the luxury edition A curated collection of the world’s finest properties
2013
www.c h r i s t i esrealestate.com
adrian briscoe
Period features and impeccable finishes combine perfectly to create a sense of splendor and style.
the luxury edition A curated collection of the world’s finest properties 2013
“I don’t divide architecture, landscape, and gardening; to me they are one.” Luis Barragán
richard birch
Landscaped terraces against uninterrupted views set the scene for seamless indoor-outdoor living.
frederic vasseur
Acres of woodlands, winding pathways, and clifftop settings ensure seclusion and security.
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hat makes a property truly exceptional? Spectacular locations, extraordinary views, unique architecture, luxurious finishes, historical significance, impressive square footage, enviable local amenities… all of these feature among the 17 exceptional properties selected for this debut issue of The Luxury Edition by Christie’s International Real Estate. The sale of exceptional homes such as these – on the market all over the world – demands the very best in service, experience, and local expertise. At Christie’s International Real Estate, our carefully selected network of exclusive affiliates work with our global base of respected professionals to match properties with purchasers. I hope you enjoy this exclusive glimpse behind the doors of some of the world’s most luxurious properties in this special publication, each presented with sumptuous photography and fascinating provenance.
Bonnie Stone Sellers CEO Christie’s International Real Estate
f or e wor d | 07
T h e w o rl d’s
finest p ro pe rt i e s
Cool colonnades, grand terraces, and standout swimming pools define truly great estates.
tim street-porter
From the exclusive affiliates of Christie’s International Real Estate
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12 Indian Creek Drive
2 Concord Street
Miami Beach, Florida, United States $37,000,000
Charleston, South Carolina, United States $13,000,000
Nelson Gonzalez nelson@nelsongonzalez.com +1 305 674 4040
Helen Geer helengeer@williammeans.com +1 843 224 7767
Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc., Realtors www.ewm.com
William Means Real Estate www.charlestonrealestate.com Rick Moeser rmoeser@christies.com +1 561 805 7327
The Legendary Beverly House Beverly Hills, California, United States $115,000,000 Jeff Hyland jeff@hiltonhyland.com +1 310 278 3311
Hilton & Hyland Real Estate www.hiltonhyland.com
Christie’s International Real Estate www.christiesrealestate.com
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36
42
Le Manoir
Belle Vue House
Hale Ali’i
Théoule-sur-Mer, Côte d’Azur, France Price upon request
Chelsea, London, England Price upon request
Maui, Hawaii, United States $28,000,000
Niki Van Eijk cannes@michaelzingraf.com +33 4 93 39 77 77
Charlie Willis charlie.willis@struttandparker.com +44 20 7235 9959
Mary Anne Fitch sold@maui.net +1 808 250 1583
Michaël Zingraf Real Estate www.michaelzingraf.com
Strutt & Parker www.struttandparker.com
Maui Estates International www.soldmaui.com
Tancred Lidbury tlidbury@christies.com +44 20 7389 2478
Kathleen Coumou kcoumou@christies.com +1 212 468 7140
Zackary Wright zwright@christies.com +1 310 385 2690
Christie’s International Real Estate www.christiesrealestate.com
Christie’s International Real Estate www.christiesrealestate.com
Christie’s International Real Estate www.christiesrealestate.com
cont ents | 09
48
54
60
10 Gracie Square
Little Bokeelia Island
Chesa Cherina
Manhattan, New York, United States $23,000,000
Bokeelia, Florida, United States $29,500,000
Suvretta, St Moritz, Switzerland Price upon request
John Burger jburger@bhsusa.com +1 212 906 9274
Jennifer Calenda jennifercalenda@michaelsaunders.com +1 941 916 0798 Klaus Lang klauslang@michaelsaunders.com +1 941 320 1223
Maurice Elst elst@wetag.ch +41 91 751 3106
Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales, LLC www.brownharrisstevens.com
Michael Saunders & Company www.michaelsaunders.com Rick Moeser rmoeser@christies.com +1 561 805 7327
Christie’s International Real Estate www.christiesrealestate.com
Wetag Consulting Immobiliare SA www.wetag.ch Michael Blaser michael.blaser@wuw.ch +41 44 388 58 39
Wüst und Wüst AG www.wuw.ch Tancred Lidbury tlidbury@christies.com +44 20 7389 2478
Christie’s International Real Estate www.christiesrealestate.com
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78
Port de Fontvieille Penthouse
Place des Victoires
Los Monteros Villa
Fontvieille, Monaco Price upon request
2nd Arrondissement, Paris, France Price upon request
Los Monteros, Marbella, Spain Price upon request
Monica de Champfleury direction@hammerdraff.com +377 97 97 63 33
Marie-Hélène Lundgreen mhl@bdfrance.fr +33 1 53 23 81 81
Roberto Quintana enquiries@dmproperties.com +34 952 765 138
Hammer Draff Monaco Great Properties www.hammerdraff.com
Belles Demeures de France (Daniel Féau Conseil Immobilier) www.belles-demeures-de-france.com
Diana Morales Properties www.dmproperties.com
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84
90
96
112 Wolseley Road
Punta Minitas 34
Chatham Jewel
Point Piper, Sydney, Australia Price upon request
Casa de Campo, La Romana, Dominican Republic $19,500,000
Chatham, Massachusetts, United States $25,000,000
Cesar Herrera cherrera@provaltur.com +1 809 697 5117
Chris Rhinesmith chris@pineacresrealty.com +1 508 945 1186
Provaltur International Inc. www.provaltur.com
Pine Acres Realty www.pineacresrealty.com
Rick Moeser rmoeser@christies.com +1 561 805 7327
Kathleen Coumou kcoumou@christies.com +1 212 468 7140
Christie’s International Real Estate www.christiesrealestate.com
Christie’s International Real Estate www.christiesrealestate.com
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114
Compton Bassett House
Copper Beech Farm
Calne, Wiltshire, England £5,500,000
Greenwich, Connecticut, United States $190,000,000
Ken Jacobs ken@kenjacobs.com.au +61 2 9328 1422
Ken Jacobs www.kenjacobs.com.au
Luke Morgan luke.morgan@struttandparker.com +44 20 7318 5095
Strutt & Parker www.struttandparker.com
David Ogilvy dfo@davidogilvy.com +1 203 869 9866
David Ogilvy & Associates, Inc. www.davidogilvy.com Kathleen Coumou kcoumou@christies.com +1 212 468 7140
Christie’s International Real Estate www.christiesrealestate.com
cont ents | 11
To speak to an associate at Christie’s International Real Estate, please turn to page 114
M i a m i’s HIDDEN O ASIS
An enchanting private island, Indian Creek Village combines waterfront beauty with a uniquely sophisticated lifestyle, offering refined luxury to a privileged few photography by michael wells
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C
rossing the bridge from Miami Beach to Indian Creek Island takes you from the land of the merely privileged to the home of the über affluent. With the promise of complete security and the appeal of exclusive country club living, this private island has gained a global reputation among those with an appetite for a completely unparalleled lifestyle. The fully secured community, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, is protected by its own 24-hour police and boat patrol. Beyond the guarded entrance, the island provides a uniquely lush backdrop for Indian Creek Country Club and golf course. With only 40 estate residences sharing the island paradise, this enclave offers a retreat as rare as the natural beauty of its exquisite waterfront setting. Over the years, the island’s allure has proven irresistible to notables as diverse as investor Carl Icahn, singer Julio Iglesias, hedge fund billionaire Edward Lampert, and model Adriana Lima. In August 2012, one of the island’s 40 estates sold for $47 million, making it Miami-Dade County’s most expensive sale. Even within this singular atmosphere, the home, built in 2000, takes luxury to an entirely new level. The seven-bedroom, 12-bath residence faces Biscayne Bay and commands 200 feet of prime waterfront. “It has views across the open bay, which is several miles wide. You have glorious sunsets and the Miami
skyline serves as a visually compelling backdrop across the water,” says Nelson Gonzalez, senior vice president of EWM Realty International. While the estate’s palm-tree-lined entrance is framed by a tiered fountain and stately columns, the residence itself pays homage to French country styling. Positioned on 1.8 acres of manicured grounds, the character of the 21,746-square-foot home is largely defined by its finely crafted details. Vaulted and gilded tray ceilings, elegant moldings and natural stone floors complement the interiors throughout. Formal and informal spaces are designed to satisfy an assortment of esoteric whims. The living room displays a series of columned arches, intricate chandeliers, and expansive arched doorways; the library is accessed by an ornate spiral staircase; plus, there are billiard, gym, game, wine, and yoga rooms, and a home theater. Step outside to an infinity-edge pool, a summer kitchen, and a cabana house with massage room, double showers, steam room, and sauna. Minutes from the excitement of South Beach and Bal Harbour, and the creative vitality of Miami’s many cultural venues, including Art Basel and the Wynwood Art District, 12 Indian Creek Drive offers the ultimate South Florida lifestyle.
Discover more about this special property, including spectacular aerial photography, at www.ewm.com
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sta ndou t fe at ur e
This regal waterfront estate, both private and secure, effectively captures the romance of its flawless island setting. Indoor and outdoor spaces blend seamlessly in a statement of affluence.
The living room is a picture of opulence, with its columned arches, intricate chandeliers, and expansive arched doorways.
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Wa l k i n g o n wat e r The transformation of a former US Naval degaussing station into a modern overwater home gave the owners the chance to create something truly energy efficient and offers a masterclass in local craftsmanship photography by michael wells
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here are few houses with direct water views on the sought-after peninsula in Charleston, South Carolina, according to Helen Geer, president of William Means Real Estate. But none has a location like 2 Concord Street, which sits on concrete pilings in the water, with panoramic views across the harbor and city. “It is literally the best location in the historic district of Charleston, as all other homes are situated across the street from the waterfront,” says Geer. “It is also the only home in the area with a private dock,” she adds, referring to the property’s 240-foot dock that’s big enough to moor several yachts. Until 2006, the 2.7-acre site was a US Naval degaussing station. Then the current owner, founder
of one of Charleston’s most successful technology companies, bought it from the State Ports Authority for $5.25 million and, in 2010, completed its transformation into a 4,689-square-foot house with a separate 1,234-square-foot guesthouse/caretaker’s cottage near the gated entrance. Every room has a sea view, and the east-facing master bedroom, which spans a whole side of the house, catches the sunrise. The property has been built to the highest, hurricane-proof standards, and the owners have used recycled, local materials where possible, such as reclaimed stone for the countertops and tiling, copper for the roof, and local bricks for landscaping. “The bar on the top floor, with 360-degree views of the city, is stunning, made from oyster and ››
Every room has a sea view, and the east-facing master bedroom, which spans a whole side of the house, catches the sunrise.
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clam shells,” says Geer. “The craftsmanship of the woodwork is impeccable in the hand-detailed cypress paneling in the library and the antique pine floors, and the quality of construction is state of the art.” New development on Charleston’s peninsula is rare and, as most houses were built in the 1700s, few properties can claim to be greatly energy efficient. With 2 Concord Street, the owners had the chance to install the best from scratch, with the highest levels of eco-friendly features (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design [LEED] Gold in the main house and LEED Platinum in the guesthouse), including a geothermal system for heating and cooling the house. It’s also the first house in the historic district to use solar panels.
So who might buy this trophy waterfront home in South Carolina’s second-largest city – also voted amongst America’s most friendly in magazine surveys in recent years? “It will probably be a very sophisticated buyer from elsewhere in the US. A boating enthusiast, and perhaps a wine connoisseur,” says Geer, thinking no doubt of the home’s climate-controlled wine room. “There’s a high second and third home market in Charleston and this house could very easily be that. It’s within walking distance of everything,” she adds. That’s if you can drag yourself away from those endless sea views.
Discover more about this special property, including further photography, at www.charlestonrealestate.com
sta ndou t fe at ur e The overwater location offers unparalleled views over Charleston Harbor and the city, plus the only private dock of any residence downtown.
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s ta r of the
s h ow An A-list architectural history and an all-star cast of former residents – the Legendary Beverly House is a match made in movie heaven photography by tim street-porter
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Much has been made of the property’s architecture, characterized by cool colonnades, wide balconies, and arched windows.
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he Beverly House is a palatial property that sits on its own promontory in Beverly Hills, California. Boasting a pedigree that is the stuff of legend, it is truly a home that only Hollywood could produce. The grand property comprises more than 50,000 square feet on 3.7 landscaped flat acres, with 17 bedrooms, 29 baths, and state-of-the-art spa facilities. The Beverly House has more to offer than its generous scale, however. Gordon Kaufmann, the acclaimed architect behind some of the most important estates in the Beverly Hills area, was commissioned to create this legendary property, which today stands as an emblem of Hollywood’s golden era. Indeed, world-renowned newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst and the famed actress Marion Davies lived in the elegant terracotta stucco home in true Hollywood style. The glamorous couple’s influence can still be felt throughout. The formal living room, with its 22-foot arched ceiling, was designed to double as a theater, complete with drop-down screen and projector portals. The room has also served as an elegant setting for formal dinners for Prince Albert II of Monaco, among many other notable figures. Jacqueline and John F Kennedy spent part of their honeymoon at the property, securing its place in American legend. In addition to the estate having hosted the world’s rich, famous, and titled, the house itself has starred on the big screen. A key location for The Bodyguard, The Beverly House also featured as the Hollywood producer’s mansion in The Godfather. The estate is famed for its distinctive H-form architecture, characterized by cool, long colonnades, wide balconies, arched floor-to-ceiling windows, and its spaciousness. The outdoor terrace alone is able to host gatherings of hundreds of guests, making it perfect for entertaining. Further, The Beverly House includes a stunning two-story library with hand-carved paneling and a wrap-around walkway, a billiards room with herringbone parquet floors, an elaborately detailed, hand-carved wood ceiling, and a carved fireplace from the Hearst Castle in San Simeon, California. The gardens, by landscape architect Paul Thiene, who has designed many of the famed estates in Beverly Hills, include cascading waterfalls to the pool as well as impressive mature trees. Perfectly secluded, the house is only three blocks from Sunset Boulevard and The Beverly Hills Hotel. Jeff Hyland, president of Hilton & Hyland Real Estate, describes The Beverly House as “a true legendary estate promontory with full security and privacy befitting royalty.”
Discover more about this special property, including further photography, at www.hiltonhyland.com
sta ndou t fe at ur e The two-story library with hand-carved wooden shelves and an elegant wrap-around walkway.
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THE ALLURE of the
C O T E D’A Z U R With panoramic views, ambrosial gardens, and an innate sense of tranquility, Le Manoir at Théoule-sur-Mer seduces the senses from its clifftop perch photography by frederic vasseur
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ooking down to the crystal waters and glittering Côte d’Azur from the terrace at Le Manoir, the warm air scented by lemon and lime groves, it’s easy to see why so many Impressionist painters were seduced by the colors, textures, and vistas of this corner of France. Sitting high on a rocky outcrop with unparalleled views of Cannes and across to the Cap d’Antibes, the historic house is worthy of a van Gogh painting, while the sumptuous six acres of mature grounds would surely make Monet envious. It is a gardener’s paradise. The rustic-chic manor is draped in glossy ivy and dappled with weeping lilac wisteria, rambling roses, and flowering climbing clematis. Set against the treecloaked Esterel hills, the five-story, 15,069-squarefoot property has a fairytale romantic look about it, complete with natural stone walls and a balconied tower. It’s within the tower that the main living room is found, while the eight bedrooms are split over three levels. A separate two-bedroom apartment with independent access is another enviable feature. Ideal for indulging in the property’s exquisite gardens and views, the dining room has a wide, terracotta-tiled balcony for long, lazy suppers outside, watching yachts slip by in the Bay of Cannes below. The balcony’s pergola is shaded by scrambling vines, creating an informal, wild feel in keeping with Le Manoir’s rugged location at the tip of Pointe St Marc.
The south-facing terrace, dominated by an ornamental, rectangular pool, opens onto a garden abuzz with butterflies, birds, and dragonflies. It’s a cocktail of perfume, old-fashioned pink blooms, and delicate bird song. From here, you descend to the lawns punctuated by mature cypress, eucalyptus, and olive trees. Following the paved path around the house to the swimming pool and west-facing views of Cannes’ La Croisette, the planting is equally lush. Huge palms soak up the rays, while fragrant choisya and sun-baked pelargoniums and geraniums set a captivating tone with a palette of white, pink, and acid green. Bubbling clumps of silver-leaved helichrysum, with their frothy yellow heads nodding towards the sea, line the lower path down a grassy bank towards the coast, where the garden becomes wilder and increasingly rugged. Here, giant cacti are focal points, while lupins, rhododendron, and wild grasses tumble down the cliffs to the sea, creating a haven for wildlife and a blaze of flowers throughout the summer. Wander further to reach a secret sun deck, near the red-rock water’s edge, or walk along some of the most dramatic and panoramic coastline on the Côte d’Azur into the quaint fishing village of Théoule-sur-Mer – one of the French Riviera’s best-kept secrets.
Discover more, including spectacular panoramic photography, at www.michaelzingraf.com
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sta ndou t fe at ur e The unbeatable setting: the sprawling, mature Provençal-style grounds tumble down to the sea below and ensure utter privacy, while the dramatic views from Le Manoir’s clifftop perch are arguably the finest on the entire Côte d’Azur.
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H i s to ry in the
making
An architectural masterpiece, Belle Vue House has been home to artists, writers, actors, statesmen, and even royalty during its 240 years. Now it is ready for the next chapter photography by adrian briscoe
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heyne Walk in London’s Chelsea is an address boasting a stellar list of residents past and present, from the Pre-Raphaelite painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti and American novelist Henry James to the prime minister David Lloyd George and rock star Mick Jagger. One property in particular has an illustrious history of its own. Unmissable with its distinctive peach façade overlooking the river Thames, Belle Vue House was built in 1771 – reputedly by Robert Adam, a leading architect of the time – for John Hatchett, coachbuilder to the King and the Russian Imperial Court. The house was later owned by the poet and painter William Scott Bell, who was part of the area’s artistic community that included Ford Madox Brown and John Everett Millais. Since the 1950s, Belle Vue’s residents have included Major Patrick Henry Bligh Wall, who was decorated for his vital role during the Normandy landings, the British film actor Sir Rex Harrison, and, later, the novelist Ken Follett, who, as a major Labour Party fundraiser, held lavish parties at the house for former prime minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie. There is talk, too, that Benjamin Disraeli once lived at this address when he was prime minister and that his guests included the reigning monarch at the time. “As the story goes, he welcomed Queen Victoria to the house and had a canvas porch made especially to sit at the front door, either because of bad weather or to guard her privacy. The current owner has a replica canopy that is often used during the winter months,” says Charlie Willis from Strutt & Parker. The house has forever been surrounded by the capital’s richest and most famous names, but within its walls its residents can retreat into their own private, palatial world. The current owner wishes to keep out of the limelight, but their extensive modern art collection makes a statement. The rooms are voluminous with high ceilings and ornate detailing. And, as Willis points out, the wall space is ideal for displaying “an art collection fit for a gallery.” “That the house is believed to have been designed by Robert Adam attracts great interest alone, and the first-floor cornicing and mantelpieces are in keeping with his style,” Willis adds. “But what is really special about this house is its volume and lateral size. The west wing was once the area where carriages would pass through; it’s now the day kitchen, with a vaulted ceiling and stunning French doors to the garden.” The five-story house is also unusual in having a triple garage and off-street parking, for which a planning application has been submitted to build a “little lodge house, should the buyer wish to add more bedrooms,” says Willis. The 64-foot garden is another urban rarity. “It’s like a forest and very private, contrary to what you might expect, given the location.”
Belle Vue’s owners have a privileged spot in prime Old Chelsea, close to London’s most exclusive floating village, Chelsea Yacht & Boating Company.
Discover more about this special property, including further photography, at www.struttandparker.com
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Belle Vue House has forever been surrounded by the capital’s richest names, but within its walls its residents can retreat into their own private, palatial world.
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sta ndou t fe at ur e While the waterfront position makes this one of London’s most prized addresses, with sought-after river views, it’s the secret, 64-foot mature garden at the back of the house that is most surprising for this city property.
The n at u r a l touch The breathtaking beauty of Hale Ali’i reflects the ethos of Hawaii’s leading interior designer, who infuses her beautiful spaces with the true spirit of Aloha photography by dominique vorillon
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sta ndou t fe at ur e The exclusive, pristine beach – this is one of only five beachfront residences in Kapalua – with its views to the neighboring island of Molokai and magnificent whale-watching opportunities.
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or Hawaiians in the know, there’s a phrase that sums up chic, simple interior design: “very Mary.” It might refer to a carefully placed orchid, a row of wooden vessels on polished marble or, for a lucky few, a natural living space that opens onto rolling waves. “Ah, that’s very Mary,” you might hear them murmur, approvingly. They’re talking about the work of Mary Philpotts McGrath, whose name has become a byword for a uniquely Hawaiian brand of interior design. Her butterfly-light touch pays homage to the islands’ artisan traditions while seamlessly working them into stylishly modern luxury. McGrath’s subtle hand has transformed elite island homes, including this residence in the gated community of Kapalua Place. However, McGrath is keen to emphasize how strongly her work is rooted in the islands she loves – and simply takes its cue from the breathtaking natural beauty that’s all around. As soon as you enter the flower-draped entrance hall of Hale Ali’i, you see her point. The property occupies the most enviable spot in north Maui, in the center of the perfect crescent of Oneloa Bay, with a design that embraces the shimmering ocean view. Surfaces echo the shades and textures of nature, with cool travertine floors laid underfoot and furniture hewn from dark timbers, all softened by tactile fabrics and woven rugs. The relaxed Pacific-luxe decor and layout make Hale Ali’i the ultimate party zone, a place to welcome friends, with privacy assured thanks to its gated
location. The ground-floor rooms are cleverly designed as a free-flowing space, each room providing intimate areas to chat or dine, leading towards the largest space, the lanai. Here, everyone can gather by the heated Jacuzzi and the infinity pool, which stretches out to visually blend with the Pacific. A pretty, paved pathway leads to the pristine beach where, once again, seclusion comes as standard. Back at the house, the master suites continue the expansive, welcoming mood; three have private lanais and generous walk-in showers are awash with natural sunlight. All the rooms are connected to a high-spec sound system, and the spacious kitchen is an ultrapractical zone, with Sub-Zero fridges and Miele appliances that can cope with fresh waves of guests. The indoor-outdoor vibe continues with windows overlooking the ocean and – a subtly beautiful touch – motifs of verdant palms etched into a glass door to the walk-in pantry. All furnishings and design accents are included in the sale, meaning the purchaser will have their own slice of “very Mary” style. It’s fine details like these that emphasize how deeply the design of this home is rooted in its magical setting. McGrath’s interiors encourage guests to tune into their surroundings, to experience the sense of well-being that comes from living here. Just don’t be surprised if houseguests linger a little longer than you expected…
Discover more about this special property, including further photography, at www.soldmaui.com
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McGrath’s butterfly-light touch pays homage to the islands’ artisan traditions while seamlessly working them into stylishly modern luxury.
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Amazing Gracie Historic glamour and modern living combine in this New York penthouse to make the most of the unrivaled cityscapes photography by michael mundy
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or discerning homebuyers in the city that never sleeps, there are two prerequisites on a property wish list: outdoor space and parking. To have one is lucky; to get both, a dream come true. And to find such a property in one of Manhattan’s most affluent neighborhoods, the Upper East Side, is a rare thing indeed. The penthouse apartment that sits atop 10 Gracie Square, a particularly distinguished address next door to Carl Schurz Park, is one such gem. “This is one of Manhattan’s finest residential neighborhoods, with every imaginable amenity within two blocks. It has worldwide appeal,” says John Burger, managing director of Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales. “The space is really well proportioned, the light is excellent, and the overall size is very generous,” he comments. That’s thanks to the soaring 12-foot ceilings, large rooms, and full-height windows with stellar city views. The apartment blends open-plan living with clearly defined areas by cleverly positioning dividing walls to split the space into an elegant and understated living room, dining room, and library. There are no doors, so that glimpses of amazing vistas of the East River, Roosevelt Island, and Queens can be caught from almost everywhere within the penthouse. Polished hardwood floors running throughout add to the flow of the apartment, leading the eye beyond one
room and into the next, then out to those views, which can be fully appreciated from the super-sized outdoor terraces, adding to the apartment’s spacious feel. And this apartment’s beautiful, sought-after outdoor space doesn’t disappoint; balconies and wide terraces encircle almost all of the property, in fact every room has a windowed door that opens onto one of two wrap-around terraces or a large balcony. The library and master bedroom open onto a 73-foot, wrap-around terrace. From here you can look downriver to the Queensboro Bridge, across to Roosevelt Island’s Lighthouse Park, or upriver towards the Robert F Kennedy Bridge and Mill Rock. Including a further two east-facing balconies and a second wraparound terrace that starts at the kitchen, the exterior space adds up to more than 1,600 square feet. Besides that all-important garage, there is also a driveway – and for added exclusivity, the penthouse can only be reached by private elevator. If there’s one more wish that New Yorkers could add to their dream home checklist? Burger’s answer is instant: complete silence. “There is no street traffic noise whatsoever,” he says. “The only exterior sounds one hears are, occasionally, tugboats on the East River.”
Discover more about this special property, including further photography, at www.bhsusa.com
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sta ndou t fe at ur e The floor-to-ceiling windows of the public rooms overlooking the East River, and the wide, wrap-around terrace for soaking up the view.
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A little slice of paradise A private island is the ultimate luxury, and this one – just minutes from Florida’s mainland – has a unique layout that’s perfect for entertaining and escaping
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The island’s 3.5 miles of coastline, complete with white-sand beaches, sits on some of the best fishing waters in Florida.
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true slice of paradise, Little Bokeelia is the only private island in the region to be the preserve of a single owner and is just five minutes by boat from Florida’s Gulf coast. The 106-acre island sits in the mouth of Charlotte Harbor, halfway between Florida’s vibrant, cultural cities of Naples and Sarasota, and an hour from Southwest Florida International Airport. It has all the benefits of a luxury mainland home, such as state-of-the-art technology and mains electricity, but once on the island, you feel a million miles from anywhere. “You are king of your own domain. It’s a magical private retreat, there’s nothing else like it in the area,” comments Michael Saunders, chief executive of Michael Saunders & Company. In the 1920s, Little Bokeelia Island became home to famed dry-cell battery inventor Charles Burgess, who built the Spanish colonial-style mansion as his home and constructed several other smaller houses in the grounds – including one that is now a museum to the inventor. The huge banyan tree in the garden was planted by another pioneer, the man who created the light bulb, Thomas Edison. In 1989, the current owners bought Little Bokeelia and began a complete reconstruction of the island. They enhanced the palatial four-bedroom main house and moved all of Burgess’s original outbuildings to
create a “village” where guests can relax in idyllic privacy among the lushly landscaped terraces, keep active on the tennis court or in the pool (which comes complete with wet bar), or hike along the nature trail. “The island has an Old Florida feel with true barefoot luxury from the pool to the gathering pavilion to the guest quarters,” says Saunders. The owners – who have enjoyed using the island as a holiday home with their family – have ensured Little Bokeelia isn’t just a lifestyle paradise but an appealing investment opportunity, too. They have secured planning permission in perpetuity to develop 29 waterfront plots – ideal for a boutique hotel or a private club, suggests Saunders, who adds that each plot would sell for around $2 million. The property rivals any Caribbean island – and indeed, with three international airports within two hours’ drive, the occasional hop to St Barts or the Bahamas for lunch is quite feasible. “The island will suit those looking for their own piece of perfection,” says Saunders. “Someone who wants seclusion and privacy but also the opportunity to be close to some beautiful areas of Florida with great shopping, dining, culture, and activities.”
Discover more, including spectacular aerial photography, at www.michaelsaunders.com
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sta ndou t fe at ur e The island’s priceless location, in Florida’s Gulf, offering complete privacy just minutes from mainland amenities – so that you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
photography main image and this page by michael wells.
The palatial four-bedroom home is defined by decadent columns, ornate ironwork, and Spanish colonial-style touches.
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The high life St Moritz is the original winter playground of the rich and famous – join the chic ski set with this traditional chalet on “billionaire hill” photography by mads mogensen
Warm, comfortable rooms create a welcoming atmosphere that complements the fresh mountain setting. st mor itz, sw itz er l and | 61
The chalet’s decor reflects the local Alpine vernacular, from beautiful wood-paneled walls to warm timber floors.
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St Moritz is a real draw, with top boutiques, glamorous bars and clubs, and Michelin-starred restaurants.
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hose who want to live the high life should look no further than Chesa Cherina, a beautiful Alpine chalet in Switzerland’s fashionable St Moritz. The ski town, one of the oldest winter resorts in the world, is as renowned for its “champagne climate” as is Switzerland for its stability, security, and favorable tax system. Chesa Cherina, which comprises a main house as well as detached staff accommodation, nestles in the sought-after district of Suvretta. Often known as “billionaire hill”, it is only moments from the Chasellas-Suvretta gondola and St Moritz center with its world-famous shopping street, Via Serlas. Top boutiques, nightclubs, a casino, and some of Switzerland’s finest restaurants are on the doorstep, though the chalet is removed enough to ensure peace
and privacy. In addition to the 10,220-square-foot interior, which includes five bedrooms and eight baths, the property has three garages with parking for seven cars, combining convenience with gracious living. A further 2,973 square feet of living space is soon to be added, creating another three bedrooms and four baths. “The moment we step into Chesa Cherina, we instantly feel tranquil and serene,” says the owner. “Our house is so secluded and yet so easy to reach.” St Moritz train station is nearby and Engadin Airport, which is open to private jets, is only a 20-minute drive away. The international hub of Zurich is two and a half hours by car. The chalet’s decor reflects the local Alpine vernacular; there is beautiful wooden paneling and warm timber floors throughout the main body of the ››
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sta ndou t fe at ur e The chalet’s spa and wellness center, which includes a luxurious hammam, sauna, and massage room, is an inviting retreat.
house. The open-plan informal dining and living area has impressive views. A cozy snug or reading area hugs one of the two welcoming fireplaces and there is also a little bar – known locally as a “stuva” – which is typical of homes in the area. “The stuva is our favorite place where we enjoy hours of fun with family and friends,” says the owner. Oenologists will be delighted to know that there is also a large, custom-made wine cellar, which forms an impressive feature walkway. A conservatory and a terrace extend the living area outdoors, where the glistening Alpine scenery can be enjoyed further. Crucially, the chalet enjoys a southerly aspect, bathing it in sunshine for long periods. The main home is spread over four floors and includes a basement area that houses a wellness center. Offering complete relaxation, perfect after a day’s
skiing, the complex includes a gym, sauna, hammam, massage room, and indoor swimming pool. Even here, residents can enjoy the Alpine scenery: “The pool has a large sliding window, so you can enjoy the fresh mountain air while swimming,” says Maurice Elst, managing director of Wetag Consulting Immobiliare. For those who prefer their après ski out and about, however, and can manage to leave the many comforts of Chesa Cherina behind, St Moritz itself is a real draw, with glamorous bars and clubs, and several Michelin-starred restaurants. In this incredibly exclusive enclave, the stylish social scene is as impressive as the high-quality skiing.
Discover more about this special property, including further photography, at www.wetag.ch and www.wuw.ch
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The spacious property neatly combines convenience with gracious living, peace, and privacy.
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the secret garden One may not associate glamorous, bustling Monaco with a sense of calm, but this serene duplex apartment, which comes with a luxurious private roof terrace and garden, is far from the madding crowds photography by dan duchars
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any Formula One racing drivers call Fontvieille, the new marina in Monaco’s southwest, home. And it’s no coincidence, as this enclave of peace and tranquility boasts some of the principality’s most beautiful homes and yachts, yet few have discovered it. The contemporary, duplex penthouse apartment at Port de Fontvieille is just a few steps away from the fashionable, low-key restaurants and laid-back bars that line the harbor, where locals, celebrities, and royalty are able to enjoy the stunning view of Le Rocher in relative privacy. But those views are nothing compared to the panoramic vistas from the vast, private roof garden
of the Port de Fontvieille penthouse. This unrivaled outdoor space – a rare commodity in Monaco – covers almost the entire footprint of the apartment, which adds up to more than 2,890 square feet. Accessed by a staircase from the main entrance hall is an additional outdoor apartment with its own pergola-covered kitchen and dining space, living area, and lounge complete with a spacious hot tub. The spectacular garden of this private idyll, meanwhile, is lush and mature, impeccably landscaped and planted with glossy-leaved palms, elegant tall cypress trees, and sculpted topiary in oversized terracotta pots. At one end of the terrace is the living area, looking across the harbor, out to sea, and over to the white ››
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sta ndou t fe at ur e The fabulously well-appointed roof terrace, with its mature plants and immaculate landscaping, is worthy of a boutique hotel. And the view from it? Priceless.
The living area and master bedroom suite look out onto the harbor and have balconies that run the length of the room.
sugar-lump outcrop of Le Rocher, which is crowned by the Prince’s Palace and Monaco cathedral. Benefiting from an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, the setting ensures plenty of opportunity for residents to use the space. “The Côte d’Azur has a very stable climate, so the owner will get maximum use of the summer kitchen and be able to organize lunches under the blue sky, or starlit suppers, virtually all year round,” explains Monica de Champfleury, of Hammer Draff Monaco Great Properties. The 2,573-square-foot, three-bedroom apartment itself has been completely renovated – think stuccoed walls and whitewashed oak flooring throughout. The open-plan living area and master bedroom suite also
look out onto the harbor. What’s more, they both have balconies that run the length of the room so that you can blur the boundaries between indoors and out. For those who live in Monaco and do business elsewhere, the close proximity to the principality’s heliport in Fontvieille offers frequent, fast links to Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport, and is a real plus. But being able to go about their lives incognito in such a star-studded destination is priceless. And where better to do so than in your garden in the sky, surrounded by swaying trees and a warm Mediterranean breeze?
Discover more about this special property, including further photography, at www.hammerdraff.com
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A Parisian masterpiece Creating a work of art takes time. Judging by the magnificent results, the 10-year renovation of this hôtel particulier was worth the wait photography by frederic vasseur
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atience is a virtue that architect Laurent Bourgois has in abundance. It’s the characteristic that has driven his 10-year renovation of a magnificent, 17th-century Parisian mansion to a triumphant conclusion. “The property was beautifully built but very dilapidated when my client bought it,” says Bourgois. “The roof was cracking, windows let in water, and the stonework was in very poor condition.” Undaunted, he embarked on a major restoration including renewing all the pipework and electrics, replacing the windows, roof and internal plasterwork, and installing a lift. The layout was also altered. Entered through a private courtyard, the first floor now contains a sitting room, library, kitchen, and office. A master bedroom, sitting room, living room, and further kitchen are located on the second and third floors, while another apartment spans the third and fourth floors. The lower ground floor comprises two studios and an apartment opening onto a landscaped courtyard. In total there are 20 rooms, 10 bedrooms, and eight full baths. “The owner felt the property was too big so we built a duplex apartment in the original attic rooms,” says Bourgois. “We created full-height rooms with a bird’s-eye view of Paris by changing the slope of the roof. The atmosphere is charming. The terrace we added within the apartment’s L-shape is particularly successful as it’s hidden from neighboring properties.
“The owner wanted a choice of areas to live within the property,” he adds. “So we built a triplex apartment over the first, second, and third floors. This is grander than the duplex and we retained, or copied, many original features.” While respecting the existing dimensions, Bourgois turned one reception room into a big kitchen and another into a library. By copying the original cornicing and building classically styled bookcases, the library looks centuries old. “Our aim was to make it look as if everything had always been here,” says Bourgois. “We were very careful about materials, using old terracotta tiles in the bathroom and paints that didn’t look too modern.” Local craftsmen tackled specialist work such as gilding. The internal decoration was planned in tandem with the restoration. Hugh Henry of design firm MHZ created an elegant interior that reflects the building’s classic nature while adding a light, bohemian touch using the owner’s diverse collection of sculpture, paintings, tapestry, and contemporary furniture. “All I had to do was create a good shell,” Bourgois says modestly. “The twist comes from the way Hugh has mixed colors, fabrics, furniture, and works of art.” Patience and talent, it seems, have underpinned this challenging renovation as much as stone and plaster.
Discover more about this special property, including further photography, at www.belles-demeures-de-france.com
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The elegant interior reflects the building’s classic nature, with the owner’s diverse collection of sculpture, paintings, tapestry, and contemporary furniture adding a light, bohemian touch.
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sta ndou t fe at ur e The versatility of the living space is a rare find in a period property of this style, and its renovation to such a high standard takes the appeal of this townhouse to new heights.
“Our aim was to make it look as if everything had always been here. We were very careful about materials, using old terracotta tiles in the bathrooms and paints that didn’t look too modern.”
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f i v e s ta r s for
spanish st yle When interior designer Sandra Billington moved to Marbella, she had the vision to create a beachfront finca-style mansion with a simple, authentic Spanish vibe photography by bill kingston
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“The house dictated the interior design and we traveled Spain constantly to source furniture, antiques, and features including 18th-century floorboards and iron grilles.”
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s any sun-starved Northern European knows, there is nothing quite like a warm evening in Spain spent outdoors with a glass of chilled wine and views across a glinting Mediterranean Sea. Even when you are an interior designer like Sandra Billington, with a 22,600-square-foot beachfront house, which includes seven huge bedrooms, a vast cathedral-ceilinged salon, and an indoor swimming pool, outdoors is still where you long to be. “The beach is white, the sea is amazing, and the sunsets from the terrace are beautiful. Here in Spain, we live outside the whole time in summer so the terrace is the most important element of the house,” says Billington from her palatial home.
The villa, set in Marbella’s five-star enclave of Los Monteros, has a choice of four outside dining and lounging areas, designed to suit different times of the day. Some are sheltered from the sun, one is integral to the house – undercover, but open at the side to let in the mesmerizing views. The main space, which runs alongside the seafront, has a beautiful swimming pool surrounded by palms, landscaped shrubbery, and sofas from which to soak up views towards the North African coast. Billington bought the property – which has the unique luxury of direct beach access, something that is now impossible for new builds – 16 years ago and spent three years transforming it from a bungalow into a three-story finca-style mansion.
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sta ndou t fe at ur e The direct access onto Los Monteros beach, which sets this stylish
finca apart from others in the area, is the ultimate in barefoot luxury.
“It’s set on an elevated plot, which is a lovely feature as it means no one can see in from the beach. But back then, there was just a U-shaped bungalow here whose wings sat very close to the beach,” she says. “Rebuilding it was difficult, but the interior design was easy. The house dictated the style and we traveled Spain constantly to source furniture, antiques, and features including 18th-century floorboards and iron grilles, which we found in a convent in Granada.” The 115 or so villas at Los Monteros sit on a secure estate alongside the five-star Los Monteros Hotel, which, when it opened in 1962, was the first on the Costa del Sol to offer a buffet breakfast. A cut above the rest, its restaurant El Corzo became the first hotel restaurant in Spain to receive a Michelin star.
The hotel soon became the meeting place for Marbella’s upper crust, along with film stars including Audrey Hepburn and Richard Burton. Some then began to buy villas near the hotel – and Billington’s neighbors today include Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas. “I chose Los Monteros because it is always peaceful, the security is fantastic, and you have the added facility of the hotel and beach club. It’s a very luxurious and well-known proposition,” she adds. And Billington’s villa is perhaps the best proposition of all, with its open sea vistas. It’s the only place to be.
Discover more about this special property, including further photography, at www.dmproperties.com
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Al fresco lounging and dining areas create an easy flow between interior living spaces and the landscaped terraces, offering the ultimate indoor-outdoor lifestyle at any time of day.
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Sunny side up When the influential Australian “starchitect” David Katon took on the task of creating a new property sitting on arguably Sydney’s best plot, he used glass to create a contemporary home of sun-drenched simplicity photography by richard birch
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here are no bad homes on Wolseley Road in Sydney. Australia’s most expensive street, it ranks in the top 10 most exclusive addresses in the world and is located in the elite Point Piper area, where two properties have sold for more than A$50 million (US$45.8 million). No two houses on this one-kilometer, leafy stretch are the same, from Arts and Crafts cottages to modern manor houses. But there is no house quite like number 112, a five-story waterfront mansion with dreamy Sydney Harbour views. The contours of the coastline from the road down to the water’s edge are so steep that houses at water level are rare. But 112 Wolseley Road is an exception, built on the site of an existing late 1960s house that was here before the development of large properties on the harbor foreshore was restricted. “When the security gates open on Wolseley Road, a vista opens to the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and across the islands and the North Sydney skylines. It is, I believe, Sydney’s best view,” says the property’s architect David Katon, who completed it in 2008. The house stands out from the moment you enter; street level is on the fifth floor. “The driveway from this high point leads the eye to the view and, in the foreground, an impressive circular glass lift tower and entry,” says Katon. “The circular tower, curving staircase, and architectural simplicity define this property. The house turns its back on the street, ensuring privacy, and addresses the harbor and views.” To maximize the views and light, Katon has designed wrap-around glazing on full-length façades on three levels. He describes the house as a “glass box” that sparkles during the day and glows at night, playing with the sunlight reflected off the water. As you descend from the top floor to the fourth, via the Italian glass lift or the curved stone staircase, you arrive at the media/study/library room, which “feels like a mini penthouse,” opening onto a sun-drenched terrace. On the third and second floors are the bedrooms, all en suite with harbor views and terraces. The first floor is consumed by a vast living, dining, and kitchen space that opens directly onto the large harborside terrace with a swimming pool and jetty. “From the living areas, the terrace feels like the deck of a boat hovering above the water,” says Katon. “You can live the ultimate Sydney lifestyle from this house, with a jetty where you can board your yacht and head to secluded sandy beaches or through the heads to the ocean,” Katon adds. “Or relax poolside bathed in sun and enjoy drinks while looking across at the city’s sparkling lights reflected on the harbor.”
Discover more about this special property, including further photography, at www.kenjacobs.com.au
sta ndou t fe at ur e This rare, waterfront home makes the most of Sydney’s best view, with glass walls and terraces on every level of the property, while maintaining complete privacy.
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All of the generous bedrooms, set on the second and third floors, enjoy harbor views and full open terraces.
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Caribbean cool
michael wells
Secluded and luxurious, with its own exclusive beach, the iconic Punta Minitas 34 private estate at the five-star Casa de Campo resort has it all
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sta ndou t fe at ur e Serene pools alongside handmade brick walkways that lead
michael wells
to an enormous lap pool overlooking the ocean.
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iscreetly tucked away in the Dominican Republic’s five-star Casa de Campo resort, an iconic villa known as Punta Minitas 34 is one of the most palatial and spectacular estates in the Caribbean and beyond. With nearly 35,000 square feet of interior space, this private compound offers the ultimate in size, location, and views. Gracing one of the resort’s prime residential enclaves, it boasts breathtaking sea vistas, its own private beachfront (see above) and private dock. And a 16-car garage can equally be used to store boats. Artfully blending the inside with the lush outdoors, the expansive main salon with a soaring 20-foot ceiling opens onto the private beach. Cascading fountains surround the salon and artisanal dining room, while serene pools alongside handmade brick walkways lead to an expansive lap pool overlooking the ocean. Within the compound are the main house and its round, twostory tower pavilions – including an elevator – with oversized suites and prime sea views. Expansive spaces provide a natural showcase for local artisanship such as the magnificent 15-footwide entrance doors. Many artworks were crafted by celebrated Dominican artists Gaspar Mario Cruz and Antonio Prats-Ventós. And a special temperaturecontrolled museum easily converts to a screening room or family room. What makes this architectural gem even more unique is that it comes with the amenities
of a five-star resort. Casa de Campo’s 7,000 acres include exclusive neighborhoods of trophy residences, whose owners benefit from the resort’s facilities, including room services, massages, and more. Dubbed “the Caribbean’s most complete resort,” Casa de Campo is internationally acclaimed for its Pete Dye-designed golf courses and has been called “the world’s leading golf resort” by the World Travel Awards for five consecutive years. The resort further entices with 13 tennis courts, an equestrian ranch, three polo fields, spas, boutiques, trap and skeet shooting, and scores of tony restaurants, including Beach Club by Le Cirque. A stylish marina berths international yachts, and countless water sports include snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, and sailing. A haven where both celebrities and dignitaries can bask in low-key privacy, the tastefully designed resort has hosted Beyoncé, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Hugh Grant – and three American presidents. Native Dominican Oscar de la Renta, one of the earliest settlers who made his home at Casa de Campo, lent his fashion expertise to designing parts of the hotel. What’s more, this privileged seclusion is only a 10minute drive from La Romana International Airport, and Miami is just a two-hour flight from this paradise.
Discover more about this special property, including further photography, at www.villaminitas.com
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Punta Minitas 34 graces prime oceanfront at the Casa de Campo resort, an international playground dotted with enclaves of trophy homes.
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The main house boasts round, two-story tower pavilions complete with an elevator, oversized suites, and prime sea views.
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Call of the
wild Get back to nature in Cape Cod, where this modern country estate offers beaches to comb, woods and islands to explore – and adventure in abundance photography by michael mundy
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s you cross the Cape Cod Canal, the thin band of water that separates this 70-mile strip of land from mainland Massachusetts, you can feel your shoulders un-hunch and your lungs expand as you breathe in the crisp air, scented with pine needles. This is America at its most relaxed. Chatham, at the elbow of Cape Cod, surrounded by water on three sides, is still a fishing village at heart with an unpretentious atmosphere that is as refreshing as its surroundings – this is no glitzy Hamptons. Cape Cod’s long sandy shores and uninterrupted ocean views account for just some of the considerable allure of the Chatham Jewel estate. “For all the water we have at Chatham, it’s very hard to find a home like this, right on the beach,” says Chris Rhinesmith, broker and owner of Pine Acres Realty. The elegant house, which took five years to build and was completed in 2010, makes the most of outdoor living, with entrancing views from every window. Its outdoor infinity pool looks over the beach and out to the calm, warm water of Nantucket Sound, the cooler, open Atlantic, and Monomoy Island. The neighboring pavilion, with its luxurious day beds and outdoor stone fireplace, is the perfect spot for seal watching. In fact, the eight-mile spit of sand that makes up Monomoy Island is a dedicated National Wildlife
Refuge, and a haven for seals and migratory birds, including the protected piping plover and roseate tern. The walking and biking trails that surround Chatham Jewel’s 1.9-acre private grounds allow for exploration of the nearby wilderness, while the 22-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail cycle route winds its way through Chatham itself. The beach at the bottom of the garden is empty and ripe for clam digging, while one of the Cape’s best beaches, North Beach, accessible to most only by boat, is just a shell’s throw away and is part of the protected Cape Cod National Seashore. The house itself is spacious, with polished wooden floors, a splendid wrap-around staircase, and striking floor-to-ceiling windows in the dining room. Chatham Village, which is a short cycle ride away, is one of the prettiest villages on Cape Cod. “Chatham’s downtown is quintessentially New England. It is a real draw,” says Rhinesmith. “There are first-class shops and restaurants, particularly seafood eateries. The theater and baseball league are very popular and in the summer there are concerts in the park.” If tranquil walks, spending time on the water, and paddling your feet in the waves on postcard-perfect beaches appeal, Chatham Jewel is sure to charm you.
Discover more, including spectacular aerial photography, at www.pineacresrealty.com
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sta ndou t fe at ur e Watching nature at work in Nantucket Sound at sunset from the comfort of your “outdoor living room”, complete with an oversized fireplace – perfect for cozy nights in.
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The house is spacious, with polished wooden floors, a splendid wrap-around staircase, and striking floor-to-ceiling windows in the dining room.
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Chatham Jewel’s 1.9-acre private grounds are surrounded by National Seashore walking and biking trails that allow for exploration of the nearby wilderness.
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cool in the
c o u n t ry Who says traditional country houses need to be staid and stuffy inside? Compton Bassett House in Wiltshire proves that some rules are made to be broken photography by adrian briscoe
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sta ndou t fe at ur e The exquisite surroundings are everything you could want in an English country property: an idyllic village location next to a church, yet with the complete privacy of a walled garden, your own wood, and paddocks within the rolling grounds.
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ompton Bassett House near Calne in Wiltshire combines quintessential Old England with modern living. The 150-foot-long residence was originally a smaller coach house built in the 18th century, which was then extensively restored and enlarged in the 1930s. The current seven-bedroom, eight-bath manor house is now one of Wiltshire’s grandest privately owned properties. Set in 71 acres of rolling parkland on the edge of the Cotswolds, the house has been completely refurbished by a recent owner. “It’s all been done to an incredibly high standard,” says Luke Morgan of Strutt & Parker. The bedroom suites, which each benefit from a private sitting room and bath, have been decorated in different styles from around the world and include English, American, and Japanese themed rooms. The master suite features dual baths, one of which is finished in Jerusalem limestone and African red granite; the other is notable for its distinctive island design, with arched Japanese-style bridges leading to the shower. Four reception rooms include the light and airy main living room, which has impressively high ceilings and can comfortably house a grand piano and billiards table. The large fireplace, however, ensures a welcoming ambience. “It’s a modernized home with lots of creature comforts,” says Morgan.
Some of those comforts include an indoor swimming pool with Doric columns as well as a gym and sauna complex. Sports fans will also be delighted to find a football pitch and a tennis court. Two staff apartments provide ample accommodation, and a private helicopter hangar adds to the picture of modern living. No English manor would be complete without a garden, and Compton Bassett House boasts beautiful grounds. A traditional English rose garden opens into the large walled garden, which has an elegant fountain and garden pavilion. Neighboring St Swithin’s Church is the finishing touch to this pretty country vignette. This impressive property, which is just outside the village of Compton Bassett, is in some of the most scenic countryside Wiltshire has to offer. The village, popular with families, has a strong sense of community, with an award-winning local pub, a cricket team, and a regular village fête. “The village has very good facilities and it is on the doorstep of some of the best schools (Marlborough College, St Mary’s Calne) in the country,” says Morgan. The house is only 13 miles from the M4 and a twohour drive from London, making it an easy escape from the city and perfect for those who still want their urban comforts and style in the countryside.
Discover more, including spectacular aerial photography, at www.struttandparker.com/countryhouses
A perfect combination of Old England charm and modern living, Compton Bassett House provides every urban comfort in an idyllic setting. w iltshir e, eng l and | 107
a m e r i c a’ s g r e at e s t e s tat e The magnificent historic home of the Lauder Greenway family comes with 50 acres of grounds, almost a mile of shorefront, and two offshore islands – all just 45 minutes from New York City photography by michael mundy
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“There is nothing like this... the only ‘Great Estate’ left on the water with this amount of land.”
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he name Copper Beech Farm is somewhat misleading. While large copper beech trees do stud the grounds, as you sweep down the immaculate, 1,800-foot cobble-lined driveway, which winds past woods, lawns, and the occasional wild turkey, you realize that to describe this property as a mere farm would be an understatement. Copper Beech Farm in Greenwich, Connecticut, is in fact very rare – an original “Great Estate”, which remains as grand as when it was first created in 1896. The estate encompasses 50.6 rolling acres, which includes almost a mile of waterfront, two islands, and panoramic views of Long Island Sound. The elevated position of the property guarantees fabulous vistas, while the scale of the grounds ensures total privacy. The driveway leads to the impressive entrance and its handsome fieldstone towers – in the manner of a French Renaissance mansion with conical slate roofs – and to the original carriage turnaround, where you can take in your first inspiring and breathtaking views across Long Island Sound. “There is nothing like this,” says David Ogilvy of David Ogilvy & Associates. “It is the only ‘Great Estate’ left on the water with even close to this amount of land that has not been sub-divided.” Today it is a two-acre zone and it could be kept as is or divided in a number of different ways. About 46 Great Estates were created in and around Greenwich between 1880 and 1930 as the area was
transformed by an influx of sophisticated city dwellers, thanks to its accessibility to New York City – just 45 minutes by car or train and now a short drive to the airport. “These estates were built at a level and scale that was very unusual for the time,” says Ogilvy. Part of American history, Copper Beech Farm was owned by Harriet Lauder Greenway, whose father cofounded the Carnegie Steel Company, now US Steel. Inside is just as generously proportioned, with 15,000 square feet of living space, all offering period charm. The richly paneled center hall has a major three-story stairway with low risers. The library is paneled in warm mahogany wood with an impressive fireplace. The dining room, paneled in oak, features a ceiling decorated with ornamental tracery and a fireplace. The living room with a fireplace opens to the light and airy solarium with three exposures and an ornate cofferred ceiling, plus the screened or glassed-in porch is sunny and elegant with sea views and access to the magnificent walled gardens. “Because of the temperate effects of the water, the garden is full of plants that wouldn’t normally grow here,” says Ogilvy. The grounds contain a 75-foot pool with a large spa, a pool house, a stucco and shingle gatehouse cottage, a stone carriage house, a grass tennis court, two beaches, and greenhouses. A truly Great Estate.
Discover more about this special property, including further photography, at www.davidogilvy.com
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sta ndou t fe at ur e The 50-plus acres of rolling grounds and woodland, which include two islands – as “Great” today as when the estate was conceived, and a true slice of American history.
Editorial Sarah Bravo, Jules Rogers, Kitty Finstad, Michael Branthwaite, Alison Tyler, Cherry Casey, Laura Hill, Ceri James, David Sharman, Zoe Dare Hall, Nicole Swengley, Jo Leevers, Nicola Venning.
For Christie’s International Real Estate Louise Heather. lheather@christiesrealestate.com
Publishing August Media Ltd. Sebastian Costa, Mark Lonergan. Zetland House, Scrutton Street, London EC2A 4HJ. +44 (0)20 7749 3300, info@augustmedia.com
The opinions herein are those of the authors or persons interviewed and do not reflect the views of Christie’s International Real Estate or August Media. © Christie’s International Real Estate 2013. August Media Ltd is a member of the Content Marketing Association (CMA).
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frederic vasseur
An elegant city-center property provides peace and serenity within, while chic boutiques and restaurants are just steps away.