The Finer in things in life…

BIG TOUR http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.php/2010020531700/Siem-Reap-Insider/man-about-town.html   Siem Reap is about to be part of a new $6000, 16-day, three-country world heritage site tour program run regularly by Luxury Travel Vietnam. The Cuisine, Culture and World Heritages Discovery of Indochina will travel through three Southeast Asian nations, “exploring the treasures of six world heritage sites and encompassing the ancient cultures” of [...]

Don’t miss out on a great occasion to own some of the most desired and desirable accessories in high fashion.

Matches has collected real Chanel antiques and is selling it as a capsule capsule collection now.

Sourced by a licensed vintage Chanel specialist, the latest Chanel beauties are a great representation of Coco’s design. The 13 pieces showed are mostly bags whether quilted or with a gold chain, necklaces and a belt. Each piece is unique and waiting for its new lucky owner.

You can buy the classic re-issue black quilted and gold chain bag for $2′702 (£1′668) exclusively at Matches.

The other products available go from $835 (£515) for the gold logo embossed belt to $3′030 (£1′870) for a quilted briefcase, that can carry your laptop.

Courtesy of: Maureen Buckley of Buckley & Buckley Real Estate

Doc's Marina Grill is located in one of the last old historic working waterfront buildings on Bainbridge Island. It has been named many times... as a tavern, starting with the Yodeling Oyster to its current incarnation as a restaurant known as Doc's Marina Grill. There are not many of the older generation Islanders still around, but those who are, fondly remember it as Mac's. The area was a sort of Bainbridge Island’s Cannery Row. One of the infamous events at Mac's was the beer fights. The Men’s restroom boasts a giant working periscope —offering a panoramic view of Eagle Harbor.

Courtesy of: Warburg Realty

Yes, it’s busy. Yes, there is a lack of inventory in many categories - in particular pre-war 2 and 3 bedrooms on the Upper West Side and in Carnegie Hill, which are flying off the shelves at a rapid rate, after Open Houses visited by 50 or 75 buyers, and often with several bids. No, the bids are not, mostly, above the asking price. But sometimes they are (it all depends, of course, on the asking price) Yes, there are still a lot of new condos for sale, even though absorption for those has picked up substantially as well. And yes, buyers DO think, often, that they may have missed the bottom and want to get in now, although many still bid low, just to be on the safe side. Sellers are just starting to think about how the discussions in Washington about changing the Federal capital gains tax rates may affect them, since selling a property two years from now may be a lot more expensive.

The market changes of 2009 wiped the slate clean for both buyer and seller behavior. In 2010, we see a new paradigm taking shape. There is market activity. There is limited inventory. Negotiations are often equally weighted between a more empowered buyer and a more flexible seller. Bonuses make those who receive them feel more financially confident but do not generate market frenzy. Nor do they elevate prices so much that those in other professions feel unable to participate. There is for today a certain balance in the market. We like it.

Courtesy of: Eric Kodner of Wayazata Lakes Realty, LLC

Eric Kodner of Wayazata Real Estate is being featured in Residential Specialist magazine. In October 2009, Eric gave an interview to Regina Ludes which you will find in the article.

The article is entitled, "Letter.Perfect: CRSs Find Unique Ways to Promote the Designation to Clients and Agents".

To view the article, click here!

Courtesy of: Nicola Christinger of HomeHunts

Rooted in the rural French countryside, or on the edge of a scenic little village, the French country farmhouse opens its wooden, welcoming doors to all who step inside.

This ever popular style oozes rustic warmth and its design includes curved arches, soft lines and stonework. Inside, you’ll find wooden beams, plaster walls and stone floors and if you close your eyes it is easy to imagine the the smell of the log burning stove and the feel of the sun-warmed stone tiles beneath your feet.

It is not only the actual farmhouse properties which are highly sought after; French Country Farmhouse has evolved into one of the most popular styles of interior design around the world. The look is casual, inviting, and fuss-free – the charm lies in the bucolic feel of the furniture and accessories.

French Farmhouse interior design styles have an eclectic character of mix and match, use what you have and find a new use for an old item.

French Farmhouse allows a large velvet sofa with a ‘shabby chic’ fauteille chair and a Louis XIV armoire to sit together without any hint of a mismatch. All items that are well loved and still meant to be used and not to be put in the jumble sale or a museum. The colours and patterns are a mixture of bright blue, red and yellow of Provence used next to two-tone toile’s and silks of Paris.

Dibor, specialise in French country Farmhouse furniture and their high quality plus wide range of everything you could wish for is available to order from their recently re-launched mail order.

This family based business is passionate about their stunning collections and there are not only large pieces of furniture but lots of fabulous ideas to accessorize and decorate your home.

The interior atmosphere always seems to tell a story, little touches of ‘brocante’ pieces that are too nice to throw away; not quite junk not quite art are placed throughout various rooms. Wire bird cages, cast-off egg baskets, rustic ladders and garden trellis all find safe haven in a French Farmhouse.

The centrepiece of any French farmhouse kitchen is the table which was originally made to accommodate the farm workers who would dine together, a traditional French country-style dining table seats from six to twelve persons. Large kitchens lead to open-fireplaced living rooms and terraces offer the entertaining outside space that families and friends can enjoy.

Many British peoples ‘love affair’ with French Farmhouse started well over 20 years ago– today buyers are still searching for a place in the ‘campagne’ where they live, breath and experience the wonderful villages and scenery across the south of France.

Stephanie Browne, owner of a country farmhouse in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France rents her property throughout the year and confirms that 2009, despite the recession, was their best year to date. Buying a farmhouse to rent is one of the most popular searches.

This character house has exposed stone and beams, fully equipped kitchen, private drive and parking and provides everything needed for a relaxing and enjoyable place to stay during your property search. www.laterrasse-france.com

www.dibor.co.uk

www.leshiboux.com

Photo credits: Stephanie Brown, Richard L. Harbus, dibor.co.uk, erica – www.meadowstreet.com

If you would like to receive more information on a full list of farmhouses anywhere in southern France, please contact: info@home-hunts.com

ROQUEFORT LES PINS: All of Provence wrapped up in this beautifully renovated stone farmhouse, which has maintained its old world charm whilst offering high quality appointments in an elegant, subtle decor.

Surrounded by over 3 acres or 1.7 hectares of gently sloping, park-like gardens with endless olive trees, fruit trees and flowering Provencal shrubs, the property enjoys complete quiet and tranquility with unimpeded views over the countryside.

The farmhouse provides 5 spacious bedrooms, fully equipped country kitchen with large dining area, sitting room, study, 2 salons, and independent guest apartment. Hidden in the greenery is the vast swimming pool with summer kitchen and pool house. There is also the possibility of further construction on the land. Price: 5,000,000 euros

LUBERON: Close to Cavaillon and the very beautiful village of L’Isle sur Sorgues this provencal farmhouse dating back to the 14th century has been entirely renovated with a living space of 360m2 with an enclosed gardens of 3600m2.

Situated in the countryside close to the famous antiques town, this farmhouse makes a perfect country home. There are also outbuildings of approximately 153m2. Price negociable: 1,260,000 euros.

ARGELES SUR MER: Located in a protected rural area only 1km from the beach, this is an exceptional XVIIth stone farmhouse for sale. This 350m² stunning property is divided into 5 apartments all of which are entirely restored and rented out on a yearly basis.

It is split into 2 x 1 bed apartments, 2 x 2 bed apartments and a large 3 bed apartment of 145m² with stone walls, wood beams and a fireplace. The property has a lovely setting in a large garden of 1200m². A rare opportunity for an up-and-running gite business on the coast. It could also be converted into a large private property with B&B/guest accommodation. Price: 1,040,000 euros.

LORGUES: This stunning farmhouse with 280m2 of living space has recently come onto the market.

Surrounded on just over 5 hectares of land it offers 5 bedrooms, 2 reception rooms. Price: 1,300,000 euros.

LES ALPILLES Close to St Remy de Provence and Avignon, this beautiful XIXth century farmhouse has recently been renovated with taste, using first class materials and is absolute perfection, combining a classic farmhouse atmosphere plus elegance, space and charm.

It has 400m² of living space and 8800m² of garden, plus 50m² of outbuildings to be converted and is totally securely fenced. Price: 1,362,000 euros.

SOUTH WEST FRANCE – PERIGORD Located on top of a hill, with gorgeous views over rolling countryside, this outstanding fully renovated stone farmhouse ideally combines authenticity and comfort.

A little piece of paradise a few minutes drive to a lovely medieval market town with all amenities. Price: 1,144,500. euros

Courtesy of: Nicola Christinger of HomeHunts

For many buyers and owners finding a reliable and superior design company to help realize their plans is not always easy.

FG design is an original and dynamic Interior Architect Studio made up of two sister companies which undertake projects of full design and project management services to complete construction and renovation.

The company was created in Saint Tropez more than 13 years ago, and has since carried out over 200 projects. Founder and CEO, David Florentin is an interior architect trained at the famous French Boule School and had extensive design experience before creating his own companies.

FG Design brings to life complete projects for their customers – Interior, Exterior, Furniture, Decoration, Garden & Pool and are totally committed to delivering perfection to their customers through their business ethic of ‘High quality, On Time and On Budget’.

The high-end residential market and luxury hotels are their two main areas of expertise but they also work for corporate groups like Air France, BTP Pro designing Vacation centers, camping areas & restaurants.

Today the FG DESIGN team includes 8 designers and the rest of the group’s 30 members have skills among the following fields: Legal, Accounting, Translation, Masonry, Plumbing, Heating-AC, Plaster, Tiling, Painting and Carpentry.

They pride themselves on their international understanding with more than 6 different nationalities on board the team. One of their main objectives is to compliment their large number of international clients, not only in terms of languages but also in understanding the cultural differences.

They have 3 different showrooms, and a total of 5 working sites: Saint Tropez (Below), Port-Grimaud, Grimaud, Valbonne, and Paris which allows them to be able to manage projects everywhere on the Côte d’Azur and in Paris.

Another important part of the company is carpentry and managing furniture projects in foreign countries like the UK & Switzerland.

Their Paris showroom, (Below) is their largest and most recently opened in the quartier Saint-Germain, a wander around the showroom is an excellent way to view examples of their Bespoke Furniture creations.

Managing Director, Stephane Liegois says “We design, make and assemble our own bespoke furniture for our customers. For example, kitchen cabinets, dressing units, bathroom furniture, bookcases & tables… that fully match and often define the design and style of the house or apartment of our clients. These pieces combined with a harmonious design create added value for our clients and their property.”

They have a very detailed and regular contact with their clients from start to finish, from the first contact with a designer where a few sketches are drawn in front of the customer in order to explore project potential to the final finished work. Budget considerations are also addressed to measure project feasibility as compared to the customer’s ambition.

Zeph Neil, the company’s Senior Designer says: “We always work in the direction of our customers wishes in terms of design. Our team is multicultural so we are able to put the right designer in front of a specific client requirement. Of course we work a lot with the classic and Provencal style where the French touch is famous but also in more contemporary as well as very modern design approaches.”

Among the many recent works they have done, Zeph describes one which was a particular favourite, “Last year we completed a very exciting project for an English client.

It was a renovation of a 600 m2 villa in the Alpes-Maritimes with a bold interior design combination of Provencal and modern styles, including a large leisure space composed of a home-cinema room, spa, fitness center and a wine cellar. This project was for us the ‘perfect project’ since we managed absolutely everything from masonry work to curtains installation, without forgetting security, audio, video, home automation, pool… a fantastic project for a fantastic customer.”

STEPHANE LIEGEOIS

ZEPH NEIL

 

 

 

 

 

 

David Florentin – CEO david.florentin@fgdesign.fr

stephane.liegeois@fgdesign.fr

zeph.neil@fgdesign.fr

Courtesy of: Nicola Christinger of HomeHunts

Valbonne and Mougins are both villages which are extremely popular with buyers looking for either a second home or a permanent residence on the Cote d’azur. For many years it has been a favourite destination and it is no wonder- this upmarket area has much to offer.

Both the villages are very beautiful, having inspired some of the world’s most famous artists such as Matisse and Picasso.

Strolling through the cobbled streets, to pick up your morning ‘baguette’ and paper there is always a feeling of something going on. Immediately you feel embraced by the core essence of the French way of life, something that many buyers wish for when coming to live in France.

At the end of the 19th century the climate and geographic position of Mougins drew a number of celebrities such as Cocteau, Edith Piaf, Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent who all came to holiday here. In the thirties, Célestin Véran, a self-employed fisherman who also piloted a sea taxi, organised and cooked bouillabaisse for celebrities such as the Duke of Windsor.

Nowadays, during the International Film Festival in May, stars from all over the world come to visit Mougins. The most important gathering of the annual Film Festival takes place at “Le Moulin de Mougins” and is organised for the benefit of medical Aids research. Many stars such as Sharon Stone and Elton John participate in this annual event, with Elisabeth Taylor presiding and AMFAR organising.

Walking through the old village of Mougins is like going back in time and there are plenty of little streets filled with charming shops and boutiques. It is a village that is synomymous with pleasure: gastronomic pleasures with highly-renowned restaurants, the pleasure of a golfing destination of exceptional quality and the pleasure of the arts with artists’ studios, galleries and museums.

Mougins is home of many prestigious restaurants such as “Le Moulin de Mougins” and “Le Restaurant Candille”. One can also enjoy lesser-known establishments which offer a warm welcome and excellent cuisine, whether traditional French or Provençal.

In 1936, before moving to Mougins, Pablo Picasso stayed at the hotel “Vaste Horizon” (now Les Muscadins). As the story goes, one night Picasso painted every wall of his room, only to face the wrath of the hotel owner who made the unknown painter cover his work with white paint the next day.

This did not discourage Picasso, who settled permanently in Mougins next to the chapel of Notre Dame de Vie where he lived out his last days. Many contemporary artists have followed in his footsteps. You can rub shoulders with artists and visit 20 or so galleries and workshops while strolling through the flowered streets of the old part of town.

Le Petit Fouet, is a fantastic restaurant and wine bar that offers the “crème” of crème brûlée, and if you get the chance try their blind wine tasting, which must be very interesting – they use black glasses so that you can’t even see the color of the wine.

Karen Hockney an entertainment journalist/writer from London left London in 2008 to settle close to Valbonne. Her move was prompted by a desire for a better quality of lifestyle: “We had an apartment in Mandelieu-la-Napoule which we used for holidays and every time we came down we never wanted to go back home again.” says Karen.

“We had also spent years on the London treadmill, me travelling a lot on showbiz jobs all over the world and my husband working long hours in the City and while it was a great lifestyle, we were always running to keep up. We wanted to slow down, spend more time together and enjoy the girls before they flee the nest so we sold up in the UK and bought a house which needed loads of work.”

Karen loves the international feeling of this part of the Riviera: “Valbonne is 12 minutes drive from us and has the values and chocolate box appeal of an old French village while also boasting a strong international community, particularly the English, Dutch, Scandanavian and Americans. Having a daughter at the international section of Fenelon in Grasse has also helped us to meet other Brits, although we have French, Dutch and Scandanavian friends too”

Her favourite places to eat out contains a long list but her top recommendation is: “Definitely Chez Grand-mere in Tourrettes-sur-Loup is my all time favourite, and it’s not break the bank expensive but gets very busy. La Menthe Douce in Mougins has a great Moroccan garden, good food and belly dancing too!”

Concerning Property prices, Karen feels there is a wide range of opportunities for many buyers: “Property prices have become more realistic here in the last two years. Pockets like Valbonne and Mougins will always retain high prices because of the proximity to good international schools but the villages just outside Valbonne and Grasse are good value. If you are prepared to do some work, there are some great old stone Mas which you can put your mark on and see a good return.”

Both Valbonne and Mougins offer great facilities, all local shops, gyms, tennis etc – everything you could want really is never more than a walk or short drive away. Nice international aiport is less than half an hour away, and there are three excellent international schools close by: The Mougins School, Fenelon and CIV in Sophia Antipolis. Sophia Antipolis, the Science and Technology Park, has many of the world’s major companies (such as IBM, Toyota, American express etc) with many international employees and families living in the surrounding areas.

Not wishing to brag about the weather, but yes ok it can, the climate is a real attraction because of more than 310 days sunshine per year. The villages are close to the beaches of Cannes and other coastal areas, but far enough away so that you can get away from the crazy traffic during the summer. If you are a skier, then a 45 minute drive in the car and you can be choosing between black and red runs of the nearby Alps and ski resorts.

Private and less blingy than its Riviera neighbours from places like St Tropez, many celebrities, footballers and actors have homes here. Everyone is a little quieter but not so much so that the international culture and atmosphere is suppressed.

The main ‘Place des Arcades’ in Valbonne is a great place to have lunch and do a bit of people watching and Le Cadran Solaire is a pretty restaurant serving great food.

HOMEHUNTS recently opened an office in the village of Valbonne to compliment its head office in Marseille. Tim Swannie, one of the directors who is based in Valbonne says: “We wanted to have a presence on the Riviera so we could receive our international clients and Valbonne seemed like the perfect location.”

Perfect indeed, international spirit interwoven with authentic French culture. Parfait. photo credits: office de tourism valbonne/mougins, les muscadins.

If you are interested in discussing your search for properties in this area then please email us on info@home-hunts.com

Situated in an excellent location close to the lycee this property (above) has been completely renovated with refined materials and taste. With lovely sized rooms leading onto the terraces and gardens this property offers excellent value for money. Price: 999,000 euros

(above) This is situated in the Penyblou area which is less than 1 km from the Valbonne village. Recently reduced this is a fabulous opportunity for the location, the view and the size of land. Price: 1,950,000 euros

(above) Situated in the famous Domaine de St Basile of Mougins. Charming bastide in a very sought after area between Mougins and Valbonne. Excellent area for the Mougins school and other international schools. The property has also been reduced and could benefit from some modernization and upgrading. Price: 780,000 euros.

(above) This is in a prestigious Domaine called Parc de Mougins and has been superbly renovated. Price 2,750,000 euros negociable.

(above) Authentic old mas from 19th century, benefiting of a superb view to the sea, set on a quiet and residential area. The main house is about 260 m², and composed of 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a spacious and full of light living, a separate fitted kitchen. Outbuildings of about 96 m² with 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. Garden of 4367 m² well landscaped with swimming pool. Price: 2,190,000 euros.

(above) Valbonne 2 steps from the village, detached villa on one level with a large living room, kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, office. Flat ground of 1500 m² with swimming pool, basement of 80 m². Price: 940,000 euros.

Courtesy of: Nicola Christinger of HomeHunts

For the fifth consecutive year, France has been selected the best place in the world to live by International Living magazine, a US-based lifestyle magazine for retirees wishing to travel or live abroad.

The magazine, which has been conducting the survey for 30 years, rhapsodized about France on its website: “Its tiresome bureaucracy and high taxes are outweighed by an unsurpassable quality of life, including the world’s best healthcare.” The magazine declared, “You don’t need number-crunchers to tell you its bon vivant lifestyle is special.”

International Living based its ranking on a point system, with each of the 194 nations being graded based on nine categories: Cost of Living, Culture and Leisure, Economy, Environment, Freedom, Health, Infrastructure, Safety and Risk, and Climate. The US came in at number seven (down from third place in 2009’s rankings, which, according to the magazine’s editors, was due to increased hardships in the US following the financial crisis), and the UK came in at 25th. www.internationalliving.com

Courtesy of: Nicola Christinger of HomeHunts

It’s true that the 7th arrondissement is considered one of Paris’ most elegant residential areas. Luxurious townhouses, government ministries and embassies abound – setting up home in this area is one step closer to heaven.

And it is also one of the richest neighborhoods for certain other luxuries in life like art and antiques. Strolling around rue de Beaune or rue de Verneuil is like taking a walk through a French history book. The multitude of highly competent antique shops and galleries display century’s worth of artistic tradition and heritage.

The best time to discover the 7th is during the week because if you decide to go gallery browsing on a Saturday strangely enough a good many of the shops will be closed. If you are looking for great shopping in Paris, it doesn’t get much better than the 7th.

 

From the very upscale department store, Le Bon Marché on the rue de Sèvres to the irresistible home furnishings shops along rue du Bac not to mention the antique shops and art galleries behind Boulevard Saint Germain.

The best that Paris has to offer is at your fingertips. The exquisite salon du thé at the Musée d’Orsay has a fabulous view overlooking central Paris, plus the Art Nouveau furniture collection downstairs.

Since the 7th arrondissement is so elegant and wealthy, it is only fitting that many of Paris’ best residences and restaurants are found here. Le Voltaire on the Quai Voltaire has been owned by the same family since the 1930’s and a recent opening of Café Constant by Christian Constant of nearby “Violon d’Ingrès” fame has also taken the area by storm. (139, rue Saint Dominique) The restaurant/cafe L’Esplanade at the corner of rue de Grenelle and rue Fabert around 7pm in the evening is a fabulous place to watch the sun set over Les Invalides, you definitely feel like you are on top of the world.

For property in the 7th Arrondissement, the area is made up of four residential quartiers. It is located at the south bank of the Seine River and shares borders with the 15th arrondissement in the south, the 16th, 8th and 1st in the north, and the 6th arrondissement in the east.

Quartier Saint-Thomas d’Aquin: a very aristocratic area which is home to many famous people. The quarter is also the one which houses more old prestigious hotels, nowadays transformed into Universities, private schools or offices.

Quartier des Invalides: this quarter was named after the famous monument Hotel des Invalides. The Palais Bourbon, the Chamber of Deputies, is also to be found in this quarter.

Quartier de l’Ecole-Militaire: this part is rather “cold” area in comparison which houses more administrative buildings than residential ones. A large part of the area is covered by the Military School, after which it was named. The quarter also displays some nice houses of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI architectural style.

Quartier du Gros-Caillou: this quarter is much livelier as it houses the Eiffel Tower. Before 1860 the area was a suburb with the same name. The area developed a lot thanks to the Universal Exposition and the construction of the Eiffel Tower. The 7th arrondissement is the second most expensive in Paris, after the 6th (its neighbour)

The 7th arrondissement includes two locations with breathtaking views: top floor apartment residents along the Eiffel Tower “Champs de Mars” and “Esplanade” where residents enjoy the nearness of the golden Invalides dome and the stylish Alexandre III Bridge over the Seine.

Undoubtedly the most expensive quarter is Saint Thomas d’Aquin which is a very aristocratic area. Some narrow lanes in the vicinity of the “Champ de Mars”, for example avenues “Charles Floquet” and “Elisée Reclus”, are particularly highly sought after by people seeking a quiet and green neighbourhood.

Triplex property for sale – Champs de Mars: triplex of 480 m2 on the champ de Mars with a private garden of 200 m2 just in front of the Eiffel tower. This exceptional residence offers 9 rooms including 5 bedrooms with their own bathroom and garage parking for 7 cars. Price on request.

(above) Privileged address, brightness, peaceful are the keywords for this charming luminous apartment of 102m² located at the 3rd floor of an old stone sized building. Excellent condition: entrance gallery, double lounge, US kitchen, two bedrooms (possible for 3) bathroom with window, numerous built-in cupboards. Possibility to purchase a parking space close to the apartment. Price. 1,130,000 euros.

PLACE VAUBAN (FACING DOME DES INVALIDES) Superb 3 BEDROOMED apartment (below) very large reception ( 100m²) kitchen with breakfast room, 3 bedrooms , 2 bathrooms , shower , parking place. Price: 3,200,000 euros

Because of its prestigious address and the confidential wishes of owners, many properties are not advertised, however we have a number of stunning properties available in this area so if you are looking for this, or any other district of Paris, please email us and we will be happy to discuss your search. info@home-hunts.com

Photo credits:

Boulevard de Tour Maubourg © Marie-Lan Nguyen / Wikimedia Commons

www.lameredefamille.com, eiffelparis.com, www.parisperfect.com