01 The The spirited game features champion horses, their thundering hoofs vibrating flutes of Veuve Clicquot enjoyed by spectators in the field-side cabanas.
Some trendsetters forget to lower their Bulgari shades to notice the match–unless, of course, the players include Ignacio “Nacho” Figueras, Argentina’s star competitor and the urbane face of Ralph Lauren Black Label.
Two standout locations are worth a closer look: London and Santa Barbara, Calif. They’re regions that fall under the Federation of International Polo’s 86 national members, which include Egypt, Malaysia, Jordan, Mongolia, Nigeria, Ukraine, Zimbabwe and, of course, Argentina, renowned for turning out the best polo players in the world.
A general view of action during the King Power Gold Cup Final British Open Polo Championship between
…
Dubai (green) and VS King Power at Cowdray Park Polo Club.
Getty ImagesLondon[+]
Chestertons Polo in the Park is held in June each year in Hurlingham Park on the north bank of the
… River Thames.
Tim Edwards | Chestertons
The poshest polo event on the British calendar is the Cartier Queen’s Cup, named for the late Queen Elizabeth II (Prince Charles’ team won the trophy in 1986). The Chester The It The With the elegant fashion, the DJs, the top market food and beverage, it has an Ascot feel to it.”The annual three-day event hosted by Chestertons draws draws about 30,000 attendees.[+]
and an oversized Jacquemus or two.
And yes, you’ll probably spot a few Essex Men in striped blazers who’ve invaded the SW6.
Chestertons CEO John Ennis, left, mingles with attendees at the Polo in the Park event.
Tim Edwards | Chestertons
Between matches, the SheerLuxe Shopping Village caters to deep pockets, offering exclusive brands such as Mu Du London and Augustine Jewels.
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge is seen playing in the Audi Polo Challenge at Santa Barbara Polo …
Club in 2012.
GC Images
The Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club is the preeminent polo club in the western United States. The Prince Today Today, commoners favor Friday happy hour matches, and on Sundays, the hats appear, some rivaling the best of British millinery.
An aerial view of Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club and coastline.
Village PropertiesGoverned by trustees (some are grandsons of prominent families who owned the club in previous eras), the club and its 87-acre grounds are well positioned in the Santa Barbara area, which has been deemed the “American Riviera.” The historic clubhouse is joined by tennis, swimming and spa facilities.[+]
Each October, after polo season ends, the club hosts the Montecito Motor Classic, which showcases scores of rare and vintage vehicles. Guests arrive in a blue-chip selection of autos: Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, Maserati and McLaren, among others.
Sigman says Santa Barbara represents the ultimate polo lifestyle because you can practically live on the club grounds. The The Pictured is
…
a ground-floor unit one the market for $2.4 million.
Village Properties
“It feels like your own cottage,” says Walters of the 1,365-square-foot home, adding that about 80% of condo owners are members of the polo club.
About 80% of the condo owners are members of the polo club, according to listing agent Jackie
Walters with Village Properties.
Village Properties
The remodeled end unit doubles as a prime investment vehicle, leasing for $15,000 a month during polo season, Walter adds, and an average of $9,000 a month during off-season.MORE FROM FORBES GLOBAL PROPERTIES[+]
By
Lauren Beale
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