With over 40 years of experience in the real estate industry stretching across continents, Philip Weiser, the founder and CEO of The Carlton Group treats us to an evolutional story spanning decades.
Tell us about how you got into luxury real estate the on French Riviera
I was born in New Zealand as a child of German refugees who fled the war in Germany in 1938. After spending my childhood in New Zealand, when I turned 18, I travelled by boat to Switzerland; zig-zagging across the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. It was there, in Lausanne, that I studied the hotel and hospitality industry whilst learning french, and where I also met the future mother of my two children.
My career first took me to Bermuda where I became the reservations manager for a leading 460-room hotel. Being promoted to the corporate offices in New York and Group Reservations Director allowed me to expand my experience in the hotel industry in Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas and eventually, back to London as International Marketing Director for the primary hotel group in the world at that time.
Later, in London, I established a business which was then innovative, offering luxury serviced apartments as an alternative to hotels. High-End BNB before the Internet! This is where the evolution from hospitality to real estate began. With considerable success, the family moved to the French Riviera where I founded my first property company specialising in luxury real estate across the Cote d’Azur.
How did Carlton International get started?
In any business, the roller coaster of great success can sometimes be followed by massive loss. This is what happened with my first company here. An economic crisis that was triggered by the Gulf war in the early 90s brought my booming real estate company to its knees. After a couple of years of living very much hand to mouth, I managed to pull a business together from the ashes and founded Carlton International. Today, The Carlton Group comprises Carlton International, Carlton International Rentals, Carlton Signature, Riviera Lifestyle and Carlton HotelBrokers.
What does The Carlton Group offer to their clients?
Carlton International is a distinguished global real estate agency that presents an extensive portfolio of exquisite properties and bespoke services to its esteemed clients. With a focus on high-end residential and Leisure Industry properties located in the World’s most exclusive destinations, Carlton International offers unparalleled expertise and a commitment to exceptional customer service. Each client is treated with individual attention and personalised care, ensuring that their unique needs and preferences are fully understood and met.
Which part of France does Carlton International cover?
Carlton International covers a vast portion of the South of France, including the French Riviera, known for its exceptional beauty, rich culture, and luxurious homes. Carlton International with offices in iconic places like Saint Tropez, Saint Paul de Vence, Cap Ferrat, Valbonne and Antibes at the gates to Cannes provide expertise and advice concerning the local real estate markets to provide their clients with the best investment and lifestyle opportunities in the Cote d’Azur region.
Considering a stunning beachfront villa in Saint-Tropez, a chic apartment overlooking the Cannes Film Festival – or a charming estate in the provencal countryside and a home bordering Monaco, if it isn’t visible on our website it is probably off-market and in our portfolio.
Tell us about the Carlton International Rental division
We present a refined collection of rental services for our discerning clients who are seeking to indulge in the luxury of a temporary home. Our portfolio features a diverse range of opulent villas, apartments, and chalets, situated in some of the world’s most coveted destinations, such as the French Riviera, French Alps, Marbella, Mauritius and the Greek Islands.
We provide a bespoke approach, catering to each client’s distinct desires and requirements, ensuring an experience that is seamless, enjoyable, and unforgettable. Our comprehensive suite of services encompasses property management, through Carlton Signature, with housekeeping, maintenance, renovation and concierge assistance, enabling clients to immerse themselves in the essence of the local culture and lifestyle with ease. Carlton International Rental’s offerings are a testament to the art of refined living, providing clients with an unmatched level of luxury and comfort.
What happens to the properties when the owners are not there?
Carlton Signature is the epitome of bespoke real estate services, providing an unparalleled level of service and confidentiality to its clients. We are a discreet and experienced small team of professionals, who employ a meticulous approach to understanding each client’s requirements and preferences. With a collective of services covering our client’s needs from feeding their animals when they are away, to interior design and furnishings. Carlton Signature is adept at delivering unparalleled results with our close collaboration with a network of vetted and professional artisans, construction workers and landscapers.
Who is the usual Carlton International client?
Our clients come from every corner of the world with high expectations for exceptional service. Our professional collective is fluent in over 15 languages and caters to the diverse cultural preferences of our clients. We provide personalised and attentive support throughout the entire buying, selling, or renting process, ensuring that our clients feel valued and understood.
What many of our clients have in common is the knowledge that they can turn their luxury homes into an asset. This is where the Carlton International rentals team get involved and showcases the property to our returning clients, managing the rental contracts between the owners and tenants. We ensure that the process is handled professionally so that your property can produce a healthy and strong return on investment.
What are the goals of The Carlton Group?
We are delighted with the compliments we receive from our buyers and sellers and pleased that our brands have made their mark on the Real Estate landscape. This has enticed us to suggest to similar like-minded real estate companies in selected areas, worldwide, interested in a wider audience, to consider using our brands to profit from our global reach and learn the art of service essential to an international clientèle. They will benefit from strong support and understand the importance of personal service to a demanding cleintèle seeking competent, experienced advice and accompaniment.
For more information visit carlton-group.com
