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FIABCI: A Network that Works

In today’s unusual market, buyers and sellers benefit from luxury agents with international connections.

When Eugenia Foxworth tells you about the FIABCI network, one thing is immediately clear: it works.

FIABCI-USA is the U.S. chapter of the International Real Estate Federation, formed in France in 1951 (the acronym stands for Fédération Internationale des Administrateurs de Biens Conseils et Agents Immobiliers). To say that it’s been a key part of Foxworth’s business from the beginning would be an understatement.

Soon after obtaining her license in New York City in 2000, Foxworth started attending FIABCI events in the region. “As a matter of fact, one of the people responsible for my joining FIABCI was Christina Lodar, who was my Unique Homes sales associate. She asked me what did I want to accomplish in real estate? I told her that I wanted to grow my business. She told me about FIABCI and the opportunities that they offered. At that time, you needed to be sponsored. She was a FIABCI member also, and she sponsored me.”

The connections proved to be the business building blocks Foxworth needed.

Above photo: Rome – istockphoto.com / e55evu

Cover photo: London – istockphoto.com / sborisov

“FIABCI is an organization that works. As a new agent, I was amazed at all of the tools and advantages that they offered. The referral network, our sponsors, academics, our own listings on the FIABCI-USA and FIABCI-ORG website, publications with websites just geared to the luxury properties, et cetera — it was amazing. We referred clients and friends to each other. A lot of my business came from FIABCI members my first few years.”

Foxworth, who is the FIABCI-USA president-elect, isn’t the only one extolling FIABCI’s virtues. Christian Ross of Engel & Völkers Atlanta is the president of the FIABCI Southeast Council. She explains how the network has given her greater insights into markets all over the world, how she’s gained knowledge for marketing campaigns and global developments, and connected clients to potential investments. 

“For sellers, marketing to the international buyer and curating a marketing plan that targets and attracts a buyer from across the globe is essential. With that is also the knowledge of how to maximize currency exchanges, understanding the challenges of moving funds from certain countries and the geopolitical news that may affect all of those concerns,” Ross says. “For buyers, discovering and understanding how to connect them with opportunities they are exploring for international investments, as well as consulting with them to understand all aspects of their competition in the marketplace, helps them put their best foot forward.”

Hugh Gilliam, the director of International Real Estate at RealtyHive in Atlanta, is the current FIABCI-USA president. In almost 10 years, he’s gained dozens of listings through the network. When asked where he sees FIABCI going, he says the potential is unlimited.

“Our community comprises over 40 professions, including architects, brokers, developers, investors, financial institutions, and the list goes on,” Gilliam says. “In addition to expanding membership within these professions, we are adding new countries to the organization annually. This makes it very clear that the sky is the limit over the next decade.”

And Foxworth describes how even the pandemic has not impacted FIABCI’s effectiveness. “We have had many challenges throughout and we overcame the challenges,” she says. “Even at this time with COVID-19, we are continuing to do business globally. The Internet has allowed our members to work together very efficiently. The Zoom seminars and presentations are taking us to another level of selling luxury real estate, and we have several success stories.”

THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN THE Fall 2020 ISSUE OF UNIQUE HOMES. TO SEE THE DIGITAL VERSION OF THIS STORY, CLICK HERE.

From holiday gift giving to to keeping your home’s style fresh in the dead of winter, finding the perfect inspiration can sometimes seem impossible. What if the perfect source was just across the pond?

These collections showcase a passion for design and creativity, all inspired by a European country or the style of that nation. May these sources of inspiration spark your own!

 

Procook’s Oslo Collection

ProCook’s Oslo range brings Nordic cool to the table this winter, continuing the dining trend for reactive glaze stoneware. Oslo tableware embraces the Scandinavian hygge trend with its organic shapes and cool grey tones with a subtle salt and pepper look. Easily dressed up for more formal dining, the Oslo range is also perfect for everyday use. Oslo includes dinner and side plates which have flat bases and a sharp vertical lip, complemented by gently curved cereal and pasta bowls.

Photo courtesy Procook.

Photo courtesy Reformations.

Reformation 

Living in rural Mid Wales, designer Craig Anthony is surrounded by the shifting patterns and colors of the country’s multiple landscapes, from open moorlands and mountains, to the woods surrounding lakes and rivers. All of this landscape inspires his creativity, which in turn helped him to launch his decorative arts company Reformations, an online gallery of handmade glass clocks and modern glass wall art. 

His pieces that boast functional elements combined with highly decorative and abstract attributes. Additionally, many of his works also feature ambient lighting that creates a dramatic display when seen in darkness.

“My work develops organically, a reciprocal relationship between the materials and my imagination,” Anthony says. “Every piece I create feeds the design of the next. Created using paints with a high pigment content on specially prepared glass, and embracing a sense of natural chaos, my work is guaranteed to make a bold statement in any, contemporary setting.”

Shekåbba

Started in October 2019, Shekåbba consists of a small, visionary team of people who originate from all over the United Kingdom, all who share a love and passion to introduce others to the people-centred happiness of the Danish home. “We believe that thoughtfully crafting a home environment of warmth and beauty, sets the stage for a lifetime shared with those we love most,” according to company founders Dan and Rosanna Chapman.

Inspiration behind the company’s founding starts within the Danish culture, specifically the Danish homes model which focuses on time with family and friends. To introduce others to such a rich, happy culture, Shekåbba helps customers discover more of Denmark’s gifted home decor designers and artists, to bring an authentic and broadening Danish home experience.

Photo courtesy Shekåbba The Danish Home.

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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

Completed only just last year, the interior of this simple, beautiful Budapest apartment project was redesigned by husband-and-wife team Margit Szinger & Géza Hamori of Margeza Design Studio.

Like wayward travellers, Szinger and Hamori’s style of interior designing exists on a project-to-project basis, each one taking a year to complete. “Normally we do one project per year,” says Hamori, “we move in and try living there. Then we move on.”
Originally built in 1928, the apartment building lies in the historical center of Budapest near the Castle of Buda. It was later converted into 4 apartments with 2 additional apartments added from refurbishing the attic. Inside the Margeza apartment, the design team was able to implement their preferred style, and in a way themselves, into every room of the home.
“Our spirit reflects on our apartments. We like a minimal design, but the softer version is more pleasing for us,” Hamori says, noting their choices in curving furniture, vivid colours, irregularly shaped pieces that reflect a sense of playfulness.

The defining aspects of the apartment are the living green wall and the glass wall, which both emphasize liveliness by bringing the outdoors in. With the rest of the walls painted white, little spots of colors from pieces in the apartment add to the energy of the space.
Every detail was carefully orchestrated by the Margeza design team. Every electrical device was chosen to minimize energy consumption, including the use of LED lights only. The kitchen, doors and stairs were handcrafted and made-to-size. One of the most iconic buildings in the city, the Parliament of Budapest and the river that splits the city, is in full view from the living room window, a view that the team wanted to emphasize. To do so, special window panes were put in place so no divided lines would break up the views of the city skyline.

Another unique touch includes the white wool carpet in the living room that shows a map of Budapest, with each district rendered with different wool-lengths. The Danube river is marked blue and the location of the apartment itself is pinpointed in red.
“We like this method because it gives us more freedom, we do not have to conform to the tastes of a customer,” Hamori states. “We only accept commissions where we get complete liberty to design it as we want. The customer would see the finished, realized apartment with every fine detail.” Hamori further notes that he and his wife are maximalists and that their passion is to build homes that bring joy to those that live in them.
Having finished their project in Budapest and put the finished apartment up for sale, the team is ready for a new challenge.

Photos courtesy of Margeza Design Studio

An interior garden, an indoor rock wall and an 18-person dining room are only a few of the features that make this new, extravagant European property truly unique.

By Alyssa Gautieri

This chalet is the largest newly built chalet in Val d’Isère and it has been specifically designed to be highly unique. “This home is a leading chalet by design and size in a leading French/European resort,” said Julian Walker, the director at Skiingproperty.com.
Embracing the trend of a preference toward greenery, this home has two large terraces and an indoor atrium garden. “Over the recent years, a number of properties throughout the world, include some greenery inside as well as outside,” says Walker.
 

There is also a 4.5-meter high room, that is built into the rock face, which can be used as an indoor climbing room or a shooting range.
When asked why he feels this property is unique, Walker says the location along with the stunning interior design make this property truly outstanding. “The pictures do more justice than I ever could,” he said.

Other unusual features include a large heated indoor swimming pool, a Turkish bath, sauna, jacuzzi, treatment rooms, an indoor garden with a glass bridge, and a dedicated bar and relaxation area.
The two-level property offers a private lift and 609 square meters of living space. The ground floor is home to six of the seven spacious bedrooms, all of which have their own ensuite bathrooms with his-and-hers sinks.

The home boasts an expansive lounge with a feature fireplace that is connected via a glass bridge to the kitchen, dining and ‘Espace Bar’ area. The dining area comfortably seats 18 people and the ‘Espace Bar’ is a skillfully created area entirely devoted to relaxation and entertainment.

Inspired by the tale of three Englishmen who had undertaken the longest cab ride around the world in 2011, Christopher James Jolly designed a customized trip where he personally chauffeurs travelers around Europe — Million-Dollar Cab. With exclusive, personal service, this trip takes travelers on an exploration of Europe’s cultures, countries, food, wine and more.
“The variety of Europe is so much greater than some continents and it is clearer and clearer when driving, as opposed to other forms of transport,” says Jolly.
This 90-day, $1 million experience is “for people whose horizons have not been fully satisfied and want to open new channels and have unforgettable experiences,” says Jolly. “Boredom can lead to depression and this European trip would stimulate the soul, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience and opportunity, distinguishing itself from other vacations/trips.”
For more information visit www.milliondollarcab.com.
 



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