
Blog › November 2011


Congrats goes out to my client Edward who just bought a fabulous loft at a great price in the heart of the Yaletown neighbourhood in downtown Vancouver. Awesome buy Edward!

Comprehensively restored throughout, this wonderful Château Fortress provides a luxurious and exceptional level of 21st Century comfort, it is without doubt one of France's most noted and treasured monuments. The Château sits on a very old site dating back to the 12th Century, suffering enormously during the 100 years war (1337-1453), it was rebuilt several times. For over 600 years the Château Fortress defended the Foucauld family seat - a Protestant, noble Clan established in the region, who were Companions-at-Arms with Jean D'Arc. In October 1605 King Henry IV of France stayed at the Château, in the room now known as 'The Kings' Suite' - he trusted and bore great friendship to the Foucauld family. Surrounded by its own water system that certainly predates the Château’s construction and is even thought to date back to Roman times. These same strong water sources feeds three lakes and finally cascade into a fish-stocked moat surrounding and protecting the Château. On entering the stone Gatehouse, the drive winds its way through a glade of exotic and mature trees and shrubs. There, with its shimmering slate roof glistening in the late afternoon sun, one sees for the first time the stately home of one of the many powerful, warrior families of medieval France. Worn from centuries of conflict, a bridge across the moat and a remotely operated wooden drawbridge permits limited access to the inner sanctum of the Château - total seclusion ensured at the touch of a button. During the recent refurbishment (1999 - 2005) over seen by the Architecte en Chef des Monuments Historiques, no rebuilding took place, simply a full restoration of the remaining 16th and 19th Century buildings - where before, there were a number of tiny dark rooms, now there are a small number of spacious and comfortable living areas, here, modernity co-exists with architectural elements that have evolved over five centuries, providing all the creature comforts one would expect: luxurious bedroom suites / apartments incorporate exquisite Carrera marble bathrooms built by Italian craftsmen, and the finest Philippe Starck sanitary ware. Polished oak floors conceal start-of-the-art plumbing and electrics - there can be few historic Châteaux more habitable, than this beautiful home in the Creuse. CHÂTEAU ...The Château is of course elegantly furnished with carefully selected, quality pieces offered for sale by private negotiation. Outstanding works of art adorn the walls and the sun gleaming through the mullioned windows, casts a milky light upon 2 metre thick window recesses, that retain their original 17th Century hand painted decoration of animals and birds living on the estate. Offering over 1,500 m2 of luxury living space, accommodation is set over three levels. Warn flagstone floors and a vaulted ceiling in warm brick tones lead into the grand salon - a warm relaxing room with polished oak floors and large granite fireplace. A rear salon leads into a secluded library in the tower. Doors to private ground floor guest apartment, access to dungeons and door in the tower leads to the first floor. Beautifully fitted kitchen with Carrara marble worktops, leads to an elegant dining room with large fireplace and an exquisite Murano glass chandelier. A further tower is home to the study and stairs down to an ancient chapel. The grand, polished granite staircase with its fully restored gothic ceiling, has a bespoke fitted carpet, continuing the feel of sumptuous comfort. FIRST FLOOR ...On the first floor, The King's Suite with its four poster bed and imposing fireplace retain a warm feel. Through to a walk-in dressing room and luxurious Carrera marble bathroom in the tower. The 'Grande Mademoiselle' bedroom features a hand painted ceiling, while the Yellow Room with its raised bed and marble en-suite bathroom also has large french windows and pastoral views. The 'Octagonal Suite' in one of the towers, with a very pretty and unusual fireplace, has a large marble bathroom and enjoys views from the many windows and balcony. Further guest room with en-suite bathroom. SECOND FLOOR ...Here on the second floor there is a home-cinema and music room and further accommodation rooms. Outstanding attic space with intricate joinery supporting an immaculate roof structure throughout the Château. EXTERIOR ...A series of well preserved dungeons originally holding prisoners, now offer numerous storage facilities, along with central heating boiler etc. OUTBUILDINGS ...Within the grounds there is a caretaker's cottage, large stable block, an orangerie, workshops/garages. Three well stocked lakes, over 100 newly planted trees, mature gardens and fruit orchard a total of 16.8 hectares (41.5 acres) of land. Space for a helipad.
I have a number of clients looking for a French Farm House with Vineyard and wine making facilities. Competition has been stiff of late as there is increased interest in investment in French Vineyards from Asia (Mainland China in particular). French wines (still more so than other old world competitors Italy and Spain) have a real following in Asia and investors are paying a premium for quality vineyards. Still, there are some great deals (particularly in the St. Emilion region near Bordeaux as well as the Languedoc region). Provence with its Cote de Provence rosees is generally more expensive because of its name recognition and location near the Cote D'Azur. But there are deals if you know where to look.











Roatan is where the Cayman Islands were 15 years ago in terms of real estate development. Prices, while rising, are still extremely low by Caribbean Island standards. Major cruise lines are developing massive infrastructure projects on the island and the Canadian company Onyx has recently invested in an hugely upgraded power grid. North Americans and Europeans are flocking to the island as a retirement haven...and the food, world famous scuba diving, and welcoming nature of the local authorities have them happy once they arrive.
An excellent, up and coming island to watch and investment to consider!
Way to go to my client Susan who just got a phenomenal deal on the cutest house currently for sale on the Eastside!
Way to go Tamara! What a great purchase with forever views in Vancouver Heights!
Congrats to my buyer Chris for getting a fantastic deal on a great investment house in Strathcona. Way to go Chris!