My fellow Americans, if, like so many of us, you’ve been contemplating jumping ship and leaving the country, consider fleshing out the fantasy: browse the websites of our favorite real estate agencies in Europe.
These boutique outfits have great taste, are commendably selective, and embrace variety. In other words, the personalized, lived-in looking listings they present are the antithesis of the anodyne quarters seen on just about all other property sites, especially on these shores. The distinction is particularly notable when it comes to kitchens: rather than the familiar white boxes, they offer setups that are far from cookie-cutter, and often filled with fresh design ideas. Here’s a look at some current listings; warning: there are no bargains.
The Modern House in the U.K.
Founded by two former journalists at The World of Interiors and Wallpaper, TMH showcases standout 20th century architecture all over the UK. We’ve been hooked for years: many of their properties have appeared as Remodelista features.
“The structural cast concrete is left bare to the majority of walls as just one of the many evidences of craftsmanship throughout, achieving a monolithic sense of permanence and a surprising warmth,” writes The Modern House. The kitchen and dining areas are divided by “a threshold” of Gio Ponti concrete tiles; £2,750,000
Inigo in the U.K.
An offshoot of The Modern House, Inigo sells “Britains most marvelous historic homes.”
Fantastic Frank in Europe
Founded in 2010 in Stockholm with a goal of “treating every property as a work of art,” Fantastic Frank now has 18 offices in Europe (its locations are not the expected: none in France or Italy, but several in Scandinavia, Spain, Germany, as well as Lisbon and Amsterdam. The lone US outpost is in Denver, go figure). “Our properties,” they say, “all share one thing in common: a charm that is uniquely their own.” To make sure that charm is obvious, Fantastic Frank sends in a skilled team of stylists.
The fully shored-up kitchen retains its original Spanish cement tiles; €540,000.
Historiska Hem in Sweden
The Stockholm-based firm zeroes in on houses and apartments with “historic character.” That ranges from 1970s studios to centuries-old villas. “With our interest in building history, we focus on the enduring values of the home, the lives that have been lived there, and the legacy that will be managed,” they write. Interior designers and set designers skillfully go to town before the firm’s photographers arrive.
Jeudi in Paris
A new discovery of ours, Jeudi celebrates Parisian architecture and design. Some of its offerings are presented barebones, take-it-or-leave-it; others are move-in ready. The Jeudi office is adjacent to the Palais Royal gardens and its team specializes in helping the recently arrived acclimate to life in The City of Light.
These firms are all well worth following on Instagram:
Go to Kitchen of the Week for many more standouts.
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