Michael BAYNES

Michael provides vision, strategic direction and leadership to the firm’s market sector: notable character homes and commercial vineyards centred on the city of Bordeaux. He chose Bordeaux after three years’ research into which area of France was rich in properties but poor in the service provided by agencies. He also recognised that investment in the infrastructure of Bordeaux meant the growth of the city “was absolutely going to happen”.

More than 25 years in property, natural enthusiasm, optimism, and a talent for diplomacy have built his reputation for facilitating the most complex negotiations, generating an atmosphere of trust to draw parties together towards a successful conclusion, often forging long-term relationships. His insight into the property market is valued by clients seeking to make well-informed decisions about buying luxury property in Bordeaux.

Michael began his career refurbishing historic London townhouses. He then worked as Assistant to the President of Property Development and Acquisition at Lyonnaise Des Eaux-Dumez in Paris. Back in London, he joined one of its largest property investor-developers, Speyhawk PLC, negotiating contracts, managing investments, appraising property, and coordinating operations.

He moved to Newport Beach, California, to co-found Oxford Homes, a successful developer of multi-million dollar properties, and Oxford Spectrum, a commercial property investment company.

A love of France, wine and fine architecture made Bordeaux the ideal spot for Michael, a dual citizen of the UK and US, to establish a real estate agency that draws on his experience of both countries’ property markets.

Michael holds an MSc in Land Economy (Cambridge University), a BSc in Land Management (Reading University), and a Carte Professionnelle. He is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS) and of the US National Association of Realtors, with a California broker’s license.

Michael, his wife and their daughter, live near St Emilion, just east of the city of Bordeaux.