Luxury Real Estate

Pierre-Yves Guillaume with Rive Droite Immobilier

Located in a charming French hamlet at one hour drive from Geneva (Switzerland) and Lyon (France), this breathtaking estate is one of the most prestigious properties currently offered in Europe.

This elegant and refined castle , which can accommodate 100 persons, has just been entirely restored by some of the best European craftsmen. The current owner received the European Union Cultural Commission’s grand prize for a prior restoration.

The entire property is comprised of the main castle, a keep tower, a gardener cottage, the stables and its outbuildings, a workshop, pavilion and barn.

Established as a Barony since 1582, the estate has a surface of 130 hectares including 80 hectares of fenced and lanscaped grounds with a french park, 10 horse paddocks, a covered riding school,15 km of private roads, tennis court.

The castle is divided into 5 levels of living space.

The lower ground floor (150 sqm / 1,625 sq feet) offers a fully equipped kitchen with serving hatch, service room, shower room, toilets, laundry room, and several service rooms.

The ground floor (480 sqm / 5,150 sq feet) is where you will find the large entrance hall decorated by a 16th-century tapestry, the astonishing ball room with a fireplace of sculpted wood, original 1880 tile floors and splendid paneling, a breathtaking round smoking room, a charming Orangerie with views of the park, small dining room, the formal dining room for 40 persons with its Renaissance fireplace, classified as a French historical monument, the elevator, a gallery with wardrobe and toilets for visitors. From the ground floor there is also access to the 3-story tower with a bedroom on the first floor, a large terrace and a second bedroom on the second floor.

The second floor of the castle ( 480 sqm / 5,150 sq feet) is home to an impressive large central reception room with its subtly decorated wooden fireplace, beautiful herringbone parquet floor and painted ceiling, the royal apartment is furnished with a Louis 13th canopy bed, and features a large terrace and an extraordinary round bathroom. The prince apartment, the count apartment and the Baron apartment, all beautifully appointed with the finest details and their own bathroom .

The third floor ( 357 sqm / 3’850 sq feet) holds 8 more bedrooms and bathrooms, including two superb Louis 16th style bedrooms, plus an elegant Egyptian-style reception room and turret.

The fourth level of the castle features 7 additional apartments, a large family room, storage room and the maid¹s room with a small shower. All the bedrooms of the castle are furnished in different styles of furniture that cover all the French historical periods from Louis 13th to Louis-Philippe.

The impressive keep features a wine cellar, a billiard room anorded with a charming balcony, a library with a 17th century fireplace and embellished by an 18th century tapestry, two very charming small apartments with ceilings «à la française» and delightful small bathrooms. The top level is an amazing terrace overviewing the whole estate.

By Jim Walberg of Carribean Islands Realty

Yes, you can enjoy Jim Walberg’s Caribbean Paradise without owning a Fractional deeded ownership, home, town home, or villa. Your alternative is a luxury Caribbean rental.

Those of you who enjoy a visit to the U.S. and British Virgin Islands are going to LOVE the luxury rental I discovered a few weeks ago. In fact, I have stood on the deck and enjoyed the sunrise over American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook - a magnificent sight! This luxury rental is named “Harbor House”, and it sits on the hillside above the harbor.

So, when I am talking about a luxury Caribbean rental, what does that mean? Well, how about a home that is just a five minute walk to American Yacht Harbor, Duffy’s Love Shack, Molly Malone’s, and the Caribbean Saloon? Now, a visit to three of my favorite stops in Red Hook will just barely take you through lunch. You can then walk to Vessip Beach, or the Ritz Carlton beach, or you can drive your car to Secret Harbor which is just a short distance away. Secret Harbor is another beach that has a very fun bar that I frequent - Blue Moon.

As part of the two story villa and gorgeous private pool, you have a gourmet kitchen, three elegant bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and don’t forget the views from all the windows. It can easily sleep six, but we had a total of eight of us without a problem. One of your days at Harbor House will require you visit Charlotte Amalie’s duty free shopping district, and a visit to Havensight - another duty free shopping area of St. Thomas. You will have every luxury item you can imagine, all within just a few blocks - jewelry, watches, cameras, perfume, silk, and on and on!

As part of the weekly lease package the owner, Captain Mike, will include a private day charter on his 35 foot Maxum power yacht, and race you over to the BVI for a day of SCUBA diving, snorkeling, and just non-stop fun in the sun. You end your day at the island of Jost Van Dyke at my FAVORITE beach, White Bay, and my favorite beach bar - Soggy Dollar Bar. You can say hello to Mick and enjoy a rum Pain Killer and sit on my favorite sunset beach. This type of day charter for six people would cost about $1,200. Your cost is that of a skipper, British custom fees, fuel, and any of your food and drink. Well, given my experience with the drink costs, they can be high because thirst is a dangerous thing.

Captain Mike will even throw in the use of his 2002 Chevy Blazer as part of the deal, so you don’t even have to rent a car for your week of exploring St. Thomas. So, what does a luxury rental of Harbor House cost? It is about $4,500 per week for six people. Contact me for more information about booking this little piece of Paradise. I will fill in any of your week’s itinerary if you need some help. Until next time…your Caribbean lifestyle detective remains on duty.

By Eric Kodner of Wayzata Lakes Realty

Minneapolis is one of the 30 busiest airports in the world by passenger traffic. In the United States, only Denver serves more nonstop airline markets per capita than Minneapolis.

Minneapolis is one of the ten largest airline hub metro areas in the United States, along with Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Dallas, New York/New Jersey, Denver, Orlando, Phoenix and San Francisco.

The Twin Cities are home to NFL (Vikings) Football, Major League Baseball (Minnesota Twins), NBA Basketball (Timberwolves) and NHL Hockey (Wild).

Nine Minnesotans made Forbes Magazine's list of American billionaires. Minnesota ranked eleventh among all states in number of billionaires.

There are just over three million people in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The metro is home to two major symphony orchestras, opera, ballet, the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Walker Art Center and the Guthrie Theater. Minneapolis & Saint Paul supports more repertory, nonprofit and for-profit theatre companies per capita than any city in the United States except New York.

Minneapolis is home to the world's second largest private corporation, Cargill.

Fortune 500 corporations in Minneapolis include Target, General Mills, US Bancorp, Xcel Energy, Thrivent, and Ameriprise Financial. Saint Paul is home to The Travelers Companies, 3M, Ecolab, Securian Financial and Patterson Dental.

Other major metro area companies include Anderson Windows, Aveda (subsidiary of Estee Lauder), Toro, Nash Finch, Medtronic, St. Jude Medical, CHS, United Health Group, Carlson Companies, Best Buy and Seagate Technology.

The world-famous Mayo Clinic is located less than an hour and a half away from the southeast Twin Cities metro area. Minnesota had one of the largest percentages of leading cardiovascular hospitals among urban areas in the United States.

According to CNN Money, Minnesota ranks among the top ten wealthiest states in the U.S., by median household income.

Woodland, Minnetonka Beach and Sunfish Lake (all in the Twin Cities metro area) rank among the 100 highest-income places in the United States. Minnesota ranked ninth among all states in its number of highest-income locales. Luxury real estate communities include the Lake Minnetonka area, Edina, Stillwater, Afton-Bayport, White Bear Lake-North Oaks, Kenwood-Isles-Lowry Hill, Crocus Hill and Summit Avenue in Saint Paul.

By Nicola Christinger of Home Hunts

The Big Boy’s playground: It may be small and perfectly formed but its reputation is huge. As the smallest French-speaking principality, Monaco has more millionaires squeezed in per square meter than probably anywhere else in the world.

Ever since Grace Kelly arrived in the 1950’s to film “To Catch a Thief”, Monaco has been luring the rich, international jet-set into its modest two-square kilometers of luxury.

In order to gain residency in Monaco you need to first be able to prove a couple of essentials to the officials. First is a property deed as proof of ownership that you have either bought or a lease contract, a bank account certificate showing a deposit of at least 400,000 (varies from bank to bank). The third condition is that you commit to spend at least six months a year in the country – not at all a hardship given the fabulous climate, stunning beaches and nightlife guaranteed to keep you on your toes during your half yearly stint.

High on the list of reasons to live in Monaco is that it has no personal income tax for residents (except if you are French) There is also no capital gains tax (except if you are French) nor inheritance tax for direct heirs or spouses.

Understandably property in Monaco is highly sought after; there are long lists of buyers waiting for the right property. But like the rest of the world Monaco has experienced a taste of the economic slowdown. According to Stephane Moretti, manager of the HOMEHUNTS Monaco office “There will always be people looking to buy in Monaco and despite the downturn in property markets in other parts of the world, here the demand is still high.” says Moretti who has been involved in Monaco businesses and Real Estate for the past five years. “The commercial and corporate markets though are currently booming and it is still an amazing place to live” he adds.

Amazing is one way to describe the exquisite miniature place where there is one white-gloved police officer per 60 residents. Safety is guaranteed and most celebrities love Monaco because the paparazzi are forbidden (unless it is for official work).

Mireille Krumbholz has been a resident for the past four years and is the owner of Canideli, the only pet company in Monaco which provides nutritional advice, behavioral therapy, pet sitting for horses, cats and dogs. For Mireille it is more than just the 300 days of sunshine per year that makes her feel at home. “I especially like the kindness of the people, the mix of all the different nationalities is invaluable.” she says. A protective and watchful eye over the country is largely due to security cameras which monitor the streets. “I came to Monaco on my own and feel completely at ease and safe when I walk my dog in the park at midnight. The feeling of security is such an important point, particularly for women.”

Monaco has a rich cultural programme, every month there are several special events and art exhibitions, concerts and operas which are held throughout the year. Once the sun goes down, the nightlife wakes up and Monaco offers some of the best restaurants, bars and nightclubs in the world. Rita Alay del Curto who works for luxury yacht broker, Ocean Independence says “the selection is amazing and there are so many quality places to go. “ She recommends Sea Lounge for an aperitif by the sea, Capocaccia the best place for true Italian “aperitivos”, Saliere, perfect restaurant for a relaxed Italian meal and for a first class business lunch Yoshi, Joel Robuchon’s first ever Japanese restaurant located in the Hotel Metropole.

Of course, if you do have just a touch of the “James Bond” about you, then slip on your tux and shimmy down to the American Bar at the Hotel de Paris, where a perfect dry martini awaits.

Nestled between the Italian and French Riviera it has a population of just over 30,000 and it split into ten districts, Monte Carlo being the most famous.

Monaco Ville, the old city perched on a rock which extends into the Mediterranean, is also where the palace is. La Condamine is the port area, Fontvieille was created in the 1970’s from reclaimed sea land and the others are Moneghetti, Larvotto, La Rousse, Saint Michel, La Colle and Les Révoires.

Currently on the market, a rare opportunity to buy an entire building is a “belle époque” style residence – the penthouse which is under renovation with luxurious fittings.

Habitable space of 686sqm 5/6 bedrooms, private entrance with lift and terrace plus 3 parking spaces directly outside. There is the possibility to buy the whole building with or without renovation. Price: 36,500,000 Euros.

If you are searching for a luxury apartment, this particular one bedroom property has been completely renovated in a high quality building with concierge and pool.

It comprises a large bedroom, dressing room,bathroom, guest WC, beautiful salon/dining room, full fitted kitchen with Parquet floors throughout. It also benefits from a peaceful private garden/terrace and is for sale at 3,300,000 euros.

When considering Monaco, most buyers have already made up their mind, hesitation is not really an option and considering all aspects of this exceptional Principality, Monaco delivers everything on a first class plate.

By Nicola Christinger of Home Hunts

In a world where sometimes style over substance has become the norm, people who want to indulge and enjoy a luxury property without feeling guilty for nature and its surroundings – need look no further. La Cacao Pearl is the world’s first non-profit, luxury eco-resort to be built on an entire private island, at the northernmost tip of Palawan in the Philippines.

Their philosophy is simple: to share all profits with residence owners and a purposefully-formed foundation, which will concentrate on social and environmental preservation programmes in these Palawan islands.

Set in 116 acres of lush rainforest and eight, pristine beaches, the eco-chic resort offers private residences with zero carbon cost, five-star service, an infinity pool, wreck and reef diving, and an organic spa, gardens, bar and restaurant.

Only 10% of the island will be developed which means that there are no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ locations to buy and no further development will take place - ever. A guarantee which is secure and Joel Cere, CEO of Cacao Resorts confirms: “we provide an authentic experience for the grown-up backpacker, a guilt-free option for the traveler with a conscience, a breath of fresh tropical air for sophisticated urban escapees.”

There is a choice of locations: beach, garden, resort and crèche (especially for guests/owners with children) and all 1 and 2 bedroom residences have been designed by film art director, Antonio Calvo (Love Actually, Alexander, Pride and Prejudice). Antonio will work with owners on bespoke requirements, custom finishings to compliment the interiors which use exotic timbers from sustainable forests and designs from Asia’s boutique specialist, Budji.

Buyers and investors who want to own a truly unique property are guaranteed sustainable construction methods, 100% renewable energy with an option to buy, re-sell or rent. The resorts rentals are managed by Cacao Resorts, which ensures that the clientele remains private. Prices for the 1 and 2 bedroom residences start at USD $280,000 – $500,000

The island has been described by National Geographic magazine as “incredibly beautiful natural seascapes and landscapes”, by Condé Nast Traveller magazine as “having the best beaches overall in Asia” and the resort has just received a “Best Residential Development” award by CNBC Asia Pacific Property Awards 2009.

The resort is being marketed through HOMEHUNTS and for full details of residences and floor plans please contact: nicola@home-hunts.com

Only happy people who care about the world we live in, need apply!

SEATTLE, WA - (May 2009) - The 7^th Annual Luxury Real Estate Spring Retreat was recently held Sunday, April 26^th to Wednesday, April 29^th, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas. Keynote Speakers were Mary Whipple, 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist, and Peter Tongue, Metaphysics and Management Consulting Expert.

The Conference was hosted by John Brian Losh, Chairman and CEO of Luxury Real Estate, (LuxuryRealEstate.com and Who’s Who of Luxury Real Estate), a membership-driven luxury brokerage assemblage based in Seattle, Washington. The network includes the most prominent global luxury brokers and meets three times each year, nationally and internationally, to discuss current real estate trends.

The recent conference in Las Vegas covered multiple topics of great interest to those who serve the high net-worth demographic. An ongoing theme, covered at each of the conferences, is the state of the luxury market around the world. In addition, discussions focused on coping with Short Sales and Foreclosures, expanding real estate business through social networking, and being creative and fearless in a down market.

The highlight of the event was a Black Tie Dinner and Awards Presentation, honoring the career of Shari Chase with the Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious award is given twice annually to the Luxury Real Estate member who has set an example for the real estate industry and displayed excellence throughout their career. “Known for high-profile properties and clientele, her firm continues as one of the industry’s pacesetters,” states John Brian Losh. “What others talk about – Chase does.”

About LuxuryRealEstate.com

LuxuryRealEstate.com is the most-viewed luxury real estate specific website in the world. The Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate network includes 1,500 of the world’s finest real estate companies with properties in 98 countries. Participation is strictly invitation-only by CEO/Publisher John Brian Losh. In Ultimate Homes’ 2008 issue, the network represented more than twice the number of top 1,000 most-expensive properties in the country than any other network. The Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate network is governed by the Board of Regents.

By Jim Walberg of Caribbean Islands Realty

The Four Seasons was the venue where Jim Walberg   participated in the 7th Annual Luxury Real Estate Spring Conference as a panel member of Effective Social Networking & Blogging Tools For Realtors.

Imagine being with some of the brightest and best minds in real estate for three days! Well, that is what the Luxury Real Estate’s Spring conference was like this past week. The sharing of best practices with such a high caliber of professionals and business owners is an enviable experience for any Realtor. I was not only privileged to be a delegate at this conference, I also gathered some incredible business ideas that will continue to improve the customer experience for our clients, and grow our business in this shifting markets.

The featured presentation was the panel on how to use internet tools to dramatically expand your real estate business by increasing your lead generation results - the Strategies & Tactics of Top Real Estate Professionals regarding social networking, blogging, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Victor Lund from the WAV Group was the moderator. Jon Larrance from Perry & Company, Bruce Hiatt from Luxury Realty Group and me from The Bay Area Team, were the panelist. The interaction with the audience demonstrated that it was THE topic that they wanted to explore most in the 2009 world of social networking.

In addition to the various breakout sessions during the conference, one of the keynote speakers was Mary Whipple, the Olympic Gold Medalist from the 2008 Games was the featured presenter before lunch. It was an inspiring presentation about the steps required for the U.S. women’s eight rowing team to prepare and win the gold metal. She translated the attributes to accomplish such a feat to what it takes to have a successful real estate Brokerage.

Tuesday night was the elegant black tie evening honoring Shari Chase, founder and president of Chase International, with the LRE Lifetime Achievement Award presented by John Brian Losh. The impact Shari has made by growing eight real estate offices in the Tahoe, Reno, and now London, has created a result of over a billion dollars of real estate sales through her company. At this evenings elegant evening I had the pleasure of sharing dinner with Jose Ribes from Spain, and with Bente Matdsen from Luxury Real Estate.

The closing session of the conference featured Peter Tongue as the keynote speaker. The subject of his presentation was Heart-Centered Real Estate. Peter’s message was focused on tapping into the acknowledgement of higher energies that attract good things into their lives - embracing abundance, awareness and positive energy. It was another example of how Luxury Real Estate always delivers quality member services.

By Nicola Christinger of HOMEHUNTS

Strictly “entre nous” the luxury property market in France is still as buoyant as ever. Two young men who are specialists in finding homes for anyone with a budget over 750,000 euros, are Francois Xavier de Vial and Tim Swannie. They started HOMEHUNTS in 2005 and now, after careful business handling and a yearly turnover of several million, the lads have earned themselves an enviable reputation with the luxury real estate markets.

French national Francois and British Tim have a true “entente cordial” working relationship and have a selection of the best properties to buy throughout southern France with prices ranging from 750,000€ to more than 60 million euros.

HOMEHUNTS work as buyers agents and their international team, based throughout Southern France are all experts in their local areas. The team work on behalf of an ever growing number of clients from around the globe on a daily basis. Most of their clients are extremely busy and do not have the time or inclination to search the market for their dream home, preferring to entrust the search to the specialists. Francois, Tim and their team work with all of the best selling agents, builders, developers and private owners and their job is to truly search the whole market for their clients to find the best selection of properties according to their needs.

This service is open to anyone but they have an impressive client list which includes a range of well known celebrities in the music and film industries, sports personalities, high profile company directors as well investment companies looking for good opportunities throughout the South of France. Over the past 3 years they have been assisting buyers mainly from the UK and Europe (as well as USA). However, more recently they have also had a large number of Russians, South Africans, Chinese and clients from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, all wanting a slice of the luxury life. And who can blame them? There are not many parts of the world like the French Riviera where you can be on the beach in the morning and on the ski slopes by the afternoon with more than 310 days sunshine per year. According to Tim, “A French law called the Loi Littoral does not allow builders to carry on developing the coastline of France as they wish to keep its natural beauty. These restrictive building laws mean that property is constantly in demand and the coastline is not ruined by high rise buildings or huge holiday complexes. The Riviera in particular is one of those rare places in the world which will always attract the rich and famous due to its excellent climate, stunning scenery, easy access and glittering reputation”.

Good news for the Riviera but places such as the Languedoc-Roussillon region is still one of France’s best kept secrets. Touching the Spanish border and stretching up to the Rhône, this intoxicating region is home to some of their finest luxury properties.

Another region which is fast becoming a highly desirable destination for the luxury buyer is the Dordogne and surroundings which has now excellent airline links to places such as Bordeaux.

“Contrary to what some people think, now is still a good time to buy French property. As a result of the downturn in property markets, there are good buying opportunities for those in a position to make a decision. There is a very good selection of property on the market at the moment, and in many cases prices offer excellent value - sellers know they need to attract buyers with a good price in the current market” says Francois-Xavier de Vial.

For more information and a selection of luxury properties throughout southern France please visit www.home-hunts.com

For more information and interview details please contact:

Nicola Christinger

Press Relations Manager

www.home-hunts.com

nicola@home-hunts.com TEL: + 33 (0)6 76 37 28 04

Text and pictures copyright of HOMEHUNTS 2009

By Kitty J. Laios of Kitty J. Laios Real Estate

Two wonderful island homes at the highly desirable location of Agios Sostis, on a large plot of land. Agios Sostis is known for one of the best sandy beaches of the Mediterranean.

An ideal proposition for a large family, two or more friendly families or an investment opportunity as one of the two villas can be rented out throughout the summer season.

Built in the traditional island style with stone built areas and white washed walls, the villas offer absolute relaxation as well as ideal entertainment areas such as the outdoor bar and pergola.

The houses, which are identical, are on two levels with the large reception area and kitchen with informal dining area on the ground floor, as well as the master bedroom. On the 1^st floor there are another 3 sunny bedrooms with bathrooms, and one of the bedrooms has its own attic. There is also a guest house with its own kitchen and bathroom, which sleeps 4.

Total grounds area: 5400m2

Main house: 380m2

1 master bedroom with 1 double bed

1 bedroom with 1 double bed

1 bedroom with 1 double bed and attic

1 bedroom with 2 single beds

Reception area with fireplace

Hall

Informal dining area

Large fully equipped kitchen

3 bathrooms

Fireplace

Garage

Garden

Guest House: 75m2

2 bedrooms with 1 double bed

Kitchen

Bathroom

Independent Entrance

· Both villas offer a/c, satellite tv and are fully furnished,

· Shared amenities: swimming pool, bbq with outdoor dining area, garage, garden.

Price: 4.000.000€

By Ann Adenius of Signature Residences Worldwide

Today’s Phuket is one of the premier destinations for the discerning holiday traveller and second home owners. With a property market that is strong, especially in the exclusive, high-end sector, it continues to draw discriminating property investors seeking extraordinary opportunities. Real estate prices on Phuket are still relatively low when compared with comparable tropical destinations.

Jumeirah Private Island Phuket will offer levels of luxury, privacy and security as yet unseen in the Phuket area. This exclusive resort development is situated less than 500 metres off Phuket Island, at the southern gateway of Phang-Nga Bay, one of the world's most fantastic seascapes. The island is a scenic 5-minute helicopter journey or 20-minute drive and short speedboat ride from the Phuket International Airport. An on-demand 24-hour ferry service connects the island to Phuket’s full portfolio of leisure and lifestyle amenities including world renowned golf courses, fine dining and shopping outlets.

Ownership of property on a completely private island in an idyllic setting has always been perceived to be the ultimate in real estate. There is a certain romanticism about being cut off from everyday modern life and being surrounded by water. It is a symbol of prestige, wealth, and has enormous investment value, largely because islands are limited, the supply can only diminish.

Opulent Jumeirah residences are currently for sale within the development. Revel within your own palatial Jumeirah private residence and enjoy full access to a luxury Jumeirah Resort & Spa together with a super yacht marina and the private members only Jumeirah Private Island Yacht Club. The super yacht marina will have 101 berths and will offer true “super yacht” facilities with 24 hour deep water access. The benefits of berthing in Phuket include fuel, crew and dockage costs up to 80 percent less than Europe and there are no luxury yacht import taxes.

The majority of the Estates rest along the northern coast with stellar views of Phang-Nga Bay; while a few select Estates are positioned on the southern coast and offer direct beachfront access and views spanning the island-dotted seascape. The custom-designed villas present a great range of options incorporated into a single-storey, low-density home that induces the superlative tropical lifestyle.

Prices from THB 120 million. Private homes will be completed from Q2 2009 with the soft opening of the resort Q2 2010 and the official opening set for October 2010.

Homeowners can look forward to enjoying the great stress-free, luxury lifestyle that Jumeirah has to offer.

For further information, contact Signature Residences Worldwide, www.signatureresidencesworldwide.com, email info@signatureresidencesworldwide.com or call +44 20 7095 8703