As trans-Atlantic travel resumes and home prices in the U.S. continue to rise, American homebuyers are now setting their sights on luxury markets abroad. Choice European markets that languished during the COVID-19 pandemic are now seeing a resurgence, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.
In this week’s look at real estate markets worldwide, I took a look at property selling in one of southern Spain’s most desirable areas and how it compares to similarly priced homes in France’s Nord-Pas-de-Calais region and the vibrant city of Markham in Ontario, Canada. From a 9th-century Cambrai chateau to a lavish Marbella villa, here’s a closer look at what about $4.75 million buys right now.
Markham, Ontario, Canada | $4.81 million (CAD 5.995 million)
Located in Old Thornhill, one of Ontario’s celebrated Heritage Conservation Districts, this striking contemporary-style home overlooking a ravine blends into its surroundings with a stone facade accented by steel-framed windows and warm woodwork.
Features: Designed for indoor-outdoor living, the open-concept floor plan features pocketing glass doors that open directly to expansive walk-outs and second-story balconies. In the heart of the home, a vaulted-ceiling kitchen pairs an island/breakfast bar with designer cabinetry, high-end appliances and an eye-catching wine wall. A separate catering kitchen sits nearby.
Other perks: The primary suite—one of four bedrooms and five bathrooms—expands to include a large walk-in closet and a gleaming bathroom with a clawfoot tub. A guest apartment with separate access and a kitchen lies on the lower level.
Represented by: Barry Cohen, Barry Cohen Homes
Cambrai, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France | $4.68 million (EUR 3.95 million)
This storied chateau, which dates to the 9th century, was initially used as a mint that produced coins for the region. Several renovations through the years include the addition of a hammer-shaped building in the 16th century and a restoration in the 18th century that saw the chateau refurbished using bricks from the countryside.
Features: Today, the home offers hotel-capacity accommodations with 27 bedrooms and suites, reception rooms and a chef-grade kitchen. Also receiving a makeover was the on-site caretaker’s house, which now serves as another suite.
Other perks: An underground garage can accommodate large groups and has parking for 15 vehicles. The three acres of grounds also hold a wellness center with a swimming pool.
Represented by: Sophie van Cayzeele, Groupe Mercure
Marbella, Malaga, Spain | $4.68 million (EUR 3.95 million)
Few communities are more exclusive than those found in Marbella, the beautiful beach city in the southern part of Spain. This villa-style, designed to evoke the traditional Farmhouse dwellings of Andalusia, lies in one of the most coveted: the private residential area of Sierra Blanca.
Features: A central courtyard dressed in beautiful artistic tile lies at the center of the six-bedroom, six-bathroom home and is accessed by each of the wings. Inside, a grand living room is equipped with a fireplace and library. The primary bedroom suite has two walk-in closets and a private, sea-view terrace.
Other perks: Set on about 3,000 square meters, or roughly three-quarters of an acre, the walled and gated property has a large terrace with expansive ocean views. In addition to the main house, there’s a guest apartment, a gym and an indoor swimming pool. Outside, a landscaped garden and gazebo with a barbecue surround the outdoor pool.
Represented by: Cristina Martinez, Inmobiliaria Rimontgo