French Property Investment – The Spa at Chateau de la Cazine

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Graham Turrell

An essential part of the Chateau Experience for guests is the luxury Spa. This spa, to be set in and around the stunning 17th Century Petit Chateau.

Petit Chateau - site of future Luxury Spa

Plans for the spa are well established and highly impressive. The developer has a budget of £1,800,000 to cover the refurbishment of the chateau  to a state of the art spa facility. The stated intent is that this be the finest spa of its kind in France. The quality and reputation of this spa will be a key contributor to the success of the resort as a whole, so its crucial to get it absolutely “right”. The developer fully recognises this and is embracing the concepts around making this the stuff of dreams!

VIDEO - Plans for exterior Spa expansion

 

As well as the interior, a substantial outdoor area is being developed to integrate with the present building all in a fabulous woodland setting. This will include hot tubs, a firepit, food and beverage, massage & treatment facilities set in yurts between the spa building and the “secret lake”.

VIDEO: The Secret Lake

The secret lake was discovered abandoned in the woodland when the site was cleared. This will be recreated as an ornamental lake which will form the centre of the rest and relaxation area where spa guests will be able to chill in a tranquil setting after their treatments.

The spa has been created by Matthews Mee, the designers of world class spa facilities, notably that at the Lime Wood Hotel at Lymington in the New Forest National Park http://www.limewoodhotel.co.uk/new-forest-spa-hotel.php.

Lime Wood Forest Sauna

The herb theme will feature highly at the Chateau spa too. Yummy! Planning for the layout of the new spa is well underway with refurbishment work set to being very shortly. Due to the space between the two Chateaux, and the fact that external construction work is to be to the far side of the petit Chateau, visitors to the main Chateau will be blissfilly undisturbed during the build.

Click on the following 3 thumbnails for details of all the Spa facilities:

Spa Experience 1

Spa Experience 2

Spa Experience 3

So the right spa facility here is certain to put the resort on the map very quickly and firmly, which is very good news for investors wishing to maximise their return on investment as well as enjoy a world class vacation or two every year, and even share with friends and family. In fact this development is very good news for French Property Investment in general.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the brief tour. If you’d like any more details just drop me a comment… Go on :)

Posted in Chateau de la Cazine trip, French Property Investment | Leave a comment

French Property Investment – Tour around the village!

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Graham Turrell

Our Starting Point!

After a characteristically amazing breakfast in the château dining room, we were ready to explore part of the 200 acre grounds of the Chateau de la Cazine Estate. This includes the traditional stone buildings that will form the basis of “The Village”, the family area of the new 5* resort.

 

 

The intent of the design is that of a “Club Med” experience, with family facilities to exceed anything one might find at for example a typical Center Parcs destination.

Example accommodation at The Village

As you can imagine, a resort of this scale demands a tremendous amount of planning, funds and sheer willpower to bring it into being. This is why we work with only the most experienced and visionary developers.

Check out a couple of video clips from our tour guide for the day, developer MD Robin Barrasford:

VIDEO: Robin on the Chateau Lakes

VIDEO: Robin on EDF!

Existing buildings that range from former school buildings to stables, will be refurbished into 5 star standard holiday accommodation, gym and indoor sports areas and retail areas such as patisserie and boulangerie.

The Equestrian Centre will be positioned in newly created purpose-built buildings at the far end of the estate. Sadly the existing stables in the village cannot be retained for this  since they’re adjacent to refurbished accommodation buildings. The stables are likely to be fitted as the main Gym and recreational area. All new buildings on the site are to be rendered in traditional materials and designed to blend perfectly with the historic renovations.

The 200-acre estate is bordered to the rear by protected land in the form of a substantial and well-established arboretum. As well as being stunningly beautiful in all seasons, it provides (along with the two lakes) all-round natural seclusion for the estate.

All Arboretum trees are numbered!

One large internal space will be dedicated to a fully supervised children’s adventure area, from soft-play to Monkey Mates – my kids are going to love this!

Being converted to luxury suites

The Village Centre

Beyond the 10 existing Village buildings lies the site of what is loosely known as Phase 2 – a further 10 brand new builds to be constructed of the next 2-3 years which will complete the guest accommodation. All new buildings will be built to complement the style of the existing village. As for the existing suites and apartments these will be offered as full, fractional and SIPP (self invested personal pension) purchases, allowing savvy investors the potential for some serious tax-efficient capital growth as well as guaranteed rental income, even prior to completion.

Register your interest with us to be notified immediately these new units are released to market, or to check availability of the few remaining investments at the Chateau and Village phase 1.

VIDEO: Robin on Village Phase 2

One other important part of the village collection we have not yet explored is a Spa facility unprecedented in France, based upon the “Petit Chateau” a genuine 17th Century fairytale castle at heart of the estate.

Look out for my next post where we’ll see what it has to offer guests and investors alike. French property investment has never been easier, and rarely as satisfying!

Bye for now,

Graham.

Posted in Chateau de la Cazine trip, French Property Investment, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

French Property Investment – on the ground at the Chateau de la Cazine

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Graham Turrell

Today I’d like to let you see more of the Main Chateau at the Chateau de la Cazine, in the heart of the French lake district, and what it has to offer guests and investors alike.

Dining

All foodies will be reassured to hear that fine dining will be a major part of the Chateau experience.

Diners sample the evening fare

Philippe tolerates us invading his Kitchen!

In its former life as a hotel the Chateau included a Michelin Star restauarant, which the new owners are pledged to restore. With the help of Head Chef Philippe, who’s recent CV includes a 3 star Michelin restaurant, we are on course to regain this badge of honour within the first 12 months of operation.

Together with a fabulous dedicated pastry chef who are both on staff now even prior to opening, exisiting and potential investors are invited to come and stay at the Chateau during the current soft-launch and sample the culinary delights in this majestic setting.

Video clip - Dining Room

 

See Managing Director Robin Barrasford in the Chateau Dining room…

 

 

The Presidential Suite

This extensive top-floor apartment commands the very best double-aspect views of the estate and comes well equipped with every luxury. Take a look at the clip (wall decorations were still being awaiting but you get the idea!)…

Video tour of the Presidential Suite

Conference Room

Conference Room at the Main Chateau

 

 

As for any forward-thinking hotelier, corporate events are well catered for at the Chateau, which means extended occupany rates (and therefore greater returns) for our investors…

 

This fabulous setting lends itself equally well to private events, and has stunning views of the main fishing lake and 18-hole golf course.

 

Breakfast Room, Lounge and Chapel Bar

These rooms complete the sumptuous facilities on the ground floor of the Main Chateau. To see all our images of the Chateau, old and new, visit the Chateau Gallery on our website. Just register or login if you need to, and Voila you have priviledged access to the Investors’ Dashboard. Enjoy!

Breakfast Room

The Lounge - time to relax

The Chapel Bar

So – do you like it ??

http://blog.highgroundproperty.co.uk/?p=589
Posted in Chateau de la Cazine trip, French Property Investment | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

News: Akbuk Resort Group Scoop Prestigious AIPP Award

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Graham Turrell

HighGround & ARG’s Harmony Bay Resort and Spa

Akbuk Resort Group have for the second year in a row been voted ‘Best Developer Central & Eastern Europe’ in the prestigious AIPP Awards 2012.

The Annual Independent AIPP Awards acclaim outstanding Customer Service, excellence and professionalism whilst setting new benchmarks for the International Property Market.

An Industry leading panel of Judges are put in the position of the Sales Agent and International Property Buyer, posing the question: “What do I want to see in a Company to reassure me that they will deliver?” Questions included the Due Diligence processes in advance of selling, the transparency of the Marketing and the successful delivery of promised service to Clients and Selling Partners.

Akbuk Resort Groups Director, Steve Mahony said “We are absolutely delighted to receive the Award for the second year in succession; this is testament to our high levels of Customer Service, Due Diligence, Selling Partner support and delivery. Winning the award for the second time against such stiff competition will no doubt further inspire consumer confidence in Akbuk Resort Group and the Harmony Bay Resort & Spa.

HighGround Property Investment Director, Graham Turrell said “we offer our warm congratulations to the team at ARG, whose hard work, choice of development, diligence and dedication to customer success make this a justly deserved award. We are very proud to be associated with this world class team.”

Find out more: register on our site via the Big Blue Button to get instant access to full details of the Harmony Bay Resort and Spa, one of the best European property investments available today. And find out more about Turkey as an investment opportunity.

Posted in European Property Investment, News | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

News: Buccament Bay gets prime time national TV exposure

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Graham Turrell
Buccament Bay 5* Luxury

Buccament Bay 5* Luxury

The Buccament Bay Beach Resort, one of our flagship 5* resort hotel investments, has been given national prime time TV exposure.

It has featured on UK channel ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent programme, showing on the top Saturday night spot has previously hit viewing figures of 19 million.

 

 

(See here for the Buccament Bay competition details).

Buccament Bay, a 5* Caribbean property investment, was featured as a competition prize, where callers could win a luxury holiday for 4 for answering a simple question. This resort is the first 5 star beach resort on the idyllic tropical island of St. Vincent.

As an investor, why do I care?

Well, such great exposure for a flagship resort means a whole new tourist audience discovers the resort. This will, according to “statistical predicatability”, yield an upward push on occupancy at the resort,  over the long term as well as the immediate, as word of mouth takes effect.

This not only benefits Buccament Bay itself, but further establishes the 5 star resort brand of the hoteliers involved, who are also developing other Caribbean resort investments in St. Lucia (The Marquis Estate), Dominican Republic (Las Canas, Two Rivers) and Barbados (The Merricks).

This clever move is just one of many that the hoteliers are making to establish the hotel brand as a world-class hotelier, and the resorts of choice at which to stay when visiting the Caribbean. Others include teaming up with established brands such as Alaia Spa, Liverpool FC, Pat Cash, Gary Player, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and woo-ing the worlds press and travel organisations, are all part of the goal of redefining luxury in the Caribbean.

For more about these resorts and the others we offer our investors visit the website here.

 

Posted in Buccament Bay Trip, Investment Hotspots, News | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Welcome to your very own Chateau!

A visit to the newly launched Chateau de la Cazine, invited by the developer as part of the “soft launch” of the 5* hotel, due to open its gracious doors to the public within the next few weeks.

I am staying in the gorgeous Suite 15 – one of the largest of the Luxury Suites (and one of the few still available to investors as a whole purchase).

*very* comfy beds!

Before “stamping my personal touch” on the room at arrival, I raced around the suite snapping photos of it in pristine condition.

Getting cozy in the Suite!

My room was one of the open plan suites, which the bathroom area on a mezzanine behind the bed. Other rooms have a more traditional seperate bathroom, but I personally really love this style. Very Romantic.

 

 

Suite 15 Bathroom

These shots give you an idea of the different bathroom layouts in Suite 15 and a traditional bathroom of Suite 14 (next door).

Suite 14 Bathroom

All the furnishings are Louis XIV period reproduction of the highest standard, befitting the high-end tourist destination that this is undoubtedly set to become.

Period Furnishings

As French Property Investment goes, this luxury development appears to have it all.

To come I’ll be showing you fine dining, and giving you a tour of the grounds where the real strength of this new resort concept is set to emerge over the coming months….

 

Find out more about the Chateau as an investment at www.highgroundproperty.co.uk/chateau

Posted on March 25, 2012 by Graham Turrell | Leave a comment

The Chateau Experience – Blogging live from France

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Graham Turrell

Welcome to the exquisite Chateau de la Cazine, Limoges France.

Main Chateau - view from front

I’m here in the beautiful Lake District of central France to get upfront and personal with one of our most popular and successful property investments in recent years.

Follow me this week as I blog my way through our 3 day journey over the 200 acre estate, discover the developers vision for the commercial success by establishing a new market.

My goal is to share with you as much as possible about my unique experience of staying at the 5* Chateau using photos videos and commentaries.

Staircase to Ground Floor

I flew in yesterday from Stansted to Limoges and hopped on a coach taking us directly to the resort. I and a number of other guests are here at the invitation of the developers of this amazing project with its centuries old history and charm. We are the first party of guests to stay at the fully refurbished Main Chateau Building shown above.

Joining us for the trip are Robin Barrasford, managing director and co-owner of Barrasford and Bird Worldwide, who’s brain child this project is, joined by his support team over from the UK and local team.

Enjoy!

Posted in European Property Investment, French Property Investment | 2 Comments

News: HighGround Property Launches new website

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Graham Turrell

We are proud and delighted to announce that our brand new website has now gone live. We love it, and we hope you do to!

HighGround's New Look...!

Check out the new HighGround Property Investment site (www.highgroundproperty.co.uk)

So what’s in it for you?

We are of course still showing all the details of our portfolio of luxury 5* investment properties designed to be enjoyed and to create significant residual income for our investors.

But there’s more. Improved still and video resort galleries, detailed country profiles to help you select the perfect location, a Knowledge Base and Resource centre to help you carry out your due diligence.

All this is available through our free Members Area. All you do is follow a simple sign-up and this new resource is then at your fingertips. Just click on the big blue button on any resort page or go straight to our Registration Page (http://www.highgroundproperty.co.uk/registration.aspx).

We look forward to welcoming you !

 

Graham.

Posted in Events, News | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

News: BBC Speechless As Trader Tells Truth: “The Collapse Is Coming…And Goldman Rules The World”

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Graham Turrell

Which way now?

Good morning,

Savings are set to collapse?

A london trader was interviewed yesterday on the BBC News channel, and tells it like it is (in his view).

Watch it here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqN3amj6AcE&feature=feedf

Our take:

We have been saying this for the longest time. We’re often asked about high-risk investment strategies: the biggest risk for regular savers and investors right now is to DO NOTHING. There is much more bad news to come for those relying excessively on the banks and (worse) the stock market. We love the phrase “keep calm and carry on”, but this is an occasion where it simply does not apply. Pension funds and savings alike are extremely vulnerable to collapse with no strong sense of a full recovery.

“The biggest risk people can take right now is not acting”. Get as much sound advice as you possibly can, and act on it. Smart investors are moving to tangible assests such as bricks and mortar, land, precious metals and gilts.

We saw this coming, took steps to protect our assets, formed our company to offer others one of the strongest and safest options there is: land and property. Don’t let the fact that we deal in luxury property cloud the fact that we’re there for the soundest of reasons, surviving and thriving in any economy.

At the end of the day it’s all opinion of course. We’ll know for sure in retrospect. This is uncharted territory (although the Great Depression comparison reasonably keeps coming up). But no market sentiment can remove the basic need for real assets in the world.

What’s your take?

Posted in News, Opinion | Leave a comment

A week in the Caribbean for nothing (and your drinks for free)

Posted on August 25, 2011 by Graham Turrell

Sitting cosily in the office in Berkshire, the weather outside is frightening (to quote Dean Martin). So to cheer myself up, I had to post this for you and consider sunnier climes – and not a gale in sight by the way!

We don’t generally promote prizes here, but this is a bit special.

Buccament Bay 5* Luxury

Buccament Bay 5* Luxury

We’ve teamed up with our good friends at Nirvana Spa to offer a free competition to win an “all inclusive” week for two at the 5* Buccament Bay Resort on the Caribbean island of St. Vincent, including all flights and transfers.

What’s not to like? You can enter right here:

http://www.nirvanaspa.co.uk/email/2011/buccament/index.html

(Best do it now, as the competition closes on the 31st August with the winner announced in September).

I was out there last December, and have to say this is one amazing resort. Tripadvisor tends to agree. Take a look what it says here:

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g147380-d1719145-Reviews-Buccament_Bay_Resort-St_Vincent_St_Vincent_and_the_Grenadines.html

Enjoy!

Graham.

Posted in Caribbean Property Investment, Events, Investment Hotspots | Leave a comment