When her parents founded what was originally The Cellars Country House in 1983, it exposed Julia Finnis-Bedford to the world of hospitality. Her own career path detoured slightly when she became a freelance stills producer in the film industry. Then in 2000, Julia found an innovative expression of her passion, family legacy and creativity. She shares the journey so far…
Amazing Spaces was born from a love of storytelling and aesthetics. In 2000, I recognised an opportunity to connect South Africa’s stunning properties with international film and photography productions.
My own journey in transforming properties into income-generating assets also inspired the launch of the Amazing Spaces Residential Real Estate division. After two decades of curating properties for the film and photography industry, it became clear that the value of spaces extended beyond their creative use and my connections with the owners of hundreds of beautiful homes had huge value. The new arm caters to individuals looking for properties that offer special spaces that have a story, and offer both lifestyle and potentially a financial return as well if they sign up to our shoots portfolio.
It was a natural evolution taking my passion for design and transformation as well as the very strong connections I had with many of the most beautiful spaces in Cape Town and aligning it with my experience in real estate. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help others find their dream home and how it could also be a smart investment.
My background in hospitality taught me the value of service, while my entrepreneurial spirit pushes me to innovate. I’m also deeply committed to maintaining relationships – whether it’s with property owners, clients, or my incredible team.
At the heart of it, I think my success stems from a genuine love for what I do and a constant desire to elevate every project I take on. I thrive on creating opportunities and surrounding myself with amazing people who are equally passionate about finding the perfect match between people and places.
Entrepreneurship gives me the freedom to create and shape something meaningful. I love being able to take a vision and bring it to life, whether it’s a new business venture, a property transformation, or a beautiful collaboration. As a servant leader in the global Entrepreneurs’ Organisation (EO), I’ve had the privilege of being the President of the Cape Town chapter and am now a leader of the Regional Council for the Middle East, Pakistan, and Africa. EO has been instrumental in helping me learn and grow into a better entrepreneur and leader. It’s a community where I’ve gained invaluable insights, formed lifelong connections, and discovered new ways to innovate and lead with purpose.
Travel for me is not only about relaxation but also about inspiration and connection, and I feel fortunate to have experienced so many memorable journeys. When it comes to family holidays, our go-to favourite would be a toss-up between a summer escape to Italy, enjoying the serene beauty of one of the lakes, or a winter skiing holiday in Switzerland. Both are magical in their own way—Italy inspires with its rich culture, food, and stunning landscapes, while Switzerland provides a perfect winter wonderland where we can enjoy time on the slopes and some good glühwein!
