Unique Homes Global (FOR BILLING PURPOSES)

®

UNIQUE HOMES Global 2010 | Volume 39, Number 6

SPECIAL INSERT: Coldwell Banker Previews Homes & Estates

Features PHOTO ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/UNIQUEHOMESART

26

PHOTO COURTESY ISLEWORTH REALTY

76

26 Our Global Report It’s A Small World After All Worldwide wealth is up, and there is value to be found in many corners of the globe. Internationally, luxury real estate has never looked like this.

By Camilla McLaughlin 60 The Road to Recovery ‘It’s The Economy’ It is hard to talk about real estate without thinking about the economy as a whole. Here, we try to make sense of the latest housing numbers.

By Camilla McLaughlin

H&E 5 Who Says You Can’t Go Home?

Realtors and designers are accommodating requests for homes tailored to multiple generations.

By Camilla McLaughlin H&E 24 The Land of a Hundred Thousand Welcomes Ireland's beauty, warmth and diversity are attracting buyers from across the globe.

76 Golf 2010 A Dream Within Reach Homes in golf course communities are changing to suit today’s buyers.

By Jennifer Martin 88 The Ultimate Series The Ultimate Theater/ Indoor Entertainment Space Grab your popcorn and take a look at our latest contest winners.

248 In Closing No Limits We profile a furniture maker who can do anything with wood and honor the passing of an industry icon who knew no boundaries.

By Ken Weingartner

Inside 10 Editor’s Letter 18 Unique Spotlight 42 Estates of Distinction 64 Unique Places 66 Unique Properties 67 Unique Perspectives 244 Luxury Property Specialists 247 Advertiser Index

88

State & Country Index Arizona H&E 48-50, 94-95 California 5-7, 14-16, 41, 46, 49, 5455, 96-97, H&E 39-47, H&E 52-58 Colorado H&E 62-64, 102 Connecticut 47, 86, H&E 108-114 District of Columbia 59, H&E 104

8

UniqueHomes.com

Maryland 59, H&E 100-103, Inside Back Cover

New York 45, H&E 85-90, H&E 107-109, H&E 112-114

Texas 56-57, 63, 74, H&E 121-122

International Aruba H&E 32-33

Massachusetts 84-85, H&E 115-119

North Carolina 82

Utah 99, H&E 59-61

Bahamas 30-33, H&E 30-31

Michigan 87

Ohio H&E 75-76

Vermont 82

Bora Bora 15

Hawaii 19, H&E 65-67

Minnesota H&E 77-79

Oregon 100-101

Canada 36-37, 50-51, H&E 36-37

Idaho 14

MIssouri H&E 69-71

Pennsylvania H&E 80, H&E 82-84

Virginia 59, 82-83, H&E 80, H&E 105

Illinois 87, H&E 72-74

New Jersey 82, H&E 90-99

South Dakota 58

Florida 20-25, 52-53, 92, 61, 68-69, 70-72, 77-81, 90, H&E 126-136, Back Cover Georgia 44, 73-75, 91, H&E 123-125

Washington 62, 98 Wisconsin H&E 80

Costa Rica 14, H&E 34-35 France H&E 28-29

Italy 16, H&E 26-27 Ireland H&E 23-25 Mexico 16, 41 Morocco 42-43 New Zealand 38-40 St. Maarten 35 West Indies 34

Editor’s Letter PUBLISHER Richard A. Goodwin EDITOR IN CHIEF Kathleen Carlin-Russell MANAGING EDITOR Mark Moffa ASSISTANT EDITOR Lauren Varga EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Jessica Decina EDITORIAL INTERN Emily Schuit, Kaitlin MacRae, Kimberly Turner

By now you may have heard about the two record-breaking sales that recently took

place. We are not talking about something on the now comparatively “small” scale of the $50 million sale of Le Belvédère in California...amazingly, we are dealing with something much, much bigger. According to published reports, two properties were sold for the record-setting prices of $220 million and $311 million. The first was in London, where a penthouse in ultra-exclusive One Hyde Park sold for $220 million; the second was in Monte Carlo, where an estate sold for the chart-topping $311 million. What do such sales signal about the market? About luxury buyers across the world? Hear what one international real estate specialist had to say in an article found on page 66.

Such global happenings certainly fit well into this issue, which has a special emphasis on luxury living worldwide. The exotic showplace known as The Secret in Marrakech, which graces our cover, is the perfect introduction to an issue with articles on high-end homes in Ireland, the lure of Mallorca, stylish living in Ascot and coastal treasures in New Zealand. We also take a more collective view of the state of luxury real estate in our international article, on page 26. Experts from South Africa, London, Canada, Spain, the Caribbean and more chime in with their thoughts on the high-end, giving us a truer world view of what is happening in a given locale, and how it compares to activity in another city, country or continent. The consensus is that luxury buyers are sensing that now is the time to make a move and invest in the market. In the words of one high-end expert, “People are seizing the moment, because they haven’t seen properties of this magnitude or these prices for awhile.”

Evidence of that mindset is certainly found in the last article in our Road to Recovery series (page 60). It’s becoming less of a surprise to hear how well certain destinations are doing across the U.S., especially in luxury hotspots in states such as Florida and California. Miami and San Francisco are just two of the cities seeing strong gains in the last 12 months, as pent-up demand, historically low prices and an increase in consumer confidence help to continue the trend of luxury leading the real estate recovery. This article seems to perfectly set the stage for our 2011 Outlook for Luxury Real Estate story, which will be the highlight of the next issue.

ART DIRECTOR Jonathan Bayley PRODUCTION MANAGER Wendi Lauber EDITORIAL OFFICE 877.688.1110 / 609.688.1110 Fax: 609.688.0201 327 Wall Street, Princeton, NJ 08540 uhproduction@uniquehomes.com DIRECTOR OF SALES Nick Antonicello 800.732.4092, Ext. 14 / 310.883.7945 nantonicello@uniquehomes.com ADVERTISING SALES MANAGERS Joan Anderson 866.242.1013 / 212.595.2310 joananderson@earthlink.net Bruce Griset 888.928.9020 / 919.928.9020 bruce@griset.net Christina Lodar 800.443.7373 / 561.495.1392 clodar@mindspring.com ADVERTISING SALES 800.732.4092 / 310.883.7245 / Fax: 310.883.7246 201 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 306 / Santa Monica, CA 90401 OUTSIDE SALES—AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND Michael VanDerMolen - Michael, Maya & Co. Pty. Ltd. Cell: 61.420.746.816 realestatemarketing@unwired.com.au ONLINE CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER Greg Shrader, gshrader@uniquehomes.com PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Cheryl Jock PRODUCTION MANAGER Alisa Hudson GRAPHIC ARTISTS Andrea Reeves, Robert Edghill, Alison Kennon, Nabil Khan, Melanie Henley VICE PRESIDENT OF ONLINE SERVICES TJ Weyer CIRCULATION MANAGER Kurt Coey NEWSSTAND MANAGER Bob Moenster

PRESIDENT, HOME DESIGN DIVISION Adam Japko SENIOR VP, OPERATIONS Stuart Christian

Until then...

DIRECTOR OF PUBLISHING OPERATIONS Rick Higgins

Copyright 2010 © Network Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. UNIQUE HOMES is a registered trademark of Network Communications, Inc. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. For Subscription and Circulation questions: (800) 827-0660. Six issues $31.97, 12 issues: $55.97 in the USA and its environs.

Add $21 per year in Canada (includes GST) and $30 per year in all other foreign countries. Postmaster: Send address changes to UNIQUE HOMES, P.O. Box 441, Mt. Morris, IL 61054.

Published bi-monthly by Unique Homes magazine, 327 Wall Street, Princeton, New Jersey 08540. ISSN# 0747-7465.

Canada Post PM 40063731. Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Station A, P.O. Box 54, Windsor, ON N9A 6J5.

CHAIRMAN/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Daniel McCarthy CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Gerry Parker GENERAL COUNSEL Susan Deese

On the Web: UniqueHomes.com 10

TM

Unique Homes Luxury Media

myuniquehomes

Keller Williams Presents‌ Elegance Backed by Excellence Luxury Homes by Keller Williams is an exclusive, elite and sophisticated group of real estate consultants who raise the bar for service in the upper-tier home market.

Yetta Dekker Ottawa, Canada 866.269.5713

Glenn McQueenie, Lisa Nash & Jennifer O’Kane Toronto, Ontario, Canada 416.445.8855

Andrew Mortaza Burbank, California 818.458.2218

Doug Balog Palm Desert, California 877.590.5151

Michael Hilgenberg Palm Springs, California 760.770.1555

David & Avarelle Silver-Westrick San Clemente, California 949.248.1310

James Anderson Santa Monica, California 310.744.3877

Bart Peaslee Edwards, Colorado 970.331.3083

Michael Green Tampa, Florida 813.295.2000

Jean Jarman Tampa, Florida 813.264.7754, Ext. 224

Tanasha Pettigrew Atlanta, Georgia 917.805.7319

Lisa Kowalenko Palatine, Illinois 847.321.0661

Rudy Zavala Chicago, Illinois 773.344.4181

Tricia Fox Chicago, Illinois 312.446.7373

Wade Marshall Chicago, Illinois 773.770.7310

David Camp Chicago, Illinois 773.770.7313

Bob Satawake Chicago, Illinois 312.286.1935

Naseem EL-Barbarawi Chicago, Illinois 773.859.8686

Stephanie Derderian Chicago, Illinois 312.636.6044

Zaga Arsic Chicago, Illinois 312.804.5755

Mary Vallender Chicago, Illinois 312.237.1300

Joseph Guli Libertyville, Illinois 847.642.1015

Cheri Gavin & Jennifer Hincks Annapolis, Maryland 410.271.5902

Leila Wagner Millersville, Maryland 410.271.5902

Our Luxury Specialists www.kwluxuryhomes.com Please visit our website to find a luxury real estate consultant in your area.

Shireen Jacob & Jeanne Kuriyan Albuquerque, New Mexico 505.404.0379

Johnnie Creel Knoxville, Tennessee 865.936.4116

Dee Shultz Austin, Texas 512.330.1031

Kathleen Bucher Austin, Texas 512.794.6644

Sherri Williams Austin, Texas 512.732.3820

Roya Johnson Austin, Texas 512.472.1000

Carole Martin & Russell Martin Austin, Texas, 512.633.5154

David & Melina Shellenberger College Station, Texas 979.229.4005

Vicki Foster Dallas, Texas 214.526.1848

Meg Titus Dallas, Texas 800.334.7995

Vicki White Dallas, Texas 214.534.1305

Mark Nolan Flower Mound, Texas 817.371.4872

Jan Richey Frisco, Texas 214.566.7535

Courtney McDonald Katy, Texas 832.489.8483

Linda Grossman McKinney, Texas 214.642.8514

Debra Brown McKinney, Texas 214.478.7543

Mike Brodie Plano, Texas 972.599.7000

Tony & Cinda Knight Southlake, Texas 214.213.3322

Lesli Akers Southlake, Texas 817.251.0400

Bruce & Diane Kink The Woodlands, Texas 281.364.4828

Michele Mamo Chantilly, Virgnia 800.408.6104, Ext. 2005

Dave Johnston Glen Allen, Virginia 804.370.5302

Gene Mock Leesburg, Virginia 703.342.8100

Bill Baker Madison, Wisconsin 608.575.6731

HURWITZ♦JAMES COMPANY

The Oaks Estate, Calabasas, CA

Coeur d'Alene Estate, Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

THIS CELEBRITY-OWNED SPANISH ESTATE with 7 bedrooms, 8 baths and 6 fireplaces boasts vaulted ceilings, crown molding, handpainted tiles, floor-to-ceiling windows, terra cotta floors and hand-forged iron fixtures. The kitchen has granite slab counters, Sub-Zero appliances, butler’s pantry and a prep kitchen. The master suite includes a sitting area, fireplace, balcony and a split bath. Other features include a state-of-the-art theater, formal living room, a family room with a wet bar and wine cellar, two 3-car garages, a pool/spa, open fresco courtyard and a casita with a kitchen. www.nicolemurphyestate.com Offered at $6,950,000

WITH SPECTACULAR VIEWS of Lake Coeur d’Alene, this entertainer’s paradise boasts 30,000 square feet on 15 gated acres with a private drive, helipad and acres of perfectly manicured lawns. The main rooms open to the outdoors via dramatic disappearing glass panels. This gem features rare hardwoods, imported marble and granite, 10 fireplaces, state-of-the-art security and is offered with custom furnishings. Sparkling indoor and outdoor pools await, as well as indoor and outdoor championship tennis courts. There is a game room with a bowling alley, par-3 golf hole and a 9car garage with room for a limousine. www.15AcreIdahoEstate.com Offered at $27,000,000 Now Offered at $17,500,000

World’s Largest Penthouse, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Rancho Mirage Estate, California

GENESIS PUNTARENAS IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY MID 2010 and will be located in the Pacific Coast city of Puntarenas, about a half-hour drive from San Jose via the region’s new six-lane toll road.

Units are priced from $473,000 to $3.3 million. The penthouse, offered at $50 million, will be a sprawling 68,459-square-foot, 10-bedroom masterpiece with 3 stories, a private helipad, pool and tennis court. All units will showcase top-of-the-line treatments, including marble floors, quartz countertops and brand-name, stainless-steel appliances. www.CostaRicaGenesis.com or www.WorldsLargestPenthouse.com Condos priced from $1,500,000 to $50,000,000

OWN YOUR OWN PRIVATE RESORT—This 5-acre estate boasts approximately 18,000 square feet, 24-foot coffered ceilings, massive fireplaces and a great room that is large enough to host several hundred guests. Fine finishes embellish the entire house, including a theater, library, and a 2-bedroom guesthouse with a living room and full kitchen. The resort-like grounds include a lake, waterfalls and a glass-tiled pool with a grotto, barbecue and tennis court, just to name a few. A true trophy property. www.RanchoMirageResidence.com Offered at $16,700,000 ALSO AVAILABLE FOR TRADE AND EVENT BOOKING

HURWITZ♦JAMES COMPANY

Oceanfront, Malibu, California THIS GRACIOUS 2007 CALIFORNIAN VILLA on 3 acres offers indoor/outdoor living beyond all expectations. Enjoy a sparkling salt-water pool with spa and a private stone pathway leading to La Piedra State Beach. With great flow for entertaining on a grand scale, the home features gracious rooms scaled for large parties but designed with extraordinary details. The gourmet eat-in kitchen with ocean views opens to the dining room and family room, and this entire space opens to the outdoors via operable glass walls. www.TheMalibuBeachEstate.com Offered at $49,500,000 Now Offered at $39,950,000

Razor: Residence As Art, La Jolla, California

Haapiti Rahi, Bora Bora

A UNIQUE ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE designed by Wallace E. Cunningham, one of Architectural Digest’s Top 100 Designers. Set behind gates and constructed from white polished concrete and floor-to-ceiling glass, this magnum opus suspends the boundaries of ordinary living and commands uninterrupted views of the ocean, open sky and natural landscape. High above Torrey Pines State Reserve, the 11,000-square-foot pièce de résistance showcases 4 bedrooms, 6 baths, a guesthouse, a 6plus-car subterranean garage and private access to Black’s Beach. www.ResidenceAsArt.com Offered at $25,000,000

MOTU HAAPITI RAHI is a spectacular private island in the lagoon of Bora Bora and an extremely rare public offering. The Motu is a natural islet on the coral barrier reef of Bora Bora. The white sandy beaches, the translucent/multicolored water of the lagoon and the flourishing vegetation are the frame to this unique and preserved setting. There is a wharf to ease the access by boat to the island, a technical facility and two houses. www.BoraBoraMotu.com

Offered at

5,000,000 / $6,700,000

HURWITZ♦JAMES COMPANY

The Famous SAFE House, Hollywood Hills, CA

San Miguel Estate, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

AS PREVIOUSLY FEATURED ON YAHOO, this modern-day fortress was created by Al V. Corbi, designer of ultimate security systems for individuals, super yachts and governments worldwide. This 8,000plus-square-foot home features an elevator, theater, heliport, 5 bedrooms, 8 baths, 2 offices, a wine cellar, rooftop patio, parking for 20 cars, 2 safe cores, 2 panic rooms, extensive surveillance and more.

Featured on numerous television and press outlets throughout the world, this stunning residence has been called “One of the safest homes in the world.” www.theSAFEestate.com Offered at $6,900,000

NESTLED IN THE HILLSIDES OF A GATED COMMUNITY IN MEXICO, this magnificent 5-acre estate is being sold completely furnished. Designed by a renowned architect, it features a sophisticated fusion of styles. It boasts more than 8,000 square feet with a theater, gorgeous master suite with enormous walk-in closets, 3 guest suites and an office. An additional 6,000 square feet of outdoor living/entertaining space boasts pools, gardens, ponds and rooftop deck with dazzling views. Call regarding the equestrian facilities. www.TheCasaSanMiguel.com Offered at $5,000,000 Now Offered at $2,450,000

Trousdale Estate, Beverly Hills, California

Castle Carbonana, Umbria, Italy

PRISTINE ESTATE BEHIND GATES on THE premier street in Trousdale Estates. 1st time on the market. Dramatic stone entry to massive living room, huge step down bar, open floor plan and floor-to-ceiling walls of glass overlooking landscaped grounds, freeform pool and lighted tennis court.

Soaring ceilings throughout. Seven en suite bedrooms in the main house, including large master suite with his-and-hers bath, sitting room and city views. Total 10 bedrooms and 10 baths including a separate 3-bedroom, 4-bath, 2-story guest house with living room and 2 kitchens. www.TrousdaleEstate.com Offered at $16,950,000

A PRICELESS OPPORTUNITY to own a 44-plus-acre Umbrian estate and castle steeped in history and nestled in the foothills of the Medieval town of Gubbio. The former home to a pope and a Templar knight, the historic title “Count of Carbonana” will pass to the new owner—pass this legacy on for generations to come. Inquire further about a complete renovation. www.CarbonanaCastle.com Offered at €8,000,000 / $11,000,000 Now Offered at €6,000,000 /$8,000,000

UNIQUE SPOTLIGHT

CELEBRITY ESTATES

3 FOR THE ROYAL AFFAIR ESTATES FIT FOR A KING (OR QUEEN)

Late author Michael Crichton’s Hawaiian estate is currently on the market for an asking price of $12 million. Known for classics such as “Jurassic Park” and ”Congo,” Crichton’s Kauai, Hawaii, estate is located on more than 1 acre and is just steps from Hanalei Bay. Enjoy breathtaking views from the

by Lauren Varga

PHOTO COURTESY JANIE COLTRIN

A tranquil country road in the Loire Valley of France leads one to Chateau de Bussiére, a Renaissance chateau believed to date back to 1234. Refurbished during the 15th and 16th centuries and well maintained by its current owners, the home’s 11,000 square feet features silk wall coverings, Renaissance fireplaces and tall windows. Listed for $6 million, furnished, or $5 million, unfurnished, the chateau’s Old World charm and 21st century amenities will impress the most discerning buyers.

3,000-square-foot plantation estate’s spacious porch and interior spaces. Comprised of three contiguous lots for complete privacy, this island sanctuary is rounded out with lovely gardens, citrus trees, a guesthouse and a third building with a three-car garage and a yoga studio. The property is also ready for expansion.

Source: Yates Nobles, Montague, Miller & Co., Realtors, Charlottesville, Va.

Source: Barbara L. Sloan, Coldwell Banker Bali Hai Realty, Kauai, Hawaii. For more information on this property, see page 19.

PHOTO COURTESY BARTON WYATT

Lords and ladies gather in Ascot, Berkshire, England, each year for a true royal pastime—horse racing. Two miles from the high-intensity track rests Ravello, a contemporary traditional stone estate with generously sized rooms, private gardens and a staff/au pair suite above the garage.

Listed for approximately $5 million, this residence is complete with 6,254 square feet of living space. Constructed in 2002, the home is owned by professional golfer and two-time U.S. Open Champion Retief Goosen.

Listed for $9.9 million in Jupiter, Fla., PGA tour professional Jesper Parnevik’s home was voted the “Coolest House on Tour” in last year’s Golf Digest tour professional poll. Positioned on an Intracoastal lot, the custom home offers fivestar amenities, including a private beach, deepwater dock, luxurious pool, summer kitchen, fitness facility and a spa treatment room. Five PHOTO COURTESY LOST TREE REALTY

Source: Barton Wyatt Estate Agents, Surrey, England.

Encompassing nearly 1,300 feet of Mediterranean coastline, Villa Volpi in Rome, Italy, is a breathtaking estate near the resort town of Sabaudia. Created by Countess Nathalie Volpi di Misurata, this palatial estate showcases ancient Greek architecture on approximately 26 acres of natural terrain within a national park. On the Tyrrhenian Sea, the home’s aweinspiring beaches and scenic dunes serve as privacy for the residents while the blue waters offer year-round water skiing.

Source: La Commerciale SRL, Rome, Italy.

18

UniqueHomes.com

guest suites and four family suites provide ample space for family and friends alike. Entertaining is made easy with walk-in wine storage, a custom cherry wood bar, a billiards room and a magnificent home theater. An observation deck completes this luxurious listing.

Source: Peter Erdmann, Lost Tree Realty, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. For more information on this property, see pages 88-90.

— Lauren Varga

Classic Hanalei Bay Estate Kauai, Hawaii

In The Heart Of Hanalei Bay Enjoy this rare and unparalleled opportunity to own this exquisite Classic Plantation Estate just steps away from the water’s edge, surrounded by majestic mountains. In addition to the main house, this estate includes a private, exclusive guest cottage and a third building with a 3-car garage and a yoga studio.

This is a rare and unique offering of 3 contiguous lots in the heart of Hanalei Bay, totaling more than 1 perfectly manicured acre. A remarkable opportunity, as the estate includes a vacant lot in the heart of Hanalei Bay with room for expansion.

For more information, please visit www.BarbaraLSloan.com/hanaleibayestate.

Offered at $12,000,000.

BARBARA L. SLOAN Realtor Coldwell Banker Bali Hai Realty 808.651.0028 Barbara@balihai.com www.BarbaraLSloan.com www.balihai.com

Worldwide wealth is up, and there is value to be found in many corners of the globe. Internationally, luxury real estate has never looked like this.

Auckland, New Zealand

By Camilla McLaughlin Recently, an island in Bora Bora came on the market for 5 million euros, substantially less than the owner would have had in mind two years ago. Within weeks, two separate buyers were winging their way to Polynesia to view the property.

This spring, the sale of a Hyde Park penthouse in London for $220 million made big news because the price reportedly established a new high for international real estate. Scarcely a month later, this benchmark was overturned with the sale of an apartment in Monte Carlo, one of the world’s most expensive property markets, for $312 million.

26

UniqueHomes.com

The hunt for trophy properties and exceptional deals worldwide is back on as affluent consumers flush with cash look for locations across the globe that match their lifestyle desires and, even more importantly, offer outstanding buying and investment opportunities. “People are seizing the moment because they haven’t seen properties of this magnitude or these prices for awhile,” especially in the U.S., says Paul Boomsma, president of Luxury Portfolio at Leading Real Estate Companies of the World.

“Internationally, there is definitely more activity than there was a year ago because prices have

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY LUXURY PORTFOLIO/PREMIER ESTATE PROPERTIES; OTHER PHOTOS ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/UNIQUEHOMESART

It’s A Small World After All

South Africa Demand for high-end and luxury properties continues to grow on the back of an economic recovery, better business confidence and lower interest rates. As these factors improve, buyers’ appetite to invest large sums of money for leisure and living will continue to recover.

Domestic buyers drive demand but expats from England and Europe look for properties on the Atlantic Seaboard.

Herschel Jawitz, CEO Jawitz Properties

Capetown, South Africa

dropped just like they have in the U.S. You are finding more high-end deals,” says Bob Hurwitz, owner of Hurwitz James Company, a Los Angeles real estate firm that lists and sells properties worldwide. Hurwitz is listing the Bora Bora island.

“The perception everywhere is that there are bargains all over the world due to the global recession,” says John Brian Losh, owner of Ewing and Clark Inc., in Seattle, and publisher of LuxuryRealEstate.com.

“International family and investment trusts have set aside large amounts of money to buy trophy properties. They can buy at a discount now, but the increase when the market turns around will be dramatic,” Hurwitz explains. The people who’ve made the greatest amount of money in real estate have often done it through the purchase of luxury properties that at the time did not seem to be a particularly good buy. Hurwitz illustrates with the example of one owner who purchased a property for $7 million and then sold a year and half later for $13 million.

Globally, real estate has been on a path similar to the U.S. “Prices for residential real estate boomed and crashed and in some instances boomed again — all in the space of the last five years,” concludes the 2011 Global Residential Forecast published by Knight Frank, an international real estate firm based in London. On aver-

age, prices fell by approximately 17 percent across the globe in 2007 and 2008. And by the end of 2009, approximately 73 percent of the prime property locations surveyed by Knight Frank for the firm’s annual wealth report had experienced declines. Rather than stay at these levels, a number have recovered, although the degree and timing of the bounce varies drastically by county and location. Spain and Ireland, along with the U.S., have seen little or no price recovery.

In Spain, prime properties in desired luxury markets have fallen between 10 and 20 percent from peak, but motivated sellers are discounting prices by as much as 30 percent. Increasingly, savvy buyers are recognizing the opportunity. “It is an optimal time to buy for those with cash,” says Diana Morales, chairman of Diana Morales Properties on the Costa del Sol. “It has all added up to a soft landing for that portion of the market that stands out for its quality, revealing that the intrinsic demand for fine homes in good locations remains essentially as high as ever.”

London, which after Monaco is the most expensive international city, has had a remarkable resurgence in sales and prices, although in recent months inventories have begun to climb. Still, trophies such as the penthouse at One Hyde Park have cachet in the world of high-end real estate.

New Zealand Anyone who visits New Zealand finds it very difficult to leave, which is why this nation’s international star is on the rise. Rural properties are generally priced well below pre-2008 levels and offer wonderful opportunities for both an ideal refuge and income-producing property. Global investment companies from the U.S., Germany, and China have their eye on properties here.

Graeme Bezett Regional Manager PGG Wrightson Real Estate Ltd MREINZ - New Zealand London The U.K. market has had a surprising bounce back in the last 18 months, although autumn brought softening prices. The effect of government-imposed austerity measures remains to be seen. The luxury sector in gold locations of Mayfair, Belgravia, Knightsbridge and Chelsea are still selling readily. Current buyers are likely to come from Commonwealth countries, India and the Middle East. Newcomers are Chinese buyers.

Nick Churton Managing Director Mayfair International Realty Salt Spring Island, British Columbia Nestled up against the east side of Vancouver Island, Salt Spring and the Gulf Islands are one of the jewels of British Columbia. The market is on the cusp of change as more international buyers look for places to invest. Buyers are still in charge, but limited inventory means they have to come up a little bit in prices this year.

Li Read Sea to Sky Premier Properties

UNIQUE HOMES

27

Cabo San Lucas Along Mexico’s Gold Coast, the upscale market is faring better than nearly any other segment. With little or no debt, most owners are more resilient and less likely to be receptive to rock-bottom offers. When the rare “steal” comes on the market, it elicits multiple cash offers. A growing number of buyers hail from Mexico, while Americans are still the No. 1 international buyer. The strengthening of the loonie has brought more Canadians.

Leticia Diaz Rivera Coldwell Banker Riveras

St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands The luxury market in St. John parallels the U.S. resort market in some ways. Activity this year has picked up and the outlook for the season is very positive. Rentals, a good indicator of future sales, have picked up dramatically. Prices and the lifestyle are somewhere between Vail and Breckenridge, with $25 million the most expensive. More than two-thirds of the island is a national park, truly making this a garden island.

Christie O’Neil Holiday Homes of St. John

Bahamas The upscale market in general in 2010 still has demand. There are a number of wealthy people in the world that are looking for a warm, tax-neutral stable country to live in. These buyers are looking for prime property and they want value for their money. Sellers have become more realistic with their expectations concerning their property values. Buyers come from Europe and Canada in search of waterfront homes and condos.

George Damianos, President Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty

28

UniqueHomes.com

One region tracking the strongest appreciation is Asia. In 2009, Shanghai saw a 52-percent increase in home prices, Hong Kong a 40.7-percent increase and Singapore a 17-percent increase. “There are a few regions where interest in development is high and the real estate market is doing quite well,” says Lisa Kurrass, immediate past president of The International Real Estate Federation, FIABCI. “Certainly Southeast Asia and, in specific places like Bali, and Indonesian countries are proving to be hot spots for both high-end residential and tourism property development. Countries like Japan and China have become important locations for commercial development. But there is also dialogue beginning in places like Europe and in particular, France and Italy.”

As economies become more global, restrictions on the transfer of capital have declined and more countries are making it easier for foreign nationals to purchase. The growth of cross-border purchasing is considered by Knight Frank to be one of the main drivers for the globalization of luxury real estate. This trend is seen in London and the sunny regions in southern Europe; U.S. markets, including Florida, California and New York; and main Asian and South American secondhome destinations. To illustrate this trend, Knight Frank notes that in the 12 months prior to June 2010, 50 per-

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

cent of all the new-build apartments in central London were sold to foreign nationals.

Even more important is the amount of wealth worldwide that has been recouped. Fortunes are once again on the upswing with the number of millionaire households rising by about 14 percent in 2009 to 11.2 million households, close to levels at the end of 2007. Hurwitz and others say Russian buyers, who had been on a sabbatical from buying, are returning to the marketplace.

Emerging as a buying force are Chinese buyers. “The Chinese are coming on big,” says Hurwitz, who has an agent fluent in Mandarin who is actively promoting high-end properties overseas to the wealthiest Chinese.

Still, globally, the most important word in any conversation about million-dollar properties is value.

“We are seeing more people in the marketplace with cash, but they are still cautious and still looking for deals. They are making sure the value is there and the exit strategy is good,” comments Hurwitz.

Exchange rates and currency fluctuations also influence who looks when and in what location. When the dollar edged up, more Americans were looking at properties in Europe, according to Luxury Portfolio’s Boomsma. An extremely favorable rate for euros, British pounds and Canadian dollars coupled with prices

Costa Rica

hovering at levels comparable to several years ago has made Florida, California and Arizona prime U.S. destinations for global buyers looking for value.

Historically, Florida has captured the largest number of foreign buyers, currently 23 percent, according to the most recent research from the National Association of Realtors. California was second, accounting for 13 percent. Texas and Arizona accounted for 11 and 7 percent, respectively.

“We’re seeing a little uptick from the previous year,” says Linda Lafferty, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate regional senior vice president. “We’ve seen buyers from Canada, U.K., France, some Germans, some eastern Europeans, just in Palm Beach. We also seem to see more cash buyers,” she says, because they consider the U.S. a safe haven. “Price is definitely a factor and people know they can get a very nice home for a reasonable amount of money.” But, she cautions, it’s not a giveaway, especially for oceanfront. A number of international buyers also look for properties adaptable for family and friends and for extended stays. A particular draw, especially for South Americans, is the winter equestrian and polo season, which lasts from January through April.

In Arizona, Canadian buyers account for a larger sales volume in the Phoenix area than those from neighboring California, according to a report from John Burns Consulting.

Even in Lake Tahoe, which traditionally hasn’t been a mecca for out-of-country buyers, there has been growing interest from international buyers, according to Shari Chase. Chase has extensive connections around the world and has had an office in London for decades.

Anyone considering buying in another country, particularly Americans buying overseas, must do their homework. “A lot more research is required in today’s market.

People need to deal with very knowledgeable real estate

companies that have their finger on the pulse of the market, because it is such a different market than at any other time. It is a much more intelligent market.”

Plus, she says, “you need to know the pitfalls in each country. Europe has always had little different nuances.” For example, there is no MLS. Agencies are a patchwork and often only work in their limited area. “It is more about the company there rather than the agent,” according to Chase. When you walk into an agency, you are assigned an agent.

Top agents network with the top brokers in Europe. If they cannot directly connect a potential buyer with someone in a subject country, those with a broad network will have a personal and trusted relationship

Costa Rica Buyers look for and find seven-figure acquisitions with opulent finishes, architectural integrity and luxury that are a lifestyle and smart investment. Pricing has been less volatile than many other parts of the world. The international market is still the leading driver of luxury real estate. What was once predominately all U.S. investors has become more global with large personal and corporate investment from Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, China, Spain, Israel, Dubai, and other international destinations.

Scott Cutter Owner / Broker 2Costa Rica Real Estate

with an agent who does.

Costa del Sol, Spain Canada An exceptionally strong 2010 led to a recovery of values from the downturn, although escalating prices damped down demand going into the fall. Expectations are that 2011 will be more of a traditional market with a strong spring.

Most demand is coming from in-country and Canadians often look outside their borders for second homes. High post-Olympic interest in British Columbia is laying the groundwork for future sales.

Elton Ash Regional Executive Vice President RE/MAX of Western Canada Elton Ash

Spain Since January 2010, luxury inquiries and viewings have increased. Notable sales include villas of more than 2.5 million euros and an apartment at 4.2 million euros. High-end prices are down 20 to 25 percent. Even though the number of Spanish buyers has risen, Northern Europeans (Scandinavians, Irish, British, Germans and Dutch) are still a force. The types of properties most in demand at the moment are apartments up to 1 million euros and villas up to 1.7 million euros.

Diana Morales Diana Morales Properties Marbella, Spain

UNIQUE HOMES

29

NEVIS WEST INDIES

MANGO CORNERS UNSPOILED RETREAT Nevis~West Indies

A

desirable 2-story West Indian villa at Jones Estate on the unspoiled island of Nevis. The home's generous floor plan of 8,000 square feet features 4 bedrooms and 5.5 baths, spacious dining and living areas and a large gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry and granite countertops. Each en suite bedroom is elegantly appointed with custom four-poster mahogany beds, vanity areas and large built-in closets. Enjoy expansive views of St. Kitts, the Caribbean Sea and Nevis Peak from the wraparound verandas on both floors, or luxuriate in the private setting of the solar-heated 40-by-20-foot pool. The villa is defined by exquisite craftsmanship, including teak flooring, staircase, balustrades and doors and windows throughout. The house sits on 3.77 acres of lovingly landscaped gardens and lawns, featuring tropical flowering vines, mango and other fruit trees. A charming 3-bedroom cottage is perfect as a guest cottage or as a separate holiday rental unit. There is also a workshop building with a 3-car garage; garden shed; and a large shade house/plant nursery. Offered at $3,950,000 US.

FOR SALE BY OWNER Contact Lorna: +254.722.523600 E-mail: mangocorners@gmail.com

Now Serving:

St. Maarten St. Martin Anguilla St. Barths Saba St. Eustatius

Inventory ranging from: $100,000 - $25,000,000 Contact us for sales or rentals. www.islandREALESTATEteam.com info@islandREALESTATEteam.com Office: +599 544 4240 Fax: +599 544 4239

Owner/Broker: Mr. Arun Jagtiani +599 586 2626

MEXICO • CALIFORNIA

CASA BELLA VISTA

Dream Homes Huatulco Office: 011 52 958 587 1883 / Cell: 011 521 958 100 4902

Huatulco . Mexico

Cell: 011 521 958 100 9317 info@buyhuatulco.com / www.buyhuatulco.com

This spectacular 6,900-square-foot home is nestled in the middle of a gorgeous bay overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Casa Bella Vista boasts 4 bedrooms, each with a spacious private bathroom. These bedrooms as well as the living room, dining room, kitchen and entertainment rooms all enjoy breathtaking ocean views. Located in the heart of the Huatulco resort area, this house is only minutes away from golf, tennis, dining, shopping and many other activities. This beautiful home is located on the point of the “El Arrocito” residential area. Offered at $2,495,000.

For more details and a full tour of this property, go to http://huatulcodreamhomes.com

CHANNEL ISLANDS RETREAT Oxnard . California This home is fabulous inside and out and includes 240-plus feet of water with the same potential dock space. Four years new, the property has approximately 3,700 square feet and is on a private corner location with southeast exposure. Furnished to perfection, this is a one-of-a-kind waterfront estate. Offered at $2,970,000.

For more details and a full tour of this property, go to www.1560TwinTides.com

FRED EVANS | RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors 805.339.3502 / 800.504.SOLD / fred@fredevans.com / fredevans.com DRE License No. 00893591

UNIQUE HOMES

41

A Luxurious Secret Revealed in the Old Town of Marrakech

N

avigating the narrow streets of Marrakesh’s Medina can be confusing

at first to the uninitiated, however, the richness of culture in the Moroccan city’s Old Town far outweighs any potential irritation. Historic sites, a maze of shops and an always bustling populace combine to create an unmatched atmosphere full of life and enlightening discovery in a place designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

HIDDEN AMID ALL OF THIS ACTIVITY is a luxury oasis known as “The Secret,” a property represented by WETAG Consulting, a member of Luxury Portfolio’s Fine Property Collection®. A private garage entrance and door, accessible from a small alley within the ancient Medina, open to a serene escape set on an unusually large piece of property. Upon entering the sanctuary, a majestic, 29,000-square-foot mansion is seen shaded by a variety of vibrant palms, bamboo bushes and banana trees.

But before travelling down the walkways lined by tropical foliage and fish ponds that lead to the luxurious residence, one must travel back several years before the home’s construction to get the full story of The Secret. A more than five-year journey was taken by the current owner to collect the 12 parcels of land that make up this amazing property; a plan that required obtaining signatures from all title-holding family members of each plot.

Although time consuming, the lengthy process to secure the large piece of land was certainly worth it when considering the unparalleled Old Town location and especially after exploring the mansion itself. Conjuring images of the finest Moroccan palaces, the home showcases the use of beautiful tiles, natural stones and handforged metals. From the grand entrance hall through the living areas to the nine bedrooms and 14 bathrooms, the palatial floor plan flows gracefully from each room to the next.

Stretching over three levels, the garden-like surroundings of the home are embraced with soaring ceilings and large windows that flood the interior with light. Sun also beams through the impressive skylight hovering over the indoor pool retreat. Atop all of the magnificence is an expansive terrace that seamlessly combines the luxury of the home with its Old Town surrounds via stunning 360-degree views of the Marrakech skyline.

Both traditional and modern, welcoming and private, The Secret’s mysteries are best discovered through the physical experience of an enchanting environ.

Article reprint courtesy of Luxury Portfolio Fine Property Collection®. For more information on this property, please visit luxuryportfolio.com and search Web ID: PICQ9.

Golfer’s Retreat Lake Oconee GEORGIA LAKEFRONT PARADISE Sparkling lake vistas create the ideal setting for this Tuscan-inspired masterpiece in Reynolds Plantation on roughly 6 verdant waterfront acres. This stately manor features 7 bedrooms, 8 full baths and 4 half baths and is only 75 miles from Downtown Atlanta. A marble foyer leads to a two-story living room, elegant formal dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows and a separate library. Casual gettogethers are accommodated in the ballroom-sized trophy room; intimate gatherings are enjoyed in the wine cellar and tasting room; and large soirees can spill onto the veranda with an outdoor fireplace, outdoor kitchen and bar, waterfall, and infinity pool overlooking the lake. The first-floor master suite is complete with an adjoining terrace. Built-in bureaus; walk-in closets; and a luxurious bath with a garden tub, double shower, and marble floors make this an enviable retreat.

A granite-lined barbecue-pit complex, two boat docks and a lake house are found along the roughly 1,700 feet of water frontage. Offering 117 holes of golf from renowned golf course designers, it is named the “Best of the Best” golf community by Robb Report. For more information, visit www.1270clubcove.com. Offered at $13,000,000.

44

UniqueHomes.com

DANA LESHLEY 404.310.5536 http://dana.leshley.harrynorman.com REYNOLDS PLANTATION REALTY, LLC 800.800.5250

Hamptons Waterfront Watermill NEW YORK

BARBARA FELDMAN, LSA, ABR, ASP Prudential Douglas Elliman East Hampton and Bridgehampton, New York 631.329.6722 Douglas Elliman Real Estate

BFeldman@Elliman.com www.BarbaraSellsTheHamptons.com

THIS CHARMING HOME on 2.5 waterfront acres is truly a unique gem. The organic naturalist setting is filled with beautiful perennial gardens and a 30-foot stone terrace, perfect for entertaining in a quintessential Hamptons style.

Featuring beautiful gardens, broad vistas of Mecox Bay and a private dock, the cozy, yet elegant, 2-story home provides a living room with a fireplace, a library, dining room, powder room and a beautiful gourmet kitchen on the first floor. Both the great room with a fireplace and the en suite master bedroom open onto a full length deck, which captures the expansive water view. Two guest bedrooms and a bath complete the second level. There is also a full basement and a garage.

This is a great opportunity to enjoy one of the most pristine waterfront properties in the Hamptons or to expand to 7,500 square feet with a waterside pool.

Offered at $4,900,000.

www.HamptonsHomesForSale.com UNIQUE HOMES

45

Craftsman-Style Showplace Del Mar CALIFORNIA VIEWS, AMENITIES AND CRAFTSMANSHIP combine to offer a spectacular lifestyle at this beautiful home in Del Mar. The 6-bedroom, 5-full and 1-half-bath interior is detailed with stunning features, including 6 fireplaces (one is outside), 2 master suites, Brazilian cherry floors and heated marble floors in the master bath. The home is perfectly positioned to offer breathtaking white-water ocean views from the 2 covered west-facing porches and every west-facing room. The 24,000-square-foot lot is enhanced by gardens, dual driveways with ample parking plus garaging for 4 cars, and an outdoor living area with barbecue and fireplace. A canyon deck with pergola and a breathtaking saltwater pool with waterfall and Jacuzzi complete this premier Craftsman-style residence. $8,900,000

ROBIN A. EDWARDS Broker/Owner/Realtor DRE #01864432 858.431.9305 E-mail: Robin@HomeAtLastToday.com www.robinaedwards.com 46

UniqueHomes.com

In the fabled back country of Greenwich, Connecticut…

…a timeless Dutch Colonial that embraces today.

A PROMINENT LANDMARK OF GREENWICH, historically known as the “John Sands House” and presently called Sunset Farm. Built in the 1840s, this sophisticated and elegant Dutch Colonial was recently rebuilt by famed builder Mark Mariani. Offering state-of-the-art accommodations while celebrating its historic origins. Defined by its exquisite craftsmanship and impeccable taste and detail, this special home features more than 13,000 square feet, 10 bedrooms, 6.3 baths, 5 fireplaces, a banquet-style dining room with wet bar and a gourmet kitchen. The 2nd level features a stunning master suite with fireplace, his-and-her vanity areas, a domed bath with radiant heated marble floor, plus 4 other large-scaled bedrooms. The finished lower level features an exercise room with sauna and steam rooms. Sited on almost 3 acres of sweeping park-like lawns leading to the heated in-ground pool. A separate cottage offers 2 bedrooms, a full bath, living room, laundry and kitchen. Price upon request. ®

ENGEL & VÖLKERS

335 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830 203.661.7777 Greenwich@engelvoelkers.com www.engelvoelkers.com/greenwich

It is so easy to fall in love with a home when you are properly introduced.

Allow us to play Cupid.

For a limited time, we can match you up with some of the most spectacular homes and estates in the world for a price you’ll love.

Buy an annual subscription (6 issues) at the regular discounted rate of $24.97 and receive a second year at no charge. That’s a savings of more than $70 off the newsstand price! To take advantage of this offer, please place your order by phone or online.

Simply call 800.827.0660 and mention the special offer of 12 issues for $24.97 (code PSA100). Or, you can go to our Web site—UniqueHomes.com—click on "subscribe," then enter the promotion code "PSA100" in the box shown, and click "submit." Your special offer then will be displayed.

We know… you love it.

The International Source for Luxury Real Estate

www.UniqueHomes.com

FORT LAUDERDALE: F r o m

The

Grand

Canals...

INTRACOASTAL POINT LOT ESTATE

DEEPWATER AND TENNIS COURT ESTATE

Stunning and substantial, this magnificent Mediterranean estate offers approximately 11,000 square feet of enchanting living areas, tropical waterway vistas plus roughly 300 feet of water frontage. $10,995,000 Web Ref: F1047192

Newly completed, this Palm Beach-inspired residence enjoys almost 17,000 square feet of opulence, comprising three lots with 250 feet of water frontage, a private tennis court and six air-conditioned parking bays. $8,995,000 Web Ref: F1059870

*Luxury Broker Preview

LAS OLAS DEEPWATER RESIDENCE

LAS OLAS BEACH CLUB PENTHOUSE

A brand-new, top-quality construction and superior floor plan offer immediate South Florida residency. Enjoy resort-style living in great proximity to the beach, shopping and dining. $3,995,000 Web Ref: F1077468

A choice of two fabulous oceanfront penthouses. Select from a fully furnished, designer-decorated residence or a second residence, decorator-ready for your own finishes. $3,995,000 / Web Ref: F1028758 or $2,295,000 / Web Ref: F941653

*Luxury Broker Preview Tour Available:

Visit www.LuxuryRealEstateFtL.com for an introduction to Fort Lauderdale’s finest luxury real estate.

To

The

Beautiful

Beaches

CONTEMPORARY POINT RESIDENCE

LAS OLAS POINT ESTATE

Featuring more than 265 feet of water frontage, this brand-new, stunning, contemporary residence of the finest quality totals 10,000-plus square feet and will be available in Spring 2011. $6,995,000

Newly and beautifully constructed, this residence totals more than 11,000 square feet of absolute luxury with waterway views and 264 feet of water frontage. $6,995,000 Web Ref: F1064292

VILLA ATLANTIQUE

VILLAS AT OCEAN ENCLAVE

Superbly located directly on the Malibu Beach of Fort Lauderdale, this magnificent, walled and gated four-story estate offers the ultimate in ocean views and luxury beachfront living. $6,995,000 Web Ref: F1052423

Available now! New construction built to the highest standard and walled and gated for privacy. Pick your choice of three opulent and exciting custom villas directly on the sand. Priced from $5,495,000 Web Ref: F1055407

Julie Jones, Broker Associate 2424 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Direct: 954.328.3665 Facebook.com/JulieJonesFLA Twitter.com/JulieJonesPEP

Julie@PremierEstateProperties.com LuxuryRealEstateFtL.com

One of the World’s Great Estates

Hillsborough, California

Perhaps once in a lifetime there occurs an extremely rare opportunity to acquire a most extraordinary architectural masterpiece at one of the world’s most prestigious addresses—such an opportunity has arrived!

The ambiance of this 35,000-square-foot mansion is reflected throughout all three levels, which include 9-plus bedrooms; 11 baths; 3-plus kitchens; a separate VIP suite; an exercise room; media room; 6-car garage; state-of-the-art security, lighting and sound systems; staff and office accommodations; a wine vault; elevator; pool and pool house. The banquet-sized formal dining room and grand terrace overlooking the 6 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds have hosted many magnificent galas with sitting presidents, kings and dignitaries in attendance. Close to three international airports and in the midst of the world-class financial, technological and cultural centers of San Francisco and Silicon Valley. For sale by owner, not on MLS. Price: $29 million. Owner financing available. 7% commission to any Broker that represents a qualified buyer. Hillsborough, Ca. U.S.A. For more pictures and information, please visit: www.WorldsGreatEstate.com

American Intertrade Group, Inc. 650.349.7837 americanintertrade@comcast.net www.WorldsGreatEstate.com

American Intertrade Group, Inc. 650.349.7837 americanintertrade@comcast.net www.WorldsGreatEstate.com

A Texas Castle A

ll the romance and grandeur of a European castle, yet only 15 minutes from the DFW International Airport, this French Country Estate, with more than 19,000 square feet of museum-quality construction, is secluded on 3.3 lavishly landscaped acres. Designed for grand-scale entertaining and family living by one of the country’s foremost entrepreneurs for his own personal castle, this home was built of Kentucky limestone and stucco. All portals are trimmed in cast stone.

There are 8 bedrooms, 8 full baths, 3 powder rooms, 9 living areas, a pool and pool house, tennis court and tennis house with full kitchen and lavish guest suite, 7 garages, an elevator, nanny quarters, and an outdoor entertaining area with fireplace and bar.

The entryway displays a hand-painted, 3-dimensional dome ceiling.

The home also features third-floor craft areas which, in combination with the elevator, allows guests to gather with friends as well as providing air-conditioned storage of seasonal decorations.

An exercise area large enough for free weights, circuit machines as well as 4 cardio stations connects to the master bath area. Full-height mirrors are provided for gauging progress.

Doors, finishes and trim quality remain consistent throughout the whole residence.

Interior elements such as hand-carved 12-foot limestone archways in the great room, 12-foot interior room ceiling heights and overly generous transitional walkways, give the home its scale.

Front and rear entry doors are handcrafted steel and glass. Gas lanterns light the way.

The tennis house has full-height folding doors allowing unobstructed access to the covered terrace for either dining, food service or observation.

This gated estate is just listed and offered at only $8,950,000.

Colleyville, Texas

MARILYN HOFFMAN HOFFMAN INTERNATIONAL PROPERTIES Dallas: 214.698.1736 / 214.674.3961 Tarrant County: 817.399.1119 Scottsdale, Arizona: 623.321.3284 East Texas: 903.638.9588 www.MagnificentProperties.com

www.MagniďŹ centProperties.com

BLACK HILLS LUXURY Custer, SD Don’t miss this outstanding opportunity to own 55 acres, surrounded by Forest Service Land, within 10 minutes of historic downtown Custer. The property includes a 6,500-squarefoot custom log home, a guest log home, morton building and a 21stall barn. Offered at $2,700,000.

Rapid City, SD Enjoy seclusion above a roaring stream in this magnificent home on 10-plus acres of deeded land surrounded by the Black Hills National Forest. The property includes a master suite with en suite bath plus 2 guest bedrooms, a great room with cathedral windows and floor-to-ceiling fireplace, gourmet kitchen and more. $2,100,000.

Rapid City, SD No need to travel any more—your 9,500-square-foot home is now your resort! Beautifully built, this luxury home is packed with amenities like gorgeous woodwork, stone floors, granite countertops, a gourmet kitchen and 3 fireplaces, plus resort-style living with a hot tub, a sports pool with a slide and an indoor gym. $1,949,000.

Rapid City, SD In the coveted Hart Ranch neighborhood, this nearly 8,000-square-foot home is appointed with 4 fireplaces, his-and-her office suites, a parlor, theater room, 2 main house kitchens, a 2-story living room, formal dining room, master suite, private pool, a guesthouse and an RV garage on 30 acres. $1,750,000.

Rapid City, SD This exquisite 5,200-square-foot home on prime waterfront acreage is on the market for the first time. It is on 7 gorgeous acres near Rapid Creek. The Architectural Digest-worthy home includes a formal dining room, 2 main-floor offices, a main-floor master, 3 fireplaces and a theater room. Additional acreage available. $1,500,000.

Rapid City, SD Luxury is redefined in the 6,100-plus-square-foot home that features a Brazilian walnut front door, South American teak interior doors, travertine tile floors, a professional kitchen with copper and granite countertops and state-of-the-art-appliances, plus a pool and hot tub. Co-listed with Tony Marshall of VIP Properties, LLC. $1,500,000.

Rapid City, SD Exquisite European Estate in the middle of Rapid City!

This 11-acre property includes a 7,300-square-foot home with imported French tile roof, imported Mexican tile floors, completely bricked facade, gorgeous woodwork throughout, a library, music conservatory, elevator and separate guest quarters with garage and elevator. $1,400,000.

Rapid City, SD This 49-acre property is truly out of a storybook! Day Spring Farm features a newly updated 4300 sq ft home in the coveted Hart Ranch West neighborhood with a fabulous covered porch and gorgeous views. This horse lover's dream boasts a 4-stall barn with outdoor runs, 4 paddocks and 6 pastures. $1,297,000.

Rapid City, SD Want lots of space and huge rooms plus a great location overlooking the 18th hole of Red Rock Golf Club with tremendous views? This is it! This custom-designed home is in an awesome neighborhood and offers more than 6,300 square feet of quality living! $925,000.

Whitewood, SD Step back in time, but bring today’s luxury with you.

Stolen Kiss Ranch is an exquisite, 20-acre equestrian property with fabulous turn-of-the-century architecture reflected in its home and horse facilities. A seasonal creek, an exquisite home with rich hardwood floors, paddocks, indoor stalls and an arena are included. $897,000.

Deadwood SD A custom Alpine log home with 28 acres! Enjoy gazing at the creek and your private spring-fed fishing pond from the porch or gather around the fire pit. Features of this 2,100-square-foot home include in-floor heating, a fireplace and master suite with jetted tub. Co-listed with Mike Percevich of The Real Estate Center, 605.578.3030. $875,000.

Rapid City, SD Twenty acres surround this stunning home, which includes a 34-by-40-foot finished shop, a 3-car garage and second living quarters in the basement. Features include a great room with a handcrafted rock fireplace, a greenhouse off the master bath, a 500-foot well and a wraparound Trex deck. Additional acreage is available. $765,000.

Stephanie Lien VIP Properties 909 St. Joseph Street, Third Floor, Rapid City, SD 57701 605.716.4VIP / Cell: 605.390.1571 / Fax: 605.716.2VIP / slien9@aol.com / www.vipproperties.com

Magnificent Georgian | Chevy Chase Village, Maryland This custom Colonial, renovated and designed by Carleton Varney, features a graceful center hall, grand living and dining rooms, a world-class kitchen and a family room opening to the patio, pool and gardens.There are 6 bedrooms, 7 full and 2 half baths and a finished lower level. $3,350,000 Pat Lore (301) 908-1242 | Ted Beverley (301) 728-4338

Tour de Force | Cleveland Park, Washington, D.C. On a cul-de-sac, minutes from the Metro and shops, this renovated Colonial features a contemporary interior with an open entry foyer and living and dining rooms perfect for displaying art.There is a Euro-style kitchen, library, art studio, music room, exercise room and 6 bedrooms. $2,295,000 Lynn Bulmer (202) 257-2410

Treasured Tudor | Mass. Avenue Heights, Washington, D.C. Featuring unique English Tudor construction, this fine home on a storied cul-de-sac, was designed by renowned Washington architects Porter and Lockie in the 1920s.The home offers a gracious first floor with circular flow, a flagstone patio, 6 bedrooms and 4 baths. $2,260,000 Penny Mallory (202) 251-6861 | Lucinda Treat (202) 251-4000

Charm & Space | Chevy Chase, Maryland Completely renovated by master builder Patrick Keating, this classic Colonial offers a long center hall; a living room, study and a family room all with fireplaces; a dining room; butler’s pantry and a fabulous kitchen. Six bedrooms, 5.5 baths and a 2-car garage are also included. $1,895,000 Karen Kuchins (301) 275-2255 | Eric Murtagh (301) 652-8971

Picturesque & Elegant | Kent, Washington, D.C. On a very special street in beautiful Kent, this graceful Colonial features a transverse hall, large living room, dining room, a den, a library, a country kitchen with granite counters, 7 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, a finished lower level and a 2-car garage. $1,995,000 Ellen Rodin (202) 255-9411 | Beverly Nadel (202) 236-7313

English Country House | Bluemont, Virginia Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains with breathtaking views, this exquisitely crafted home is one hour from Washington, D.C., and features antique pine floors, eyebrow windows, designer kitchen, dramatic entertaining spaces, a guest apartment, 5 bedrooms, 6.5 baths and a heated 4-bay garage. $1,585,000 Barbara Powell (540) 554-2299

Chevy Chase 4400 Jenifer Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20015 202.364.1700 / Fax: 202.537.0160

E-mail: devers@eversco.com

Dupont 1509 22nd Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20037 202.464.8400 / Fax: 202.464.8411

www.eversco.com

THIS IS THE FIFTH AND FINAL PART IN OUR YEAR-LONG SERIES TRACKING LUXURY REAL ESTATE’S ROAD TO RECOVERY.

‘It’s the economy’ The housing market is so important to the U.S. economy that it is hard to talk about real estate without thinking about the economy as a whole. Here, we try to make sense of the latest housing numbers.

By Camilla McLaughlin

60

UniqueHomes.com

Among the more than 100 economists and real estate experts surveyed in August by MacroMarkets, only 21 percent, down from 60 percent in May’s survey, expected 2010 to end with a cumulative gain in home prices.

Estimates of cumulative price appreciation through 2014 fell by almost a third, according to the economist Robert Shiller, who co-founded MacroMarkets, a developer of investment product and strategies. Even though the slope of the recovery path is flattening and a majority of those surveyed see little or no price improvement over 2009 until 2012, the forecast still calls for a $1.4 trillion gain in aggregate U.S. homeowner equity by 2014.

Putting the Numbers in Context Weak home sales numbers don’t tell the whole story, cautions Mark Dotzour, chief economist for the

Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, noting the boost sales in 2009 received from the first-time-buyer tax credit that was effective January 2009. Without another tax credit, Dotzour said, monthly sales for 2010 will likely exhibit significant variance from 2009, and a true reading of housing market conditions may not be possible until June or July 2011.

“We were expecting to see some pull back in home sales after the tax credit expired,” said RE/MAX CEO Margaret Kelly. “It’s hard to know what will come next in this market, but we’re looking for a return to slow, steady growth by the end of the year.” Prices in the RE/MAX National Housing Report based on closed transactions in July in 54 metropolitan areas were off about a half of a percentage point from June, but inched upward over July 2010. continued on page 243

PHOTOS ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/UNIQUEHOMESART

NOT QUITE 12 MONTHS AGO, when Unique Homes began a year-long chronicle of the road to the new normal, 2009 seemed to be the turning point, for both real estate and the economy. Yet, after more than a year of slow but steady gains, we find ourselves once again at a crossroads, an interval of waiting, watching and wondering, “Are we still on the road to recovery or on the cusp of a double dip?”

Concerns about the economy and the unemployment rate already had put the recovery in jeopardy when an added wallop came from a 27-percent decline in home sales in July. “There are serious headwinds to demand that are overwhelming the effect of the tax credit,” says Quinn Eddins, director of research for Radar Logic, a real estate data analytics company, referring to a soft labor market, the tenuous recovery as a whole and uncertainty about future home prices.

Specialists in Waterfront, Luxury Homes, Estates & Investments Throughout Greater Tampa Bay, Florida

We Need More Luxury Listings!

Would you like to see your home on nearly 200 websites, and featured in Luxury magazines? Call Michael Green & Associates’ award-winning team to schedule your personal Luxury Home Marketing Consultation!

813-295-2000 www.MichaelGreenAndAssociates.com

ODESSA Offered at $3,750,000

SPECTACULAR 2-ACRE LAKEFRONT MEDITERRANEAN ESTATE!

THIS PRIVATELY GATED HOME ON LAKE KEYSTONE features a tremendous floor plan; high, coffered ceilings; gorgeous marble; stone and hardwood flooring; granite counters and luxurious wood cabinets; a gourmet kitchen with the latest high-end Viking appliances; a large wine cellar; masterful detailing, artisan craftsmanship and luxury upgrades throughout; impressive doubleentry solid wood doors; huge sliding window walls and special curved windows that provide 270 degrees of captivating, panoramic, lakefront views and spectacular sunsets; a long, winding, paved drive and circular motor court; an oversized 3-car garage; a large dock with a lakeside entertainment/sun deck; a massive pool, spa, deck and covered lanai with a summer kitchen, an outdoor fireplace and stone columns and professional landscaping with mature oaks and tall cypress trees along the scenic shoreline. An additional 4 acres are available for a guesthouse, tennis/basketball courts and more!

TAMPA Offered at $3,495,000

RARE & EXQUISITE TAMPA BAY-FRONT MASTERPIECE!

SELDOM DO LUXURY WATERFRONT ESTATES reach such a pinnacle of perfection as exhibited in this fine property. There is absolutely no detail, quality material or finish that has escaped the meticulous attention of the designer, builder and owner of this estate. Only the best was acceptable in each and every level of craftsmanship and construction. Starting with a bay-front lot that has outstanding views, this grand Mediterranean home was designed to provide maximum bay-front panoramas from the 1st- and 2nd-floor rooms and from the wide, covered balconies, pool and deck. The careful selection of expensive materials, chandeliers, gourmet appliances and fine finishes was exhaustive. The phenomenal views and location of this magnificent, gracious residence will be greatly appreciated by the fortunate buyer.

ODESSA Offered at $1,850,000

LAKE KEYSTONE MIZNER-INSPIRED ESTATE & RETREAT!

ALONG A SCENIC, WINDING STREET of exclusive gated estates is the architectural crown jewel, Villa de Lago, a Southern Italian-designed estate and guesthouse reminiscent of glorious Mizner Palm Beach masterpieces. Acres of gorgeous grounds unfold along a meandering drive, beneath a canopy of mature oaks and palms leading to the white sand beach on the pristine shores of skisized Lake Keystone. Featuring 5 bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half baths and a spacious floor plan, this incredible estate retreat is appointed throughout with custom details, 5 covered verandas, an open-air Romanesque pool, spa and deck and a 2-bedroom, 2-bath guesthouse with kitchen, dinette, family room, 2 viewing verandas and garages for 7 cars. Reduced from $5,999,999. Luxury living at its finest!

Michael Green, Leading Tampa Bay Luxury Specialist for 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, directs the Michael Green & Associates Team in marketing and selling waterfront, fine and luxury homes, estates and investment properties throughout Greater Tampa Bay, Florida. Mike’s team has provided outstanding service to its many clients through passion for their work, integrity, diligence, superior marketing and extensive market knowledge. Upon attaining a B.S. Degree in Biology/Chemistry/ Mathematics from the University of South Alabama, Mike then completed a distinguished career as a Special Agent of the FBI and subsequently co-owned a multi-office real estate firm, where he directed Fine Homes & Estates and Relocation Divisions. Mike and his associates would love to work with you and make your real estate experience a pleasant, effortless success. You can place your trust and confidence in some of the nation’s top real estate professionals.

The Cove at Reeder Bay Whidbey Island Washington

This Pacific Northwest Craftsman luxury home is situated within a very rare 28-acre nature preserve beachfront setting. “The Cove at Reeder Bay” is an exclusive enclave of 6 luxury island homes on 1,300 feet of private Puget Sound and low/no bank beachfront. Within the grounds lie 19 acres of permanent reserve, including 5 acres of open space and 14 acres of old-growth native forest and hiking trails. Each homesite exceeds 1.5 acres in size, including panoramic sound views, deeded tidelands with salt-water access and magnificent Mount Baker views. Enjoy salmon fishing, crabbing, or simply viewing the abundance of diverse wildlife including whales, sea lions, eagles and blacktail deer.

Located a little more than an hour’s drive from downtown Seattle, or shorter using a private float plane or helicopter to land on the property. We invite you to come view the model home to experience first-hand how beachfront living is defined! See the online movie of "Kingfisher" at http://www.walkthroughmedia.com/51522 Homes from $1.5 million, “Kingfisher” model home for $2,196,800.

Chip McBroom Skyline Properties, Inc. (425) 894-4043 | chip@skylineproperties.com www.skylineproperties-chipmcbroom.com

unique

PLACES

BY LAUREN VARGA

ON LOCATION

MALLORCA: ‘NO COMPETITION’ Buyers and visitors alike are ensured privacy and a balanced equation of supply and demand. According to Engel & Völkers, 40 percent of the island is devoted to protected territory and currently there is one “front-line” development in the works. Scheduled for completion in 2012, the development on Alcudia Beach will host 15 contemporary-style apartments starting at approximately $1.57 million.

According to Engel & Völkers, the most commonly sold properties at this time are villas averaging roughly 4,300 square feet that yield an approximate price range of $1.67 million to $2.675 million.

Villas with a view will come at a premium, but, according to Waschke, they are the most in-demand because they afford “privacy.” And at the end of the day, no privacy price tag is too high. In fact, Waschke notes that Engel & Völkers currently holds listings on Mallorca that reach $26.75 million, $40.125 million and $66.8 million.

With a combination of easy access, protected land and perfect weather year-round, Mallorca has “no competition at present within a two- to three-hour flight from Europe,” says Waschke.

The Financial Times listed Mallorca as one of the top 10 places to invest; the Daily Telegraph named it the fourth best place to live worldwide.

64

UniqueHomes.com

An awe-inspiring mountain range, tranquil coastline and charming villages afford residents and visitors many options in which to live and play.

PHOTOS COURTESY ENGEL & VÖLKERS MALLORCA ; BACKGROUND PHOTO ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/UNIQUEHOMESART

A HOP, SKIP AND A JUMP from the East Coast of Spain, or a two-hour flight from central Europe, Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands and reportedly sees approximately 10 million visitors each year.

With an Arabian and Roman history, the island has not lost its Old World feel and to this day, one will find buildings influenced with ancient architecture. The historical feel of the buildings on the tropical oasis of Mallorca is enhanced with a new infrastructure, fabulous dining options, and high-end shopping.

According to Daniel Waschke, Engel & Völkers’ managing director for the Southwest area of Mallorca, this serene Mediterranean Island welcomes affluent tourists year-round and has a booming second-home real estate market.

“Due to the excellent flight connections, Mallorca offers an ideal scenario for second-home buyers,” says Waschke. “With temperatures hardly below 10 degrees Celsius [50 degrees Fahrenheit], you have all kinds of outdoor sports, especially golf (23 courses), tennis and cycling.”

Mallorca’s strict development regulations add to the island’s appeal.

For more information on luxury real estate opportunities through Engel & Völkers Mallorca, visit www.engelvoelkers.com/mallorca

GOING GLOBAL PHOTO ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/UNIQUEHOMESART

ASCOT, ENGLAND

Ascot is much more than home to one of the world’s most prestigious horseracing venues, where lords and ladies gather every season. During sporting spectacles such as the Epsom Derby, held every June, the community captures the dignity and spirit of English aristocracy. “There is something so remarkably British about donning a top hat and tails, mixing with an array of Champagne Charlies and hoping to win a couple of quid in the meantime,” muses James Wyatt of Barton Wyatt, one of the area’s premier real estate firms.

The racing season at Ascot is just one slice of life in Great Britain’s lovely Berkshire County, dubbed “Royal Berkshire” due to the presence of Windsor Castle, just a short

Bentley drive from the grandstands. Barton Wyatt regularly represents properties that reflect the grandeur of the Sport of Kings and James’ brother, Rupert Wyatt, is quick to remind buyers of the superb country clubs located in and around Ascot.

Many residents commute to London, just a half-hour train ride away, and Rupert Wyatt reports that Ascot’s exceptional schools are a major draw, along with its tranquil environment and regal sense of history.

“Although we’ve been in this dreadful recession, Ascot has fared rather well,” he reports, adding, “Our housing market has been relatively resilient, and the cream of the crop is selling the best.”

—Roger Grody

FABULOUS FINDS PHOTO COURTESY COSTA BLANCA

LUXURY LIVING DOWN UNDER

Coast Papamoa Beach offers nine sleek, contemporary home designs, many with spectacular ocean views. Prices for townhomes begin at approximately $430,000 (US), while 2,900-square-foot single-family homes command more than $700,000.

Turn to page 18 for a look at three properties from around the world (including one from Ascot) that are fit for royalty.

A young lady in Ascot watches an open-carriage pre-race parade.

Singapore-based Frasers Property is developing Coast Papamoa Beach, a 60-acre masterplanned oceanfront community outside Tauranga, a rapidly growing city along the scenic Bay of Plenty on New Zealand’s North Island. Nestled between rolling hills and endless stretches of golden beach, this area has long been a popular vacation destination, but is now gaining traction for year-round residency. In addition to outdoor recreational opportunities, Tauranga boasts a cosmopolitan vibe reflected in art galleries, theater and fine dining.

Assessing the development’s international appeal, Ian Keightley of Auckland’s Salescoach Ltd. suggests its idyllic climate, New Zealand’s stable government, low taxes, and modern infrastructure make it particularly attractive. “Coast Papamoa Beach is about change of place, change of pace,” he reports.

For more New Zealand luxury real estate, turn to pages 38-40.

On Queensland’s Gold Coast, a sleek 77-story tower called Soul is under construction at Surfer’s Paradise, a booming Australian beach community. The centerpiece of a comprehensive shoreline redevelopment program, Soul has already established itself as one of the most coveted residential addresses on the Gold Coast. The four-story penthouse has been pre-sold, reportedly commanding the equivalent of $15 million (US).

Australian-based Juniper Group is the developer of the $600 million project, which is attracting buyers from throughout the Pacific Rim. Amenities will include an outdoor pool overlooking the beach, an indoor lap pool, gym and spa, and ample shopping, dining and nightlife incorporated into the development.

—Roger Grody

You can find more than three dozen New Zealand properties listed for $1 million or more on our website, UniqueHomes.com

UNIQUE HOMES

65

unique

PROPERTIES

BY JESSICA DECINA

‘UNPRECEDENTED’

Since our last issue, real estate records were set, broken and set again in a matter of weeks.

The news broke in August: a six-bedroom, two-floor penthouse at London’s One Hyde Park sold for a record-breaking £140 million—roughly $220 million. And just when the buzz was beginning to calm, the record was shattered again five weeks later by La Belle Epoque in Monaco. The 17,500-square-foot Monte Carlo estate sold for £199 million, or about $311 million, earning it the title of the most expensive residential sale in the world.

The Daily Mail reported that “an unnamed Middle Eastern investor” purchased the penthouse in Monaco; similarly, the buyers of One Hyde Park are rumored to have ties to the Middle East or India, according to the Telegraph.

The stories are big, the homes even bigger. And the prices paid for such luxury are without a doubt tremendous. So what does it all mean?

For Trevor Abrahmsohn, managing director of Glentree Estates, one of the subagents of One Hyde Park, the sales are absolutely “unprecedented,” but they’re also a sign that “there is considerable wealth around.”

“They’re extraordinary properties,” Abrahmsohn says. “When you get to such rarity it becomes irreplaceable.” Both properties are rare finds indeed—the penthouse at One Hyde Park encompasses six bedrooms, two floors and enjoys 24-hour room service from the 5-star Mandarin Oriental

Monaco is on the Mediterranean Sea, completely surrounded by France. On UniqueHomes.com, find more than 3,000 million-dollar homes in France.

66

UniqueHomes.com

Hotel next door. La Belle Epoque, sold by billionaire brothers Christian and Nick Candy (coincidentally the interior designers for One Hyde Park), features 3 bedroom suites, each with its own cinema, a kitchen and two baths, according to the Financial Times. A spokesperson for the Candy brothers declined to comment on either sale.

Despite the enormity of these properties, Abrahmsohn isn’t too surprised to see the ultra-high-end flourish, especially in London. Buyers in the city purchase a property in London “whether [they] need one or not.”

“If you were a banker you’d live in New York. If you were in the film, you’d live in Hollywood; if political you’d live in Washington,” he explains. “If you were in the car, film [or] political [industry], you’d live in London. You live in London, you work in London. That’s why people pay fortunes for places.”

While Abrahmsohn could not comment on the specific buyers of these homes, he sees “a consistency” in the profits coming from oil monarchs of the Middle East and India. “The first thing that the Middle Eastern sheikh does is buy something in London,” he says. Beyond that, a buyer might look to a location such as Monaco for a luxury vacation home, he adds.

“It’s no accident that prices remain very high,” he affirms. “People make a lot of money buying a property and sitting on it. It’ll still be there and worth a lot more.”

Also on UniqueHomes.com, our blog will keep you informed of important sales such as these as they happen. Check in daily for the latest in luxe real estate.

Trevor Abrahmsohn’s deals have put him in contact with some of the world’s most famous personalities.

Glentree Estates is online at glentree.co.uk

MONTE CARLO PHOTO ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/UNIQUEHOMESART

Monte Carlo, Monaco

One Hyde Park

unique

PERSPECTIVES

BY JESSICA DECINA

CEILING BY DAY, STARRY BY NIGHT One of Jeff Stewart’s favorite childhood pastimes was camping outdoors in the Redwoods of California. When he was about 8, he woke up in the middle of the night and opened his eyes to a magnificent sight: the night sky.

“I was startled,” he says. “There were so many stars that I hadn’t even known existed. I fell in love with that. I thought, why can’t somebody paint this on a ceiling?”

From that night, Stewart’s company, Night Sky Murals, became a reality.

Using a special glow-in-the-dark paint combined with painstaking work, Stewart has created dozens of custom murals.“I usually ask people if they want a night sky specific to a date: birthday, anniversary. Is there a special day you want to remember? Do you want a winter sky [or] summer sky?” he explains.

Stewart charges a per-square-foot rate for his projects; total costs typically range anywhere from $3,000 to upwards of $10,000.

TOP PHOTO BY GRAEME WHIFLER; MIDDLE PHOTO COURTESY YAMAHA; BOTTOM LEFT PHOTO COURTESY DRS ASSOCIATES BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY SUSANNE WALKER

‘A Piano Without Strings’ The latest in wireless technology is not a cell phone or an Internet service. It’s a piano.

Yamaha’s latest innovation, the AvantGrande, is a hybrid piano that replicates the look and feel of playing an acoustic grand piano.

Even the keys feel the same as a grand. The inside of an acoustic piano has a row of hammers, called the action, which, when a key is hit, will strike a note on the wire.

The AvantGrande gives that same feeling, explains Mark Anderson, the director of marketing for Yahama. “When they press the key, it’s a real action that will trigger. The only difference is that instead of hammers, there are weights.”

Sales are “off the charts” in New York City, given the piano’s small size and easy maintenance — no wires means no tuning. The AvantGrande is offered at $15,000 for the upright and $20,000 for the grand.

ONE BOOK AT A TIME

THE SOFTER SIDE OF STEEL

Thatcher Wine might be the ultimate bookworm, so much so that he’s dedicated his life to them. Founder of Juniper Books, Wine has spent the last nine years building custom libraries for clientele around the world, one handpicked volume at a time.

“I really get to know the clients, their personalities, their homes, their designers and try to hand-pick a book collection that looks like they spent their lifetime picking it out,” he explains.

Wine has done it all, from rounding up a 2,000-volume library of literary and historical classics to putting together a collection of books dealing with all things related to New Mexico.

A typical project from Wine costs anywhere from $35,000 to $75,000.

Rustic and bold, meet gracious and elegant. The opposing styles may seem mis-matched, but they manage to coexist peacefully in the newest line of indoor/outdoor tables and counters from Walker & Co. Each table is framed with Cor-Ten steel, which has a special compound allowing it to stand the test of time and harsh weather, explains Susanne Walker. “The Cor-Ten Steel rusts on its own, but only to a certain point,” she says. “It is the same steel used for outdoor sculptures. We want rustic, but if it continues to rust it will eventually disintegrate.”

As an eco-friendly bonus, the sinker cypress wood finish is commonly used in green building, as cypress trees are not being depleted.

The outdoor tables are offered in a plethora of shapes and sizes.

Jeff Stewart’s work is extremely popular in urban areas, where his customers often don’t get to see how many stars truly illuminate the sky.

Wine’s pricing varies depending on the number of books, the level of hand-selection needed and the kind of cover (hardcovers, leather or vellum).

For more, visit nightskymurals.com, Avant-Grand.com, juniperbooks.com and importsfromabroad.com

UNIQUE HOMES

67

Exclusive Real Riley’s Reef An entire island retreat is available for purchase.

Little Marco Island offers roughly 165 acres as well as an approximately 20-acre property with 3 homes and a lagoon.

With an average temperature of 84 degrees Fahrenheit, Little Marco Island is a serene, private setting waiting for occupancy.

The 3 residences on the secluded island offer a total of 4,000 square feet of living space. From the homes and grounds, enjoy stunning sunrises and sunset views. Nine miles from the mainland house (The Landings), Little Marco Island offers access to the water at 3 points.

Used as the location for the 1951 movie “Distant Drums”starring Gary Cooper, the island offers a quiet atmosphere. Enjoy bird watching in this preserved, protected island setting.

Little Marco Island is self-sufficient—no need to rely on government services—and is listed along with The Landings for $8,000,000, or separately for $4,000,000.

Estate Offering The Landings Rest and relaxation are ensured in this 6,000plus-square-foot home in Naples, Florida, yet excitement is just steps away. Located on an intracoastal lot, this property offers a prime waterfront location with exceptionally relaxing views. The Landings boasts an open floor plan with an elevator for easy access to all 2 floors, which gives this home an easy flow.

The open kitchen and family areas, which overlook the intracoastal and pool area, accent the layout and make entertaining a breeze.

A formal living room with a cathedral ceiling, first-floor master suite, 3 additional bedrooms, 6.5 baths, 2 gas fireplaces and a 3-car garage complement the residence.

Outdoors, a summer kitchen with a grill, sink and a refrigerator; a swimming pool with a Jacuzzi; and a boat deck with 2 boat lifts on the channel with gulf access complete this listing.

Offered with Riley’s Reef for $8,000,000. Can be purchased separately for $4,000,000 so long

Michael S. Dudash Creative Commercial Real Estate, Inc. P.O. Box 530173, Livonia, MI 48153-0173 248.866.0991 / mdudash@twmi.rr.com / rileysreef.com

as Riley’s Reef is sold.

941-954-9000

Candy Swick & Company

Real Estate Savvy

941- 954-9000 www.candyswick.com www.downtownexpert.com 2063 MAIN STREET, SARASOTA FL 34237

Field Club, Sarasota, Florida—With grandeur and prestige, this expansive, 3,481-square-foot residence is the perfect combination of Santa Monica panache, fused with a Florida lifestyle. Situated on a private lot with a desirable West-ofTrail address! Offered at $899,000

Sarasota, Florida—Downtown Sarasota, Ritz-Carlton!

A 4,704-square-foot penthouse boasts 5-star amenities overlooking beautiful bay views and captivating city vistas.

Enjoy luxury appointments set close to a cultural hub of activities. Offered at $3,395,000

University Park, Florida—Private preserve views set the stage in this immaculate, 2,685-square-foot, custom-designed home quietly nestled in a private, gated enclave surrounded by the golf courses of the award-winning University Park Country Club. Offered at $575,000

Lakewood Ranch, Florida—A modern-day Magnum Opus!

Only a select few will ever be fortunate enough to relish in the lifestyle afforded by this luxurious 7,516-square-foot home overlooking golf-course views in a gated community.

Offered at $2,950,000

Casey Key, Florida—Nearly 3 Acres on Casey Key! An unspoiled gulf-to-bay property with protected waters, 2 boat docks, a private beach and 3 vintage bungalows for a total of 3 gulf-front lots and 2 bayside parcels. Minutes from shopping, dining and downtown SRQ! Offered at $7,500,000

Osprey, Florida—An executive estate with a guesthouse!

This 3,600-square-foot residence with outstanding lake and golf course views is nestled in the coveted gated community of The Oaks where members enjoy golf, tennis and an opulent country-club lifestyle! Offered at $699,000

Special Section: Premier Ski Properties Luxury Specialists of Florida, the Caribbean, Hawaii and the Midwest, plus Ski Property Specialists Contact your Unique Homes Representative for more information or go to UniqueHomes.com

IN THE NEXT ISSUE:

WE NAME OUR THE 2011 25 OUTLOOK MARKETS “ULTIMATE FOR LUXURY TO WATCH HOME OF THE YEAR” REAL ESTATE IN 2011

Stunning Equestrian Estate

Greek Revival Mansion, poised in the distance, overlooking a 4-acre lake, is the centerpiece of this 193-acre, rolling and wooded equestrian estate, complete with two stables—one with caretaker’s apartment—a workshop, hay storage facility, equipment building, covered arena with viewing area, open-air riding arena and shaded riding trails throughout this secluded property with 30 acres of fenced pastures. This 8,200-square-foot historic reproduction home includes an expansive 2-story foyer with double staircases, 6 bedrooms, a theater and extensive handcrafted details throughout.

Attractive seller financing available.

Offered for sale at $2,900,000.

45 minutes from Atlanta

A

BENTWATER - LAKE CONROE

74

Jennifer Barnett RE/MAX Around Atlanta Results 404-583-3314 (direct) 770-631-3300 (office) www.jennifer-barnett.com jenniferbarnett@remax.net

WATERFRONT RETREAT

Montgomery . Texas

Montgomery . Texas

A gorgeous 1-story custom home in a gated, waterfront and golfing community!

Exquisite craftsmanship, Dave Pelz-designed putting green, dream gourmet kitchen, harlequin-styled master bath cabinetry, executive study, large screened porch with a summer kitchen, and an oversized 3-car garage with golf cart storage are just some features of this magnificent home. One hour north of Houston. $890,000.

This waterfront retreat is located on Bentwater's gated, private island. Approximately 1/3 acre with more than 90 feet on the shore of Lake Conroe, plus a gazebo and double boat dock. It faces southeast with a 180-degree view across the main lake.

With 6,838 square feet of warm, French country style, the house has hardwood floors throughout, a professional wine cellar, elevator and antique bronze and copper fixtures from New Orleans. A Grand Pines membership is included. $2,350,000.

SYLVIA VANDERBILT RE/MAX Preferred Group

KAREN MONSHAUGEN | Keller Williams Luxury

936.448.6700 / cell: 936.522.8042 / E-mail: sylviavanderbilt@remax.net

936.525.3220 / www.LakeConroeFineLiving.com

UniqueHomes.com

Karen Monshaugen Realty Group

Atlanta Masterpiece

Jennifer Barnett RE/MAX Around Atlanta Results 404-583-3314 (direct) 770-631-3300 (office) www.jennifer-barnett.com jenniferbarnett@remax.net

M

agnificent gated Chateau on 49 acres is just 20 minutes from Atlanta! Beautifully manicured grounds include a vineyard, complete with winery capabilities, plenty of room to create an equestrian venue, 2 lovely lakes with fountains and incredible landscaping! Elegant furnishings are included in this exquisitely appointed 13,000square-foot Chateau. The home boasts 7 bedrooms, a theater, professional caterer’s kitchen, spectacular 75-foot Pebble Tec pool and spa flanked by a poolhouse, outdoor fireplace and kitchen.

Conveniently located near a private air field and Atlanta Motor Speedway. Attractive seller financing available.

Incredibly priced at $3,900,000.

A Dream Within Reach

Homes in golf course communities are changing to suit today’s buyers.

By Jennifer Martin

76

UniqueHomes.com

said. “Now, we’re starting to look for a more rounded set of experiences.”

Many homeowners are selling off their extra residences and retreating to their golf course home year-round, he said. As a result, golf course communities are offering fitness centers, fine dining, shops, children’s recreation and other activities.

The most successful communities also offer a mix of courses or holes for players of all skill levels. “We’re going to build a golf course where everyone can play, no matter what their ability is,” said Paul Stringer, executive vice president of Nicklaus Companies, designers of Nicklaus golf courses worldwide. “It’s probably one of our best attributes.”

Developments with golf courses by Nicklaus Design sell an average $315 million worth of real estate over a 12-year period, the company reported. At Montreux Golf and Country Club in Reno, Nev., the site of a Nicklaus Signature Course, half-acre lots start at $365,000 and homes sell for $999,000 and higher.

In spite of the buyer’s market, analysts advise going into a purchase with caution. It’s best to be wary of new or incomplete golf course developments unless they are well capitalized and have

a solid management team in place.

“The ones struggling are the ones that weren’t completed or got stopped in the middle of construction by the economic downturn,” said Steve Forrest, of Arthur Hills Steve Forrest and Associates, a firm known internationally for designs of high-end golf courses. “The ones that have survived are well known and have a good, established community.”

Another good sign for any golf course development is nearby infrastructure, such as major airports. Odenbach notes that Lake Nona lies not only near the entertainment metropolis of Orlando but also near a medical complex with four hospitals. “It’s quiet here, but just go outside the gates and there’s a strong economic engine,” he said.

PHOTOS COURTESY ISLEWORTH REALTY

IT HAS NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME to buy a dream home on the links. Between 2000 and 2010, the number of real estate-related golf course facilities grew by more than 500 nationwide, from 2,386 to 2,943, according to the National Golf Foundation. The selection of homes is abundant, and in many areas, prices have dropped to more realistic levels for today’s economy.

“I think a lot of people understand that prices here are not going to fall any further,” said Andy Odenbach, vice president of Lake Nona Golf and Country Club. “Many people have kept an eye on our properties for 18 to 20 months and are choosing to buy now.”

The organization closed $22 million in real estate in the first six months of 2010, Odenbach said, adding that some home prices are down by about 20 percent from four years ago. Home prices at Orlando-based Lake Nona start between $1 million and $2 million.

Like Lake Nona, today’s successful communities tend to offer a mix of amenities, said Chris Fair, president of Resonance Consultancy Ltd., a Vancouver, B.C.-based marketing and communications firm.

“It used to be that all we really cared about was a golf course and a pool to relax beside,” he

NEW JERSEY . VERMONT . NORTH CAROLINA . VIRGINIA

MAJESTIC WATERFRONT HOME

THE KINGSLEY GRIST MILL

Cape May Point . New Jersey

North Clarendon . Vermont

The Cape May area is not just great restaurants and a wonderful walking mall.

The finest beachfront home in Cape May Point offers a serene, uncrowded and majestic 180-degree water-view setting with daily sunsets over the ocean and bay. This breathtaking 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom home on a corner lot is located directly across from the beach. Features include a gourmet kitchen, elevator, custom trim work, sauna and fitness room. $2,995,000.

Called New England’s “Falling Water” by those who knew Frank Lloyd Wright intimately, each of these renovated buildings keeps the historic architecture and charm. On about 2.5 acres with 100 feet of spectacular waterfalls and naturally carved private swimming holes, the structures include the Grist Mill itself; the largest of the 4 main buildings, the original Kingsley Homestead; the horse barn and the grainery/artist studio, all converted into residences. Offered at $1,700,000.

CAROL MENZ, GRI, SRES, CRS, SFR, Broker | Coastline Realty, LLC 1400 Texas Avenue, Cape May, NJ 08204

ABBY HOUGHTON, Sales Associate CENTURY 21 Bird Real Estate

cell: 609.374.0325 / office: 609.884.5005 / CarolMenz@CoastlineRealty.com

802.770.5900 / E-mail: c21abby@comcast.net

AN UNFORGETTABLE HOME ALBEMARLE COUNTY – VIRGINIA

Splendid Views

Pinehurst, North Carolina

A splendid view of the lake and golf course surrounds this magnificent home. Perfectly private, this estate has 4 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, a guest wing, a master suite, two 2-car garages, formal and casual dining areas, 5 fireplaces, an exercise room, a Carolina room, 272 feet of waterfront and a boathouse with a dock. $2,555,000.

SUNNYFIELDS—Once on the driveway leading to Sunnyfields Farm, you are struck by the incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains rising up behind the custom-built brick home. Also included on more than 22 private acres are a detached office with an unfinished 2nd level, 2-car garage and frontage on a large spring-fed pond filled with bass.The property enjoys mature landscaping and gardens surrounded by rolling pasture. Views are even more breathtaking from the partially covered, extensive deck on the back of the house. It's a site you will never forget! $1,195,000

Joel Rich Prudential Gouger O’Neal & Saunders Real Estate 910.315.4009

1 Boar’s Head Place, Charlottesville, VA 22903 434.296.6104 | questions@stevensandcompany.net www.stevensandcompany.net

Distinguished Virginia Properties

This perfect brick Georgian Colonial has oak floors, a large living and dining room, a top-of-the-line kitchen that is perfect for entertaining and a gorgeous master bedroom. The finished lower level includes a media room, bedroom, den and bath. The residence also has a flagstone patio, covered porch, pool, spa and wooded lot.

804 CREWS RD, GREAT FALLS, VA 22066 $2,000,000

This stunning private custom estate on 5 acres includes 6 bedrooms, 6 baths, marble, granite and top-end appliances. It is perfect for entertaining with a ballroom, huge fireplace, upper-level playroom, a media room, lower-level bar/kitchen, breathtaking pond, rolling hills and detached garage/stables.

1506 WINDSTONE DR, VIENNA, VA 22182 $2,999,000

George Sagatov’s Nantucket model. Featuring 5 bedrooms, 5 baths, finished lower level with rec room, game, media and bar. Every amenity including top-of-the-line gourmet kitchen appliances, fixtures, cabinet and surface materials. Please call for plans.

1233 RANLEIGH RD, McLEAN, VA 22101 $2,600,000

Casey Margenau RE/MAX Distinctive Real Estate, Inc. 1307 Dolley Madison Boulevard, McLean, VA 22101 703.442.8600 www.margenau.com

THE ULTIMATE

THEATER/INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT

SPACE

Grab Your Popcorn.

We continue our yearlong “Ultimate” series this issue with the Ultimate Entertainment/Game/Theater Room contest. Realtors were invited to submit luxury listings with amazing indoor entertainment spaces. We sorted through terrific entries from coast to coast, and we narrowed the field to about two-dozen finalists. Our editors were tasked with selecting five winners. Here they are.

111 Bonaire Lane Barefoot Beach, Florida $8.995 million This incredible home offers an authentic 1959 Cadillac car bar and entertaining area, along with an authentic 1950s ice cream bar that was saved from destruction. The fully equipped movie theater on the third floor has a high-quality sound system, rumble seats and a retractable 100-inch screen. When retracted, the Gulf of Mexico fills the windows and provides gorgeous views, especially at sunset. Plus, a state-of-the-art telescope mounted on the top of the roof offers full 360-degree motorized rotation within its dome.

Listed by Barry DeNicola, Barry DeNicola Realty, Inc.

We judged on five criteria: 1 The design/aesthetic of the space 2 Technology/amenities 3 Overall “wow” factor 4 The ability to entertain in the space 5 Miscellaneous considerations, such as “green” features or other aspects that would make the space appealing to highend consumers.

{

Who’s Number 1?

}

We have not ranked the top five. That’s up to you.

Go to UniqueHomes.com and click on the Features tab to view more photos of our Ultimate Entertainment/Game/Theater Room winners and to vote for your favorite. Our Readers’ Choice will be announced online and in our next issue.

The Ultimate Landscape, Gardens & Grounds Winner

On 2.8 acres along Patten Road, you’ll find one of the Chattanooga area’s premier luxury estates, perfectly situated on Lookout Mountain’s brow with sweeping eastern views. Stunning from the moment you enter, you will truly appreciate the charm and elegance this 5-bedroom, 7-full- and 2-half-bath home has to offer. Perfect for both family and entertaining, this home was designed for both function and formality. The gorgeous views, beautiful gardens and in-ground pool add to the allure of this stunning property.

88

UniqueHomes.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHN BAMBER PHOTOGRAPHY

Last issue, we showcased the Ultimate Landscape, Gardens and Grounds.

Out of our six winners, our Readers’ Choice was a beautiful $3.5 million Lookout Mountain, Ga., listing from Jay Robinson of Robinson Real Estate:

17553 SE Conch Bar Avenue, Jupiter, Florida $9.9 million This Intracoastal home is owned by PGA Tour professional Jesper Parnevik, who is known for introducing Tiger Woods to his wife, Elin. The first floor (of three, plus an observation deck) features a large beautiful indoor/outdoor entertaining area complete with walk-in wine storage, custom cherry-wood bar, billiards and pinball machines; all opening through full pocketing doors to the pool area and private beach. The home theater is upholstered in red velvet and features black and white portraits of movie greats such as Clint Eastwood and Jack Nicholson.

Listed by Peter Erdmann, Lost Tree Realty

360-364 Laurel Road, New Canaan, Connecticut $10.9 million Forget about having an entertainment room. This home has a new $7 million, 14room sports complex all to its own. The recreational haven is complete with a professional cinema, a game room with a wraparound bar and a bowling alley, Full Swing Golf, and a basketball court that can transition into your personal indoor auditorium. This one-of-a-kind, 10,000-square-foot masterwork additionally offers a full kitchen, three bedrooms and plenty of living and dining space.

Listed by Darlene Letersky, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

5636 E Mockingbird Lane, Paradise Valley, Arizona $24.9 million The theater in this home boasts $150,000 of mahogany cabinetry by Pierre Lange. It seats 13, and 3 of the seats move with the movie’s action. The entrance to the theater has a ticket window with an Elvis robot cashier — an actual robot that sings, talks and moves his eyes and head. The theater features a professional-quality digital rear-projector, Dolby surround sound and an LED star-lit ceiling that blinks and twinkles. A wet bar connects to the theater through a rear entrance. Listed by Joan Levinson, John Hall & Associates

450 Mendham Road, Bernardsville, New Jersey $16.75 million The entertainment level of this estate replicates a Parisian street scene, from a charming courtyard and quaint shops along a cobblestone lane to a plush home theater complete with lobby and ticket booth, café, and candy counter. The screening room features fabric-covered walls and a hand-painted tin ceiling. A billiards room with a magnificent hand-forged steel full-service bar provides the perfect spot to enjoy a drink. The media and game room with its own chef’s kitchen features all Viking stainless-steel appliances, including a professional six-burner range. Listed by Erica Levey, Weichert Capital Properties & Estates

UNIQUE HOMES

89

We’ve redefined luxury online... www.UniqueHomes.com

Bigger photos, more information and video!

Newly renovated, our Web site now offers more features, including a brand-new look and larger photos. These items, added to our exclusive database of luxury listings (from around the globe), our editorial coverage of today’s high-end markets, our blog and more, make UniqueHomes.com your source for today’s luxury. Visit us today.

CALIFORNIA

420 HARBOR ISLAND DRIVE Newport Beach . California Newly constructed, this bayfront home offers Hamptons luxury and New England warmth. The home includes a striking entry foyer, a romantic master suite, a magnificent great room, bay views from most rooms, 2 decks and a bayfront patio. The property also includes a new, deepwater slip and a side tie for a large yacht. Offered at $5,295,000.

1401 BAYSIDE DRIVE California Realty

COLEEN BRENNAN Prudential California Realty 949.275.2775 E-mail: coleenbrennan@prucdm.com DRE# 1003247

96

UniqueHomes.com

Corona del Mar . California Fewer than 50 of the nearly 1,200 bayfront homes in Newport Beach can claim an address in Corona del Mar. This 4-bedroom, 4-plus-bath home has a coveted Southwest exposure with sweeping views of the bay and island sunsets, a gourmet kitchen, a large bayside patio, a master suite with views, plus a 60-foot dock and side tie. Offered at $6,450,000.

For more details and a full tour of this property, go to www.coleenbrennan.com

CALIFORNIA

BAYFRONT ESTATE: 127 FEET ON THE WATER Newport Beach . California

A

rriving on Peninsula Point, you can sense the change as the sea air cleanses your persona.

This relaxed pace is infused with the allure of this Old World Louisiana mansion. With more than 3 times the average bay frontage, this exquisite property affords an unmatched feeling of openness on the bay and exemplifies the term “bayfront estate.” Its saltwater pool, spa and barbecue areas are surrounded by lawn and landscape that unfold from the reclaimed brick patios to the waterfront. The grace and understated elegance of its Southern architecture embrace the land and secures the spacious interior while carefully framing the spectacular exterior views. Balconies and patios provide a welcoming transition between the two environments.

When it’s your time to stand watch on the bay or just get away to Catalina, a new dock for a 70-foot yacht and tender is ready to launch those dreams at your command.

Offered at $19,500,000.

California Realty

COLEEN BRENNAN Prudential California Realty 949.275.2775 E-mail: coleenbrennan@prucdm.com DRE# 1003247

For more details and a full tour of this property, go to www.coleenbrennan.com UNIQUE HOMES

97

WASHINGTON

SEATTLE CRAFTSMAN RETREAT Seattle . Washington Purist yet playful by architect Robert Hoshide of a private, grand 4-bedroom 1906 Seattle Craftsman Estate on a double southwest corner lot. The redesign of the main floor opens the home to its private garden. Large rooms with exquisite millwork, high ceilings and near-perfect floors are included. The kitchen is perfect for dining and entertaining. There was no expense spared in the restoration, with more than $3.2 million invested. Meticulously maintained. $2,500,000.

ON DES MOINES’ WATERFRONT

FREMONT FLOATING HOME

Des Moines . Washington

Seattle . Washington

Expansive Puget Sound views will be enjoyed from all rooms in this stunning Contemporary Northwest coastal retreat. This home emanates elegance and a refined ambiance of enduring materials such as Douglas Fir, Brazilian cherry, honed granite, limestone and slate. A large community beach adjacent to the home provides access to one of the Pacific’s most treasured assets. This is a very special home. $839,000.

This large, contemporary 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath floating home in the heart of Fremont is a short stroll from restaurants, shops and businesses. An open living/dining room enjoys radiant floor heating, a gas fireplace and a view terrace adjacent. The efficiently laid out chef’s kitchen, 2 parking spaces, boat moorage for up to about 30 feet and stunning views of Aurora Bridge can be enjoyed from every level of the houseboat. $1,150,000.

ENRICO POZZO Coldwell Banker Bain Associates 206.790.7874 www.SeattleByDesign.com

98

UniqueHomes.com

Life Unobstructed Eden Utah

After an invigorating day on the lake or the slopes, return home to be transformed while your spirit is renewed and relaxed. Tranquility abounds overlooking the marvelous lake surrounded by majestic mountains. This place is both grand and intimate, as well as a centerpiece of the Western Pioneer heritage and a showpiece of modern luxury, a place so geologically gifted, it was named Eden.

Perfect details enrich this 14,000-squarefoot, 16-acre private estate, giving new life to harvested standing-dead trees, each individually selected and hand-peeled. The hand-distressed wide board floors, dramatic custom stone fireplace and the architecturally astounding log-beam ceiling divide the great room into multiple gravitydefying spaces of true peaceful serenity, giving new meaning to the phrase “log cabin.”

The kitchen, unmatched in features, will rekindle any chef’s love for cooking, while the dining room with views so stunning offers a feast for all the senses. The 7 spacious bedrooms—

Maria Broman RE/MAX Metro 801.644.7653 maria@getautahhome.com / getautahhome.com To tour this property, go to: edenloghome.com

including a master suite and guest master suite— and 7 luxurious baths, are all meticulously designed. Light suffuses every inch of the interior during the day through the expansive windows.

An elevator that spans each level is under the careful control of a smart house system.

Manicured grounds, old-growth trees and a Koi pond with 7 waterfalls are framed by working alfalfa fields, a lighted regulation-sized sand volleyball court, a big boys’ toy barn and a caretaker/guesthouse. These features create a home so enjoyable, you may never want to leave.

Unparalleled skiing in the winter is mere minutes away. Two world-class ski resorts, including the 2002 Olympic venue of Snowbasin and the Powder Mountain ski resort, invite you and your loved ones to come frolic. And Ogden, the city that The New York Times Magazine ranked as “the country’s last best place,” is just a half hour away.

This haven will give new meaning to the original Utah Pioneers’ exclamation: “This is the place.”

Offered at $3,900,000.

A Legacy of Luxury Today’s Finer Homes are Often for Multiple Generations

Going Global Stunning Estates in Ireland, Aruba and more

continued from page 60

Miami, with a 33.7-percent yearover-year increase in pending sales in August 2010, could be well on the way to recovery, says Jack Levine, chairman of the Miami Association of Realtors. He expects his area to outperform other markets in the U.S., due to its international appeal.

Another positive is the rebound of pending sales in July. Some observers, including Freddie Mac, see this as a good indication that perhaps the recovery from the tax credit would be faster than some anticipate.

“Nationally, we are still looking at 5 million plus homes sold this year and historically that’s very good,” says Jon Cook, president of Prudential California Realty.

National or even statewide data doesn’t always tell the local story. “Recent national reports just don’t apply, especially in supply constrained markets,” observes Mark McLaughlin, CEO of Pacific Union Real Estate, regarding the Bay Area. California sales in July were off by 20.8 percent compared to the prior year, but McLaughlin describes the San Francisco market as robust, especially compared to 2008.

California median home prices are up 10.4 percent compared to July 2009, a gain of 28.4 percent from the low of February 2009. Specifically, from early 2009, San Diego experienced a 19 percent increase, Orange County 21.5 percent and the Palm Springs area 29.4 percent. San Francisco has had the greatest gain — up 52 percent. There is a 5.8-month supply of homes on the market in the Golden State, an increase from a four-month supply in July 2009 but still less than six months, which is typically considered a balanced market.

In Florida, although July sales were almost 14 percent lower than July 2009, the number of sales year-todate is up 15 percent. Miami, posting a 33.7-percent year-over-year increase in pending sales in August 2010,

San Francisco median home prices have increased 52 percent from February 2009. The Golden State is recovering from a shortage of housing supply. The current 5.8-month supply is up from 4 months in July 2009. A supply of six months is typically considered a balanced market.

could be well on the way to recovery, according to Jack Levine, chairman of the Miami Association of Realtors, who expects his area “to outperform other markets throughout the U.S., due to its international appeal.”

Luxury Leads the Way A year ago, the upscale market was virtually immobilized with affluent consumers in a watch and wait mode. Scarcely 12 months later, luxury real estate is the comeback story of the recovery. By June, $1 million-plus sales were up by 35 percent nationally from June 2009.

While overall home sales plummeted in July, sales for homes priced at $1 million and up nationally increased 6 percent year-over-year.

“Our activity is up over last year” especially for $1 million-plus properties, says Linda Lafferty, regional senior vice president of Coldwell Banker in Palm Beach, Fla. In Massachusetts, the overall number of $1 million-plus homes selling statewide in the first six months is up 61 percent over 2009. Nantucket had the largest gain, a 186-percent increase, followed by Hingham with 90 percent and Westin with 86 percent. Wellesley, Newton and Lexington had the greatest number of sales.

In his company, Cook says, “second quarter closed sales in the $2 million-plus range were up in almost every region,” with the most closed transactions since the second quarter of 2008.

Changes in lending, newly realistic sellers and a

renewed interest in home are motivating consumers.

A year ago, jumbo loans were expensive and difficult to get. Today, jumbo rates hover near historic lows and major lenders have eased accessibility. Most importantly, according to real estate professionals, more affluent sellers understand the current market and are adjusting prices accordingly. “Affluent buyers are absolutely seeking value. There is plenty of wealth with the discretion to spend but they are insisting they get the best deal possible,” explains McLaughlin.

“When we look at the attitudes of affluent consumers toward building or buying a home, we see a statistically significant increase in the expectation to do so during the next 12 months as compared to attitudes during 2008,” says Pam Danziger, president of consumer research firm Unity Marketing. Approximately 11 percent of those recently surveyed by Unity Marketing plan to build a new home in the coming year compared to only 3 percent in 2008.

Sales, Not Prices Looking ahead, the road to recovery for luxury is not without a few bumps in the road. More upscale homes will be subject to foreclosure, a trend that is already evident in a number of areas. Getting distressed properties sold will be important to any recovery, Cook emphasizes.

In the end, the real estate market is all about supply and demand. Going forward, the emphasis should be on the number of sales rather than prices. Real price appreciation won’t occur until inventories are in balance.

UNIQUE HOMES 243

UNIQUE LUXURY PROPERTY SPECIALISTS WORLDWIDE | ARUBA | BAHAMAS | CANADA | FRANCE | ITALY | COSTA RICA | ST. MAARTEN | FLORIDA WORLDWIDE

LUXURY PORTFOLIO

luxuryportfolio.com Inside front cover, pages 1-4 ARUBA

COLDWELL BANKER ARUBA REALTY P.O. Box 691, J.E. Irausquin Boulevard 12, Aruba 297.588.7781 das@coldwellbanker.aw / coldwellbanker.aw Homes & Estates pages 32-33 BAHAMAS

MAILIN SANDS Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty 18 Shirley St., Nassau, Bahamas 242.393.8630 mailin@coldwellbankerbahamas.com coldwellbankerbahamas.com Mailin Sands heads up the Abaco, Bahamas office of Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty.

She has won several awards for her sales performance and made history when she became the first real estate agent in the Bahamas to capture the Coldwell Banker Island Affiliates Above and Beyond Award. Mailin has been a goodwill ambassador for Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty and, by extension, Coldwell Banker in general. A people’s person, Mailin lives on Man O’ War Cay in Abaco. Homes & Estates pages 30-31

W. LARRY ROBERTS Bahamas Realty Ltd. East Bay St., Nassau, Bahamas 242.396.0026 / 242.424.7933 lroberts@bahamasrealty.bs bahamasrealty.bs W. Larry Roberts has been a real estate broker for residential and commercial properties in The Bahamas for the past 39 years and has earned the following designations: Certified International Property Specialist, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, Transnational Referral Certification and e-Pro. He is an international member of the National Association of Realtors, a member of the International Real Estate Federation and recently has been appointed to the International Advisory Board of The Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. Pages 30-31

GEORGE DAMIANOS Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty Nassau, Bahamas 242.322.2305 / 242.424.9699 SIRbahamas.com George.Damianos@SothebysRealty.com George Damianos is President and Managing Broker of Lyford Cay Sotheby’s International Realty and Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty. George has been a Realtor in the Bahamas for more than 37 years, specializing in the sale of private islands, waterfront homes and resort properties. His knowledge, experience and sales portfolio are unmatched. An intimate knowledge of every aspect of the market, along with detailed comprehension of government regulations, has enabled George to enjoy more high-profile sales than any other Realtor in the Bahamas. Pages 32-33

HEATHER LIGHTBOURN PETERSON Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty 18 Shirley St., Nassau, Bahamas 242.393.8630 coldwellbankerbahamas.com info@coldwellbankerbahamas.com Heather Lightbourn Peterson has real estate in her blood. She joined her father’s company in 2000 after a double major at the College of Charleston studying architectural history and historic preservation and community planning.

Heather is a 5-time winner of the Coldwell Banker International President’s Circle award, an award given to the top 9 percent of Coldwell Banker agents. She has won numerous awards throughout her real estate career. Homes & Estates pages 30-31

244

UniqueHomes.com

CANADA

MARIANA COWAN Coldwell Banker Supercity Realty Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada 902.452.1639 / 877.450.5752 mariana@coldwellbanker.ca marianacowan.com With support from her Home Selling Team, Mariana’s experience and expertise make her one of Nova Scotia’s leading specialists in luxury homes. She promotes a variety of Eastern Canadian prestigious waterfront and golfing community properties, highlighting their true value on the global market through the Coldwell Banker Previews International program. Homes & Estates pages 36-37

CHRISTOPHER INVIDIATA RE/MAX Aboutowne Realty Corp.

905.339.3444 christopher@theinvidiatateam.com theinvidiatateam.com Christopher Invidiata is recognized as one of the most successful Real Estate professionals Canada has known. He is RE/MAX’s leading Residential Realtor for Canada; specializing in Oakville’s waterfront property since 1987, and serving the Greater Toronto Area for 25 years. RE/MAX is the largest Real Estate company in the world. With more than 100,000 sales associates in more than 6,300 offices operating in more than 78 countries worldwide, RE/MAX recognizes Christopher as a “true leader amongst the leaders of the Real Estate industry.” Christopher has sold some of Canada’s most expensive residential properties.

Christopher’s expertise has made him a sought-after speaker and mentor to real estate professionals in Canada, the U.S., Italy and Turkey. Christopher’s specialization in luxury Real Estate has made his team No. 1 in Canada for 8 years, since 2001 and again in 2009. In 2007, Christopher’s team achieved the prestigious honor of being the No. 1 RE/MAX Team worldwide. Pages 50-51

KAREN KENYON Coast Realty Group Ltd. 314 East Island Highway Parksville, BCV9P2H1 888.954.4433 / Cell: 250.741.7517 vancouverislanddreamhomes.ca Specializing in homes in the spectacular Fairwinds Golf & Marina Community of Nanoose Bay on Canadian’s Vancouver Island, Karen Kenyon invites you to visit our area and find your “dream home.”

Pages 36-37

FRANCE

ITALY

COLDWELL BANKER PREVIEWS DEMEURE PRESTIGE

COLDWELL BANKER IMMOBILIARE

coldwellbanker.fr 29, rue de Bassano, Paris, France 33.1.76.73.29.30 Representing the power and commitment of a global real estate network dedicated to outstanding real estate, our agency created a special department dedicated to international buyers. Our International Buyer office in Paris first received requests from nonresidents who wanted to come and live in France.

Then we quickly received requests from French residents interested in investing abroad. We now work with the requests and wishes of a multinational group of clients. No other French real estate can offer a permanent showroom in one of the most elegant cities in the world, where you’ll find consultants ready to serve you. Contact us, as our added value in terms of real estate and service will surely exceed your expectations. Homes & Estates pages 28-29

VANDA ROUDNEVA DONCELLE Coldwell Banker Previews Demeure Prestige Paris, France / 33.1.76.73.29.30 coldwellbanker.fr Vanda is Senior Vice President of Previews France and Monaco and is the Head of the International Buyers Office in France and Monaco.

Vanda grew up in Moscow. While she was at university, she started her career in the fashion industry and became a Russian icon. She then relocated to Paris to pursue fashion. Her career was successful.

After years focused on family and kids, she was back to business and started a real estate career with one of the most well known brands in Paris. Then she joined Demeure Group and launched the international buyers office (Demeure Prestige).Vanda’s job is to make your real estate experience in France troublefree and to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible by providing all the help and information you need. She combines the capabilities of her highly competent and multilingual team with the power and the commitment of the global Coldwell Banker Previews network. Vanda and her team are committed to providing first-class, confidential service and results.

Homes & Estates pages 28-29

LIONEL EMONIDE Coldwell Banker Previews Demeure Prestige Paris, France / 33.1.76.73.29.30 lionel.emonide@coldwellbanker.fr coldwellbanker.fr Lionel went to New York to finish his academics. An ambitious professional, fascinated by real estate agents, he worked hard and gained his real estate license. He started his real estate career in Manhattan near Wall Street and specialized in working with stock brokers. He became one of the most active agents. Back in Paris, Lionel realized that his core competency is working with international clientele. For that reasons he joined Demeure Prestige, the international luxury real estate division of Demeure group. Demeure Prestige joined Coldwell Banker and Lionel is proud to be a Previews sales associate.

Lionel is the perfect partner to find the right property.

Homes & Estates pages 28-29

+39.0564.830006 +39.0564.815900 +39.0564.850041 coldwellbanker.it / Homes & Estates pages 26-27 COSTA RICA

JOHN WIELAND Coldwell Banker Vesta Group 1.877.309.9238 domincalrealty.com Prior to co-founding Vesta Group, John co-founded Hoongla Investments, Inc., a U.S.-based investment company with land holdings in excess of $5 million in Costa Rica.

As president, board member and shareholder, Hoongla successfully negotiated subdivision development and fulfilled all necessary permitting requirements for its beachfront property. For 6 years, John was the senior vice president of Hi-Tech Collision Centers, a service provider to the automobile insurance industry. During his tenure, company revenue increased from $14 million to more than $25 million.

In January 2000, John co-founded Process Claims, which provided technology solutions to the insurance industry. The company was sold in May 2006 for $46 million. John co-founded Stylus Inc., a real estate investment and management company with assets in excess of $4 million. He also served as National Account Manager of CCC Information Services, helping the company grow from $20 million to more than $180 million in annual revenue over an eight-year period. Homes & Estates pages 34-35 ST. MAARTEN

ARUN JAGTIANI Island Real Estate Team 91B Welfare Road, Simpson Bay St. Maarten, N.A. 011.599.544.4240 Cell: 011.599.586.2626 info@islandrealestateteam.com islandrealestateteam.com Born on the beach in St. Maarten, Arun has also lived in New Jersey, London and Miami. His parents came to the island on their honeymoon and never left! In addition to receiving numerous industry awards, Arun has been featured twice on HGTV’s “House Hunters International.” In June, 2009, Arun left the comfort of working for a brand name to start his own brand, Island Real Estate Team. Page 35 FLORIDA

SCOTT AGRAN President/Broker Lang Realty 2901 Clint Moore Road Boca Raton, FL 33496 561.989.2100 s.agran@langrealty.com /langrealty.com Lang Realty is the leading independent luxury real estate company in Palm Beach County. Recently, Lang Realty announced the formation of the Carriage Trade Collection, an ultra-luxury division to serve our clients with $2 million-plus properties. Lang Realty has an international affiliation with Savills, the United Kingdom’s leading real estate company. Pages 70-71

UNIQUE LUXURY PROPERTY SPECIALISTS FLORIDA | GEORGIA REETA CASEY Stockworth Realty Group Windermere, FL / 407.455.5900 stockworth.com rcasey@stockworth.com Focusing on property listings of $1 million and more, Stockworth Realty Group provides a worldwide network representing business entrepreneurs and leaders in the sports and entertainment industry. The associates at Stockworth have more than 50 years of combined experience and offer unique marketing expertise and customized services for buyers/sellers of high-end residential homes in central Florida. Page 77

BARRY DENICOLA Bonita Springs, FL 239.947.6111 / barrydenicola.com barryadenicola@aim.com Barry DeNicola meets the luxury real estate needs of some of Florida’s most coveted areas, representing golf course and waterfront properties that range from $1 million to more than $18 million. Barry has consistently ranked No. 1 in closed sales with well over $1 billion in sales since 2000. Page 92

MICHAEL S. DUDASH Creative Commercial Real Estate, Inc. P.O. Box 530173 Livonia, MI 48153-0173 248.866.0991 / rileysreef.com mdudash@twmi.rr.com Pages 68-69

JILL EBER & JILL HERTZBERG Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Miami Beach, FL 33139 Jill Eber: 305.915.2556 / Jill Hertzberg: 305.788.5455 info@thejills.com / thejills.com In every profession a group of leaders emerges who set the standard for the rest. “The Jills,” Jill Eber and Jill Hertzberg, have been selling luxury real estate with a commitment to excellence for more than 20 years and are two of those leaders.

Their success in the real estate arena is evident in their numerous record-breaking sales in Fisher Island, Miami Beach Islands, Bal Harbour, Gables Estates, Tahiti Beach, Golden Beach and South Beach. Homes & Estates page 133

JULIE ANN GIACHETTI Lang Realty Boca Raton, FL 561.212.0022 / jaghomes.com Julie@jaghomes.com Julie Ann Giachetti is one of South Florida’s leading Realtors who has been successful selling luxury waterfront and estate homes in the coastal areas of Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Highland Beach since 1989. With more than $350 million in sales, Julie’s success has been achieved thru her commitment to extraordinary service and her reputation for unparalleled market knowledge. Julie’s strong negotiating skills combined with out-of-the box thinking enable her to continue bringing buyers and sellers to the closing table in a very challenging market. Pages 70-71

MICHAEL GREEN P.A., B.S., CLHMS Michael Green & Associates Keller Williams Realty 3502 Henderson Blvd., #300 Tampa, FL / 813.739.6700 Cell: 813.295.2000 MichaelGreen@kw.com MichaelGreenAndAssociates.com Michael Green directs the Michael Green & Associates Team of Leading Luxury Specialists in marketing and selling Country Club, Waterfront, Luxury Homes & Estates, & Investment Properties throughout Greater Tampa Bay, Florida. Since 1984 Mike's team has provided outstanding service to their many clients through passion for their work, integrity, diligence, superior marketing, and extensive market knowledge. Contact Michael Green or discover Tampa Bay's Luxury Properties at www.MichaelGreenAndAssociates.com. Page 61 & Back Cover

TOM HALLIS Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate 280 Beach Drive NE St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727.821.3322, Ext. 104 / Cell: 727.215.3156 Tom@TomHallis.com / www.TomHallis.com Your tastes are discriminating, your standards exacting. Tom Hallis understands. Expert qualifications and unparalleled service make Tom the agent to consult for exceptional properties in St. Petersburg. Specializing in elite and luxury downtown condominiums, he is the top-grossing agent on this select market niche and is among the 98th percentile of agents nationwide. Tom understands—you deserve the best. Homes & Estates page 127

CAROL ANN HEWITT CIPS, CLHMS, President/Broker Oxford Realty, Inc. International Luxury & Estate Brokers Orlando, FL 407.629.1222 oxfordrealty.com Carol Ann Hewitt is one of Central Florida’s most sought-after luxury and estate brokers. During her stellar career, spanning more than 30 years in Central Florida, she has achieved record sales. She has appeared on CNBC, NBC, Fox and the Travel Channel. Global marketing and an unparalleled commitment to detail greatly contribute to her success and continued referrals from friends and business associates. Pages 78-79

JULES MAZZARANTANI Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Weston, FL / 954.817.6475 Jules.Mazzarantani@ FloridaMoves.com Jules Mazzarantani offers clients only consummate professional services by providing the highest level of ethics and integrity. His ultimate goal is to provide each client with a trouble-free real estate process including real value-added services to enhance and support the real estate transaction from start to finish. Homes & Estates page 128

WILLIAM PERRY & CYNTHIA PERRY Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate 5010 W. Kennedy Boulevard Suite 200, Tampa, FL 33609 813.245.2871 bcperry13@aol.com / billandcynthiaperry.com As lifelong natives of Tampa Bay, Bill and Cynthia Perry boast 27 years of professional real estate experience. Their primary specialty is luxury waterfront and prestigious Tampa residential homes. Bill and Cynthia's unique and proprietary marketing strategy and substantial network of clientele enable their buyers and sellers to find comfort and success with their real estate transactions. Credentials include Coldwell Banker’s International Presidential Premier and member of Florida Top 100 agents consistently since 1997. Contact Bill and Cynthia today for a private consultation to discuss your real estate needs.

Homes & Estates page 126

JOAN PLETCHER, Realtor 11 SE Highway 484 Ocala, FL 34480 352.347.7000 / 352.347.1777 Cell: 352.266.9100 / 352.804.8989 Joanpletcher@aol.com Joanpletcher.com Joan is a Realtor nationally recognized for her outstanding marketing of Ocala’s most significant estates, thoroughbred training centers, equestrian properties and unique land sales. With more than 30 years of involvement in the planning, construction and management of estates and equine properties, she can assist with all of your real estate requirements. Joan takes pride in offering exceptional service to all of her clients. You will appreciate her honesty, integrity, dedication and availability even after the closing. Pages 24-25

LISA H. RICHARDS Isleworth Realty, Inc. Windermere, FL 34786 407.876.0111 / isleworth.com sales@isleworth.com On Central Florida’s Butler Chain of Lakes, Isleworth has established itself as one of the world’s most prestigious luxury living communities. A 606-acre community with seven miles of lake frontage, Isleworth is extremely private and boasts an 18-hole golf course conceived and designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay, and recently enhanced by Steve Smyers. Amenities include a lavish clubhouse, tennis center, and a boat launch and dock. Downtown Orlando and the Orlando International Airport are just 30 minutes away.

Residences from this fine collection are offered by Isleworth Realty, Inc., the exclusive central Florida affiliate of Christie’s Great Estates. Pages 80-81

CATHY WILLIAMS Lake Nona Realty 9801 Lake Nona Road Orlando, FL 32827 407.851.9091 / lakenona.com realty@lakenona.com Lake Nona Realty exclusively sells homes behind the gates of Lake Nona Golf & Country Club. Lake Nona features a world-renowned championship golf course, is bordered by more than 1,000 acres of sparkling lakes and is now enhanced by world-class education, wellness and recreational amenities. With homes ranging from $1 million to more than $7 million, there is no place like it in central Florida. Pages 22-23

GEORGIA

DEBRA JOHNSTON Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty 3290 Northside Parkway, Suite 675 Atlanta, GA 30327 Cell: 404.312.1959 / 404.835.9580 debrajohnston@atlantafinehomes.com Architecture and design are key components of creating the perfect, individualized living environment. Joining Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty enabled Debra to expand her reach globally and to leverage her 25 years of business, marketing, real estate and design experience to help her clients with all their real estate needs. As an 18-year resident of Buckhead, she can help you with your real estate needs, whether it is listing your property or finding your next home. Page 91

CANDY SWICK NIKI HIGGINS Seaside Properties Group, Inc. 2100 N. Ocean Blvd, #402 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305 888.242.4422 seasidepropertiesgroup.com info@seasidepropertiesgroup.com Ten years ago, Niki Higgins founded Seaside Properties Group, Inc., a unique and specialized real estate agency, which focuses exclusively on oceanfront estate homes and luxury condominiums from South Beach to Palm Beach. Since its inception, the company has been a dominant force in the South Florida waterfront market. Pages 20-21

Candy Swick & Company Sarasota, FL 34237 941.954.9000 candyswick.com candyswick@verizon.net Celebrating more than 2 decades of success in Florida, Candy Swick & Company serves you as a full-service real estate boutique and caters to individuals and corporate clientele who demand personal attention in the upscale Sarasota market. By partnering with us, you will have selected a Realtor who will provide you with a sense of trust and who boasts a proven track record. Your success is critical to our success. Page 72

UNIQUE HOMES

245

UNIQUE LUXURY PROPERTY SPECIALISTS GEORGIA | TEXAS | NEW YORK | CONNECTICUT | ILLINOIS | OREGON | CALIFORNIA DANA LESHLEY

CONNECTICUT

Harry Norman, Realtors 404.310.5536 dana.leshley.harrynorman.com Page 44

BRAD HVOLBECK

TEXAS

MARILYN HOFFMAN Marilyn Hoffman Worldwide Properties 6835 Westlake Avenue Dallas, TX 75214 214.698.1736 / 903.569.5392 marilynhoffman@sbcglobal.net magnificentproperties.com Marilyn Hoffman has sold some of the world’s finest estates and ranches, including a $30 million Texas ranch, the most beautiful home in Kentucky and the Circle C Ranch in Marin County, Calif. She was awarded the Superstar Award for setting a world record in real estate. Her Dallas sales include the Lee Trevino estate, the Mary Kay estate, the Don Meredith estate, the Hugh Prather estate, the Troy Post estate and a 15,000-square-foot Park Cities estate.

Pages 56-57

VANESSA ANDREWS Hoffman International Properties Colleyville, TX 76034 972.816.3014 magnificentproperties.com vanessa@ magnificentproperties.com Based in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, Vanessa is a recognized top producer with a degree in marketing and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist. Vanessa is responsible for finding the buyer for the company’s top sale to date in record time: 8 days.

Frequently featured on HD Net Television’s Luxury Home Shows, Vanessa is available to help you with all your real estate needs. With her very impressive client list, you can feel assured your real estate needs and confidentiality will be met. Pages 56-57 NEW YORK

BARBARA FELDMAN Prudential Douglas Elliman East Hampton & Bridgehampton 631.329.6722 BFeldman@Elliman.com barbarasellsthehamptons.com Smart, creative, organized and diligent beyond all expectations, Barbara Feldman made a career change after owning an interior design firm for 35 years, and began her career in real estate in 2008. She quickly amassed more than $40 million in high-end and waterfront exclusive listings based on her obvious abilities, with more than $9 million dollars worth of those exclusives in the first 3 months of 2010 alone.

Her superlative presentations and creative marketing campaigns reach an extensive customer base worldwide and her universal presence on social networking sites have created an omnipresence that supersedes most in the business. Barbara also offers her expertise in design and construction to help stage and/or renovate her clients’ properties. These unique skills have helped sell more than 15 properties in the last 2 years. She is certified as an Accredited Buyer's Representative, in “Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate,” and is a top producer. Page 45

246

UniqueHomes.com

Prudential Brad Hvolbeck 203.661.5505 bhvolbeck@aol.com prubhre.com Page 86 ILLINOIS Prudential Rubloff Properties Rubloff Properties www.rubloff.com Prudential Rubloff Properties is honored to be selected as the exclusive marketing firm for the following Fine Homes™ properties. These homes receive worldwide recognition through our Fine Homes International™ luxury program. We invite you to view the latest of our Prudential Ruboff Properties Fine Homes collection. Prudential Ruboff Properties has 17 sales offices with nearly 900 sales professionals and staff in Chicago’s Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Lakeview and South Loop, as well as Evanston, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Northbrook, Winnetka and Michigan’s Harbor Country. Prudential Ruboff Properties is the exclusive provider of Premier Market Watch Reports, a consumer trend and analysis tool for neighborhoods and communities in Chicagoland’s Cook, Lake and DuPage Counties. For additional information, please visit PruPref.com/MarketWatch. Prudential Ruboff Properties is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, a full-service residential and commercial real estate network with nearly 1,940 franchise offices and more than 62,000 sales professionals in the franchise network in the United States and Canada. Page 87 OREGON

NANCY GREGG Principal Broker Realty Trust Group, Inc. Portland, OR / 503.720.6117 NGregg@RealtyTrust.com realtytrust.com/nancygregg A native Oregonian and a licensed Realtor for 32 years, Nancy knows the Portland Metro real estate market and concentrates on the marketing of luxury homes and new home neighborhoods. Active in her local Realtor association, on the PMAR Board of Directors, and Vice President of Professional Standards, she was elected the 2009 Million Dollar Club Broker of the year. Listening and providing exceptional client service has given Nancy an incredible career. Page 101

American Intertrade Group, Inc.

CALIFORNIA

AMERICAN INTERTRADEGROUP, INC.

650.349.7837 americanintertrade@ comcast.net WorldsGreatEstate.com Pages 54-55

JOYCE ESSEX Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 301 North Canon Drive, Suite E Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310.777.6200 essexharvey.com / Homes and Estates page 47

COLEEN BRENNAN Prudential California Realty 3301 E. Coast Hwy Corona del Mar, CA Cell: 949.275.2775 coleenbrennan@prucdm.com www.coleenbrennan.com In this challenging economic time it makes sense to call on Coleen Brennan. With her savvy background of business and real estate, combined with strong negotiating skills, and acute attention to detail this experienced professional will guide you through the process to realize your dreams. “It is gratifying to know, that as a team, we’ve been able to help hundreds of clients, many of whom we now call friends.”

Pages 96-97

ROBIN A. EDWARDS Broker/Owner/Realtor Home at Last Real Estate 858.431.9305 Robin@HomeAtLastToday.com robinaedwards.com Page 46

FRED EVANS RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors 805.339.3502 / 800.504.SOLD fred@fredevans.com fredevans.com Over the past 25 years, Fred Evans and his team of buyers’ agents have become the No. 1 RE/MAX sales team in Ventura County. Fred is a certified luxury home marketing specialist and provides a premier marketing program that includes publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Unique Homes, Robb Report and many other high-quality advertising vehicles. Fred has helped more than 2,500 clients in his 24-plus-year career.

He has earned the highest award at RE/MAX, the Circle of Legends. Less than 500 people have achieved this award out of more than 100,000 sales agents.

Fred specializes in coastline view, beach and marina, and ranch properties. Page 41

JOHN MCMONIGLE Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 1000 Newport Center Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660 949.734.6200 mcmoniglegroup.com DRE License# 01123869 Any discussion of high-profile, ultra-luxe residential real estate would be incomplete without mentioning John McMonigle and his talented team at the McMonigle Group. Based in Newport Beach, Calif., with national and international renown, McMonigle and his team have made history throughout the past 5 years by selling properties totaling more than $2.1 billion. He is often called upon by the media as the foremost expert in residential real estate and has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Access Hollywood, The Insider and HGTV, in addition to his many print interviews. Part of the Coldwell Banker Previews International team, the McMonigle Group has been honored as the top-selling team in the nation for NRT (Coldwell Banker’s parent company) for the past 4 years, having sold more than $505 million in residential real estate in 2007, more than $430 million in 2006 and upwards of $250 million in 2005. In 2007, the McMonigle Group was named the No. 1-selling real estate team in the nation by LORE Magazine and the Wall Street Journal. Homes & Estates page 43

ANNE RILEY Alain Pinel Realtors 1440 Chapin Ave., Suite 200 Burlingame, CA 94010 650.931.2020 Cell: 650.400.2558 ariley@apr.com / AnneRiley.com Anne Riley has continued to excel in the sale of fine properties in Hillsborough and the mid-Peninsula since 1984. She earned her “top agent” reputation by evidence of her track record, experience and expertise in the marketing and selling of real estate.

She has closed over $250 million in sales since 2004. Page 49

ROBERT HURWITZ Hurwitz James Company 310.477.8865 bob@hurwitzjamesco.com hurwitzjamesco.com Bob Hurwitz has been a real estate broker for 26 years. He is president and founder of Hurwitz James Company, started in 1987, and specializes in the marketing and sales of multimillion-dollar estates. Bob is regularly featured on “Extra” and “NBC First Look” as a top Realtor in Los Angeles dealing with high-profile properties/clients.

His clients range from entertainment personalities to foreign buyers. His listing inventory often exceeds $600 million. His extensive expertise consulting and negotiating with attorneys and business managers ensures a smooth transaction. Pages 14-17

THE GRUBB CO. REALTORS 1960 Mountain Ave. Oakland, CA 94611 3070 Claremont Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705 510.339.0400 / 510.652.2133 grubbco.com Pages 5-7

PAGE WELTON Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 7789 Wren Avenue Gilroy, CA 95020 408.848.7932 pagewelton.com pagewelton@coldwellbanker.com A real estate licensee since 1979, Page specializes in southern Santa Clara and San Benito counties, including Morgan Hill, San Martin, Gilroy, Hollister, San Juan and rural San Benito County. She has been a member of the International President’s Elite since 1988. Page has won numerous production awards and earned professional awards and designations, including Coldwell Banker’s International Previews Property Specialist. She retains membership in the National Association of Realtors, GRI, California Association of Realtors, the South Clara County Real Estate Board, South Country Realtors Association and the San Benito County Real Estate Board. Homes & Estates page 58

ADVERTISER INDEX ARIZONA Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, H&E 48-50 Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, 94-95 CALIFORNIA Alain Pinel Realtors, 49 American Intertrade Group, Inc., 54-55 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, H&E 39-47, H&E 52-58 Home at Last Real Estate, 46 Hurwitz James Company, 14-16 Prudential California Realty, 96-97 RE/MAX Gold Coast Realtors, 41 The Grubb Company, Realtors, 5-7 COLORADO Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, H&E 62-64 Prudential Colorado Properties, 102 CONNECTICUT Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, H&E 108-114 Engel & Völkers, 47 Prudential Brad Hvolbeck Real Estate, 86 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, H&E 104 Evers & Co. Real Estate, Inc., 59 FLORIDA Barry DeNicola Realty, Inc., 92 Candy Swick & Company, 72 Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, H&E 126-136 Creative Commercial Real Estate, Inc., 68-69 Isleworth Realty, 80-81 Joan Pletcher, Realtor, 24-25 Lake Nona Golf and Country Club, 22-23 Lang Realty, 70-71 Lost Tree Realty, 90 Michael Green & Associates, 61, Back Cover Oxford Realty, 78-79 Premier Estate Properties, 52-53 Seaside Properties Group, Inc., 20-21 Stockworth Realty Group, 77 GEORGIA Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, 91 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, H&E 123-125 Harry Norman, Realtors, 44 Mopper-Stapen Realtors, 73 RE/MAX Around Atlanta Results, 74-75 HAWAII Coldwell Banker Bali Hai Realty, 19 Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties, H&E 65-67

NEW YORK Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, H&E 85-90, H&E 107-109, H&E 112-114 Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate, 45 NORTH CAROLINA Prudential Gouger O’Neal & Saunders Real Estate, 82 OHIO Coldwell Banker King Thompson, H&E 76 Coldwell Banker West Shell, H&E 75 OREGON Meadows Group, Inc., Realtors, 100 Realty Trust Group, 101

ILLINOIS Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, H&E 72-74 Prudential Rubloff Properties, 87 MARYLAND Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, H&E 100-103 Evers & Co. Real Estate Inc., 59 Krauss Real Property Brokerage, Inside Back Cover MASSACHUSETTS Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, H&E 115-119 Kinlin Grover Real Estate, 84-85 MICHIGAN Prudential Rubloff Properties, 87 MINNESOTA Coldwell Banker Burnet, H&E 77-79

MEXICO Dream Homes Huatulco, 41 Hurwitz James Company, 16 MOROCCO Luxury Portfolio Fine Property Collection, 42-43 NEW ZEALAND First National Real Estate, 38 Harveys Gisborne - First City Realty, 40 Richardsons Real Estate Ltd., 39 Tera del Mar, 40

PENNSYLVANIA Coldwell Banker Hearthside, Realtors, H&E 80 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services, H&E 82-84

ST. MAARTEN Island Real Estate Team, 35

SOUTH DAKOTA VIP Properties, 58

WEST INDIES For Sale By Owner, 34

TEXAS Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, H&E 121-122 Four Seasons Residences Austin, 63 Hoffman International Properties, 56-57 Keller Williams, Karen Monshaugen Realty Group, 74 RE/MAX Preferred Group, 74

MISCELLANEOUS Coldwell Bankers Previews International, 104-105, 241-242 Hurwitz James Company, 17 Luxury Homes by Keller Williams, 12-13 Luxury Portfolio Fine Property Collection, Inside Front Cover, 1-4 Prudential Fine Homes International, 11 The RE/MAX Collection, 9

UTAH Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, H&E 59-61 RE/MAX Metro, 99 VERMONT Century 21 Bird Real Estate, 82 VIRGINIA Coldwell Banker Professional, H&E 80 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, H&E 105 Evers & Co. Real Estate Inc., 59 RE/MAX Distinctive Real Estate, Inc., 83 Stevens & Company, 82 WASHINGTON Coldwell Banker Bain, 98 Skyline Properties, Inc., 62 WISCONSIN Coldwell Banker Johnson & Johnson Land Co., H&E 80 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, H&E 80 INTERNATIONAL

IDAHO Hurwitz James Company, 14

IRELAND Coldwell Banker Ireland H&E, 23-25

ARUBA Coldwell Banker Aruba Realty, H&E 32-33 BAHAMAS Bahamas Realty, 30-31 Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty, H&E 30-31 Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty, 32-33 BORA BORA Hurwitz James Company, 15 CANADA Coast Realty Group, 36-37 Coldwell Banker Supercity Realty, H&E 36-37 RE/MAX Aboutowne Realty, 50-51 COSTA RICA Coldwell Banker Vesta Group Dominical, H&E 34-35 Hurwitz James Company, 14

MISSOURI Coldwell Banker Gundaker, H&E 69-71

FRANCE Coldwell Banker Previews International, Demeure Prestige, H&E 28-29

NEW JERSEY Coastline Realty, LLC., 82 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, H&E 90-99

ITALY Coldwell Banker Immobiliare, H&E 26-27 Hurwitz James Company, 16

15 TAKING INVENTORY

1

Jade Mills and Joyce Rey Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage $68.5 million www.CaliforniaMoves.com Page H&E 45

2

thru

Jonathan Radford Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage $55 million www.JonathanRadford.com Page H&E 115

3

Bob Hurwitz Hurwitz James Company $50 million www.CostaRicaGenesis.com Page 14

4

Bob Hurwitz Hurwitz James Company $39.95 million www.TheMalibuBeachEstate.com Page 15

5

Joan Pletcher Joan Pletcher, Realtor $35 million www.JoanPletcher.com Page 25

UNIQUE HOMES

247

Closing in

By Ken Weingartner

When Wood Takes On A Life Of Its Own Joel Shepard is not simply making luxurious furniture. He’s painstakingly crafting works of art. orking with wood is an organic process for furnituremaker Joel Shepard.

“You start with an idea, but as the piece starts to grow, it tells you what needs to be done as far as little details,” says Shepard, an award-winning artisan from Seattle. “I just follow that idea down the rabbit hole and it goes where it goes. When it’s done, it’s done.

“When it’s done, you know that you did it, you know that you’re proud of it, but you know so much of it did not come from you. The process has its own sort of soul, its own sort of life.”

Shepard grew up in Southern California and after high school spent time as a Russian translator in the Air Force. When he returned to the States and attended college, he began making decorative boxes as gifts for family and friends. Soon he was selling his works in Seattle stores.

“It grew from a hobby to an obsession to a lifelong career,” says Shepard. “My pieces kept getting bigger. I started doing shows

W

and commission work. People would ask if I knew how to make something, and I would be like, ‘Sure.

No problem.’ And then I’d go find out how to do it.”

Each year, Shepard completes up to three major projects, like a Biedermeier-inspired standup computer cabinet that took 1,200 hours to construct. He also makes smaller items, such as tables and chairs, and does restoration work.

Shepard is featured in the book, “Perspectives on Design Pacific Northwest” (Panache Partners, published by Brian Carabet and John Shand), which was released earlier this year and showcases architects, homebuilders, landscapers, interior designers and craftsmen from the region.

“It sure is nice to see your work in hardcover,” Shepard says, laughing. “Something you can leave with the kids.”

— Shepard’s early work was influenced by his time in the service spent near the Khyber Pass along the border of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Industry Mourns the Passing of an Icon Jon Douglas succeeded by ignoring the perceived limitations of the boutique firm.

J

on “Jack” Douglas was a player. Whether on the tennis court, football field or in the boardroom, Douglas’ competitive fire led to success. But Douglas, too, was a leader. He was the type of player that made everyone around him better.

Douglas died July 27 in Brentwood, Calif., at the age of 73. A tennis and football star at Stanford, he later became a real estate icon through the creation and evolution of the Jon Douglas Co., which grew to nearly 70 offices in California before it was purchased by Coldwell Banker in 1997.

“Jack was the first person, in my mind, to get the idea that you could scale a boutique,” says Lou Piatt, who met Douglas in 1979 and was president of Jon Douglas Co., for 15 years. “The common myth, and I think it still prevails, is the only way to retain the intimacy and quality of a boutique is by limiting a company to one or two offices in a very small market. Jack instinctively

248 UniqueHomes.com

knew he could scale a very classy, upscale company.”

Douglas’ approach was rooted in his athletic background, which included being Stanford’s first AllAmerican tennis player and representing the U.S. in the Davis Cup multiple times.

“He always had that instinct to praise in public and critique in private,” says Piatt. “I think it came from his experiences with the coaches he admired. He had a wonderful way of setting remarkable professional goals for the company and the individuals in the company and then getting out of the way. He let people grow and he allowed them to make mistakes.

“Jack was one of those very rare individuals that left everyone he met with the impression that he was their best friend. That was just one of his great gifts and legacies.”

— Jon Douglas was inducted into both the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Hall of Fame and Stanford Hall of Fame.

TAMPA Offered at $11,000,000

MAGNIFICENT 10-ACRE ESTATE IN AVILA!

THIS PRIVATELY GATED, 3-STORY BRICK MANSION on a spectacular 10-acre setting along the shores of the only ski-sized lake in Avila is an architectural masterpiece that reflects a timeless elegance both outside and throughout the 15,547 square feet of sun-drenched interior spaces, providing a level of sophistication and comfort that perfectly accommodates moments of private relaxation, as well as large-scale parties, weddings, family reunions and charity events. The main house features an extensive brick-paved circular drive and motor court, a fountain, 7 bedrooms, 6 full baths, 2 half baths, 6 fireplaces, a richly paneled library with coffered ceilings, an impressive center-island gourmet kitchen with a butler’s pantry and adjacent massive family room with a 2-story half-barrel ceiling, a conversation room with a full bar, a raised game room, an exercise loft, a huge master suite with a whirlpool, a sauna, nearly endless closets and marble and hardwood flooring, plantation shutters, a 2-car porte-cochere, a private wing with a separate CEO boardroom, lakeside gazebo and a boat dock. The guesthouse, overlooking the pool, spa and lake, features a kitchen, a living room, a bedroom, a full bath and a pool bath, plus a summer kitchen and an entertainment pavilion.

This rare estate offers privacy and superb vistas and will generate a lifetime of joyful occasions and wonderful memories.

APOLLO BEACH Offered at $1,595,000

OUTSTANDING TAMPA BAY OPEN-WATER MASTERPIECE!

THIS LUXURIOUS RESORT-STYLE MEDITERRANEAN BAY-FRONT ESTATE offers a rare, spectacular horizon accented by downtown skylines of both Tampa and St. Petersburg, scenic islands, distant cruise ships and a lifetime of spectacular ever-changing sunsets across a massive infinity-edge pool. Upon entering the electronic gates of this superb palm and tropical-landscaped property, you will be impressed by the circular stone-paver driveway and motor court, superb architectural design, featuring columns, arches and sweeping stone balustrades, as well as a 3-car side-entry garage. Once invited inside, you will immediately be impacted by the beauty of this gorgeous residence with its awesome waterfront and pool views, interior arches and columns, neutral pastel decorator colors, sauternia marble floors, multi-tray ceilings with recessed accent lighting and high volume ceilings, a chef's gourmet kitchen with breakfast bar and dinette and lots of natural sunlight entering through a multitude of glass doors and transom windows. The "to-die-for" family room offers a stylish bar, fireplace and a continuum of waterfront views.

The beautiful master suite, with its superb bath and immediate pool access, offers the welcomed comfort of luxury resorts. Create a lifetime of memories to be shared in this Florida waterfront paradise!

To view more spectacular homes offered exclusively by Michael Green & Associates, see page 61 and visit www.MichaelGreenAndAssociates.com