The modern gentleman tends to be a well-travelled man. Not only has he visited many a European capital, but he has usually ventured further afield to the Americas and beyond. With such worldliness come broad horizons, and when looking for a home, he often sets his sights beyond his place of birth. In order to provide some inspiration, we take a look at some of the finest offerings currently available on the international market. These homes not only offer some of the finest living available, but are also perfectly suited to their environment in terms of design – whether that be a contemporary New York home a stone’s throw from the MoMa, or a decorative and historically rich villa on the banks of Italy’s Lake Como.
Notting Hill, London
What: Once known for its run-down and overcrowded homes overseen by the infamous landlord Peter Rachman, Notting Hill underwent a thorough rejuvenation in the 1980s to become one of the most cosmopolitan and desirable areas in London. This prodigious townhouse represents the very best the area has to offer, featuring grand entertaining spaces and a host of well-appointed bedrooms.
Image: Knight Frank
The building retains a desirable mix of the old and the new. Features like decorative ceiling work retain continuity with the past, but meet with more contemporary furnishings, making for an ideal home for the man who respects the past, but lives very much in the present.
Image: Knight Frank
Price: POA
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Upper East Side, New York
Situated on 64th East between Park and Madison Avenues, this 6000 square ft New York townhouse is found at one of the most desirable addresses in the city. Distinctly contemporary, it is the perfect expression of city that is ever in tune with the times. Fittingly, the world-famous Museum of Modern Art is only 10 blocks away.
Image: Knight Frank
Situated over 5 floors, this six bedroom property offers exceptional entertaining possibilities – with no fewer than four outdoor areas, it holds year-round potential for atmospheric dinners and events. With floor-to-ceiling steel and mullioned windows to the rear, it is also an incredibly bright property, making it very desirable indeed.
Image: Knight Frank
Price: POA
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Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como is known as a place of spectacular scenery, and this property commands one of the finest spots at the edge of its deep, dark waters. With views that extend upwards to the snow-tipped Alps, the local property market enjoys perpetually high demand, with the likes of Sir Richard Branson, George Clooney and Madonna among the homeowners in the area.
Image: Savills
Originally built for a patrician family in the 18th century, this villa is one of the best on the lake, featuring 6 metre-high frescoed ceilings, intricate decoration and Venetian marble flooring. Of particular note are the library, grand dining room and the lakeshore garden – not to mention the exceptional views from almost every room.
Image: Savills
Price: POA
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Paris, France
A city with an extraordinary ability to capture both hearts and minds, Paris remains one of the most energetic, culture-rich and charming cities in the world. The new apartments at 140 Rue de Grenelle – found in the 7th arrondissement amongst government buildings, embassies and fine townhouses – represent some of the best property the city offers.
Image: Knight Frank
The development was based around the existing 18th century Hotel de Noirmoutier, making for sophisticated contemporary living that nevertheless retains a historical edge. With Art Deco-influenced furnishings in the form of stylised lighting and lacquered woodwork,
Image: Knight Frank
Price: POA
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Vevey, Switzerland
The Parc du Kempinski residences on Lake Geneva comprise 24 luxury apartments, each of them receiving the exemplary 5-star service typical to the renowned hotel group. Once a hotel, thebuilding that houses them has been painstakingly restored to the exacting standards of the Belle Époque era, offering luxurious living in an alpine region that has long been a favourite among the European aristocracy.
Image: Knight Frank
Offering the first fully-serviced living in Switzerland, Parc du Kempinski contains a host of luxury amenities available to its residents, including an on-site business centre, health and fitness facility and even a Davidoff cigar lounge. Most important, however, is that the apartment is available for purchase by non-Swiss residents – something of a rarity in a country of strict property ownership laws.
Image: Knight Frank
Price: £8,918,700
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Saint Jean, St Barts
Sitting near the top of one of Saint Jean’s largest peaks, this villa claims one of the most desirable spots on the tropical island of St Barts. Making the most of the warm climate, the landscaped gardens are centred around an infinity pool that looks out towards Saint Jean bay and the Eden Rock.
Image: Knight Frank
A property of considered modern luxury, this villa nevertheless tips its hat to more traditional styles – the vaulted ceiling, for example, showcases wooden beams reminiscent of the island’s colonial architecture. Impeccably designed both within and without, this is a truly paradisiacal home.
Image: Knight Frank
Price: €14,500,000
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Header Image: NewYorker.com
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