Luxurious Living in France

Euro Against US Dollars- Buying Homes In Europe

2009-08-20T09:45:00.000-07:00

Weak Euro Is Sending Some Foreigners On Buying Spree For Homes in Europe

The weak euro is an embarrassment for the European Central Bank, a drain on profits for American multinationals and a boon for Continental exporters. But for Candice Lichtenfels, owner of a New Mexico travel agency, it meant a great deal on an apartment in an 18th-century building in Provence.

She and her husband recently paid 450,000 French francs ($58,460 or 68,600 euros) for an apartment in Aix-en-Provence, the southern French town that was home to painter Paul Cezanne. "The low euro definitely played a part in our decision to buy. If it wasn't so advantageous, we wouldn't have considered it," says Ms. Lichtenfels.

With the euro down nearly 20% in the past year and a half against the U.S. dollar and almost 10% against the British pound, more and more American and British buyers are buying second homes on the Continent.

The Italian branch of RE/MAX brokerages gets two inquiries from North America every day -- double last year. John Taylor SA, a brokerage that specializes in high-end properties on the French Riviera, reports two or three referrals a month from Christie's affiliates in the U.S., compared to one referral every two months in the past.

"The currency is making a difference, absolutely," says Alexander Kraft, European regional manager of Sotheby's International Realty in Munich, Germany. "We really have a lot of interest from English buyers in Italian and Spanish properties. And there is also a lot of demand from the States. Demand has picked up in the months since the euro has weakened."

Europeans with property in the U.S. are also pouncing. Dario Castiglia, regional director of RE/MAX Italia, says Italians with U.S. property are eager to sell -- because every U.S. dollar they get yields more lire or euros.

Because of her travel agency, France-Vacances, Ms. Lichtenfels tracks exchange rates regularly. When the dollar moved above six francs about a year ago, she decided it was time to make a personal investment in a rental property, especially since she concluded that French property prices are at the beginning of an upswing. Fitting in her apartment search around business meetings, Ms. Lichtenfels found what she was looking for in July: A place with high, beamed ceilings and classic windows overlooking a small plaza with a fountain. By that time, the dollar had climbed near seven francs. Closing was delayed until September, but that merely translated into further savings as the dollar continued its rise.

Other trends are reinforcing the euro-related real estate buying by foreigners.

E-mail makes it easier for well-paid executives to stay in touch with their office from home. International travel connections are better. And transborder corporate mergers are boosting corporate travel to Europe from the U.S. "There is a need for high-management guys to be in Europe, and they can mix a little business with pleasure by having a villa in Tuscany," says Patrick Dring, head of the international residential department at Knight Frank, a U.K. property consultancy.

The renewed surge of British and American buying is fueling a comeback for classic 1950s vacation spots in France, Italy and Spain. Some brokers also see increased interest in Greece, which joins the euro in January. When it comes to luxury properties, "Greece's prices are among the lowest in Europe anyway -- you can get an oceanfront property for $1 million (1.1 million euros), which you can't do anywhere else in Europe -- and now there is the additional impact from the low currency," Mr. Kraft says.

That's what spurred Frankfurt investment banker Nikos Pappayliou to buy a beachfront vacation home south of Athens with dollar savings. "Thank you, euro," says Mr. Pappayliou, an American and Greek citizen. The dollar's increased buying power and Greece's falling mortgage rates ahead of euro membership made a great case for buying a place there, he says. "For me, this purchase is win-win, based on the euro exchange rate and the European Union," he says. The October closing on the 250,000 euro ($213,000) property, a four-bedroom duplex with a roof terrace, came at a time when the euro dipped under 83 cents.

For now, Mr. Pappayliou, 36, plans to use the property as a vacation retreat for his young family. But later, "that's my retirement home," he says. "When I get that small U.S. Social Security check sent to Greece, I am going to be very comfortable there."

Adrian Leeds, an American living in Paris for the past six years, just bought the apartment she had been renting, using dollar savings. "If the exchange rate had been the level it was when I moved here -- around five francs to the dollar -- I wouldn't have been able to do it," says Ms. Leeds, who owns a Web marketing company in Tennessee.

For American and British buyers well into their property search, the weakening euro means they can consider properties that are much more expensive than they had initially been looking for. And for those who already own, exchange rates offer an incentive to trade up. Tim Donoghue, an actor who lives in Washington, Connecticut, recently decided to trade his house in the French village of Dauphin for a 10-acre (four-hectare) property in Revest de Braousses. "Prices are escalating in France, and with the exchange rate so favorable, I thought it was a good time to sell the one house and buy a new one," he says.

A few European property sellers are striking back, though, and setting prices for their real estate in dollars. Dollar pricing is driven by increasing demand from buyers with dollars to spend, says Robin Rowls, broker at Diana Morales Properties in Marbella, Spain. "Of course, it's a double-edged sword, because pricing properties in dollars makes them less attractive to those who want to pay in euros," he says.

Source Reference: Euro Against US Dollars- Buying Homes In Europe

France Luxury Homes for sale - What $1 Million Buys In Homes Around The World

2009-08-20T09:27:00.000-07:00

What $1 Million Buys In Homes Around The World

There was a time when $1 million could buy an urban penthouse, a waterfront villa, even a mountain chalet.

But those days are a thing of the past, according to Liam Bailey, head of residential research for worldwide property adviser Knight Frank. "One million dollars doesn't buy very much in the most desirable global property locations," he says.

Translation: Good luck finding four bedrooms, never mind a waterfront locale, for $1 million--at least in today's highly desirable markets like Paris, London and New York.

In the latter, says Elizabeth Stribling, president of Manhattan-based real estate brokerage Stribling & Associates, "Generally speaking, you're spending $1 million for a prime, one-bedroom apartment."

And despite bloated inventory typical of a sluggish market, those set on living downtown, but looking for a $1 million two-bedroom will need to travel north to the far corners of the less-hip Upper East or West Sides, she says.

Little changes when you look at similarly established markets overseas, says Bailey. Among them: London, Tokyo and Paris, where, for the most part, $1 million buys only 328, 522 and 594 square feet respectively, according to the firm's calculations.

"Not only has time marched on in real estate markets, but the position of the U.S. dollar as the world currency has weakened significantly against the Sterling and Euro as well," says Ian Payne, senior vice president and managing director for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific for Realogy global relocation firm Cartus. To put that into perspective, the purchasing power of $1 million is nearly a quarter less in the U.K. today than it was five years ago, he says.

"So in London, depending on where you are, that might buy you a very nice three-bedroom apartment or it might buy you a one-bedroom apartment,” he says, “but it no longer gets you anything wildly impressive."

Newer to the list of increasingly expensive locales are emerging markets like New Delhi and Dubai, which have seen property values soar in recent years.

But fortunately for those without a multitude of zeros to spend on a home, the dollar--or one million--can go much further if you're willing to look further afield.

In the U.S., George Ballantyne, vice president of Sotheby's International Realty, points to areas in the Midwest, such as Michigan and Ohio. "Once you get away from the two coasts and away from the sort of resort markets," he says, "$1 million will still buy an absolutely extraordinary property."

Eleanor Farnsworth, a luxury agent with Prudential Gardner, lets New Orleans serve as an example. Despite the devastation from Hurricane Katrina, she says many areas have remained largely intact--think the high-end areas of the University and garden districts--and thus in demand. In fact, $1 million can still get you a nice four- or five-bedroom home in a good location, she says.

And across the ocean, space is still to be had for a reasonable sum in and around Eastern Europe, despite the region’s increasing popularity, says Jamie Liddell, chief foreign correspondent for London-based Homes Overseas Magazine.

"The rise of Eastern Europe--the band from the Baltic nations all the way down to the Balkans--has been the major story of the last five years," he says. "But if you were to take $1 million to Central Warsaw, Central Prague or Budapest, you'd be still be looking at a five-, six-bedroom house out in the pleasant suburbs or a penthouse suite overlooking the river."

In fact, there are even picturesque areas of France, such as Burgundy, Champagne and the Bordeaux regions, where $1 million gets some pretty stellar property. "Here, you can still buy a grand, historic manor house, or even a small château, for around $ 1 million," says Alexander V.G. Kraft, chief executive of Sotheby's International Realty France.

He adds, "Depending on the market and the type of property you are looking for, [you] can still get ‘a million dollar property’ that actually looks the part."

Source Reference: One Million Dollar Property

How to Buy International Properties

2009-07-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

Wish you could live on vacation, whether in the heart of Paris or on the beaches of the Caribbean? You can, if you play your real estate cards right.

Buy real estate abroad, and you get more than a charming escape and bragging rights to your villa in the south of France.

"Beyond the obvious status symbol, it is definitely the best way to embrace a culture and enjoy the art-de-vivre of [another] country," says Thierry Journiac, founder of Switzerland-based TerraCognita Estate Solutions.

You can add to the list of potential benefits a diversified portfolio, better value than you might find in the U.S., strong appreciation and perhaps some rental income.

That partly explains why a growing number of people have opened their minds--and their wallets--to foreign home ownership. In the last couple of years, the international real estate market has seen a significant boost from affluent buyers, whether they are after an idyllic getaway, a lucrative investment or both.

The economic climate at home has encouraged the international trend--and even with that climate changing, some experts see the buying abroad trend continuing.

Historically low interest rates, particularly in 2003 and 2004, encouraged real estate purchases, says Delores Conway, director of the Casden Real Estate Economics Forecast at the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate. Although rates have risen recently, she points out that they are still relatively low. "Another thing is the huge runup in the American housing market, enabling people to pull equity out of their own homes in order to afford a down payment on a second home."

That equity is less available with price growth in the United States slowing dramatically--and in some cases, declining. The investor population is obviously going to look for other places to put money, says Jim Gillespie, president and chief executive of Parsippany, N.J.-based Coldwell Banker Real Estate. And wealthy types looking to buy a second or third home have said that rising interest rates have no bearing on their purchasing decisions, he says.

According to Ian Payne, senior vice president and managing director for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific for Realogy global relocation firm Cartus, buying real estate in emerging markets can be very rewarding. Take Thailand, which offers beautiful scenery and has seen tremendous growth.

"People were going in there and making a complete mint," he says.

What's more, buyers can often get much more for their money--be it for a home or basic living costs--in many international locales.

"In comparison with U.S. prices, most European markets are quite affordable," explains Alexander V.G. Kraft, chief executive of Sotheby's International Realty France. "Where as $1 million doesn't buy you much in the U.S., in most European countries you can still find a grand home with lots of land. That's definitely a big incentive."

Of course, with the positives come the negatives--or at least the potential for negatives, if buyers aren't prepared. Among the risks is that a currency will slide, taking with it the value of your investment, or even political unrest. Concerns over property rights, local laws and cultural clashes should be factored into the decision making process as well.

"For some people, buying abroad is achieving a lifelong dream," explains Conway. "For these people it makes sense because in spite of the negatives, it is a lifestyle choice. They're quite willing to face those challenges--and probably even welcome them."

But people, who expect things to go as smoothly as they do in the U.S., may be in for an unpleasant surprise. Assuming both the process and the conventions will be the same as they are at home is one of the biggest problems foreign buyers run into, Payne says.

"There is a huge amount of naïveté from people thinking the system would be the same as theirs," he explains. "The assumption should be that it will be very different than your own."

If buyers fail to do this, they will become very frustrated very quickly. In fact, simply shopping for property can present location-specific difficulties, Kraft says. Unlike in the United States, you may have to make many of the viewing arrangements on your own. That could entail running from one agency to another to see a handful of properties, he says.

The property buying process (an exchange of letters can solidify a purchase in some locales) as well as the laws (foreigners cannot legally own property in certain areas) and restrictions (local laws deem certain materials or additions off limits) are often very local as well.

That's why our experts advise potential buyers to become very familiar with the area, as well as with the legal, financial and taxation implications of owning there, before entering any kind of binding decision. In order to do so thoroughly and adequately, they suggest enlisting the help of an independent attorney who has knowledge of the local laws and conventions.

The good news, you can do much of your homework without ever setting foot on a plane--and it is not only cost-effective but also wise to do so. Don't buy on impulse, when you're buoyed by tropical cocktails and beautiful sunsets. Look into everything from the stability of the currency to the growth potential of the property market.

"You should go with an open mind. Italy is Italy and France in France," Kraft says. "And none of them are California."

Source Reference: How to buy international Properties?

Castles for sale l Captivating Castles in France

2009-07-29T08:31:00.000-07:00

When Richard Gaylord tells people he lives in a castle, few believe him.

"But it really is one," the developer protests. "We've got the turrets and all. I'm a stickler for detail, and I don't like doing things in half measure."

Castle ownership isn't for everyone, what with the heating costs, potential for plumbing problems and general conspicuousness of the structures. Gaylord's home isn't an ancient stronghold--he only recently put the finishing touches on his Elizabethan-style castle, which occupies a couple of the 170 acres at Camelot, a themed development he created in Durban, South Africa.

But Gaylord isn't the only homeowner turning fairytale dreams into reality. Though the number of castles sold worldwide is minuscule compared to the overall real estate market, it has increased in recent years, thanks to the rising wealth of buyers, increased visibility--there are several castle-specific Web sites out there--and general enthusiasm for real estate.

There is a surprising range of castle options to choose from these days. They can be age-old or spanking-new, in New Jersey or South Africa, and have turret-high or relatively affordable prices.

In fact, depending on the exact location, the size and the level of restoration, smaller castles can be purchased for as little as $1 million--easily the cost of a two-bedroom condo in Manhattan. Slightly grander castles will fetch somewhere between $2.5 and $5 million, says castle expert Alexander V.G. Kraft, chief executive of Sotheby's International Realty France.

He teases his American friends: "Why don't you sell your garage in London or New York and buy a castle in France instead?"

Of course, the price tags can be much bigger for historically significant, fully restored properties, particularly if they come with vast amounts of land. Consider the 10,000-plus square foot Villa Castiglione in Capri, Italy. Resting on nearly seven acres perched on a cliff above the sea, the seven-bedroom Camelot is currently on the market for $38 million.

Kraft estimates that a few hundred castles are up for sale around the world--often quietly, to protect owners' privacy.

And what qualifies as a castle has altered over time. During the Middle Ages, a castle was specifically a fortified structure, largely built to defend nobles against hostile intrusions. Today, the term encompasses a broader range of ornamental homes, from manors to mansions to chateaux.

According to Kraft, France, England, Italy and Germany have the hottest castle markets. But the U.S. is home to a host of 19th and early 20th century homes inspired by the antique examples across the ocean. Take Singer Castle, aptly named for its original owner, Frederick G. Bourne, president of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, in Alexandria, N.Y. The five-story, 28-room castle, now on the market for $22 million, was completed in 1905 and features secret passageways, hidden entrances and a dungeon.

And now, there is a modern castle industry. Roger DeClements says his Idaho-based firm, CastleMagic, has already constructed four castles and has two more in the pipeline. Though he has had some interest from overseas, his inquiries typically come from wealthy types looking for a unique place to call home--or members of the Society for Creative Anachronisms, a medieval reenactment group.

While the castles no longer need to serve their original purposes of keeping out marauding hordes or providing spots from which to pour boiling oil, his clients demand all of the stereotypical castle features. "You know, the secret passageways, the large towers, the drawbridges," DeClements says. "They're looking for everything that Hollywood has drummed up from them."

That is, everything except the old-world drawbacks--drafts, leaks and plumbing problems among them.

"It is not unusual to find a castle that offers 40 or more bedrooms, but only two bathrooms, and has central heating in only one inhabitable wing of the castle," says Sotheby's Kraft. "Most castles were built on a rather grand scale several hundreds of years ago when the lord of the manor had a staff of at least 20 people to run and maintain his property."

Rene Palsenbarg, president of commercial properties at Sotheby's International Realty Canada and broker for the Singer Castle, echoes, "Certainly the maintenance and the upkeep can be a downside. They're older, their systems are older." He adds, "It's like buying any old house--you have to go in with both eyes open."

But for some, the hankering for beauty and history outweigh the risks, says Thierry Journiac, founder of Switzerland-based TerraCognita Estate Solutions. "Due to their character, their uniqueness and their location--most of the time in the countryside--castles also represent a way of life."

While the real estate market seems to be slowing for luxury properties in general, brokers argue that the market for unique homes steeped in history--not to mention beauty-- functions independently.

"For many people, owning a real castle is a lifelong dream, and once that dream is eventually fulfilled, normal market considerations do not necessarily apply," explains Kraft.

Source Reference: Castles for Sale- Captivating Castles in France

French Riviera Prices- Exceptional properties will always sell for a premium

2009-05-22T12:14:00.000-07:00

Cap Ferrat on the French Riviera was the epicentre of the economic boom. Villas on this small pine-covered peninsula near Nice were selling for more than €100 million in 2007; even the most ordinary-looking properties were snapped up by Russian oligarchs for eye-watering sums. But the Cap has been favoured by European royalty and aristocracy since the early 20th century, when King Leopold II of Belgium owned an estate there, so it was no wonder that any self-respecting nouveau millionaire wanted a piece of it.

Last summer, prices reached boiling point when Villa Leopolda, with majestic views over Cap Ferrat from Villefranche-sur-Mer, went on the market. Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich, who has several properties on Cap Ferrat, was rumoured to be interested, but then the richest man in Russia, Mikhail Prokhorov, reportedly agreed to buy it – for €500 million (£440 million). The sale would have crowned the belle époque villa the world's most expensive property. But the banking crisis set in, and Prokhorov was forced to pull out, losing every penny of his €39 million deposit. Leopolda's owner, Lily Safra, donated the money to charity.

Read More: Property Overseas: Chill Wind on Cap Ferrat

The Class Act

2009-05-18T10:01:00.000-07:00

To me luxury is time out from day-to-day life: a peaceful moment without any business appointments; a quiet meal; a hideaway where I have time to myself.” Alexander Kraft is head of Sotheby’s International Realty France and Monaco and sells dream apartments which can go for up to €100m. His new book, ‘Living in Luxury – Inside the World’s Most Glamorous Homes’ (with a preface by business tycoon Donald Trump), provides a peek into the opulent world of glamorous real estate and features 20 stunning residences from a French country house to a downtown New York loft. In an interview with our writer Anna Butterbrod, the native Berliner opens the door on the places and things which make his life that little bit more luxurious...

http://www.worlds-luxury-guide.com/Executive-Choice-Alexander-Kraft/Lifestyle-Tips-Alexander-Kraft?du=1000659

European Business Awards

2009-05-17T06:53:00.000-07:00

"The European Business Awards is an independent Awards programme designed to recognise and promote excellence, best practice and innovation in the European business community, in line with the broad aims of the European Union and business representative groups across the member states"

Sotheby's International Realty France Monaco won the Award under the category ' The Business of the Year Award' - 2009 Ruban d’Honneur.

In Picture- Back (L to R): Michael Tobin - TelecityGroup; Colin Tenwick - StepStone; John Devlin - beCogent Limited; Alexander Kraft - Sotheby’s International Realty France; Adrienne Lawler (MC); Stefan Dietrich - Q-Cells SE; Arkadiusz Mierzwa - Bank Pekao S.A.; Adrian

courtesy: http://www.businessawardseurope.com/?p=1099

Le Leader Mondial Pour L'Immobilier D'exception - Et Un Club Exclusif

2009-03-27T09:16:00.000-07:00

The World Leader in Exceptional Real Estate - And Also A Highly Select Club

Living in Luxury: Inside the world's most glamourous homes

2009-03-11T08:09:00.000-07:00

Things being what they are in the financial world today, this might not seem like the best time to talk about luxury real estate. On the other hand, perhaps it's the very best time: after all, the depression of the thirties saw all those sparkling Hollywood musicals, with Fred and Ginger dancing down the staircases of grand hotels. So today we take a look at some residences that most of us will never come near to being able to afford.

Download MP3

Guests

Alexander V.G. Kraft

CEO of Sotheby's International Realty, France-Monaco.

Publications

Title: Living in Luxury: Inside the world's most glamourous homes

Author: Alexander Kraft

Publisher: Thames & Hudson

and author of a new and beautifully illustrated book called Living in Luxury. Alexander, welcome to By Design.

Presenter

Alan Saunders

Producer

Mark Wakely

Flying below the radar

2009-02-26T07:18:00.000-08:00

Spare a thought for super-rich property hunters. When the budget is north of Dh50 million ($13.6m), it’s not quite as easy as logging on to findaproperty.com or scanning the ads in the window of the neighbourhood estate agent.

“The ability to communicate at every level is the key attribute,” declares Alexander Kraft, the chairman of Sotheby’s International Realty in France and Monaco. “A top agent must possess charm, be multilingual [minimum four languages] and be happy to give their all to the job – return calls and answer emails at any time, on any day of the week.”

Continue reading Flying below the radar

Second Home Sale

2009-02-26T06:51:00.000-08:00

France Real Estate: Second Home Sale

During the boom economy it was hard enough to climb onto the real estate ladder to buy a first home, let alone a vacation property with an ocean view or ski-slope access. But the economic crisis has brought a bit of sunshine for investors who in the recent past have been priced out of top markets like Verbier, the Riviera, Tuscany and the Caribbean. "There are more properties coming onto the market than we have seen for a very long time," says Alexander Kraft, CEO of Sotheby's International Realty in France. "And there are great deals to be had."

Read more about "Real Estate: Second-Home Sale"

European Business Awards-2009

2008-12-01T03:54:00.000-08:00

Ruban d’ Honneur -2009

Sotheby's International Realty has just received the "Ruban d'Honneur" as one of the 10 finalists for the "2009 European Business Award" which have been chosen among more than 7.000 European companies!

Sothebys International Realty has been awareded the 'Business of the year Award'

Congratulations to all the winners for the Ruban d’Honneur 2009 European Business Awards.
Reaching this stage of the competition is a great accolade and one which all the recipients should be justifiably proud of.

Which ever maybe the industry segment, by achieving this award the concerned organization within its domain expertise becomes more like an authority to that particular domain.

Cheers !!!

France Immobilier

Prestiges-Paris Real Estate Fair 2008

2008-11-25T03:28:00.000-08:00

Prestigious Paris Real Estate

The objective of the organisers, when they defined the concept of Prestiges-Paris, it was to offer to all lovers of beautiful old houses and exceptional property, an event that brings together all the superlatives on the high-end real estate:

The most prestigious agencies and the best French and international professionals would present the most beautiful places in France and in the World : rare town mansions, dream villas , high-end properties vineyeards, lofts, castles... with only one purpose : propose exceptional goods to an exceptional clientele.

This fair is going to be exciting, I like approach and the idea. Looking forward to the fair.

For more information please visit Salon de l'immobilier de prestige and to registering and for promotion, please follow this link Registration

Buying Castles in France

2008-11-25T03:06:00.000-08:00

Buying a castle in France is exciting to do at the same time one should bear in mind that these castles are been passed on from one generation to another and must contain its history and sanctity of these castles.

It is best to approach the experts who have a decade plus experience in researching, buying and selling these high end properties.

It is not like making lemonade, there are 4 most important steps in buying a castle in France and let’s see what the experts have to say on those 4 steps.

Note that I have used an image from Getti and the photograph was taken by Alain Jocard. Look closer at the lawn. Is that the ‘tongue out’ from Rolling Stone? You may never know, could have been a castle where Keith Richards would have thrown a party back in the 70s.

To begin the article…

According to the popular saying, your home is your castle wherever you live. But there are Some crucial differences

Read more on How to buy your own castle

Rich men's playgrounds

2008-11-17T02:31:00.000-08:00

By Alexander Kraft

Real estate has always been a business full of powerful personalities. But can one person -create - or recreate - an entire luxury property market? Looking at the cases of Marbella, Belgravia, Bel Air and Monaco, it would seem so.

Read the original article at Financial Times

2009 4th Annual Luxury Real Estate International Conference- Paris

2008-11-11T07:31:00.000-08:00

Take Advantage of Unique Opportunities at the 4th Annual Luxury Real Estate International Conference.

Looking to expand your global referral network? Meet luxury real estate professionals from all over the world at the 4th Annual Luxury Real Estate International Conference in Paris, France, January 21 - January 23, 2009.

You will not want to miss the most important international meeting of the minds event of 2009 for Luxury Real Estate. Discuss the state of the global market and how you can tap into it.

See you in Paris!

When?

Wednesday, January 21st through Friday, January 23rd, 2009

Where?

Hotel du Louvre, Paris Place André Malraux 75001 Paris, France

Living in Luxury

2008-11-11T07:24:00.000-08:00

My passion and interest in what I do has come out in words and it is now available in print. Yes, I wrote a book on Luxury Real estate and the fascinating world of luxurious properties and thought of sharing it with you. (Well its on sale but I can share the outline ; -) )

I present to you The most luxurious book of the year; an insider's look at some of the most spectacular and exclusive homes in the world.

About "Living in Luxury – Inside the World’s Most Glamorous Homes”, published by international publishers “Thames & Hudson” (London, NY, Hong Kong), written by Alexander V. G. Kraft (me), long-term executive of Sotheby’s and owner of Sotheby's International Realty France – Monaco (and, of course, asw - member):

This highly elegant coffee – table book features on 200 pages not only 20 of the world’s most breathtaking properties from around the globe, but also provides for the first time ever a comprehensive introduction into the fascinating world of luxury real estate, its history, markets, mechanisms, movers & shakers, including the Do’s & Don’ts of acquiring luxury properties.

From the Palm Beach - mansion of Donald Trump to the Richard – Neutra – masterpiece of Vidal Sassoon in Bel Air, from the legendary Krupp – estate in Marrakech, Morocco, to the French château of the “Sephora” – cosmetics – founder Domique Mandonnaud, the book presents a unique mixture of 20 very different properties from around the globe, each presented on 6 – 8 full pages.

But in addition to those lavishly illustrated properties, the book also provides the first-ever reference guide for luxury real estate as a whole, and explores its fascinating history (from the Romans to the Rothschilds, from King Louis XIV to the Beckhams), worldwide markets (New York, London, Hong Kong etc.), movers & shakers (from Prince Alfonso Hohenlohe in the 1950s to André Balazs nowadays), trends, prices, rules & regulations.

Published by renown international publishers Thames & Hudson (of “Hip Hotels”-, “Tom Ford”- and “Gucci by Gucci” – book – fame), the book will be officially released beginning of November, but is already available for pre – order on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble and many other book sellers. The foreword is by Donald Trump, the afterword by Henriette von Bohlen und Halbach.

Get your copies here! Living in Luxury - Alexander-Kraft

Exceptional XVIII Century Castle (Chateaux)

2008-11-11T00:10:00.000-08:00

Bordeaux, the 18th century architectural gem, located is the most exceptional castle built by the famous architect Victor Louis to Welcome King Louis the XVI. This is a XVIII the century castle and is built in the middle of its 45 hectare vineyards.

It is built in such a way that the plan includes a vast colonnade, with an open gallery used as a terrace for the stroll, linking a central rotunda topped by a dome to two main buildings. A majestic double ramp runs from each side of the dome to the colonnade.

This royal gift is now on sale and to get more information about this Castle

1. Search the Web

(or)

2. Reach the right person here