Property spotlight: equestrian estates
Words: Rachel Loos
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Property spotlight: equestrian estates
Property spotlight: equestrian estates
Fusing Mediterranean style with country chic, materials have been carefully chosen to instill an air of quiet luxury. Custom chandeliers made of curling wrought iron hang from high ceilings, and parquet floors are complemented by Loro Piana fabric-lined walls. Prestige artworks—Kohl is an art lover and collector—hang on the walls. Horses are never far away—a large window gives a view to the indoor arena while one of the two terraces looks out onto the outside arena. The estate’s pièce de résistance is arguably the stables, which have their own vehicular entrance allowing for easy transport. Spacious stalls for a total of 38 horses (plus three quarantine boxes) are housed in three light and airy wings—insulated for a comfortable temperature and lower energy use—connected by a central hall with a wet room and grooming areas. As well as being able to see each other, the animals can look outside too, as every stable has an outer window. Well-being is key here, and spacious wellness and rehabilitation facilities include a solarium, an aquatrainer, a spa, and an infrared cabin with an inhalation device. In the two-story tack room, finely crafted woodwork including cabinetry for storage is teamed with more fabric-lined walls—this time in Ralph Lauren—transforming what is often purely a functional area into a stunning statement space. Connected to the stables is an international competition-size indoor arena with a striking vaulted ceiling that floods the space with light; it is also large enough to accommodate stands for up to 800 people. The arena features one fully mirrored side and the floor is laid with high- quality waxed sand that is gentle on horses’ joints. Outside, another competition-size arena has an ebb-and-flow system to ensure it is both dust-free and well drained, again to ensure that the surface is not jarring. It is supported by several training arenas including a lunging circle and an all-season racetrack of almost three miles (4.8 km). The estate also boasts eight all-season paddocks and 32 fields, allowing horses to spend time outside all through the year. For breeding, there is an E.U.- certified insemination station. “While Gestüt Peterhof specializes in dressage, it can easily be adapted to the specific needs of showjumping and even polo,” says Ghosh. “Planning permission has been granted to double the number of stables and to build a spacious showjumping arena.” For humans, there is accommodation in high- spec villas. On one side of the courtyard is the main residence, a 4,000-square-foot (372 sq m) home that has two en suite bedrooms with dressing rooms, an open-plan living and dining room, and three balconies which, between them, catch the
Home of champions
“Gestüt Peterhof is one of the largest and most beautiful equestrian estates in the world.” Monique Ghosh
Animal magnetism (Clockwise from above left) Spaces to sit and enjoy the beautiful views are dotted throughout the Casino; vaulted ceilings encourage the sunlight to stream in; cozy country details meet high style in the bedrooms of the villas.
sun all day. As in the Casino, the elegant decor encompasses parquet floors and fabric-lined walls. The stud manager’s residence is next door, which also has an open-plan living and dining room plus three en suite bedrooms. It can be connected to the main house to create one much larger home. Opposite are three guesthouses and, combined, the arrangement of the villas resembles a village piazza, adding to the charming ambience. Despite its wonderful sense of escape, Gestüt Peterhof is well connected, with multiple railway stations and three airports—one of which can transport horses—within an hour’s drive. “You won’t find 74 acres in Germany that are also close to autobahns and the airport,” says Kohl. “This kind of estate would not be given planning permission today, which is one reason why Gestüt Peterhof is unique. But it’s also because of the place itself. As soon as you arrive, you can feel its special atmosphere. There is nowhere else like it.” b
A n aerial view of Gestüt Peterhof showcases the perfect symmetry of its design, from the beautifully proportioned buildings to the neatly fenced paddocks that surround them. The layout is just one example of the attention to detail that has gone into the creation of this remarkable equestrian estate in Germany. On the slopes of the upper Moselle River, the 74-acre (30 ha) property features riding, training, and stud facilities, along with splendid entertaining areas and accommodation for its human residents. Rather than being added to over time, Gestüt Peterhof was planned and built as one, so its handsome looks are matched by a practicality that allows the estate’s many different areas to work seamlessly together. “It is one of the largest and most beautiful equestrian estates in the world, and a home of champions,” says Monique Ghosh of Christie’s International Real Estate. “If you think in terms of tennis, it’s like buying Wimbledon. Such exclusive estates as this almost never come up for sale, so this is a chance to acquire a rare gem.” Gestüt Peterhof was created in 2011 by the successful dressage rider Arlette Jasper-Kohl, along with her husband Professor Edwin Kohl, an
entrepreneur within the pharmaceutical industry. As well as being an equine enthusiast, Jasper-Kohl is also an interior designer, and she brought her extensive knowledge of both horse and human to the drawing board when designing the estate. “My wife grew up with horses, they are her passion,” explains Professor Kohl. “We wanted to create stables with exceptional equestrian facilities and functionality to ensure that the horses are safe and well, but also a place that was in itself beautiful.” In that they have succeeded. A manicured drive opens out onto a Mediterranean-style courtyard where the sound of running water, from an elegant stone fountain, promotes a peaceful atmosphere. This mood is further enhanced by hundreds of trees, ornate topiary, and flower-lined pathways, all of which complement the stone façades and soothing colors of the architecture. At the head of the courtyard is a two-story building called the Casino, which at just over 6,000 square feet (557 sq m) is the heart of the compound’s entertaining offering. Inside, a graceful flight of stairs leads into a series of stylish rooms including two fireside lounges and a spacious restaurant-style dining room, which is served by two fully equipped kitchens.
World-class horses have been bred and trained at the amazing facilities of Gestüt Peterhof in Perl, Germany — and the human accommodation is just as breathtaking
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Bridle suite The top-of-the-range stables (above) at Gestüt Peterhof have been painstakingly designed to be both beautiful and supremely comfortable and safe for the horses that call them home.
OFFERED AT Price upon request INQUIRIES Christie’s International Real Estate, christiesrealestate.com ASSOCIATE Monique Ghosh, mghosh@ christiesrealestate.com, +44 20 7389 2299
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Featured properties: garden design
Featured properties: garden design Way to grow A great garden is good for the soul, and these four special properties boast beautiful outdoor spaces in which to sit back and unwind
Caves Valley beauty Owings Mills, Maryland
Designed with seamless indoor–outdoor living in mind, this handsome, custom-designed residence is nestled on 2.4 acres (1 ha) of lush, landscaped grounds. A canopy of mature trees provides shade and privacy, and the gentle water trickling into a peaceful fish pond provides a soothing soundtrack to afternoons spent enjoying the sunshine. For more sociable days, entertaining is a dream thanks to sweeping patios and a screened-in porch with a cooking center, ideal for alfresco gatherings. Caves is an exclusive, gated community surrounding a world class PGA golf course, and vistas of the Caves Valley landscape are glimpsed from a roof terrace accessed via one of the home’s four bedrooms. Inside, introduced by a dramatic marble foyer, the property is every bit as charming. Both work and play are fully considered, thanks to a stunning mahogany library with a fireplace and a generous home office, as well as an opulent billiards room with its own wet bar and powder room, a games room, a driving range/putting green, and an exercise room, making this one of Baltimore County’s finest houses. $4,195,000 Hubble Bisbee Christie’s International Real Estate, hubblebisbee.com, Karen Hubble Bisbee, karen@hubblebisbee.com, +1 410 321 1411
Resort-style perfection Houston, Texas
In bloom Tall palms enhance the tropical allure of La Ceiba in the Bahamas (left); mountain vistas frame the grounds at Sandstone House in South Africa (below left).
Branching out The Tudor-style house in Houston, Texas, is reminiscent of a country club (above); elegant planting in this
An oversized pool and spa lies at the heart of the breathtaking garden encircling this five-bedroom home in the exclusive Tall Trees neighborhood, while a stylish outdoor bar and event pavilion are inviting spots for large-scale parties. This outdoor idyll is completed by a tennis court. $6,990,000 Nan and Company Properties, nanproperties.com, Nadia Ross, nadia.ross@nanproperties.com, +1 832 221 1996
Maryland property provides a peaceful retreat (below).
La Ceiba Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas
Sandstone House Franschhoek, South Africa
Waterfalls and 300 feet (91.4 m) of spectacular beachfront greet guests upon arrival at this grand manor house. La Ceiba’s vast garden wonderland features a croquet/bocce ball court, an infinity-edge pool, a lap pool, a beach dune hot tub, an outdoor kitchen, and a firepit, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful Caribbean climate. The Asian-inspired five-bedroom main residence has 2,400 square feet (223 sq m) of verandas offering stunning sea views, while there is plenty of space for guests in the estate’s two three-bedroom cottages and for staff in separate two-bedroom quarters. $37,500,000 H.G. Christie Ltd., hgc.com, John Christie, sales@hgc.com, +1 242 322 1041
Mature trees fill the garden at this gracious country villa, uniting the indoor and outdoor living spaces and promoting a sense of tranquility and well-being. This green oasis is easy to run thanks to three computerized irrigation systems, which automatically water the home’s lawn and plants, while the orchid greenhouse produces elegant blooms from September to January. A picturesque lake, stream, and pond filled with koi provide wonderful spots for quiet contemplation. Sprawling over five picturesque acres (2 ha), the farm estate fulfills the dream of rural living— the formal outdoor space is enveloped by an established and productive olive grove, with 150 20-year-old trees to the south and a gorgeous, thriving Merlot vineyard to the north, which currently produces 4,000 bottles of world-class wine per year. Contemporary and classical architecture combine in the eight-bedroom main house, and the exquisite living spaces boast generous windows to take in the magnificent mountain views that stretch beyond the residence’s boundaries. ZAR 100,000,000 Greeff Properties, greeff.co.za, Aimee Campbell, aimee@greeff.co.za, +27 72 693 4052
Europe, Middle East, India & Africa | Monaco
Europe, Middle East, India & Africa | Malta
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Sublime penthouse Fontvieille • Three en suite bedrooms and a half bath • Roof terrace with hot tub and outdoor kitchen • Double parking space included Perched high up overlooking breathtaking scenes of Fontvieille Marina and dramatic cliffs, this expansive penthouse is the height of luxurious Riviera living. Throughout its lavishly styled interiors, grand volumes charm, with open living and dining spaces blending beautifully. Three bedrooms each have an
Trophy estate Balzan • Eight bedrooms across two homes • Lush gardens, pool, and multiple garages • Offered furnished Rich with centuries of history, this exceptional 0.5-acre (0.2 ha) estate exudes grandeur. Set in a coveted area, it encompasses two expertly restored homes—a two-story townhouse and a classic Maltese “house of character”—as well as several further buildings that provide countless options for living and commercial
en suite bath. In the main living room, floor- to-ceiling doors open to an inviting terrace with astounding views, but it is the enchanting roof terrace that is the pièce de résistance of this superb apartment. Ascending a staircase, a sprawling, serene oasis with spellbinding vistas awaits, where a Mediterranean garden retreat is adorned with lush greenery, ample seating, a hot tub, and an excellently appointed summer kitchen. A laundry room, cellar, and double parking space complete this exquisite property, located within close proximity to the exclusive restaurants, stores, and amenities of the marina and its glamorous surrounds.
OFFERED AT €26,500,000 INQUIRIES Miells, miells.com ASSOCIATE Elena Balashova, info@miells.com, +377 97 97 79 29 ON THE WEB Search for C61896
arrangements. The townhouse includes both formal and relaxed living and dining areas, an internal courtyard, five bedrooms, a garden, and a pool. Recently converted, the second house showcases charming original features, highlights of which take in an open mill room with wood-burning fireplace, two kitchens, two internal courtyards, and superb terraces. A bewitching oasis, the property is located in Balzan, a sought-after spot with a history of attracting renowned families. Today it bursts with life, retaining the character of a typical Maltese village while also delivering a host of new boutiques, eateries, and amenities.
OFFERED AT €5,000,000 INQUIRIES Oyster Real Estate, oystermalta.com ASSOCIATE Miguel Bonello, mb@oystermalta.com, +356 7949 9137 ON THE WEB Search for C61851
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