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For Mark, the dream of spending more time in the South of France was always there, it was just about finding the right way to make it a reality. His first step was joining the Monti Pied À Terre Collection, securing four beautifully curated homes across Europe’s most iconic cities. But as Mark spent more time in his August homes, he realized he wanted something even more tailored to his lifestyle, leading him to add a second share in the Negresco Grand Pied À Terre Collection. Now, with an expanded portfolio of elevated homes, he enjoys even more flexibility and space, refined design, and the same effortless experience that first drew him to August.
My name is Mark, and I live in Princeton, USA. I had always known that I wanted to spend more time in the South of France, but since I still run a business, I couldn’t just move there permanently. My initial plan was to start by living there for part of the year—perhaps a quarter—then gradually increase that time over the years. Eventually, I would decide whether to split my time more evenly between the two places.
The big question, of course, was how to make that work. Where exactly would I live? How would I manage a property from abroad? I had a friend with a house in the South of France, which I had visited a couple of times—once when I was younger and more recently as well. That got me thinking about owning a place there. However, the reality of buying a home, managing renovations, and then leaving it empty for most of the year didn’t seem practical. I’d be responsible for upkeep, insurance, and all the logistical challenges, all while only using the property a few months per year.
That’s when I started researching alternatives, specifically companies offering co-ownership models—both in the U.S. and internationally. August was one of the companies I came across. At first, I looked at their villas in places like Tuscany and Chamonix. But right around that time, they introduced their first Pied À Terre Collection, which immediately caught my attention.
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The concept was compelling: instead of owning a single home in one location, I could have four properties across different European cities. At the time, the Collection included Cannes, Rome, Barcelona, and Paris (before London was later added). Even if I eventually bought a place in the South of France, I knew I would still want to visit these other cities regularly. The ability to have beautifully designed, fully managed homes in multiple prime locations was incredibly appealing.
The financial aspect also made sense. For the cost of buying a small apartment or a fixer-upper that I would have to renovate myself, I could instead gain access to multiple high-end properties without the hassle of maintenance. I recently went through a renovation project in Princeton, and even being physically present, it took over a year to complete. Managing something like that remotely from the U.S. would be nearly impossible.
Ultimately, August provided the perfect solution: a turnkey ownership model that allowed me to enjoy multiple European destinations while avoiding the challenges of full ownership.
What set August apart for me was the true ownership model. With some other co-ownership companies, you’re essentially buying into a program rather than having actual equity in the properties. What I liked about August is that I own a share of the real estate itself, which felt like a more tangible and valuable investment.
Another key distinction was the locations. At the time, other companies here in the US were primarily focused on vacation homes in places like Arizona or Palm Springs, whereas August offered a collection of curated city residences in some of Europe’s most sought-after destinations. That unique focus on urban living—combined with beautifully designed, fully managed homes—made August stand out. While more companies may be following a similar model now, August was truly ahead of the curve when I was doing my research.
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Let me start by elaborating on the buying process, as I believe it provides important context for my decision to join the Grand Pied À Terre Collection. When you’re considering buying a property abroad—whether in Paris, Barcelona, or the South of France—one of the biggest challenges is knowing exactly where to buy. Even if you’ve spent time in a city, it’s difficult to identify the perfect neighborhood or the best type of property without deep local knowledge.
What I found fascinating about August is that they choose locations I wouldn’t have picked myself, but in hindsight, they’re exactly right. For example, the first Grand Pied À Terre home in Cannes which is located slightly up the hill from the town center, in a gated residence with a garden. Initially, I wouldn’t have thought to buy in that area, but after spending time there, I realized how ideal it is—it’s peaceful, has easy access to everything, and is just steps from my tennis club. The same happened with Rome—I would never have chosen the Monti district near the Colosseum, but after experiencing the area, I now see how vibrant and well-located it is.
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August’s local expertise and thoughtful property selection made the decision easy for me. Instead of spending months (or even years) trying to figure out where to buy, I could trust their experience and simply enjoy my time in these incredible cities. The process of joining the Collection was seamless, and I knew I was getting carefully selected homes in prime locations—without the stress of navigating a foreign real estate market on my own.
So going back to the question—why did I decide to add the Grand Pied À Terre Collection? Initially, I joined the first Pied À Terre Collection and really appreciated the thoughtful property selections and overall experience. August does a great job with interiors—the design is contemporary with a Mid-Century Modern influence, which creates a stylish and comfortable living space that works well across different cities.
That said, my personal taste is a bit different, and I’m particular about design details. While I understand why August maintains a consistent aesthetic that appeals to a broad range of Homeowners, I was drawn to the Grand Pied À Terre Collection for its elevated design approach and higher level of customization. It felt like a natural progression—allowing me to enjoy the same seamless experience but with homes that align even more with my personal style and preferences.
While I really love the Pied À Terre Collection, I found myself wanting something that aligned more closely with my own lifestyle—something a bit more high-end with elevated design, premium finishes, and a larger space. The Grand Pied À Terre Collection offered exactly that.
For example, while I appreciate my original Pied À Terre in Cannes, my new Grand Pied À Terre property offers a sweeping Mediterranean view—exactly the kind of experience you dream of when living in the South of France. The upgraded interiors, high-end appliances, and overall quality of the finishes also stood out.
So for me, joining the Grand Pied À Terre Collection wasn’t just about getting a bigger or more luxurious space—it was about investing in an even more refined and well-executed experience, built on a model that I already knew worked very well.
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My first stay with August was in Cannes, and looking back, it was a great introduction to the experience. At the time, I was still getting familiar with the area—figuring out where to shop, where the best local markets were, and how to incorporate my usual routines, like finding a tennis facility and a trainer.
One of the things I found really useful was the guidance provided by August. Even in those early days, there were helpful recommendations on where to eat and what to explore, and I made a point to check out each suggestion. Now, the list has expanded even further, making it even easier for new owners to settle in quickly.
The check-in process itself was smooth. At first, August had someone meet me at the property to walk me through everything—where the garbage was, how the parking worked, and other small but important details. That personal introduction was really helpful for getting oriented. Over time, as I've become more familiar with the system, I don’t necessarily need that anymore—I just get the entry instructions and settle in. But for a first stay, having that walkthrough made a big difference.
Overall, the experience was seamless, and since then, I’ve seen August refine and improve its process even further, making each stay even more effortless.
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What’s funny is that while I’ve spent a lot of time in the South of France—playing tennis, exploring the small towns, and really enjoying the region—some of the other Grand Pied À Terre locations are starting to excite me just as much.
For example, my first trip back to Barcelona was a real eye-opener. I hadn’t been there since backpacking in college, and I had forgotten what an incredible city it is. It’s such a great place to walk around, and on my last visit, I even took a quick day trip up to Bilbao to see the Guggenheim Museum. That made me realize how close it is to San Sebastián, which is one of my favorite places. So now, I’m looking forward to my next stay in Barcelona, not just for the city itself but also as a jumping-off point to explore more of northern Spain.
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Paris is another one I’m really excited about. Every time I go back, I’m reminded of just how incredible the city is—the food, the culture, everything. And then there’s London. I’ve visited a few times, but when Rory, from August sent me pictures of the prospective London apartment, I was blown away. It looks stunning—high ceilings, a gorgeous space, and in exactly the kind of location you’d want to be in.
As each of these homes comes online, I find myself getting more and more excited about them. Rome is another one I’m looking forward to, though I’ve already done the major historical sights. For me, it’ll be more of a base for exploring other parts of Italy. I also love to ski, so having Rome as a hub means I’ll likely use it as a launching pad for trips to the Dolomites and other ski destinations.
There’s something really special about revisiting a place you enjoy and deepening your connection with it. Over time, you develop routines and favorite spots, whether it’s hitting with my tennis coach in Cannes or taking that incredible drive from Cannes to Saint-Tropez—which, if you haven’t done, is an absolute must. The scenery is just stunning.
Overall, I think what excites me most is how each of these cities offers not just an incredible home base but also access to amazing experiences beyond the city itself.
I think the booking system works really well. The staged approach—where you receive a portion of your points at different intervals—makes it easy to secure the key weeks you really want. In that first round, I can usually lock in my must-have dates without any issues. For example, I plan my stays around major tennis events, so I’ve booked Monte Carlo during the Open, the French Open in Paris, and I’m looking forward to securing Wimbledon dates once the London property becomes available.
Planning an entire year of travel in advance can be challenging unless you’re retired or have complete flexibility, but the system allows for adjustments. Over time, you start to understand booking patterns. Paris, for example, is always in high demand, so I’ve learned to prioritize those weeks early. On the other hand, I’ve found it relatively easy to book places like the South of France and Barcelona, which happen to be my personal favorites.
Even beyond the initial bookings, there’s a good amount of flexibility. Openings come up last minute, and I’ve often extended trips when extra availability popped up. Sometimes, I’ll even pass along a spare week to a friend in Europe if I see something open in Paris. Overall, I’ve found it pretty straightforward to book the dates I want, and the system provides enough opportunities to adapt plans when needed.
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Hosting friends and family in my August homes has been great, especially since I have a small family—just two kids, one in high school and the other in college. It’s never been difficult, and the extra space that the Grand Pied À Terre properties have will be helpful. With a third bedroom, I can ensure both of my kids have their own room when we’re all together, which adds a level of comfort.
I’ve also had the opportunity to let friends use the property when I’m not there, which has worked out well. It gives me the flexibility to share these experiences with others.
Interestingly, I’ve discovered that several people in my community in Princeton are also part of the August community. Some of them I knew already, but had no idea they were involved. One of them even organized a dinner where I met other August members. It’s funny how small the world is, and now I’m connected with a few other families who share similar experiences. In fact, one of them happens to be traveling to the Monte Carlo Open the same week as me. Since it’s my birthday week, I’m excited to take him along!
One of the biggest benefits of having an August home is how much easier and stress-free travel has become. Before I had a place to anchor in these cities, traveling felt a bit more chaotic. I travel a lot and have a very structured approach to it—there's a strategy for everything in my life, including how I travel. But even with that, it’s still a little challenging to jump straight into a city without a familiar base.
Now, after visiting a location two or three times, I have a real sense of footing. I know where the markets are, where to go for food, and how to navigate the area. For example, when I go to Barcelona, I have a starting point—my August home there—where I can settle in, get grounded, and feel comfortable. It’s especially helpful for me, as I work while I travel. I often find myself skiing or exploring during the day and then working in the evenings. Having a familiar space where I can work and relax is crucial for me to stay productive.
It also makes traveling to nearby destinations easier. If I want to go to San Sebastian or Bilbao, I can start from Barcelona, work from my August home, and then go explore. By the third visit to a location, it feels like a second home. I know where everything is, and it’s all familiar, which removes a lot of the stress. I can fly in, get the key, and I’m set—there’s no scrambling or wondering about logistics. Everything is just easier and more comfortable, which helps me focus on my work without added stress.
As someone who is very detail-oriented and methodical, this level of familiarity makes all the difference in making travel feel smooth and stress-free.
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If you're considering joining August, my advice would be to do your due diligence. It's important to talk to other Homeowners and understand their experiences with the service. I did the same thing before joining, and I found that many people, including myself, are looking for similar benefits. I wanted a way to spend time in Europe, with the flexibility to visit different cities, and the option to travel with family or solo, depending on my needs.
If you're unsure about the program, try and reach out to current Homeowners to hear about their experiences. They'll give you insight into the properties and the locations. For example, someone once told me they really wanted to buy a place in Nice, but after spending some time there, they realized they way preferred Cannes over Nice. August gives you the chance to explore and get a real feel for different places before making any big decisions.
One of the biggest advantages of August is that it’s a low-maintenance way to experience multiple locations without the responsibility of managing a property. For instance, I inherited a place in Portland, Oregon, from my dad, and I constantly worry about the property sitting unused for months. Managing a property long-term, especially one that’s not being used regularly, can be stressful. With August, you don’t have to worry about any of that. The homes are well-maintained, and you’re not left managing everything yourself.
Also, consider the financial aspect—having properties in Europe is a smart investment hedge, especially with the changing economy in the US. For me, having money tied up in euros instead of dollars gives me some peace of mind. So, if you're looking for a hassle-free way to access multiple luxury homes and enjoy international travel without the complexities of property ownership, August is a great option.
Eager to find out more about co-ownership in Europe's most iconic destinations and become part of the August community? Start a conversation with our expert Advisory Team and take one step closer to your August journey today.
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