London real-estate market is on the move.

Quintessentially Estates

Foreign investors are flooding into London’s property market safe-haven.

During these turbulent economic times and the teetering banking sector, investors are seeking a safe-haven investment. As a result, investors are flocking to London’s luxury real-estate market, which is proving to be that safe haven asset for so many, with 80% of all sales in 2010 in prime central London coming in from foreign buyers. International investors are storing their riches in luxury real-estate, and what better place to buy luxury real-estate is there than London? That is exactly why, according to Quintessentially Estates’, head of sales Jonathan Nash, properties priced correctly do not stay on the market for long.

Visit http://www.quintessentiallyestates.com/news.html for more news.

11 . 11 . 2011
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Concierge, Home, London, luxury, property, Quintessentially, real estate

An interview with the Quintessentially Home team

Quintessentially Estates

So what’s new at Q Home?

Actually, we have had a few exciting changes at Q Home lately. We launched our new website a few months ago and it is doing really well bringing in lots of new and unusual requests! And over the summer we had some internal changes. The team is now headed up by Lara Farah who is really enjoying the new role. And we have a wonderful new Account Manager, the lovely Bonnie Silver.

What are the big projects that are currently in Q Home’s diaries?

Well it’s the time of year when gutter cleaning, chimney sweeps and boiler repairs are in high demand! We have also helped to organize a few smaller events including an amazing children’s Halloween birthday party this weekend with bubbling cauldrons, cobwebs and all. Although as much as we love Autumn, we are most excited for Christmas… and the plans are well underway!

So what are you most excited about for this holiday season?

This is our (and most of our clients’) busiest time of the year so preparation is key. Last year lots of our international members mentioned they struggled to get turkeys in time for Thanksgiving. So this year we have a partnered up with a fantastic poultry farm to supply the best quality free-range organic turkeys throughout the festive season, we can even have pumpkin pies delivered to your door! As for December, we are busy arranging the various elements which make Christmas day complete – everything from gourmet chefs and service staff to technology experts to make sure the entertainment system is up and running to keep the little ones distracted! We have also contributed 5 Q Home hours worth over £300 to Quintessentially’s auction for the charity Room to Read which focuses on transforming the lives of millions of children in developing countries through literacy and gender equality in education.

So clearly you love Christmas! What’s your favourite holiday tradition?

Oh that’s a hard one, there are so many. Probably both making mince pies (you have to get the pastry right) and seeing family and friends on Christmas Eve – sitting by the fireplace with a glass of mulled wine, perfect!

www.quintessentiallyhome.com

11 . 11 . 2011
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Bonnie Silver, Christmas, Concierge, Home, Lara Farah, London, Quintessentially

Eccleston Gets Edgy

Quintessentially Estates

Eccleston Square Hotel may have you thinking traditional from the outside with its original Georgian facade, but inside it’s a different story. This hotel is setting its sights on being the most modern of all London hotels where guests can enjoy room service at the touch of a button – on their own room i-Pad2, or catch up on their favourite soap in the bathroom – on the built in plasma screen. Beds are fitted with electronic massage options which can be enjoyed whilst relaxing in front of the room’s 46 inch television while other features include Nespresso machines and multi-head showers.  Rooms fit for a king – or should we say 007?

29 . 07 . 2011
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London

Greece

Quintessentially Estates

Greece conjurs images of honey-soaked baklava, sun-kissed beaches and beautiful islands. At least it used to. This past year has seen Greece face some of its toughest national challenges since its revolution in 1821, yet there is nothing but positive outlook from all sides for the tourism industry. The influx of tourists is predicted to rise by around 10% this year with the islands continuing to see their usual status as a sun-seekers paradise. Despite its renown as a fantastic holiday destination, accessible by numerous budget airlines, it should not be disregarded by those who seek a little refined privacy. Many Greek islands boast private beaches, spa retreats and hotels only accessible by boat. Whether it is romance or relaxation that your trying to achieve, it is not a myth that Greece still has it all. Whilst Rome was destined to fall, Greece is destined to rise and keep on rising, once again attracting the high-brow crowd that so greatly favoured its beauty in the 1960s. This is one paradise that isn’t lost.

28 . 07 . 2011
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Greece

The Cotswolds – by Yoo

Quintessentially Estates

They have been compared to The Hamptons and Beverley Hills yet these chic, minamalist homes are not across the pond but right here in the wooded heart of Great Britain. Just 90 minutes from the chaos of London, the luxury 650-acre second home development, built on the site of a disused quarry, was thought up by Jade Jagger and Phillipe Starck to act as a peaceful retreat for Britain’s wealthy elite. The modern development – The Lakes by Yoo has become a haven for the rich and famous, with potential buyers including Kevin Spacey, Tina Hobley and Jade Jagger herself.  The houses are dotted around the lakes to maintain that wilderness feel and are characterized by their glass walls and open interiors – a far cry from the traditional stone cottages which are so typical of that area. So for traditionalists this might not be the answer, but for those who want low-maintenance luxury, Yoo might be the perfect solution. With a spa due to be finished in 2011 and an endless list of outdoor activities it would seem that The Lakes lacks nothing and has the potential to be a highly beneficial long-term investment with weekly rental rates reaching £3,500. Don’t let the designer look fool you however – these houses, designed by the buyers together with Yoo’s architects are intended to make the most of the beautiful British landscape using sustainable materials to provide a safe and hassle-free space perfect to escape the rush of the A-list life.

18 . 07 . 2011
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Cotswolds

The Belgravia Bubble

Quintessentially Estates

While other areas of the property market continue to lick their wounds after the devastating economic crash, it would appear that Belgravia, in central London, remains unaffected. In fact, not only is it unaffected but positively thriving.

 Just around the corner from the Quintessentially Estates office lies one of the world’s most expensive properties. The stunning six-storey terraced house with white-stucco frontage looks over Belgrave Square and has an area of over 21,000 sq ft! When the developer, Musa Salem, put the house on the market a few years ago, it was in line with the Spelling mansion for being ranked as one of the most expensive houses on the world property market. Indeed, such was the prestige of this sale that secrecy was considered imperative and potential buyers were said to be vetted prior to viewing the property.

So here within the honey pot of Kensington and Chelsea, prices continue to rise,  luxury continues to abound and the market just keeps getting better.

15 . 07 . 2011
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London
Valriche

Mind Blowing Mauritius

Quintessentially Estates

Blue seas, white sands and an idyllic tranquility which is hard to match. Despite its Swashbuckling past of pirates and various european occupations, this dazzling island off the East coast of Africa is a hidden gem. Only becoming independent from Britain’s rule in 1968, Mauritius has quickly made its mark on the map with a fast developing economy and beaches to rival the worlds best. However, this gorgeous retreat still remains one of the globes best luxury retreats and the ideal destination for those who want something just that little bit special.  Two of the most luxurious developments are  Villas Valriche resort to the South of the Island and the sparkling marina of La Balise to the West, from which visitors won’t be short of stunning views and will find an abundance of outdoor activities as well as relaxing Spa and beach retreats. Add to this the lack of inheritance tax and capital gains and those beaches just got a little whiter and the seas a little bluer – what better place to invest and leave behind the hubbub of the city.

12 . 07 . 2011
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Mauritius

Onyria Palmares Resort, Lagos, Portugal

Quintessentially Estates

Let’s set the scene.

You’re in Onyria Palmares, Portugal.

Close by, there’s the deep blue of Alvor lagoon, ‘Meia-Praia’ beach and Lagos Bay. Inside, wood-paneled rooms are fitted out with the absolute pinnacle in contemporary design – created by one of the world’s renowned architects, especially with you in mind.

They called these villas “Via Panoramica” – for obvious reasons. 500sqm of floor space on plots spanning 3,500sqm – just so you can enjoy a midnight stroll with a glass of chianti beneath the orange blossoms. Then there’s access to the Robert Trent Jones II 27 hole golf course for a round in the morning, the spa for that post-lunch massage and fine dining in the hotel restaurant later on.

But you might just be the type who simply likes to sit out on the balcony with a good book, following the suns rays as they glide over the ocean. Or the type that likes to hunt the plazas for the perfect sangria before a swim in the pool…

10 . 06 . 2011
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Portugal