As the year winds down and the festive season approaches, Abu Dhabi prepares for a landmark cultural occasion – the inaugural Abu Dhabi Collectors' Week, taking place December 2nd to 5th at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort.
The debut of this landmark gathering cements Abu Dhabi's status on the world stage as the UAE's cultural pulse, thanks to steadfast investment in its cultural cachet. Orchestrated by Sotheby's in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the four-day celebration is designed to honour the city's role as a beacon of artistic expression and cultural depth.
The programme this year also includes the renowned auction house's Concierge Auctions, bringing to Abu Dhabi a curated selection of the world's finest real estate. In a landmark first, ultra-luxury properties will be going under the hammer alongside collector cars from RM Sotheby's and a sole-owner collection of timepieces and jewellery from the main auction house – igniting a rapid cascade of bids that ripples across the realms of art, automobilia, and horology.
From exclusive French Riviera estates to a Zaha Hadid-designed architectural tour de force in Austria, the property selection at Abu Dhabi Collectors' Week illustrates the growing appeal of collectable residences as cornerstones of refined, cosmopolitan living.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: French Riviera’s Crown Jewel
This singular Mediterranean estate at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat on the French Riviera unfolds across 7,319 sq. ft. of refined living quarters within 0.72 acres of expertly landscaped gardens abloom with indigenous species. Holding a prime position on the western verge of Cap Ferrat, this 1954 seafront residence is one of Côte d'Azur's most coveted addresses, revealing unobstructed seafront vistas at every turn. Steps from the Four Seasons Grand-Hôtel, the villa encompasses seven bedroom suites, crowned by a palatial primary suite with sweeping Mediterranean views and autonomous guest wings. Living spaces span a 70-square-metre reception hall and an 80-square-metre wraparound terrace framing spectacular seascapes.
A detached 75-square-metre guest residence, with private access and stunning outdoor spaces, ensures discreet hospitality for visitors. The grounds feature an infinity pool that dissolves into the azure expanse beyond, alongside a 60-square-metre cabana, an outdoor summer kitchen, and a wellness annexe complete with a hammam and sauna. Multiple terraces and hidden alcoves lend the home immense character, providing versatile spaces for entertaining and quiet relaxation.
Complete with dedicated staff accommodation, ample secure parking, and immediate waterfront access, this grand estate is a supreme masterpiece in one of the Riviera's most distinguished enclaves.
Location: Un Rêve sur le French Riviera
Words cannot capture the grandeur of this estate's extraordinary setting. Embraced by the sapphire Mediterranean on all sides, the property sits mere moments from the picturesque port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat and a brief drive from both Monaco and Nice. This idyllic peninsula epitomises a rarefied coastal lifestyle.
The legendary Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is also nearby, reflecting the area’s rich historical pedigree. This impressive estate, nested amid nine resplendent gardens, was commissioned during the Belle Époque by Baroness Béatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild, whose refined artistic sensibility lives on through the villa's museum-quality treasures.
The shoreline beckons with days of paddleboarding, sailing, or exploration of secluded coves along the eleven-kilometre coastal path with uninterrupted Mediterranean vistas. On the other hand, Michelin-starred gastronomy awaits at Le Cap, Four Seasons, and the picturesque village of Villefranche-sur-Mer.
Private yacht charters, championship golf courses, and the spectacle of Monaco's Grand Prix all lie within reach, yet the peninsula preserves its character as a haven of privacy.
The property is listed at $40,500,000. Bids are expected to start at approximately $16,000,000, and a $10,000 bidder deposit is required.
Graz, Austria
Brought to auction as a landmark investment opportunity, this Graz property presents a rare chance to acquire a revenue-generating asset of profound cultural significance – a breathtaking hotel estate designed by the late Dame Zaha Hadid, one of the most visionary architects of our time.
Set in Austria's second-largest city and cultural heartland, Graz has earned a UNESCO World Heritage status for its enchanting Old Town and majestic Eggenberg Palace. With its labyrinth of alleyways, Renaissance courtyards, and Baroque facades, the city stands as a living testament to centuries of European cultural refinement.
Situated in the heart of the city centre, this fully operational boutique aparthotel spans 20,900 sq. ft., featuring 21 serviced apartments ranging from 320 sq. ft. to 860 sq. ft. Managed by Limehome, an established name in luxury hospitality, the property generates stable, consistent returns. Three fully leased retail units and 3,200 sq. ft. of first-floor offices enhance its investment credentials. The crowning glory is an exceptional penthouse residence that offers substantial revenue potential – whether retained for private enjoyment or marketed as an exclusive short-term rental.
This turnkey investment is in one of Europe's most culturally rich cities with no foreign ownership restrictions, making it accessible to non-EU investors.
Location Appeal
The Schlossberg hill rises from the city centre, where its historic Clock Tower stands 473 metres above sea level, providing panoramic cityscape views.
Graz boasts significant cultural wealth. Schloss Eggenberg, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Baroque architectural gem from the 1600s, features opulent staterooms and manicured gardens. The opera house and annual Styriarte Festival offer a year-round repertoire of high-calibre classical performances.
Beyond the city, the Styrian landscape reveals staggering vistas, undulating vineyards, and thermal baths that provide a rejuvenating contrast to city life – a quiet reminder of Graz’s harmonious marriage between heritage and nature.
The property is listed at $22,000,000, with bids expected at approximately $12,000,000 and a $10,000 bidder deposit required.
