Concierge Auctions, a luxury property auction company favored by celebrities and discerning sellers all over the world when selling trophy estates, is to bring to the market Castel Valer, a fully-furnished, lavishly decorated castle in the foothills of the Dolomites. Currently owned by the same family who obtained the estate in the fourteenth century, this is the first time the property will change hands in nearly 650 years. The property will sell without reserve on 8th September 2016.
The magnificent castle includes 35,520 square feet (3,300 square meters) of net living space, comprising 15 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms, five kitchens, including a medieval smoke kitchen, a banqueting hall, library, two chapels, an octagonal tower, wine cellar and swimming pool, all in magnificent condition. The grounds extend to 18.5 acres (7.5 hectares) and incorporate terraced gardens, orchards and forest and further benefits from three private access roads. Constructed over half a millennium from 1200-1700, the property combines architecture from the Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque eras. The period features include unique 15th and 16th century frescos and incorporate antique crown roof tiles. Sold fully furnished, the castle is fitted with bespoke antique furniture pieces, impressive glass chandeliers and Venetian mirrors.
Situated in the foothills of the Dolomites, Northern Italy, the location of the castle within the Val di Non allows for immediate access to beautiful lakes, quaint villages and world famous skiing in the Austrian resort of Kitzbühel. Verona is just a one hour drive from the property, with Venice and Milan also within easy reach, providing easy access to international airports as well as representing some of Italy’s most popular historic cities.
The buyer of Castel Valer will be purchasing an historic artefact, as well as a magnificent home. Built upon Roman ruins on the site of a historic Roman road, the castle retains a cloister of pillars dating back to the 16th century Council of Trent, in addition to an octagonal tower used as a WWI artillery base for German and Italian military. Of the two chapels, the Late Gothic-style Saint Valerio, embellished by frescos by 15th Century Italian old master painters Giovanni and Battista Baschenis from the Bergamo region, has been awarded the title of Europe’s Best Renovated Chapel by Christie’s and Europa Nostra.
History and modern amenities combine, as the castle has been meticulously restored over the last 20 years to incorporate all facilities expected of a 21st century home. There is a new electric generator, two heating systems, newly installed alarm system, newly installed roof tiles and a water and waste pipeline connected to the nearest village. Rooms restored as conference facilities and refurbished staff accommodation provide the necessary space should the buyer wish to run the property as an events space.
Count Spaur zu Flavon und Valer, the vendor of the castle, comments: “The home holds a lot of history for both my family and my country. I especially love the details in the Gothic Chapel and have a fondness for the Ulrich hall which was named after my ancestor. I hope the new owners of the home will enjoy the property as much as I have, and further add to its fruitful timeline.”
Heidemarie Schwatlo, president of box8, comments: “We are thrilled to be representing the vendors in the sale of this historic property. The castle has been the much-treasured home of the family for hundreds of years, however, is now beyond their requirements. We expect the estate to attract the interest of a buyer looking for a home of great historic, architectural and artistic value.”
Charlie Smith, Concierge Auctions’ European advisor, comments: “The sale of Castel Valer is a once in a several lifetimes opportunity to purchase a truly unique property in the heart of the Dolomites, within easy reach of some of Italy’s most sought-after cities, as well as being accessible from the international centres at Zurich, Munich and Salzburg. The property would be ideal for a buyer looking for a private retreat, or as a home from which they can run a tourism or hospitality business, with the numerous historic features and wonderful location providing a unique draw for visitors.”
Paulina Kimbel, Director of Business Development for Concierge Europe/North East US, comments: “This opportunity represents our third auction in Europe, following successful sales in St Tropez, France and Mallorca, Spain this year and is emblematic of both buyers’ and sellers’ appetites for the Concierge Auctions model.”
The property will be auctioned by Concierge Auctions on 8th September, in association with the seller’s representative, luxury Swiss family office and real estate advisory firm, box8 AG, and its president, Heidemarie Schwatlo.
The estate has previously been valued at over €31million.
Concierge Auctions will conduct previews of Castel Valer, beginning 25th July. A 3 percent commission is offered to the buyer’s representing real estate agent. See Auction Terms and Conditions for full details. To book an appointment, call +1 212.257.5018 or +44 (0) 20 3327 2750.
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