Company History

Since the founding of the Sotheby’s auction house in 1744, the Sotheby’s name has earned renown as a marketer of the world’s most valuable and prestigious possessions. This reputation is built as much upon exceptional service to clients as on the notable art, antiques, jewellery and other holdings that pass through Sotheby’s offices around the world. The Sotheby’s International Realty® organisation began in 1976, in part to serve clients desiring a complete package of estate disposition services, and soon became known for representing extraordinary estates throughout the world.

Although our affiliation Sotheby’s International Realty® network began in July 2003, Lew and Sandy Geffen created the base of real estate excellence when they opened their flagship office, Lew Geffen Estates, in 1982 in Johannesburg. Assisted by their son Barak (Executive Director and Co- Owner) the third generation of Geffen’s in real estate, and Brent Townes (CEO and Co-Owner) the Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty brand has developed a truly international real estate disposition service infusing local knowledge, know-how and credibility - the perfect partnership for today’s sophisticated property market