Private client property
Examples of our recent work include:
Caribbean island of Mustique
Acting on the sale of a villa on the Caribbean island of Mustique at a price of $9m. This involved liaison with New York, Bermudian and Grenadian lawyers.
Charitable trust
Investment/commercial
Acting for the charitable trust of a wealthy private client on the acquisition, management and ultimate disposal of a portfolio of high street shops around the UK, which produced a secure income for its charitable purposes.
Country estate
Carrying out a comprehensive property and tax legal audit for one of the best known racing estates and bloodstock businesses in readiness for sale.
International financial institution
Representing a major international financial institution in the purchase of three East Anglian farms.
Russian individuals
Acting separately for two Russian individuals on the purchase of flats at the Candy & Candy development – One Hyde Park. The construction advice was central to the negotiations.
Thai family
Investment/commercial
Acting for a Thai family on the acquisition of a Grade 1 listed office building for conversion to a single house with a new development of flats to the rear. This was facilitated adopting a development funding arrangement with the seller/developer.
US clients
Residential
Acting for two existing US clients on opposite sides of a wholly arms-length transaction where we bought (and sold) a Mayfair town house within the space of four hours at a price of around £30m. The seller was contractually required to serve a notice of claim for enfranchisement on the Grosvenor Estate and to assign the benefit of the claim.
Crown Estate
Representing a senior private equity executive in buying a Georgian house on the edge of Regent's Park and securing the qualified lease extension rights available on Crown Estate properties.
Related practice areas
"Macfarlanes LLP fields a 'brilliantly inventive and tireless' three-partner team, featuring the 'knowledgeable' John Hornby and 'very astute' Tristan Ward."
The UK Legal 500 2011
"Macfarlanes' private client property group is widely considered one of the best on offer in London, not least since partners benefit from the 'top-flight' resources at hand throughout the firm. The group serves a varied clientele, including institutional organisations, offshore trusts and high net worth individuals."
Chambers UK 2012