Confidential Properties arousing emotions
Founded in Sanary-sur-Mer by Zélia et Stéphane Michel, Confidential Properties has made its name through high demands and discretion in the world of top-notch real estate. An adventure born of an encounter... and then self-evidence. Zélia, from the art world, crossed the path of Stéphane, marketing manager in industry at the time…
Zélia and Stéphane Michel share a deep passion for architecture and began, for their own enjoyment, to acquire, transform and enhance properties steeped in character before placing them back on the market. Soon enlisted by friends in search of addresses in Paris, they fine-tuned their expertise, revealing rare talent in unearthing real gems. 11 years ago, they took the next step, creating their own company as property dealers. A natural, gradual path which led them to become even more professional by taking rigorous training in the demands required to focus on high-end real estate. A few years later, a more formally structured agency opened its doors in Sanary-sur-Mer, Zélia’s home town. From the countryside around Aix to the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and the Bay of Cannes, the pair now excels in presenting rare properties sheltered from prying eyes. From a romantic pied-à-terre for a discreet getaway to an exceptional home nestling between greenery and the azure-blue sea, they build a collection of meticulously selected properties. Many are found thanks to their double network, at the crossroads between the art world and great names in industry.
Visits are never improvised : each file is treated to an in-depth review, and the address is sometimes only revealed after the atmosphere, volumes, views or architectural signature have been sketched out. Here, quality is more important than quantity, and a tightly knit team of 6 professionals offers a luxury that has become rare : that of time. Comprised of collectors, sponsors, French and international industrialists, the clientele of Confidential Properties appreciates this bespoke approach and discovering these insider properties, absent from the portfolios of other estate agencies. “We can become very determined when moved by a property that we really fall for,” says Zélia Michel who, with her team, does not hesitate to roam through narrow streets, little creeks and pathways, in search of the rare pearl missing in her collection. Future prospects involve extending the agency’s presence and recruiting collaborators who share its philosophy in the areas around Saint-Tropez, Marseille and Nice, while pursuing this search for beauty, the exceptional... and bliss. n
