All posts by Brielle Bryan

French Compound listed for $65 Million

The Corcoran Group is selling the 75-acre French compound, Le Domaine des Oliviers de l’Esterel, which sits on a hilltop overlooking the Bay of Cannes and consists of three independent villas.

By Brielle Bryan


Located in the heart of the French Riviera, this rare estate, Le Domaine des Oliviers de l’Esterel, is seated within 75 acres of landscaped gardens and offers a contemporary perspective of the art of Provence in its most prestigious form. This estate offers a panorama of exceptional beauty with its endless meadows, olive trees, lavender fields and breathtaking views of the Bay of Cannes.
The Corcoran Group and the Paris agency, Vingt Paris, have listed the estate for $65 million, or €53 million. Tom Di Domenico, founder and president of The Domenico Team at The Corcoran Group, as well as the listing agent for Le Domaine des Oliviers de l’Esterel, described the estate to be nestled in an “amazing, private, tranquil environment.”
“The property was restored back to its original local flavor, and all of the furnishings and details in terms of the finishes are from local artisans that were brought in to make it indigenous to the area,” Domenico said.
Consisting of three independent villas — Le Manoir, La Sandrilene and La Ferme — this estate offers more than 21,000 square feet of living space, including 17 suites, three swimming pools, spa and fitness facilities, a tennis court, three miles of fitness trail, a helipad, garages, independent quarters for staff and a caretaker’s residence.
“This is an investment property or can be used as a private compound for a family that would want to use one home for theirselves or rent out to others,” Domenico said.
The price covers the real estate assets and includes the French operating structure, which manages the day-to-day running of the complex, as well as the rental component and exclusive bookings for on-site events. There is also a maintenance personnel living all year round in a separate house at the entrance of the compound, as well as a house manager on site every day located in an independent office.

    

As the largest of the three villas, Le Manoir offers approximately 11,000 square feet of living space, showcasing picturesque views of the French countryside and Bay of Cannes. Upon entering this home, one is immediately greeted by a grand entrance hall and central living room, separating the two wings of the property. The expansive living room is flooded with light and opens onto the summer terrace, overlooking the infinity pool.
The east wing includes a gracious dining room and has a fully equipped commercial-grade kitchen with a butler’s pantry, cellar and sideboard for direct or independent access. There is a sizable office which is complete with traditional beamed ceilings, intricate millwork and a wood-burning fireplace with a custom stone mantle. Additional rooms in the east wing include a laundry room and an archive room.
The west wing of Le Manoir contains private living quarters, including the master suite which has its own lobby, a lounge with a wood-burning fireplace and a glass-enclosed terrace. Down the hall from the master suite are four guest bedrooms, each having their own en suite bath with double sinks, T.V.s, dressing rooms and terrace access.
Inhabitants of this villa can also enjoy the fineries of the home cinema, as well as the separate entertainment room which includes a billiards table, wet bar and access to outdoor dining areas. This villa has a lower garden level relaxation area with an on-site spa, comprised of a fitness room, sauna, large jacuzzi and shower.

This villa is comprised of approximately 4,600 square feet. Through its gracious entrance hall is a bright and airy living room, which has a wood-burning fireplace and custom detail throughout.

Just off the main entertaining space is the sleek chef’s kitchen, with tailored wood cabinetry and stainless-steel appliances. Next to the kitchen is the dining room which opens onto the large covered terrace. The outdoor space encompasses a complete summer kitchen and gracious living and dining area that overlook the infinity pool and provide tranquil views of the Esterél Hills.
The sleeping accommodations are generous in size, offering two bedroom suites in addition to the luxurious master bedroom that comes with a dressing room, en suite bath and balcony. The covered terrace leads to an independent guest house, which has its own kitchen, dining and living room and two bedroom suites. The villa also contains a large office as well as fitness area and relaxation facilities with a sauna and hammam.

 

This particular villa includes more than 5,300 square feet and affords sprawling indoor and outdoor living, as well as a windowed chef’s kitchen complete with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, marble countertops and direct access to the covered terrace.

The separate lounge is the perfect place to relax as it showcases a custom stone fireplace. The elegant dining room is highlighted by high wood-beamed ceilings and glass French doors that open onto the summer terrace for seamless flow to the outdoor kitchen facilities and barbecue.

The private quarters of this home are the epitome of luxury, with the impressive South facing master bedroom suite that extends into a spacious office and dressing room. Four additional en suite bedrooms can be found throughout the premises.
Centrally located, this villa’s beautiful custom pool house, La Bergerie, ideally blends the main residence with the outdoor entertaining component. Le Bergerie offers 1,600 plus square feet of independent amenities for guests, including a fully-equipped kitchen, dining and living room and two en suite bedrooms with dressing quarters.

Photo courtesy of The Corcoran Group

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Luxury Beauty Brand Debuts New Elixir

Luxury beauty brand, La Prairie, showcases its latest product at The Crown, a penthouse located at Madison Equities’ 212 Fifth Avenue in New York City.

By Brielle Bryan

Majestic purple hues filled The Crown, the penthouse at Madison Equities’ 212 Fifth Avenue, as guests enjoyed intricate hors d’oeuvres and sipped on signature cocktails amidst the glistening New York City Skyline. Top beauty editors, influencers and real estate professionals gathered together to celebrate the launch of La Prairie‘s latest product, Platinum Rare Cellular Night Elixir.
La Prairie, a luxury beauty brand based in Switzerland, is most widely recognized for its anti-aging skincare products which have a cellular complex. La Prairie’s quest for timeless beauty began when the brand was founded in 1978. Its products give new life and energy back to the very cells where beauty is born, enhancing the skin’s natural renewal process.
The sweeping 10,079 square-foot triplex was transformed for the luxury brand’s unveiling of its new elixir. The Crown became an intimate wonderland, filled with posh cosmetics and opulent jewels, including a showcase of exquisite jewelry provided by Van Cleef & Arpels.

Guests were given the opportunity to view the new elixir, and were also offered eye treatments and hand massages in the dimmed rooms on the penthouse’s first floor. The candlelit second floor of The Crown led guests to the top floor of the penthouse, where guests were treated to sweets and custom cocktails, as well as one-of-a-kind views of New York City from The Crown’s private outdoor space.

Photo courtesy of Natalie Poette

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Automated Faucet Technology Redefines Touchless Hand Washing

Artfully integrating into today’s modern hospitality environments, Sans Hands faucets use electromagnetism to streamline the hand washing process and reduce the spread of disease and bacteria.

By Brielle Bryan

Driven by growing concern over germs and bacteria on restroom surfaces, more hospitality environments are turning to hands-free, automated faucet technology. Sonoma Forge, located in Sonoma County, California, combines craftsmanship and skilled metalwork with its unique line of designer faucets, tub fillers, shower systems and coordinated bath accessories.
Sans Hands, Sonoma Forge’s sensor faucet technology, offers an improvement over outdated infrared technology with its invisible sensors. Sans Hands incorporates an electromagnetic proximity sensor, and is packaged in stylish designs that perfectly fit today’s modern industrial style.

“Rather than relying on old, unreliable infrared technology, Sans Hands allows users to skip the frustration of frantic hand waving and enjoy the stylishly unique bathroom décor,” said Erik Ambjor, president of Sonoma Forge.
Sans Hands faucets use the basic principle of electromagnetism. Simply speaking, the components include a spout, a low-voltage current from an electrical source — either battery or plug-in — and an electronic brain supplying an electromagnetic field to the spout. When a user approaches the faucet, the electromagnetic field is interrupted, which opens and closes the valve.
Sans Hands faucets are handcrafted and assembled by skilled artisans. They also come in wall-and-deck-mount configurations and are available in a wide array of finishes. A suite of coordinating bath accessories, including decorative hardware, towel bars, tissue holders, mirror mounts and more complete the industrial look. The refreshing design options offer homeowners a decidedly masculine sense of style that enhances any setting, whether urban loft, country villa or boutique hotel.

Photo courtesy of Sonoma Forge

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New York Designer Forum Series — European Treasures, Discovered; Source Like The Experts

Leading industry designers visited the Duralee showroom in New York’s Decoration & Design Building to hear expert opinions on how to tour and shop the European antique market.

By Brielle Bryan

Photo courtesy of The Robert Allen Duralee Group

New York’s Decoration & Design Building had its second installment of its Designer Forum Series, “European Treasures, Discovered; Source Like The Experts,” on February 6. Known nationally and internationally as the world’s most important home to more than 130 showrooms, the DDB represents more than 3,000 leading manufacturers dedicated to the very best in residential and business interior furnishings, educational opportunities and resource information.
More than 100 designers visited the Duralee showroom to hear the expert tips of Toma Clark Haines, founder and chief executive officer of The Antiques Diva & Co. The Antiques Diva & Co. is the world’s largest antiques touring company, sourcing services in 15 countries across Europe and Asia. At the event, Haines shared her secrets to touring and shopping the European antique markets alongside well-traveled designers Garrow Kedigian and Robert Passal.

Justin Shaulis, Design Host for the philanthropic-based HGTV series, “Home Rules,” also attended the event. As an interior designer client, Shaulis turned to Haines with a client’s tight budget, knowing that he could get more bang for his buck overseas without sacrificing on quality. Haines shared that in theory, the European Market offers a 3 to 5 times markdown compared to the New York City market, notwithstanding cost of travel and delivery.
While it may be easier to buy multiple pieces when the prices are lower, Passal noted that the “best price” for a piece is whatever you’re willing to pay, citing that value isn’t always calculated in dollars. Kedigian suggested that pre-shopping the Markets before visiting with clients and then post-shopping without them to close the deals makes for a smooth sourcing process, as well.
Throughout the year, the DDB will be teaming up with various leading experts of design and luxury to elevate the design conversation and provide added value to the interior design community.

Photo courtesy of the Decoration & Design Building

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