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What property features are HNW house hunters looking for?

by: Cassandra Tanti
08/07/2020

From waterfront views to private pools, in-house chefs to wine cellars, the world’s super-rich home buyers have a slightly different list of property requirements compared to the average buyer.
Research from leading high-net-worth (HNW) mortgage broker Enness Global has revealed which luxury property features have seen the biggest surge in popularity since the start of the year.
Most popular property features 
Wherever you are buying at the top end of the market, the same property features appear to hold the greatest interest amongst buyers.
New-builds, a spa, a furnished property, a garage, a garden, a good view and a waterfront property consistently ranked in the top five features across London, Monaco, Singapore, New York, Honk Kong and Dubai.
A new property was of the greatest interest to buyers in London, Singapore, New York and Hong Kong.
In Monaco, unsurprisingly with space at a premium, homebuyers searching for a property with a garage was by far the most sought-after requirement, even double that of the next most popular search term: ‘new’.
Biggest increases in interest
However, while these traditional property features will always hold a strong level of interest, a number of additional features have seen a sharp uplift in buyer search interest so far this year when compared to the same time last year.
Sea views, a library, private pools, upgraded and modern homes, home gyms, a wine cellar, a chef, security, a games room and a sauna are some of the most common features to have seen an increase.
In London, searches for properties with upgraded specifications above and beyond that of the regular home have seen the largest increase (+67%), along with wine cellars (+50%) and home gyms (+28%).

Interestingly, in Monaco, searches for a sauna have seen a surge (+122%), with both a sea view (+77%) and a view in general (+45%) also growing in popularity, perhaps due to the fact that people were confined to their properties for a number of months this year.
In Singapore, homes with a games rooms have seen the largest uplift in interest (+118%), while in New York private pools (+245%), home gyms (158%) and wine cellars (+42%) have increased in popularity.
In Hong Kong, searches for homes with a garage (+731%), sea view (+205%) and library (+113%) have increased the most, with a sea view (+368%) and a library (+184%) also increasing in popularity in Dubai, along with private pools (+166%).
“For most of us, an affordable asking price and a pleasant property are the biggest requirements when house hunting, but this certainly isn’t the case when it comes to the super-rich,” says Hugh Wade-Jones, managing director of Enness Global Mortgages. “That said, even at the very top end of the market, homebuyers tend to prioritise the same key features as most of us. A garage, a garden, perhaps some furnishings and a pleasant view are the foundations of most property searches.”
“But above and beyond these basic needs, it’s interesting to see what has now grown in popularity with current buyers when compared to this time last year,” adds Mr Wade-Jones. “With the current pandemic impacting all of us, features to enhance health and social wellbeing are rapidly growing in demand. Today’s high-end homebuyer wants a clean, new home, with modern features and appliances. They want an enhanced level of security and they want health and fitness outlets such as spas, gyms and pools. Throw in a fine wine cellar and a games room and you’re ticking almost every box.”
 
Photo: Spacious villa in Provençal countryside

 
 
 

Digital forum showcasing local artists

by: Cassandra Tanti
04/06/2020

The 5th Monaco Artists Forum, featuring both amateur and professional artists in the Principality, kicks off on Friday 5th June and will take the form of a virtual exhibition this year.
The biennial event normally takes place at the beginning of June at the Rainier III Auditorium and is highly awaited by artists from Monaco.
The initiative, conceived by the Prince’s Government and implemented by the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, aims to support local artists and integrate them into the Principality’s cultural policy.
The objective, particularly pertinent during this crisis period, is to ensure continuity in terms of cultural programming and to offer an interesting alternative to its many participants.
Nearly 80 artists, amateurs and professionals, Monegasques and residents, present their work on canvas, expressing themselves in the fields of painting, sculpture, and photography.
Once again, the public will have an opportunity to vote online for their favourite work. The winner will be announced on 13th June on the home page of the website – www.forumdesartistes.mc – which will honour the work and its creator.
This virtual art gallery will be available until Friday 3rd July. A catalogue of the 5th Monaco Artists Forum will be available to download, as a souvenir of this exceptional forum.
Visit the social media sites to discover the participating artists:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Forum-des-Artistes-Monaco-100262665050818/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/forumartistesmonaco/
 
 

Parks, beaches now out of bounds

by: Cassandra Tanti
21/03/2020

The government has banned people from accessing coastal areas, public parks and gardens throughout Monaco as it ramps up lockdown measures. The order was made on Friday 20th March and took effect immediately.
Beaches that are now closed to the public are:

  • The breakwater around the Monte-Carlo Sporting Club
  • The Méridien Beach Plaza private beach
  • The entire Larvotto Cove
  • The Portier Cove
  • The dykes of Port Hercule including the Lucciana pier, the Rainier-III quay and the Stefano-Casiraghi promenade
  • The Pêcheurs beach and path
  • The entire eastern bank of Fontvieille
  • The western bank of Fontvieille that is part of Monaco

“For reasons of health precautions, knowing that the Covid-19 virus remains active for several hours on inert surfaces, the Prince’s Government has also decided to close access to public parks and gardens as well as the use of children’s play areas until further notice.”
The government reminds citizens that – in addition to essential business trips which cannot be postponed – only individual trips (not in groups), brief and close to the home, are authorised and for the following sole reasons:

  • To purchase supplies necessary for professional activity and purchases of basic necessities in establishments and local shops authorised to welcome the public;
  • For health reasons;
  • For compelling family reasons, for assistance to vulnerable persons or childcare;
  • For the individual physical activity of people, excluding any collective sports practice, and for the needs of pets.

“The government urges all residents to respect the provisions, the only effective way to break the chain of transmission of the virus. Everyone is responsible for everyone’s safety.”
 
 

Boosting train services to Monaco

by: Cassandra Tanti
30/01/2020

Monaco is pushing for France and Italy to increase their train services for workers travelling in to and out of Monaco each day.
Monaco’s Minister of Equipment, Environment and Town Planning Marie-Pierre Gramaglia welcomed a delegation from the European Commission to the Monaco train station on Thursday 30th January as part of its two-day mission in the southern region of the Mediterranean Corridor – a railway infrastructure project that crosses six countries and covers close to 10,000 kilometres.
Iveta Radicova, EU Coordinator of the Mediterranean Corridor, was accompanied by Vice Delegate for Transport, Intermodality and Travel in the PACA Region Philippe Tabarot, and officials from the Nice Metropolis, Liguria and Piedmont regions.

© Direction de la Communication / Michael Alesi

The objective of the meeting was to present cross-border issues on the Nice-Monaco-Ventimiglia-Genoa axis. “As an economic player at the heart of this vast regional area, our country welcomes nearly 45,000 French and Italian employees every day who access their workplace by road or rail,” said Ms Gramaglia. “We are promoting a modal shift to public transport with the objective of reducing the flow of light vehicles by around 20% by 2030. This represents nearly 13,000 incoming and outgoing vehicles and 10,000 internal vehicles. This is why developing access to Monaco by rail is one of the priorities of our mobility policy.”
The train, and more specifically the TER, represents an essential alternative to cars in accessing Monaco, with 6.4 million journeys made by TER trains to and from Monaco in 2018.
“We are campaigning to improve and intensify the current offer of rail services in the Principality, with an increase in supply during morning and evening peak hours,” said the minister.
 
 

Hollywood rallies behind Prince Albert

by: Cassandra Tanti
30/01/2020

Academy Award nominated actress Uma Thurman will be presenting HSH Prince Albert with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Hollywood for the Global Ocean Gala in February, recognising his leadership and commitment to the planet and ocean conservation. 
The gala, to be held on Thursday 6th February, is being hosted by philanthropist Milutin Gatsby and supported by Chopard, who designed and crafted the exclusive Lifetime Achievement Award.
Uma Therman, who is also a dedicated conservationist and civil rights activist, said she was honoured to be presenting Prince Albert with the award. “I’m delighted to be part of the ongoing projects associated with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation in helping to take necessary action on climate change and the protection of our planet,” she said.
Meanwhile, Golden Globe winning actress and Hollywood icon Sharon Stone will present and announce the ‘Grand Earth Pledge’, an exclusive group of 33 ‘Advocates for the Planet’ ready to join forces with Prince Albert to face climate and ocean emergency, prevent the earth’s decline and preserve the future of humanity.
“There is a climate emergency, the earth is in decline and the fate of humanity is at stake,” said Sharron Stone. “We need to face this reality and decide to act now. I am delighted to be part of the Grand Earth Pledge, a group of amazing people that are taking the lead along HSH Prince Albert, to make a stand for our one and only planet.”
Chris Isaak and Macy Gray will perform at the exclusive gala dinner, hosted at a private estate in Beverly Hills for 250 privileged philanthropists and A-list celebrities.
“At a time of increasing natural disasters and climate threats impacting the delicate balance of our planet and the oceans of the world, this gala and its special award and pledge recognises the importance of shining a spotlight and taking action on these urgent issues,” said Milutin Gatsby.
Vice President of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Olivier Wenden will also be present at the awards, which will acknowledge the Prince’s “outstanding commitment to the planet, its rich biodiversity and its fragile eco-system”. Through his foundation, launched in 2006, more than 575 projects have been supported to date. The projects target three main geographical regions: the Mediterranean basin, the Polar regions and the least developed countries, all of which are heavily impacted by the effects of climate change, the loss of biodiversity and urgent threats to their water resources.
Notable achievements by the foundation include saving the Bluefin tuna species from extinction, encouraging the effective development of Marine Protected Areas, fighting plastic pollution in the Mediterranean and convincing the IPCC to produce a special report on the impact of climate change on the ocean and cryosphere.
Prince Albert is one of the world’s leading advocates for the planet, succeeding in gathering philanthropists and international artists to save the ocean during The Monte-Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean, the next edition of which will take place on Thursday 24th September 2020 in Monaco.
Photo: Prince Albert II of Monaco ©Agency Sabine Brauer Photos J.Reetz
Read more:

Stars gather for Prince’s Ocean Gala

Landmark climate report warns of ‘unprecedented’ catastrophes


 
 
 

Michelin Guide reveals new green label

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/01/2020

The world’s most renowned restaurant guide is now awarding chefs deemed to be producing “sustainable gastronomy”. The Michelin Guide on Monday released its 2020 edition and while there were no major announcements for Monaco, the introduction of this new “green” category came as a welcome surprise.
The 2020 edition of the French version of the guide features a new green leaf motif, awarded to 51 chefs whose establishment is also awarded with a Plate, Bib Gourmand, or 1, 2 or 3 stars. The new category is being touted by the guide as an important reform.
“The Guide is helping promote the chefs who have taken responsibility by preserving resources and embracing biodiversity, reducing food waste and reducing the consumption of non-renewable energy,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of Michelin Guides.
These chefs and their sustainable initiatives will be highlighted on the various platforms of the Michelin Guide throughout the year.
“The ambition of our approach is to amplify the scope of the good and ingenious practices of chefs by putting them in the spotlight,” said Mr Poullennec. “The ideas, methods and know-how developed by these chefs will thus help raise awareness of an entire sector to its customers and the general population.”
The so-called “gastronomy bible”, which received a relatively low-key launch in Paris, contains 3,439 restaurant listings in France and Monaco, 628 of them starred. New three-star ratings went to Christopher Coutanceau, who has a seafood restaurant in La Rochelle, Kei Kobayashi, the Japanese-born chef at Kei restaurant in Paris, and L’Oustau de Baumanière, a family restaurant at Les baux de Provence that lost its third star in 1954.

La Table de l’Alpaga chef Anthony Bisquerra with Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of Michelin Guides.

There were 11 restaurants given two stars for the first time, including La Voile at Ramatuelle, where chef Éric Canino “composes tastes as a homage to his Var homeland”; La Table de l’Alpaga in Megève, where chef Anthony Bisquerra “gives mountain cuisine its acclaim”; and gourmet dessert restaurant Sarkara at the K2 hotel in Courchevel, where chef Sébastien Vauxion “shakes up the rules and transforms vegetables, fruit and other ingredients into incredibly light and sweet dishes.”
Meanwhile, Pure & V in Nice was one of 49 new one-star restaurants. Using 90% organic produce, the restaurant was awarded for its mystery menu delivered by a Danish chef and a young sommelier with a penchant for natural wines. The guide called it a “sleek, canteen vibe restaurant – in other words, flawless.”
According to Michelin, restaurants are selected on four criteria: the quality of the ingredients used, mastery of flavour and cooking techniques, the personality of the chef reflected in their cuisine, and lastly value for money and consistency between visits.
One star denotes “high quality cooking”, two stars “excellent cooking”, and three stars “exceptional cuisine”.