Welcome to “Hot Properties”, a monthly column in which we scour real estate markets around the globe for the most stylish, extravagant and memorable addresses. From a Praguer pied-à-terre to serene living in rural Tamil Nadu, here are 5 of the most desirable places to call home — provided that price is no object.
Villa “Les Rochers”, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
At 850 sqm, the Belle Epoque villa “Les Rochers” stands as a living testament to the timeless appeal of the French Riviera. Originally commissioned in 1905 by British whisky baron James Buchanan (of Black & White renown), the property sits atop Cap-Martin — the private estate inside Roquebrune, a commune nestled between Monaco and the idyllic townscape of Menton. An outstanding location is just the beginning of what this villa has to offer: lush botanical gardens, complete with rare cacti displays, ring its waterfront perimeter; while an extensive poolside terrace yields sublime views of the Mediterranean Sea. With three living rooms, multiple terraces and direct beach access, “Les Rochers” positively oozes the kind of summertime magic that has attracted seasonal revellers to southeastern France since the 1800s.
Listed Price: HK$423.24 million
Agent: Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty, 37 Boulevard Marinoni, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, France, +33 (0)4 9338 5033
“Clouds” penthouse, Manhattan (NYC)
This lofty 5-bedroom duplex, aptly dubbed the “Clouds” penthouse, is located at the northeast corner of Beekman Mansion — a pre-WWII residence that derives its name from the surrounding stretch of 51st Street. The property offers a soaring view of iconic Manhattan landmarks such as the East River, Queensboro Bridge and Peter Detmold Park (the latter widely being regarded as one of New York’s best dog parks). Interior spaces are accessed via semi-private landing and open out onto an expansive dining room that is connected to the remainder of the duplex by pocket doors. The kitchen — so often an afterthought in newer Manhattan developments — maintains its mid-century flavour, and diners are encouraged to sup within the space thanks to an island countertop and plenty of natural light. An excellent fit for families in the foreign service who are as keen on heritage as they are convenience.
Listed Price: HK$46.65 million (approx)
Agent: Stribling & Associates, 924 Madison Avenue, New York, United States, +1 212 570 2440
Green views apartment, Prague
If the idea of historic, weathered architecture excites you more as a a tourist than homemaker, try this newly built Prague apartment on for size. Located within Praha 9 — a district known for its lush forestry, quiet residential streets and excellent connectivity — this development, completed in 2017, offers a respite from the Gothic structures that dominate Europe’s 4th most beloved city. The kitchen and primary living area are ameliorated into a single open space, enclosed by a south-facing balcony that looks down onto the greater municipal area. Premium appliances throughout make for an apartment that embraces a “smart home” ethos: CCTV, intrusion detection, intuitive lighting systems and frameless glazing are just some of the comforts on offer. And if you’re an oenophile? Well, let’s just say you’ll have plenty of space to store your various European acquisitions.
Listed Price: HK$7.23 million
Agent: Svoboda & Williams, 2 Na Perštýně, 110 00, Praha 1, Prague, Czech Republic, +420 257 328 281
Baha Mar Residences, Nassau
When it comes to the real estate game, “luxury hotel-managed apartments” certainly aren’t a novelty, but the formula is being injected with extravagant new appeal at Baha Mar Residences — part of a US$4.2 billion resort development on the Bahaman island of New Providence. Encompassing everything from studio apartments to waterfront villas, all residences are managed by Rosewood or SLS Hotels. Regardless of whether you prefer the sleek heritage-inspired service of the former, or the latter’s vibrant dining and nightlife options, buying into either unlocks a staggering array of add value experiences. These range from the mundane (elite status at the resort’s clubs and casino) to the highly specific (i.e. VIP access to Baha Mar’s private island Long Cay), although the biggest draw is undoubtedly each owner’s eligibility to apply for residency in The Bahamas — itself conferring various, shall we say, legal and financial benefits. Prime real estate for the high-flying, jet-setting and suspiciously wealthy.
Listed Price: 1-bedroom studios starting from HK$5.7 million (approx)
Agent: N/A, for sales inquiries please use the Baha Mar Residential Curators contact form.
Three-house estate, Tiruvannamalai
This three-house estate, which seamlessly blends indoor and exterior landscaping, embraces the natural topography of surrounding Tiruvannamalai — offering genuine seclusion from southern India’s more urban locales. Located 3.5 hours from the state capital of Chennai, it’s no wonder that this sprawling estate was built as a self-sustaining resort home, complete with its own water purification systems, staff quarter and multiple gardens throughout. Every house has its own standout design feature: there’s a light flooded atrium (complete with internal water feature) in the primary commode; while the property’s dining room simulates a traditional rural setting, complete with floor seating and dais. For those who want to holiday in style “off the grid”, you could do a lot worse.
Listed Price: HK$19.6 million
Agent: Stribling & Associates, 924 Madison Avenue, New York, United States, +1 212 570 2440