Riviera: €5mOpera tenor Andrea Bocelli may have more than Puccini on his mind when he sings in Collins Barracks in Cork next July.
His penthouse apartment in the principality of Monaco is on the market with local agency Eureka Immo and he is expecting €5 million for his superbly-located pad. Irish representative David Stanley is handling sales at this end.
While the price may seem steep, this is fairly run-of-the-mill in Monaco terms. Just about everything here is prestigious, with height, views and location determining the price scale.
Bocelli's 316 sq m (3,400 sq ft) four-bedroom penthouse is located in the sought-after Carré d'Or quarter, on a Monegasque hillside overlooking yacht-filled Hercule harbour. This is a few steps from the Casino, Café de Paris and the Hermitage Hotel.
The previous owners were a Roman countess and her industrialist husband, who bought the apartment as an investment, renovated the interior and sold it to Bocelli.
Other residents in the block include tenor José Carreras and Julian, son of John Lennon. Apparently Bocelli liked to keep all the doors open and his neighbours were treated to regular bursts of song.
Eureka Immo's Irish representative David Stanley believes the apartment could easily be sub-divided into two separate apartments, creating a Monaco base plus income.
Apart from a few business exceptions and certain categories of French nationals, residents incur no tax on income or capital - a major incentive for many well-heeled foreign nationals who base themselves here. Andrea Bocelli's penthouse has a private entrance, four terraces - three with sea views - two lifts and a garage.
The 28sq m (300sq ft) kitchen is large by local standards and has all modern conveniences. Central heating and air-conditioning are also installed. Views from a roof deck are panoramic.
Monaco has a colourful history full of tales of epic battles and untold riches. The Grimaldi dynasty dates from 1297 when, disguised as a monk, Francois Grimaldi seized the fortress from a rival Italian faction. This legacy is recorded on Monaco's coat of arms, which depicts two monks brandishing swords.
Contact: stanley@eureka-immo.com
