It’s that time of year again when holidays give us a glimpse of what our lives might look like elsewhere. Who hasn’t thought how wonderful it would be to have a home in the parts of Europe we love to visit, whether close to the Mediterranean or in the heart of a vibrant city?
August Collections, the premier co-ownership platform for European holiday homes, has just the solution. For the price of one holiday home, it allows you to buy and own a share in five specially curated properties in Europe’s most iconic locations.
From the golden beaches of the Cote d‘Azur to the rolling hills of Tuscany and the sun-dappled streets of a Mallorcan village, August Collections provides clients with an opportunity to own five stunning holiday homes. All are situated in gorgeous locations, come with beautifully designed interiors and all the amenities you could wish for.
Making holidays even better
With a keen eye for potential and a deep appreciation for characterful homes, Mélie Dunod‘s sensitivity to place and design lies at the heart of August Collection. The co-ownership platform, which she co-founded with Nicolai Johan in 2018, is quietly revolutionising the way Europeans own holiday homes.
The idea began by seeing first-hand how frustrating the process of buying a second home can bring. “The process is often overwhelming: finding a trustworthy agent, navigating foreign paperwork, dealing with renovations from abroad – it became a nightmare.” Dunod, who had spent years delivering real estate projects across Europe, knew how opaque and expensive the process could be, especially for international buyers. “Locals would pay half what foreign buyers were being charged,” she adds.
But what if there was another way? What if instead of buying a single home outright, people could co-own a collection of thoughtfully restored homes – each designed with care, managed professionally and embedded in its local community? “I realised it wasn’t just about property,” Dunod explains. “It was about lifestyle.”
Low volumes, high standards
Still very much a boutique offering, August Collections only launches six collections a year, each of which is bought and co-owned by 21 buyers. It’s a model that allows the company to maintain the consistently high standards and service levels it has become known for.
A huge part of the advantage it brings to those in the market for a high end holiday home is that it takes away all the hassle.
Location, location, location
August Collections only sources holiday homes in sought-after destinations and picturesque landscapes such as the south of France, Tuscany, the French Alps, Mallorca and, in England, the beautiful Cotswolds.
For those who would like to experience sophisticated city living, it also sources beautiful properties in vibrant cities such as Paris, Rome, Cannes, Barcelona and London.
Selected properties must meet very specific criteria. Not only must they be in desirable locations and beautiful surroundings, but they must also have a clearly identifiable local charm, bright and spacious reception rooms and well-designed interiors, typically a blend of quintessential period architecture and modern yet tasteful amenities.
Because Dunod is so prescriptive about what she wants, the company typically identifies properties that are packed with potential, in the perfect location, and then fully renovates and updates them, working exclusively with top notch local contractors.
“I wanted to preserve authenticity. Too often, vacation homes are sterile, modern ‘white boxes’ that could be anywhere. We deliberately avoid that. We look for older homes with character – thick stone walls, exposed beams, hand-tiled floors. We restore them, yes, but we keep their soul intact,” says Dunod.
It’s a rigorous and sustainable approach that ensures each meticulously renovated home properly reflects the local region.
“If you are in Tuscany, for example, it will be an old farmhouse on top of a hill with magnificent views and lots of olive trees,” she explains.
“For an apartment in Paris it’s all about ceiling mouldings and old marble fireplaces, on carefully chosen streets where everything is convenient and it’s easy to live like a local. We never buy in touristy parts of a city.”
This emphasis on quality is why August Collections also takes such care to curate the homeowners who buy into each collection. Applicants are screened to ensure they are a good long-term fit for the August Collections community.
The model is also solving a growing problem across Europe: underused second homes. In many popular regions, houses stand empty for much of the year, driving up prices for locals while contributing little to the community. “Our model keeps homes occupied year-round,” Dunod explains. “It brings more spending to local businesses, keeps craftsmen employed, and helps preserve historic properties that might otherwise fall into disrepair.”
The formula seems to be working. Since its launch, August Collections has maintained occupancy rates of approx 80 per cent across its properties.
A collection to suit every lifestyle
Pied à terre
August Collections‘s Pied à Terre collection is for those who want to enjoy a slice of the city, or cities. Priced from €405,000 per share, it nets you five beautiful two-bedroomed apartments, with either one or two bathrooms, in Paris, London, Rome, Cannes and Barcelona.
Grand pied à terre
For those who want a bit more space, this collection gives owners a chance to elevate their urban retreat. Properties here typically have three bedrooms, again within the same five cities, with shares priced from €600,000.
Signature
Signature is August Collections‘s most popular collection. It provides an opportunity to own five beautiful holiday homes including a four-bedroom villa in the south of France, a three-bedroom apartment in the French Alps, and a four-bedroom farmhouse in Tuscany. Buyers also gain ownership of a three-bedroom town house in Mallorca and a three-bedroom cottage in The Costwolds, from €435,000 per share.
Premium
August Collections‘s Premium collection comprises more substantial holiday homes, each selected with entertaining on a grander scale in mind. It includes a mix of four- or five-bedroom properties including a substantial five-bedroom villa in the south of France, a generous four-bedroom apartment in the French Alps and a large five-bedroom farmhouse in Tuscany. There’s a beautifully appointed four-bedroom town house in Mallorca and a four-bedroom Cotswolds cottage to round out your collection. Prices here start from €700,000 per share.
Prime
August Collections describes its Prime collection as “simply the best”, and it’s hard to argue. Priced from €1.48 million per share, the four properties in this collection have been specially chosen for the most discerning travellers.
It includes a palatial five-bedroom farmhouse in Tuscany, an enormous five-bedroom villa in the south of France, a substantial four-bedroom town house in Mallorca and a luxury five-bedroom ski chalet with stunning views out over the French Alps.
Find out how you too could own homes in Europe’s top holiday spots at augustcollections.com
