Month: May 2023

Flawless five-bed home on the Algarve for £21,278,250 (Portugal)

In Contemporary, Europe, luxury, Portugal

A stunning, spacious five bedroom villa perched on the cliffs

Portugal’s famous southern coastline, the Algarve, covers an area of 4,997 km and is hugely popular with both tourists and residents, whether lucky locals or expats in search of year-round splendour. It’s easy to understand the appeal: pristine beaches, glorious climate, fascinating culture, lip-smacking cuisine and, importantly, affordable living. Would you like some of that for you and your family?

A swimming pool and tennis court are just two of the facilities within the vast grounds

This impressive villa perches on the cliffs to provide tranquility with endlessly alluring sea views. It’s been designed to maximise the location and light, with some quirks thrown in to add intrigue to the interiors.

Light floods into the bedrooms, all which boast heart-melting views

There are five spacious bedrooms within, three with their own, immaculate en suite bathroom. Each of these bathrooms are gorgeously designed with eye-catching tiling and facilities to the highest standard; you can wash the day’s sand and sun cream off the skin like a prince.

The remarkable master bedroom suite occupies the entire top floor of the villa and features a walk-in closet. It opens onto a large terrace for more of those stupendous views, while the accompanying en suite bathroom has a jacuzzi and vertical spa with sauna.

Windows on all sides of this unusual shaped room maximise the light

The kitchen is designed to be a communal space for family or friends to gather and chat, linger over a glass of fine Portuguese wine as the designated chef makes use of the high quality equipment (including a steam oven).

A smart kitchen island ensures everyone can gather and chat over meals

The wines will have come, of course, from your generous air-conditioned cellar, which is adjacent to your very own tasting room. This is a nice addition to a classic villa design and suits those with an interest in getting to know the local varieties and enjoy the tasting experience.

An air-conditioned wine cellar with tasting area will help you cultivate your palate

The villa celebrates outdoor living and the outbuildings are all thoughtfully designed and comfortably finished. The covered leisure area, 89 sq. m, includes a kitchen, barbecue and a lounge area, complete with a large dining table for those late-night dinner parties. The more active will no doubt be on the tennis court, playing golf on the private field or striding the gardens, which have all been landscaped to provide different spaces for silent reflection and beauty.

Outdoor dining is delivered in elegant style with a designated space to cook, grill, lounge, dine or enjoy a cocktail on the deck

Oh, did we forget the swimming pool? While the sea is an obvious draw for swimmers, this pool is a luxurious facility for the villa and a lovely place to cool off as the sun slips down towards the horizon. With a deck space surrounding the pool and the additional ‘waterfall’ feature, this area will likely become another ‘hub’ for gathering guests during lazy afternoons.

The pool is a great size for both lap swimming, leisurely paddling and boisterous family games

If seeking a spectacular yet comfortably home on the Algarve – complete with the incredible views of the coastline that you’d hope for – then this villa is well worth viewing. It could be the ideal holiday home, or serve as a superb remote work location for those seeking to de-stress their working life with some sun and sea.

The villa is located in Albufeira, Algarve, and the closest airport is Faro International around 17 miles away. Albufeira is one of the liveliest resort towns on the Algarve, providing fun for both the adults (The Strip bristles with bars and restaurants) and the youngsters (speed boat tours and dolphin-watching trips), while the Old Town will deliver the charm that first-time visitors hope for.

This property is being marketed by Portugal Sotheby’s International Realty, Carvoeiro. Source: RightMove

5 bedroom house for sale in Algarve, Albufeira, Portugal (rightmove.co.uk)

Ever wondered what happens to ‘retired’ churches? Live in one for £2,500,000 (Reading, UK)

In Europe, Historic, UK

An elegant, contemporary and very unique home hides within this Victorian church

What happens to churches when they are no longer needed for worship? Around 20-25 Church of England churches are ‘closed’ each year and while some are given to trusts or charities, others fall into the hands of brave owners who renovate them for a unique, historic home.

In Grazeley, a village in Berkshire UK, a Victorian Grade II listed church emerged as a family home in 2017 after a lengthy restoration process – and it’s now come onto the market for the next owner to enjoy!

The church has become a five bedroom home of 3,500 sq. ft., joined by a further 1,400 sq. ft. from a converted Coach House, providing ample space for a family and their various interests and passions.

You’ll have to reassure arrivals that they won’t be getting a sermon..

The church was built in 1850 and the conversion has celebrated some of the original features but also kitted this building up for modern, high-tech and comfortable living.

There is a new roof and flooring system with a self-supporting steel frame to accommodate the five bedrooms and living spaces across three floors. The property also has underfloor heating, a ventilation system, CCTV and energy-saving smart-home technology. It’s definitely much more than just a historic curiosity – it’s a functioning family home, albeit one with a story.

Stained glass windows and the pulpit add character to the open-plan kitchen-dining space

The ground floor is designed for open-plan living. The kitchen is open to a long breakfast bar and the spacious dining area (20 can be comfortably gathered around the table), with a lounging space beyond. The stained glass windows and pulpit, retained from the previous ‘life’ of this atmospheric building, add real character and historical depth to what still feels like a contemporary space.

This main space also has an impressive, bespoke feature light; it’ll cascade colour-changing LED light down 7.5m to create spectacular, mood enhancing effects for your dinner guests. The kitchen is kitted out to meet the highest ambitions of the home cook, complete with Quartz worktop and all the latest appliances.

Two additional floors have been carefully incorporated into the building to make use of the height without making the space feel cramped. There is a mezzanine level that works well as a sitting room and further enhances the feeling of shared living.

Various social spaces suit a family in need of their own time or hosting their own guests

The ground floor has one further reception room (potentially suitable as a home office) and a double bedroom ideal for guests. A further four double bedrooms are on the higher levels, nestled within the original sloping roof and complete with built-in wardrobes and attractive views of the local countryside.

Bright, comfortable bedrooms are unexpected treats amid any expectations of gloomy church interiors

The bathrooms in the property are fitted with Villeroy and Boch sanitary ware, tiled and finished beautifully. As you’d hope, the top spot for bathing is within the master bedroom itself; a freestanding bath stands proudly beside the huge west window, providing pleasures at sunset (ideally with a beverage in hand).

Time your bath right and you’ll be awash in a glorious sunset

The Coach House, a separate building, is the more recent conversion and has greatly extended the space and potential of this renovation. This annex space could be used for further guest accommodation, a home gym, a studio or a working space.

Take a tour of this unique property..

It won’t take long to dispel any nerves about church yard ghosts when you are in the grounds of this property, all of which have been expertly landscaped. There are two patios for al-fresco dining, one of which also has a hot tub. The Coach House has its own decking area which overlooks the lawns and a young orchard, providing privacy if that building were to be used as a private annex.

Mature trees ensure the large, landscaped gardens are private

The driveway has parking for 12-15 cars and the road on which the home is located is quiet and private, with just three other properties. Indeed this is English rural village life at its best. The church overlooks the village pond and the countryside extends away in every direction providing lots of routes for walking, running and cycling from the doorstep.

Location:
The church is in Grazeley, Berkshire, a village with easy access to the M4. Heathrow Airport is less than 30 miles away and the regional train hub at Reading Train Station is just 5 miles away (from here it takes 23 mins to reach London Paddington by rail).

There are some excellent schools nearby (including Wellington College, Bradfield College, Queen Anne’s Caversham, Reading Bluecoat, The Abbey and Reading School) and some cosy country pubs within walking distance. More extensive entertainment, food and leisure options are available nearby in Reading.

Source: Rightmove. This property is being marketed by Unique Property Company.

A slice of paradise on Koh Samui (Thailand), £4,450,000

In Asia, Contemporary, luxury, Thailand

Ocean views, pools and open plan living make this a serene tropical hideaway

The name ‘Villa 24’ doesn’t do justice to this elegant, sensitively-designed property perched above the sea in the prestigious Samujana villa estate on Thailand’s Koh Samui.

Boasting the largest built space of any villa on the estate, this property provides eight bedrooms, multiple living spaces and an open-plan design that allows the rooms to flow around swimming pools, maximising the incredible views across the Gulf of Thailand.

Impeccably finished throughout, the villa exudes understated elegance

The villa is positioned and laid out to allow residents to enjoy both sunsets and sunrises over the ocean, with the spaces designed to cater to whatever is needed – some peaceful solitude, entertaining friends or simply sharing down time with the people who matter. Whatever the activity, the backdrop is Thailand’s natural beauty, an asset drawn on in the texture and tones of the materials and design.

The open-plan design makes this home ideal for a family

In addition to the eight bedrooms and multiple living spaces – not to mention two fully-equipped kitchens – the villa has additional facilities to cater to all tastes. Alongside a home cinema, gym and snooker room, there is also a steam room and wellness space, the latter ideal for the massages or treatments that Thailand has long been known for.

The air conditioned home gym is a good way to stay fit in tropical temperatures

It’s undeniable that the villa has a ‘resort’ vibe courtesy of the outdoor dining space, the infinity pool and jacuzzi. Indeed, the estate on which it sits offers villas to rent for holiday makers and can provide hotel-style management services. Villa 24 has staff rooms to allow hired help to live on site, as required.

Floor-to ceiling doors brings the views to your bed – does that make it harder to get up in the morning, or easier?

As would be expected, all bedrooms have access to their own bathrooms (there are ten scattered throughout the property) but the master bedroom boasts the most impressive ablutions facilities. The attached bathroom has a spa-like bath, a rain shower and a freestanding soaker tub. The property sleeps up to 16 (and you know you’ll attract a lot of guests!) and all bedrooms and bathrooms are finished to the highest standard.

Bathrooms are spacious with spa-like facilities

More details on the villa, the estate, and the other villas available (to rent) can be found on the Samujana website [Villa 24 – 8 Bedroom Plus – Samujana Villas, Koh Samui – Book Now].

The villa is just ten minutes from Koh Samui airport, which has direct flights daily from nearby hubs such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. There is also a 90-minute car ferry connecting the island to the mainland.

Resort-style living and ample spaces to entertain the many visitors your tropical home will attract)

Source: Right Move

8 bedroom villa for sale in Koh Samui, Thailand (rightmove.co.uk)

Bespoke family home in Highgate, London (UK), £32,000,000

In Contemporary, Europe, UK

An ideal place to entertain…

For something incredibly unique, contemporary and yet comfortably inviting, why not consider this Highgate pad as your next London property?

Being sold by Sotheby’s International Realty, this extraordinary six bedroom contemporary mansion is situated within a sought-after area, close to the conveniences of Central London, yet within easy reach of parks and green spaces like Hamstead Heath. It also provides a dazzling yet inviting home set across a two acre plot.

Set over three floors, the home is designed for family living, complete with a separate staff lodge

The Summer I Turned Pretty

From the impressive entrance hall, where glass lifts provide access to all three floors, the eye is pulled through to a formal sitting and dining room with views over the magnificent grounds.

Imagine huge family Christmas dinners around a table like this (with no shortage of space for your tree)

Family life will likely revolve around the breakfast room and kitchen, where full-length windows invite in swathes of light and provide a green backdrop that brings the internal space to life, no matter the weather.

Did we mention the swimming pool yet…?

The leisure facilities are impossible to fault in this property. The swimming pool is exquisitely finished and can be opened onto the garden during the summer months. There is also a gym, billiards room and full spa facilities.

The ‘home-office’ commands the top floor – you might start enjoying work more!

Move up to the first floor to find the impressive master suite, alongside four further suites, each with their own bathrooms. The top floor provides a home office like no other, with incredible views across the grounds and Hampstead Heath beyond. It may be difficult to concentrate…

The property maximises the location and views

The staff are well catered for with a 4,400 sq ft lodge, below which there is a garage with space for up to four cars. The gardens have been thoughtfully landscaped and feature a tennis court within the two acre plot.

This is a property like no other in terms of facilities, comfort and stunning design touches. The location is ideal for those requiring proximity to London yet a peaceful home to escape to, and would suit growing families.

Take a tour and be tempted…

Highgate is on the London Underground system and the house is less than an hours’ drive from Heathrow airport for easy access.

Source: Rightmove

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/83624538#/?channel=RES_BUY

Cannes you believe this? The French escape you know you want (just €120,000,000)

In french, property

This Venetian-inspired Palais combines elegant design, luxurious finishes and views you will find hard to tear your eyes from

There is no doubt that Cannes remains one of the most exclusive, attractive and alluring locations in Europe. If you’d like to make it your permanent home, look no further than the stunning Palais Vénitien, set over 2.4 hectares with over 3000sq m of living space.

Luxury is guaranteed in this villa of pure splendor. In addition to the incredible views of Cannes and the seemingly-endless, glimmering Mediterranean, the outdoor space encompasses your own lake, tennis court, secluded woodlands, and an exceptional outdoor pool.

A beautiful outdoor pool and terrace area provides the ideal area for al-fresco entertaining

From the terraced grounds, the villa’s architecture can be best appreciated: expect monumental columns and exquisite moldings, elegantly reflecting the best of Venetian design in a manner sympathetic to the Mediterranean setting.

Despite the traditional elegance, this villa also comes equipped with the very latest high-tech controls for ease of living and entertaining. There is an indoor pool and a home cinema in addition to the wine cellar and a convivial, bright kitchen and lounging space.

The villa offers the ideal combination of traditional architecture with a space designed for modern living

Guests and family can be sumptuously accommodated across nine residential suites, hosted across numerous reception rooms, and made to feel like royalty as the Palais Vénitien effortlessly provide the comfort, luxury and elegance so synonymous with this glorious part of the world.

For getting in and out, the Palais is well located; just 7km from Cannes Mandelieu airport or 28km from Nice airport (for more regular connections).

Antibes is 10km away, while a 55km trip will get you to Monaco.

Just think of the parties you can host when the Film Festival comes to town..

This property is being sold by Knight Frank

https://www.knightfrank.com/properties/residential/for-sale/cannes-alpes-maritimes-provence-alpes-cote-d-azur-france/rsi120081

Palm Beach Gardens – the Florida dream you’ve always wanted

In luxury, property, USA

8 bedrooms
9 bathrooms
9,300 sq ft (864 sq m)

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Now is the time to make your Floridian dream a reality with a sunning and palatial modern Intracoastal home in Palm Beach Gardens. You may need to invest in some additional furniture too, with over 9,300 interior square feet to fill, plus 105 square feet of direct water frontage!

This incredible home has been newly renovated to blend aesthetic simplicity with state of the art functionality. As you’d hope in California, this home offers a chic approach to healthy living and you’ll likely be enjoying the water as much as the indoors.

What does the $15,750,000 (guide price) get you? A private gate leads to this sprawling and lush 1 acre estate just minutes from the Jupiter inlet. Organic design elements include marble and wood flooring, stone accent wall with fireplace and floor to ceiling windows (all premiere impact).

Set across two levels, the living room is the first you enter from the front door. All rooms are grand in size and designed to blend casual comfort and elegance. That isn’t to say this can’t also be a vibrant home: the family room and kitchen (with water views) provide a hub for family life, while an ‘owner’s suite’ offers resort luxury with spa style bath and large closets for when you need to have some privacy.

Other rooms include a huge gym, a cinema room, home office and a large pool cabana with space to cook. Guest bedrooms are all spacious and provide spa-like ensuite baths (it’s safe to say you’ll get plenty of guests). There is also a large outdoor area on the upper floor for dreamy views of the pool and the Intracoastal waterway for sundowners or morning coffee.

I mean, wow. Beautifully equipped inside with manicured grounds and easy boating options, this Florida home is also well located within minutes of best beaches, shopping, dining and golf venues. It is also close to the Palm Beach Gardens/Jupiter line and three major airports for when life compels you to leave your slice of heaven.

This property is being sold by Savills Global Residential Property, London

Sources

Denham delights steeped in history (and a steal for £75,000,000)

In Europe, Historic, luxury, Traditional, UK

12 bedrooms
14 bathrooms
12 reception rooms
28,525 sq ft (2,650.06 sq m)

If you’ve been inspired by the splendor of the coronation, you can secure your own slice of historical opulence in Denham (UK) by snapping up this Grade I listed mansion.

Denham Place, located in Denham, Buckinghamshire, UK, is a Grade I listed mansion set in approximately 43 acres of stunning parkland designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. The mansion has a rich historical background and has been home to notable residents such as the Bonaparte Imperial family, American banker JP Morgan, politician and movie financier Lord Robert Vansittart, and James Bond film franchise co-producer Harry Saltzman.

The estate has undergone an extensive eight-year restoration project of exceptional quality, overseen by acclaimed designer and award-winning architect Alexander Kravetz, in collaboration with English Heritage and The Georgian Group for historical accuracy. The result is a beautifully refurbished and modernized property that still retains its historical charm.

The main manor house spans an impressive 28,525 square feet and features state room-style principal entertaining spaces, typical of the classic William and Mary architectural style. The estate also includes a Grade II Listed coach house, estate cottages, ancillary buildings, and substantial garaging for vehicles, totaling 11,199 square feet.

The restoration has paid careful attention to detail, with tall sash windows, ornate plasterwork throughout, and ceiling heights of over 16 feet in the principal rooms. The finest materials and skilled artisans have been employed to ensure a world-class transformation.

The estate’s grounds have been restored and conserved by renowned Landscape Architect Lord Kenilworth, offering a balance of landscaped gardens and Grade II listed parkland and woodland. The property is adjacent to the 18-hole championship course of the Buckinghamshire Golf Club and features a formal sunken garden, walled garden, meadow, orchard, and lake.

Additionally, there is planning consent to convert the coach house into a VIP health spa, which would include a state-of-the-art gym, changing rooms, sauna, steam room, lounges, three treatment rooms, two wet-treatment rooms, and a 15-meter outdoor swimming pool that can be enclosed with a glass conservatory.

Despite its secluded setting, Denham Place is conveniently located just 20 miles from The City of London, with Central London reachable within a 30-minute car journey. Eton, Sandhurst, and Windsor are also a short drive away. Denham Aerodrome, offering private aviation services and helicopter facilities, is only a few minutes’ drive from the estate, while RAF Northolt airport is six miles away. Additionally, Heathrow Airport can be reached within 15 minutes, providing easy access to international travel.

In summary, Denham Place presents a unique opportunity to acquire a fully restored and historically significant Grade I listed mansion, with extensive parkland, luxurious amenities, and convenient access to both Central London and major transportation hubs.

Square Footage: 28,525 sq ft

Acreage: 43 Acres

Sources

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