Luxury Homes, Estates, & Villas of the World » France

Luxury Country Estates & Homes Lower Marin County

jimhilgendorf1 — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 20:43:22 +0000

Some of the most beautiful luxury estates and homes in the greater San Francisco Bay Area are located just north across the bay from the City, in Marin County, in towns such as Sausalito, Mill Valley, Tiburon, Belvedere, Corte Madera, Larkspur, Kentfield, Ross and San Anselmo.

A wealthy, artistic enclave, Sausalito draws tons of visitors due to its location at the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Towns just north of Sausalito, like Mill Valley and Larkspur and others, are upscale quiet communities within easy commuting distance of San Francisco, either by car or ferry.

Some of the most spectacular luxury estates and homes are to be found on the peninsula communities of Tiburon and Belvedere.

The Matchmakers is a real estate company specializing in beautiful homes and estates in the greater San Francisco Bay Area and in France. If you are relocating from another part of the United States to the San Francisco Bay Area for personal or business reasons, or if you are relocating from another country and looking for a full time personal residence, second home or vacation home, we can help in introducing you to this exciting area. We pride ourselves on excellent, personal service.

Give us a call, or email us, to discuss your plans.

Jim & Elizabeth Hilgendorf, The Matchmakers

THE MATCHMAKERS
Real Estate in the greater San Francisco Bay Area and France.
Jim Hilgendorf
CA DRE # 00667290
Cell: 510-501-9564
Elizabeth Hilgendorf
CA DRE # 01891419
Cell: 510-501-9643
Email: thematchmakers@comcast.net

Comments or questions are welcome.

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San Francisco & Paris: A City of Beauty

jimhilgendorf1 — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:23:08 +0000

San Francisco and Paris are sister cities, and no wonder: each is a city of great beauty.

Each is a great city for walking and exploring.

In Paris, walking along the Seine, or wandering through the streets of the Left Bank, or exploring the Latin Quarter or Marais or other parts of this great city, there is always something new, something wonderful around each corner, new shops, lovely cafes, historic buildings and parks.

Arc de Triomphe

The same is true of San Francisco. Take a whole day and just walk. The city reminds one of Paris even. It is packed with wonderful cafes and restaurants, and walking along the streets all over the city, just as in Paris, you hear languages from around the world.

Each city is a magnet for tourists who want excitement and beauty.

San Francisco Cable Car

Beyond San Francisco is a wealth of diversity and beauty, in the lovely towns north of the City in Marin County, such as Sausalito and Tiburon and Larkspur; the world famous wine country of Napa and Sonoma counties, and dynamic Oakland and Berkeley, home to the University of California. Farther north is beautiful coastline and redwoods; while south is also stunning coastline and beaches and Monterey and Carmel.

Beyond Paris, of course, is all of France, a country filled with jewels of places, a world of medieval villages and castles and incomparable food and wine.

At The Matchmakers, our goal is to bring people to these two magical places and assist them in finding their dream home.

Our website is filled with information and videos about the greater San Francisco Bay Area and France. Take a look, and give us a call if you are interested in buying a beautiful home in the Bay Area or France, or are relocating your business to either of these areas.

We look forward to meeting you.

Jim & Elizabeth Hilgendorf, The Matchmakers

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Company Relocation Tours San Francisco Bay Area

jimhilgendorf1 — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 23:50:54 +0000

Company relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area? Private tours are available through The Matchmakers, a real estate company specializing in the greater San Francisco Bay Area and in France.

San Francisco is more than the City. It is the entire Bay Area, comprised of vastly different towns, cities and neighborhoods.

There is the beautiful wine country of Napa Valley; the East Bay, which includes Berkeley and Oakland; Marin County, just to the north of San Francisco, with its lovely small towns just a short distance across the Golden Gate Bridge; and Sonoma County, centering on Sonoma and Santa Rosa.

If you are relocating to this wonderful area, for either business or personal reasons, The Matchmakers can help introduce you through privately arranged tours, set up to meet your specific needs and interests. Tours start at $350 per day for 2-3 people.

We can also provide you with information on homes and real estate in the different areas, as well as information on neighborhoods, schools, medical facilities, universities, etc. We will be happy to assist you in any way we can. Service is our strong point.

On our website, you can check out some of our videos of the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

Give us a call, or drop an email. We look forward to meeting you and assisting you in your transition to our wonderful area.

Jim & Elizabeth Hilgendorf, The Matchmakers

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Fairytale Medieval French Dordogne Chateau

jimhilgendorf1 — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 23:55:52 +0000

This fairytale medieval castle, located in the heart of the beautiful Dordogne Valley in southwest France, has to be seen and experienced to be appreciated.

With approximately 10,000 square feet of habitable space, on 300 hectares of land and four kilometers of river frontage, the interior of the the chateau has been stripped of all decoration and is awaiting refurbishment by its new owner.

There are ten additional renovated cottages on the property.

Price available upon application.

Dordogne Medieval Chateau

The Dordogne Valley, east of Bordeaux, in southwest France, is one of the most beautiful areas of France. The video below, filmed by Jim Hilgendorf of The Matchmakers, will give you some of the flavor of this region.

The Matchmakers is a real estate company specializing in beautiful homes in the greater San Francisco Bay Area and in France. Give us a call. We pride ourselves on great service.

Jim & Elizabeth Hilgendorf, The Matchmakers Real Estate

Mougins, Beautiful Villa on heights of Cannes

jimhilgendorf1 — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 17:03:50 +0000

This beautiful luxury villa in Mougins, France, is only a 15 minute drive from Cannes.

Villa in Mougins, France

Recently constructed, using quality materials, this contemporary home has panoramic views over the Bay of Cannes and the mountains of the Esteral.

Mougins, France, Contemporary Home

The home has 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, a large lounge opening to the terrace and pool, teak decking, and a large double garage.

Offered at 3,500,000 Euros.

Mougins has been a magnet for celebrities, including Pablo Picasso, who spent the last 12 years of his life living there, Jean Cocteau, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Winston Churchill, Catherine Deneuve, and Edith Piaf, to name only a few. With its proximity to Cannes, Mougins is often the tourist destination for Hollywood stars during the Cannes Film Festival.

Mougins also has a strong culinary history, and annually hosts the International Gastronomy Festival of Mougins, or “Les Etoiles de Mougins”.

Jim & Elizabeth Hilgendorf, The Matchmakers

The Matchmakers is a real estate company specializing in beautiful homes in the greater San Francisco Bay Area and in France. Give us a call. We pride ourselves on great service.

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San Francisco Neighborhoods: Hayes Valley

jimhilgendorf1 — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:52:38 +0000

Hayes Valley, an exciting neighborhood in central San Francisco, is bordered on one side by the opera, symphony and arts district; and to the west by Alamo Square.

Hayes Valley boasts a real sense of community; and along the central commercial district on Hayes Street, you will find trendy boutiques, top-notch restaurants, and some hip night spots.

Single and multi-family Victorians make up much of the housing in this area.

Just west of the commercial district is Alamo Square, a lovely park overlooking San Francisco, famous for its views and its lineup of beautiful Victorian homes, called the “Painted Ladies”.

The Matchmakers is a real estate company specializing in beautiful homes in the San Francisco Bay Area and in France. If you are relocating to the Bay Area, give us a call. We can help introduce you to the many different communities in this beautiful area. Visit our website for more videos.

Jim & Elizabeth Hilgendorf, The Matchmakers

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Provence St. Paul de Vence Maison de Vente

jimhilgendorf1 — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 23:56:19 +0000

St. Paul de Vence is one of the jewels of the Cote d’Azur, or French Riviera.

Known as a haven of the famous, it was frequented by the likes of Yves Montand, Simone Signoret, and Marc Chagall.

This beautiful maison has panoramic views of the sea. Close to the village, it is conveniently close to St. Paul de Vence.

Villa, St. Paul de Vence, Provence

With 4 bedrooms and 4 baths, the villa is in excellent condition throughout.

Stone fireplace, high cathedral ceiling with exposed timber beams, swimming pool, and a fully-equipped Provencale kitchen. Two double bedrooms with en-suite bath/shower rooms. Upstairs master suite has fabulous views to the sea and to distant hills.

Offered at 1,785,000 Euros.

St. Paul de Vence Villa

For more information, contact The Matchmakers, a real estate company specializing in beautiful homes in the greater San Francisco Bay Area and France.

Jim & Elizabeth Hilgendorf, The Matchmakers

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Lake Merritt Oakland & Montclair Neighborhood

jimhilgendorf1 — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 15:59:25 +0000

Lake Merritt lies just east of downtown Oakland, and is a popular spot for jogging and walking and boating. The lake is surrounded by park lands and city neighborhoods.

In the heavily forested north Oakland hills, is the Montclair Village neighborhood. The Village center is surrounded by hilly, winding streets that are filled with lovely single-family homes.

Jim & Elizabeth Hilgendorf, The Matchmakers

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Telegraph Hill San Francisco, Coit Tower & Homes

jimhilgendorf1 — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 23:27:07 +0000

Telegraph Hill is one of San Francisco’s oldest neighborhoods.

There are beautiful homes and condominiums here, many with stunning views of the City.

At the top of Telegraph Hill is one of San Francisco’s great landmarks – Coit Tower.

The Matchmakers is a real estate company specializing in beautiful homes in the greater San Francisco Bay Area and in France.

If you are moving to the San Francisco Bay Area from another part of the United States, or relocating from another country, check out our website, and then give us a call or send an email and let us help you get acquainted with this area and help you find that dream home you are looking for in one of the most exciting places in the world.

Also on our website, view more videos of the greater San Francisco area.

Jim & Elizabeth Hilgendorf, The Matchmakers

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Ferry Building Farmers Market San Francisco Embarcadero

jimhilgendorf1 — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 18:06:16 +0000

The Ferry Building, at the foot of Market Street, on the Embarcadero in San Francisco, opened originally in 1898 on the site of an older 1875 wooden Ferry House.

Ferry Building, Embarcadero, San Francisco

From the Gold Rush until the 1930′s, ferryboat was the only way travelers and commuters from the East Bay or Marin could reach San Francisco, unless they traveled up from the Peninsula.

Each Saturday, the Ferry Building hosts a Saturday Market, where shops large and small celebrate food in all its forms, offering everything from artisan cheeses to the freshest of local fish. Restaurants and cafes serve cuisine representing the quality and cultural diversity of San Francisco’s best chefs. The Market draws residents as well as travelers from around the world.

The Matchmakers is a real estate company specializing in beautiful homes in the greater San Francisco Bay Area and France. For more information, visit our website .

Jim & Elizabeth Hilgendorf, The Matchmakers

The Luberon, Lovely Old Stone Maison in Vaucluse

jimhilgendorf1 — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 23:41:58 +0000

A lovely old stone house, on the edge of the village, in the Luberon.

The Luberon is the area of the Vaucluse region of Provence in southern France made famous by Peter Mayle in his book, “A Year in Provence”.

Stone House in the Luberon, France

With a private enclosed garden and swimming pool, four bedrooms and three baths, the home is approximately 2700 square feet.

Stone Maison Luberon Vaucluse

Light and spacious, the home is beautifully maintained inside and out.

Offered at 840,000 Euros.

If you are thinking of moving to France, or buying a second home there, give us a call. We are The Matchmakers, a real estate company specializing in beautiful homes in the greater San Francisco Bay Area and in France.

We love France, and have been there many times, and we love to help people get acquainted with the different areas of this fantastic country, and with finding that home in France you have been dreaming of.

Jim & Elizabeth Hilgendorf, The Matchmakers

We work closely with several select agencies in the Provence region, the Bordeaux and Dordogne Valley regions, the Cote d’Azur, and in Paris – agents we have found to be established, reputable, and willing to give great service.

Great service is what we pride ourselves on.

Visit our website, and then give us a call. We look forward to meeting you, and helping you find your dream home.

THE MATCHMAKERS
Real Estate in the greater San Francisco Bay Area and France.
Jim Hilgendorf
CA DRE # 00667290
Cell: 510-501-9564
Elizabeth Hilgendorf
CA DRE # 01891419
Cell: 510-501-9643
Email: thematchmakers@comcast.net

Comments or questions are welcome.

Vaucluse Provence Maison; Lovely Provencal Home

jimhilgendorf1 — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 22:33:14 +0000

In the beautiful Vaucluse region of Provence, east of Avignon, is this lovely stone village maison.

Lovely stone house in the Vaucluse region of France

The house was renovated in 2004, but still retains its original charm. In a quiet Provencal setting, the home is close to all amenities.

Vaucluse Maison, Provence France

There are approximately 1300 square feet in the home, with three bedrooms, two baths, and a garage with automatic door. No work required – just move in.

The home is offered at 300,000 Euros.

Vaucluse Maison

We love France, and have been there many times, and we love to help people get acquainted with the different areas of this fantastic country, and with finding that home in France you have been dreaming of.

We work closely with several select agencies in the Provence region, the Bordeaux and Dordogne Valley regions, the Cote d’Azur, and in Paris – agents we have found to be established, reputable, and willing to give great service.

Great service is what we pride ourselves on.

Visit our website, and then give us a call. We look forward to talking with you, and working toward the fulfillment of your dream home in France.

Jim & Elizabeth Hilgendorf, The Matchmakers

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Food in France: Les Arques, Lot Valley Gem

jimhilgendorf1 — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 23:45:52 +0000

Food in France – endless fascination!

Elizabeth and I have traveled several times through southwest France – particularly the lovely Dordogne Valley - to such storied places as Sarlat, Beynac, Castelnaud and Domme. When you get out of the big cities, into the real heart of France, you find wonderful treasures at every turn.

Our nugget of gold this time lies in the beautiful Lot Valley.

Recently, I was given a book to read by a friend – The Title: “From Here, You Can’t See Paris: Seasons of a French Village and its Restaurant”, by Michael Sanders.

I found it a lovely book, beautifully capturing the flavor of a place, the people, a restaurant, and wonderful food.

The author’s original intent was to explore the inner workings of a French restaurant, but along the way, he says, he stumbled upon something richer.

The story takes place in the small (population 159) village of Les Arques, the lovely Lot Valley area, in southwest France, just south of the Dordogne. It’s the story of a dying village’s struggle to survive, revolving around the restaurant Le Recreation, and its owners Jacques Ratier and his wife Noelle.

The book really gets into lives of the villagers, their hopes, their dreams, their struggles, the nuances of French life, with the writer’s deeply sympathetic eye and ear. Much of the book revolves around the restaurant, Le Recreation, and food, and I was fascinated, as I always am, by the extraordinary range of French cuisine – the recipes, the preparations, the ingredients, the artistry.

And in case you’re one of those contemplating making a move to France and buying a home there, check out the videos of different areas of France on our Matchmakers real estate website, and search for properties there also.

We make beautiful homes our speciality, in both the greater San Francisco Bay Area and in France. We pride ourselves on great service. Give us a call, we would like to meet you.

Jim & Elizabeth Hilgendorf, The Matchmakers

Aix-en-Provence France Real Estate: Luxury Apartment

jimhilgendorf1 — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 23:16:03 +0000

This apartment in central Aix-en-Provence is a rare and exceptional find.

Apartment for Sale in Aix-en-Provence France

Located on the 2nd floor of a 3-floor 17th century mansion with elevator, the apartment has approximately 2580 square feet, including 5 bedrooms. The apartment has been completely refurbished with old materials, tiles, plasterwork and fireplace. The apartment is offered at 1,417,000 Euros.

Apartment for sale in Aix-en-Provence France

Aix-en-Provence is the home of the great painter Paul Cezanne, and a beautiful city of the arts and education.

See the video below.

Jim & Elizabeth Hilgendorf are The Matchmakers, a real estate company specializing in beautiful homes in the greater San Francisco Bay Area and France. For further information on this property or on other properties, give us a call or send an email. We pride ourselves on great service.

Jim & Elizabeth Hilgendorf, The Matchmakers

Buying Homes in San Francisco Marina District

jimhilgendorf1 — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 22:41:59 +0000

Buying a home in San Francisco can be a challenge, because of the great variety and choices of areas and neighborhoods.

The Marina District, on the northern shore of San Francisco Bay, is one of those neighborhoods, with its own unique character and flavor.

The Marina is in a beautiful location, with views of the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge; and adjacent is the magnificent Palace of Fine Arts and the Presidio.

The residents here are predominantly young urban professionals. This is an area of expensive Mediterranean style flats and homes.

The Matchmakers is a real estate company specializing in beautiful homes in the greater San Francisco Bay Area and in France. If you are moving to the San Francisco Bay Area from another part of the United States, or relocating from another country, check out The Matchmakers website, and then give us a call or send an email and let us help you get acquainted with this area and help you find that dream home you are looking for in one of the most exciting places in the world.

Jim & Elizabeth Hilgendorf, The Matchmakers