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George Damianos

Damianos Sotheby's International Realty, Sotheby's International Realty

The Damianos Family and Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty Celebrate 75 Years of Redefining Residential Real Estate in The Bahamas

All in the Family. George Damianos, left, Chief Executive Officer for Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty, took over the reigns of the real estate firm from his father, Nick Damianos, in 1993. Lana Rademaker joined the company as an estate agent in 2002 before following in the footsteps of her mother, Virginia, and partnering with her uncle after her mother’s passing in 2014. Both attribute their company’s success to the family’s deep roots in the community, the long-lasting ties they’ve formed over the years and their dedication to the business.

 

(NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS) Jan. 30, 2020—The year was 1945. Oakes Field, the Bahamas’ first airport, had opened a mere five years earlier, World War II had finally come to an end, and The Bahamas was on the precipice of becoming one of the world’s most desirable tourism destinations. It was also during this time that a young man named Nick Damianos decided to enter the business of selling real estate.

Nick Damianos a descendant of Greek immigrants who arrived in Nassau in the late 1800’s to set up a sponge exporting business, established himself in the business community with his straw, lobster and car businesses. But with the opening of an airport that could now accommodate more than just seaplanes, Nick saw opportunities ahead. Larger planes meant more visitors, and more visitors meant potential second homeowners.

“The post–World War II economy was creating a boom around the world, and even back then The Bahamas was on track to become a popular destination due to our proximity to the U.S. and our status as a safe and financially stable Commonwealth Country,” said CEO George Damianos.

And while the real estate market of the mid-1940s was very different from the market of today, Nick Damianos set up a small office at the top of Frederick Street in downtown Nassau. So small, in fact, that he opened his doors with his longtime employee, Al Deleveaux, who worked with Nick his entire adult life.

“My father was a people person. Wherever he went around Nassau, he knew everyone, and everyone knew him. He never met a stranger,” said George Damianos. “So, he didn’t need a huge staff to get the business rolling. He said that honesty and integrity were the key to his success, and he impressed that upon me when I entered the business myself in 1972.”

By that time, Nick Damianos had moved the company’s office to the hustle and bustle of Shirley Street, directly across from Princess Margaret Hospital. As Nassau’s business district grew and flourished, this main vein through downtown was quickly becoming a high-profile area for local businesses. It’s also where the company’s downtown office remains located today.

In 1985 George’s sister, Virginia, joined the family business and the two remained dedicated to following Nick’s business philosophy of relying on relationship building to provide the utmost service to clients.

“I’ve known some of my clients for over 40 years and whether they are current clients or not, we’re in touch on a regular basis socially and professionally.  They are a part of the fabric of our company,” said George Damianos.­­

“My mother’s passion was this business and our team,” Rademaker added. “She was a stickler for professionalism and ethics. She always made decisions that were in the best interest of our clients, working tirelessly until her passing in 2014. Not a sales meeting goes by when someone doesn’t quote something Mum would say. Her spirit continues to inspire this team.”

In 1995, Nick passed away and left the business to George and Virginia.

In 2002, Virginia’s daughter, Lana Rademaker (née Premock), joined her mother and uncle as an estate agent as did George’s son, Nick. It wasn’t long before the real estate firm began to expand across New Providence and into the Family Islands.  Over the course of the next 15 years, George and Virginia opened a total of nine offices throughout The Bahamas: Marsh Harbour, Abaco (2001); Lyford Cay (2002); Governors Harbour, Eleuthera (2006); Hope Town, Abaco (2006); Spanish Wells, Eleuthera (2008); Treasure Cay, Abaco (2010); Old Fort Bay (2010); Guana Cay, Abaco (2010); and, Harbour Island (2016).

The most momentous milestone to occur during this time period was when Damianos Realty purchased a Sotheby’s International Realty franchise in 2005 to become Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty.

“Purchasing the Sotheby’s International Realty® franchise was not a decision we took lightly,” George Damianos CEO, said. “At that point our business had been independently run and successful for 60 years. So, ultimately, we together with our family we came to the conclusion that being associated with a brand as distinctive as Sotheby’s International Realty® and gaining access to their wealth of contacts, partnerships and technology platforms would allow us to serve our clients that much better now and in the future.”

“Joining forces with Sotheby’s International Realty® has taken our business to heights,” said Lana Rademaker, who stepped into the role of Chief Brokerage Officer after her mother’s passing in 2014. “Between the brand’s stellar reputation and global presence and its innovative, forward-thinking marketing strategies, our company has grown exponentially.”

In fact, 52 names now populate the company’s roster—a far cry from the mere two that occupied the Frederick Street office in 1945. But, no matter how large, George and Lana remain true to the company’s longstanding tradition of family, honesty and integrity.

 “We consider our staff members to be a part of our family, and the true story behind our success,” Rademaker said. “We are a tight-knit group. This is something my mother, Virginia Damianos, cultivated during her years as George’s business partner, and it’s a principle I strive to maintain in her stead.  We sincerely care for one another, and I think people sense that when we’re out and about in the community,”

This sentiment was never more apparent than when Hurricane Dorian devastated a portion of The Bahamas last September. The storm had barely passed before the staff members were reaching out to each other to offer support financially, emotionally and physically.

“It was truly touching and impressive to see this team we’ve created coming together in a time of such extreme national crisis,” Rademaker said. “Dorian was an historical storm and none of us were prepared for its aftermath. However, every member of our team contributed whatever they could, whenever they could whether it was offering homes to their colleagues, their boats for search-and-rescue, or volunteering their personal time and money. While it was a low point for our country, it was a personal high point for me witnessing our team in action.”

Whether in times of crisis or times of economic boom, the one constant for Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty was, is and always will be dedication to excellence.

“We are fortunate to have been a part of this community for the past 75 years and we’re proud of our family’s history and what we’ve accomplished together,” Rademaker said. “We look forward to continuing to evolve over the next 75 years and to adapting with the needs of our clients and colleagues.”

 

About Sotheby’s International Realty

The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has approximately 22,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in over 1,000 offices in 72 countries and territories worldwide.  Each office is independently owned and operated.

 

About Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty

 Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty has 10 offices located throughout the islands of the Bahamas, providing unsurpassed market knowledge of Abaco, Eleuthera, Harbour Island, Exuma, Nassau, Paradise Island, Ocean Club Estates, Lyford Cay, Old Fort Bay, Albany and Private Islands. Head office 75 Shirley Street, Nassau. For additional information, please contact 242-322-2305 or info @SIRbahamas.com.

Damianos Realty

Bahamas Golf Communities Offer the Best of Country Club Living

Bahamas Golf Communities Offer the Best of Resort-Style Waterfront Living. Located in Ocean Club Estates on Paradise Island in Nassau, Villa Tarka is just one of the stunning homes for sale in The Bahamas that offers golf enthusiasts resort-style amenities in ultra-luxurious surroundings.

Although prestige is a benefit to living in a golf course community, direct access to the course is the biggest selling point for most avid golfers. Living directly on a golf course offers time to practice and play without being too far from home or family. For those who also enjoy rooms with extraordinary views and access to some of the best beaches in the world, there’s simply no better match for golfers than golf communities in The Bahamas. From Paradise Island to Lyford Cay and Albany, every country club community is accompanied by stellar amenities, stunning views and white powder sand as far as the eye can see.

Ocean Club Estates

One of the most exclusive luxury resort communities in Nassau, Ocean Club Estates on Paradise Island offers residents access to The Ocean Club Golf Course, an 18-hole, par 72 Bahamas golf course featuring breathtaking signature holes and seaside greens and tees stretched over 7,100 yards of beautiful coastline. The Ocean Club golf course is the proud home of the Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational tournament, which brings out celebrities in the world of sports and entertainment playing to benefit their favorite charities. Residences of this community enjoy all of the five-star communities associated with The Ocean Club, a Four Seasons property.

Lyford Cay

Likened to “playing golf in a magnificent tropical garden,” the ultra-exclusive Lyford Cay Club was built in the late 1950s, refurbished in 2006 and today remains one of the world’s most elite golf courses. Restricted to members and guests, the 18-hole golf course designed by Rees Jones is surrounded by mature native trees and spectacular stately homes including the aptly named Lyford View.

The Albany

Albany’s 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Ernie Els, combines the best of links and desert features with windswept dunes and numerous scenic and strategically challenging water features. In addition to the par-72, 7,400-yard golf course, Albany features first-class practice facilities including a 400-yard driving range, short game area with chipping and putting greens, and a cutting-edge swing performance center, all set aside an expansive golf clubhouse with grill room, men’s and ladies locker rooms, a golf shop and 18-seat media and movie theater. The course is surrounded by magnificent homes such as Tee Time and Belle Brisé.

About Sotheby’s International Realty
The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has approximately 22,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in over 950 offices in 69 countries and territories worldwide. Each office is independently owned and operated.

About Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty
Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty has 11 offices located throughout the islands of the Bahamas, providing unsurpassed market knowledge of Abaco, Eleuthera, Exuma, Nassau, Paradise Island, Ocean Club Estates, Lyford Cay, Old Fort Bay and Private Islands. Head office 75 Shirley Street, Nassau. For additional information, please contact 242-322-2035 or info.Bahamas@SIR.com.

Damianos Realty

Want to Buy an Island in the Bahamas? We Have Some Ideas for You

If you want to buy an island in The Bahamas, Blue Island is an option. Blue Island, one of several private islands exclusively listed by Damianos Sothebys International Realty, is a 700-acre island in the Exuma cays and features a brand-new 5,700-foot asphalt jet airstrip, more than three miles of coastline and white sandy beaches, elevations up to 100 feet and numerous private beachfront homesites.

As an archipelago comprised of more than 700 islands and cays, The Bahamas is known the world over for being home to some of the most breathtaking islands on the planet. Whether you’re looking for a private sanctuary for hosting guests, a bonefishing mecca or scuba diving and snorkeling adventures, each island offers its own version of what it means to live in paradise. In addition to Blue Island, pictured above, below are more islands exclusively listed by Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty for those who want to buy an island in The Bahamas.

Saddleback Cay, Exuma Cays

Saddleback Cay, a private island in The Bahamas named by locals because of its shape as seen at sea level is situated on the northern tip of Norman’s Cay in the northern part of the Exuma Cays. Norman’s Cay has a 5,000 foot airstrip making Saddleback Cay easily accessible but still private. There are 47 acres and 7 pristine white sand beaches with elevations up to 90 feet plus a protected deep water harbour accessible from the Atlantic side. View more details here

Whale Cay

Whale Cay is a private island located in the fishing mecca of The Bahamas, the Berry Islands, and comprised of a total acreage estimated to be between 711 acres and 850 acres. Situated between the Bahama Banks and the tongue of the ocean, the Berry islands have long attracted visitors who enjoy fishing and boating plus it has great proximity to Florida and is just 30 miles north of Nassau. The Island is primed for residential development, with 570 to 711 acres included in this listing, total acreage to be conveyed subject to final survey. There are 12 miles of shoreline and 13 white sandy beaches totaling 7 miles. View more details here.

Lobster Cay, Eleuthera

Lobster Cay is a 3.473-acre secluded tropical hideaway nestled among the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Eleuthera in The Bahamas. This truly unique private island paradise offers all the comforts and amenities of a luxury estate and provides ideal potential for an exclusive development. Lobster Cay is conveniently located in an up-and-coming area close to an airport and just a short boat ride from the increasingly popular island of Spanish Wells, the lobster capital of The Bahamas. Also nearby is the desirable tourist destination of Harbour Island, home of the world-famous Pink Sands Beach. View details here.

Foot’s Cay, Abaco

This enchanting 20-acre private island located on the Sea of Abaco in The Bahamas captures the essence of island living. Just 30 minutes from the international airport and jet service, Foot’s Cay offers uniquely convenient access to the central hub of Marsh Harbour, Abaco. The four suite “Main house” with it’s impressive vaulted ceilings, massive doors, and limestone floor evokes a sense of grandeur with a clean, simple aesthetic. Wide covered verandas flow seamlessly from the great room and offer gracious outdoor living and dining areas. With professional quality appliances and seating for twenty, this island house serves as the backdrop for truly memorable dining experiences. View more details here.

About Sotheby’s International Realty
The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has approximately 22,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in over 950 offices in 69 countries and territories worldwide. Each office is independently owned and operated.

About Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty
Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty has 11 offices located throughout the islands of the Bahamas, providing unsurpassed market knowledge of Abaco, Eleuthera, Exuma, Nassau, Paradise Island, Ocean Club Estates, Lyford Cay, Old Fort Bay and Private Islands. Head office 75 Shirley Street, Nassau. For additional information, please contact 242-322-2035 or info.Bahamas@SIR.com.

Damianos Sotheby's International Realty

Nandana Redefines the Grand Bahama Real Estate Market

Asian inspiration in the heart of Grand Bahama. Located on Freeport, Grand Bahama, Nandana is an awe-inspiring waterfront estate for sale featuring an infinity pool overlooking the ocean and five-star amenities.

Lying just 52 miles off the coast of Palm Beach, Fla., and known mostly as a prime cruise destination, Grand Bahama is the fourth largest island in The Bahamas. Offering some of the best fishing in the world, Grand Bahama is celebrated for its natural beauty from the white sands of Taino Beach to the tranquil waterfalls of Garden of the Groves and the underwater caves at Lucayan National Park.

It is also quickly becoming known as home to one of the most luxurious mansions in the world. Set within an exclusive, gated enclave at the far West End of Grand Bahama, Nandana is a palatial Asian-style mansion that combines the freedom of residential living with the bespoke services and amenities of a five-star hotel. From candlelit dinners served under the stars to the Italian linens that grace the estate’s custom-made beds, every nuance and detail has been carefully crafted to enhance the unique feel of this ultimate Caribbean escape.

Designed by a renowned architectural firm in an Asian beach house style, the property is comprised of six separate buildings. A spectacular main house with soaring 40-foot ceilings is surrounded by five free- standing bedroom suites. The interior of the property has been constructed entirely of natural materials with massive amounts of imported Burmese teak covering the floors, walls and ceilings and natural stone forming most other surfaces. A professionally designed lighting system has been installed to emphasize the property’s many distinctive architectural features.

This dream home also features a full range of indoor and outdoor activities including a 50-foot deep sea fishing yacht, a 15-foot inflatable tender, jet skis, off road all-terrain vehicles, fishing gear, snorkeling equipment, bicycles and CD and DVD libraries. A golf course is just a short drive away and a full range of adventures can be arranged for visitors from private air charters to neighboring islands, picnics on deserted island beaches, world-class bone fishing to swimming with dolphins and shark diving.

Nandana is accessible by yacht or by private aircraft via an adjacent 6,000-foot runway with Bahamian Customs and Immigration services. For more information or details, please visit Real Life Magazine  or Leading Luxury Estates of the World

About Sotheby’s International Realty
The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has approximately 22,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in over 950 offices in 69 countries and territories worldwide. Each office is independently owned and operated.

About Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty
Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty has 11 offices located throughout the islands of the Bahamas, providing unsurpassed market knowledge of Abaco, Eleuthera, Exuma, Nassau, Paradise Island, Ocean Club Estates, Lyford Cay, Old Fort Bay and Private Islands. Head office 75 Shirley Street, Nassau. For additional information, please contact 242-322-2035 or info.Bahamas@SIR.com.

Damianos Realty, Damianos Sotheby's International Realty

Luxury Homes for Sale in The Bahamas

Luxury Homes for Sale in The Bahamas. In a country that defines luxury in the Caribbean, Lucaya is one of the most luxurious homes for sale in The Bahamas.

From the traditional Colonial influences of the old Bahamas represented in the exclusive community of Lyford Cay to the clean, modern architectural lines of residences in Albany and Old Fort Bay, Nassau offers some of the most elegant and sophisticated luxury homes for sale in The Bahamas.

To give you an idea of just how luxurious, we’ve listed below some of the most elegant homes available in a market that has come to define Caribbean luxury for the world’s most sophisticated home buyers.

  • Lucaya, Lyford Cay

    Located on Edgewater Drive in the exclusive gated community of Lyford Cay, a spectacular beachfront home on 3 lots with 530 feet of beautiful sandy beach in a private, enclosed setting. The main house has 4 bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms plus two staff bedrooms. Price: US$40,000,000.

  • Villa Tarka, Paradise Island

    This grand 20,000 sq. ft. home is completely custom designed and sits on approximately 1.5 acres, with 246 linear feet of gorgeous sandy beach. Its southern border backs to the 16th hole of the Ocean Club Estates golf course. Resort-style amenities include an infinity pool, outdoor shower and professional tennis court with an air-conditioned pavilion. Price upon request.

  • Villa Delicias, Lyford Cay

    Balinese style single story villa with 181 feet of beautiful sandy beachfront in the exclusive gated community of Lyford Cay. The ‘U’ shaped home has spacious covered verandahs which offers indoor outdoor living and dining. Price: $US19,000,000.

  • Paraiso, Ocean Club Estates Paradise Island

    Paraiso is an immaculate 6 bedroom, 7.5 bathroom home with 151 feet of pristine white sand beach in the prestigious community of Ocean Club Estates. The grandeur of this home is evident as soon as you step inside and are greeted by an array of stately materials, including Mahogany and marble, welcoming you into an open-plan living space, bathed in natural light and oriented to capture breathtaking ocean views. Price: $US11,995,000

  • Bella Brisé, Albany

    Belle Brisé is a spacious 10,000-square-foot residential retreat looking out over Albany’s 18-hole championship golf course, site of the PGA’s Hero World Challenge. There are three bedrooms on the ground floor, one of which has a private entrance perfectly suited for house staff. Price: US$11,400,000

Looking fore more? Take some time to browse through all of our exclusively listed luxury homes for sale.

About Sotheby’s International Realty
The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has approximately 22,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in over 950 offices in 69 countries and territories worldwide. Each office is independently owned and operated.

About Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty
Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty has 11 offices located throughout the islands of the Bahamas, providing unsurpassed market knowledge of Abaco, Eleuthera, Exuma, Nassau, Paradise Island, Ocean Club Estates, Lyford Cay, Old Fort Bay and Private Islands. Head office 75 Shirley Street, Nassau. For additional information, please contact 242-322-2035 or info.Bahamas@SIR.com.

Damianos Sotheby's Int. Realty

George Damianos Says Bahamas Is Ideal Destination

The Bahamas was presented as an ideal destination for primary and second-home owners by George Damianos at the 2012 National Property Showcase in London

George Damianos presentation

George Damianos making his presentation at Countrywide’s UK event (photo courtesy of Jon Holland, Hamptons International)

NASSAU, Bahamas (June 18, 2012) George Damianos, President of Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty, recently participated in an exclusive real estate event hosted by Countrywide (the UK’s largest estate agency) at the Millennium Hotel in London. Countrywide owns and operates London Sotheby’s International Realty and United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty. International realtors from around the world attended with only two realtors from our region invited – one from Barbados and George Damianos from the Bahamas.

Mr. Damianos made a presentation on the Bahamas as an ideal destination for primary and second-home owners, highlighting our tax neutral incentives and the ease of buying property in the Bahamas. He also had the opportunity of showcasing many of the company’s exclusive property listings to an audience which included over 150 industry leaders, including representatives from Lloyds, RBS, HSBC and Virgin Money.

George, along with his sister and partner Virginia Damianos own and operate Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty which has a total of 11 offices throughout the Bahamas with five offices in the Abaco’s, including two in Hope Town, one in Marsh Harbour, Treasure Cay, Guana Cay in addition to its offices in Nassau, Old Fort Bay and Lyford Cay and offices in Eleuthera in Governor’s Harbour and Spanish Wells. The newest office is in Georgetown, Exuma. Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty head office is located at 75 Shirley Street, Nassau. For additional information, please contact (242) 322-2305 or (242) 362-4211.