling has rescued an abandoned chateau and park in Normandy, which he charts on Instagram (@restorationchateau). The couple discovered wartime reels of General Eisenhower staying there, and found an old map of the estate (although only half, frustratingly). “Up until that point it was just a park, but we found on the watercolour an extraordinary series of concentric circles of paths,” says Gosling, who has now made a model of the house and grounds to get a proper idea of the estate as a whole and plan its development. “The tree groupings now completely made sense, so we put all the paths back – by digging down several centimetres of soil to find the gravel – and it has become completely different from what we inherited.”

For most people, however, working out how to restore a garden is a daunting prospect. You may not want to go as far as creating a 3D model like Gosling, but any restoration project should begin with a master plan. As Jinny Blom, one of Britain’s leading designers and author of the bestselling The Thoughtful Gardener: An Intelligent Approach to Garden Design, says: “Before you take a chainsaw to

Opposite: the Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall. Above: the garden at Bryngwyn Hall, lovingly restored by Lady Linlithgow

anything, get it all down on paper – never skimp on the thinking. Without a master plan, you are going to make mistakes. If you have something that dates back to the year dot, do you want to be medieval, or 18th century, or 20th century? It is usually a combination of all – we are living in the modern day.”

As well as looking back to the past, it is essential to look ahead, too, and consider such things as wildlife diversity, irrigation and gardening in a period of climate change. We may have a far wider palette of plants from foreign climes than when the Elizabethans were creating their parterres, but we also have more diseases and pests. Taking care with what you plant should mean the garden will last well into the future.

Another primary consideration is, of course, how much money you are willing to spend. “If your ambition and imagination run away with you, you set yourself up to fail, as you won’t be able to sustain it,” says Blom. There is no point in embarking on an ambitious project if you are not going to be able to afford the staff to maintain it in the future, for example. Gardens, after all, are living things and nature has a habit of trying to get the upper hand.

The restoration and renovation of a large garden isn’t something that will happen overnight, and is likely to take several years – the weather and seasons tend to get in the way and plants take time to grow – so patience is key. However, it is not all about delayed gratification. “If you want to make rapid change, some judicious

AS WELL AS LOOKING TO THE PAST, IT IS ESSENTIAL TO LOOK AHEAD. TAKING CARE WITH WHAT YOU PLANT SHOULD MEAN THE GARDEN WILL LAST WELL INTO THE FUTURE

pruning will change the nature of the garden dramatically,” says Blom. “The most obvious things can go straight away – if there are unhealthy trees or they are overcrowded or blocking the light. That clears space for the next phase.” It is a good idea to make sure you have at least one area of the garden to which you can retreat in the early days of taking it on. A border or two blooming with annuals, such as cosmos and dahlias, will provide happy distraction while planting for the longer term is in its infancy.

Blom’s key word is “succession planting”, with something for now, tomorrow and the longer term. Think of all the majestic trees we find in beautiful gardens and parkland, and remember that the people who planted them would never have seen them in maturity. Even when restoring past glories, we should be mindful of leaving something for future generations to enjoy.

TIPS FOR GARDEN RESTORATION

1 If you are planning major works to a garden and want to take it back to somewhere near its original form, commission a conservation management plan from a specialist landscape consultant. Historicengland.org.uk has further details for English gardens. You may be able to get a grant towards the plan, as well as maintenance and repairs.

2 Taking on a historic garden can be daunting, especially if it is on the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. This means any development is a “material consideration” in planning terms – although only the structures, not the planting, will be under statutory protection.

3 Doing your own research can be hugely rewarding. Talk to locals who may have visited the garden in its heyday, and look for old photographs, nursery orders and family records for more clues. Newspapers, libraries and museums may all hold material, and your local County Gardens Trust will also have information.

4 A master plan is essential: you could engage a landscape designer for this or, if you feel confident enough in your design skills, go directly to a landscape contractor.

5 It is best to tackle the major elements of the restoration first, whether that is rebuilding dilapidated structures and walls or dredging a lake and sorting out drainage. All of these are time-consuming and costly, but worth getting right from the start.

6 It is important to think of the long game and how much you want to be involved. Are you going to leave it all to the designer to arrange subcontractors, or is this something you have the time and knowledge to take on? If a designer is involved in all stages, including project management, they will usually charge a fee of about 15-20 per cent.

7 Above all, make sure you establish a good relationship with your team, and that everyone understands the vision for your garden.

Opposite: a Scottish highland estate restored by Jinny Blom. Above, from top: an antique statue at Tim Gosling’s Normandy chateau; old photos have been invaluable in Gosling’s restoration

THE SAVILLS SEARCH

LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT ANSWER TO A PROPERTY CONUNDRUM? THREE SAVILLS AGENTS SUGGEST SOLUTIONS

Interviews by Mia Aimaro Ogden

We live in London, with four children, and are looking to buy a second home in the countryside – either in the UK or overseas – that will give us room to grow as a family and escape the city whenever we need to. We love traditional architecture and we’d like a property with outbuildings that could be turned into a gym and home offices. We’d also want to be close to an international airport. What can you suggest?

“The joy of Sussex is that you have exceptionally beautiful countryside: the South Downs is a national park and there are protected Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You can access wonderful wild walking and riding, yet also enjoy fine dining, art galleries and theatre – as well as wonderful sandy beaches.”

FACT FILE

The journey from north London to Sussex is relatively easy, and there’s fast access to Gatwick airport from most of the county – you won’t be on the road for an eternity.

SOUTHEAST ENGLAND

Sussex has a good stock of substantial houses. The jewel in the crown would be a manor house or a Georgian rectory, but if you want undeveloped outbuildings, a farmhouse might be a better option – many come with stables, barns or even pigsties to convert into a gym or home office. Alongside the traditional, we often see super-contemporary farmhouses in concrete and glass, with huge windows looking out across the fields.

The Sussex vernacular is wonderful: you get brick and flint, stone and tile-hung houses. Much of Sussex life centres on traditional villages – offering a bit of bustle, with pubs, dining options and the chance to meet new people. And if you fancy riding, without the responsibility of stables, there are excellent full-livery options, as well as eventing and dressage facilities.

PHILLIPPA DALBY-WELSH DIRECTOR OF THE SAVILLS COUNTRY DEPARTMENT pdwelsh@savills.com

Increasingly, you can access the London lifestyle you might be used to. In West Sussex, the Kennels at Goodwood offers a private members’ setup and does a delicious breakfast. And it allows you to take your dog! Farmer, Butcher, Chef is an excellent restaurant, too. Chichester has a sweet historic centre and the fabulous Pallant House Gallery for modern art. Chichester marina is charming and the nearby Witterings are among the few exclusively sandy stretches on the southeast coast.

In East Sussex, Lewes is increasingly popular for its cultural side and historical appeal. It’s a pretty town, full of boutiques and antiques shops. There’s a great market and a very laid-back atmosphere.

If you want longevity of use with a country house, think of your kids: it’s important there’s somewhere they might want to go with friends as they get older. Brighton is a fantastic option, with the seafront, the shopping in the Lanes and all the cafés and restaurants.

For the adults, Eastbourne has great theatre and Glyndebourne world-class opera. The wine scene is another draw, with several estates offering fine dining: Rathfinny has the fabulous Tasting Room restaurant, Nyetimber hosts events with Michelin-starred chefs and Ridgeview has a new alfresco restaurant, the Rows & Vine.

Above: Seven Sisters cliffs in Sussex, where the South Downs National Park meets the south coast of England

SUSSEX HOUSE FARM, in Kent, below and right, is an idyllic Grade II* listed house, with a swimming pool and tennis court, set in extensive grounds; £5.41m, Louisa Batterbury, louisa.batterbury@savills.com

ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

IRELAND

“The advantage Ireland has over locations in England and France is that it’s English-speaking but also in the EU. We’re arguably the world capital for equestrian sports, we have excellent golf courses and access to the coast is easy – with all the great water sports that go with that. The counties around Dublin offer great country houses with outbuildings, pretty villages with friendly pubs, and one of Europe’s great capital cities just an hour away.”

FACT FILE

JAMES BUTLER HEAD OF COUNTRY AGENCY, DUBLIN james.butler@savills.ie

Dublin airport is well served by international airlines – the flight time from Heathrow is one hour 25 minutes – so it makes sense to look for a country property in the surrounding counties of Meath, Kildare and Wicklow Dublin rivals any European city for history and architecture – as well as a thriving pub culture. Irish people envelop you in a particular kind of warmth, and if you live in the countryside you’ll soon be sucked into the life of your local village. Straffan in Kildare is popular, with attractive shops, cafes and restaurants – and the K Club, a renowned hotel with a golf course that has hosted the Ryder Cup Equestrian events are a big deal here: there

Top: Barleycove, in west Cork

CARNISEAL, left, in Co Donegal, is a five-bedroom house and 46-acre estate in a spectacular coastal setting; €2.75m

SHERWOOD HOUSE, right, is a contemporary home with outbuildings and equestrian facilities in formal grounds in Co Kildare; €2.5m, James Butler, james.butler@savills.ie

are racecourses in Leopardstown, Fairyhouse and Punchestown, and the Curragh is the home of the Irish classic races. Beside it is Kildare Village, a luxury shopping outlet.

The island of Ireland has almost 2,000 miles of coastline, so beaches are a huge draw, particularly for families. Brittas Bay in Wicklow is popular with sunseekers – the dunes cover more than 100 hectares – and Bannow Strand in Wexford is a secluded sandy beach that, at low tide, allows you to walk to Tintern Abbey. Further afield, there are incredible beaches in west Cork – 30 per cent of prime country house sales on the island last year were in Cork.

Country houses are typically either Irish Georgian or modern homes built during the Celtic Tiger boom. You might find an impressive farmhouse, or maybe an old rectory.

If you want outbuildings, you’ll need a house with land – each year fewer than 100 properties throughout Ireland come to market with land in excess of 100 acres. These command a premium price. Some of the grand country houses haven’t been touched for a generation – they offer a great opportunity to put your stamp on a place and to create an energy-efficient home that fits in with contemporary living standards.

ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

SOUTHWEST FRANCE

“For many of our clients, owning a home in France is a lifelong dream. In the southwest, Bordeaux and Toulouse are cultural hubs with an abundance of beautiful countryside close by. The gastronomic scene is fantastic, with weekly food markets in many villages, the weather is much better than in the UK and there are great beaches west of Bordeaux.”

FACT FILE

Both Bordeaux and Toulouse have international airports and quick flight times from London – it’s one hour 40 minutes to Bordeaux. There are also high-speed train services from Paris.

These cities have plenty to keep the whole family entertained, with excellent museums, theatres, galleries and restaurants. There’s a lot for parents to do – this is wine country, after all – and the sporting facilities in the area are a big draw, with wonderful golf courses including Château des Vigiers, and no shortage of sports clubs for kids. Rugby union is huge – France is hosting the 2023 Rugby World Cup – and the southwest has great teams.

The scenery is beautiful. East of Bordeaux there’s the Entre-Deux-Mers region, between the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, which feels like la France profonde – the very heart of the country. The vineyards are a draw for gastronomes and you can indulge your cravings at food markets and Michelin-starred restaurants. And, of course, there is the opportunity to improve your French.

ALICE STORRIE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, GLOBAL RESIDENTIAL astorrie@savills.com

North of Toulouse is the Lot-et-Garonne, full of beautiful hilltop villages with arcades around the main square. The Dordogne has a strong expat community – beautiful towns such as Eymet even have little shops selling British food, if you’re craving a taste of home. One thing that marks out southwest France is its abundance of space. It’s easy to find a property in sprawling countryside. We can all picture those pale stone houses with painted shutters – so pretty – or you might prefer a grander manoir. A traditional farmhouse often comes with outbuildings that would be perfect for a gym, a home office or even accommodation for visitors.

France has been popular with British buyers for decades, and the reasons for that haven’t changed. The scenery is beautiful, the cuisine is excellent – and the wine is first-class.

Below left: Saint-Émilion, in Gironde SAUSSIGNAC, below, is a 17th-century chateau in the Dordogne; €1.95m, Alice Storrie, astorrie@savills.com

THE NEW ARTISANS

Today’s finest craftsmen and women are bringing ancient skills to play in the modern world. Here we salute their craft and personal vision

Words by Emma Moore

THE IMPACT OF FINE CRAFTSMANSHIP on a building’s stature is immeasurable – whether it’s the sculpted contours of lime plaster walls and ceilings, finely turned wooden bannisters, the twists and turns of iron railings or the expert stonework of a facade. But it’s not often we see the faces or hear the stories of those with their noses to the grindstones of architectural craft.

Few see the transformative powers of such craftsmen more clearly, however, than the architects employed on major refurbishments. East London architecture firm Atelier Gooch was shortlisted for the Georgian Group’s Restoration of a Georgian Country House award in 2022 for its work on the Georgian manor house Benham Park. The firm gives full credit to the craftsmen involved, notably the joinery team from RW Armstrong responsible for the new library, one of the project’s most striking internal features. “The west wing was one large room when we took it over, where historically it was two smaller rooms,” explains project architect Alex Croker. “We added a robust partition wall and wrapped the whole face in joinery on the library side. Working closely with a representative from Historic England, we ensured the joinery matched the style and proportions of the room, surrounding doors, windows and cornices.”

The feature was new, but the detailing was historically authentic.

It was the same with the development of the basement, which was brought up to date functionally, while respecting its Georgian heritage. “This level started off as a cold, dark space, neglected for many years, but it was restored as a welcoming and peaceful series of spaces that included a gym, screening room, kitchen and wine cellar,” says Croker. “Whilst all of these spaces required skilled craftsmen, it was the wine cellar that I was most impressed by. The joiners fitted it out by using the existing pigeonholes to insert intricate timber shelves and drawers that maximise the aesthetic impact of the wine as soon as you walk in. This is still my favourite room in the house.”

The skills of architectural craftsmen are hard learnt through years of training, apprenticeship and practice. Those at the top of their game know how and when to faithfully reproduce historical work for restoration projects, and how and when to adapt and update techniques, methods and materials. And then there are those who develop the traditions of their craft to fit modern environments.

It’s well-documented that craft is having a revival, but the light has mostly shone on those who make decorative and utilitarian objects and furniture for today’s anti-mass-consumer. So it is time, perhaps, that we honoured the artisans applying their skills and vision to transforming our homes and iconic buildings.

David Smith

David Smith applies the ancient craft of flint knapping – where the hard grey-black stone is chipped or “knapped” into different shapes, which are then used to construct walls – to modern buildings to stunning effect.

“There are no instruction manuals for flint,” says Smith, self-styled as the Flintman. He has a portfolio that includes the building of boundary walls in his native Sussex and the exterior restoration of Southwark and St Albans cathedrals. Today, however, he and his team are more likely to be found collaborating with contemporary architects, developing ways to keep flint facades relevant and conducting talks and courses to educate those in the building industries and beyond.

It was a holiday job in wall restoration taken while studying for his art degree in Sheffield that set Smith on his path. “It’s a very aesthetic way of building walls,” he explains. “You really have to use your eyes to understand how a wall was laid originally. It depends, for example, not just on the era, but on whether the layer was left-handed or right-handed.”

Years of immersion in the minutiae of flint knapping have left Smith well-versed in the regional differences caused by geology, fashions and the fortunes of industries such as wool, ceramics and gun-making, which employed flint. In West Sussex, the material was sometimes mixed with horse teeth, for aesthetics and durability, and elsewhere with bone. “I call it reading flint. You have to interpret a wall.”

Flint House in Buckinghamshire, winner of the RIBA House of the Year award in 2015, was a turning point for Smith and his fellow craftsmen. Commissioned by Lord Rothschild and designed by Charlotte Skene Catling, it is a statement piece of modern

architecture. Smith consulted on the project and worked on the cutting and installation. Its success has changed attitudes to the material, giving more scope to the knappers. “I’m always curious and enjoy pushing the parameters of flint,” he says.

Smith’s expertise has since contributed to the cladding of the RIBA-shortlisted House 19 in Buckinghamshire, and Hermitage and Adams Field House on the South Downs, the latter with a shiny tubular slide going through one of the flint walls. A project in Japan taught him new water-cutting techniques, which he put to use creating the striking flint walls and ceiling at the Depot community cinema in East Sussex. “I extend my learning every day,” he says, with clear satisfaction.

Left and previous page: Smith at work.

Above: a flint wall at House 19

THE FLINT KNAPPER

Chalk

Scottish husband-and-wife team Chalk specialise in applying the traditional materials and techniques of plasterwork to striking contemporary designs.

When Steven and Ffion Blench set up Chalk in 2016, they already had a wealth of experience and knowledge. Ffion had completed an apprenticeship and worked for a plastering company for 14 years, gaining skills and expertise in heritage techniques and materials. Steven, meanwhile, had built up a body of academic knowledge on the subject and worked on the decorative arts inventory and cataloguing team at the Royal Collection Trust at Holyroodhouse. Their intention with Chalk was to find a contemporary expression for their skills and knowledge. “Traditional skills are always used in a heritage context for remaking things. We like the idea of using them for something contemporary, though it took us a while to work out what that looked like.”

Today they mix restorations with contemporary plasterwork, most of which is requested as panels. “We intend our designs to be embedded, but invariably people want them hung so they can take them away,” says Steven. In 2018, a bursary took Ffion to Italy to study scagliola – a 17th-century plastering technique that imitates marble. Using these skills, Chalk developed a striking series of vessels and tables that were shown at the 2022 London Collect art fair.

A project that best sums up how the old and new combine for Chalk was provided by the Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin last year. Previously, the couple had been asked to restore the 18th-century Robert Adam dome at General Register House in Edinburgh, which involved cleaning out soot from centuries of coal fires. When Vacheron Constantin later approached them to

contribute an object to the Provenance Collection at its new Edinburgh boutique, they incorporated the soot and remnants of historic lime plaster they had collected into a scagliola side table.

Attention to their craft never leaves the couple – on their travels, whether it’s to Japan or Tajikistan, they find themselves sightseeing at builders merchants or volunteering on building projects. When invited last year to take part in research into the make-up of the walls of the stairwell at Glasgow School of Art as part of the restoration programme, Steven buried his head in historical archives, and managed to work out the composition of so-called “Glasgow marble”. Where scientific and architectural analysis had failed, Steven’s pure passion for his craft triumphed.

Top: husband and wife Steven and Ffion Blench, aka Chalk, at work

THE PLASTERERS

Tim Gaudin

Devon-based architectural carpenter-joiner Tim Gaudin has carved out his own niche in a crowded field, taking traditional skills and knowledge into the modern architectural sphere. It might see him one day building the timber frame of a garden pool house, and another faithfully restoring and fitting out the interior of a midcentury modern home in Hampstead, from staircase to door handles, kitchen cabinets to wall panelling.

Gaudin’s professional journey began after he left school and took on an apprenticeship with a small local construction company that was engaged in plenty of restoration work. Here he learnt age-old techniques, such as tusk tenon joints, and was involved in work of historical interest, including a bridge for Launceston Castle, carried out in collaboration with English Heritage. He set up on his own in 2009, developing his portfolio of Shaker-style interior cabinetry through word of mouth. In 2013, he established his own workshop, and when a fortuitous collaboration with the architects Weston Surman & Deane on a Writer’s Shed in Hackney gained acclaim, he was on his path.

Gaudin’s personal aesthetic pull is towards mid-century modern, an architectural style replete with wooden detailing, and his schedule is blocked out with work of this nature. He is currently working on the restoration of a Grade II listed 1960s house on the brutalist Alexandra & Ainsworth estate, in St John’s Wood, London. The building requires experienced handling – materials in keeping with the original (birch ply) alongside appropriate finishes (clear oil). All will be prepared in his Devon workshop prior to installation.

He is also embarking on a Ted Levy designed house in Hampstead. “The original timberwork needs to be restored to bring it up to modern standards,” he explains. “It is five floors of

open-plan – timber flows through the house from banquette seating in the kitchen/dining room, wall panelling, wardrobes and utility room, and it all has to be in keeping with the parana pine cladding of the original stairs.”

A sensitive touch and precise planning is required to select and integrate a wood with the original, which is to be preserved in places. Also required are extra hands – straddling disciplines seemingly makes apprentices harder to come by, despite Gaudin and his professional partner, Louis Hagen Hall, offering

grounding

these

Top: Gaudin (on the left) and colleague Louis Hagen Hall.

Above: Canyon House, north London

THE JOINER

a firm

in traditional techniques and a fresh outlook to take

skills into the future.

James Price brings a contemporary design language and modern fabrication techniques to the heritage art of blacksmithing.

Price had already completed a degree in 3D design, learning craft skills in wood, metal and ceramics, when a forged set of tongs piqued his interest in blacksmithing. “I realised I wanted a thorough immersion in a craft rather than skating around the edges of many different disciplines,” he says. He took himself off to the prestigious blacksmithing school in Hereford, following up with an apprenticeship in Switzerland, and another in Surrey, where he learnt the practical business side of blacksmithing.

He then set up on his own in a derelict 200-year-old forge in Sussex, where he has developed methods that blend old and new technology and materials. Price’s design background shines through in the clean, uncluttered lines of his work. He takes commissions for architectural metalwork – entrance gates and balconies, staircases and bannisters – and also makes some small-scale objects, including pleasingly simple door knockers and candlesticks: his “calling cards”.

His gates for the porter’s lodge at Balliol College, Oxford, are a typical commission. They were developed in 2020 on a brief from Penwarden Hale Architects who asked for “a forward-thinking design that complements this unique heritage setting”. Price’s answer combined age-old iron-working techniques with a contemporary design of overlapping clover leaves inspired by the building’s original carved stonework. His work tells a story, as in the Spade Gates he created for keen gardening clients in East Sussex.

Price’s focus is on finding ways to make blacksmithing relevant today. “It suffers a bit of a public image problem,” he says. “Context is so important. Blacksmithing consists of very traditional

forging skills dating back 500 years or more – working hot metal, punching holes – but since the industrial revolution, other methods have crept in. It’s a strong synthesis of the very old and very modern fabrication technologies.”

“In order to compete in the same sphere as contemporary ceramics or silversmithing, blacksmithing needs to honour its past but not be bound by it,” he continues. “I am often left in awe of people who produce period ironwork, but I feel it is also important that the visual language we use as blacksmiths continues to evolve. My work has always focused on contemporary forms, primarily forged but not bound by wholly traditional technique.”

Top: Price at work in his 200-year-old Sussex forge. Left: Spade Gates

THE BLACKSMITH James Price

JOHN BROCKLISS

REINVENTING

T H E WHEEL

It began with a vision for a statement pool. Now the ruins of this 300-year-old Surrey watermill have been restored and reimagined as an extraordinary home, as its owner explains

Words by Sophy Grimshaw

“SINCE I WAS A BOY, I had always had a dream of one day building my own house,” says Neal Futcher. A small-business owner with no background in property, Futcher has realised that dream in spectacular style, having rebuilt and reimagined a 300-year-old watermill in the Surrey countryside.

After six years of intensive remodelling and building work, during which the success of the project sometimes felt far from certain, The Water Mill emerged as a bold reinterpretation of the original building, fusing historical features with state-of-the-art contemporary styling, luxurious amenities, elegant airy spaces and two feature swimming pools.

“They were years of highs and lows. At one point, I remember sitting on a log in the grounds and having to decide what to do,” says Futcher, after discovering some key costs would now be more than his total planned budget. “I could walk away and take the hit of losing about half a million pounds that I had already spent, or I could keep going.” Then again, maybe it was never really a choice: “For some people, it’s cars or art or travel. I’ve always placed a lot of value on where I live, and I wanted to realise this dream of a beautiful watermill with a pool running through it,” he says.

Futcher had been intrigued by a notice in a local paper in 2006 stating that the ruin of a watermill was for sale. He was looking for a

The Water Mill, Shamley Green, is on the market with Savills for £6,750,000

THE MILL FUSES HISTORICAL FEATURES WITH STATE-OF-THE-

ART CONTEMPORARY STYLING

Opposite: period elements, including the restored mill workings and oak beams, are on display. This page: high-quality materials such as oak and marble flow throughout the space. A striking spiral staircase links the basement, ground and top floors

home in a private, tranquil setting and so went to view Wonersh Mill, as it was then called, near the village of Shamley Green. “The place just had a very magical feeling,” he says. “It is a piece of history, here for 300 years, and it still has the sound of running water from the millrace – a string of lakes work their way down the valley and feed it.”

The mill’s oak exterior was only partially intact and its turbine hall held some decaying machinery, but Futcher sensed a one-of-a-kind opportunity. “The millrace caught my eye and gave me the idea to once again have water here, but as a swimming pool,” he says.

It was an ambition that would consume much of his time, not to mention finances, for several years. But after painstaking work that included adding a basement level and an extension, Futcher finally took a first swim in his pool at Christmas in 2017. He did in fact build two swimming pools – indoor and outdoor – though from above they appear to flow through the building. The five-bedroom home also has a gym, a home cinema and a bar and retains some period materials such as exposed oak beams.

“It’s a house that looks after you,” says Futcher, gently. “You can swim every day, outside in summer and inside in winter. It’s a good way to deal with stress and stay healthy. You can spend time with friends here, with the treat of the cinema to look forward to. It’s a house that enhances your quality of life.”

He had the mill’s machinery restored with the help of museum specialists and it is now displayed behind glass in the dining room, as a talking point for guests. The house was always designed to be a place to host others. It accommodates friends and family easily, “like a mini hotel, where guests have privacy”. All five bedrooms have en suites and each has its own special features, such as a balcony and the best garden views, a private terrace or a mezzanine level that can serve as a children’s sleeping space. The main kitchen is kitted out to restaurant standard, including a La Cornue range oven.

Life here feels relaxed now, but Futcher’s journey to completing the project was anything but. There were significant technical hurdles to overcome, such as protecting the house from any potential flooding, and the realisation that its wooden frame would require a total rebuild. If that memory makes him wince, at least there was a silver lining. “Because we craned the frame off and then back on, the house has been built to a modern standard that just wouldn’t normally be possible within a listed building,” he explains. “There is underfloor heating, it’s insulated, air-conditioned and energy efficient.”

Futcher has decided to put his hard-won experience to use on another build, this time on the coast. After so much time, money and emotion spent, how does he feel about moving? “It will be sad, I know. I had planned this as my forever home, but I know I want to try another project. Although,” he laughs, “it will never be on this scale again!”

In some ways, Futcher had considered who might live here after him. “I chose materials for fittings that will last, like brass window frames and marble bathrooms. It feels good knowing that this house will be standing long after I’m gone,” he says. “And I think the house will look after someone else, the way it’s looked after me.”

‘ THE PLACE JUST HAD A VERY MAGICAL FEELING. IT IS A PIECE OF HISTORY’

Left: the kitchen is kitted out to restaurant standard with a La Cornue range oven. Above: the mill’s restored machinery makes for an original talking point for guests. Right: banquette seating creates a cosy nook in the huge open-plan kitchen-dining room

A BOLD MOVE

Making the leap from marriage to midlife singledom requires radical thinking – and a home colour scheme to match

Words by Stacey Duguid

THEY SAY THAT STUFF doesn’t make you happy, but when you’re leaving an architecturally designed home you’ve lived in for more than a decade for an uncharted new world, the “stuff” feels epic. Leaving a marriage takes strength, courage and infinite planning. As I pulled up the anchor and zipped towards singledom in a very fast speedboat, I had little idea how quickly that boat would run out of fuel. In July 2021, I moved out of our beautiful house, complete with glass-box extension and a kitchen with more skylights than the Shard. A long period of renting followed, but I soon began to tire of living in other people’s properties. I craved a real home I could put my own stamp on. I craved a home of my own.

So last August I bought a house in northwest London. Built in 1927, it had seen better days. Two weeks later, I bought another one, this time a townhouse with a crumbling roof in Ciutadella, Menorca. It sounds hasty, I know, but Menorca was long in the planning. And that’s one of the positive things about being single in midlife –there’s no one to tell you what to do. A good thing, I think.

So now I had two wrecks to deal with, along with two children to co-parent. Divorce is a destabilising, exhausting business. I was still living in a rental, so every evening I’d head to the empty house I now owned and lie on the floor. Staring up at the ceiling one sunny evening last September, I had a flash of inspiration. Visions of my old family home still remained in my mind like a phantom. It is where my children were born and my ex-husband still lives, and its comforting, beigey-grey interiors symbolised an old life that I missed. I realised I didn’t just need a fresh start, I needed an entirely new colour scheme, something utterly radical.

The following day, I traipsed off to Farrow & Ball in Westbourne Grove, which is where I found the hue that was to become an emblem of my emancipation: Incarnadine Red – classic and sexy, sumptuous, naughty but with a whiff of the architectural-historical. I knew it would work in high-shine gloss in my hallway and all the way upstairs to the attic.

Then came an outrageous chandelier from Soho Home. Up went photography and art that, when hung against red walls, appeared daring in comparison to its old life, on a backdrop of off-white. Several red-gloss Corniches by Vitra were mounted haphazardly up a wall. I was on a roll. I chose a dark green for the sitting room and a punchy bright green for the pantry. I deliberated over a pink bedroom, but went for calming white instead. In what may have been a step too far, I mismatched the bright red-gloss walls with a staircase painted in Farrow & Ball’s Sulking Room Pink. The name was almost enough by itself.

Meanwhile, over on Menorca, I’m about to paint the ceiling beams Yves Klein blue and the door frames bright orange. I’ve hired a female “foreman” to oversee the building work. Divorced, she moved to Menorca from LA several years ago. One day, as she climbed up on the roof to fix damaged tiles, the women on neighbouring balconies gave her a round of applause. Women don’t generally fix roofs in Spain.

Five years ago, as I stepped cautiously to avoid the Lego pieces hidden in my plush beige carpets, if someone had told me that a) I’d buy two homes in the space of a month and b) I would paint them both like someone who had dropped acid at Burning Man, I would have laughed. But I have, and I can’t quite believe this colourful new life I’m now living is all on my terms.

If cohabiting once felt safe, now some days feel like an endless bungee jump. Has someone checked the rope, I wonder? Best not to think of what might go wrong. Instead, in the cocoon of my colourful interiors, I focus on a new life ahead. In the few months I’ve been here, I’ve achieved a lot, although there is still so much more to do. The choppy seas are now far easier to navigate. Making unilateral decisions feels nothing short of radical – as demonstrated by the new neon-orange door knobs, which make my country-cream kitchen look so much more modern. It’s one step at a time. Buying two houses, getting divorced – the big stuff is now behind me. A bold new life awaits. As bold as my new interiors, I hope.

BILLIE SCHEEPERS

BALEARIC BEATS

Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca have something for everyone – from Michelin-starred restaurants to hip beach clubs and fabulous countryside fincas. Our guide will help you choose between them to find the perfect place for your island home

Words by Liz Rowlinson

WITH COASTLINES OF CRYSTAL-CLEAR WATERS, blissful beaches and tiny bays, and interiors studded with olive groves and pine forests, the Balearics have natural charm aplenty – all within easy reach of the Spanish mainland and the UK. As well as reliably hot yet not unbearably scorching summers and mild winters, the beautiful Mediterranean archipelago offers high-end tourism with a traditional Catalan-inflected twist and luxury-level property markets.

Small wonder, then, that the Balearics seem to be ever more popular, both as a holiday destination and a place to buy. The spring and autumn “shoulder seasons” have helped tourism return to 2019 levels, while last year, Spain’s national statistics office reported that 39 per cent of properties on the Balearics were purchased by non-Spanish buyers – the highest percentage of any region in Spain. Given the extensive development of the southern mainland Costas, it’s not hard to see why – and each island has a distinct character and appeal.

For versatility, you cannot beat Mallorca, which caters to everything from package beach holidays to the superyacht circuit and has been the engine of Balearic tourism since the

1950s. The road-biking paradise of the Tramuntana mountains, fine golf courses and Rafa Nadal’s tennis academy head up a host of sporting options on the largest island in the archipelago.

Ibiza’s evolution couldn’t be more different – it has gone from bohemian escape to hedonistic playground and now wellness destination. All of these continue to exert their pull, alongside the VIP culture around Ibiza Town. The island is gaining popularity as an alternative to Mallorca for families relocating in search of a more balanced way of life. Home to the hippest beach clubs, Ibiza also has the tiny isle of Formentera on its doorstep – which, with its Caribbean-like waters and beautiful Ses Illetes beach, is now a destination in its own right.

Then there’s Menorca – by far the most tranquil of the trio, with a beguiling melange of Catalan, British and French historical ties. The pristine appeal of its low-slung farmhouses and fishing villages has been embraced by wealthy French tastemakers. Added to this is the new Hauser & Wirth gallery on the Isla del Rey, in Mahón’s spectacular natural harbour, exerting its powerful art-world gravitational pull. That’s the thing about the Balearics – there’s something to suit every taste.

of American visitors and home-buyers – Palma’s airport is one of the bestconnected in the Mediterranean, with flights to more than 130 destinations.

This superb connectivity and Palma’s growing reputation as a business hub have increased its appeal as a remoteworking location since the start of the pandemic, says Antonio Fuster, cofounder of Balearic Properties, Savills Mallorca associate. “Rural estates have been especially popular with those wanting to spend longer periods here, rather than beach villas. In the centre of the island, Búger, Campanet and Selva are in demand.”

MALLORCA

The grande dame of the archipelago offers the most highly developed version of island life. Its sophisticated infrastructure – 17 international schools, 20 golf courses, 48 marinas and nearly 4,000 restaurants – makes it the goto choice for high-net-worth people looking to holiday or relocate, as well as the Spanish royal family and homebuyers from around the world.

Mallorca’s facilities regularly win plaudits: cosmopolitan Palma was voted one of the best cities in Europe by Condé Nast Traveller in 2022, Playa de Muro and Es Trenc are rated among Europe’s best beaches, and the island’s restaurants

hold 11 Michelin stars – the latest awarded to Fusion 19 in Alcúdia. Highend hotel openings bring in well-heeled tourists and drive the real-estate market, as visitors beguiled by the scenery and the lifestyle seek to put down roots.

This summer, Virgin Limited Edition will open the Son Bunyola hotel on Richard Branson’s private estate at Banyalbufar, on the northwest coast, while the Kimpton boutique “wellness” hotel has opened in Santa Ponsa. In 2024, the Four Seasons Resort will arrive on the Formentor peninsula, where the Tramuntana mountains dip down to the Med. New direct flights from New York are adding to the increasing cohort

Fuster’s clients last year came from 30 countries, with a budget averaging €1.2m. Germans lead the way – 43 per cent of buyers – followed by the British at 30 per cent, then domestic purchasers. Demand from all quarters pushed the average property price on the island up by 4.5 per cent in 2022, reaching €5,309 per square metre, he says. In the southwest region, which includes the exclusive districts of Puerto Andratx, Santa Ponsa and Portals Nous, along with Palma, prices can reach €15,000 per square metre. In these areas, the choice of state-of-the-art luxury villas and modern apartments in new developments puts Mallorca significantly ahead of its neighbours.

Left: the pretty bay of Cala Pi on Mallorca. Above: Palma, the cosmopolitan capital, has the best-connected airport in the Med

IBIZA

Mallorca’s attention-seeking sister continues to mature as a luxury destination – with a flurry of smart hotel openings from global brands. The sophisticated hedonism of the Standard arrived in Ibiza Town last year, following the reopening of Hyatt’s 7Pines Resort on the west coast and Six Senses in the north. This year, the arrival of the Mondrian Ibiza and Hyde Ibiza, the Los Angeles “nightlife” brand, should liven up laid-back Cala Llonga. Es Cubells remains in vogue: nearby Jondal, headed by former El Bulli head chef Rafa Zafra, was the go-to beach restaurant of last summer.

While the hedonistic south remains the focus of the international jet set, the north is more bohemian-chic, with an increasing move towards sustainable

WHILE THE HEDONISTIC SOUTH REMAINS THE FOCUS OF THE JET SET, THE NORTH IS MORE BOHEMIAN-CHIC

living and wellbeing encapsulated by the 2021 opening of the “haute hippie” Fincadelica estate near Santa Gertrudis.

Entrepreneurial millennials and middle-aged former ravers with their families in tow have helped the island’s airport towards its busiest-ever year, with more than eight million arrivals in 2022. Although tourism remains seasonal, as on Mallorca, the island is attracting an increasing number of remote workers and relocating families. “This trend has been driving demand for countryside properties,” says Rémi Gaich, head of the Ibiza office at Lucas Fox. “We had a record year.”

The average sale price was €2m, with British, Dutch and Belgian buyers the biggest groups, and French and American interest increasing. A Balearics-wide moratorium on new holiday rental licences means properties with the necessary paperwork are at a premium – as are new homes free from historic planning irregularities. “Now it’s more about finding the right property than being in the ‘right’ area,” says Gaich.

MENORCA

The northernmost Balearic island marches to a different beat. It is arguably the most peaceful and safe of the islands – urbanisation is largely restricted to the capital, Mahón, and the former capital, Ciutadella, both handsome towns. With dozens of beaches, a coastline that’s ideal for yachting, country lanes, valleys and pine forests crisscrossed by hiking and biking routes, Menorca remains a more seasonal destination, with far fewer year-round flights than Mallorca. The opening of the Hauser & Wirth gallery in Mahón has attracted a new clientele. Sergio Ogazón of Lucas Fox Menorca says that even before this, the island’s gentle charms attracted French buyers, who have snapped up its rambling old fincas and renovated them with panache.

Ogazón says that half of his buyers come from France. “Country properties bought for about €1m are now being resold for up to €3m after a high-spec renovation.” Sales last year were typically €500,000 to €1m, which will buy you a renovated villa without a sea view, and the volume of sales on Menorca last year was the highest for 15 years.

The inventory of agroturismos (accommodation based around rural houses and farms) including hip Menorca Experimental, and boutique hotels such as Cristine Bedfor and Can Albertí in Mahón, are helping to draw the art-world and the wealthy to the island. And with celebrated restaurants such as Mon in Ciutadella fast improving the culinary scene, it is surely just a matter of time before Menorca gets its first Michelin star.

Top: the view of the old town from the bar at Montesol Experimental, one of several luxury openings in Ibiza Town. Above: the new Hauser & Wirth gallery on Menorca is drawing the art crowd to the island

THREE GOOD REASONS TO RENT

AND WHY BUYING ISN’T ALWAYS BEST

Words by Cathy Hawker

“WHEN MARKETS ARE VOLATILE and in recession, people lean towards the flexibility of renting,” says Isabella Birch Reynardson, head of super-prime lettings at Savills. “Tenants could be potential buyers, checking out a property or location before committing. They might be property owners, letting out their home [and renting another] to experience a new area. Try before you buy is a popular idea today.”

The disparity between supply and demand in recent years, with a shortage of homes for sale, is another reason for the popularity of renting. “The UK has a history as a nation of proud homeowners, but over the past few years we’ve seen a dramatic influx of clients choosing to rent instead of buying,” Birch Reynardson says. “Renting has become more fashionable, and super-prime rentals – those over £5,000 a week – are no longer perceived as a second option. London’s post-Covid market is more transient than ever. Clients spending £10,000 to £20,000 a week on rentals could be cash buyers, but if they’re only in London for a few years, they often prefer to rent.”

There is also the perk of enjoying – however briefly – a different lifestyle, in a different country or in a different part of town. “Location, based around schooling or walking to work, is increasingly important,” says Birch Reynardson. In London, “Notting Hill and Kensington are red hot, Mayfair is enjoying a renaissance and Belgravia and Chelsea are perennial favourites.”

Mayfair House on Carlos Place, across the road from the Connaught hotel, is a perfect example of what high-end renters want. The fully furnished penthouse has four en-suite bedrooms, a roof terrace, a spectacular open-plan reception room and 24-hour concierge, for a weekly rental of £35,000.

But the key thing with renting is that, for the length of a lease, at least, the world is your oyster. “Renting is fast, a moment in time,” says Birch Reynardson. “You see a property you like, you want an easy life, and we can help with that.”

THE INSTANT UPSIZE

At the start of lockdown, Elizabeth and Leo Sinclair, both in their thirties, owned a two-bedroom garden flat in Pimlico, central London. But it soon became apparent that, with a toddler and demanding jobs in finance and law, they needed more space.

“We sold our flat in September 2020, when the London market was in some turmoil thanks to Covid,” says Leo. “The trend was all about the race for space and a dash to the country. There was little on the market in Pimlico, so we made the decision to rent for what we thought would be a year. It was a good time to be looking for rentals in London – we found a smart, unfurnished four-bedroom flat on a garden square in Pimlico for substantially less than it would have cost at the start of the year.”

Almost three years later, and despite a 29 per cent increase in rent in September 2022, which reflected the loss of the Covid discount they had enjoyed, the Sinclairs are renting the same flat. “We remain determined to own again, but this flat is perfect for us now,” says Leo.

“It has been such a good experience that we’re keen to buy it. Pimlico is a great location, convenient for both our offices, and we love being on a garden square.

“Our landlady, through her agent, sorts every issue, sending someone to fix broken valves on radiators and even changing lightbulbs we can’t reach. Our lives are so busy, the convenience and ease of renting are hard to beat.”

THE ADVENTURE

Harry and Monica Ford planned to purchase another property when they agreed the sale of their six-bedroom Surrey home last August. But as their buyers were in a rush, the couple had just five weeks to move out – so their only option was to rent.

The Fords, both in their sixties, had lived in the property for two decades, raising their three children. Finding a rental home while packing and sorting 20 years of accumulated family possessions was a Herculean task.

“We found a suitable place in Hampshire, where the owners only come to the UK in the summer,” says Monica. “They let it fully furnished, with everything from their art collection down to the teaspoons.”

On top of the £3,000 monthly rent, the Fords are paying to store their furniture and most of their possessions at a cost of £2,000 a month. In return, they are living in a historic five-bedroom house, 30 miles from their previous home. It’s close enough to stay in touch with friends, but offers a different lifestyle – rural escapism, rather than upmarket suburbia.

“It’s an adventure,” says Harry. “Renting has been an ideal opportunity to change our routine and explore a new area. Our rental home is beautiful but requires constant maintenance. We happily did that for years, but no longer want the stress. Now, if anything goes wrong, one phone call is all that’s needed. Having no direct responsibility for routine maintenance is liberating.”

And while renting for a few months has brought additional costs, these are fixed. “We know exactly what our outlay will be for the next few months,” says Monica. “Renting has turned out to be stress-free, giving us more time to focus on golf and leisure.”

THE EXPERIMENT

Liam Wilkinson has an international lifestyle. Born in the southwest of England, he played professional rugby in the UK and France before starting a career in finance, working in Paris and Nice. It’s a peripatetic way of life that for many years made renting property a practical – and enjoyable – choice.

“In 2013 I moved to Nice, signing to Stade Niçois rugby club,” says Wilkinson. “At the same time, I started working in foreign exchange and as a mortgage adviser to high-net-worth clients, eventually setting up my own luxury finance company, Fortier. In 2019 I decided to move to Paris to test the lifestyle in the City of Light, and rented an apartment in the 7th arrondissement. It was close to everything, with many excellent restaurants and the Quartier Saint-Germain-des-Prés for afterwork drinks.”

After six months, however, the lure of the Côte d’Azur grew too strong for this outdoor sports addict, so Wilkinson returned to Nice with his girlfriend. The benefits of renting – with the flexibility and convenience it provided – were obvious. “Renting in Paris and Nice was an excellent way to learn more about each city, to discover the pros and cons of different neighbourhoods and to find my feet without making an expensive mistake buying the wrong property,” he says.

“In Paris, while the 7th is very on trend, it is also a little sedate. Long-term, I would have preferred to be in the more vibrant 5th or 6th arrondissements. In Nice I rented in the port, overlooking the yachts in the harbour. I liked it so much, that’s where I bought an apartment.”

INSIDER’S GUIDE TO

SINGAPORE

The lowdown on the finer things in life and where to live from Marcus Loo, Savills chief executive officer in the island city-state

Interview by Daven Wu

FOR A COUNTRY MEASURING barely 725 square kilometres, Singapore punches well above its weight. A bustling metropolis with a muscular economy and a first-rate banking system, this Southeast Asian economic tiger is one of the wealthiest nations in the world. So it’s little wonder that it is one of the most popular places to live in the region – and that its prime properties are in high demand. Marcus Loo, chief executive officer of Savills Singapore, has the inside track on the city-state’s most coveted neighbourhoods.

What makes Singapore so special?

For starters, it’s a very small island. It takes about 45 minutes to get from one end to the other. Everything is concentrated so you never have to travel far to get anywhere. We’re regarded as the Switzerland of Asia by regional neighbours such as China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea and Vietnam, so there’s a lot of wealth creation here.

What are some of the neighbourhoods worth checking out?

Orchard Road, Tanglin and Holland Village are where you’ll find a lot of upscale condominiums, private members’ clubs and smart gyms. The living spaces here tend to be larger – upwards of 230 square metres – compared to the local market, where it’s more like 110 square metres.

What about shopping areas?

Orchard Road is the main retail strip with fantastic shopping. Within just one city block, you’ll find glitzy malls such as Ion Orchard, Ngee Ann City, Paragon and Mandarin Gallery. All the big brands are here, from Gucci to Cartier, but you’ll also find interesting indie labels such as Ethan K, In Good Company for casual-chic clothes and Bynd Artisan for leather-bound stationery. A couple of miles west in Dempsey, former colonial military barracks have been converted into wonderful restaurants and boutiques, such as Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s The Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar and Rei Kawakubo’s Dover Street Market. It’s convenient for the Central Business District, which is no more than 10 minutes’ drive, and there’s also a direct underground train line.

Is there anywhere else you’d recommend?

I’m very excited about Nassim Road, which is just off Orchard Road. Lined with low-rise condominiums and grand period bungalows with sprawling gardens, it feels like a world apart thanks to its broad, leafy streets. The Who’s Who of Singapore have homes here. It’s also within easy walking distance of the Singapore Botanic Gardens – the only tropical garden designated a Unesco World Heritage Site.

What is there to do from a cultural perspective?

All the major museums are conveniently located near each other in the City Hall neighbourhood. You’ve got the National Gallery Singapore – home to the world’s largest collection of modern Southeast Asian art – housed in the old Supreme Court and City Hall buildings. Next door is the Asian Civilisations Museum, and there’s also the Peranakan Museum, which has just had a top-to-toe renovation, and the National Museum of Singapore, dedicated to the art, culture and history of the country.

And exercise?

You can run along the paths that meander through the tropical forest of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, or join any one of the morning yoga and chi-gong classes that are held on its meadows. Also popular are the trails around the vast Gardens by the Bay, with their famous biome gardens – the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest – as are the breezy running tracks on East Coast Park. And if you’re a cyclist or rollerblader, the Park Connector Network takes you on a fantastic scenic tour of Singapore’s parks, reservoirs and nature trails.

Previous spread: the Gardens by the Bay

Top and above: sunset swimming at the Marina Bay Sands hotel; The National Gallery Singapore

PORTFOLIO RECOMMENDS

❶ MOTT 32

This chic outpost of the Hong Kong original is a delight as much for its Shanghai-noir interiors of dark woods, glittering metallic mesh and mood lighting, as for its menu of roast meats, steamed fish and noodles.

❷ ATLAS BAR

Step back into the 1920s. Swathed in Art Deco glam and with an eightmetre-tall tower holding 1,300 bottles of gin, Atlas Bar is the place to go for Great Gatsby glamour and killer cocktails.

❸ CAPITASPRING

Head up to the 51st floor of the CapitaSpring biophilic skyscraper for a sensational panoramic view of Singapore and out to neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia. Floors 17 to 20 have been given over to a Green Oasis of trees and plants, with yoga and relaxation nooks.

❹ THE STOLEN ATELIER

House designer Elyn Wong has won over a loyal cadre of fans with her elegantly sculpted backless dresses. The annual collection is small and much coveted, as are appointments at her Orchard Road atelier.

❺ NUS BABA HOUSE

The painstakingly restored interiors of Baba House are a veritable time capsule, capturing the life of a well-heeled Straits Chinese family at the turn of the last century. Visits are by appointment only, but well worth the effort.

Above and left: the indoor waterfall and tropical planting at Jewel Changi Airport; Art Deco detailing and Great Gatsby glamour at Atlas Bar

BUY-TO-LET MORTGAGES

NEW BUILD MORTGAGES

HIGH VALUE MORTGAGES

MORTGAGES FOR OVERSEAS BUYERS

Since 1997 we have helped clients of Savills achieve their goals by providing the right mortgage finance, wealth management and property insurance advice. We make it happen

+44 (0)333 222 6688 info@spf.co.uk spf.co.uk

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. CHANGES IN THE EXCHANGE RATE MAY INCREASE THE STERLING EQUIVALENT OF YOUR DEBT. THE VALUE OF INVESTMENTS MAY FALL AS WELL AS RISE AND YOU MAY NOT GET BACK THE FULL AMOUNT INVESTED.

A fee may be payable to SPF Private Clients if you choose to use our services. Please ask for more information.

SPF Private Clients Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The FCA does not regulate some forms of buy-to-let mortgages and taxation advice.

LIZA-JANE KELLY HEAD OF LONDON RESIDENTIAL

+44 (0)20 7590 5078

lizajane.kelly@savills.com

ANDREW PERRATT HEAD OF SAVILLS UK RESIDENTIAL

+44 (0)20 7016 3823

aperratt@savills.com

KEY MARKET INSIGHTS

Best-in-class homes are highly sought-after. Time-poor buyers want to be able to move in quickly, without having to engage in cosmetic work.

Some buyers are no longer wedded to one area and are looking at other areas offering a similar lifestyle – or even a completely different one. Others want to trade up where they are. The common denominator is that connectivity, green spaces, good schools and a sense of community remain must-haves.

Buyers in search of more space continue to be swayed by leafier areas such as Richmond, Wandsworth and Barnes, but now they might also venture to Hampstead or St John’s Wood.

Crossrail is making Ealing, Canary Wharf and Paddington more attractive. Bayswater – which has a number of world-class developments and branded residences – will now attract global wealth.

London is a global city and a safe haven. The history and calibre of its housing stock – paired with the capital’s culture and education system – provide a lifestyle that is second to none.

Prime central and outer prime London are predicted to fare better than the UK mainstream – dropping by 2 per cent and 7 per cent, respectively. Recovery is expected from 2024, with rises of 13.5 per cent in prime central; 6 per cent across outer prime by 2027.

Some buyers are no longer wedded to one area and are looking at other areas offering a similar lifestyle – or even a completely different one.

GLOUCESTER GATE, REGENT’S PARK

Spread over six storeys, this Grade I-listed classical Nash residence offers uninterrupted views across Regent’s Park from the balcony leading off the double-volume drawing room. Finished to an exceptional standard, it has high ceilings and retains its traditional fireplaces and period features. The principal bedroom occupies an entire floor and the owners enjoy access to a private communal garden. Council Tax Band = H | EPC = Exempt.

Bedrooms 4-5

Bathrooms 5

£12,500,000

Leasehold Lease expiry 2162 | Ground rent £200 per annum (reviewed annually) | Service charge £5,100 per annum (reviewed annually)

Stephen Lindsay, slindsay@savills.com

HOLLAND

PARK GATE, KENSINGTON

Situated on vibrant Kensington High Street, opposite Holland Park and the Design Museum, this is one of the most desirable locations in west London. Residents will enjoy a dedicated health club and spa with 25-metre pool, gym, treatment rooms, dining room and library. Council Tax Band and EPC to be determined.

Bedrooms 1-4

Bathrooms 1-4

From £5,250,000

Leasehold Lease expiry 3021 | Service charge £12 per sq ft per annum

Richard Osborne-Young, royoung@savills.com

THE GLEBE, CHELSEA

Set in one of London’s most exclusive locations, The Glebe is a beautifully fashioned collection of two villas, a triplex penthouse and six grand apartments. Facilities include secure underground garages, a swimming pool, spa and gym, and a 24-hour lifestyle and concierge team. Each property has been individually styled by a renowned interior designer and the landscaping and gardens are by the multiple Chelsea gold medallist Tom Stuart-Smith. Council Tax Band = H | EPC = B-D.

Bedrooms 4-7

Bathrooms 4-7

From £27,700,00

Share of freehold Service charge

£15.65-£17.65 per sq ft per annum

Richard Osborne-Young, ROYoung@savills.com

LENNOX GARDENS, KNIGHTSBRIDGE

This exquisitely presented triplex apartment is set over the principal floors of a Grade II listed building on one of the most exclusive garden squares in Knightsbridge. The 5,280 sq ft property has the feel of a low-built house, with high ceilings, a grand L-shaped staircase, perfectly preserved period features and bespoke modern finishes. There are three terraces and the opulent main bedroom suite has dual walk-in dressing rooms. Council Tax Band = H | EPC = D.

Bedrooms 5

Bathrooms 5

£22,950,000

Share of freehold Lease expiry 2996 | Peppercorn ground rent | Service charge variable

Alex Christian, achristian@savills.com

LONDON THE COLLECTION

NELSON DOCK HOUSE, ROTHERHITHE

Nelson Dock House is one of the finest houses overlooking the River Thames in this vibrant part of London. Council Tax Band = H. EPC = Exempt.

Bedrooms 6

Bathrooms 4

£3,500,000

Freehold

Chloe Luxon, chloe.luxon@savills.com

MAYFAIR HOUSE, MAYFAIR

Designed by Derek Williams Ltd and Finchatton, Mayfair House is an exquisite boutique development of lateral apartments on Carlos Place, one of London’s most desirable addresses. Furnished in a sophisticated, contemporary style, the property has three bedroom suites, an elegant drawing room, a formal dining room and a kitchen with an island and a separate utility area. The media room could be used as a fourth bedroom. Council Tax Band = H.

Bedrooms 3

Bathrooms 3

Guide £16,500pw (£71,500pcm).

Fees may apply

Additional payments Deposit

£99,000 | Holding deposit £16,500

Available from April 2023

12 months minimum tenancy

Isabella Birch Reynardson, ibreynardson@savills.com

CADOGAN

PLACE, BELGRAVIA

Refurbished to a superb standard, this Grade II listed home with a one-bedroom mews offers views of Cadogan Place Gardens. The property is interior designed throughout, and features Wolf and Miele appliances and a Crestron smart home system. Two of the five bedrooms in the main house are large suites with dressing areas and the generous reception areas include an eat-in kitchen. The house has a lift, a garage, a swimming pool, a gym and access to extensive communal gardens (via separate negotiation). Council Tax Band = H.

Bedrooms 6

Bathrooms 5

Guide £22,500pw (£97,500pcm).

Fees may apply

Additional payments Deposit £99,000 | Holding deposit £135,000

Available from April 2023

12 months minimum tenancy

Isabella Birch Reynardson, ibreynardson@savills.com

CLIFTON VILLAS, LITTLE VENICE

A stone’s throw from the canal in this sought-after west London neighbourhood, this superbly restored house benefits from plenty of natural light. It has a generous double reception room, a principal bedroom with a dressing area and an en suite bathroom, a well-appointed kitchen with a separate utility area, and a private garden. Council Tax Band = H. EPC = D.

Bedrooms 4

Bathrooms 3

£8,750,000

Freehold

Zach Madison, ZMadison@savills.com

BARDON LODGE, WIMBLEDON

This unique and historic double-fronted detached house enjoys a wonderful location in Wimbledon Village and overlooks the Common. Bardon Lodge has walled gardens and an annexe. Council Tax Band = H | EPC = D.

Bedrooms 6

Bathrooms 5

£9,500,000

Freehold

James Morrison, jmorrison@savills.com

LONDON THE COLLECTION

THE OWO RESIDENCES BY RAFFLES, WHITEHALL

The reimagination of the Old War Office building, where Ian Fleming created James Bond, is a landmark destination comprising a 120-key five-star Raffles hotel, 85 private residences, nine restaurants, three bars and a wellness spa. Completed in spring 2023, it offers best-in-class services and a plethora of private amenities. Council Tax Band and EPC to be determined.

Bedrooms 1-5

Bathrooms 1-5

From £4,000,000

Leasehold Estimated lease expiry 2273 | Estimated service charge £16 per sq ft per annum

Adam Simmonds, adam.simmonds@savills.com; Ian Pidgeon, ian.pidgeon@savills.com

1 GROSVENOR SQUARE, MAYFAIR

A historic building on the grandest square in Mayfair has been reconstructed brick by brick to accommodate 44 luxurious residences. Residents will enjoy a concierge service, embassy-level security and a dedicated lifestyle floor with a 25-metre pool. Council Tax Band = H | EPC = B.

Bedrooms 2

Bathrooms 2

From £9,250,000

Leasehold Lease expiry 3019 | Service charge £18 per sq ft per annum

Sarah Peck, sepeck@savills.com

PARK MODERN, BAYSWATER

Park Modern offers a rare chance to buy a new-build contemporary apartment on the edge of Hyde Park. Residents will benefit from 24-hour security and concierge services, valet parking and a leisure suite with a pool, spa and gym. The residences have spectacular south-facing views over the park, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows and superbly finished kitchens featuring Gaggenau appliances. Council Tax Band and EPC to be determined.

Bedrooms 1-6

Bathrooms 1-6

From £2,150,000

Leasehold Lease expiry 3022 |

Estimated service charge £14 per sq ft per annum

Sarah Peck, sepeck@savills.com

THE COLLECTION LONDON

HAMILTON TERRACE, ST JOHN’S WOOD

Set on a tree-lined street in a conservation area, this grand Georgian house has been renovated in contemporary style while retaining many period features. The indoor pool is linked to the garden by a suntrap terrace and the versatile open-plan space on the top floor would work perfectly as a gym, games room, studio or home cinema. Council Tax Band = H | EPC = D.

Bedrooms 7

Bathrooms 6

£24,000,000

Freehold

Stephen Lindsay, slindsay@savills.com

THE QUAX, EALING

Imaginatively designed and immaculately finished, this 6,300 sq ft family home is one of the finest properties in this sought-after residential area. Set behind private gates, it has a roof terrace with a Jacuzzi, an indoor pool, a games room and a bespoke fitted kitchen. The principal bedroom benefits from a walk-in wardrobe and a large balcony overlooking the garden, which is reached via bifold doors in the open-plan living room. The Quax has a double garage and two charging points. Council Tax Band = G | EPC = B.

Bedrooms 3

Bathrooms 3

£5,500,000

Freehold

Stuart Balfre, stuart.balfre@savills.com

CHARLES HOUSE, MAYFAIR

Created with outstanding commitment to quality by Earlcrown, this remarkable residence sets unprecedented standards of quality, style and luxury. Behind its classic stone façade, Charles House offers a 20,000 sq ft interior and 2,400 sq ft of outdoor living space. Its elegant reception rooms and gorgeous terraces are ideal for entertaining and the extravagant spa boasts a plunge pool, a sauna and one of the largest hammams ever created in a private home. The property also has a 15m swimming pool, a spa pool and a wellbeing suite comprising a gym, hairdressing salon, nail parlour and massage room. The bedroom suites are sumptuous and the club room, state-of-the-art cinema and wine-tasting room are perfect for unwinding and indulging. Each exquisite space features cutting-edge technology and security. Council Tax Band = H | EPC = B.

Bedrooms 9

Bathrooms 9

£67,500,000

Freehold

Jonathan Hewlett, jhewlett@savills.com

ADDISON ROAD, HOLLAND PARK

A short walk from Kensington High Street, this handsome 19th-century detached period house is flooded with natural light. The main reception room is an extraordinary triple-height former artist’s studio and there are outstanding landscaped gardens to the front and rear. A self-contained suite of rooms at the front of the house could be used as guest or staff accommodation. Council Tax Band = H |

EPC = F.

Bedrooms 7

Bathrooms 5

£15,500,000

Freehold

Kit Allen, kallen@savills.com

THE COLLECTION LONDON

CASTELNAU, BARNES

This immaculate house on one of Barnes’s most prestigious streets is perfect for family living and entertaining. Set behind wrought-iron gates, it has a double reception room with a bay window, a family room with a skylight and a Mark Wilkinson kitchen with Gaggenau appliances, a breakfast bar and bifold doors leading down to the garden. The principal bedroom suite benefits from a walk-in wardrobe and a terrace with heat lamps. The house is Bang & Olufsen wired throughout. Council Tax Band = H | EPC = E.

Bedrooms 6

Bathrooms 3

£4,175,000

Freehold

Sam Bide, sam.bide@savills.com

WISETON HOUSE, WANDSWORTH

This sensational double-fronted Victorian home is perfect for family living, with more than 5,000 sq ft of living space spread across three floors. Nestled in Bellevue Village, moments from Wandsworth Common, it has six en suite bedrooms, four reception rooms and a stunning open-plan kitchen/ living room with Crittall-style doors. Additionally, there is a stylish, self-contained converted stable house in the landscaped garden. Council Tax Band = G | EPC = D.

Bedrooms 6

Bathrooms 6

£6,950,000

Freehold

Helen Hammond, helen.hammond@savills.com

ALEXANDER SQUARE, SOUTH KENSINGTON

Set on a sought-after garden square, this magnificently proportioned Grade II listed house was built in the late 1820s by the neoclassical architect George Basevi. Presented in excellent condition throughout, the property has been superbly configured and arranged, with a beautiful ground-floor dining room and an impressive double reception space on the first floor, enjoying views of a garden square to the front and the attractive private garden to the rear. Council Tax Band = H | EPC = D.

Bedrooms 5

Bathrooms 3

£9,500,000

Freehold

William Duckworth-Chad, wdchad@savills.com

LONDON THE COLLECTION

STANLEY GARDENS, NOTTING HILL

Located on a prime street in one of the capital’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, this grand six-bedroom townhouse enjoys direct access to communal gardens.

Council Tax Band = H | EPC = D.

Bedrooms 6

Bathrooms 6

£16,950,000

Freehold

Daniel Taylor, daniel.taylor@savills.com

PITT

STREET, KENSINGTON

Developed in 2008 for the current owner, this unique property is situated between Holland Park and Kensington Gardens. The house offers 11,000 sq ft of lateral living space, with a gym, a pool, a cinema room, a lift to all floors and a double garage. The large reception room opens onto an exceptional south-facing garden with a plot width of 92ft. Council Tax Band = H | EPC = C.

Bedrooms 7

Bathrooms 5

£44,000,000

Freehold

Kit Allen, kallen@savills.com

MULBERRY WALK, CHELSEA

A short walk from the King’s Road, Mulberry House is an exceptionally wide, low-built home with two front doors and a passenger lift. Rebuilt behind a period façade by the current owners, the property has six well-appointed bedroom suites, a cinema room, a formal drawing room on the first floor and a wonderful kitchen/family room that opens onto the landscaped garden. The roof terrace offers complete privacy and there is a luxurious spa with a treatment room, gym, sauna and steam shower. Council Tax Band = H | EPC = C.

Bedrooms 7

Bathrooms 7

£19,995,000

Freehold

Alex Christian, achristian@savills.com

THE COLLECTION LONDON

ELDON ROAD, KENSINGTON

Meticulously built by Finchatton, using the finest materials and craftsmanship, 25 Eldon Road is a family home of the utmost quality in a conservation area near Kensington Gardens. This exceptional house has five en suite bedrooms, a formal reception room with ceiling heights of more than 10ft, a spacious open-plan kitchen and family room, a media room and a gym. There is off-street parking and a landscaped private garden to the rear. Council Tax Band = H | EPC = B.

Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 5 £14,250,000 Freehold

Peter Bevan, peter.bevan@savills.com

OLD GROVE HOUSE, HAMPSTEAD

Steeped in history and heritage, this spectacular Grade II listed home offers country-style living in the heart of one of north London’s most prestigious neighbourhoods. Old Grove House retains a wealth of period features, including grand reception rooms, high ceilings and tall sash windows that let natural light flood in. A short walk from Hampstead Heath, the property has a mature walled garden, a beautiful guest cottage and off-street parking for two cars. Council Tax Band = H | EPC = Exempt.

Bedrooms 8

Bathrooms 7 £28,000,000

Freehold

James Diaper, jdiaper@savills.com

UK COUNTRY

PHILLIPPA DALBY-WELSH

HEAD OF SAVILLS COUNTRY DEPARTMENT

+44 (0)20 7499 8644 pdwelsh@savills.com

ANDREW PERRATT

HEAD OF SAVILLS UK RESIDENTIAL

+44 (0)20 7016 3823 aperratt@savills.com

KEY MARKET INSIGHTS

Clients’ eco-consciousness has grown, along with a desire for energy efficiency. It is now usual for buyers to request a breakdown of the running costs prior to making an offer.

Buyers look to be within 90 minutes’ drive of London – or a shorter commute by train, such as in rural Essex, just 35 minutes away. Other sweet spots are the South Downs, Hampshire’s Candover and Meon valleys and the villages around Bath.

Many buyers want to be within striking distance of a cool members’ club such as Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire, or The Newt or Babington House in Somerset. Hosting friends then popping to the country club is the social utopia. And

’anything that affords privacy without being too remote is appealing.

The most sought-after properties are “turnkey”: already decorated in a style sympathetic to the architecture, that sit well within their land and have attractive views.

There remains a focus on lifestyle quality. So the home office, pool, tennis court, stabling, garaging and an annexe for granny (or to Airbnb) continue to be on many wish lists.

The new buyer registration statistics are a story in themselves. In March, £2.5m-plus registrations were 47 per cent up on 2019, the last “normal” year before Covid; and £5m-plus registrations were 49 per cent up.

Many buyers want to be within striking distance of a cool members’ club... Hosting friends then popping to the country club is the social utopia.

STEVENTON HOUSE, STEVENTON

Built in 1810 by Jane Austen’s brother, this handsome Grade II listed Georgian home in a picturesque village near Basingstoke and Winchester is accessed via a tree-lined drive. Set in an elevated position, with views of the gardens and parkland, it has white stucco elevations, a slate roof and a host of period features in its high-ceilinged rooms, including sash windows and hardwood flooring. There is a two-bedroom cottage in the 50-acre grounds, along with paddocks, a heated pool and a tennis court. Council Tax Band = H | EPC = G.

Bedrooms 6

Bathrooms 4

£8,500,000

Freehold

Ed

Sugden, esugden@savills.com

WEST SUSSEX THE COLLECTION

STEDHAM MILL HOUSE, MIDHURST

Located in the South Downs National Park, this Grade II listed property enjoys a wonderfully rural setting, but is less than three miles from the picturesque market town of Midhurst. Built at the turn of the 19th century, Stedham Mill House was renovated in 2006. It now has six en suite bedrooms, a wonderful kitchen/breakfast room and a charming drawing room with views of the gardens and the River Rother, which runs through the 24-acre grounds. Outbuildings include a two-bedroom cottage and an L-shaped barn and stables. Council Tax Band = F | EPC = D.

Bedrooms 6

Bathrooms 6

£5,250,000

Freehold

Phillippa Dalby-Welsh, pdwelsh@savills.com

BLUEYS FARMHOUSE, MARLOW

Nestled in a private valley in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this charming Grade II listed farmhouse enjoys glorious views across its own land, yet is a short drive from the desirable Thames-side town of Marlow. The main house is set in 115 acres of grazing, arable and woodland, with formal gardens, a swimming pool, a tennis court, a stable yard, a manège and a two-bedroom ancillary cottage. Council Tax Band = H | EPC = D.

Bedrooms 7

Bathrooms 3

£9,500,000

Freehold

Hugh Maconochie, hmaconochie@savills.com

GREAT TANGLEY MANOR, WONERSH

Mentioned by Pevsner in The Buildings of England, this Grade I listed mansion in a village near Guildford is thought to be the oldest continuously inhabited house in Britain. Sympathetically refurbished by its current owners, Great Tangley Manor has an indoor pool, a tennis court and 10 acres of gorgeous gardens and grounds. One wing of the property has been used for holiday lettings and the house has also hosted corporate events and yoga retreats. Council Tax Band = H | EPC = G.

Bedrooms 10

Bathrooms 6

£8,950,000 Freehold

Phillippa Dalby-Welsh, pdwelsh@savills.com

SURREY THE COLLECTION

ST GEORGE’S HILL, WEYBRIDGE

Woodlawn is a palatial modern mansion set in 3.7 acres of private landscaped gardens on the exclusive St George’s Hill estate. Designed by renowned period architect Julian Bicknell, this is an impressive family home with outstanding leisure facilities – there is a spa complex with an indoor pool, a sauna and a gym. Sliding glass doors lead to a terrace with views of the landscaped gardens. The property has two independent staff flats and garaging for five cars. Council Tax Band = H | EPC = B.

Bedrooms 9

Bathrooms 11

£22,950,000 Freehold

Trevor Kearney, tkearney@savills.com

ST GEORGE’S HILL, WEYBRIDGE

Approached via electric gates, Cumbroc is a contemporary Huf Haus in a secluded part of St George’s Hill, one of the most sought-after private estates in the UK. The free-flowing layout of the ground floor offers flexible family living, with floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise natural light, and three of the five bedrooms have balconies. There is an outdoor heated pool in the landscaped grounds and an open-tiled area in the basement could be converted into a gym, games room or home cinema.

Council Tax Band = H | EPC = C.

Bedrooms 5

Bathrooms 4

£4,950,000

Freehold

Simon Ashwell, sashwell@savills.com

CHADLINGTON HOUSE, SUNNINGDALE

Near Sunningdale and Wentworth golf courses, and Windsor Great Park, this newly refurbished family home has exceptional interiors, manicured formal gardens and an indoor pool with vaulted ceilings. The house is set back in its plot, giving a feeling of grandeur and an exceptional approach. Electric gates open onto the large driveway, where there is a detached triple garage and a car port with staff accommodation above. Council Tax Band = H | EPC = D.

Bedrooms 7

Bathrooms 7

£5,500,000

Freehold

Charles Broadbent-Combe, chbroadbent@savills.com

STANTON COURT, STANTON

One of the finest manors in the Cotswolds, this Grade II listed Jacobean house is set in an idyllic village near Broadway. There are lakes, rills and ponds in its 12 acres of glorious gardens and grounds, which incorporate five cottages and a cricket pitch. Stanton Court has an indoor pool, a gym, a cinema room and a triple garage. There is a staff annexe and a separate 50-acre block of woodland with stalking rights. Council Tax Band = H | EPC = Exempt.

Bedrooms 10 Bathrooms 8 £14,000,000 Freehold

Ed Sugden, esugden@savills.com

GLOUCESTERSHIRE THE COLLECTION

EDGEWORTH MANOR, MISERDEN

A glorious example of classic English architecture, this Grade II listed house is set in 56 acres of beautiful Cotswold countryside and enjoys panoramic views from its elevated position. With nine bedrooms and six bathrooms, it offers ample space for comfortable living. Outbuildings include secondary accommodation, a swimming pool and a cinema room. Council Tax Band = H | EPC = Exempt.

Bedrooms 9

Bathrooms 6

£20,000,000

Freehold

Ed Sugden, esugden@savills.com

NORFOLK THE COLLECTION

HALES HALL, HALES GREEN

Set in nine acres of moated grounds, this Grade I listed Tudor house offers spacious, flexible accommodation and considerable income potential. The main hall was renovated to the highest standards in 2014, and has seven en suite bedrooms and a custom-built kitchen with an Aga. There is additional accommodation in the Gate House, the Cottage and the Garden Rooms, and the magnificent Great Barn has permission to be used as a fantastic wedding and events venue. Hales Hall is located 13 miles from the cathedral city of Norwich. Council Tax Band = G | EPC = Exempt.

Bedrooms 7

Bathrooms 7

£3,900,000 Freehold

Natalie Howlett-Clarke, nhclarke@savills.com

GLEBE HOUSE, TWYWELL

Reached via private gates and a sweeping driveway, this substantial Georgian rectory is situated in a pretty village near Kettering, with views of a medieval church. The property has nine bedrooms, a spacious annexe or office, a heated pool, a tennis court and 4.3 acres of gardens, parkland and paddocks. There is a wood-burner in the sitting room and an Aga in the family kitchen. Council Tax Band = H | EPC = E.

Bedrooms 9

Bathrooms 5 £2,850,000 Freehold

James Abbott, jabbott@savills.com

CRANFIELD HOUSE, SOUTHWELL

This Grade II* listed Queen Anne house occupies a prime location near Southwell’s shops and restaurants, and has views of the market town’s medieval Minster. Set in 1.87 acres of mature grounds and gardens, the property is full of charm and character. A detached coach house provides parking for two cars, but could be converted into a residential annexe, subject to planning permission. Council Tax Band = H | EPC = Exempt.

Bedrooms 6

Bathrooms 3

£2,250,000 Freehold

Ian Marriott, ian.marriott@savills.com

GLENTHORNE HOUSE, LYNTON

Approached via a long drive that runs through beautiful gardens, combes and woodland, this 77-acre estate occupies a spectacular position on the north Devon coast, with uninterrupted sea views and direct access to the beach. The Grade II listed property is in Exmoor National Park. Council Tax Band = H | EPC = Exempt.

Bedrooms 12

Bathrooms 5

£7,000,000

Freehold

George Nares, george.nares@savills.com

ADLINGTON HALL ESTATE, ADLINGTON

The ancestral home of the Legh family for nearly 700 years, this Grade I listed manor can trace its origins back to Saxon times and has imposing Tudor and Georgian façades. Located between Manchester and Macclesfield, Adlington Hall is a family home that also hosts weddings, events and public visits, and is regularly used for film and television shoots. Understood to be on the market for the first time in 700 years, and available as a whole estate or in lots, the 1,922-acre estate includes a number of farming and residential assets that generate income.

Council Tax Band = H | EPC = Exempt

Bedrooms 12

Bathrooms 4

£3,950,000-£26,000,000

Freehold

Alex Lawson, alawson@savills.com

VALLEY FARM ESTATE, GILLING EAST

The 66-acre Valley Farm Estate offers a perfect balance of modern architecture and a peaceful landscape. Set in the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the 18,000 sq ft house provides complete privacy, with no public rights of way or visibility to the outside world. There is a swimming pool in a three-bedroom annexe and a biomass boiler uses timber harvested from the estate’s woodland to provide heating and hot water. Council Tax Band = H | EPC = B.

Bedrooms 11

Bathrooms 11

£8,000,000 Freehold

Crispin Holborow, cholborow@savills.com

AUCHTERMUCHTY, FIFE

Built in the early 16th century, Myres Castle has been associated with royalty for much of its distinguished history. The 45-acre estate is surrounded by a high stone wall for maximum privacy, and there are panoramic views from the castle’s battlements. A substantial refurbishment begun in 1999 has resulted in a large but practical home, well laid out for entertaining and family life. Myres Castle has been run as a high-end holiday let, a yoga/wellness retreat and a wedding venue. Council Tax Band = H | EPC = D.

Bedrooms 10 Bathrooms 10 Offers over £3,500,000 Freehold

Jamie Macnab, jmacnab@savills.com

DALHEBITY HOUSE, ABERDEEN

One of Scotland’s most spectacular private homes, this exceptional mansion is set on a south-facing plot of about 10 acres, with majestic trees and woodland, a small lake and a tennis court. The property has a luxurious spa complex, a heated indoor pool and separate staff accommodation. The scale and finish of this sumptuous home are hugely impressive. Council Tax Band = H | EPC = C.

Bedrooms 11

Bathrooms 11

Offers over £7,500,000 Freehold

Fiona Gormley, fgormley@savills.com

LA

ROCHELLE, GROUVILLE

Offering contemporary living at its finest, La Rochelle occupies an elevated position in a rural setting on Jersey’s southwest coast, with superb sea views. The interiors are finished to a high specification, showing exquisite attention to detail, and bifold doors link the kitchen-dining room to the terrace and swimming pool.

Bedrooms 6

Bathrooms 6

£5,000,000 Freehold

Geri O’Brien, gobrien@savills.com

JELENA CVJETKOVIC DIRECTOR, SAVILLS GLOBAL RESIDENTIAL

+44 (0)20 7016 3754

jcvjetkovic@savills.com

KEY MARKET INSIGHTS

The old continent of Europe still manages to amaze and inspire, with the timeless quality of locations such as Tuscany, Lake Como, Provence, the French and Italian Rivieras and the Greek Islands – as well as the period homes they offer – continuing to appeal.

Best-in-class resorts are reaching new highs in terms of amenities, sophistication and design, and are breaking price barriers accordingly. Resorts in the Algarve, Portugal, are a shining example of this, but the same pattern can be seen in Sotogrande in Spain and Sardinia.

The relative strength of the dollar is drawing growing numbers of American buyers to locations such as Portugal, Spain, Italy and France.

Ski resorts are changing. After the much-reported executive nomad – who chooses to work remotely amidst beautiful scenery – comes the executive snowmad. Savills Ski agents report that more than 90 per cent of chalet owners are staying for longer periods compared with pre-pandemic levels, and a similar number of owners now work remotely from their mountain homes.

Many European cities are being reinvigorated by regeneration, introducing buyers to types of properties previously not seen in their area – whether Florence’s post-industrial Manifattura Tabacchi or the prospect of green living in the “forest in the city” that is FoRo Living Foresta Romana in Rome.

Many European cities are being reinvigorated by regeneration, introducing buyers to types of properties previously not seen in their area.

CANNES, FRENCH RIVIERA

Discover one of the most iconic properties on the French Riviera. Ideally located on the hills of Cannes, this majestic mansion dates from 1928 and has recently been restored to its former glory. Completely refurbished, it provides about 2,500 sq m of living space and is set in almost one hectare of landscaped grounds, with two swimming pools and an open-air auditorium. Boasting a spectacular view over the Mediterranean Sea, the property enjoys an exceptional panorama. The main villa has 12 sumptuous suites, several lounges and bars, a professional kitchen and a lift. A wellness area with an indoor pool, massage room and gym, a garage for 10 cars and separate staff accommodation with six bedrooms complete this unique estate.

Bedrooms 18

Bathrooms 16

€110,000,000

Savills Cannes, cannes@savills.com

ROQUEBRUNE-CAP-MARTIN, FRENCH RIVIERA

Offering panoramic views of Monaco and the Italian coastline, L’Aiglon is part of the history of the Riviera – this majestic villa dates from 1891 and has links to the founder of the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer and the architect Henri Schmidt. Set in 2,665 sq m of landscaped grounds with a swimming pool, the 686 sq m main house of 10 bedrooms retains refined Florentine-inspired architecture and original features such as fireplaces and exceptional woodwork. A five-bedroom guest house and a two-car garage complete this exceptional property.

Bedrooms 15

Bathrooms 14

€39,000,000

Savills Beaulieu-sur-Mer, beaulieu@savills.com

SAINT-TROPEZ, FRENCH RIVIERA

Located in a peaceful neighbourhood between the village and beaches of Pampelonne, this unique estate is set in elegant landscaped grounds with fountains and Mediterranean planting. The seven Provençal-style villas on the gated, south-facing plot of 7,000 sq m include a main house with two bedrooms, a guest house/games room, caretaker’s accommodation and several cottages, all surrounding a spacious pool area with a pool house.

Bedrooms 8

Bathrooms 8 €21,280,000

Savills Saint-Tropez, sainttropez@savills.com

THE COLLECTION FRANCE

MUSÉE RODIN, PARIS

A stone’s throw from the Rodin Museum and the Hôtel Matignon, this exceptional 213 sq m apartment is in a former private mansion on one of the most popular streets in the 7th arrondissement. Accessible by lift, the sensitively renovated three-bedroom property retains original features such as high ceilings, woodwork, parquet flooring, mouldings and a grand fireplace in the magnificent living room. The en suite master bedroom on the mezzanine has a dressing room and views of the courtyard.

Bedrooms 3

Bathrooms 2 €5,800,000

Anne La Clavière, alaclaviere@varenne.fr

CAP D’AIL, FRENCH RIVIERA

Located on the waterfront, less than 1km from Monaco, this contemporary villa of 600 sq m offers sweeping sea views. Arranged over two levels, the property has spacious open-plan reception rooms, a modern kitchen, a principal bedroom suite and four further bedrooms. The villa is set within 3,800 sq m of landscaped grounds, with extensive terraces, a 17m swimming pool and a pool house. A garage for 10 cars and independent staff accommodation complete this exceptional residence.

Bedrooms 5

Bathrooms 5 €35,000,000

Savills Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, capferrat@savills.com

SAINT-PAUL-DE-VENCE, FRENCH RIVIERA

Combining traditional architectural details with contemporary levels of comfort and luxury, this exceptional villa is set in a tranquil location near the idyllic village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea, the main house was recently refurbished to a high standard and has five en suite bedrooms, a magnificent reception room, a home cinema, a fitness room and an exceptional wine cellar. The immaculately maintained grounds contain a swimming pool, a tennis court, two guest houses and a caretaker’s apartment.

Bedrooms 9

Bathrooms 9

€7,900,000

Savills Valbonne, valbonne@savills.com

SARLAT-LA CAN É DA, DORDOGNE

Château La Carrière is an exquisite estate set in 28 hectares of woodland, prairie and manicured gardens with a beautiful lake. Hidden away in a tranquil location, the property offers complete privacy, yet is just 15 minutes from the historic town of Sarlat. The oldest part of the château dates from the 17th century, but a new wing was added in the early 21st. It has eight bedrooms, six bathrooms, spacious reception rooms, a conference room, a cinema and a fitness room with Jacuzzi. Outbuildings include a renovated pigeonnier, a barn, garages and a caretaker’s house with three bedrooms. Château La Carrière offers scope for revenue as an events centre or wedding venue, but would also make an exceptional family home.

Bedrooms 12

Bathrooms 9

€3,900,000

Judith Whitlow, prestige@beauxvillages.com

FRANCE THE COLLECTION

M

É RIBEL, FRENCH ALPS

This luxurious new-build chalet has exceptional mountain views and is ideally situated near the centre of Méribel. Arranged over four levels, the 248 sq m property has an outdoor Jacuzzi, an indoor pool, a ski room, a garage and a home cinema. The living room, dining room and kitchen are on the second floor and lead out to the chalet’s terrace.

Bedrooms 6

Bathrooms 6

€3,970,000

Savills Méribel, meribel@savills.com

COURCHEVEL, FRENCH ALPS

The View Est is an exceptional apartment in the heart of Courchevel 1850, one of the most prestigious resorts in the Alps. On the top floor of a ski-in/ski-out residence, this sumptuous penthouse has four en suite bedrooms, a reception room with high ceilings and central fireplace, a private ski room and a direct lift to the slopes.

Bedrooms 4

Bathrooms 4

€6,100,000

Savills Courchevel 1850, courchevel@savills.com

FANARI, MYKONOS

Enjoy amazing views of the Aegean from this exceptional 480 sq m home in the northwest of the island, 6km from Mykonos Town. Tucked away behind secure gates, the 480 sq m villa is set on a 4,000 sq m plot with a pool, a garden, terraces and a barbecue. Recently refurbished and reconfigured, it has a large living space on the first floor that flows through to a dining area, a kitchen and four bedrooms. There is a second kitchen on the lower level, which also has four en suite bedrooms and could be used as a self-contained villa. The en suite master bedroom at the top of the internal stairwell features deep built-in wardrobes and a Jacuzzi. There is a wheelchair-accessible room with a bathroom and a separate entrance on the ground floor.

Bedrooms 9

Bathrooms 9 €3,200,000

Fani Dritsa, f.dritsa@savills.gr

AGIOS NIKOLAOS, ZAKYNTHOS

This magnificent hillside home on the north coast of Zakynthos offers complete privacy and superb views of the Ionian Sea and the marina in Agios Nikolaos. Due to be completed by the end of 2023, the main villa is designed in a modern, minimal style that respects local architectural forms, with uninterrupted vistas of the water from the four en suite bedrooms, living room and kitchen. Natural, eco-friendly materials have been used throughout and the property has a Class A energy rating. The gated villa has landscaped grounds, a 14m infinity pool, spacious terraces and a guest room with independent access.

Bedrooms 4

Bathrooms 5

€1,250,000

Stefania Tsokali, s.tsokali@savills.gr

PORTOFINO, LIGURIA

In a highly desirable location on the piazza in Portofino, this elegant five-bedroom apartment has a charming terrace and views across the village’s harbour to the Ligurian Sea. The property has private parking.

Bedrooms 5

Bathrooms 4

€3,800,000

Chris Ostet, c.ostet@ar92.com

FO.RO LIVING, ROME

Fo.Ro stands for Foresta Romana, and the architect Mario Cucinella drew inspiration from the forest when designing this futuristic development near Rome’s Appia Antica Park – the largest urban green space in Europe. Based on the principles of sustainable wellbeing, the light-filled apartments at Fo.Ro Living have curved terraces and elegant, comfortable interiors that combine modern forms, advanced techniques and top-quality furnishings. The quality of life in the Foresta Romana is enhanced by the services it offers, which include a gym, a wellness area, a rooftop garden and a putting green.

Bedrooms 1-4

Bathrooms 1-4

€330,000-€2,965,000

Danilo Orlando, danilo.orlando@savills.it

VILLASIMIUS, SARDINIA

Villa Caterina is a unique waterfront home in Cala Caterina, a prestigious beach area in Villasimius, on Sardinia’s south coast. The property is located in 5,000 sq m of perfumed Mediterranean gardens – the biggest residential plot in the area, guaranteeing privacy – and offers access to a beach that can otherwise only be reached by boat. As well as the main villa, there are two apartments separated from the principal building by terraces. Most of the rooms have sea views and the covered terraces are ideal for relaxing after a stroll in the sun. Three paths lead directly down to the sea: two to sandy beaches, the third to a gorgeous cove.

Bedrooms 10

Bathrooms 5

€15,000,000

Emiliano Cruciani, emiliano@luxuryesmeralda.com

LENNO, LAKE COMO

This tranquil lakeside property enjoys exceptional views from the terrace on the waterfront. The recently renovated main villa has two large bedrooms with private bathrooms, and there is a guest house with four further bedrooms and storage for small boats and canoes. A pontoon leads down to a private boat dock.

Bedrooms 6

Bathrooms 5 €7,000,000

Tom Vickery, tvickery@savills.com

LE ROCHER

Here is a rare chance to purchase a stand-alone villa with a large garage in the historic setting of Monaco-Ville, which benefits from the highest levels of security in the Principality. Ideal for those seeking tranquillity and privacy, Pavillon Paulnette is a four-storey Belle Époque villa on a quiet street near the Prince’s Palace. Planning permission has been granted for an extra level that would offer exceptional views across the sea to Cap Martin and Italy.

Bedrooms 1

Bathrooms 1-2

€12,400,000

Irene Luke, iluke@savills.com

LIVE IN MANIFATTURA TABACCHI, FLORENCE

A former tobacco factory located northwest of Florence’s historic centre, Manifattura Tabacchi is the city’s latest cultural landmark. Original and newly constructed buildings will host one- to three-bedroom lofts and apartments, a fashion design school, ateliers, laboratories, offices, cultural spaces, halls of residence, a hotel, a theatre and a kindergarten. The first phase of the development, due for completion by Q1 2024, includes 24 lofts by the renowned Italian architecture firm q-bic and 24 luxury apartments by the world-famous designer Patricia Urquiola. Residents will benefit from a concierge service, a communal rooftop garden, a fitness area and bicycle storage.

Bedrooms 1-3

Bathrooms 1-4

From €510,000

Harry Philpott, hphilpott@savills.com

PINHEIROS ALTOS, ALGARVE

This immaculate property offers all the comforts of a luxury residence and the unique opportunity to acquire a double plot in the popular golf resort of Pinheiros Altos. Behind the classic facade, it has striking open-plan interiors and is made for entertaining, with seamless access from the villa to the covered terrace, swimming pool, outside kitchen and landscaped gardens.

Bedrooms 4

Bathrooms 4

€5,750,000

Jamie Robinson, jamie@qp.pt

THE COLLECTION PORTUGAL

QUINTA DO LAGO, ALGARVE

Finished to the highest possible standards, this sensational villa is located in one of the Algarve’s most sought-after resorts. Situated next to the lake, the four-storey property has six en suite bedrooms with walk-in closets, a gym, a cinema room, a wine cellar and a barbecue area for alfresco dining with glorious sunset views. One of the two heated swimming pools is on the rooftop terrace, which has a kitchen and bar area.

Bedrooms 6

Bathrooms 7

€21,500,000

Jamie Robinson, jamie@qp.pt

SPATIA MELIDES, COMPORTA

An hour’s drive from Lisbon, this exclusive collection of three- and four-bedroom homes is set in a secluded 170-hectare resort on Portugal’s Atlantic coast. All owners have access to the hotel facilities, which include the Spatia Spa’s state-of-the-art gym, saunas and steam rooms, a 25-metre pool and a terrace with fire pits and day beds. Each of the private homes features spacious living areas finished to a high specification, with high ceilings and sliding glass walls that lead to large private gardens with direct transport to the beach, a mile away.

Bedrooms 3-4

Bathrooms 4-5

Prices from €3,790,000

Miguel Lacerda, miguel.lacerda@savills.pt; Harry Philpott, hphilpott@savills.com

PR Í NC IPE REAL , LISBON

Next to the prestigious Avenida da Liberdade, in one of the Portuguese capital’s most sought-after districts, Ando Living Liberdade Club will combine the amenities and services of a luxury hotel with familiar home comforts. Residents of the 42 apartments in this converted 19th-century building will enjoy exclusive access to a rooftop pool, a gym and a concierge service.

Bedrooms 1-2

Bathrooms 1

€520,000-€1,040,000

Miguel Lacerda, miguel.lacerda@savills.pt

SAN

JOS É, IBIZA

This superb turnkey villa is in a prestigious gated community in the southwest of the island, 10 minutes from San José and 25 minutes from Ibiza Town. Built to an exacting standard in 2019, the 711 sq m property has eight large en suite bedrooms and furnishings by renowned French and Italian designers. The open-plan kitchen and living room lead out to the pool and 248 sq m terrace, and large windows offer sweeping sea views from most areas of the villa.

Bedrooms 8

Bathrooms 7

€4,950,000

Rémi Gaich, remi@lucasfox.com

SOTOGRANDE,

ANDALUSIA

Crisp and contemporary yet warm and welcoming, Villa Vela is located in a small gated community with a 24-hour security service in La Reserva de Sotogrande – the highest point in this sought-after resort. The beautifully landscaped garden helps the view from the house to flow naturally towards the golf course in front and the Mediterranean beyond. There is a fully equipped poolside bar and barbecue, and the separate one-bedroom cottage is ideal for guests. A neighbouring plot of 3,744 sq m can be purchased under separate negotiation.

Bedrooms 5

Bathrooms 7

€17,900,000

James Stewart, j.stewart@js-sotogrande.com

SOTOGRANDE,

ANDALUSIA

This beautiful frontline golf villa in La Reserva de Sotogrande has a traditional Andaluz exterior complemented by Moroccan accents throughout. Entered via a patio with olive and orange trees, the main house has four bedroom suites, several reception rooms, a study, a playroom, a spacious kitchen, underfloor heating and air conditioning throughout. There’s also a two-bedroom guest cottage with independent access and a single room for staff. The poolside chiringuito with fully equipped kitchen is a fabulous entertaining area, the courtyard offers parking for numerous cars and there are fabulous views of the golf course and the Mediterranean from most parts of the property.

Bedrooms 7

Bathrooms 8

€4,950,000

James

Stewart, j.stewart@js-sotogrande.com

SON VIDA, MALLORCA

This state-of-the-art villa is in a superb position next to the golf course in the exclusive Son Vida resort, a few minutes’ drive from Palma, and has breathtaking views of the sea and the mountains from the outdoor pool. Two of the six bedrooms are master suites with dressing rooms, private lounges and terraces, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors link the elegant main living areas to the poolside terraces. The luxurious home has a wine cellar, a gym, accommodation for staff or guests, a three-car garage and a spa with an indoor pool and a glass wall that offers uninterrupted views of the Bay of Palma.

Bedrooms 6

Bathrooms 7

€15,900,000

Iris Grünewald, gruenewald@balearic-properties.com

SES SALINES, MALLORCA

This charming 16th-century stone house is set between almond and fig fields in the south of the island, 500m from Ses Salines and 6km from the sea. Currently run as a boutique hotel, it has been completely restored, balancing respect for the original character of the property with the need for modern comforts. The atmosphere of calm and serenity in the grounds, by the outdoor pool and in the small organic vegetable garden instantly seduces the visitor.

Bedrooms 12

Bathrooms 12

€6,500,000

Iris Grünewald, gruenewald@balearic-properties.com

PORTO CRISTO, MALLORCA

Ten minutes from the beach and the world-famous Rafael Nadal Tennis Academy, this outstanding country estate is on a 12-hectare plot with uninterrupted sea views, a 25m heated pool and private jogging tracks. Built using top-quality materials, the main house has three bedroom suites, spacious living areas with high ceilings, and rows of windows that bathe the property in natural light. Three more bedrooms are distributed between two guest houses. Property features include a smart-home system, a gym, a sauna, a Sonos sound system and an outdoor cinema.

Bedrooms 6

Bathrooms 8

€11,500,000

Iris Grünewald, gruenewald@balearic-properties.com

COLOGNY, GENEVA

Set on a secluded 2,900 sq m plot on the lakefront, and reached via electric gates, this architect-designed house is in one of Geneva’s most sought-after neighbourhoods and enjoys panoramic views of the water from many of the rooms. It has seven en suite bedrooms, an indoor pool and a large patio in the heart of the beautiful landscaped garden.

Bedrooms 7

Bathrooms 10

CHF15,000,000

Freehold

David Colle, david.colle@luxury-places.ch

JUSSY, GENEVA

Set in charming countryside outside the Swiss capital, this pretty 17th-century house was renovated in 2016. It offers luxurious modern living while retaining plenty of period character – Burgundy stones, fireplaces and exposed beams are among the authentic details. The principal bedroom has an open dressing room and a double bathroom, and the kitchen and living room lead out to the terraces, landscaped gardens and swimming pool.

Bedrooms 6

Bathrooms 4

CHF5,500,000

Freehold

David Colle, david.colle@luxury-places.ch

SWITZERLAND THE COLLECTION

VILLARS,

SWISS ALPS

On the market for the first time since it was commissioned 20 years ago, Chalet Telemark is one of the finest chalets in Villars. Situated in the Domaine de la Résidence, the resort’s prime residential quartier, it enjoys fabulous views across the village to the Savoyard Alps. The chalet is on a 1,907 sq m plot, which guarantees privacy and tranquillity, but is just a few steps from the Roc d’Orsay gondola, providing easy access to the slopes for skiers in winter and walkers in summer. Featuring the highest-quality materials inside and out, this exquisite property is the epitome of traditional chalet design, with hand-crafted carpentry and carvings, beautifully proportioned rooms and luxury fittings.

Bedrooms 7

Bathrooms 10 CHF12,000,000

Sam Scott, sam.scott@savills.com

MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA

HELEN TATHAM HEAD OF PRIME RESIDENTIAL SALES & LEASING, DUBAI

+971 (0)4 365 7700

helen.tatham@savills.me

KEY MARKET INSIGHTS

Demand for quality has driven discerning homebuyers towards upgrades, whether that is purchasing a property and personalising it to one’s own taste – or seeing the value in buying a home that’s undergone a full refurbishment.

All types of property are doing well in Dubai, with overseas demand for everything from sprawling villas to luxury apartments resulting in a steady increase in prices.

The Palm Jumeirah saw the highest demand and rise in prices through the past two years, closely followed by Jumeirah Bay and other waterfront properties. Communities such as Dubai Hills, Meydan and Al Barari continue to be in demand.

Dubai has embarked on an amazing new era of high-quality projects and international demand for second homes. Expats can take advantage of the various visa programmes that are available – making the Emirate a longer-term prospect for full- or part-time residents. With the talent that it attracts and opportunities on offer, Dubai has become one of the most popular global destinations, particularly for the wealthy.

2022 was a record-breaking year for Dubai with $143bn worth of transactions, which is a 76.5% increase on 2021. This shows no signs of abating. January 2023 saw transactions increase 128.5% year on year in volume with a value of $7.6bn, up 178% in the same month last year.

The prime segment of the market is doing extremely well, with high demand coming from overseas buyers

NIKKI BEACH RESORT & SPA, DUBAI

Located at an exclusive Dubai address, this breathtaking penthouse has four en suite bedrooms, a private swimming pool and a vast deck offering views of the Gulf and a beautiful beach with surfable wave breaks. The property comes with three underground parking spaces and separate staff accommodation.

Bedrooms 4

Bathrooms 6

AED55,000,000

Helen Tatham, helen.tatham@savills.me

EMIRATES HILLS, DUBAI

Overlooking the lush green fairways and lakes of the Montgomerie Golf Club Dubai, this 16,000 sq ft villa on a generous plot was completed four years ago by award-winning interior designer Paul Bishop. Residents can relax in the pool and secluded garden of one of the most luxurious homes in Emirates Hills, a prestigious gated community. The property is available partially furnished if required.

Bedrooms 5

Bathrooms 5

AED69,000,000

Helen Tatham, helen.tatham@savills.me

EKÔ SAVANNAH RESORT, CLUB & CONCIERGERIE

At the foot of La Tourelle, on Mauritius’s unspoilt west coast, Ekô Savannah offers residents uncomplicated yet elegant designer homes and a sustainable luxury lifestyle energised by the waters of nearby Tamarin Bay and the sun-kissed grasslands of the Yemen Valley. Forty-seven residences, each with a private pool and manicured gardens, surround a central facility that offers fine dining, a business centre, a children’s corner, a fitness club and a 120 sq m swimming pool. Each residence is built in rough concrete and wood, complementing the natural habitat. Ekô Savannah’s eco-friendly principles include managing energy consumption, reducing air and water pollution, recycling and reuse.

Bedrooms 3-5

Bathrooms 1-3

From €920,000

Jonathan Davies, jonathan.davies@pamgolding.mu

MONT

CHOISY LA R É SERVE

In a prime location in Grand Baie, a charming town on Mauritius’s north coast, Mont Choisy Golf & Beach Estate is an established estate with a golf course and clubhouse, leisure facilities and a sports centre. The La Réserve development is ideally suited to people looking to stay in Mauritius for longer periods: designed in a contemporary Mauritian style, its generously proportioned luxury villas offer indoor-outdoor living and gardens with views of the golf course or tropical landscaping.

Bedrooms 3-5

Bathrooms 1-3

$1.58m

Jonathan Tagg, jonathan.tagg@pamgolding.mu

SOUTH AFRICA THE COLLECTION

CONSTANTIA, CAPE TOWN

Set in lush gardens with mountain views, this beautiful property is on a sought-after street in Constantia Upper. Reached via a winding driveway, the six-bedroom house has a triple-volume entrance hall and a grand mahogany staircase with a balustrade. There are three en suite bedrooms with balconies, including a luxurious main suite with a private lounging area, a dressing room and a bathroom with a sauna. A formal lounge with a fireplace and a separate dining room lead to a sun room that is ideal for cold winter days and has stacking doors that open up completely for laid-back summer living. The house has a pool and a triple garage.

Bedrooms 6

Bathrooms 5.5

R40,000,000

Arie Kadé & Garrick Sutton, garrick.sutton@pamgolding.co.za

CLIFTON, CAPE TOWN

Located in the prestigious San Michele development on First Beach – regarded by many as the finest oceanfront position in Clifton – this duplex apartment is a rare find. It has spacious open-plan living areas, a large dining room and an eat-in kitchen, all decorated in cool shades of white and cream, with imported tiles and American security shutters. These spaces lead to an expansive terrace with a rimflow pool offering panoramic views of the Atlantic and the adjacent beach. The property is sold fully furnished and equipped.

Bedrooms 3

Bathrooms 3 R119,000,000

Annette Hepburn, annette.hepburn@pamgolding.co.za

THE COLLECTION SOUTH AFRICA

HIGGOVALE, CAPE TOWN

Offering fabulous views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head, this striking villa is built in clean contemporary style, yet blends fluently with its surroundings. Designed in a palette of natural materials by the Chilean architect Antonio Zaninovic, it has an open-plan kitchen, a formal dining room and a family lounge with a statement fireplace. The top-floor bedroom benefits from a walk-in dressing room and a terrace with a gorgeous outlook, and there are two en suite guest rooms, each with private outside space, a sauna and a steam room. Sliding glass doors lead to an expansive terrace, an established garden and a large swimming pool.

Bedrooms 4

Bathrooms 4.5

R39,000,000

Riaan Ackermann & Karin Coetzee, karin.coetzee@pamgolding.co.za

VAL DE VIE, WESTERN CAPE

This one-of-a-kind family home is in the Gentleman’s Estate, a collection of smallholding properties in the luxurious Val de Vie estate, which offers state-of-the-art security, polo grounds, equestrian facilities, a golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, fitness centres, a heated indoor pool and top-quality restaurants. The 2,000 sq m house is set in landscaped gardens with a lake, a heated lap pool and Jacuzzi, a wood-fired hot tub, a braai and an outdoor cinema.

Bedrooms 12

Bathrooms 12

R125,000,000

Jordan Greenhalgh, jordan.greenhalgh@pamgolding.co.za

KNYSNA, WESTERN CAPE

The Knysna River House occupies a commanding location in the secluded Knysna River Reserve Conservancy, with remarkable views of the river, the mountains and the lush green valleys of the Garden Route. This five-bedroom property has a rimflow pool, a mooring on the river and an en suite main bedroom with a lounge patio. There is staff accommodation and a fully fitted one-bedroom guest cottage. Superb golf courses, forest trails and beaches are among the local attractions.

Bedrooms 5

Bathrooms 5

R40,000,000

Ling Dobson, ling.dobson@pamgolding.co.za

& CARIBBEAN

RORY McMULLEN HEAD OF SAVILLS NORTH AMERICA DESK

+44 (0)7803 013362

rmcmullen@savills.com

KEY MARKET INSIGHTS

The effects of the Covid pandemic are still being felt, with many buyers seeking larger homes in suburban and rural areas. This has led to increased competition for high-end properties, particularly in desirable locations like California, Florida and New York.

The prime residential market in the USA over the past year has been characterised by strong demand and limited supply, leading to significant price increases.

According to the Savills World Cities Prime Residential Index, Miami holds the top spot for prime residential capital value growth in 2022. The city’s low tax and high quality of life encouraged migration from other US locations, fuelling its success.

Low stock levels in Los Angeles, coupled with the city’s connectivity and economic opportunity all helped boost its prime residential prices.

For those earning in dollars, the time has never been better for buying prime property abroad, especially in the UK, so we have seen record numbers of US buyers in a number of our European prime markets such as Portugal and Italy.

People are seeking fresh air, open spaces and a great lifestyle following the Pandemic, says James Burdess, head of Caribbean & Latin American sales. “The Caribbean climate and the warm of the Caribbean welcome have never been more in demand.”

The prime residential market in the USA has been characterised by strong demand and limited supply, leading to significant price increases.

35 HUDSON YARDS, NEW YORK

Designed by David Childs of Skidmore Owings & Merrill, with interiors by Tony Ingrao, 35 Hudson Yards comprises 143 exclusive for-sale residences, 22,000 sq ft of private amenities, ground-floor retail space and world-class health and wellness facilities at the Equinox Hotel. This exceptional limestone tower is the tallest residential building at Hudson Yards and offers panoramic views of the Hudson River and the Manhattan skyline.

Bedrooms 2-7

Bathrooms 1-7.5

From $5,900,000

Rory McMullen, RMcMullen@savills.com; Hudson Yards Sales Team, info@livehudsonyards.com

USA THE COLLECTION

ONE HIGH LINE, NEW YORK

Developed by Witkoff and Access Industries, One High Line offers light-filled residences with unobstructed city and water views, set above Manhattan’s celebrated High Line in prime West Chelsea. Located at 500 West 18th Street, this architectural tour de force occupies a full block between 10th and 11th Avenues: its two sculpted travertine towers, designed by Bjarke Ingels Group, are separated by a landscaped porte-cochère. There is an array of lifestyle options on the doorstep and residents will enjoy an exclusive amenities program, as well as access to the facilities and services at the flagship Faena New York hotel.

Bedrooms 1-5

$2,100,000-$50,000,000

Rory McMullen, rmcmullen@savills.com

111 WEST 57TH STREET, NEW YORK

A landmark development with views of Central Park, 111 West 57th Street marries the thoughtful restoration of one of New York’s most cherished landmarks, Steinway Hall, with a soaring 1,428ft tower. Richly detailed finishes are conceived throughout by Studio Sofield and demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to craftsmanship and quality. The amenities and services offer the utmost in comfort, convenience and security, and include a porte-cochère entrance, an 82ft two-lane swimming pool with private cabanas and separate treatment and sauna rooms, a double-height fitness centre, a chef’s catering kitchen and private dining room, a residents’ lounge, meeting rooms, golf simulator, padel court, children’s playroom and dedicated concierge services.

Bedrooms 2-4

Bathrooms 2-5

$6,995,000-$66,000,000

Rory McMullen, rmcmullen@savills.com

220 CENTRAL PARK SOUTH, NEW YORK

One of only three properties of its kind in a residential skyscraper between Broadway and Seventh Avenue, unit 24B is a 2,616 sq ft duplex in the centre of the building, with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and superb views of Central Park from every room. The versatile layout can be configured and tailored to its occupant’s wishes or requirements.

Bedrooms 3

Bathrooms 3

$21,750,000

Rory McMullen, rmcmullen@savills.com; Deborah Kern, dkern@corcoran.com

450 WASHINGTON, NEW YORK

Set on Tribeca’s historic waterfront, along the Hudson River Park, 450 Washington is a beautiful tower with a private landscaped courtyard and 176 luxurious residences designed by Roger Ferris + Partners. Accessed via a gated entrance, the property will have a comprehensive amenity suite, including a 12th-floor roof deck with breathtaking views. Residences range from open-plan studios to four-bedroom condominiums and feature sustainable modern finishes in a timeless colour palette. Dramatic oversized windows overlook Tribeca’s period landmarks, tree-lined streets and the Hudson River.

Bedrooms 3

Bathrooms 3

$4,395,000

Rory McMullen, rmcmullen@savills.com; 450 Washington Sales Office, info@450washington.com

1142 N VENETIAN DR, MIAMI BEACH

Renovated to a superb standard in 2020, with beautiful Italian porcelain and wood flooring, this stunning contemporary property is on the tip of Biscayne Island and offers breathtaking views of Miami and Biscayne Bay. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors seamlessly blend the living areas with the lush gardens and pool, and the expansive rooftop is the ideal place to take in the beautiful sunsets. The Venetian Causeway Bridge links Biscayne Island to Miami Beach and Downtown: Sunset Harbour, Wynwood, the Design District and Miami International Airport are all just minutes away.

Bedrooms 6

Bathrooms 5.5

$19,950,000

Rory McMullen, rmcmullen@savills.com; Eloy Carmenate and Mick Duchon, eloy@corcoran.com, mick.duchon@corcoran.com

ALBANY, BAHAMAS

Lion House is a 20,000 sq ft beachfront villa in Albany, one of the most exclusive resorts in the Caribbean. Located on the beautiful island of New Providence, Albany has a superb marina, and its rare collection of amenities allows residents to enjoy the pleasures of island life in luxurious style.

Bedrooms 10

Bathrooms 9

$75,000,000

Jonathan Hewlett, jhewlett@savills.com

CRYSTAL HARBOUR, CAYMAN ISLANDS

Serenity House is an award-winning villa overlooking Governor’s Creek, on the western tip of Grand Cayman. The fortress-like property comprises 12,600 sq ft of modern living space, with a magnificent steel and timber floating staircase and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of open water. This exceptional villa has an infinity pool, a children’s wing with a cinema, a gym with a ski simulator, a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and a boat dock with more than 200 ft of water frontage.

Bedrooms 7

Bathrooms 6.5

$18,000,000

Jill Davison, jill@1503propertygroup.com

THOMPSON COVE, TURKS & CAICOS

A rare turnkey property in an exclusive residential community on Providenciales island, Ocean Spirit Villa enjoys direct beach access and comes with a boat dock on nearby Thompson Cove Pond. The main villa has five air-conditioned en suite bedrooms, views of the turquoise waters, a dining terrace, an infinity pool and beachfront entertainment areas. Entered via a security gate, the 1.8-acre plot is beautifully landscaped, with mature tropical trees, flowers and shrubs providing tranquillity and total privacy. There is a two-storey guest cottage at the top of the driveway, which leads down to the main villa.

Bedrooms 7

Bathrooms 7

$10,250,000

Sam Hunt, sam@hamilton.tc

CARIBBEAN THE COLLECTION

THE PENINSULA, ANTIGUA

Ideal for lovers of nature, boating, swimming, fishing and snorkelling, Kamisiky House is a six-bedroom villa in The Peninsula, a gated waterfront community on the east coast of Antigua. The property is set in serene tropical gardens that slope gently down to the sea, and has an infinity pool with a swim-up bar, spectacular views of Belfast Bay and shared access to a private dock with a powered boat lift.

Bedrooms 6

Bathrooms 4

$2,999,999

Tom Vickery, tvickery@savills.com

CORBISON POINT, ANTIGUA

Ocean Grand Estate House is a spacious beach house that enjoys the best vantage point in Corbison Point, a gated development overlooking Dickenson Bay, on Antigua’s northeast coast. Designed in chic modern style, the villa has tropical gardens, a dining terrace, a pool deck and sweeping glass doors and windows that make the most of the majestic sunsets and sea views. The great room faces the Caribbean sea and is ideal for entertaining guests.

Bedrooms 4

Bathrooms 5 $5,800,000

Freehold

Tom Vickery, tvickery@savills.com

SA V ILLS RESIDENTIAL CONTACTS

GLOBAL

JUSTIN MARKING

GLOBAL RESIDENTIAL

+44 (0)20 7016 3810 jmarking@savills.com

EUROPE

LIZA-JANE KELLY LONDON RESIDENTIAL + 44 (0)20 7590 5078 lizajane.kelly@savills.com

PHILLIPPA DALBY-WELSH UK COUNTRY +44 (0)20 7330 8659 pdwelsh@savills.com

ISABELLA BIRCH REYNARDSON SUPER PRIME LETTINGS

+44 (0)20 7824 9009 ibreynardson@savills.com

REST OF THE WORLD

ANDREW GOLDING AFRICA

+27 21 710 1700 andrew.golding@pamgolding.co.za

RORY M c MULLEN NORTH AMERICA

+44 (0)20 7016 3855 rmcmullen@savills.com

FRANK MARRIOTT & SHVETA JAIN ASIA fmarriott@savills.asia

+852 2842 4475 shveta.jain@savills.in

+91 124 631 0000

JONATHAN HEWLETT GLOBAL PRIVATE OFFICE +44 (0)20 7824 9018 jhewlett@savills.com

EDWARD LEWIS RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SALES +44 (0)20 7409 9997 elewis@savills.com

ANDREW PERRATT HEAD OF UK RESIDENTIAL +44 (0)20 7016 3823 aperratt@savills.com

JELENA CVJETKOVIC EUROPE RESIDENTIAL NETWORK +44 (0)20 7016 3754 jcvjetkovic@savills.com

JAMES BURDESS CARIBBEAN +44 (0)20 7016 3783 jburdess@savills.com

CHRIS ORR AUSTRALIA +61 (0)2 8215 6027 corr@savills.com.au

STEVEN MORGAN MIDDLE EAST +971 (0)4 365 7700 steven.morgan@savills.me

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PRESS ENQUIRIES

SUE LAMING PRESS OFFICE UK +44 (0)20 7016 3802 slaming@savills.com

NIKI RILEY PRESS OFFICE INTERNATIONAL +44 (0)20 7016 3843 nriley@savills.com

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VITAL STATISTICS

From a sprawling chalet in the French Alps to a high-rise Miami Beach condo, here are four fabulous homes on sale for £3m

SIX SENSES RESIDENCES AT THE WHITELEY, LONDON

What £3m buys you: a one-bedroom apartment in The Whiteley by Six Senses, fitted out to the brand’s exceptional standards. How big: From 925 sq ft (86 sq m). Where: in Bayswater, an enviable central London location within a short walk of Notting Hill and Hyde Park. And why: residents will have access to exclusive spaces, services and world-class amenities. £3.025m, Hamish Batchen, hamish.batchen@savills.com

CHALET EXPLORER, LES GETS, FRANCE

What £3m buys you: an impeccably designed six-bedroom chalet with a sauna and massage room, cinema room and ski room, as well as a spacious garden. How big: 3,326 sq ft (309 sq m). Where: near the Perrières chair lift, providing access to 650km of pistes in the Portes du Soleil. And why: the village is full of life year-round, with bars, shops and restaurants, and outdoor summer activities. €3.5m, Guy Murdoch, gmurdoch@savills.com

POLLENSA TOWNHOUSE, MALLORCA

What £3m buys you: A spacious contemporary townhouse with seven bedrooms and terraces for relaxing by the luxurious pool. How big: 6,538 sq ft (600 sq m), with 4,725 sq ft of land. Where: Historic Pollensa is one of the most attractive towns in Mallorca, a few minutes’ drive from the port, international marina and fabulous beaches. And why: it has magnificent views of the Tramuntana mountains. €3.495m, Alice Storrie, astorrie@savills.com

THE SETAI TOWNHOUSE D, MIAMI BEACH

What £3m buys you: a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with 20ft floor-to ceiling windows and outstanding ocean views from the large balcony. How big: 1,565 sq ft (145 sq m). Where: in vibrant, sun-kissed Miami Beach, with its museums and marinas, and trendy food, fashion and art scenes. And why: the Setai offers incredible amenities, including pools, a gym and direct beach access. $3.7m, Rory McMullen, rmcmullen@savills.com