“Seeing our residents enjoying life at Parc du Cap gives me a huge sense of satisfaction.”
No two days are the same when you’re working in a luxury property development like Parc du Cap. And no one knows this better than Charles Duarte, Caudwell’s Facility & After Sales Manager. With a background in guest services for luxury residential, Charles is responsible for the smooth running of day-to-day life in Parc du Cap. Not just a friendly face with facilities management expertise, Charles is in possession of a black book stuffed with contacts for the best trades people on the Cap d’Antibes!
Here, Charles tell us what he enjoys most about working with the residents of Parc du Cap.
Describe a typical day for you at Parc du Cap
I have a really important role in both welcoming new owners and looking after existing residents. A typical day for me is really built around the needs of our Parc du Cap residents. I’m the liaison between all the suppliers who service and maintain the specialist finishes found in each apartment. In addition, I take care of the spa and swimming pool facilities on-site, ensuring everything is shipshape, every day.
In my role as Facility Manager, I also need to check all of our unsold apartments are well maintained. I have a keen eye for detail so I make sure they’re all in impeccable condition for viewings.
How do you interact with Parc du Cap residents?
Once you become a Parc du Cap resident, you’ll come across me in my role of After Sales Manager. I’m your right-hand man for advice and operations. In short, I help you enjoy your new property and navigate through user manuals for your new systems and appliances. Should you need recommendations on contractors – such as gardeners, swimming pool maintenance or furniture designers – I’m there to guide you. Moreover, I’m fluent in both French and English, so I can act as translator, negotiator and manager of any outsourced service. Basically, my job is to ensure the happiness of all Parc du Cap residents. It’s a big ask, but it’s what I live for.
What do you enjoy about your role?
A lot! The variety and the people, for sure. But most of all, I relish being the ‘go-to’ person for solutions and recommendations. Seeing our residents enjoying life at Parc du Cap gives me a huge sense of satisfaction. It’s really rewarding being at the centre of so many different services. For example, I work closely with our sales team, legal advisor, design and architecture teams. I manage a number of different contractors. I’m surrounded by fantastic people who help me deliver the very best for Parc du Cap owners.
I get a lot of pleasure from seeing individuals and families so happy to have purchased an apartment with us. There really is nothing like Parc du Cap in the South of France. So, it’s satisfying to be part of something unique.
What do people love most about Parc du Cap?
While the apartments and penthouses are special, it’s the facilities that consistently bring joy to residents. Everyone loves the indoor swimming pool and jacuzzi, as well as the sauna and ice rooms. The ice room is a particularly selling point. Our owner John Caudwell chose it together with his son Jacobi. It’s a pretty rare facility even in 5* hotels, so residents love it. Used together with the sauna, the ice room has great health benefits.
The other popular part of the development is the service on offer, from our concierge, security teams and me. What Parc du Cap owners really like is how reactive the Caudwell staff are. I do everything in my power to sort it whatever I’m asked to do. So, in this way, residents feel supported and know the Caudwell team puts its heart into things.
Finally, how has the pandemic affected Parc du Cap?
During both lockdowns, there have been a handful of residents living at Parc du Cap. Consequently, it has felt like a little oasis away from reality! The residents have particularly enjoyed the private facilities and peaceful gardens. Furthermore, the gym has been a big hit, as you can imagine. Many people have turned to sport as an outlet. Food has been another source of pleasure, with residents either using their time at home to cook for themselves or simply getting deliveries from top restaurants within the area.
About Charles Duarte
Charles has worked as Caudwell’s Facility & After Sales Manager for over two years. He was previously Overseas Operation Manager for a high-end residential property developer in London. In addition, Charles spent many years working in guest services for luxury residences, One Hyde Park (part of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group). There he worked closely with the Candy brothers to provide a high level of luxury services for international residents. Charles has also been an Assistant Head Concierge at 5* Hôtel Juana in Juan-les-Pins.
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