The most incredible international properties on the market

Property has the power to have us truly lost for words. Only yesterday, while maundering around a £10million penthouse in Central London, I found myself agog, my focus taken hostage by the opulent yet tastefully immaculate attention to detail – had I the money, I would have reached for my chequebook faster than a bullet leaving the end of a barrel. At the time, I couldn’t fathom the possibility of wanting anywhere else to while away the remainder of my years. Until, that is, I came across these incredible international properties…

FESSENDEN HOUSE, WASHINGTON D.C.

One of the grandest houses in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, Fessenden House exemplifies the finest elements of 18th century neoclassical architecture. The integrated architecture and finishes of the home’s rooms, ceilings, fireplaces, fixtures, and furnishings result in a residence that flows seamlessly from one living area to another. Grand formal rooms provide ample entertaining space.

This four-level home offers seven bedrooms including a sumptuous master suite, secondary bedrooms, an ample guest suite, and private staff quarters. An elevator along with two grand stair hallways and rotundas complement the interior architecture of the home.

Incorporating terraces and a sweeping curved staircase to overlook a swimming pool, pool house, and loggia with stunning views of acres of parkland, this estate home is both refined and outstanding.

Price: $22million

DAR OLFA, MOROCCO

Put frankly, this is unlike any property you’ve ever seen. Located in the most prestigious enclave of all Morocco, Dar Olfa provides unparalleled amenities on a scale that truly makes it a private palace. The grounds encompass a lake with a waterfall overlooked by a hill including a an extensive rose-garden; vegetable gardens including a small forest of olive trees, a brook running some 300 meters, illuminated clay tennis-court, a cascading set of fountains which lead to a pillared theatre for outdoor performances.

The main house has five independently designed bedroom suites including private as well as commercial kitchens, several extremely large drawing rooms, a three-storey library, a private night-club with its own separate entrance via the 15-car underground garage, a dining-room seating 20 guests and a 16-seat private cinema.

Immediately adjacent, there is a 42m swimming pool as well, as outdoor covered lounge areas. The self-contained guest villa has four independent main bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and a 26m outdoor swimming pool. And, pause for breath, a private Hamam, sauna, indoor swimming pool and spa and health centre. As we said, unlike any property you’ve ever seen.

Price: €65million, For more information, click Christie’s International Real Estate

LA VERMONDIE, AQUITAINE, FRANCE

From the decadency of Dar Ofla, we move to this beautiful 12th century château, oozing charm and character. The main house, nestled in the heart of the estate, comprises five-bedrooms and has been exquisitely restored by a renowned French architect. Built in a period when England’s Richard the Lionheart was also Duke of Aquitaine, folklore suggests that he stored the spoils of war in the vaults beneath the castle, which may once have doubled up as dungeons.

Today, all four levels of the château are far more inviting, with lavish entertaining spaces including two sublime salons with dramatic windows, stone fireplaces and oak flooring; two dining rooms; a great hall; and a vestry. Set on 125 acres of private woodland, orchards and meadows, this romantic retreat also boasts a beautiful lake for secluded swimming and boating. Ask me now if I’d prefer a London penthouse or La Vermondie, and (if I had the money) I may regret having reached for my chequebook with such haste…

Price: €6.2million