PORTRAITS

Sandrine Roulph’s career seemed mapped out from the beginning, with a doctorate in physics, a thesis at the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), followed by jobs at Cogema and Areva. She moved from research to production, and then to sales. This high-level commercial experience was undoubtedly her best asset when, together with Henri-Noël Guerif, she seized the chance to change her professional life. Areva’s voluntary redundancy plan with support was an opportunity not to be missed: the future partners became trainee entrepreneurs, choosing to focus on the high-end property market. They studied for a Bachelor of Property degree in Aix-en-Provence, carried out a market study for the creation of their business, looked for a franchisor (eventually opting for Coldwell Banker Sanhen Properties, the luxury property specialists), and identified a network to develop. They moved to Hyères (where Sandrine Roulph, who is originally from Marseille, used to spend her holidays), and in 2018 opened the first luxury estate agency in the sector. They chose a rather unusual location for the agency: the terminal at Toulon-Hyères airport. On reflection it was an excellent idea, because it is a transport hub and meeting place at the crossroads of multiple entrances and exits to the popular tourist destination of the Var region. While Roulph's determination and motivation ultimately sealed her success, her journey was not always easy: she had to overcome obstacles and learn the intricacies of entrepreneurship. Luckily, her previous professional experience meant she was well prepared. She was able to effectively draw on the experience she gained in industry and the high technology sector, to develop a sales-oriented, international approach informed by high-end service values.

By Maurice Gouiran

Sahnen Properties

The agency's location may be unusual, even surprising for travellers who discover it with their cabin luggage in hand; but it has quickly become a key meeting point, because this is where the property gems of the Provençal Riviera (between Toulon and Cavalaire) are to be found. Properties on the islands and peninsula, villas in the heart of the vineyards of La Londe les Maures or the mimosas of Bormes, apartments in Toulon overlooking the sea, townhouses in Sanary and Saint-Raphaël, contemporary homes in Lavandou, architect-designed properties in Hyères, wine estates in Cannet des Maures: each property invites you to experience the pleasures of luxury living, whether you choose the blue waters of the coast or the little paradises hidden away in the countryside where the air is sweet with the scent of Maquis shrubland. One of the benefits of Sanhen Properties is that it belongs to a dynamic international property network, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, and its prestigious brand Luxury Portfolio International®. The interconnection of this network around the world offers properties international visibility, creating multiple opportunities.

Localisation : Hyères - Création : 2018 - Activité : Immobilier haut de gamme - Président : Henri-Noël Guerif - Directrice générale : Sandrine Roulph - Capital social : 5 000 € - Collaborateurs : 8.