From actress to real estate entrepreneur: Jessica Stockmann reveals why dream homes have become a matter of the heart for her.
When she cruises along the Côte d'Azur in a convertible it's pure freedom. But at the same time it's work: Jessica Stockmann, who once made a name for herself as an actress and TV host, is since more than a decade successful in the luxury real estate business and always on the lookout for interesting properties. Today, she lives alternately on the Côte d'Azur in Hamburg and Berlin.
How can we imagine your job exactly?
It all starts with me looking for properties in prime locations that are in need of renovation. Over the last 20 years, I've become a bit of a truffle pig. (laughs) As soon as I've found what I'm looking for, the planning starts, then the renovation - and finally the furnishing.
Where do you find the furniture and home accessories you use to furnish the houses?
My daughters and I love to travel, and we look for special pieces at antique fairs, flea markets and auctions. For example, we found a vintage barber chair in New York, an antique mirror in Venice and Lalique vases in Antwerp. Luckily, we almost always have the same taste. Beforehand, my daughter Nisha who studied interior design creates a mood board so we know what we're looking for. Nisha accompanies the creative process and I focus on financing and property management.
Reality series like "Selling Sunset," which focus on luxury real estate, are currently attaining huge success. Why do you think that is?
Because the viewer feels like they are getting a glimpse into the life of high society. They are taken on tours and have a supposedly exclusive view through the keyhole. Those show formats have a high entertainment value but the viewer also gets good ideas about what his own dream house could look like.
How much do such shows have to do with reality?
Not much. Reality looks very different in the top league of the super-rich, but we'll probably never get to see that on TV. I can hardly imagine that Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos or Bill Gates would have filming done at their homes.
Your own dream house is walking distance from the border of Monaco and is called “Villa Monaco". It’s an exclusive luxury hideaway that is often rented especially by famous celebrities. What do your guests appreciate the most?
I think it’s a mix. Of course one of the main reasons is that you can see the sea from every room. The stunning views over the blue Côte d’Azur. That's how you wake up everyday in a good mood and as for the furnishings, it's a mix of designer furniture and art deco antiques. Each piece shares its own story. Villa Monaco has a very elegant and classy look and is not too opulent. It’s a home and not simply a house.
Mediocre or ordinary villas are probably not your thing?
No, I'm always looking for something special - that rare jewel that I can awaken from its slumber.
Together with your daughter Nisha you are also hosting a very successful German podcast called "Homestory". How did you come up with the idea?
We are often invited to homes of our celebrity friends and many of them have stunning homes that were not shown in the media. Of course we respect their privacy and don’t make photos of their homes but they allow us to talk about their homes.
Why the Homestory Podcast? Do you think you can learn a lot about a person from their home?
A very clear YES! That’s why the podcast. Questions about the home and how the guests design their living spaces. When I take a peek into someone’s private space, questions automatically arise in my mind.
In every corner, every drawer and every closet, there are items that tell stories and say a lot about how we live. Where do we come from? What gives us comfort? What do we value most? And what do we dream about
How did you grow up yourself?
I lived with my parents in London, Rotterdam, Athens and France, sometimes in houses and sometimes in apartments. How big the house was was never important to me as a child, the main thing was that the family was together and we had fun. My parents were great hosts, the house was always full of guests. It's the same with me and my daughters now. As long as I get to have my family and my favourite people around me, I am privileged and grateful. That, to me, is pure luxury.
You worked as an actress for a long time. Do you sometimes miss that today?
No, because I'm now a producer, director and actress all in one - but not in film, but in my real estate projects. I have created new theater stages for myself with my construction sites, which I direct. I was never afraid of responsibilities and I enjoy the privilege that I can make my own decisions. And what can I say? I love it!
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