A Day of Alfresco Living in Your Luxurious Outdoor Sanctuary
The outdoor charm of a home creates a sense of warmth and intimacy unlike any other aspect of a property. From elegant furniture arrangements and cozy fire features to serene water elements and lush landscaping, each home offers a unique experience to create memories, spend time with loved ones, or just cave into a tranquil retreat in the comfort of your own home.Feel free to indulge in the essence of alfresco living as we unravel the secrets behind having an extraordinary outdoor space and take you through a day that could be your own.Starting Off the MorningTaking in the morning sun offers a plethora of health benefits, from improvements in productivity, better mental health, and more energy to focus. So whether you like to start off your day with a revitalizing yoga or meditation session, or just enjoy taking in the crisp morning air while sipping on your morning brew, a serene outdoor space offers endless possibilities from the comfort of your own home.Take a Quick DipLet’s face it, not everyone is a beach person. The hike to and from the sandy shores, especially for those with a bigger family, can be intimidating and time consuming. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, a swimming pool provides a refreshing escape from the summer heat, allowing you to cool off and unwind at your convenience. A swimming pool also serves as a social centerpiece, creating opportunities for memorable gatherings with family and friends. Perhaps you want to host an unforgettable poolside party, invite the family over for a barbecue, or just plan a casual get-together, where laughter, splashing, and shared moments become the heart of the festivities. Regardless of whether you choose to dip your feet in the pool, or cannonball straight in, enjoying a quick dip in the pool is guaranteed to enhance your afternoon. Just in Time for DinnerThe allure of an outdoor space kitchen lies in its ability to transport you to a space of culinary delight and familial harmony. As the golden rays of the setting sun kiss your patio, it is time to settle down for a dinner made from the heart – within the heart of the property. Retreat to the rustic wooden table, decorated with flickering candles, stylish placemats and fresh flowers. There is a magic to dining al fresco, where the simplicity of nature merges with the warmth of familial connections. With delicious meals prepped from the luxurious comfort of your outdoor kitchen and ambiance of dusk, paired with the soft lighting from the patio lights and the smiles of familiar faces, the outdoor space transforms into a haven of shared experiences. Share Stories Around the Fire A fire pit gives off a captivating charm, drawing loved ones closer as embers glow. The crackling fire becomes a centerpiece of connection and igniting heartfelt conversations. The smell of roasting marshmallows and the sound of laughter fills the air, creating a warm oasis that lingers in the soul.As the day comes to a close, gather around the radiant fire pit with your family. The crackling flames and aromatic wood evoke a sense of tranquility. Whether you are a ghost-story type of person, or someone who likes to have one too many s’mores, gathering around the fire is the perfect evening getaway.Refresh with a Cocktail Before BedAn outdoor bar on your patio adds a touch of sophistication and relaxation to your evenings. With its sleek design and well-stocked shelves, it becomes a prime spot for entertainment. As the sun sets and the gentle glow of string lights illuminates the space, you can savor a refreshing cocktail or a fine glass of wine. There are endless ways to enjoy your outdoor bar on the patio during the enchanting hours of the night. You can gather around the bar with your closest friends, create a cozy lounge area nearby, complete with plush cushions and blankets, or host a themed cocktail party, experimenting and surprising your guests with unique drinks. Alternatively, set up a movie night under the star with a projector or outdoor television, while you sip on your favorite drinks. No matter how you choose to spend your day, your outdoors space offers endless possibilities to enhance your lifestyle – and create timeless memories that will last a lifetime. The post A Day of Alfresco Living in Your Luxurious Outdoor Sanctuary appeared first on Engel & Völkers.
Property Spotlight: Endless Summer Views from Sunset Cliffs, San Diego
As the sun wakes and stretches its golden rays across the pacific coast, the light reflects from the beaches and glistening water as it pours through the kitchen windows of 899 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. Here, lazy afternoons melt into vibrant sunsets, and the worries of everyday life seem to disappear.This is just the sort of life that is possible—filled with unforgettable moments and cherished memories—on the Sunset Cliffs of San Diego, as we embrace the beginning of a long-awaited summer and all that Californian living is famous for.The History of Sunset Cliffs, San DiegoNestled along the unmatched coastline of the Pacific Ocean, the Golden State radiates as both an ideal summer escape or primary home base with its world-famous beaches, rugged cliffs, and pristine national parks.And Sunset Cliffs is no exception, carrying with it a rich history that adds depth to its allure for travelers and home buyers alike. Its namesake cliffs have witnessed the passage of time and the many people who have been inspired by their beauty—and are considered sacred by the indigenous peoples who have long resided on the land. Later, Albert Spalding developed the Linear Section, hiring a Japanese architect to design and create what would become known as Sunset Cliffs Park. Over the years, Sunset Cliffs has been a haven for artists, writers, and dreamers who sought inspiration in its breathtaking vistas and sturdy profile.The PropertyOur latest property spotlight takes you to the Sunset Cliffs of San Diego, where a breath-taking listing welcomes the warm rays of the Californian sun and panoramic views of the ocean just beyond its windows. Personifying elegance and luxury with its sleek, modern style, it is an ideal home for those who dream of an endless summer season.This ocean front architectural masterpiece presents a rare opportunity to own in the coveted Sunset Cliffs community of Point Loma, San Diego. The stunning natural beauty of this property captures the essence of Southern California living. Whether you seek a serene retreat or an active outdoor lifestyle, this residence offers the perfect balance of coastal charm and modern conveniences.Gunmit Jaspal, Listing Advisor, Engel & Völkers Carlsbad A Look Inside the EstateDesigned by award-winning architect Steven Lombardi, every detail of this exquisite home radiates elegance and sophistication. The main floor welcomes residents and guests with its living room and accompanying fireplace, a piano room perfect for entertainment, and a formal dining room fit for lavish gatherings. The heart of the home lies in the gourmet chef-inspired kitchen, where high-end appliances and sleek finishes create a culinary haven.Further, the entertaining experiences can continue within the home’s private theater, equipped with leather recliners and a high-definition projector for an envy-worthy cinematic experience. Next, take the floating teak spiral staircase or glass elevator to discover the second floor, where you can find an office space, multiple decks for entertaining, and an awe-inspiring primary suite; with its dressing room, vanity room, and stone-encased soaking tub overlooking the ocean, the primary suite’s enchanting ambiance will undoubtedly be the perfect place to unwind from the day.Finally, the glory of this architectural gem lies in the “turret,” a top-floor room offering a 360-degree panoramic view, showcasing the beauty of the surrounding landscape.The Outdoor CharmIn addition to the luxurious interiors, the property’s outdoor space perfectly complements the home’s coastal location and lifestyle. With multiple decks and outdoor spaces, entertaining guests and enjoying the serene surroundings will be as lovely as the home’s gentle ocean breeze.For any car enthusiast and collector, the expansive underground garage offers approximately 3,000 square feet of space to house your collection. Additional amenities include a staff room, a storage room with a safe for your valuables, and a fitness room.Currently listed for $9,500,000 USD by Gunmit Jaspal of Engel & Völkers Carlsbad.The post Property Spotlight: Endless Summer Views from Sunset Cliffs, San Diego appeared first on Engel & Völkers.
Global Market Insight: Geneva
Proudly serving communities in over 30 countries, Engel & Völkers advisors come equipped with both local and global expertise—allowing them to create unmatched, bespoke real estate experiences. Whether in the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, or somewhere in between, there is an Engel & Völkers connection to be made and this month we’re featuring the lakefront hotspot of Geneva, Switzerland. Geneva is famous for its unique cosmopolitan flair and beautiful lakefront, lined with some of the city’s most prestigious buildings, most notably the European headquarters of the United Nations. Between its status as Switzerland’s second largest city, and its desirable location on the southwestern tip of Lake Geneva, it is not only a wonderful place to live but also an exciting real estate market. With lakes and water sports to enjoy in the summer, and access to the Alps and world-renowned ski resorts for the winter, it’s no wonder that Geneva’s has solidified itself as one of the world’s most sought-after locations. Unsurprisingly, Geneva’s quality of life ranks amongst the highest in the world. However, it also ranks as one of the Top 10 most expensive cities, and rent in Geneva is the highest in Switzerland. With that in mind, the city is also among the top 20 cities in the world with the highest number of millionaires, and the average monthly net income of residents is 5,452 Swiss francs, or $6,070 USD. Engel & Völkers Geneva | Most Expensive PropertiesSophisticated Living & Modern AmbianceEngel & Völkers Geneva opened its office at the beginning of 2023 and has already brokered a premium property in the prestigious Collonge-Bellerive district. The sale price of the property was 3,500,000 million Swiss francs, approximately $3,900,000 USD. The modern elements and bright interiors of this new villa are particularly impressive. The property offers three bedrooms and three bathrooms, an outdoor pool, a wine cellar, and a double garage. It also notably meets the highest of building standards and was built with energy efficiency in mind—making it an enticing option for buyers interested in environmentally friendly homes.Elegant Villa in the Heart of ColognyThis contemporary residence offers 5,400 of light-flooded interior square feet with six bedrooms, several bathrooms, a home cinema, and premium kitchen. The high-quality materials which finish the living and dining areas set an impressive standard which pair perfectly with the magnificent panoramic views of Lake Geneva. The villa also boasts an outdoor pool and is located in the heart of Cologny, one of the most sought-after residential areas of Geneva. The asking price is 11,000,000 Swiss francs, nearly $12,200,000 USD.Geneva’s Sought-after Residential DistrictsChampelThis upmarket residential district boasts a number of parks and green open spaces which offer the opportunity for a peaceful home base with close proximity to the city center. Champel is also home to the famous Tour de Champel, the Parc Bertrand, and the university campus—and as such, its real estate offerings cater mostly to the middle and upper segments of the market.ColognySince the end of the 17th century, magnificent and substantial country properties have been springing up in Cologny featuring a strong influence on the aesthetic flair of the city. Many of the properties include picturesque views of Lake Geneva and are among the highest-priced properties in Geneva. Its proximity to the city and overall beauty have attracted famous individuals from all across the world, including the British poet Lord Byron. In fact, the Villa Diodati was rented by Lord Byron and is now regarded as a place of cultural significance in literary history. Cologny is also home to the headquarters of the World Economic Forum (WEF) and is one of the wealthiest municipalities in Switzerland.Collonge-BelleriveAnother highly desirable district is Collonge-Bellerive, north of Cologny and situated on the shores of the lake. Prestigious residences can be found here, of which nature enthusiasts will adore for their unparalleled views of the water, swimming spots, and lush green surroundings. Geneva’s Buyer ProfileGeneva is primarily a first-home market and the majority of buyers are Swiss nationals.However, with many multinational company headquarters and the promise of a cosmopolitan lifestyle, Geneva does cater to an international audience as well. Typically, expatriates opt to rent as buying a property in Switzerland requires individuals to meet certain requirements, one of which is proof of primary residence. Accordingly, a small proportion of property buyers in Geneva come from France, Belgium, and the United Kingdom.Average Home PricesIn the most sought after markets, such as Cologny, prices per square meter for apartments average at approximately 17,900 Swiss francs (about $815 USD per square foot), and homes 24,000 Swiss francs (nearly $2,500 USD per square foot).Rare and exceptional premium properties, such as those on ‘Chemin de Ruth’ in Cologny, can exceed 30,000 Swiss francs per square meter, approximately $3,000 USD per square foot. Homes such as these enjoy unrivaled views of Lake Geneva.The British superstar Robbie Williams owned a sprawling estate near Cologny and Vandœuvres from 2021 to 2022. The mansion spanned over 350 square meters and reportedly cost approximately 29,000,000 million Swiss francs ($32,300,000 USD).Market & Homebuying TrendsNew construction of premium propertiesNew construction projects in desirable neighborhoods are among the most sought-after properties in Geneva, including a number of developments that are currently in the process of completion. Building laws in Geneva change regularly, and are typically announced in July to identify where new construction will be permitted. Undeveloped plots of land are incredibly rare, making it more common to see the redevelopment of older structures into detached houses and luxury apartment buildings. Modernization of old buildingsBuyers in Geneva have historically found success in acquiring older apartments and renovating them to their unitque specifications, notably energy efficiency. While this in itself is not a new trend, it is an ongoing strategy for those homebuyers looking to relocate in Geneva. Prices continue to risePrices continue to rise in Geneva and represent a growing and stable market. Whether buying an apartment or house, prices have risen by around 12 percent per square meter since 2017, and by a further 1 percent from the first quarter of 2022 to 2023, year-over-year. Geneva’s residents not only appreciate the magnificent scenery and the well-developed infrastructure, but especially its peace and tranquillity. Compared to other countries, privacy is still very highly valued and respected in Switzerland; even stars like the Italian actress Sophia Loren can live here and can go for a relaxed walk without being asked for a photograph. I have been operating in this exciting real estate market with my Engel & Völkers team since the beginning of 2023 and we work according to one principle: there is a buyer for every property—our mission is to find them.Costas Dambassinas, Director Engel & Völkers GenevaContactFor further information about the property market in Geneva and/or referrals please contact: Costas DambassinasDirector, Engel & Völkers GenevaPhone: +41 79 437 40 70The post Global Market Insight: Geneva appeared first on Engel & Völkers.
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