14 minute read
NEVADA
12300 OCEAN VIEW, SPARKS
5 BD | 4.5 BA | 4,287 SQ FT
Single level living on nearly an acre in Pebble Creek. A bright and spacious floor plan with room for formal and informal gatherings, outdoor activities are endless in this extra large lot, and numerous fruit trees along with raised garden beds for those with a green thumb. As you enter the home you are drawn right to the backyard with it’s amazing view. Enjoying your mornings watching the sunrise, the birds chirping and the few water features that provide a tranquil setting. This 5 or 6 bedroom home will accommodate anyone. Nearly 4300 sqft, 3.5 baths, an office or if needed can be used as the 6th bedroom. A large kitchen with granite counters, an abundance of cabinets, double ovens, gas range and pantry. The backyard has various areas where you can sit and enjoy the sunrise and the evenings are pleasant as the sun sets at the front of the house.
Offered at: $1,090,800
KIMBERLY LARKIN-RITTER
(775) 830-5357 kim.larkinritter@bhhsdrysdale.com
501 LAKESHORE BLVD 15, INCLINE VILLAGE
2 BD | 3 BA | 1,802 SQ FT
Turnkey condo steps from beach and buoy, pier & clubhouse. Panoramic lake view. Maple hardwood flooring; custom cabinetry; cedar plank ceilings; Viking kitchen appliances; separate dining area; custom wine bar; spiral staircase to loft/office/3rd bedroom; family room has built-in entertainment center & surround sound; river rock gas-log fireplace; Anderson sliding glass doors to upper deck; dumb waiter to all floors in heated 2 car plus garage. Fuller furnished plus 2 kayaks, a paddleboard and 2 bikes. The master bedroom has walk-in closet, limestone flooring, dual vanity, granite countertop, a jetted tub, sliding door to back deck. Newly painted interior, new upholstery on barstools, dinning chairs, window seat and patio furniture. This is a very special end unit with a gorgeous view of beautiful Lake Tahoe. The garage is oversized and heated. The laundry is on the bedroom level with storage area and shelving. There is a room off the garage for a workshop or exercise room, not included in the square footage.
Offered at: $3,750,000
GINGER STONER
775.813.8420 ginger.stoner@bhhsdrysdale.com
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hospitality and is a favorite wed- ding destination. “I’ve never seen anything like this before,” says Cox of the current luxury real estate market, noting incredibly tight inventory. In addition to retirees, the region is now attracting more families and they are staying longer, states Cox, whose office currently lists a 5,000-square-foot Scottish manor-inspired estate at Highlands Country Club for $5 million.
A crown jewel of the ski circuit, Vail is now being discovered year-round, with visitors filling luxury hotels and participating in a wide spectrum of outdoor activities. Michael Slevin, president of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Properties states, “The winter activities are the draw that introduces visitors and second home- buyers, but when they visit in the summer- time, they understand why so many people are choosing Vail Valley for year-round residences.” He notes the number of primary residence transactions is increasing and second home occupants are staying longer. Summer is no longer the “off-season” in Vail Valley, with ski resorts transformed into hiking trails and gondolas offering panoramic mountain views. In addition to fishing and cycling, Slevin notes that golf course communities showcase a luxury lifestyle that rivals the slopes. Reporting that July through October is his firm’s busiest season for sales, Slevin cites a contemporary stone- clad home in Vail Village, listed at $10.5 mil- lion, as the epitome of mountain luxury.
Taos, New Mexico
Taos is famous for its natural beauty and worldclass skiing. Joel Schantz of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Taos Real Estate reports that after the skiers go home, there is still plenty to do here, from hiking and biking to golf and whitewater rafting through the Rio Grande Gorge. The community is filled with art galleries and exceptional restaurants, and tourists gravitate to the Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“Because the price point for the same amenities is much more attractive than other destinations, people are discovering Taos,” says Shantz’s colleague Jim Pitts, who says Taos is sometimes referred to as the “affordable Aspen.” Schantz reports, “I’ve had my real estate license since 1981 and I’ve never seen anything like this market,” noting that recently initiated air service from major cities and the effects of the pandemic are contributing to Taos’ momentum. Schantz currently lists an award-winning 5,000-squarefoot home for $2.35 million, an enchanting fusion of contemporary and traditional aesthetics.
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Situated in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, charming Blowing Rock offers mountain recreation year-round. Jay Vincent, owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Vincent Properties, reports that while the snow draws winter visitors, summer is the high season when vehicles from Florida and Texas flood the quaint town with a cool elevation of about 3,500 feet. Protected forestland and lakes provide an abundance of hiking, fishing, hunting, kayaking and canoeing, while boutique hotels charm tourists.
“It’s historically strong. I’ve been doing this for a long time and I’ve never seen anything like it,” says Vincent of the current luxury market, dominated by vacation home cash buyers. “People from more densely populated areas are looking for a safe haven, and because buyers have determined they can now work from home, this trend may continue for several years,” suggests Vincent. Currently listed by his office for $7.5 million is the spectacular Lodge at Grandfather Falls, a 27-acre private mountain sanctuary with a 12,200-square foot residence.
Breckenridge, Colorado Quebec, Canada
In a state loaded with world-renowned winter resorts, Breckenridge distinguishes itself with one of North America’s longest ski seasons and easy access from Denver International Airport. But the historic town, founded in the mid-1800s, is bustling all year long, reports Steve Crozier, owner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Mountain Realty.
“We’re a good value compared to Vail or Aspen, but a 25 percent increase in single-family home prices has established Breckenridge as a true luxury market,” Crozier explains, noting about half of buyers are from Colorado and that Texas dominates outof- state buyers. In addition to the expected hiking, biking and golf, Crozier cites sailing, whitewater rafting and fishing as popular summertime activities, plus a lively music scene in a real community that is not simply an adjunct to a ski resort. In addition to pandemic-induced sales of vacation homes, more people are settling in for year-round residency, reports Crozier. A 3,000-square-foot logclad home is listed by Sara Gambino of his firm for $1.299 million.
With the local language and mouth-watering cuisine, a winter visit to Quebec is almost a substitute for the French Alps. Sacha Brosseau, founder and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Quebec, states, “Over the last ten years, more and more people have decided to reside fully or have primary residences outside
Park City, Utah
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of Montreal, and that increase in population has given traction to year-round activities at ski resorts.” The pandemic has increased demand for high-end second homes, reports Brosseau, creating a dearth of inventory and skyrocketing prices.
Brosseau notes that the province’s two major ski destinations, Mont-Blanc in the Laurentian Mountains and Mont Orford, remain fully alive during Quebec’s short summers, with plentiful water sports, hiking and mountain biking giving rise to the term “nature parks.” Brosseau adds, “There are also beautiful golf courses, spa resorts and a variety of local festivals,” noting the worldrenowned Tremblant International Blues Festival. The Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Quebec executive believes a newfound appreciation for the countryside will further enhance Quebec’s year-round lifestyle.
Park City, Utah
After hosting Winter Olympic alpine events and the glitzy Sundance Film Festival, Park City knows how to please visitors regardless of the season. Steve Chin of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Utah Properties and Chin MacQuoid Fleming Harris reports, “We have the best access of any destination ski resort because of our proximity to the airport,” noting that Park City is a quick 30-minute drive from Salt Lake City International. After the ski season concludes in April, visitors enjoy hiking, zip lining, 400 miles of bike trails, or golf at championship-caliber courses.
“With its arts and music, Park City is a vibrant year-round community, not just a resort town,” insists Chin, who suggests its top-rated school system and Utah’s reputation for low taxes and crime are contributing to an increase in year-round residents. Luxury home prices have appreciated 25-35 percent in the last year, says Chin, whose firm represents the Stein Eriksen Residences — the namesake lodge is one of several world-class hotels — that epitomize Park City’s luxury resort lifestyle.
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe, in Vermont’s Green Mountains, is known as the “Ski Capital of the East,” but the town hardly shuts down in the summertime. Dody Day of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Vermont Realty Group reports, “Summer numbers have actually outperformed winter numbers for many years,” and cites a plethora of outdoor attractions from hiking and boating to golf. Colleague Denise Trombley notes, “Abandoned rail lines, used for cross- country ski trails in winter, accommodate bikes and pedestrians in the summer.” The two agents point to Vermont’s legendary craft beer culture and acclaimed dining as additional draws.
Illustrating the strength of the luxury market, Day reports volume of $1 million- plus sales in 2020 more than doubled 2019’s numbers. “People are relocating to Vermont due to COVID-19 and climate change,” suggests Trombley, who notes significant interest from California. Under contract is a property Day listed at $1.199 million that truly captures the Vermont luxury lifestyle: an 11.65-acre retreat overlooking the fly fishing mecca of 10 Bends River.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
With its challenging black diamond runs, Jackson Hole attracts serious skiers, but the fashionable retreat accommodates Hollywood celebrities and Fortune 500 CEOs yearround. Kurt Harland, majority owner/managing partner at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Brokers of Jackson Hole Real Estate reports, “I came here for the winter, but Jackson Hole is wildly more popular in summer.” He adds, “There’s every imaginable outdoor activity here, from bird- watching to motocross trails,” and notes the close proximity to Grand Teton National Park. “There’s a higher concentration of luxury properties in Jackson Hole, but the market for ranches and estates throughout the state is robust,” says Harland, who reports Wyoming is extremely tax beneficial. He says of the current record-breaking luxury market, “With the reality of being able to work remotely, people on the fence have jumped off and some are even trading in vacation homes for permanent residences.” Offered at $7.5 million is a quintessential Jackson property accommodating two houses with breathtaking Teton Range vistas.
Big Sky, Montana
With more skiable acres than Vail or Aspen and fewer crowds, Big Sky has been discovered as a winter destination, but Katie Morrison of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Montana Properties points out, “Summer is catching up quickly!” With championship golf courses designed by Nicklaus, Palmer and Weiskopf, biking or zip lining down the mountain, plus fly fishing in the Gallatin River and professional rodeo events, summer is no longer considered “off-season.” Yellowstone National Park is an hour away, and high-end resorts like the soon-to-open Montage welcome year-round guests.
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luxury real estate market, states, “People found out they can work from anywhere and decided this was the place they wanted to be.” She reports median home prices have doubled since 2018 and inventory is at an all-time low. Recently sold after being listed at $3.3 million — a property Morrison insists captures the majesty of Big Sky — is 3,900-square-foot Moose Ridge Lodge.
Crested Butte, Colorado
This former mining town is prized for challenging conditions that appeal to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Jason Lain, owner/broker of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Today Realty & Associates, reports, “Crested Butte is very busy in the winter, but in the last five years or so, it’s been just as insane in the summer.” He notes the popularity of the entire region can be attributed to its incredible hiking, mountain biking and camping opportunities.
A luxury log cabin outside Crested Butte — with 52 acres and a half-mile of private trout fishing, it truly captures the local lifestyle — is listed by the firm’s Teresa Anderson at $3.75 million. The pandemic has drawn buyers from Austin, Denver and Colorado Springs, says Lain, and even though the market primarily accommodates second home buyers, many are staying year-round. “We had the best January, February and March that we’ve ever had,” reports the broker. Northern Italy
The Italian cultural centers of Milan, Venice and Bologna are surprisingly accessible to world-class ski resorts that also offer a rich palette of recreational opportunities in warmer weather. Marcus Benussi, managing partner of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices MAGGI Properties Agency, reports, “In the summer, there’s fantastic hiking, parachuting, para-gliding, bungee jumping, and mountain biking at these destinations.” After ski season, the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices MAGGI Properties Agency executive notes the regions of Piedmont and Lombardy, nestled against the soaring Alps, provide water sports in the lakes district and some of Europe’s finest golf.
“The luxury market is moving very fast, but we need to accompany buyers with the best advisory services possible,” says Benussi, who reports a surprising number of international purchases are made sight-unseen. “People are moving out of major cities and looking for situations that offer a high quality of life,” explains Benussi, whose agents list an eclectic array of Italian mountain villas.
The Poconos, Pennsylvania
The Pocono Mountains is the Keystone State’s premier destination for skiers and snowboarders, but the famously romantic getaway offers greater opportunities after the snow melts. Kimberly Stevens, owner/ broker of Berkshire
Hathaway HomeServices Pocono Real Estate reports, “Despite our ski resorts, spring, summer and fall — when the foliage is absolutely beautiful — are our high seasons.” She notes the Tom Fazio-designed Paupack Hills Golf Course is one of several venues that make the Poconos a top golf destination.
Local rivers and 13-mile-long Lake Wallenpaupack offer water sports, while daredevils can enjoy skydiving or a NASCAR experience at Pocono Raceway. Stevens reports that prices in the first quarter of 2021 are 38 percent higher year-over-year and that inventory is depleted. “This is a second home market but people tend to be staying longer,” says the local expert, who suggests a 5,750-squarefoot French country estate on 80 acres, currently listed at $1.845 million, reflects the allure of the Poconos.
Red Lodge, Montana
A gateway to Yellowstone National Park via the scenic Beartooth Highway, Red Lodge is one of Montana’s premier skiing destinations but is even more popular in summertime when a myriad of recreational activities can be enjoyed in cool temperatures amidst jaw-dropping natural beauty. In addition to hiking, whitewater rafting or horseback riding, visitors can consort with bison and black bears at Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary or ride Harleys to the annual Beartooth Rally.
Gregg O’Neil of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Floberg Real Estate reports a robust real estate market for second homes in the area, with inventory that usually exceeds 80 properties down to about 12. “People who no longer need to be in the office are finding a refuge in Red Lodge,” says O’Neil, who insists luxury buyers can find good value here relative to other mountain destinations. One of his office’s current listings is a 13-acre log cabin compound priced at $3 million.
Telluride, Colorado
One of America’s premier skiing destinations, this community is also famous for the Telluride Film Festival that draws Hollywood celebrities and studio execs every Labor Day weekend. Mary Campbell of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Western Colorado Properties reports, “We have two distinct, equally important seasons, and while we’re best known for the ski slopes, summer is steadily growing.” In addition to exceptional hiking, biking and fly fishing, Campbell notes that tourists appreciate the aerial gondola, which operates year-round as part of a free local transit system.
“We definitely had a COVID stimulus,” says Campbell of the market that took off last year, adding, “Despite all the summer festivals being canceled, we had an influx of visitors and some renters ended up buying.” She reports the current inventory is a fraction of normal and prices are escalating. Campbell currently lists a 35-acre gentle- man’s ranch — its extraordinary mountain views showcase the natural beauty of Telluride — for $3.895 million.
Northern Italy