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2017

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Reading Time: < 1 minute Chateau Miraval This abode in the south of France is the home of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. The 17th-century palace has a vineyard and just the 35 rooms, which given how they like to adopt, this might just cover it. In classic castle style, there is a moat with extensive manicured gardens, a fountain, and a church. There is also an olive grove close by to rare Aleppo pine trees. House of Windsor The $10.5 million home of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin of Coldplay is located in L.A, Brentwood. They purchased the country style villa in late 2012. The concept house was built by Walter Smith and has six bedrooms and eight bathrooms, of course, there is a guest cottage on the land. Playboy Mansion When people think of celebrity dream homes, High Hefner’s palace of hedonism springs to mind. Equipped with a wine cellar, 22 rooms, a…

Reading Time: 2 minutes 2017 has been jam-packed with international conferences and events aimed at developers, stakeholders, and investors. Here, we highlight some of the most interesting real estate events which are coming up over the next few months. Cityscape Abu Dhabi, April 18th-20th 2017 Described as the “barometer” for the Middle East’s Property sector, Cityscape Abu Dhabi welcomed over 17,000 attendees last year from over 67 countries. Hundreds of properties from the Middle East and other regions will be showcased at this comprehensive real estate expo. Many high profile partners are joining the event, including Forbes Middle East, Sky News, and Modern Business Emirates. Whether you are an investor or a real estate professional, this event is not to be missed! 2017 SIOR Spring World Conference, New Orleans, USA, April 26th-29th 2017 The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors is a leading professional real estate association. This year, their Spring World Conference will…

Reading Time: 3 minutes Finding a less obvious real estate investment choice for 2017 is a challenge. Global markets are struggling and the more recognized cities are saturated with buyers. Casting your net further afield could be the answer to higher returns. From Vietnam to Pakistan, these investment hotspots warrant a place in your real estate portfolio, whether you are saving for retirement or just looking for reliable rental returns. Vietnam As the exotic and compelling Vietnam opens up from a controlled economy to a ready-for-business market economy, it presents great opportunities for real estate investors. As big Chinese manufacturers continue to relocate their manufacturing base to Vietnam, it is predicted the country will overtake Indonesia and Thailand in the long term. While many investors are entering the market as part of a greater Asian fund, others are putting their money directly into real estate. Vietnam is experiencing a construction boom in part due…

Reading Time: 5 minutes Did you ever wonder what it would be like to maintain a minimalist lifestyle? Would having less mean living more? While it is uncertain whether such thoughts have come to your mind or not, it can be said that almost all of us want to make a difference in this world – after all, the main reason we exist is the world itself. So, whereas, some lifestyles may provide us with happiness and luxury, minimal living provides us with meaning and depth – all the while reducing our ecological footprint on this precious earth. It is all about living life on a smaller scale so you can maximize your impact; having less but accomplishing more. So, if you are in search of a more fulfilling way of life, you only need to follow the habits below and you too can achieve a minimalist lifestyle. Smaller Spaces The dream of owning…

Reading Time: 3 minutes With the new year fast approaching, it’s time to get up to date with what’s in and what’s out in Interior design for 2017. The last year saw many natural materials enter the home. There was a desire for a reconnection with nature from city dwellers, who sought a breath of fresh air in the midst of the concrete jungle. It was the year the sharing economy boomed; we shared workspace, taxi cabs, holiday condos and apartments; our spaces had to serve many functions, be adaptable and smart – just like us. Instagramming, tweeting, Facebooking, all became part of the job, whether it was personal or professional PR, with many online entrepreneurs working from the comfort of their own homes. The bedroom was often required to function as a study or even, in the age of ever decreasing apartment SQ meters, sometimes also the bathroom and/or kitchen. We saw palms…

Reading Time: 2 minutes Most people think of relaxing and taking it easy on a holiday. But, there is a growing trend for high-risk adventure trips in countries not suitable for the faint hearted. These brave adventurers are not put off by political instability. The threat of kidnapping is music to their ears; gunshots equal adrenaline; near-death experiences are a story to tell. For these hardened voyagers, a hot cup of milk and a cookie is something for their grandparents only. This year, for something different we present the alternative holiday list for 2017. San Pedro Sula, Honduras This is a city that will challenge even the bravest souls. With the highest homicide rate in the world and a serious arms trafficking trade, those that visit will spend their trip on a constant knife-edge. Tourists tend to avoid the city, but for brazen adventurers, the fewer tourists, the better. Far from the madding crowd, a…