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Damianos Sotheby's International Realty
Former Bahamas Home Of The Duke Of Windsor And Wallis Simpson Goes On The Market
Sigrist House occupies a sprawling four-care ridge overlooking lagoons, golf links and the distant ocean.
Orginally ran on Forbes.com. Written by Regina Cole
After King Edward VIII abdicated the British throne to live with the woman he loved, he was made Governor of the Bahamas, a job that conveniently took him away from England. In 1940, while the Governor’s Mansion was being redecorated to Wallis Simpson’s liking, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor lived at Sigrist House.
Built in 1939 by British aviation pioneer Sir Frederick Sigrist, the main 15,000 square foot residence occupies four acres on the crest of Prospect Ridge in Cable Beach, Nassau. The estate consists of a four- bedroom-suite main residence, two four-bedroom guesthouses and a three-bedroom apartment, making for a total of 15 bedrooms. There are 13 baths and two half baths.
Now Sigrist House is for sale, offered for $8.5 million by Mark Hussey of Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty.
A wide loggia features limestone flooring, wrought iron and massive ceiling beams.
The estate has expansive patios, a high-ceilinged loggia and, in one of the dining rooms, large windows that drop down into the floor to make for easy flow between the inside and the grounds. Stone and mahogany flooring, curved walls, extensive use of tile, rare white mahogany paneling and lovely wrought iron work are just some of the architectural elements. The four fireplaces were found in English country houses, dismantled and brought here, where they were painstakingly built into the rooms.
The four fireplaces in the house originally came out of English country manors
The house was designed by the American and English architectural team Schoepell and Voivesky, while the interiors were largely furnished by the notable British firm of Mallett Antiques on New Bond Street, London. The house is Spanish Colonial in architecture, but the interiors were decidedly English. The Georgian style paneling of the drawing room is of rare white mahogany, built in London to specification, as was the beautiful hand-carved pine paneling in the library.
The gardens at Sigrist House were considered among the finest in the West Indies and include fruit and coconut trees, a swimming pool and Jacuzzi, all with views over the mature manicured grounds, saltwater canals and distant Atlantic Ocean.
Until the current owners bought Sigrist House 20 years ago, it remained in the original family. Over the past decade the houses all have undergone extensive restorations. All electrical and plumbing systems have been modernized and brought up to today’s standards. The roofs have been replaced and the historical wood and ironwork has been lovingly restored. The gourmet kitchen, with custom cabinetry, has been upgraded to create a thoroughly modern and functional workspace.
Damianos Sotheby's International Realty, Sotheby's International Realty
Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty Reports Robust 2018 Residential Real Estate Market
Resort-Style Living. According to Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty, the demand for luxury resort-style properties such as those found on Kamalame Cay (above) saw a significant surge in 2018.
Nassau, The Bahamas (Jan. 21, 2019) — According to Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty, 2018 was another healthy year for luxury residential real estate sales with the company’s list price averaging $1.55 million and sales prices averaging $1.4 million.
“Overall, 2018 was a strong year for sales with a slight increase over the 2017 performance,” said Lana Rademaker, Chief Brokerage Officer for the company, noting that there has been a significant increase in demand for homes in the Family Islands. “Markets like Hope Town, Harbour Island, Kamalame Cay, Treasure Cay and Spanish Wells are ideal entry markets into The Bahamas. People come down for holidays and end up returning as buyers.”
Rademaker added that the uptick in visitors and buyers in both Nassau and the Family Island markets can be partially credited to the increased number of direct flights into these markets from the U.S. and Canada. Major carriers such as American Airlines, Air Canada, JetBlue and Delta offer daily flights to The Bahamas and recently announced direct flights from Chicago and Houston to Nassau will offer even more opportunities for easy access to The Bahamas.
“The enviable lifestyle of The Bahamas has always been a major attractor to buyers in addition to the fact that we’re an English-speaking country with a stable economy,” Rademaker said. “And now with even more direct flights to our islands, people are able to get here more conveniently and frequently, making our country a strong choice for those who want to own a vacation home just one flight away.”
Another factor is the growing demand for unique resort-style residential properties such as those found on Kamalame Cay, which is about a 20-minute flight from Nassau.
“We are constantly striving to stay ahead of market trends and seek out distinctive opportunities for our clients,” Rademaker said. “I am proud to announce that one of our top agents, Vanessa Ansell, participated in seven transactions on Kamalame Cay this past year, making it one of the most active periods in the history of the luxury resort. Through her strategic marketing and carefully cultivated relationships, Vanessa has positioned herself as the go-to real estate advisor for Kamalame Cay.”
To further accommodate and more fully service this ever-increasing market activity, Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty expanded their sales team with the addition of two new agents in 2018. In December, the company also opened a new office location on Harbour Island next to the popular Piggly Wiggly food store on King Street, the island’s main thoroughfare.
“Nurturing ongoing client relationships is our number one priority as a company,” Rademaker said. “The more visible we are in the markets we serve, and the more knowledgeable our agents are, the more value we can provide to people whether they are current, past or future clients.”
The company’s ongoing mission to continually seek out ways to better serve their clients was further augmented when the firm hosted a four-day NINJA Selling Conference for their entire company at the Grand Hyatt Convention Center at the Baha Mar Resort in October 2018.
“The conference was an incredible experience,” Rademaker said. “Our entire company gathered together for four days to focus on expanding our knowledge and skills as real estate professionals. Designed to help agents capitalize on their strengths, conquer their goals and transform their business, the content of the NINJA Selling Conference aligned perfectly with our company’s culture.”
New developments like BahaMar, GoldWynn, the Pointe and the soon-to-be redeveloped Hurricane Hole on Paradise Island are also providing exciting new opportunities for buyers in the country’s capital.
“The great thing about The Bahamas is that we’re constantly growing and progressing as a country,” Rademaker said. “There is always new and fresh inventory to explore, which makes it a very exciting market to live in, work in and invest in.”
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.
About Sotheby’s International Realty
The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has approximately 22,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in over 970 offices in 72 countries and territories worldwide. Each office is independently owned and operated.
Damianos Sotheby's International Realty
DAMIANOS SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY ANNOUNCES TOP PRODUCERS FOR 2018
NASSAU, The Bahamas (Jan. 3, 2019) — George Damianos, Chief Executive Officer for Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty, and Lana Rademaker, Chief Brokerage Officer, are pleased to announce the company’s top producers for 2018.
For the fourth year in a row, Nick Damianos was the company’s overall Top Producing Sales Agent and Top Listing Agent. James Malcolm earned the title of Top Producer in the Eleuthera market while Jane Patterson was awarded Top Producer in Abaco.
“Last year proved to be a very strong year for residential sales in the luxury market throughout The Bahamas,” George Damianos said. “We credit our company’s continued success to our collaborative hard work, our global network and the strength of our prestigious brand, along with our best-in-class marketing platform.”
Nick Damianos, also the company’s top sales person, emphasizes Sotheby’s International Realty’s global marketing reach as a key factor in disseminating the competitive advantages of Bahamas real estate to prospects around the world.
“The Sotheby’s International Realty platform and networks allow us to showcase the properties, lifestyle and residency advantages of the Bahamas to high-net-worth individuals wherever they may be,” he said. “We are able to tap into markets that would otherwise be unaware of what the Bahamas has to offer.”
Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty has been an industry leader since 1945 specializing in the listing, marketing and sale of luxury and waterfront properties. With 11 offices throughout The Bahamas, Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty boasts the most experienced and successful team of real estate professionals, consistently ranking among the top producers in The Bahamas real estate industry.
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 242-322-2305 or Info@SIRbahamas.com.
About Sotheby’s International Realty
The Sotheby’s International Realty network currently has approximately 22,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in over 970 offices in 72 countries and territories worldwide. Each office is independently owned and operated.
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Damianos Sotheby's International Realty
Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty Improves Website to Include 4K Video Technology
Better Quality Video, Better Buyer Experience. Also known as Ultra High Definition, 4K resolution offers better quality video at a higher resolution. This higher resolution is particularly beneficial for industries such as real estate because it allows potential buyers to experience the finer details of a home in sharper clarity when viewing property videos.
NASSAU, The Bahamas (Aug. 23, 2018) — Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty today announced that its website, SIRbahamas.com, now supports 4K video on its property detail pages, a feature that will be rolled out through the entirety of the website over the next few months.
“4K video is the new benchmark for both recording and watching video and it brings a whole host of benefits to our clients,” said Lana Rademaker, Chief Sales Officer for Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty. “This technology presents our exclusive listings in the highest resolution possible, bringing all aspects of a home to life in a way that allows potential buyers to experience the home’s true beauty and value simply by viewing a property video.”
The display on 4K video is so clear that it’s virtually impossible for a viewer to see pixels. When combined with faster screen refresh rates, 4K has the potential to deliver almost as much depth as 3D—without the need for glasses.
“With the level of clarity that 4K video provides, it’s really the next best thing to touring the property in-person,” Rademaker said.
This is particularly important when it comes to the luxury real estate market in The Bahamas since many potential buyers are viewing properties from afar.
“As a company with extensive global reach, we are committed to taking advantage of every tool we can to ensure that the buyer experience is as satisfying and as seamless as possible,” Rademaker said. “Whether that buyer is viewing our website locally or from 3,000 miles away.”
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.
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Damianos Sotheby's International Realty
Refined Décor, Seclusion and Miles of Powdery Beach are Putting Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty’s Exclusively Listed Guanahani Beach Villas – and San Salvador – on the Map
Ultimate luxury in a relaxed, reclusive atmosphere. Located about 200 miles southeast of Nassau, Guanahani Beach Villas sit on 1.5 miles of powdery sand on the southeast coast of San Salvador in The Bahamas. Exclusively listed by Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty and featured on the cover of the 2018 summer issue of RESIDE Bahamas, the elegant resort offers the best of both worlds – luxurious imported finishes and refined décor in a laidback setting ideal for the adventure seeker.
San Salvador, The Bahamas (August 14, 2018)— Ten years ago, Carlo and Elena Sparta set off on a quest to find a place that was remote enough to feel secluded, but accessible enough not to intimidate savvy travelers.
They didn’t know exactly where they’d end up, they just knew they’d know when they found it. After embarking on a globe-trotting odyssey that took them to some of the world’s most spectacular locations in Australia, South Africa, Mexico, Baja California and Brazil, their search ended the moment they felt the powdery white sand sift between their toes as they walked along Snow Bay Beach in San Salvador, The Bahamas.
“It was love at first sight,” said Elena Sparta who now owns and operates Guanahani Beach Villas on that very beach. “The bay is breath taking; the colours of the water change several times a day. We knew almost immediately that this was the ideal place for us.”
Nestled on the sand just steps from Pigeon Creek and Snow Bay National Park on the southeast end of San Salvador, Guanahani Beach Villas offer guests three one-bedroom villas and a two-bedroom villa all of which feature elegant touches such as oak wood flooring, crisp white walls, teak furniture, Hansgrohe faucets, Bassini shower heads, Pozzi Ginori ceramics and white mosaic Bisazza shower tiles.
“Using white as the dominant colour was not only a question of taste, but a deliberate choice to ensure that the villas were in harmony with the colours of the sea and the beauty of the nature that surrounds Guanahani,” said Sparta.
Aesthetically driven, these features are what sets Guanahani Beach Villas apart and make it unique in the resort landscape of The Bahamas.
“The European styling combined with the best of The Bahamas beachfront allow for the perfect marriage of European design and Caribbean charm,” said Vanessa Pritchard-Ansell, the Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty Real Estate agent who is exclusively representing the property.
And it’s not just the décor that nurtures a sense of accord throughout Guanahani Villas. With cement roofs and walls and double-glazed hurricane-impact windows on every building, the property is built to weather storms, offering peace of mind for future owners and visitors.
Additionally, louvred doors and windows take full advantage of the trade winds which flow consistently and steadily over San Salvador November through May making the island a dream destination for sailing, kitesurfing and windsurfing. The waters surrounding San Salvador reach as deep as 4,000 meters, attracting divers, snorkelers and fishermen from around the world, particularly from the French and European markets. To serve this ever-growing tourism market, Air Caraibes has increased its airlift with direct flights from Paris to San Salvador every Thursday. The island is also served by direct daily flights from Nassau on American Airlines and BahamasAir , weekly flights from the U.S. and two flights a week from Canada.
Another unique aspect of Guanahani Villas is the ability it grants future owners to establish their own design imprint on the island with the availability of vacant land directly adjacent to the resort.
“The 12,647 sq. ft vacant lot included in the asking price, as well as the surrounding vacant lots available for sale, offer the perfect blank canvas for a developer to project their own vision, or on which they can continue the space-saving architectural style and interior design footprint.”
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
Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty is Top-Tier Sponsor of Paradise Plates for Fifth Year in a Row
Foodies, Friends and Fundraising. Now in its 10th year, the Hands for Hunger indoor food festival known as Paradise Plates is one of the most highly anticipated fundraisers in Nassau. The culinary experience features more than 40 of the island’s most talented chefs showcasing signature creations, along with performances by well-known artists such as legendary reggae artist Willis the Illest.
NASSAU, The Bahamas (Aug. 13, 2018) — Chefs, foodies and restaurateurs will fill the Imperial Ballroom at the Atlantis Resort to capacity on Saturday, Sept. 29, in honor of Paradise Plates 2018.
Touted as the culinary event of the year, the Hands for Hunger fundraiser is one of the most highly anticipated events in Nassau, attracting an average of 1,500 attendees hoping to do their part to help end hunger in The Bahamas.
“It’s been an honor for us to be a sponsor of this extremely worthwhile event for the past five years,” said Lana Rademaker, Chief Sales Officer for Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty. “Zeleka Knowles and her team at Hands for Hunger do an absolutely incredible job every year of putting together an event that is both elegant and educational.”
A night filled with culinary compassion, the organization will also be celebrating its 10-year anniversary.
“This year we come together to commemorate a decade of service to those in need. There is no better way to mark the occasion than with an incredible Paradise Plates event, that celebrates our work and raises funds to support the year ahead,” said Zeleka Knowles, Executive Director of Hands for Hunger.
With up to one in every eight people in The Bahamas going to bed hungry every day, organizations like Hands for Hunger have never been more crucial to the survival of those less fortunate. All proceeds go directly to Hands for Hunger and towards our organization’s mission. Funds raised from Paradise Plates keep food rescue trucks on the road for another year.
For more information about Hands For Hunger or Paradise Plates, visit www.handsforhunger.org or contact the Hands For Hunger office at 327-1660 or via email at tickets@handsforhunger.org.
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.
Dear Sotheby’s International Realty Brokers,
I am proud to announce Amanda Howard Real Estate™ in Huntsville, Alabama is the newest member of our global real estate network and will now operate as Amanda Howard Sotheby’s International Realty.
The firm, owned and operated by Amanda Howard, was established in 2009. Amanda Howard Sotheby’s International Realty serves the residential real estate markets in North Alabama, including Greater Huntsville/Madison County and Lake Guntersville. The brokerage is also deeply invested in giving back to its community through the support of more than a dozen local charities and initiatives.
Please see the attached press release for additional information and join me in welcoming Amanda Howard Sotheby’s International Realty to our brand.
Sincerely,
Philip White
President and Chief Executive Officer
Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC
Living in The Bahamas Is A State of Mind. From Private and Reclusive…
Saddleback Cay | Private Island | Exuma Cays, Bahamas
…To Ultimate Resort-Style Living.
Villa Florentine | Paradise Island | Bahamas
The Bahamas is a chain of 700 breathtaking islands and cays surrounded by over 100,000 square miles of crystal clear blue ocean. Situated just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, The Bahamas is easily considered to be one of the most picturesque island getaways around.
Since opening our doors in 1945, Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty has remained the leader in the luxury real estate market in The Bahamas. With an “International” middle name, Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty represents the best of both worlds through local and global reach. Given this position, we are responsible for representing the islands of The Bahamas to an international audience, showcasing our country’s desirable island lifestyle and the value of investing in The Bahamas.
Stop Dreaming. Start Living.
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.
