RPLG - Affiliated Broker Regions

R PLG Real Pr opert y Luxury G r oup

A f f i l i a t e d Br o k e r R e g i o n s

Dear Readers, Welcome to RPLG’s affiliated regions! In the pages that follow, you will find exciting information about some of the most beautiful and luxurious places in the world. And best of all, if you are interested in real estate, we will introduce you to the most reputable and experienced brokerage in the market of your choice to help you find your dream. Without question, our luxury brokers are the best in the business. Our strict guidelines for broker affiliation include tenure in the business, reputation in the local community, and experience in the luxury category.

On the pages that follow, you will also notice a SEARCH PROPERTY link placed at the bottom of each editorial. This link will take you to a Google map where each luxury listing has been geo-plotted. You will also notice the property icons on the map are one of four colors. The colors denote price spread to help you avoid properties that are out of your price range.

When you find a property of interest, click again and you will be taken to a comprehensive property profile including the contact information for our broker affiliate.

We hope you enjoy the stories that follow and please contact me personally for any reason whatsoever.

Sincerely, George H. Lane Chairman Real Property Luxury Group, LLC www.RealPropertyLuxuryGroup.com glane@RealPropertyLuxuryGroup.com 713-302-0555

Southeast

West Palm Beach / Jupiter. . . . . . . . . 4-5 Orlando . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Tampa Bay / St. Petersburg. . . . . . . . . 8-9 Vero Beach / John’s Island . . . . . . . . 10-11 Naples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Jacksonville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15 Key West .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17 Miami . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-19 Asheville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21 Atlanta. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23 Nashville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25 Memphis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-27 Gibson Island. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-29

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WEST PALM BEACH / JUPITER Written by B. B. Smith

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obe Indians were probably the first to take note of what an exceptional site for peaceful living could be found in the West Palm Beach/Jupiter area. Wouldn’t they be surprised if they could see who agrees with them today?

Jupiter is a quaint coastal town with beautiful, aqua-blue water and gorgeous (dog-friendly) beaches. West Palm Beach may be a little more “hoppin’” but both offer a calm, oasis compared to the hectic hustle and bustle of Miami.

The name West Palm Beach we can easily understand. But Jupiter?

It was a slip of the pen. Spanish explorers named the nearby Sound “Hobe” after their phonetic interpretation of the Indian name. A later mapmaker misunderstood and spelled it “Jobe.” A still-later mapmaker thought (Lord knows why) that this must be the Latin word for the god Jupiter. Long story short, Jupiter became the name, and nearby Juno Beach was named for Jupiter’s wife Juno.

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Even more celebrities are in and out of the area, often performing at SunFest, an annual waterfront festival that celebrates art and music, attracting an international audience, many attracted by performers like Carrie Underwood, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Cindi Lauper, Pink Floyd, MGMT and Earth, Wind and Fire.

Is it even necessary to mention the vaulted quality of golf in the West Palm Beach/Jupiter area? Courses almost outnumber all the other amenities combined. Award-winning courses such as the PGA National Golf Club—Squire Course, Trump International Golf Club, Emerald Dunes, Seminole, Old Marsh, The Bear Club, The Loxahachee Club, The Golf Club of Jupiter, Jupiter Hills . . . well, you get the idea!

West Palm Beach was actually first written “Westpalmbeach.” But founders feared that would be too hard for newcomers!

The city was first developed as a site to house servants working in nearby grand hotels. That didn’t last long. The site was originally a pineapple plantation (where Bel Air Historical District is now), and the owner’s unique frame vernacular home still stands at 211 Plymouth Road. (The owner was murdered.) Other old pineapple fields were subdivided into what is now the community of El Cid, noted for its Mediterranean revival and mission-style homes. The owner named it the celebrated Spanish hero, El Cid (Rodrigo Diaz de Bivar). Cid means lord. Both neighborhoods, and others in West Palm Beach, are on the National Register of Historic Places, including Grandview Heights that has some of the city’s best historic homes.

Snowbirds now dot the West Palm Beach/Jupiter area, but they are joined by a widely diverse influx of multi-age groups lured by the beautiful setting, incredible beaches and the luxurious high-end community living that inevitably develops in the wake of such a migration. Schools, shopping, arts, culture, entertainment, and cuisine — all have flourished to meet the demands of those who can afford, and who demand, the very best in all aspects of life.

The out-of-doors constantly beckons and both communities are wonderfully compliant with lots of walking and biking trails. Residents tend to say they live “in Paradise.” Jupiter especially draws St. Louis Cardinals fans. The Cards hold Spring Training in Jupiter. So do the Miami Marlins. The Miami Heat play in nearby Miami-Dade County. West Palm Beach is home to the International Polo Hall of Fame.

Well-versed in the intimate inside of this ever-expanding focus on high living in a comfortable community atmosphere are the Realtor agents of Illustrated Properties, the top area real estate experts.

If you’re going to live in the West Palm Beach/Jupiter area, you need to know about “Shoulder Season.” This is considered the best time of year: April-May. Residents find off-the-beach activities during “Margaritaville” (spring break) and October’s Fantasy Fest — or, rather, they pick their outing sites carefully. “Off Season” or “low season” during September is when most residents take their vacations.

“Shoulder Season” is the best time of all. Why “shoulder”? It’s a common term used in the travel industry to indicate periods on either side of highuse periods.

The joy of selling property in such exciting Florida areas back in the 1930s became a way of life for F. F. “Bud” Adams Sr. He taught his son, “Bud” Jr., the importance of relationships and reputation. Bud Jr. founded Illustrated Properties in 1975 with the idea that a real estate company could be something truly extraordinary. It was the right idea at the right time, and has grown to become the largest independent real estate company in Palm Beach, Martin, and Collier counties.

Customers immediately related to excellent career-oriented staff and relationships Bud Jr. encouraged them to develop within their communities. This intimate contact with “what’s going on” added a depth and expertise that customers recognized and appreciated.

While Bud’s original vision of the company has remained steadfast, his son, F. F. “Chappy” Adams has expanded that original vision, by giving the company new focus. Offering a full spectrum of real estate related services and mindful of today’s fast-paced lives and the need for convenience and efficiency, Illustrated Properties today offers almost every conceivable service to complete their customers’ real estate transactions with a minimum of stress.

They know, and cater to, the wealth of celebrities who call (or called) this unique living environment “home,” including Tiger Woods, Yanni, Olivia Newton-John, Hank Aaron, Jimmy Buffett, Glenn Close, Vic Damone, Alan Jackson, Tommy Lee Jones, Otis Thorpe, Donald Trump, John Havileck, Rod Stewart, Edgar Mitchell, Otis Anderson, Bob Barker, Robert Allenby, Jason Bonham, George Hamilton, Bill Parcells, Tori Adams, Rick Ankiel, Celine Dion, Richie Fowler, Drew Garrett, Bryant Gumble, Michael Jordon, Kurk Pellegrino, Charles Nelson Reilly, Burt Reynolds, Wayne Rosenthal, Mike Schmidt, Rush Limbaugh, Ahmad Rashad and Serena and Venus Williams. Oh, yes, and Larry the Cable Guy, too! And, of course, many more celebrities.

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ORLANDO Written by B. B. Smith

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rlando may be the most visited city in the nation — thanks to Walt Disney World and its many luxury resorts, but it has also become a mecca for those who expect the very best in residential real estate. No wonder celebrities like Shaquille O’Neal, Barry Larkin and Joey Fatone have picked this Central Florida haven for their homes.

“The City Beautiful,” as Orlando has been nicknamed, is named — some say — for Orlando Reeves, a local resident and businessman who — some say — met with famed naturalist John James Audubon. Reeves fought, and were killed, in the Second Seminole War. American Indian influence is still strongly felt throughout this central Sunshine State site, with its mild year-round climate. Wide-ranging outdoor amenities make it a favorite residential destination, especially 6

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for those who can afford the very best, points out Fannie Hillman of Hillman Associates, a 30-year-old firm considered one of Central Florida’s top residential real estate brokerages.

The nearby 30,080± acre Walt Disney World Resort provides, or has attracted, a wealth of luxury spas, fitness centers and an internationally recognized array of golf courses — along with numerous golf tournaments featuring the finest players and a continuing parade of celebrities.

The sheer size of Disney World amazes even returning visitors, but few know the story behind all that acreage. Walt Disney made many flying trips over potential sites east of the Mississippi and was impressed by the Orlando area’s well-developed network of highways and other roads.

But, knowing what speculation would do to prices if word of his interest

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leaked out, crafty Walt used dummy corporations to buy isolated tracts of land. Want to see some of these great dummy corporation names?

“Reedy Creek Ranch Corp.” — one of many of the dummies — is memorialized on a window above Main Street in the Magic Kingdom!

Walt actually visualized his “World” as an incorporated city. But he died in ‘67 of lung cancer, and his descendants didn’t want to run a city; they wanted to run an amusement park. He probably also would never have put his full name in the park’s title. But his family decided honoring him in this way was the only fitting thing to do.

Thanks to Walt Disney World, plus exciting venues like the Orlando Watersports Complex, this city is now one of the nation’s most popular convention and conference sites. The new Complex offers the very best of wakeboarding, wakeskating and skiing plus a private 400-acre springfed lake. For good reason, Orlando is one of the nation’s most popular convention/conference sites.

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Walt Disney World alone provides the Greater Orlando area with five outstanding golf courses, including two 4 1/2-stars and two 4-stars.

Fishing excursions regularly provide excitement for anglers on the site’s lakes where — get this! — licenses are not required. The lakes are, after all, on private property.

The beach is less than one hour away from downtown Orlando where, despite its sophisticated museums, dining and entertainment, a relaxed atmosphere of small town friendliness and helpfulness still pervades.

Just a short drive south is Kissimmee, with its fascinating origin. Kissimmee was founded by a contractor from Philadelphia who was hired by the State of Florida to drain its southern lands. The economy was in the pits back in 1883 and the state thought making these lands usable would create just the boost it needed. That contractor, Hamilton Disston, became the largest single landowner in the United States — at least for a while.

Unfortunately, Florida prospered but the Depression hit Disston to hard to recover. Still, the Houston Astros love the area. This is where they conduct their spring training. No one quite knows where the name Kissimmee comes from. Most figure some historian misspelled an Indian word (lots of possibilities) and it stuck.

Orlando presents an exciting real estate market and conditions are ideal for buyers looking for a luxury dream home. As a residential property investment, Florida offers numerous positive indicators, including a ranking as one of the 10 fastest-growing states in the U.S. for decades, according to Hillman Associates, a leader in the sale of luxury lakefront residences in Winter Park and Maitland.

And with Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Florida, SeaWorld, Gator Land and the famous International Drive, you’ll never be at a loss how to entertain visitors!

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Tampa Bay / St. PetersBurg Written by B. B. Smith

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“The Sunshine City” . . . “The Healthiest Place on Earth” . . . no wonder St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay area are both one of America’s most popular tourist destinations and one of the most popular for luxury homes as well.

The healthiest place on earth? That’s what was reported at the 1885 American Medical Convention.

St. Petersburg — the largest city in the Tampa Bay area — is perched on a picturesque peninsula between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

The “Sunshine City” average 360 days a year of sunshine!

Tampa Bay is a large, natural harbor and estuary along the Gulf of Mexico on the west central coast of Florida. Everyone knows what a great retirement site the St. Petersburg/Tampa Bay area is. But in recent years, the population has taken a decided shift to a more youthful direction. American Style magazine ranked St. Pete (as it is fondly known) as its “Top Mid-Size City” — the result, the magazine wrote, “of its vibrant arts scene.” The Salvador Dali Museum houses the largest collection of Dalí’s works outside of Europe St. Petersburg itself was a finalist in the National Civic League’s “AllAmerica City Award.” Tampa Bay area’s ideal weather, incredible views, friendly people and exciting entertainment and shopping venues make St. Pete (as it is fondly known) and its surrounds a mecca for those who can afford (and who demand) the very best, according to Top Tampa Bay Realtor Michael Green.

A steadily growing affluent population is reflected in the epicurean cuisine, lavish shopping, and excellence in education throughout the area. St. Pete also has the distinction of not having been struck by a hurricane since 1921.

Inc magazine also ranks St. Petersburg as one of the “Top 25 Large Cities for Doing Business in America.” Home to six Fortune 1000 companies, the Tampa Bay area is where Wikipedia was founded in 2007.

support the most diverse colonial waterbird nesting colonies in North America, annually hosting 40,000 pairs of 25 different species of birds.

More than 100 tributaries flowing to Tampa Bay, more than 200 species of fish including the popular snook, redfish and spotted sea trout. It is truly a sportsman’s paradise, both on, in and out of the water. St. Pete is the one of the most popular destinations now for kiteboarding, with such notable legends of that sport, Billy Parker and Alex Fox, in residence. And the Pinellas Trail, a 47-mile hiking/biking trail connecting St. Petersburg with Central and north Pinellas County, is the longest urban linear trail in the eastern United States.

This area has been inhabited off and on since long before recorded time but really took off after that “The Healthiest Spot on Earth” report.

The Tampa-St. Petersburg area is represented by teams in four major professional sports (soccer, football, baseball, and hockey). The Tampa Bay Devil Rays bring major league excitement to Tropicana Field. The city also hosts the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Other sports notables who hail from, or live in, the area include Ronald “Winky” Wright, Jeff Lacy, Ernest Givins, Stacey Simmons, William Floyd, Pat Terrell, Shaun King, Marquell Blackell, Aveion Cason, Darren Howard, Tim Carter, to name just a few.

Treasured neighborhoods abound, from Historic Kenwood with its artistic community and eclectic architecture to the stately homes of Roser Park.

Thanks to the year-round pleasant weather, festivals abound, especially those that honor arts and culture.

Other celebrities who call (or called) the St. Petersburg/Tampa Bay area home include Angela Bassett, Al Capone, Megan Fox, Nicole Haislett, Jack Kerouac, John Loftus and Spencer Chamberlain. A Tampa Bay plaque marks the spot where Billy Graham felt the call to the ministry.

For most residents and visitors, however, the incredible beaches so easily accessed from around Tampa Bay are one of the greatest sources of pride and enjoyment. Fort De Soto was rated “#1 Beach in America” by both Dr. Beach and TripAdvisor. St. Petersburg is ranked as “One of America’s Most Livable Cities.”

Michael Green, P.A., #1 Luxury Sales Specialist, leads Michael Green & Associates, the #1 Keller Williams Sales Team in Florida, in marketing and selling waterfront, fine and luxury homes, estates and investment properties throughout Greater Tampa Bay Florida.

Numerous tropical microclimates are dotted around the Tampa Bay area, where royal and coconut palms and other tropical plants grow to full maturity (not a common sight so far north!). Mangrove-blanked islands

A former FBI Special Agent, Mike has compiled a team dedicated to providing outstanding service through passion for their work, integrity, diligence, superior marketing and extensive market knowledge.

It probably comes as no surprise that St. Pete was named after the famous Russian city, beloved childhood home of the city’s founder. His partner wanted to name it Detroit (after his birthplace) but lost a coin flip. However, his Detroit Hotel still exists downtown (as a condominium).

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Vero Beach/John’s Island Written by B.B. SMITH

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ero Beach and John’s Island are sparkling jewels on Florida’s Treasure Coast, in that enviable zone “where the tropics begin.”

But — even more — they are the epitome of a privileged paradise enhanced by Southern charm.

“Private. Privileged. Paradise.” This is how John’s Island is often described.

An exquisite family-oriented luxury community with private beaches, incredible views of unspoiled islands and the Intracoastal Waterway, John’s Island is listed as one of the “25 Richest Neighborhoods in America” by Business Insider magazine. Within this roughly three-squaremile exclusive community are the very best of public beaches, golf and waterfront dining, with a significant portion left undeveloped to protect wetlands and old growth oak trees.

Spanning out from John’s Island, Vero Beach is situated at the crucial point where Florida’s humid subtropical climate morphs into a truly tropical climate. Warmed by soft trade winds, Vero Beach delights with its exquisite architecture, charming boutiques and atmosphere of affluence.

No wonder Vero Beach has earned the accolade “One of America’s Best Small Towns.” It was also named the second “most undervalued market in the nation” by IHS Global Insight’s House Prices in America.

Vero Beach credits its name to the wife of the area’s first postmaster, whose wife chose the Latin word for “in Truth.”

The Vero Beach/John’s Island area has long been recognized as a coveted place to live, with archeological evidence the region been inhabited since 770 BC! Denmark laid claim to the excellent natural harbor and Dutch sugar cane plantations soon dotted the hilly terrain. Its beauty and natural resources have long inspired those who care about the environment. The former Rockefeller personal estate on nearby St. John Island inspired Lawrence Rockefeller, in 1956, and others to make donations that helped the Virgin Islands National Park grow into 7,200 of land and 5,600 acres of underwater treasures including magnificent Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument.

To live in Vero Beach or John’s Island is to love the out-of-doors and both are a hub for water sports, including boating, fishing, snorkeling and waterskiing, to name just a few. The Indian River Lagoon, which passes through Vero Beach, forms a significant section of the Intracoastal Waterway, a nonstop spectacular show featuring egrets, dolphins, manatees and sunsets that have to be seen to be believed. It is believed to be the most biologically diverse estuary in the nation.

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Live in the right spot and your view will include mangrove-fringed islands, a part of Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, the nation’s first and most important historic rookery for over 130 species of birds, including the endangered wood storks, along with white pelicans and both loggerhead and green sea turtles Within John’s Island can be found three championship golf courses, the ultimate in pro shops, tennis courts that beckon professionals and fun players alike, and beautiful fauna and flora to delight walkers along its white sandy beaches, secure in the carefully-controlled access and round-the-clock security.

The two areas are united in their appeal for luxury residence seekers.

John’s Island offers exquisite English, Georgian and West Indies architecture. Within Vero Beach are secluded private luxury villas and high-end picturesque cottages. With all these have come all the highend amenities demanded by those who can afford the very best in exclusive shopping, fine dining and highly acclaimed education, such as the private Saint Edward’s School.

Vero Beach is also famous for its golf courses and the Vero Beach Duplicate Bridge Club ranks among the largest such groups in the nation.

Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s “Costa d’être Resort” attracts many celebrities to Vero Beach and John’s Island, where lifestyles are earmarked by a unique blend of vitality, elegance and style. Among other celebrities who make (or made) their homes here are Tommy Lee Jones, Michael Bloomberg, Jon Bon Jovi, Sandy Koufax, The Artist Formerly Known As Prince, Teddy Roosevelt and Sty Stallone.

Moviemakers aren’t far behind. Besides “Pelican Brief,” “My Girl,” and scenes from PBS’s “How the States Got Their Shapes” were all filmed in Vero Beach. Nearby St. John Island was the setting for “The Four Seasons,” “Bare Essentials,” “Open Water” and the alien scene in “Contact.”

John’s Island Real Estate brings a 40-year legacy of success to this historic area filled with exclusive ocean front, intracoastal, condo, golf course and exclusive community properties. Specializing in the luxury properties found in private, ocean-to-river communities, especially golf communities, their team of experienced, professional Sales Executives are experts in understanding all aspects of the superb quality of life to be found here. Above all, they value the history, natural beauty and gracious lifestyle of their area.

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Naples

Written by B. B. Smith

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t was a cold winter day . . . up north . . . in 1932 when Charles Lindbergh landed his plane in the sleepy Florida town of Naples. Residents probably didn’t bat an eye at seeing that famed aviator. After all, “Lucky” Lindbergh and his wife, Ann, often dropped in for supplies on their way to their nearby retreat.

A mere 50+ years earlier, Naples — now known as the “Crown Jewel of Southwest Florida” — was founded by a Confederate general, a Kentucky Senator and a publisher who used his newspaper to tout the area’s wonderful mild climate (especially in winter!), incredible fishing and hunting opportunities, 10 miles of pristine white sand beaches . . . “just like the Italian Riviera!”

The city’s name was a natural. When someone in passing likened the area to the sunny Italian peninsula, the promoters jumped on board, describing their own bay as “surpassing the bay in Naples, Italy.” It’s an

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obvious draw for the rich and famous. Witness such property owners as Bill Gates, Donald Trump, Buzz Aldrin, Larry Bird, Neal Bootz, Robin Cook, Mike Ditta, Janet Evanovich, Dick Gephardt, Don Healy, Bob Segar, “Judge Judy” Sheinlin and Sean Hannity. The lure of owning one’s own quietly sophisticated piece of Gulf of Mexico real estate is hard to resist.

According to U.S. News & World Report, Naples is one of “America’s 10 Best Undervalued Places to Live.” The secret, of course, to finding the right choice luxury site or home is selecting a Realtor who knows the area intimately, which is why John R. Wood, one of the oldest real estate firms on Florida, is also one of the largest and most successful.

Nearby Everglades National Park and “Ten Thousand Islands” brings in many who are interested in EcoTourism. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge and Picayune Strand State Forest are testimony to the “we care” attitude of the area’s residents.

And how it does draw those Ohio State alums! The OSU chapter had so many members, it earned Naples the honor of being home to the largest university alumni organization in the nation.

For “Material Girls” and their ilk, Downtown Naples is a festival of unique shopping venues with a distinct focus on upscale markets, antiques, art galleries and handmade creations. Luxury residential communities abound, according to John R. Woods Realtors, which maintains a “fleet” of over 300 agents, each well versed in the exclusive opportunities sought by those who can afford the very finest of homes.

Witness the more than 80 championship golf courses in the area, giving Naples full justification for calling itself “Golf Capital of the World.” Naples claims to have more holes per capita than any other city.

Despite its emergence as a sophisticated city offering international cuisines, education, business opportunities and residential excellence, Naples has managed to retain its “sleepy Florida town” ambiance, a comfortable contrast to the hustle and bustle of larger cities. Unspoiled natural settings within easy access have helped keep this city grounded in a simpler past.

No one understands luxury like John R. Wood. Back in 1957, John and his wife Wanda had their sights set down the road. But, as he writes, “the beautiful beaches, quaint downtown and friendly atmosphere” of 1957 Naples stopped them in their tracks.

John R. Wood was a lawyer who wanted to be a real estate agent.

His vision fulfilled: the real estate company he started is now one of the largest and the oldest in Naples and John himself is a former President of the National Association of Realtors.

His slogan “Walk On It Before You Buy” grew out his realization that too many folks thought of Florida lot sales involved swampland. That same sensitivity and concern for clients is the reason he encouraged his company and all the employees to become deeply committed to community projects and local involvement. This translates into the depth of intimate knowledge of his area that allows John R. Wood Realtors to immediately recognized compatible pairings of clients and available properties. “Legendary Service” became their slogan.

As John often says, “In 1957 people moved to Naples for the climate, outdoor activities and small town atmosphere. Today, they move here for the same basic reasons. That’s Naples in a nutshell, still the best place on Earth to live.”

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Jacksonville J

acksonville, FL, may not rank as one of the “largest” cities in the nation — but, in fact, it is. “THE” largest that is. At over 840 square miles in size, Jacksonville tops the chart in physical size in the continental U.S. Named for U. S. President and Civil War General Andrew Jackson — who, by the way, never visited Jacksonville — Jax, or J-ville as it is often called, traces its site roots back to 2500 BC. The nation’s oldest pottery remnants (circa 2500 BC) were found on Black Hammock Island.

For a long time Jacksonville was known as Cow Ford (for cattle brought across the St. Johns River). Another nickname, River City, reflects the natural beauty of the St. John’s River and the Atlantic Ocean. The Dames Point Bridge is the world’s largest concrete cable-supported bridge.

Boating, fishing, all the water sports draw year-round participants. The city also boasts the nation’s largest urban park system. Which brings up

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Written by B. B. Smith

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golf facilities? The PGA Tour is headquartered in a Jacksonville suburb, site of The Players Championship. ‘nough said?

Just five minutes from downtown Jacksonville is Tree Hill Nature Center with 50 acres of varied terrain trails and an international-draw Butterfly Festival. Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens drew the accolade “a community project of a size and scope never before undertaken by a volunteer organization.” Built on an old zircon mine-turned-dump, the 128+ acre, ravine-filled site’s famous tortoise area resulted from the need to move a gopher tortoise colony to make room for a parking lot.

Jacksonville’s Great Fire of 1901, the largest in the southeast history, practically destroyed the town in eight hours. The fiery glow could be seen as far as Savannah and smoke plumes all the way up to Raleigh.

A silver lining appeared, however. In the 1910s, re-built Jacksonville attracted over 30 silent film studios. Hollywood eventually lured them away, but that wonderful period is still preserved at the Jacksonville Silent Film Museum, established in the old Norman Studios.

Then the Navy moved in, along with a huge banking community, resulting in amenities expected by those who can afford the very best, explains Legends of Real Estate, one of Jacksonville’s leading and most respected companies for high-end residential properties.

Historic Riverside-Avondale area was named one of the nation’s “10 Greatest Neighborhoods.”

Two Jacksonville high schools, Stanton College Preparatory School and Paxon School for Advanced Studies regularly appear in the Top 10 of Newsweek’s list of the country’s top public high schools. Colleges and universities abound.

Among the notables who live (or have lived) here include rock legend Ronnie Van Zant (there’s a park named in his honor), Pat Boone, the Allman Brothers Band, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. The Old Sea Turtle Inn and Pete’s¬¬ Bar in John Grisham’s The Brethren are in the Greater Jacksonville area. If you’re a fan, he often stays at One Ocean Resort.

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Jacksonville remains a popular draw for movie makers, witness such locally-filmed movies as The Manchurian Candidate, Creature from the Black Lagoon, The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking, Brenda Starr, G.I. Jane, The Devil’s Advocate, Why Do Fools Fall in Love, The Year of Getting to Know Us, The Ramen Girl and Like Dandelion Dust, as well as many made-for-TV movies.

As with education, cuisine, shopping and other venues so necessary for upscale residential living, Jacksonville’s high-end community has demanded, and achieved, excellence in all its arts and cultural offerings. Jacksonville’s Springing the Blues is one of the oldest and largest blues festivals. Its Jazz Festival and Film Festival are the nation’s second largest such venues. Elvis’ first indoor concert was in the historic Florida Theater. Local magistrates attended to make sure his shaking didn’t get too racy. Perhaps one of the most picturesque gatherings is the Blessing of the Fleet. Jville is also home to the U.S.’s oldest skating arena, Kona Skatepark.

Among the many internationally notable cultural offerings is the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens’ Meissen porcelain exhibit —one of the world’s three most comprehensive such collections.

More into sports? The Gator Bowl has been a national football fixture since 1946. The Florida Gators-Georgia Bulldogs game is known as the “World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party”! The Jacksonville Jaguars give its city the distinction of being the nation’s smallest television market to host an NFL team. The U.S. National 15K Championship Gate River Run is the nation’s largest road race of its distance.

With such a diverse spectrum from which to chose a residence, highend property brokers Tim and Susan Fennell, founders of Legends of Real Estate, appreciate that their sophisticated, well-educated clients expect — and need to be provide provided — a team of dedicated consultants-of-integrity to help make the best decisions. They offer an “insider” view of the Greater Jacksonville area and the very latest in market research and search conveniences.

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Key West Written by B. B. Smith

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ust the words “Key West” are enough to create a sensation of total relaxation . . . soft cooling breezes, luscious sunlight on sparkling clear blue waters, incredible coral reefs, sailboats on the horizon, seven-toed cats . . .

And the best part? It’s all true! One of the last islands in the long chain of Florida’s floating paradises, Key West is Caribbean in ambiance, and no wonder. Its miles of sandy shores are built from sand shipped in on barges from the Caribbean!

World-class fishing and diving are complimented by the world’s third largest coral reef — some 160 miles long — off the beautiful shores of the nation’s most southernmost city. Key West is closer to Cuba than it is to Miami! So many endangered birds can be found here, the whole island has been officially declared a bird sanctuary. It’s also home to three Civil War forts.

Conchs like to tell visitors that happy hour in Key West begins at 9 a.m.

Probably true since Key West has more bars per capita than any other place in the country. Lest that rocks your boat, know too more churches too per capita are found here than any other place in the country.

“Conchs” are Key West residents. (Note: it’s “in” Key West. Not “on” Key West.) “Saltwater Conchs” were born in Key West. “Freshwater Conchs” are longtime-but-nonnative residents. Originally a “Conch” was a European- ancestry immigrant from the Bahamas. When a baby was born, these folks traditionally put a conch shell on a pole in front of their houses.

And those seven-toed “polydactyl” cats? They’re descendents of the 40 famous cats living (and well protected) at the (Ernest) Hemmingway House. Some have six toes. It’s said here is where Hemmingway wrote (or worked on) “A Farewell to Arms,” “Death in the Afternoon,” “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “The Snows of Kilimanjaro,” and “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber.” Depression-era Key West is the setting for “To Have and Have Not.” Fellow author Tennessee Williams started “A Streetcar Named Desire” here and his “The Rose Tattoo” film version was shot here.

Key West’s magnificent scenery lured many movie film crews to the island to shoot, among others, “Operation Petticoat,“ “The Rose Tattoo, “ “Reap the Wild Wind,“ “PT 109,“ “Beneath the 12 Mile Reef,“ “License to Kill“ and “Running Scared.

A major destination for cruise ships and an important Naval training site, Key West served as President Harry S. Truman’s “Winter White House.”

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Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy and Jimmy Carter also spent time there.

The original name, still heard today, was Cayo Hueso, pronounced “kajo weso” or “bone key.” For decades the island was used as a graveyard; bones could be found everywhere. History is vague, but island ownership changed hands many times, then became part of the United States.

It has long been known as the “Gibraltar of the West” (because of its strategic location on the Straits of Florida, a deep shipping lane between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

At one point Key West even briefly declared its independence as the Conch Republic, after a U.S. Border Patrol blockade to search for illegal immigrants created monster traffic jams and seriously impaired Key West’s lucrative tourist trade. The independent spell didn’t last long, but “Conch Republic” can still be found immortalized on souvenirs. A Conch Republic Independence Celebration is celebrated annually on April 23.

The City of Key West’s four main founding fathers — John Simonton, Pardon C. Greene, John Whitehead and John W.C. Fleeming — were immortalized in naming the island’s main arteries. Duval Street was named after Florida’s first territorial governor.

Key West’s incredible beauty and climate, plus its strategic (and profitable!) location have resulted in a population explosion, explains Truman & Co., Key West’s leading high-end real estate company. The continual influx of folks who can afford the very best has raised the sophistication level of all the amenities these residents demand — in education, housing, shopping, cuisine and entertainment.

The climate as well as the bohemian atmosphere draws numerous artist and writers to Key West. Arts and cultural venues abound, and so do celebrities. Among those who do, or have, called Key West home are Jimmy Buffett, David Allen Coe, Stepin Fetchit, Khalil Greene, Calvin Klein, John James Audubon, Kelly McGillis and Stuart Woods (who sets many of his Stone Barrington books in this vicinity).

Key West is such an unusual city, it takes an insider to know the ends and outs of finding just the right residential opportunities. Truman & Co. understands the range of possibilities, from luxury waterfront condominiums with incredible water views to secluded hideaways with pools and tropical landscaping in the historical districts. Armed with the most experienced, most professional Realtors in the field, Truman & Co. offers the latest in real estate search technology and personal insight to help new residents find exactly the right spot to call home.

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Miami Written by B. B. Smith

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iami — the name alone makes you want to pack a bag and head that way as soon as possible. And not just because “America’s Riviera” has been inhabited by humans for over a thousand years! Obviously even those ancient folks knew a paradise when they saw it.

Early visitors who kept records saw a wilderness that “held much promise.” Even hundreds of years ago, it was touted as one of the finest building sites in Florida.

Apparently a lot of celebrities agree, including residents Madonna, Matt Damon, Jennifer Lopez, Julio Iglesia, Rickey Martin, Rosie O’Donnell, Shakira, Shaquille O’Neal, Sylvester Stallone, Gianni Versache, Don Shula, Gloria Estefan, Hulk Hogan, Janet Reno, O. J. Simpson and so many more. But these numbers are nothing compared to the visiting 18

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celebrities who arrive daily both for fun and to work at the enormous television and movie production studios.

Most residents probably don’t give a thought to the fact that Miami also turned out to be a great point for fighting German submarines in WWII. Today potential new residents are far more focused on the luxury scene, best explored under the experienced guiding hand of Audrey Ross, the top Miami real estate firm. Breaking sales records is her favorite pastime, one reason why she was a winner of the Mercedes Bend UK and International Homes “Best American Estate Agent” award.

Certainly Miami is a mecca for luxurious living, Audrey’s main focus.

Perhaps it started with the influx of residents seeking treasures from ships run around on the Great Florida reef, booty (still there?) collected by famous pirates such as Blackbeard and Jean Lafitte.

Gradually Miami’s coral barrier reef, the third largest reef system in the world — became a huge year-round draw for tourists and more serious reef explorers alike. It helped, of course, that during Prohibition Miami was, shall we say, a little “lax” in enforcing the anti-liquor laws. After all, Miami already permitted gambling so why not “move south”!

Miami is now famous for all the glitter that goes along with high dollar businesses. Luxury abounds and with it, the excellence in everything from schools to shopping to restaurants to entertainment that those who can afford the very best will demand.

This is never truer than for sportsmen. For water sportsmen, of course, the Florida coast and many lakes near Miami offer both easy access, gentle fun and incredible challenges, depending on your preference.

But Greater Miami is also distinguished as the nation’s only metropolitan area whose borders encompass two national parks and all the excitement generated by, for example, hikes through the Everglades.

Or snorkel, scuba or glass-bottom boat your way through Biscayne National Park.

No wonder Miami ended up being named for the Calusa word “Mayami” or “Big Water.” This Native American tribe’s village on the north bank of the Miami River is the actual site of today’s famed city.

But “water” isn’t the only claim to fame for the City of Miami, which is the only major U.S. city founded by a woman (Julia Tuttle). Suntan cream was invented here by a pharmacist. The first automated bank teller machine was installed here . . . for rollerbladers! Miami boasts lots of “largests” including the world’s largest collection of Art Deco architecture and the largest cruise ship port in the world.

The rest of the country may be having real estate problems, but in Miami, under the guidance of top luxury realtor Audrey Ross and other firms, shows a steadily improving outlook. The jobless rate is falling; real estate activity is increasing, especially in the high-end sector.

In addition to the international award listed above, Audrey Ross’s list of luxury market accolades includes “#1 Agent” (out of 950 agents) in the Essingler Wooden Maxwell (EWM) firm, “REALTOR® of the Year” in South Florida, the National Association of REALTORS® “#12 Top Real Estate Agent” in the nation” and being the subject of a Forbes Collection feature.

If anyone knows Miami luxury real estate inside and out, it’s Audrey Rose, an Exclusive Affiliate of CHRISTIE’S Great Estates in South Florida and Exclusive Agent representative in South Florida for Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate, Board of Regents.

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Asheville Written by B. B. Smith

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he beauty and serenity of Asheville, North Carolina, combined with its growing number of luxury properties — well-appointed, residential communities — have long made this scenic mountain region a destination for celebrity resident sightings.

Luxury homes of celebrities abound, as they have for decades.

“Empress of Soul” Gladys Knight and the incomparable Roberta Flack, comedian Steve Martin, legendary singer Warren Haynes, Night Court’s Harry Anderson, actress Andie MacDowell, banjo genius David Holt and sports commentator Bernard Goldberg are just a few of the many celebrities who have chosen to join those who can afford to live wherever they want.

And where they want — as the super-rich have for years — is to live in Asheville, North Carolina.

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Chevy Chase, Colin Farrell, Sandra Oh and Tim Robbins are just a few more of the notables seen around the luxury real estate enclaves of this once-primitive outpost visited by the likes of Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett.

Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains on all sides, Asheville’s historic presence as a destination has held strong from the days of prehistoric Indian tribes to the thousands who came to the area’s therapeutic health centers in the 1800s to this vibrant and exciting city filled with luxury estates in the this new Millennium.

Long a draw for visionaries, poets and explorers, Asheville enjoyed a boom period that resulted in rich architecture, beautifully complimented these days by elegant, luxury homes and communities promoted by knowledgeable realtors who specialize in high-end properties, such as luxury broker Beverly-Hanks & Associates.

When the established, luxury realtor firm in Western North Carolina is involved in the purchase or sale of luxury residential properties, luxury real estate buyers and sellers know they can be assured of excellence in both luxury real estate services and properties.

And no wonder. Within the Asheville area is the grand Biltmore Estate of George W. Vanderbilt, a creation by celebrated architect Richard Morris Hunt and gardens designed by the renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.

Literary giant Thomas Wolfe, an Asheville native son, grew up in “Dixieland,” his mother’s rambling boardinghouse. Wolfe used Ashville as the backdrop for “Look Homeward, Angel,” his autobiography.

Asheville stands tall in the national eye: • Good Morning America profiled Asheville as one of its “Most Beautiful Places in America” (2011) • TripAdvisor.com — Asheville is one of the “15 Destinations on the Rise” (2011) and Travelers’ Choice Award for “Top Food and Wine Destination in the U.S.” (10th place) • Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers Choice Awards Poll ranked Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa as a “Top U.S. Resort” and the Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville, the “Top U.S. Hotel” • Livability.com — Asheville is the “Best Place to Start a Fall Foliage Tour” (2011) • DogFriendly.com’s “Top 10 Resort Areas to Visit With Your Dog” included Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway as #2 in the nation.

Other-lists highlight Asheville one of “10 Fantastically Yoga-Friendly Towns,” “Top 25 Small City Arts Designations” and one of the five “Best U.S. Cities for Weight Loss.” Also highly ranked, Asheville’s Donald Rossdesigned golf course at the Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa. And . . . who else would tell you this? . . . in 2011, Asheville became a “three-peat” as Beer City, USA. The recognition of the area as a highly desirable location for luxury residential properties goes on and on says Neal Hanks, President of Beverly-Hanks & Associates. “Everyone in and around Asheville shares a secret. It’s the best part of living here, the feeling we share but can’t always express. This secret thrill hits you whenever you realize there’s a mountain out your window.”

For more than three decades, Beverly-Hanks & Associates’ mission to be Western North Carolina’s leading real estate company has remained unchanged. The firm’s success is not only echoed by legions of happy and satisfied luxury homeowners, but also by the firm’s ranking as one of the top 7 firms in the state and among the top 250 luxury real estate firms in the nation.

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Atlanta Written by B. B. Smith

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tlanta is a city on the move . . . on such a move, in fact, it is the fastest-growing city in the nation. And it boasts more fiber optic cable than any other city in the nation.

All that cable is hidden, of course, under the fabulous “carpet of green visitors” see flying into this historic city — a delightful bonus from the huge oak trees that line so many of the streets.

Bet most folks flying into Atlanta are totally unaware they are also looking at a geological wonder — the geographic center of the American South. The Eastern Continental Divide runs right through downtown Atlanta. Rainwater on the south and east side of this “divide” drains to the Atlantic Ocean. Rainfall to the north and west drains into the Gulf of Mexico.

Atlanta began as the end point of a new railroad line. Stories abound as to the name’s origin. A favorite: It was a version of the middle 22

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name, Atalanta, of then-Georgia Gov. Wilson Lumpkin’s daughter. The mythological Greek athlete goddes Atalanta’s father so wanted a boy, he raised his daughter to participate in primarily male sports, but she somehow maintained an aura of extreme sexuality.

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Atlanta’s claim to literary excellence is unparalleled with residents such as Margaret Mitchell (“Gone With the Wind,” the best-selling novelist of all time), Alice Walker (Pulitzer Prize-winning “The Color Purple”), Alfred Uhry (“Driving Miss Daisy”), Joel Chandler Harris (“Brer Fox” and “Uncle Remus”).

A fitting name, to be sure. Atlanta melds an obsession with history with an incredible forward-thinking mentality, according to Atlanta Fine Homes, the city’s leading real estate firm. The nation’s third largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies can be found in Atlanta, including Delta Airlines, Coca-Cola and CNN broadcasting which were started in this city. Other world headquarters here are Turner Broadcasting, Home Depot, and AT&T Mobility. Newell Rubbermaid and UPS.

Other notable residents include (or included) President Jimmy Carter, Senator Sam Nunn, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Julia Roberts, Jane Fonda, Jeff Foxworthy, Holly Hunter, Spike Lee, Ryan Seacrest, Stephen Soderberg, Deborah Norville, Bert Parks and Chris Tucker to name just a few.

This “Alpha-World City” is one of only 10 such cities worldwide so designated as integral to the global economic systems. Atlanta boasts:

Atlanta’s known as a “peach” of a city, with over 32 streets sporting that name in part. But the stone fruit has nothing to do with Atlanta’s “peach-y” lore. Cherokee and Creek Indians inhabited this area for eons including one large settlement named Standing Pitch Tree, after a solitary tree nearby. White settlers corrupted “Pitch Tree” into Peachtree.

• the largest toll-free telephone dialing area in the world.

• the largest suburban office park (Perimeter Center) in the world.

• the world’s largest bas-relief sculpture (Georgia’s Stone Mountain Park) • the world’s busiest airport in terms of the combined passenger traffic plus aircraft operations.

• the largest 10K race in the world - the annual Peachtree Road Race with 45,000 runners.

Atlanta’s musical ties are legendary. She is often called the “Center of Gravity” for hip-hop and is (or was) home to musical artist such as Usher, Ray Charles, Sugarland, Alan Jackson, Jerry Reed, Travis Tritt, Trisha Earwood, Lady Antebellum, Jason Aldean, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Otis Redding and Brenda Lee, to name just a few of literally hundreds.

With Atlanta’s numerous high-end communities that cater to luxury residences come all the amenities demanded by those who can afford the very best — in education, shopping, cuisine, arts and culture. The High Museum of Art is the South’s leading art museum. The Michael C. Carlos Museum contains the largest collection of ancient art in the Southeast.

Atlanta is one of the nation’s most “livable” cities, but you’d better learn the lingo. Directions often include “ITP” and “OTP” — for “Inside the Perimeter” and “Outside the Perimeter” — meaning Interstate 385, which encircling most of the city.

It might also help to know that the affluent neighborhood, Buckhead, is named after the buck’s head (deer head) mounted on a popular area waystation. Amazingly — considering it was burned to the ground during the Civil War — Atlanta boasts more than 40 historic districts.

An intimate knowledge of the city and its high-end lifestyles is essential when it comes to “Artfully uniting extraordinary properties with extraordinary lives” — as Atlanta Fine Homes’ motto proclaims. Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty agents are guided by their mission statement:

“We are passionate in our interactions with clients, associates and employees, as well as in the delivery of our services. Not only is the real estate experience of our team unparalleled, but the client’s experience in dealing with our company is second to none. Finally, the reputation of members of our team and our affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty® is of paramount importance.”

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Nashville Written by B. B. Smith

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ashville is so much more that just another city. It’s a legend, a place of hopes and dreams, a reservoir of history and culture that is so deeply American. It’s also, according to NBC’s Today Show, one of the “Top 5 Friendliest Cities in America.”

At the same time, it’s an extraordinarily exciting place to live.

Celebrities stream in and out of town, some so captured by the magic of Nashville’s nightlife and the city’s dedication to excellence in all areas, that they set down permanent roots.

Count among this group Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, Alan Jackson, Dolly Parton, Wynonna and Ashley Judd, Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus, Jessica Simpson, Casey Atwood, Duane and Gregg Allman, Red Grooms, Bill Frist, Crystal Gayle, Ronnie Milsap, Vince Gill, Garth Brooks . . . the list goes on and on.

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Nashville now welcomes and caters to those who demand, and can afford, the very best, whether it’s in entertainment, education, sports, cultural arts, culinary arts or, naturally, real estate. In this latter arena, the Lipman Group Sotheby’s International Realty has perfected the art of uniting extraordinary luxury properties with clients expecting the very best in both service and residential living opportunities.

Best known as “Music City,” Nashville revels in its eclectic approach that easily encompasses country music, bluegrass, blues, jazz, R&B, spirituals, pop, rap, you name it. The famed Ryman Auditorium, which once housed the famous Grand Ol’ Opry, was named the best concert venue in the nation by Pollstar. The new “Opry” theater, while it holds more fans, has delightfully captured the ambiance and love that pervaded that historic “tabernacle.” Think only country stars performed there? Tell that to Enrico Caruso, Katherine Hepburn and Bob Hope . . . all of whom performed on that wonderful old wooden stage.

Nashville’s famed Jefferson Street is home to clubs that have hosted greats like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Jimi Hendrix, Little Richard, Ray Charles, B.B. King, Ike and Tina Turner and Etta James.

While most folks across the nation were tapping toes to lively radio music from the Opry, Nashville — the capital of Tennessee —quietly grew around it to become a regional center for banking, transportation, health care and publishing industries. (The story goes that many publishers turned bootleggers in their Printers Alley basements during Prohibition! When liquor became legal again, the bars stayed open and remain today.)

While you’re downtown, take a quick look at the AT&T headquarters.

Residents affectionately know it as “Batman Building.” They think the two towers are shaped like Batman’s wings.

Built on the foundation of Fort Nashborough (named after American Revolutionary hero Francis Nash), Nashville’s strategic location on the famed and historical Cumberland River made it a central focal point historically in times of both peace and war.

Today Nashville is delightful to be just a hop-skip-jump from eight neighboring states. No wonder it was voted one of the “Top 100 Places to Live.” Within easy reach are a myriad of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, boating and a never-ending calendar of outdoor festivals Maxwell House Coffee was first blended here and named after the

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famed Maxwell Hotel. The story goes that President Theodore Roosevelt first uttered those famous words “good to the last drop!” after he sipped this coffee in the Maxwell Hotel.

Actually, three U.S. Presidents were from Tennessee: Andrew Jackson, James Polk and Andrew Johnson. Jackson’s wife was the daughter of one of the Nashville founding fathers. Jackson’s home, The Heritage, in Nashville, has a driveway shaped like a guitar. He ordered this design to please his daughter.

The list of “Nashville Notables” who made incredible contributions is so impressive, including Olympic champion Wilma Rudolph (“Fastest Woman in the World”), Oprah Winfrey and Capt. William Driver who was the one who nicknamed the American flag “Old Glory.” The tender soubriquet was bestowed when his U.S. flag was raised over the state capital when Federal troops captured the city in 1862 a year after the Civil War started.

Other Nashville points of pride: • The Parthenon in Central Park is the world’s only exact replica of that ancient Greek temple.

• The 42-foot-tall gilded image of Athena, goddess of wisdom, that stands inside Nashville’s Parthenon is the western hemisphere’s largest indoor statue.

• Belle Meade Plantation, famous for breeding thoroughbred horses, produced the first American winner of the English Darby.

The annual Iroquois Steeplechase (named after this spectacular animal) attracts an international crowd. Tracing their lineage to Belle Meade are War Admiral, Seabiscuit, Funny Cide, Barbarro and the legendary Secretariat.

• A blind student at Vanderbilt University in Nashville first proposed The concept of using seeing-eye dogs.

Lipman Group Sotheby’s International Realty is historically linked to Nashville and prides itself on its motto of “Inviting, Discrete, Savvy and Refined” — which says it all about Nashville’s growing luxury communities.

Offering unparalleled access to Nashville’s most distinctive properties, Lipman approaches real estate with the firm conviction that every priced home is a masterpiece made up of memories, relationships and treasured possessions.

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Memphis Written by B. B. Smith

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veryone is familiar with Memphis. How could we not be? Memphis is one of the most often mentioned cities (if not the most) in recorded music. Over 800 songs have been documented as mentioning this exciting Southern city. (And, of course, it’s home to Graceland and the Peabody Hotel with its daily “March of Ducks”!)

When Memphians say their roots grow deep, they mean DEEP. For over 10,000 years, this perfect area for a settlement was first home to the Mississippian culture, then the Chickasaw Indian Tribe, all of whom occupied the bluffs along the river, building a large mound above the bluff. Unfortunately, none of these earlier settlers were honored by Memphis’ founders who included General/President Andrew Jackson.

They chose to name the city after an ancient Egyptian city on the Nile River. Go figure.

No wonder literary giants like American Civil War historian Shelby Foote (a native) found such encouragement here, and novelist John Grisham sets so many of his books in Memphis.

Of course, you can’t mention Memphis without hearing great music.

Music greats who grew up in and around Memphis include Justin Timberlake, Elvis Presley, B. B. King, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Otis Redding, Jerry Lee Lewis, Muddy Waters, Carl Perkins, Robert Johnson, W. C. Handy and Isaac Hayes, to name just a few. George Gershwin once wrote to W. C. Handy, “Your work is the grandfather of mine.”

So many American music genres were founded by Memphians, it’s hard to list them all. Blues, gospel, rock ‘n’ roll and all their fascinating subgenres are part of the legacy honored by Beale Street, the national historical landmark tribute to their contributions.

But the explosive excitement of Memphis goes far beyond the world of music. With such success come all the amenities associated with wealthy communities, explains Jimmy Reed Realtors, one of the top firms specializing in Memphis’ luxury real estate market.

Thanks to FedEx, Memphis the busiest cargo airport in the world. Home to four Fortune 500 companies (FedEx, AutoZone, International Paper and ServiceMaster.), Memphis excels all the areas that so intimately affect this upper level population. The University of Memphis leads a pinnacles of excellence achieved in education on all . The arts, culture, nightlife, cuisine — all reflect the demands of Memphis’ sophisticated population.

This is a city full of faith, from the famous “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech by Martin Luther King (the day before he was killed), to Temple Israel, one of the largest Reform Jewish synagogues in the nation.

Almost every denomination on Earth is represented, with active communities that are both an asset to, and broaden the horizons, of the city as a whole.

“Memphis in May” is a month-long celebration of everything that makes this city great — like the largest pork barbecue cooking contest in the world! In fact, Memphis is the Pork Barbecue Capital of the World.

Festivals celebrating the arts, history, music, and the like draw international attendance throughout the year. Typical is the Memphis International Film and Music Festival, recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the 25 “Coolest Film Festivals” and one of 25

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“Festivals Worth the Entry Fee.” And this is only one of a full series of film festivals that occur in this city annually.

The list of celebrities now living in and visiting Memphis has been bolstered by its growing film industry. Movies filmed here include Great Balls of Fire, The Silence of the Lambs, The Firm, The People Vs. Larry Flint, The Rainmaker and Painted House. Remember the MGM lion that roared at the opening of movies? It lived at the internationally famous Memphis Zoo until its death in 1944.

Cybill Shepherd is a Memphis native as are Kathy Bates, Michael Jeter, Tim McCarver and, of course, Elvis. Residents include (or included) Dixie Carter, Morgan Freeman, George Hamilton and Aretha Franklin.

Twenty-four of the 97 stars in Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame are from the Greater Memphis area.

By the way, Graceland, Elvis’ last home, is the second most visited historic home in America — second only to the White House.

So many American business legends started in Memphis, including Holiday Inn (the first lodging chain), Piggly Wiggly (world’s first self-service grocery store), Welcome Wagon, Greyhound and Continental Bus Lines, FedEx, St. Jude’s Hospital and Auto Zone.

Memphis has a whole string of “#1 in the World” (yes, that’s “World”) accolades, including: • Largest annual producer of Christmas wrapping paper • Largest producer of hardwood • Largest cotton market • Largest artesian well water system

And Memphis is the only five-time winner of the nation’s “Cleanest City Award.”

This is an award Realtor Jimmy Reed sees proof of daily. He likes to tell clients he needs no GPS system. He KNOWS Memphis and the surrounding areas like the back of his hand.

That’s what it takes to successfully match discerning potential homebuyers with the right luxury home and community for their particular lifestyles. Not only is he extremely active in community activities, Jimmy Reed Marx-Bensdorf Realtors is working to help continually improve the city and its resources. The Grays Creek project has worked hard to help residents maintain this area’s tranquil rural qualities. Being prodevelopment, Reed says, does not mean tolerating haphazard hodgepodge expansion.

This is typical of Reed’s focus on not only his clients’ preferred communities — which represent the pinnacle of luxury in living — but for all the extended amenities that make Memphis living so satisfying.

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Gibson Island

Written by B. B. Smith

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he coastal tranquility of Virginia’s eastern shore, home to the famous 17-mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge, offers an unspoiled view of farms, islands and bays, ripe with beautiful wildlife and abundant sea harvests.

Unique in this unique setting is this crown jewel, an enchanting retreat called Gibson Island. For three centuries now, the rich and famous from across the globe have trekked to this area for summer vacations. Yet, Gibson’s Island — just off the western coast of Chesapeake Bay — can claim the same allure for far, far longer. Its relaxed, country pace with forever-scenic views of white sand beaches, blue waters and lush forests attracted American Indians for eons before European explorers arrived.

The strategic mid-Atlantic location ensures a mild four-season climate.

The island is nestled between sparkling Chesapeake Bay and the lovely Magothy River, famous as an incredible view spot for recreational boaters. In fact, it’s such an enviable location, the Magothy River 28

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Association was formed by area residents to prevent the U.S. Navy from establishing a seaplane base there. Today the association actively monitors aspects such as fish habitat and reforestation, even to the extent of providing volunteers to assist with protection of underwater grasses and oyster habitats.

A mere hour or less away from Baltimore, Washington and Annapolis, Gibson Island ranked #2 in the nation in “Best Cities for Teleworking” (large metro areas) and #3 in “Most Energetic Cities.” While it’s not, strictly speaking, a gated community, access to the island is limited to residents and their guests, providing the ultimate in security. Yet, access is so easy to the most sophisticated of resources including opera, theaters, museums, shopping, cuisine and other world-class amenities demanded by those who can afford the very best.

With only 300 or so residents, this tiny island can boast both spectacular sunrises and breathtaking sunsets. Its unique Salty Marks Museum, itself a building jewel, presents an enviable collection of prehistoric memorabilia and artifacts. Named after one of the earlier European

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settlers, Gibson Island is unique in that only one real estate firm is allowed to sell its properties. Gibson Island Real Estate is owned by the island’s own corporation, and profits are returned to the community for upkeep and beautification of the island’s Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr.-designed landscapes. Limited space and the corporation’s tight reins have kept the 1.389-square mile enclave fit for the likes of Prince Andrew, Sen. Joe McCarthy and Godfrey A. Rockefeller, making 21056 one of the most exclusive zip codes in the world.

The Gibson Island Club boasts all the amenities demanded by those who can afford the very best. The exquisite terrain is complimented by a beautifully-maintained Charles Blair MacDonald designed golf course, multiple tennis courts, an active yacht squadron, croquet, a state-of-theart fitness center, large swimming pool, skeet range and a full calendar of family and social events. World competition level yachting draws an international array of enthusiasts. Major medical facilities are located on the island.

Perhaps most appreciated by residents and guests is the unique sense of community that pervades all aspects of Gibson Island. Summer day camps, oyster roasts, fireworks, lobster dinners and a full array of holiday celebrations invite participation by those who wish. Guest lodgings are also available.

Virginia’s Eastern Shore offers even more close-by amenities, including some of the best fishing, boating and other saltwater recreational activities available.

With such coveted amenities, securing property on Gibson Island is a prized accomplishment. Gibson Island Real Estate, the only property broker, has operated for over 70 years. Barbara Ann Watson and Patty Cecil, both permanent residents of Gibson Island, with the assistance of Corey Burr and Laura Bednash, have at their disposal not only an intimate knowledge of the island’s most choice properties, but also state-of-theart real estate technology. At their fingertips are all the services required by discriminating buyers.

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Northeast

The Hamptons . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-33 Columbia / Berkshire County. . . . . . . 34-35 Manhattan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36-37 Islip / Babylon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38-39 Westchaster County. . . . . . . . . . . 40-41 Greenwich. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42-43 Darien. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44-45 Summit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46-47 Bay Head / Mantoloking. . . . . . . . . 48-49 Maine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50-51

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The Hamptons Written by B. B. Smith

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easide villages that make up The Hamptons can easily be described as a state of mind as easily as a geographic location.

A luxury backyard playground of the rich and famous alike, the Hamptons are never far from the public eye, whether in film, on television or through titillating gossip so often supplied by said rich and/or famous!

Given the glamour and luxury that signifies The Hamptons today, it’s hard to picture this setting, with its perfect combination of picturesque and sophistication, as once a collection of tiny hamlets, rural villages that formed the South Fork of 118-mile-long Long Island, NY. Today The Hamptons boast some of the most expensive luxury properties in the U.S. The Sagaponack zip code (11962) was declared the most expensive small town in the nation in 2009. A wide range of housing pricing is available, of course.

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And, in turn, The Hamptons provide a year-round vacation setting, with quaint New England Kodak moments around every bend, pristine beaches, exciting antiquing and shopping, fabulous restaurants, and year-round sports appeal. A full system of roads connect Long Island to surrounding mainlands, along with a ferry for easy connects to both Connecticut and New York.

Hamptons believing he was a Rockefeller? Or that Billy Joel has (on more than one occasion) been stopped for reckless driving? Or that Madonna, while horseback riding, took a spill when her horse was spooked by a paparazzo. Speaking of accidents, Matt Lauer was injured when avoiding a collision with a deer when he was out bike riding near his home.

A dream job for top luxury property realtors like Gary DePersia of Corcoran Group Real Estate.

The Hamptons’ “perfect light” that today draws noted artists from around the globe probably wasn’t what first attracted the fishermen who settled this picturesque area over 360 years ago. More likely they were looking for more profitable waters — and threatening to burn witches in their spare time.

The Hampton Classic — one of the country’s largest hunter/jumper horse shows — is both a major international-draw sporting competition and one of the most extravagant social events of The Hampton’s summer season. 2012’s all-new Taylor Harris Triple Crown Challenge offers a spectacular $200,000 top prize for any show jumping rider that can put together back to back to back wins at three of the nation’s most prestigious grand prix events.

No doubt their eyes did boggled at the incredible wide stretches of pristine beach, soothing ocean breezes and dramatic bluffs of Montauk, which create awesome views that have to be seen to be believed. Add to these delights the incredible luxury estates built by the wealthy families of New York and surrounding areas anxious to escape summer in the (then-un-air-conditioned) cities, and the quaint cottages built by those who came to serve and sell to them.

The glacial Ronkonkoma Moraine hills that run through the north part gradually flatten out into a sandy plain that leads to the Atlantic’s barrier beach, putting winter sports and fantastic fishing and surfing close at hand. Huge draws are the impressive swells off fashionable Main Beach.

The Gulf Stream currents are so warm that those who treasure the outdoors are as drawn to this area as those who just want to such an ambiance to call home year-round.

No wonder The Hamptons now boast among their famous residents Rockefellers, Kennedys, Calvin Klein, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, Matt Lauer, Jerry Seinfield, Gwyneth Paltrow, Renee Zellweger, Martha Stewart, Jann Wenner, to name just a few. And they bring with them, of course, a demand for quality in everything from restaurants to entertainment to shopping.

The Hamptons are an area where folks care about, and take care of, the environment. Nature Centers and ecological projects abound.

Historical events such as the Nature Centers, ecological projects and historical events tied to the countryside abound.

And where the celebrities are, so follow tabloid-types. Did you know, for example, that for an entire summer, a French con artist had The

As Corcoran realtor Gary DePersia explains, “The dynamic Hamptons are rapidly evolving from summer getaway to country retreat...a place where those with busy lives elsewhere are investing more and more of their precious leisure time year round.”

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COLUMBIA / BERKSHIRE County Written by B. B. Smith

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ne of the nation’s “Last Great Places” is the way the Nature Conservancy describes the scenery around Columbia County and Berkshire County, nestled as they are in softly rolling foothills of the Taconic and Berkshire Mountains. Names that conjure up visions of beauty, wealth, luxurious living are within easy reach . . . Catskills, Poconos, Adirondacks. Scenic landscapes, natural beauty and recreation galore are carefully preserved by adjacent states, the national government and many nonprofit organizations Incredible views, “Gilded Age” historic homes, internationally-famous art and culture, not to mention world class cuisine, entertainment and education . . . and all for 460 (English) pounds, three barrels of cider, and 30 quarts of rum? That’s what the original purchasers of The Berkshires, as they are known, paid for this 946-square mile “county” in Western Massachusetts.

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Meanwhile, just over the border in New York State, Mohican Indians cheerfully sold what is now Columbia County to those who followed explorer Henry Hudson, settling in this 648-square mile county. They chose Christopher Columbus as their namesake, with a slight variation on the ancient word for dove. Officially organized in 1786, this is the home of President Martin Van Buren.

Both The Berkshires and Columbia County are as famous as retreat sites for the rich and famous as they are for their contributions during the American Revolution and Civil War. The elite in the 1800s flocked to The Berkshires (as they still do today); building beautiful “cottages” now home to many prep schools and among hundreds of National Register of Historic Places sites throughout both counties. Named after England’s oldest county, the oft-called “Royal County of Berkshire” (site of Windsor Castle), the original Berkshire name supposedly comes from bearocc, the Celtic word for “hilly.”

Birthplace of Oliver Wendell Holmes, the Berkshires are the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the place to see Robin Williams, James Taylor, Meryl Streep, Sonny Rollins, Yo Yo Ma, Pete Seeger, James Levine, and numerous other celebrities.

Spotted around Columbia County are Cindy Crawford, Al Roker, Martha Stewart, Ralph Lauren, Gianni Versache, Kristin Scott Thomas, Diane Keaton and Meg Ryan — many enjoying the area’s world famous antique shopping.

Pittsfield, The Berkshire’s largest city, was ranked in the nation’s “Top 20 Most Secure Places to Live” by Farmers Insurance and in the “Top 24 Green Cities” east of the Mississippi (in its size category). Pittsfield was originally known as Pontoosuck, a Mohican word for “a haven for winter deer.” Here are the homes of Herman Melville and Edith Wharton and the “National Historic Treasure” Colonial Theatre, acclaimed as one of “the finest acoustical theaters in the world.” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s home is now the site of Pittsfield High School.

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Filmmakers descended on The Berkshires for settings for “Alice’s Restaurant,” “Pretty Poison,” “Cider House Rules,” “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf,” “A Change of Seasons,” “Lethal Innocence,” “Before and After,” “Into My Heart,” “Wilber Falls,” “Dinner and a Movie,” “ and “The Human Stain.”

A law prohibiting baseball from being played within 80 yards of the Pittsfield library is believed to be the earliest known reference to this game in America.

President Martin Van Buren started his law career in Hudson, Columbia’s county seat. To celebrate the city’s sesquicentennial, the U. S. mint issued the rarest coin it has ever minted: the Hudson Half Dollar. Rumor has it this coin was ordered by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to thank the Hudson City Democratic Committee for its endorsement (his very first) for State Senator and Governor.

Something the city fathers probably won’t tell you, Columbia Street used to be Diamond Street, a center of notorious activities. (Google that for details!) So no wonder the city has been the setting for so many movies, including “The Wonder Years,” “Odds Against Tomorrow,” “Ironweed” and “Nobody’s Fool.”

Hudson’s literally-hundreds of listings on state and national Historical Registers have earned the city the “finest dictionary of American Architecture in New York State.” Its Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) Museum of Firefighting is one of the largest in the world.

When it comes to locating just the right property for one’s needs in Columbia County or Berkshire County, an intimate knowledge of the area is paramount. This is the service offered to clients by Gabel Real Estate, along with the most sophisticated technology available to property brokers.

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Manhattan Written by B. B. Smith

“New York is the biggest collection of villages in the world.” -- Alistair Cooke Imagine if Peter Minuit — who bought Manhattan Island from Indians in exchange for beads, buckets and trinkets — could return today and see what he wrought . . . perhaps world’s most exciting center for finance, the arts, communications, international politics, and more?

The electricity that pervades Manhattan today sparks synapses that are felt in outer space. And yet, as Alistair Cooke points out, at its heart, New York City is a “collection of villages,” many of them quaint-yetultimately sophisticated enclaves that quietly and smoothly offer the finest the world has to offer in a softly comfortable ambiance that belies the frenetic activity outside.

At one’s fingertips are the very best of everything required for luxurious living, whether it incredible views of this glamorous city, or necessities 36

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of life such as education, entertainment, shopping, cuisine, arts or culture, explains Stribling Private Brokers, Manhattan’s premier real estate company.

Manhattan is in one of the nation’s wealthiest counties, globally recognized as the world’s financial capital and center for arts and entertainment. No wonder one hears residents of New York City’s other boroughs, such as Brooklyn and Queens, say they’re “going to the city,” when referring to a trip into Manhattan.

Manhattan roughly translates as “island of many hills” in the Lenape language. One of Henry Hudson’s officers (on his yacht) notes the name “Manna-hata” when referring to this area in one of his journals. The Lenape tribe (Delaware Indians) once in habited the area. (New “York” comes from the English Duke of York and Albany, the future King James II.) Manhattan’s rich and exciting legacy passes through the heart of the Revolutionary War and later emergence of the United States. It was here that colonists wrote the first Declaration of Rights and Grievances with the “no taxation without representation” concept.

One can’t help but think, staring at Manhattan from above or across the water, how one tiny island can hold the weight of such a density of concrete. It does. The underlying bedrock is a mica schist, a strong metamorphic rock than can actually be seen as outcroppings in Central Park. The reason skyscrapers are clustered in the Midtown and Financial District is that the bedrock base is higher there.

If you’re going to live in Manhattan, you have to learn the language, especially to get around. Everything is referred to as either east or west of Broadway. Avenues generally run north and south. Streets generally run east and west. Can’t see a street sign? Avenues are usually wider, streets are narrower, which should help orient you when you step off a subway.

If the cross streets increase in number as you walk up an avenue, you’re headed north. Down, south. It’s the exceptions that will drive you crazy!

Fortunately there aren’t too many of them.

Early in the 19th Century, Manhattan was expanded through the use of landfill from the natural Hudson shoreline at Greenwich St. to West Street.

When the World Trade Center was built, 1.2 cubic yards of “material” was excavated to make room for lower levels. That fill was used to expand the Manhattan shoreline across West Street, creating Battery City Park.

Perhaps more so in Manhattan than in any other luxury real estate market, an intimate knowledge of these often very unobtrusive high-end properties is absolutely essential. At Stribling, the philosophy is simple, yet it is the key to its success: The right broker makes all the difference.

Each agent understands why selling or buying a home is a life-changing experience — especially in a complex market such as this one is. Agents understand the sensibilities of their discerning clientele. They, too, have the highest standards.

The 22.7 square mile island is only 13.4 miles long and 2.3 miles wide at its widest point (near 14th Street). The street grid plan creates an interesting phenomenon sometimes called “Manhattanhenge” (like Stonehenge?).

In late May and early July, when the sunset aligns with the street grid lines, the sun is visible at or near the western horizon from street level.

Ditto for sunrises in January and December.

Stribling is renowned for its roster of New York’s finest properties and exceptional client-focused service. Therefore, it is not surprising that 80% of Stribling’s business comes from referrals and from generations of the same families. Stribling’s associates are highly regarded for their professionalism, discretion, and creative thinking. This is why Stribling stands out among hundreds of other residential real estate firms in Manhattan.

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Islip / Babylon F

Written by B. B. Smith

ew urban suburbs can boast ocean beaches, sparkling bays, historic villages, architectural treasures and beautiful vistas of lakes, canals, ponds and forest fields.

Islip and Babylon in Suffolk County, New York, are among the very fortunate few, according to Jim A. Netter of Netter Real Estate, premier Long Island property brokers. No wonder Suffolk was listed by Forbes Magazine as the fourth richest county in America.

Stretching northeast into the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island’s exquisite Suffolk County residential communities enjoy the same treasured settings as the area’s original settlers from Suffolk County in England.

Ironically that name means “southern people” (as opposed to the northern folks of “Norfolk). Attracted by the area’s temperate weather, abundant clean water and rich soil, these early settlers quickly gained a strong reputation as farmers extraordinaire — even for tulips and 38

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dahlia bulbs in Babylon. Within Suffolk County are more lighthouses than are found in any other county in the nation, with 15 of the original 26 still standing.

Islip was named for its founder’s English homeland, Islip, just north of Oxford, the birthplace of Edward the Confessor. One guess at the name’s origin is “slippery hill.” Located on Long Island’s south shore, Islip was home to Jacob Ockers, the internationally known “Oyster King” at the turn of the century, and his home is on the National Register of Historic Places. Ockers’ Blue Point Oyster Company brought such renown to the area, New York State passed a law forbidding any oysters to be called “Bluepoints” unless they came from the Great South Bay. Until around 1915, Islip streets were paved using oyster shells.

The 2.41 square-mile city of Babylon owes its unusual name to the mother of early settler Nathaniel Conklin who, in 1803, moved “to the hills” to what is now East Main St. at Deer Park Ave, a site now on the National Register of Historic Places. One story says his mother picked the name Babylon because she didn’t want to live there. Probably the name became even more appropriate in her eyes when she learned next door would be the American Hotel and Tavern. Ancient Babylon’s name was perhaps an adaption an ancient Akkadian word for “Gateway of God” or the Hebrew word for “confusing” or “to confuse.”

Walt Whitman once taught school in Babylon, but charges were brought against him and some of his students for “rowdy behavior” by the farmer who owned the land where the new King Kullen stands on Merrick Road. In the ‘20s and ‘30s, Babylon was as popular a resort for the rich and famous as the Hamptons are today. Fred and Adele Astaire were among the celebrities as was Rudolph Valentino whose

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movie “Vitagraph” used what is now Farmingdale Road (Route 109) for a chase scene.

Among the Babylon historical treasures are its town hall, the Nathaniel Conklin House, Sisters of St. Dominic Motherhouse Complex and the Frank W. Smith House.

Islip visitor George Washington stayed in Sagtikos Manor in West Bay Shore, one of the many mansions built by wealthy summer visitors from NYC. William K. Vanderbilt’s estate is now Dowling College. Singer Sewing Machine magnate Admiral Bourne’s home is now St. John’s University.

Eight nearby national wildlife refuges testify to the area’s appreciation of its natural resources. Its outer barrier beaches and hundreds of square miles of waterways have resulted in a longtime history of maritime surveillance and protection.

As one of the nation’s richest counties and one of the original Province of New York’s original counties, Suffolk offers its ten towns — including Babylon and Islip — the high level of amenities demanded by those who can afford the very best in lower and higher education, entertainment, cuisine, shopping, arts and culture.

An insider’s expertise is invaluable when searching for just the right luxury home. This is what Jim Netter’s expert team offers prospective homeowners in the Islip and Babylon areas. Personal attention, professional expertise beyond compare and state of the art real estate technology are the elements that have made this one-founder, one-owner company the go-to resource for the perfect home in the perfect neighborhood.

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Westchester County Written by B. B. Smith

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ome to generations of the country’s wealthiest families, Westchester County, NY, has become synonymous with “old money.” “Old” and “new” money, that is, those who want the close-by excitement and international lifestyle of Manhattan but with a beautiful, tranquil, fabulous-yet-tranquil, away-from-it-all, small-town friendliness with room to stretch out your elbows, breathe fresh, clean air while you take in the gorgeous natural scenery along the Hudson River. And also be close to the largest buffalo herd outside of Yellowstone Park?

Westchester is, according to “Crain’s New York Business” magazine, the state’s “slimmest, fittest county.” New York City is just a short car, plane or train ride away. The shorelines are magnificent, calming, and perfect for relaxing or for indulging in almost every water sport imaginable. Steven Tyler, a Westchester County native, used to fish with his pet raccoon Bandit in the Grassy Sprain Reservoir next to Sprain Lake Golf Course when he was a child.

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Another Westchester County native is Barbara Bush (née Pierce). And Croton Point Park was once a grapevine orchard where bone dust was used as a fertilizer for the special “ladies’ wine” produced with them.

When the English assumed control of this area from the Dutch, large tracts were established as “Manors” (single proprietors) or “Patents” (owned by partners) who then leased land to, and provided essential services to, tenant farmers . . . just as was done in England. For a variety of reasons, Westchester County was a hotbed of American Revolutionary battles, suffering more than any other single area of the country.

Home to one of the greatest engineering achievements, the Croton Aqueduct (now a National Historical Landmark), Westchester County soon became dotted with magnificent large estates, and opened “Playland” in Rye, the first totally planned amusement park in the country.

Operated by Westchester County, Playland is also a National Historic Landmark and was used in the movies “Fatal Attraction” and “Big.” White marble from Westchester County (Tuckahoe) was used to build New York City Hall, NY Library, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Federal Reserve Building on Wall Street, the Washington Square Arch and, in D.C., the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol. And, supposedly, some of Capt. Kidd’s treasures are buried on a Westchester County shoreline.

Know where the word “cocktail” came from? It’s said American soldiers stole the tail feathers from Tory-owned chickens then celebrated at O’Brien’s Chateau in Elmsford. Barmaid Betsy used the plumage to decorate their moonshine, dubbing the drinks: cocktails!

The historical milestones found in the 500 square miles of Westchester County are too numerous to list, but one is that Croton Gorge Park is the world’s third largest masonry structure (ranks right below Egypt’s pyramids). And an equally-as-lengthy list of celebrity residents includes those who do (or have) called Westchester County home, including Washington Irving, Norman Rockwell, Bill and Hilary Clinton, Donald Trump, Martha Stewart, Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins, David Letterman, Vanessa Williams, Michael Bloomberg, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, Glenn Close, Ralph Lauren, Richard Gere, Vera Wang, Denzel Washington, Robert Kennedy Jr., James Earl Jones, Mary J Blige and Katherine Graham. Beyoncé’s “Best Thing I Never Had”

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video was filmed in Westchester County at Scarborough’s Sleepy Hollow Country Club.

No wonder so many movies have been filmed here, including “Catch Me If You Can,” “ Rabbit Hole,” “It’s Complicated, Baby Mama,” “Across the Universe,” “The Departed,” “Hitch,” “The Stepford Wives,” “Mona Lisa Smile,” “Two Weeks Notice,” “A Beautiful Mind,” “The Family Man,” “Riding in Cars with Boys,” “Unfaithful” and “Big.” Also filmed here: HBO series such as “Boardwalk Empire,” “Mildred Pierce” and “Kevorkian.”

With such a wealthy population came all the amenities demanded by those who can afford the very best in residential communities, education, shopping, cuisine, entertainment, arts and culture. Although many of the beaches are private, public beaches, nature preserves, multiple waterfront recreational facilities and large harbors offer multiple nature and water sport opportunities. Westchester County is also home to the U.S. Tennis Association and the very first American golf club.

PepsiCo, General Foods, Ciba-Geigy, IBM and other major corporations contributed to the area’s success by establishing headquarters here, often using world famous architects and extensive, elaborate landscaping.

Westchester County’s six cities, 19 towns and 20 villages form a complex bailiwick that Hooligan Lawrence Real Estate has made its own with historic roots that run deep into the community. William Lawrence was founder of Sarah Lawrence College and an original county developer.

The Lawrence real estate connection dates to 1888. A. T. Houlihan Real Estate has been a premier broker since the 1950s. Now united under the ownership of Nancy Seaman and her brothers Stephen and Christopher Meyers, the still family-owned and operated business, headquartered in the same building where William Lawrence started his business 120 years ago, is the largest independent residential real estate brokerage in Westchester, Dutchess & Putnam Counties. Houlihan Lawrence is #1 in market share at every price point. Its 1,200 agents represent an unmatched channel for selling properties, bringing more resources to each and every deal than any other company in this market. HL’s award-winning website and integrated technology support all aspects of a client’s real estate experience.

Oh, and that buffalo herd? It’s on Glen Island.

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Greenwich Written by B. B. Smith

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hen you rank in the top 12 “Best Places to Live in the U.S.” and #1 in the “Biggest Earner” category, well, Greenwich, CT, has earned the right to be mighty proud of itself.

The first accolade came from not one, but two raters: CNN/Money and Money magazine. Money magazine also ranked this town, named after Greenwich, England, as “Biggest Earner.”

Greenwich was founded in 1640 by Elizabeth Fones Winthrop and the Greenwich Point was nicknamed (perhaps not to Elizabeth’s liking?) as “Elizabeth’s Neck.” Still, the area is rife with American Revolution history, including grand daring escapes from the British before they pillaged the town.

Just outside town is Round Hill, a lookout point for the Continental Army during the Revolution. Now, from the 550 ft. peak, the Manhattan skyline is 42

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visible. As much fun for visitors are the many islands just off the Greenwich coastline. Calf Island and Great Captain Islands are bird sanctuaries.

Island Beach (or Little Captain Island) has the distinction of once being a site where the National Guard used to let adults and children fire machine guns into the water. Don’t look for that privilege now!

However, on the lighter side, this island was also the site of performances by ventriloquist Paul Winchell and his dummy Jerry Mahoney.

Even if you can’t fire machine guns anymore, you can picnic at Greenwich Point (call it Tod’s Point and you’ll fit in better with the locals.

Tod was a previous private owner). From this vantage point, you can see Manhattan, Bronx and Queens bridge and hi-rises in New Rochelle, NY. Sailing, biking and rollerblading are all popular sports as is golf, with eight country clubs in the near vicinity. Oh, and don’t forget the Dorothy Hamill Rink in town.

Dorothy is a native daughter, as are Glenn Close is also native daughter as are Shelley Hack, Bijou Phillips and Linda Purl. Tom Noonan is a native son.

Notable residents, past and present, of Greenwich include Tommy Hilfinger, Taylor Caldwell, Truman Capote, Mel Gibson, Ron Howard, Joseph E. Levine, Mary Tyler Moore, Rick Shroeder, George C. Scott, Victor Borge, Wilhelmina Cooper, Tommy Dorsey, Kathy Lee Gifford, Jack Parr,

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Regis Philbin, Judge Judy Sheindlin, Wanda Sykes, Montel Williams and Michael Matijevic. The list goes on and on, especially with sports stars.

Like high-tech animation? You’ll be pleased to know Greenwich is home to the Academy Award-winning Blue Sky Studio, creators of Ice Age, Robots, Ice Age: The Meltdown, Horton Hears a Who!, and Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. The nation’s largest candlemaker, Blythe, Inc., is here in Greenwich as are many hedge funds and other financial service companies.

With this ilk come lifestyles of the rich and famous who demand the very best in luxury residences and education for their children as well as world class entertainment, cultural events, restaurants and shopping.

Seldom is a small community blessed with such a wide array of exceptional artistic and cultural opportunities, according to Greenwich Fine Properties Realtors. The crown jewel is the Greenwich Library. Its well-rounded features include lectures, film, art gallery exhibits and an astounding 441,200 volumes. The Bruce Museum shines brightly in its own right as a world-class art and science museum, regularly hosting many of the world’s most extraordinary artists. Vermeer, van der Heyden, Basquiat, Twachtman, and Magritte have recently graced its gallery walls. Greenwich’s symphony orchestra, numerous dance, choral, and theater groups have risen to the quality expected by those who are accustomed to the finer amenities available in more exclusive residential opportunities.

But it takes an insider to pass this information on to those searching for the perfect luxury homes of historical importance and/or architectural significance. Greenwich Fine Properties Realtors live and work in their communities, giving them a special, intimate knowledge of not only the area, but the amenities, schools, recreation, shopping — all the necessities that go into making a new house a true home, especially in the luxury communities.

Of particular significance is Greenwich Fine Properties special expertise in intimate knowledge of meticulous renovations and restorations of some of Greenwich’s finest homes, as evidenced by awards including the Greenwich Historical Society’s Landmark Registry and acceptance into the National Registry Historic Homes preliminary application status.

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dARIEN Written by B. B. Smith

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arien, ideally situated on Connecticut’s “Gold Coast,” has the enviable honor of being listed as one of 2011’s “Top-Earning Towns” in the nation. This beautiful “bedroom community” boasts few office buildings (larger cities are such an easy commute), yet is home to beautiful beaches, four country clubs, a hunt club, two yacht clubs and an easy commute to New York City.

For the leading Darien realtors, Kelly Associates Real Estate, these amenities are just icing on the cake. The hallmark of their business is the meaningful relationship developed with clients, which explains why for 17 years they have handled more transactions than any other firm.

Connecticut’s “Gold Coast” — generally lower Fairfield County and/ or Southwestern Connecticut — is often refered to as a “bastion of wealth.” Fairfield is the state’s most populated county — home to its largest cities: Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk and Danbury. All are within

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easy access from Darien. Fairfield also has the most registered ghost towns of any Connecticut county!

The range of accessible terrains is one of Darien’s treasures — from beautiful coastal beaches to numerous rivers and lakes to majestic ranges of the Appalachian Mountains and the famous Appalachian Trail that run through Fairfield County.

Want to be recognized as “in the know”? Pronounce the name “dairyANN” — with a heavy emphasis on the last syllable. That’s the way the locals say it, advises Kelly Associates, an independent, family-owned real estate boutique that shared the pride of all residents when CNNMoney named Darian in 2011 as one of the nation’s “Best Places to Live.”

Revolutionary history abounds along these beautiful shores of Long Island Sound. First settled by Anglos around 1641, Darien saw its share of invasions by Tories (British Loyalists) during the American Revolution.

During one such traumatic attack, 26 men were taken prisoner for five months, including the parish pastor, Rev. Moses Mather. Louise Hall Tharp chronicled this exciting period in her novel, Tory Hole.

The strangely-pronounced name, Darien, was the result of a squabble among residents. Too many families wanted it named after themselves!

It was a local sailor who, hoping to quell the controversy, suggested the name Darien. He had sailed to Darién, Panama, liked the name and proposed it as a compromise — probably to the irritation of many.

But eventually, that became the town’s name — with the exotic pronounciation but without the accent mark.

Darien remained a sleepy little town until after the Civil War when it and its neighbor Rowayton suddenly became an “in” resort site where

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wealthy New Yorkers built summer homes. Darien still today draws the internationally rich and famous to its annual Ox Ridge Hunt Club Charity Horse Show.

Those who chose to stay and call this picturesque New England area “home” (or “summer home”) have included Charles Lindberg, Andrew Carnegie, Christopher Plummer, Kate Bosworth, Carol Kane, Gus Van Sant, Gerry Mulligan, Chris Risola, Rudolph Valentino, Paul Manship, Erskine Caldwell, Grant Tinker, Scott Pelley and Richard Bissell, to name just a few.

Almost as long is the list of movies filmed in Darien, including The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit, The Stepford Wives, The Ice Storm, The Swimmer, Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House and Gentleman’s Agreement.

With notable residents, of course, come all the amenities they demand, such as outstanding restaurants, sophisticated entertainment, challenging sports venues, educational excellence and an emphasis on living the good life.

The 5-star Wee Burn Country Club course is just one of many that draw top golfers from around the area. The Country Club of Darien boasts a spectacular Dr. Michael Hurdzan-redesign of the stately golf course that has drawn national accolades.

Kelly Associates award-winning realtors take great pride in their deep ties and closeness to the community they serve. They are as active as their clients in the myriad of sport opportunities that abound in this delightful place to live. The real estate market is thriving, a firm reflection of the upbeat, enthusiastic Darien community.

And . . . Darien boasts the largest Little League Baseball program in the nation!

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Summit Written by B. B. Smith

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ummit has long had the reputation of being a charming preferred community for Manhattan’s financial elite — thanks to its unique large old houses, good schools and the New Jersey Transit rail link to Manhattan’s financial district. The city has always been popular with traders, investment bankers, and money managers, with nearly 20% of Summit’s residents working in finance and real estate.

What this means, of course, is that these affluent citizens of Summit ensure the highest of quality when it comes to education, culture, the arts, theater, cuisine, entertainment and, of course, shopping. And all with a 30-minute direct access to Manhattan, major highways and the Newark Airport!

As someone who has the inside track on the latest market trends in Summit and surrounding areas, Lois Schneider Realtor likes to characterize her favorite city as “Small Town — Big Dreams.” Summit has achieved just that, access to anything and everything without destroying the peace and ambiance those accustomed to an upscale life expect.

And now Summit is a darling of the “green” crowd, with a concerted effort to preserve and improve its natural resources and community health by “walking the sustainability talk.”

“Summit” certainly has a more upscale sound than Turkey Hill, the area’s first sobriquet. Then it became Beacon Hill, so-called after the bonfires lit as beacons on the eastern ridge to warn New Jersey militiamen of approaching troops. No one really knows where the name “Summit” came from although there are a number of stories. Probably it was just a logical step from the position of its site atop the second of the Watchung Mountains.

The city is loaded with legends. One says Ernest Hemmingway used the Summit Diner as the setting for “The Killers.” Registered Historic Places abound like the Summit Opera House, which was originally built in the 1890s by the Women’s Christian Temperance Union. It was a “dry” entertainment hall where the WCTU held its meetings. And residents like to point out that in the last episode of “Monk,” he leaves San Francisco to become chief of police in Summit, NJ. The Summit Playhouse is one of the oldest continuously operating community theaters in the nation.

Here was presented the first American production of The Romantic Age

by A. A. Milne.

Tree-lined streets, stylized designed homes and a beautiful downtown area provide the picturesque view of Summit today. The Summit

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Playhouse is one of the oldest continuously operating community theaters in the nation. Here was presented the first American production of The Romantic Age by A. A. Milne.

Lacrosse is a popular school sport with Summit High holding the New Jersey State (and possibly National) high school record for consecutive victories. Summit High was also ranked as one of “America’s Best High Schools” by Newsweek magazine. No wonder the area is well recognized as a wonderful place to raise a family.

Summit is a city with a lot of sports figures among native born sons and former residents, including the Dallas Cowboys’ Miles Austin of the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giant Dave Brown, professional ice hockey’s Paul Baier, Indy race car drive Mark Donahue, UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar, Toronto FC’s Brian Edwards, Olympic Gold Medal swimmer Scott Goldblatt, Major League Baseball pitcher Al Leiter, New York Giants head coach Rex Ryan and tennis stars Bill Larned and Fritz Buehning.

But then there’s also Meryl Streep, two-time Nobel Prize winning physicist John Bardeen, fellow Nobel Prize winner Walter Houser Brattain, poet Wendy Barker, jazz artist Greg Cohen, TV’s Charles Gibson and superstar Ice-T. It is this type of client Lois Schneider Realtor knows so well and has accommodated so successfully throughout her highly successful career.

She was twice named NCJAR’s Realtor of the Year, has been a Union County Board of Freeholders “Woman of the Year,” and has received the Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate Lifetime Achievement Award. The award of which she is the most proud is the Congressional Certificate of Achievement for Community Benefit. This honored her work with such organizations as The Resource Center for Women and Our House Group Homes for the Developmentally Disabled.

In the Summit, NJ, area, Lois is truly “The First Name in Fine Properties.” As she likes to tell clients: “Service is not just a word. Feed the fish. Move the furniture. Bring over a meal. Take midnight calls . . . a close the deal on your dream home.” At Lois Schneider Realtor, they often go beyond the call of duty for clients to make buying a home a positive experience. They know the value of excellent service. And while they may not do windows, they sure can find someone who will!

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Bay Head / Mantoloking Written by B. B. Smith

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hen you’re one of the most sought after areas in a region famous for luxury on the grandest scale, it really doesn’t matter if your name might translate “frog ground.” Especially when it’s equally possible that your sobriquet, Mantoloking, could also mean “sandy place” or “land of beautiful sunsets.”

The exclusive high end communities of Mantoloking and its sister city Bay Head are part of Jersey Shore’s “Gold Coast,” reigning over Barnegat Peninsula, which some call an island and others call a peninsula. Again, given the extravagant lifestyles of the rich and famous on this tiny strip of land, does it really matter? Katherine Hepburn and Richard Nixon both summered here, while Peter Kellogg, Roger King and John Wanamaker could be found in nearby Bay Head.

One of the most sought-after residential destinations for those who can afford the very best, Barnegat Peninsula derived its name from a Dutch

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word meaning “Inlet of the Breakers,” referring to the turbulent waters of the rather treacherous (and magnificent) inlet that separates it from Long Beach Island.

The 20-mile peninsula with its exclusive enclaves keeps a very low profile, letting the beautiful views and enviable amenities demanded by those who can afford the very best speak for themselves, explains Clayton & Clayton Realtors, Inc., the area’s oldest, premier real estate brokerage firm.

If anything can draw the eye away from those captivating water views, it’s the array of Shingle-style seashore houses, many of which are now on the National Register of Historic Places. The use of shingles was, in part, a means of achieving a weathered look and to obtain this on new materials, some architects had the cedar dipped in buttermilk, dried and then installed, achieving an enviable grayish tinge. They also gave the illusion of a great enveloped, flowing horizontal space.

A sense of history is everywhere, from the old Mantoloking Golf Course (1897) where golf was played with a red ball (easier to see on sand) to its expansion to a “Golf and Yacht Club,” then to the “Yacht Club,” home to ten Olympians. The famous crash of the German’s dirigible, The Hindenburg, happened at nearby Lakehurst Naval Air Station.

Bay Head’s Ocean County Historical Museum notes activity in this area as far back as 1000 BC and recalls how the famous pirate Captain William Kidd worked these waters. About the time he was hanged for his picadillos, in the early 1700s, this area’s settlement was beginning in earnest and it became a major stomping grounds for the American Revolution and the War of 1812.

These waters also helped set the standards for life-saving techniques when the U.S. Government, worried about Barnegat Shoal’s treacherous waters, began to build crude shelters along the beaches to help save shipwreck victims. Delegates from the Barnegat Shoal’s area demonstrated their techniques at the World’s Fair in New Orleans in the 1870s. The Barnegat Lighthouse at the northern end of Long Beach Island is the second oldest lighthouse in the nation.

Sailing races are just one of the many watersports opportunities available in this area. Thanks to easy access to New York, Philadelphia and other major centers, racing stars are regular visitors as are those who seek the incredible surfing, windsurfing, fishing . . . you name it.

With such an intricate and influential history, it is no wonder that the area’s oldest real estate firm should also be the go-to-broker for an intimate knowledge of the local property market. Clayton & Clayton Realtors, Inc., was established in 1930 by Stanley C. Clayton and the fourth generation of his descendents are still in charge today, with a fifth generation in the “grooming” arena. The family business is still dedicated to handling clients’ properties and property searches “quietly” while publically they “just simply produce.”

They succeed “quietly” as brokers of choice because of the unique intimacy such long term community involvement permits. Combining knowledge and local connections, extremely aggressive and protective of their elite clientele, the company is recognized as the finest, most reputable & most productive in its market.

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MAINE Written by B. B. Smith

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aine has long been a mecca for the rich and famous — as well as for those who simply demand the “good life” in the place they call home. From Martha Stewart to John Travolta, Patrick Dempsey, Kirstie Allie, Glen Close, and John Ford, the almost endless range of easy-access opportunities is an irresistible draw.

“Kodak-moments” are always so close at hand — fall color that has to be seen to be believed, majestic mountains, 3,500 miles of glaciercarved beaches (more coastline than California and Florida combined) to the most sophisticated urban cultural and educational offerings in the nation.

And yet, alongside comparable (if there are such) lifestyles across the nation, Maine’s property values are amazingly reasonable, a true irony given elegant luxurious homes and communities in the portfolios of high end luxury brokers such as Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty.

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Dating back to 1632, Maine was once part of Massachusetts, as well as part of the historic Louisiana Purchase, becoming its own state in 1820.

Around 90% of the nation’s lobsters are caught in Maine, a destination for seafood lovers. But also, more blueberries are grown here and more moose live here than in any other state. Maine’s springs are the nation’s leading source for sold bottle water.

And don’t forget Maine is home to 63 lighthouses, the nation’s largest toothpick manufacturing plant and, of course, Kennebunkport,

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famous for drawing so many politicians and celebrities. Acadia National Park is second only to Yellowstone as the nation’s most popular national parks.

Maine has easily progressed from its tradition as a major historical player in the development of this country to a source of continuing current major political and financial vibrations. And yet Maine has never lost the peace and tranquility conveyed in those all-so-true pictures of its rolling countryside.

But for the Maine resident, perhaps the lure is more tangible. Maine offers some of the nation’s best fishing, sailing and other water sports in its incredibly beautiful waters. Thousands of islands, protected harbors and miles offer gorgeous waterfront living.

Tired of watching whales? In a blink of an eye, the scenery changes and some of the finest ski resorts in the world offer exciting challenges as does white water rafting and myriads of other winter sporting opportunities.

Only slightly farther afield, all of New England and other internationallyfamous East Coast recreational, business and political centers are within easy commute.

Yet the state has helped ensure its small town atmosphere comfortably coexists with the highest level of interest in education, politics, finances and the other daily engines that run society today. Combine that with the fact that crime rates and property taxes are amazingly low and as much as 90% of the state remains forested. That’s why it’s known as the Pine Tree State.

The eclectic “Mainer” population has expanded from the most sophisticated of all the native American tribes to the rugged “Yankees” to the multi-cultured citizens of today.

Maine truly is, as some say with the most complimentary of intent, “like living in a foreign country within the United States.” Always the famous Maine sense of humor abounds.

Work in the Rockefeller family...long time playground in places like Prouts Neck, Camden, Rockport and the Bar Harbor region. They have been stewards of the Maine coast for generations. Many Rockefellers still enjoy Maine as a summer destination.

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INT E R N A TI O N A L

Classic Properties International is a consortium of the finest residential brokers throughout the world, each of whom represent their region exclusively. Our determination to offer the members complete autonomy and exclusivity within their market areas creates a mutual sense of friendship and loyalty that ultimately produces a profound brain-trust with tremendous synergy.

Visit us online at w w w. C l a s s i c P r o p e rt i e s I n t e r n at i o n a l . c o m

Your Gateway to the Finest Properties for Sale Throughout the World

South Central

Houston.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54-55 Galveston. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56-57 Austin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58-59 San Antonio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60-61 Dallas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62-63 New Orleans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64-65 Birmingham.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66-67

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Houston Written by B. B. Smith

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hen it comes to almost everything, Houston’s upward bound with plenty of bragging rights. What other city can claim its name was the first word spoken from the moon? (That happened July 20, 1969.) “Space City” is also where the astronauts aimed their cry to NASA’s Mission Control: “Houston, we’ve got a problem.” They knew where to find the help they needed.

That’s the tradition of the Bayou City, so called because of the numerous natural canals that traverse the area. Houston’s name comes from the legendary Sam Houston, then President of the Republic of Texas.

Houston’s geology developed from erosions of the Rocky Mountains, transported by rivers on their way to the Gulf of Mexico. The resulting de deposits make areas around Houston ideal for rice farming.

Unfortunately the city’s spread (well over 100 miles from farthest tip to farthest tip) has encroached on all but the farthest outreaches. On the 54

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other side of the coin, Houston was not that long ago ranked first in the list of “Healthiest Housing Markets.”

Houston metropolitan area has ranked first in Texas and third in the U.S. within the Category of “Best Places for Business and Careers” by Forbes magazine. Forbes has also ranked Houston first on “Forbes Best Cities for College Graduates,” “Forbes List of Best Cities to Buy a Home” and “Best City for Shopping.” Kiplinger’s Personal Finance “Best Cities” has ranked Houston at the top based on local economy, employment opportunities, reasonable living costs and quality of life.

The Greater Houston area is larger than New Jersey and only slightly smaller than Massachusetts. The largest city in the southern United States, Houston is the fourth largest in the nation. If Houston were an independent nation, it would rank as the world’s 30th largest economy.

And yet, after-taxes living costs are lower than the national average, mainly because housing (including, luxury, high-end housing) is way below the national average.

No wonder upscale residential neighborhoods are the best sellers in the Houston market, according to Heritage Texas Properties, the go-to source for the finest homes in the most exclusive neighborhoods.

With Houston’s continual influx of those who can afford the very best have come all the amenities that such clientele expect, the cremé de la cremé in schools, arts, culture, entertainment, shopping and, of course, cuisine.

‘Tis a fact that Houstonians eat out more than residents of any other city in the nation.

Fortunately, Houston is also home to the largest medical center in the world, the Texas Medical Center.

Houston’s Theater district is second only to New York City in terms of concentrated seats in a single locale. With more than 500 cultural, visual and performing arts organizations, Houston is one of only five U.S. cities with year-round resident companies representing all major performing arts.

And when it comes to sports, well, bragging gets Texas-sized. The Heisman Trophy is named for John William Heisman, the first full-time coach and Athletic Director at Houston’s Rice University. The first indoor

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domed stadium in the nation was, of course, the Houston Astrodome, nicknamed the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Sports teams abound: Houston Texans, Houston Astros, Houston Rockets, Houston Dynamo, Houston Comets, and more. Speaking of the Comets, they are the only team in the country to win four back-to-back WNBA championships.

Headquarters for more than 23 Fortune 500 companies (only NYC has more), Houston boasts more than 5,000 energy-related firms, earning it the title of Energy Capital of the World. Houston’s port, the 10th largest in the world, is first in the nation in terms of international waterborne tonnage handled. This contributes no doubt to Houston’s eclectic population. Over 90 languages are spoken in this city, which has one of the youngest populations in the nation.

With such high level executive influx comes a need for a Realtor who intimately knows this community. Heritage Texas Properties is a leading marketer of single family, townhome, condominium, loft, mid-rise and high-rise homes and lots in the Houston region’s most prestigious neighborhoods.

Under the leadership of Broker/Owner, President & CEO, Robin Mueck, Heritage Texas Properties benefits from years of market knowledge, a wealth of experience and service to the community. A HUB certified business led by one of Houston’s most recognized real estate leaders, Robin Mueck, Heritage Texas Properties employs more than 250 licensed real estate professionals working from multiple office locations throughout the Houston region and the near Hill Country, Heritage is able to provide an unmatched range of services and geographic capabilities to meet all of their clients’ real estate needs.

In addition to their premier residential brokerage services, they offer nationally and internationally recognized corporate and individual relocation services, a farm and ranch properties division, as well as property management.

The company has successfully weathered the volatility of the dynamic Houston real estate market and has consistently succeeded in both tough times and boom times. Three+ decades of experience in changing markets is a real plus for buyers and sellers. But, in the end, it’s all about performance. Results have earned Heritage Texas Properties the respect of their community, their peers, and over three decades of satisfied clients.

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Galveston N

ow that Galveston’s taking it’s rightful place among the premier beach destinations and luxury seaside residential sites, city promoters can laugh at the isle’s first moniker: “Isla de Malhado” (or “Isle of Doom”). Early Spanish explorers shipwrecked there perhaps didn’t hit it off so well with Karankawa and Alokisa Indians (some were said to be cannibals).

The Spanish prevailed and named their first permanent European settlement after Bernado de Galvez y Madrid, a colonial governor of Louisiana, played a significant role in the American Revolution. “Galvez” roughly translates “battle elf.” The legendary (6-foot-plus) pirate Jean Lafitte then made the isle his own while engaging in intrigues that today delight film visitors to the Strand area, once known as “Wall Street of the South.” Perhaps Lafitte’s ghost even walks the historical walled ruins of his former home on Harborside Dr., today watching cruise ships sail down the harbor that was once known as “Ellis Island of the South.”

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And perhaps “doom” in that early name foretold the two worst hurricanes in the nation’s history (1900 and Ike) which so devastated Galveston that the incredibly stalwart islanders had to rebuild twice, creating not just one, but two miracle cities, explains Kelly Kelley, a premier Galveston real estate broker.

Now fabulous Victorian gingerbread houses and extravagant beachhouses overlook the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway (and sometimes all three), part of the legacy of what islanders still called the “Free State of Galveston.” This tongue-incheek name references the freewheeling period during Prohibition when this was a Roaring Twenties resort haven. Wide-open gambling, liquor sales and other “delights” thrived under the mantle of “private clubs.”

(It was also called “Sin City of the South,” but that’s not mentioned now.) The famous 1926 “Pageant of Pulchritude” — that paraded an international array of scantily clad beauties along the beach — is said by many to have inspired the Miss America pageant. The rich and famous were regular visitors, including Bob Hope, Sammy Davis Jr., Duke Ellington and Frank Sinatra.

Today a brand new Pleasure Pier, beautiful statuary, pocket parks and the incredible Gulf of Mexico delight walkers, bicyclists and motorists along Seawall Boulevard which is actually a protective device for the city that proved its worth during Hurricane Ike. The story of this wall and the actual raising of the city after the 1900 storm is a must-see historical movie shown in the same Strand area as the Jean Lafitte film.

“Fun” is the byword in the Strand today, with its views of the harbor and the nation’s only remaining free major ferry (86+ cars each). With the influx of upper-echelon residents have come all the amenities demanded by those who can afford the very best in restaurants, entertainment, arts, culture. In winter, out come museum-quality Victorian costumes for

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“Dickens on the Strand” festival. In spring, the nation’s third largest Mardi Gras celebration draws huge crowds.

The Strand is one of the isle’s six historical districts, which together rank as one of the nation’s largest and most historically significant collections of 19th Century buildings. A bragging point for BOIs (Born on Island-ers) is that over 60 structures are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, including (in the Greater Galveston area) war embattlements that date back to the 1800s.

While tourism is now Galveston’s major focus, both the University of Texas Medical Branch and Texas A&M’s extensive maritime units are major employers as is Galveston’s extensive (and quite historically powerful) banking and insurance industries.

Just a hop-skip-jump from the explosive Greater Houston area, Galveston yet as successfully maintained its small town atmosphere and friendliness. Golf carts are as popular a mode of transportation as cars in many areas. Shuttles for tourists to key island highlights are just as helpful for residents and shopping is a boutique-lover’s delight. Antique lovers too!

As with any exciting city, of course, an insider’s knowledge is key to property purchases in the most coveted areas. As the area’s premier property broker — according to Houston Business Journal and The Prudential Gary Greene Award — Kelly knows the island’s history, its neighborhoods, its movers-and-shakers and where its exciting future is headed. A Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, Kelly has the highly specialized inside track and the ear of those in the know, along with the professionalism, state-of-the-art marketing technology, expert team and “good friend” personality to make finding just the right home a fun, pleasurable and very rewarding experience.

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Austin Written by B. B. Smith

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ustin wears many hats — depending on your interest. It’s known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” “Silicon Hills” (for the mushrooming technology industries), eastern gateway to the famed Texas Hill Country, the beginning of the American Southwest.

Everyone associates Willie Nelson with Austin. But add to this country music legend’s name notables such as George W. Bush, Lance Armstrong, Sandra Bullock, Johnny Depp, Larry Gatlin, Marsha Gay Hardin, Molly Ivins, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Matthew McConaughey, the list goes on and on.

In fact, the stream of actors alone is almost never-ending given the number of movies filmed in this picturesque setting, including The Alamo, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (a true story!), Capote, Courage Under Fire, Fandango, Hope Floats, Michael, Miss Congeniality I & II, Nadine, and the TV series Friday Night Lights and Lonesome Dove.

Austin’s ever-expanding film and arts scenes have attracted a highlyeducated, forward-thinking workforce which, in turn, has created what Money Magazine recognized in 2011, naming Austin second in the “Best Places to Live” among “Big Cities.”

Add to these kudos, the title “City of the Violet Crown,” a wintertime violet glow across the hills just after sunset, a testimony to Austin’s unique, lake-filled position at the intersection of four major ecological regions. Austin and the Texas Hill Country are so bound up with Texas’ picturesque history, it’s alive around every corner.

As the Capital of Texas, which has produced two United States Presidents and too many national political figures to list, Austin is always au courant with what’s happening in D.C. And, it’s true: Everything’s bigger in the Lone Star State. The State Capital’s dome stands seven feet higher than the U.S. Capital’s dome in D.C.

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trend by maintaining relatively stable home values, according to the city’s Business Journal. Thanks to these companies, and the presence of the State Government, the University of Texas and numerous other universities, housing starts are also continuing to rise, with luxury subdivisions a major component.

Turnquist Partners specializes in such properties, including lavish estates, luxurious condominiums, trend-setting lofts, spectacular golf communities and breathtaking waterfront properties, as well as acres of farm and ranch land. Like most Austin residents, Steve and Michele Turnquist refer to themselves as “Austinites.” A dynamic Austin couple with more than 50 years of combined real estate experience, they have well earned their reputation as Central Texas luxury home market leaders.

Austinites are incredibly friendly, proudly eclectic, reflecting the classic Texas independence, and fiercely protective of small, unique local businesses. A delightful community sense of humor (with always an eye to side benefits) pervades Austinites, who recently adopted the unofficial slogan: “Keep Austin Weird.”

Typical example — they revel in the fact that Austin has the largest urban bat colony in the world, under the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. Far from being a threat to humans, these shy creatures appear as if by city decree for mind-boggling departures and safe returns to their well-protected lair, creating a $7.9 million tourist attraction!

It’s no wonder, then, that the luxury home market in Austin is not just thriving, it’s exploding under the guidance of high end realtors such as Turnquist Partners Realtors, Inc. Incredible views of rolling hills and blue, blue lakes have attracted the highly-paid executives of numerous Fortune 500 markets now based, or with prominent regional offices, in the Austin area.

Whole Foods Market, Apple, Google, IBM, Intel, Samsung and 3M are just a few of the corporations that have helped Austin belie the national

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San Antonio

Written by B. B. Smith

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an Antonio may now be the seventh largest city in the United States, but its strong Southwest and Mexican ambiance, combined with incomparable luxury and the traditional friendliness of Texans, make it one of the most interesting places in the nation to live.

The flags of five nations have flown over this historic city: Spain (15191685 and 1690-1821); France (1685-1690); Mexico (1821-1836); Texas as a Republic (1836-1845); Texas in the Confederacy (1861-1865), and Texas in the US (1845-1861 and 1865-present).

A strong sense of this rich, colorful and never-boring history pervades every aspect of life in San Antonio, from the historic sites (such as the incomparable Alamo) to its ancient and still deeply religious missions, to festivals and fetes too numerous to mention. Always there is that overwhelming sense of humor, such as in the Battle of Flowers where

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women throw flowers at each other in mock memory of the many fights that took place in the area.

generations of highly successful families and the wealthy, successful “newcomers” who have arrived over the most recent centuries.

Perhaps nowhere in the nation has the enterprising citizenry been more successful than on the San Antonio Riverwalk. Once an eyesore, the river that courses through the inner city is now a pure delight that draws not only tourists from across the globe, but regularly its own residents who appreciate the ambiance and fun that pervades every watery turn.

Luxury residential real estate has expanded along with outstanding entertainment, including sports venues, including golf courses, that draw the rich and famous. Of course the San Antonio Spurs basketball team members live here. Others who have, or do, call the San Antonio area home include Lara Flynn Boyle, Jackie Earle Haley, Bruce Mcgill, Henry Thomas, John Schneider, Malik Rose, Johnny Bush, Vicki Carr, Holly Dunn, Emily Robison, Heloise, Shelly Duvall, Jared Padalecki and Madeline Stowe.

The Kuper real estate family has been a integral part of this historical journey. So small wonder that Kuper Southeby’s International Realty has risen to the pinnacle of the San Antonio’s luxury real estate market.

Award-after-award have reinforced this top rating as Kuper realtors are as enthusiastic about community involvement as they are about San Antonio’s exploding real estate market and economy.

A university-rich city, San Antonio has prided itself on being “culturallydiverse.” In doing so, it has developed an extensive list of businesses, organizations, museums and projects recognized internationally for expertise and excellence. Perhaps the city is best known for its incredible cuisine, the result no doubt of satisfying the demands of both the

San Antonio is the gateway to the famed Texas Hill Country . . . the “Heart of Texas.” Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty’s expertise ranges all over this region, often nicknamed “Texas’s backyard playground.” Spectacular lakes, amazing vistas, rolling hills and “drop-off” valleys, just a short drive from San Antonio, offer places to hike, hunt, swim, camp or just “chill out.”

It is, as Kuper realtors point out, a “state of mind” that you can call home whether your preference is for luxury city living or farm and ranch or the full range of residential possibilities in-between!

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Dallas Written by B. B. Smith

“Big D, little A, double L-A-S!”

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ho doesn’t know these lyrics by Frank Loesser? Who doesn’t know J.R. and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders? Who doesn’t know the first frozen margarita machine was invented in Dallas?

And, maybe of equal importance, so was the first integrated circuit computer chip (which later became the microchip).

But bet not everyone knows the entire Statue of Liberty could fit inside the Cowboys Stadium . . . with the roof closed. Or that Dallas magnate Lamar Hunt (founder of the American Football League) coined the term “Super Bowl.”

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The list of superlatives (as befitting a Texas city) goes on and on: • the nation’s largest permanent model train exhibit is on display at the Dallas Children’s Medical Center.

• the nation’s largest indoor Christmas tree can be found at Galleria Dallas.

• the Dallas Arts District is the nation’s largest urban arts district.

• Highland Park Village Shopping Center (circa 1931) was the nation’s first planned shopping center.

But J. R. should have given you a clue to this one: • The Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex is home to 25 of the richest Americans. And to the nation’s third largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies. No wonder the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airports is one of the world’s largest and busiest.

Spain, France and Mexico all laid claim to the Dallas area before it became first part of the independent Republic of Texas and later the United States. But they were all post-Caddos, an ancient Indian tribe whose distinctive “mounds” can still be seen in North Texas.

So, why “Dallas”? No one really knows. One sources says one of the founding fathers named it for “his friend Dallas.” No one knows who the friend was. There was a pirate around that time named Dallas and a Texas Ranger named Dallas who are possible candidates. No one knows for sure.

Most folks are more interested in names of current and past residents that can be dropped today, like Chuck Norris, the Jonas Brothers, Don Henley, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Deion Sanders, Tom Joyner and Tony Romo.

What is known for sure is that Dallas definitely offers all the amenities so often demanded by those who can afford the very best in residences, cuisine, entertainment, education, arts and culture, according to Briggs Freeman, Dallas’ premier real estate brokers.

Preston Hollow not only boasts many of Texas wealthiest residents, but also some of the most expensive homes in a state noted for its highend populations. Dallas’ Trinity River Project is a 20-mile riverfront megabenefit contribution that is complimented by the internationally famous Dallas Arboretum and Botanic Garden. Well-known for its “modernist architecture” and “postmodernist skyscrapers, Dallas also boast outstanding examples of Gothic Revival and the Dallas Downtown Historical District is adamant about protecting its treasures.

Chili’s restaurants and Romano’s Macaroni Grills got their start in Dallas.

Fearing’s at the Ritz-Carlton Dallas was named best hotel restaurant in the nation by Zagat Survey. The hotel came in second only to the Four Seasons King George V in Paris, France, as the Best Hotel in the World. Bob’s Steak & Chop House was ranked #1 on the USDA Prime Steakhouses chart.

In 2011, Dallas became the nation’s first city to host the Super Bowl, World Series and NBA finals all within the same 12-month period. Home of the State Fair of Texas, Dallas hosts almost too many bowl games to list, topped, of course, by the Cotton Bowl. The Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks, Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars keep sports fans hopping. The Cowboys (“America’s Team”) are financially the most valuable sports “franchise” in the world (one estimate: $1.5 billion) and the second most valuable sports organization (behind the Manchester United, valued at $1.8 billion).

When it comes to real estate transactions, Briggs Freeman has been ranked #1 in the state by REAL Trends, Inc., and 1000WATT Consulting.

Utilizing its worldwide associations, cutting edge technology, business expertise and intimate knowledge of the Dallas-Fort Worth market, Briggs Freeman brings absolute satisfaction to its clients. As the oldest, privately held boutique real estate firm in Dallas, Briggs Freeman proven the value of its motto: “Success is not about a transaction. It’s about relationships with results.”

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New Orleans Written by B. B. Smith

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EW ORLEANS — The name alone conjures up so many diverse images — Mardi Gras, Bourbon Street revelry, fabulous jazz, incredible restaurants and picturesque oak-lined avenues with antebellum homes befitting the legacy of beauty and ambient charm left behind by French royalty and nobility.

But for those choosing to live in this extraordinary city — with its major international port — perhaps the best description is: eclectic.

Named after Philippe d’Orléans, Duke of Orléans, Regent of France, New Orleans has been long recognized as the “most unique” city in the United States. It even pre-dates the United States, having been founded in 1718.

The French Quarter itself is perhaps New Orleans’ best known locale, perched as it is right on the incredibly wide, incredibly powerful Mississippi

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And, ah, don’t forget all the voodoo legends that add tingling ambiance to tours of New Orleans’ famed cemeteries. Speaking of ambiance, if you’re going to live in New Orleans, you need to learn some of the lingo.

• Vieux Carré — the French Quarter. Translates “old city” • Gris-gris - Pronounced <gree-gree>. A (voodoo) spell. Can be applied for nefarious purposes (“to put a gris-gris on someone”), or as a force to ward off evil, like wearing a gris-gris bag. (Available for sale at voodoo shops in the Vieux Carré) • Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez – Let the good times role. (used often at Mardi Gras) River. Protecting the city that is surrounded by watery scenery is a system of miles of canals, more miles even than the City of Venice.

Canal Street, which borders the Quarter, is one of the widest streets in the world. So famous is the Quarter, it often comes as a surprise to visitors that beyond it’s “walls,” a city of great grace, traditional excellence and ultra sophistication thrives in quiet, elegant neighborhoods, In a city where tradition matters, Latter & Blum boast a history that goes back generations, giving L&B Realtors a unique entre to New Orleans society and the homes they wish to sell — from gracious historic properties to contemporary urban settings.

The parade of celebrities who can be spied in The Big Easy (making movies, attending events or just having fun), are legendary. Among the celebrities decided to own a piece of this historic city are Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Sandra Bullock, John Goodman, Ann Rice, the Manning boys (Archie, Peyton and Eli), Matthew McConaughey, Sean Penn, Bob Dylan, Nicholas Cage, Britney Spears, Pete Fountain, Harry Connick Jr., Fats Domino, Aaron Neville, Wynton Marsalis, Emerill Lagasse and Drew Brees.

The most impressive thing is not how many celebs can be seen in New Orleans, but how so many returned to The Big Easy to help rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. Although the hurricane devastated lower portions of the city, higher sections like the Quarter and the famed Garden District, with its magnificent homes, were only mildly impacted.

New Orleans is the keeper of great culture and history.

The National D-Day Museum commemorates the fact that the Higgins Landing Crafts (Normandy on D-Day) were built in New Orleans. The museum covers in depth the wars in the Pacific and Europe as well as on the homefront and in the air. In many areas, veterans who actually participated in specific battles are on hand to answer visitors’ questions.

Confederate Memorial Hall contains the second-largest collection of Confederate memorabilia in the world. Lighthouses of note dot the commerce-heavy waterways meander through the area.

Gambling casinos, New Orleans Saints and their Superdome, the aquarium and other spectacular tourist activities are complimented by opportunities to treasure the past on riverboat cruises, streetcar rides and plantation tours. Speaking of the streetcars, the St. Charles street carline, along with the San Francisco cable car, are the nation’s only “mobile” national monuments.

• NOLA — New Orleans Louisiana • New Orleans Trinity – green peppers, celery & onions (a must for most NOLA dishes) Living in New Orleans is always “an experience,” as one resident put it.

With the influx of so many different cultures over the years have come all the amenities that sophisticated gentry demand: the best in schools (including universities such as Tulane and Loyola), culture, arts, sports and, of course, cuisine and shopping.

Twenty National Register Historic Districts and fourteen local Historical Districts have been established in New Orleans, one of the top ten most visited cities in the United States. A Travel + Leisure poll of “America’s Favorite Cities” ranked New Orleans first in ten categories, the most firstplace rankings of the 30 cities included.

Creole townhouses, notable for their large courtyards and intricate iron balconies, line French Quarter streets. Throughout the city, historic housing styles include Creole cottages, American townhouses, double-gallery houses and Raised Center-Hall Cottages. St. Charles Avenue is famed for large antebellum homes. New Orleans is also noted for the 24-mile Lake Pontchartrain Causeway — the world’s longest bridge over water.

A positive picture is being painted by real estate sales watchers for the Greater New Orleans area. Some of the most beautiful homes in the nation, if not the world, can be found tucked into lush neighborhoods far from the tourist enclaves. As with exquisitely-luxurious homes in the Quarter, many of these larger homes keep their treasured upscale ambiance out of the public eye, reserved only for those who are invited in. Inner courtyards abound, as do state-of-the-art living environments hidden behind the rich traditional architecture so familiar in New Orleans.

In such a unique environment, it takes a real estate firm with deep, deep roots to penetrate beyond the glitz in New Orleans. Latter & Blum, Inc. Realtors® and affiliates C.J. Brown Realtors® Inc. and Noles-Frye Realty comprise the largest full-service real estate brokerage in the Gulf South.

Established in 1916 in the New Orleans real estate market, Latter & Blum has grown to include offices in Baton Rouge, Alexandria and along the Mississippi Gulf Coast that handle all phases of residential and commercial sales and leasing.

The only name that stands out in New Orleans & Mississippi Real Estate is Latter & Blum Realtors®

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Birmingham Written by B. B. Smith

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hen you are consistently ranked as “”One of America’s Best Places to Work and Earn a Living,” the “Best City for Bass Fishing” and a world phenomenon geological site, it’s easy to laugh when someone points out your name originally meant “head of beer.”

All apply to Birmingham, AL, a (relatively) young, vibrant metropolis that ranks as one of the top five banking cities in the United States.

Beautifully situated in a picturesque valley between two Appalachian mountain foothill ridges, Birmingham is the jewel of the Jones Valley.

Small creeks traverse the area, emptying into Black Warrier River. Nature and wildlife preserve abound, including one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious, the Ruffner Mountain Nature Center.

Birmingham was founded just after the Civil War from three merging farm. Little did they realize that they were sitting on a unique geological treasure, the only site on the globe where iron ore, coal and limestone —

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the main ingredients in making steel — are found in significant amounts so close together.

Channing Tatum, Lionel Hampton, Eric Bledsoe, Bobby Bowden and Emmylou Harris.

Most original settlers were British named their new town for Birmingham, England, hoping to “cash in” on their British counterpart’s industrial successes. Ironically, that Birmingham is named after the leader of a medieval tribe. His name, Beorma, translates (depending on whom you ask) as “fermented,” “head of beer,” “yeasty” or “frothy.” Maybe that’s why Birmingham became famous for its Magic City Brewfest that focuses on craft beer.

And don’t forget two American Idol winners (Reuben Studdard and Taylor Hicks) are from Birmingham, with native son Bo Bice making it to Runner-up.

Birmingham grew so rapidly, it earned the nickname “The Magic City.”

One section of early skyscrapers — 20th Street and 1st Avenue North — was so impressive it became known as “The Heaviest Corner on Earth.”

Major bottlers of Pepsi Cola and Coca-Cola have located here as have numerous insurance companies.

Such explosive growth attracted the crème de la crème to residential areas, according to Ray & Polymer Properties, a leading real estate firm brokering high-end Birmingham properties. And with these folks who can afford the very best came all the wonderful and exclusive amenities that they always demand. Birmingham excels in education, with the University of Alabama at Birmingham leading the way. Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School in the Birmingham suburb of Irondale was ranked as the #1 high school in America by Newsweek.

High-end communities require the finest in shopping, cuisine, education, arts and culture and Birmingham does not disappoint. The Birmingham Museum of Art is the Southeast’s largest museum. The state’s Alabama Ballet and Alabama Symphony Orchestra are based in Birmingham along with this city’s own ballet, concert chorale and opera troupes.

Here resides one of the nation’s oldest and largest children’s theaters, as well as international-level concert tours and sporting events. The Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival — dubbed a “Film Festival for the Rest of Us” by Time magazine — draws an international array of filmmakers annually. Jazz — so integral to Birmingham’s history, is celebrated here.

Among Birmingham’s celebrity sons and daughters are Condoleezza Rice, Hugo Black, Charles Barkley, Fannie Flagg, Tammy Wynette, Willie Mays, Satchel Page, Frank Fleming, Carl Lewis, Mark Childress, Diane McWhorter, Nell Carter, Courteney Cox, Kate Jackson, Wayne Rogers,

The city itself has been the star setting for such movies as Hooper, Norma Rae and Talladega Nights. Home to Southern Living magazine, this city holds the record for not only the oldest, but also the very first Veteran’s Day celebration.

The PGA Champions Tour has a regular stop here with The Tradition, one of its “Top Five Major Events.” The UAB Blazers basketball team is a major draw, along with baseball, soccer, tennis, ice hockey and motorsports.

The Southeastern Conference, the Southwestern Atlantic Conference and the Gulf South Conference are all headquartered in Birmingham.

Birmingham’s famous Legion Field has hosted numerous high profile postseason bowl games.

Voted the “The Best City for Bass Fishing” by both ESPN and Bassmaster magazine, Birmingham is so serious about recreational fishing, fish have been caught in 14 separate Birmingham area lakes that would have been state records in 35 other states. Fishing tournaments abound, including the Bass Masters Classic.

A nationally recognized leader in Greenspaces, Birmingham has ranked first in the nation for public green space per resident. Birmingham’s Ruffner Mountain (just five minutes from downtown) is larger than New York’s Central Park. The famed Olmsted Brothers designed a system of parks for this city.

When it comes to matching the right lifestyle setting with the right client, Ray and Poyner Properties has the history and the insider’s insight so necessary to point new residents in the right direction. For good reason, this is the fastest growing, most successful and most respected real estate company in the Birmingham and Mountain Brook area. Established in 2010 by Henry Ray and Wilmer Poynor, the company credits much of its success to its team of experienced, dedicated agents whose goal is to provide a level of professional service unequaled by anyone. In 2011 Ray and Poyner Properties agents sold $74.8 million in volume with an average sales price of $476,000 and 2012 is on track to be even better.

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American L u x u r y

E s t a t es

At AMERICAN LUXURY ESTATES you will find the finest luxury real estate properties represented by the most prominent luxury real estate brokers. Participating real estate broker companies contribute their private mailing lists of qualified individuals in their area to whom our quarterly Luxury Real Estate magazine is sent. A digital version of this luxury real estate publication is also sent via the Internet to high net worth individuals worldwide.

Visit us online at w w w. A m e r i c a n L u x u r y E s tat e s . c o m

Your Gateway to Exceptional Luxury Real Estate Properties Throughout the Nation

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Carmel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70-71 Los Angeles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72-73 Malibu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74-75 Seattle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76-77 Aspen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78-79 Boulder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80-81 Durango. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82-83 Colorado Springs. . . . . . . . . . . . 84-85 Phoenix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86-87 Summit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88-89

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Carmel Written by B. B. Smith

“A village in a forest overlooking a white sand beach” — that is the storybook city called Carmel-by-the-Sea. Incredible natural scenery, a rich artistic population and Clint Eastwood as mayor — Carmel-by-the-Sea is an aesthetic Pacific Coast paradise in every sense of the word. Dogs are welcome almost everywhere, high heel shoes can’t be worn without a permit. This one-square-mile city is beautifully tucked away on a gently rising slope above a magnificent white Pacific Ocean beach.

From the 6th Century on (it’s believed), ancient folks were drawn to this area, with the Spanish arriving in the mid-15th Century. They named this paradise after Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Mission Carmel actually contained the state’s first library and its founder, Father Serra, is called the “Father of California.” It passed into the hands of a French businessman who set up a brickworks and bakery. A dispute with another area called Carmel led to the addition of “by-the-Sea.” 70

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From the very beginning, Carmel lured artists, so aptly described by Jack London in his “The Valley of the Moon.” Swishing their brushes around were Mary Austin, Armin Hansen, George Sterling, and Clark Ashton Smith, to name just a few. Theater flourished, as did other venues and soon the roster of internationally recognized names spread across the arts. The poet George Sterling is credited with establishing the town’s literary base. Poet Robinson Jeffer’s Tor House, on a windswept barren seaside promontory is open to the public. Today Carmel’s Art, Bach and Shakespeare Festivals draw international audiences annually.

A unusually strong emphasis on protecting and enhancing the city’s natural coastal beauty has given Carmel such a reputation, it often hosts delegation wanting to know how it retains such small scale authenticity in today’s world. Trees are so treasured and revered, existing ones cannot be removed for construction and barren lots must be planted. This unique municipality has no streetlights or parking meters; houses have names, not street numbers and no home mail delivery. Overnight delivery is possible, but only with geographical addresses,” a street name, the cross street name and the number of houses from that intersection.

This doesn’t (didn’t) seem to discourage celebrities from making their homes in Carmel, including Jean Arthur, Doris Day, Clint Eastwood, Joan Fontaine, Sinclair Lewis, Jack Lundon, John Madden, Upton Sinclair, Robert Louis Stevenson, Betty White and Ryan Phinny. And, as would be expected with such a notable population, the amenities demanded by those who can afford the very best are found in Carmel in abundance —shopping, entertainment, education and, of course, cuisine. Carmel is a haven of coffee shops and its proximity to fresh seafood, the fertile Salinas Valley and 75+ wineries in the famous Monterey County ensure the very best of dining.

World class fishing, kayaking, surfing and scuba diving draw water sports lovers to the coast, while others head inland for exciting horseback riding, jogging, walking and bicycling along magnificent coastal bluffs. Nearby are renowned golf courses and tennis courts.

Just a couple of hours south of San Francisco, the picturesque ambiance of Carmel extends throughout the town that is redolent with myriads of Hugh Comstock’s whimsical cottages and other delightful architectural styles. “Residents rule!” could be a city motto. Nearby cities provide all necessary commercial amenities, which allows Carmel to focus on keeping its own neighborhoods as livable and residentfriendly as possible.

Oh, that no-high-heels-without-a-permit? Carmel treasures its picturesque atmosphere so much, cracked sidewalks and irregular pavement are considered crucial to the ambiance. This law is to prevent unappreciative visitors from suing the city if they trip and fall. But don’t worry. They have no jail. Or cemetery either. Well, there is one grave. For the town dog Pal. The city also used to prohibit selling and eating ice cream on public streets. But Clint Eastwood got that one overturned.

Needless to say, property is so coveted in Carmel-by-the-Sea, those seeking to live here or nearby naturally turn to those respected “Purveyors of Fine Homes & Estates,” Alain Pinel Realtors, voted the Best Real Estate Company in Monterey County (among its other many awards).

Owner/broker Judith Profeta heads a team that knows this unique city and surrounding areas intimately, who are as active personally in the community as they are professionally. Through them, new residents always find luxury properties that exceed their expectations.

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Los Angeles Written by B. B. Smith

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ow do you spell Los Angeles? L-U-X-U-R-Y

The City of Angels is very the definition of that word.

From international high-end shopping on Rodeo Drive to spectacular homes of the stars, from the incredible beaches and mountains to the Dodgers, Clippers and Lakers, Los Angeles is one extraordinary place.

In fact, if Los Angeles County were a state, it would be the fourth largest state in the nation!

Everyone knows about Hollywood, Disneyland, movie studios and celebrity sightings. But did you know Los Angeles . . .

• was founded (in 1781) by 14 families who named their new home El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles de la Porciuncula (Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angeles of the Small Portion). The town got bigger, the name got smaller!

• presents, on average, more than 2,000 ethnic and regional festivals, fairs, parades and other special events every year.

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has, on average, 325 days of sunshine a year

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has hosted seven Super Bowls

• allows you to surf, snowboard, ski and blaze a trail through the desert — all in the same day!

• boasts the nation’s largest municipal park (Griffith Park = 4,014 acres) • has 475 miles of bicycle paths • has one of the world’s largest manmade recreational harbors (Marina del Ray = 6,000+ yachts) • has 19 golf courses and 344 miles of walking and hiking trails • is home to the inventions of beach volleyball, windsurfing and skateboarding Los Angeles is also where the hula hoop, Barbie Doll, Mazda Miata, DC-3, Mickey Mouse, the chaise lounge and the Space Shuttle were created.

Los Angeles’ residents have tallied up their own impressive numbers.

There are more artists, writers and film industry folks living and working in LA than any other city at any other time in the history of civilization.

And — not that you’ll ever need them — there are 157 certified plastic surgeons here.

Their clients will be in sterling company when they settle here. And these clients trust Teles Properties to let them in on insider “LALA Land” lingo secrets such as: • Local media refers to LA as “Southland” and • they are about to become known Angelenos (rhymes with casinos).

• “PV” is the upscale beachfront town Palos Verdes • A “SigAlert” is declared if a lane of traffic will be closed for more than 30 minutes for an unplanned reason.

• “June Gloom” is a thick fog that rolls onto most beaches in early summer. It’s gone by early afternoon. Angelenos think it’s funny when visitors write off an entire day at the beach just because of a little early fog

Prizes. Los Angeles has more bookstores (300+) than any other U.S. city and the LA Museum of Art is the largest encyclopedic museum west of Chicago. Then there’s the Getty Center, Getty Villa, the Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens . . . the list goes on and on. Huntington Gardens, by the way, is one of the world’s most acclaimed gardens.

LA is such a scenic chameleon, it’s been the actual film setting for movies supposedly set in Japan, Hawaii, Manhattan, New York (King Kong), New England, Casablanca (yes, that Casablanca) and even a planet for apes. In fact, Jerry Seinfeld’s New York apartment is actually in LA, at 757 New Hampshire Ave! LA’s port complex is the largest in the nation, serving 1.2 million cruise passengers a year. No problem finding somewhere for guests to stay, LA is the third largest hotel market in the nation.

LA has 80 stage theaters and 300 museums. Education is a high priority with UCLA and too many other universities to mention.

An intimate knowledge of this unique world is essential for those seeking a luxury residence. Teles Properties defines itself as high-end boutique unlike any other.

Extraordinary wealth has brought the best of everything to Los Angeles, according to leading real estate firm, Teles Properties, which takes a “boutique” approach to maintain a close personal relationship with clients seeking the very best in luxury residential opportunities.

The experience and know-how of its Realtors are guaranteed to provide an extraordinary level of service and professionalism. State-of-the-art technology assures clients the most up-to-date presentations will — with very personal, very passionate attention — match them to the homes of their dreams.

Twenty-two Nobel Prize winners have come from Los Angeles, including Linus Pauling and Richard Feynman. Add to that 39 Pulitizer

Teles Properties is creating a whole new dimension in luxury real estate that is destined to lead the industry well into the future.

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MALIBU Written by B. B. Smith

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The “Malibu Lifestyle” really says it all. This stunningly beautiful, affluent beachfront city in northwestern Los Angeles sits on a 27mile strip of prime Pacific coastline. “The Bu,” as surfers, locals and Alan Harper call it, is famous for its warm, sandy beaches that front the luxurious homes of many residents. Others live in the picturesque narrow canyons formed by the Santa Monica Mountains to the North and Topanga Canyon to the East.

Malibu is easier to pronounce than “Humaliwo” — the Native American word for “the surf sounds loudly.”

Drop the “Hu” and you’ll see where the new name derived, explains Marcus Beck of Prudential Malibu Realty, top Realtor to the rich and famous and wannabes looking for homes in Malibu. Spectacular scenery abounds at every turn. Here, as Marcus says, “nature provides an awesome playground.”

Early Spanish influences are still strongly felt in this stretch that was once closely guarded private property. The Rindges, owners of the original 13,000 ranch, actually hired guards back in the late 1800s to keep trespassers out. They even defeated the Southern Pacific Railroad in court, stopping tracks from being laid. (Their home, the Rindge House, a National Register site, can be seen in Malibu Creek State Park.)

Ah, but you can’t fight City Hall. The state, wanting to build the Pacific Coast Highway, went to court too, and won. But Rhoda May Rindge had the final word, of sorts. Widowed, she refused to sell off her land, and opened a small ceramic tile factory that grew to over 100 workers. Time and the economy won in the end. But Rhoda May’s distinctive Moorish/Arts & Crafts creations, known as Malibu tiles, now are found in luxury homes throughout Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. She is remembered.

Oil tycoon J. Paul Getty opened his Getty Villa in Malibu, patterning it after the Villa of the Papyri at Herculaneum and other ancient sites.

Now it’s a museum beyond compare.

Actually, you could spend the next 20 years trying to see all the celebrities’ homes in Malibu. To name just a few of the past and current residents: Barbara Streisand, Jeff Bridges, Charles Bronson, Mel Brooks,

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Pierce Brosnan, Gary Busey, Dyan Cannon, Johnny Carson, Cher, Dick Clark, Jackie Collins, Robert Conrad, Laura Dern, Bruce Dern, Danny DeVito, Robert Downey Jr., Robert Duval, Bob Dylan . . . and that just takes you through the letter D! Fortunately, tourist maps of celebrity homes are available.

Malibu Colony has become one of the area’s most famous districts. A gated community with multi-million dollar homes on tiny lots, it offers some of the most breathtaking wide-span views of the Pacific Coast.

Close to Malibu Colony is Malibu Lagoon, part of a 169-acre state park, and a top-notch spot for bird watching. Best time is spring and fall when migratory fowl make their annual trek to and from Alaska and Central America.

Surfers from across the globe are attracted to Malibu’s World Surfing Preserves. This program was launched by the Save the Waves Coalition to designate and enshrine international waves surf zones and surrounding environments. Malibu’s Surfrider Beach was designated as the first World Surfing Reserve site to protect and preserve Malibu as an iconic surf site.

Malibu is close to the “big city” of Los Angeles for easy commute, yet far enough away to retain that small town friendliness and helpfulness.

Malibu’s schools are said to be the best in the Los Angeles area and Pepperdine University in Malibu has an international reputation.

Answering to higher standards is typical of Malibu as it is with Marcus Beck of Prudential Malibu Realty. A third generation Malibu native, and lifelong Malibu resident, Marcus hit the ground running as a new Realtor by winning “Outstanding Performance First Year with Company” award. From that point on, Marcus Beck’s reputation as a Realtor never slowed.

He has been a “Top Producing Realtor” consistently in a career that requires perseverance in a continually changing marketplace. His longtime presence among those for whom he is providing the perfect residence gives him the edge needed to see beyond a simple “deal.”

Marcus can provide local knowledge and perspective of the upscale Malibu community, where it has been and where it is going, with insight only a true “insider” can possess.

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Seattle N

estled in an incredibly scenic “valley” between the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, Seattle has the best of all worlds — a city built on hills, around picturesque waterways, with a mild climate that encourages a good life for plants, animals and people. Small wonder that it has been a continuous draw for settlements for the past 4,000 years.

Optimism reigns supreme here, dating back to the time, in 1851, when settlers named their townsite New York-Alki (the latter tag from the Chinook word for “by-and-by”). Eventually they changed it to Seattle, honoring the Duwamish Indian leader Sealth (or “Seattle”) who befriended them.

Chief Seattle was such a vocal proponent for ecological responsibility, perhaps his legacies are why Seattle is such an award-winner today in “Green Living.” And if you’ve ever read his famous speech, you won’t

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Written by B. B. Smith

be surprised to learn Seattle has been ranked as the “Most Literate City.”

The Seattle Public Library system has the nation’s highest per capita percentage of library cardholder.

When it comes to international recognition, Seattle was voted by one paramedic system as “The best place in the world to have a heart attack.” And the Evergreen Bridge is the world’s longest floating bridge.

On the national scene, Seattle was the first city in the United States to . . .

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build a floating bridge (Mercer Island bridge) put police on bicycles play a Beatles song on the radio build a revolving eatery (Space Needle restaurant) open a Starbucks

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Seattle ranks first in the nation in: • most sunglasses purchased • most folks riding bikes to work • highest houseboat population • largest man-made island (Harbor Island) • largest ferry system (Washington State Ferry) • longest continuously operating farmers market (at Pike’s Place Market) • highest per capita share of technology-dependent jobs (Seattleites joke that you can’t spit without hitting a software company. Bill Gates is a native son.)

Very large companies now dominate Seattle’s business landscape.

Amazon is based in Seattle, as are Starbucks, Nordstrum and Alaska Airlines. Boeing is a major employer. With these jobs, of course, and Seattle’s long history of wealth dating back to the Gold Rush days, have come a high-end population that demands the very best money can buy in a wide arena of amenities, including education, residential properties, shopping, entertainment, medical services, cuisine, arts and culture, according to J. Lennox Scott of John L. Scott Real Estate, nationally-recognized leader in Northwest property sales.

The regional center for the performing arts, Seattle boasts its Symphony is one of the world’s most recorded and its youth organization is largest in the nation. Seattle Ballet’s ballet training school is ranked as one of the top three in the nation. Seattle ranks second only to New York in the number of equity theaters. Ann Reinking was born here as were Jean Smart and Gypsy Rose Lee.

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Among the many movies shot in Seattle are “McQ,” “An Officer and a Gentleman,” “War Games,” “The Fabulous Baker Boys,” “American Heart,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” “The Vanishing,” “Mad Love,” “Love Happens.” And, of course, the TV series, “Fraiser,” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Seattle’s music scene — home to “grunge” — lays claim to helping start the careers of Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Jimi Hendrix and such groups as Melvins, Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains and Pearl Jam. Sportsmen are as drawn to the “temperate marine” climate of Seattle just as hunters and gatherers were thousands of years ago, but now for sport fishing, sailing, skiing, bicycling, camping, and hiking year-round.

Seattle — named the “Fittest City” in the nation — is officially committed becoming North America’s first “climate neutral” city, with a goal of reaching zero net per capita greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

A racially diverse city, Seattle is enthusiastic about professional sports with the Seattle Seahawks, Mariners and others. Apolo Ohno was born here as were John Olerud and Don Coryell. In addition to the many sports team members who make their home here, other celebrities who live (or lived) in Seattle include Harry Anderson, Dyan Cannon, Chris DeWolfe, Brendan Fraser, Quincy Jones, Jayne Ann Krentz, Dave Matthews, Yuji Okumoto, Tom Robbins, Tok Keritt and Bruce Lee. With such a diverse history and incredible expansion, newcomers are often overwhelmed by the choices of high-end properties. Founded in 1931, John L. Scott Real Estate boasts three generations of nativeborn executives who assure customers of a firm insider’s knowledge of the Seattle area. Chairman/CEO J. Lennox Scott oversees 100+ offices throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho. His roots are firmly based in Seattle, but his success earned him a repeated ranking as one of the nation’s “25 Most Influential Individuals in Real Estate. Consistently ranked as one of the nation’s largest and most productive firms, John L. Scott Real Estate has also been honored as the nation’s “Most Innovative Real Estate Company.” This translates into exceptional service and confidence for clients.

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ASPEN

Written by B. B. Smith

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spen is a name that conjures up images of spectacular snowcovered peaks, luxury wrapped in fur parkas, chalets high up in the mountains, challenging skiing with the sun reflected off pure white slopes, huge fireplaces with roaring red flames . . .

Upscale is definitely the word. The best of everything, exactly what those who can afford world-class luxury will demand. After all, Aspen boasts some of the most expensive real estate in the nation.

For Realtors like Craig Morris of Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty, the secret to success lies in understanding what “world class” truly means to those who want to make their homes, or second homes, in such an enviable locale. The scenery is just one element of many.

Residences and locales must offer all the amenities that make life a pleasure from dawn to dusk and beyond.

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Like the stalwart aspens that gave this beautiful community its name, Aspen residents have long weathered the variegates of time, from their boom as a silver mining center to the post-downturn, and back up again as an incomparable winter resort.

Sylvester Stallone, David Spade, Johnny Depp, Steve Forbes, Stephen Stills, Eddie Van Halen, Valerie Bertinelli and Donald Trump. Start your search at J-Bar, picked by Playboy magazine as one of the best taverns in the country.

Was it an omen of the future that the biggest silver nugget found in Colorado weighed 1,840 pounds and was found at an Aspen mine in 1894? Maybe so. Aspen has since plunged wholeheartedly into international fame, a glitzy playground for the wealthy and famous.

(J-Bar is in the Hotel Jerome. Its official drink is called “Aspen Crud,” a bourbon milkshake.)

Few probably are aware that the site has been inhabited for nearly 8,000 years. The presence of silver was ironically well known to Native Americans who referred to “The Shining Mountains.”

Skiing probably draws more visitors and new residents to Aspen than any other single sport. Wouldn’t most of them be surprised to learn that the first ski lift originated in Aspen? Called a “boat tow,” it was made of an old car motor, two mine hoists, and two 10-person sleds. They also need to know that, in Aspen, it’s illegal to fire catapults at buildings. (This goes for snowballs too.)

They might be impressed, however, to learn that Aspen Mountain’s Silver Queen Gondola is the longest single-stage gondola in the world. It whisks passengers from the heart of Aspen up to the 11,200-foot summit of Aspen Mountain (aka Ajax).

Aspen has become a second and third home to many international jet setters and celebrities, including the Kennedy family, Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, Angelica Huston, Sally Field, Kevin Costner, Robert Wagner and Jill St. John, Don Johnson, and Jack Nicholson. Singer Jimmy Buffett and members of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band also hold locals’ status.

The slopes, trendy restaurants and quaint hotels brag about their repeat celebrity visitors, such as Rosie O’Donnell, Christie Brinkley,

For Realtors like Craig Morris, co-owner of Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty, the secret to success lies in understanding what “world class” truly means to those who want to make their homes, or second homes, in such an enviable locale. The scenery is just one element of many. Residences and locales must offer all the amenities that make life a pleasure from dawn to dusk and beyond.

Craig Morris’ 175 associates have spread out across the Roaring Fork Valley, with eight offices and a global presence via Sotheby’s international network that spreads throughout 40 countries. On hand are a team of Expert Advisers — tastemakers and trendsetters in fields such as: architecture, design, wealth management, lifestyle and health, commercial and residential real estate, social media, and the list goes on.

Even so, Craig knows the value of personal contact. He shares his clients’ interests. He golfs, hikes, bikes and knows the importance of the right home in the right neighborhood to ensure the best possible future for one’s children.

To become the powerhouse firm means presenting the highest standards of client service. For Craig Morris, this means sales of over $1.4 billion of property in his 15-year real estate career, repeatedly earning him the highest sales volume in the entire Roaring Fork Valley plus the #1 spot on the Wall Street Journal/Real Trend Inc.’s “Top 100 Agents by Sales Volume” in the nation.

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Boulder Written by B. B. Smith

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ne of the most affluent communities in Colorado, Boulder is picturesquely nestled into a wide basin at the foot of Flagstaff Mountain, right at the point where the Rockies meet the Great Plains. It’s just a few miles east of the Continental Divide.

An exciting youthful city, Boulder consistently ranks at or near the top in health, well being, quality of life, education and art. Thanks to the presence of the University of Colorado, the average age is 29 (nationally it’s 35+).

Actually Boulder has too many accolades to list. Just a few include #1 – Ten Happiest Cities (Moneywatch.bnet.com); #1 - Top Brainiest Cities (Portfolio.com); #1 - Best Cities to Raise an Outdoor Kid (Backpacker magazine); #1 – Most Educated City (Forbes magazine); #1 –Top Triathlon Town (Inside Triathlon magazine) and #1 – American’s Foodiest Town.

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The larger more conventional Boulder International Film Festival has, since it’s inception in 2004, hosted over 150 filmmakers from across the globe, including Chevy Chase.

Speaking of celebrities, Scott Carpenter was born in Boulder, as were Kristin Davis, Tony Boselli and Leon White, better known as “Big Van Vadar.” Carpenter named his space capsule after his home on Aurora and 7th. The capsule was Aurora 7.

And Robert Redford once worked as a janitor in Boulder.

Boulder was the setting for Mork & Mindy, Sleeper, Make It or Break It and Stephen King’s book, The Stand. King lived in Boulder while writing The Shining.

With affluent residents, explain the Wright Kingdom real estate agents, come all the exciting sophisticated and/or fun amenities that they demand. Excellence in schools, shopping, entertainment, arts and culture are a criteria easily met in Boulder.

It is, other polls say, in the Top Ten of “Best Cities for the Next Decade,” “Top 100 Places to Live,” “Top Arts Destinations for a Small City,” “Most Bicycle Friendly Cities in the World,” “Best Green Places to Live,” “Top Farmers Markets” and “Top 10 Cities for Artists.”

With Coors, Anheuser-Busch and local microbreweries, this area is also the largest beer-producing triangle in the world.

The great outdoors is so close and so magnificent; it’s hard to stay inside. Boulder is surrounded by more than 36,000 acres of recreational open space, conservation easements and nature preserves. Just to the west are the Flatirons, imposing tilted slabs of sedimentary stone that have become a widely recognized symbol of the city, just as Wright Kingdom Real Estate is recognized as Boulder’s top realty firm.

World-class hikers, bikers and rock climbers are common on the more challenging trails and canyons, especially during the USA Ultimate.

Boulder is also headquarters for USA Rugby. The annual Bolder Boulder run attracts over 50,000 runners, joggers, walkers and wheelchair racers, making it one of the largest road races in the world — with, incidentally, the largest non-marathon prize purse in road racing. Held on Memorial Day, it has also earned the distinction of being one of largest celebrations of this day in the nation.

One of the most popular sections of Boulder is the famous Pearl Street Mall, filled with exciting wares and hopping restaurants and nightlife.

Famous blues musician Otis Taylor makes Boulder his home.

In 1967, Boulder became the first city in the United States to tax itself for funds to be used specifically for the acquisition, management and maintenance of Open Space.

“Go Green” is more than just a slogan for Boulder. The city experimented with goats for weed control in environmentally sensitive areas. It wasn’t as effective as hoped but goats are still considered an option.

Just so you’ll know, you need a permit to exterminate a prairie dog in Boulder. This is the kind of “insider” information Wright Kingdom Realtors are able to supply, to help new potential new luxury homeowners make the right choice in the right neighborhood. More than 70 Wright Kingdom Realtors are available, with an average of 17 years specializing in Boulder properties and lifestyles.

Wright Kingdom Real Estate has earned the Website Quality Certification (WQC), presented by Leading Real Estate Companies of the World.

One count showed Boulder has as many bicycles as it does citizens. In fact, so many people bike to and from work in Boulder, the city sometime snow plows the bike paths before they plow the streets!

The city is named for tranquil Boulder Creek, so-called for the huge chunks of granite that cascaded into the creek over the eons. A tributary of the South Platte River, Bounder Creek runs right through town, The river provides a myriad of planned and natural venues that are in full use during the Boulder International Film Festival and the “Shoot Out 24 Hour Filmmaking Festival Boulder.” This unique latter event — a challenge to create a short film within a 24-hour period following specific guidelines — has brought Boulder many accolades, including Best Local Film Festival, Best New Festival and Best Festival.

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Durango Written by B. B. Smith

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f you love the outdoors — whether up close & personal or through a picture window — pure heaven is living in breath-taking Durango with its 300 days of sunshine and incredible views of the Rocky Mountains’ San Juan Range and wilderness at your backdoor.

Durango’s gold medal fly fishing waters are equally as popular for whitewater rafting, kayaking and canoeing, all fed by the incredibly beautiful and exciting Animas River which so vividly traces Durango’s exciting history. When early explorers passed through this area, they named the river “El Rio de las Animas Perdidas en Purgatorio” — “River of the Lost Souls in Hell.” They thought the river offered little in the way of riches. Boy, were they wrong!

Almost seven miles of the Animas flow through Durango, offering myriads of public access points. “Big Water Grows Big Fish” goes the old saying and the 100-foot wide Animas produces state championship catches.

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The name Purgatory, heard often around Durango, has two possible historical origins. When bodies of the early Spanish explorers completely disappeared, other explorers believed their souls had been relegated to Purgatory. Others say the name comes from a toll road from Durango to prosperous mines. Miners who couldn’t pay the toll were stuck in Durango, in limbo – or Purgatory.

In additional to multiple off-road draws for hiking, biking, backpacking, rock climbing hunting and golfing, five major nearby ski areas are 25 minutes or less from downtown. The first-ever Mountain Bike World Championships were held in Durango. Among the notable sports residents are former Major League baseball pitcher Steve Carlton and tennis great Andrea Jaeger.

Durango has amassed many “Top” awards from national magazines and newspapers, including “Top Ten U.S. Travel Destinations.” Durango is closely tied to the “Old West” and even older histories. Archeological sites abound, including Darkmold Site, a Basketmaker culture, and Talus Village, a Basketmaker site.

A mere 35 minutes away is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde National Park, known for its Ancestral Puebloan Cliff Dwellings.

Most Americans are familiar with the famed historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Although it now only hauls tourists, it’s the reason Durango exists. A depot was needed for the transport of precious metals from high country mines. Wide tracks wouldn’t work. Hence the “narrow gauge.”

With an intensity that belies its small size, Durango has become a magnet for luxury on all levels, while still maintaining that small town friendliness and relaxed atmosphere which are so attracting, explains Horizon Properties of Durango, the area’s leading realtors.

High-end residential real estate opportunities — that take advantage of all the area’s treasures — abound in Durango now thanks to that community’s intensive focus on all the amenities demanded by those who can afford the very best. Excellence is the byword in educational opportunities, shopping, entertainment, cuisine, arts and culture.

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Many of the world’s finest classical musicians have performed at the Music of the Mountains summer festival in nearby Pagosa Springs. Nearby major regional airports make access easy. The incredible scenery makes Durango an immediate draw for movie settings, such as “City Slickers,” “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” “Sons of Katie Elder,” “How the West Was Won,” “Around the World in Eighty Days,” and “Nurse Betty.” The famous cliff-jumping scene in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” was filmed at Baker’s Bridge, just north of Durango.

Durango’s annual “Blues on the Rail” festival spotlights that legendary genre with three hours of live bands actually on the Historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

When it comes to shopping, Durango’s “HoliDAZZLE” showcases so many unique shops (last count was over 500!); the city was voted one of the nation’s “Top 10 Christmas Towns.” The charming Historical Downtown District in particular is a year-round feast for the eyes with its chic bakeries, old-fashioned diners, and both chic and quaint boutiques offering an amazing array of collectibles and unique gift items.

Durango’s and Southwestern Colorado’s premier real estate firm since 1980, Horizon Properties offers discreet buyer and seller representation and provides individual attention to every client, from first homes to luxury homes, ranches and land.

Horizon’s team of real estate professionals works to find the right property for each client. When it comes to offering the highest level of real estate brokerage services, Horizon Properties’ owner/broker, Geof Schlittgen, holds strongly to the conviction that bigger is not necessarily better.

With this in mind, he organized a small and diverse team of professionals dedicated to providing their customers and clients a more thorough and comprehensive approach to marketing properties.

One of the cornerstones of Horizon Properties is strict adherence to the old adage about treating people in the same manner that they, themselves, would want to be treated. Team Horizon prides itself on assisting its clientele in achieving their real estate related goals, from conception through completion.

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COLORADO SPRINGS Written by B. B. Smith

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olorado Springs sits at the foot of Pikes Peak, one of the most famous, most spectacular, most visited of all American mountains.

Surely that contributed to Colorado Springs’ selection as #1 in both Money magazine’s “Best Places to Live” and Outside magazine’s “America’s Best Cities.”

The list of awards goes on for this urban setting once known as “City of Millionaires”: • “Healthiest City in the Country” — Outside magazine • “America’s Fittest City” — Men’s Fitness magazine • “Best Hunting/Fishing Town — #18 out of 20 cities — Outdoor Life magazine • “One of America’s Best Cities to Live, Work and Play” — Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine • “America’s Most Pet-Friendly City” — Forbes magazine • “Best City for Dogs” — Men’s Health magazine

Second only to Japan’s Mount Fuji as the second most visited mountain in the world, Colorado Spring’s awesome neighbor, Pike’s Peak, forms a stunning backdrop. Its familiar summit inspired the 1859 Gold Rush slogan: “Pike’s Peak or Bust!” One can drive up, take the train or brave the 13-mile trail. Or, feeling particularly hardy? Join the Pikes Peak Marathon, a 26-mile round trip foot race that draws an international slate of competitors every August.

Growing out the Southern Rocky Mountains, the nearby “Garden of the Gods” — with its awesome, colorful steep rock formations — is an amazing free admission park that draws visitors from the world over.

Hailed as a Great American Public Place in 2011, the “Garden of the Gods” offers wonderful hiking, technical rock climbing, road and mountain biking and horseback writing.

The true Garden of the Gods stars, however, are the narrow-crested sandstone hills and ridges that served for years as both a sacred site and as a crossroads for many Native American tribes.

They didn’t give the site this name. One story goes that a random visitor commented that the area would make a great “beer garden.”

His friend responded, “No, this is a Garden for the Gods!” And the name stuck.

With its stunning vistas, nearly 300 days of sunshine and relaxed, unassuming lifestyle, Colorado Springs is a unique place to live, says Becky Gloriad of the The Becky Gloriod Team of Prudential real estate agents. The city has grown so gracefully, she says, everything blends beautifully . . . the vibrant arts community, the incredible recreational opportunities, great shopping and an unmatched quality of life enhanced by fresh, clean water and air.

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The area is as awe-dropping today as it was back in 1910 when Kathy Lee Bates was inspired by Pikes Peak to write the lyrics to “America the Beautiful.”

No wonder Civil War General William Jackson Palmer (a Medal of Honor winner) picked the Colorado Springs area as not only an ideal site for a railroad right-of-way, but as a top-quality resort. The area immediately became so popular with visitors from England, it was nicknamed “Little London.” Gen. Palmer decreed Colorado Springs would be alcoholfree (but druggists regularly advertised whiskey, ale, stout and beer could be bought “for medicinal purposes.”)

Gold’s impact on Colorado Springs is still felt today, just as it was during the period when the community was known as “City of Millionaires.”

The discovery of gold in nearby areas created affluent neighborhoods around the young city, giving the development an early taste for luxury in all aspects of residential life. But it was still part of the “Old West,” and it was from Colorado Springs that Army Scout Gen. Kit Carson explored the vast frontier.

The military presence has always been strong, and still is today, although it shares honors now with an energetic industry manufacturing complex, high tech electronic equipment. Headquartered in the area are HewettPackard, Verizon, and Intel, to name just a few.

Those who can afford the finest in luxury homes also demand the best in other aspects of their life, which is one reason Colorado Springs has developed such a diverse, world-class cultural scene. Keeping pace are shopping venues and, of course, internationally-inspired cuisine.

The United States Olympic Training Center draws many premier athletes to Colorado Springs. Many can be found in their off time challenging the Manitou Incline, the highest set of stairs in the world — a 0.9-mile grade. At 2200 feet, the elevation gain is more than the Empire State Building. Discretion is advised!

A perfect compliment to this natural “garden” is the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, founded by a philanthropist to house his everexpanding collection of exotic animals. The Zoo encourages visitors to (safely!) become active participants with the wildlife for a never-to-beforgotten experience.

Famous residents from Colorado Springs include Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, native son Lon Chaney (who was born to deaf parents) and native daughter “Elvira, Mistress of the Dark” (real name Cassndra Peterson) who, in her youth, was known as a “campy goth cheerleader.”

Becky and Jack of the Gloriod Team of Prudential real estate agents are almost as fascination a study as the city they love. Becky wrote speeches for General Colin Powell, and Jack, a colonel, commanded military troops. Their highly successful venture into luxury real estate turned them into a dream team often referred to as “Experts in Elegance.”

“Colorado Springs is not only a great place to visit, but a great place to live as well,” say members of the Gloriod Team, the #1 choice of buyers and sellers of luxury residential properties in this area.

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PHOENIX O

kay, the first thing you MUST know about Phoenix. It’s illegal to hunt camels here.

Not that you’re likely to find camels wandering around these days (outside of the Phoenix Zoo where one could take a ride on a camel.)

However, it is true that during the Civil War, an Army experiment imported camels to move men and freight around desert areas like Phoenix. Some got loose so you never know . . .

Even sans camels, Phoenix is a fascinating place — all 9,000 square miles of it. Flying into this “Valley of the Sun,” you’ll have no doubt of this.

Phoenix seems to stretch out forever. All that elbow room is needed because, unlike most cities, Phoenix has more men than women. The largest capital city in the nation, Phoenix certainly has produced a lot 86

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of male dignitaries, including Barry Goldwater, William Rehnquist, John McCain and Carl Hayden.

perfect matches that make for truly luxurious living. Her motto says it all: “We pair expertise with sophistication.”

But on the native distaff side, the list is equally, if not more, impressive, such as Sandra Day O’Connor. Other celebrities who call themselves Phoenicians, as residents are called, include Muhammad Ali, Charles Barkley, Glen Campbell, Hugh Downs, Wayne Gretzky, Shaquille O’Neal, Linda Ronstadt, Rick Shroder and Mike Tyson.

Sophistication and “fun!” she should add. There are those famous “Phoenix Lights” UFO sightings. Mountain ranges both surround the city and run right through it, offering not only spectacular views, but also myriads of sports and recreation venues. The Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Suns are just of many sports teams that draw fans from across the Southwest.

Phoenix has become a music mecca, thanks to native Phoenicians like Buck Owens, Wayne Newton, Stevie Nicks, Duane Eddy, Marty Robbins, CeCe Peniston, Dierks Bentley and Alice Cooper. Established artists like George Benson, Steve Gadd, Bob Hoag, Joey DeFrancesco, Samuel David Moore have moved here, drawn by the lower cost of living and comfortable climate. TV series filmed here include Medium, The Brothers Brannagan, Alice and The New Dick Van Dyke Show.

Well-known as a heavenly place to retire, Phoenix does offer more than its fair share of exciting activities and scenic views. Six major lakes are within an hour’s drive of this city that actually came to “modern” life in 1866 as a hay camp.

But for more than 2,000 years, this very site was home to the Hohokam peoples who actually designed and built pathways for the canals that are used by the city today. Ironically those same canals caught the eye of a Civil War veteran who decided those ancient folks were on to a good thing. He built canals following the old system, much to the delight of the pumpkin growers who lived up the road in Pumpkinville. Seems pumpkins grew really huge alongside the canals.

The Confederate veteran, Jack Swilling, wanted to name his town Stonewall, after the famed general. Squabbles ensued and finally everyone compromised on Phoenix for their city that had been born from the ruins of a former civilization.

Phoenix’s exotic desert setting has attracted an extraordinary level of luxury-home seekers and with them have come all the amenities that they demand — in education, arts, culture, shopping, cuisine, entertainment. Skyscraper-flanked Central Avenue explodes outward with affluent lifestyles that have become the milieu of high-end real estate expert Sandra Baldwin of Baldwin Luxury Property Marketing.

Impressive residential communities abound around Phoenix, but it takes a Realtor with true insight, such as Sandra Baldwin, to facilitate those

Phoenix Art Museum is the Southwest’s largest destination for visual art from across the globe. The Heard Museum includes the Barry Goldwater Collection of 437 priceless historic Hopi kachina dolls.

Such a wealth of lifestyle options is a must when you’re home to seven Fortune 500 companies, including Allied Waste, PetSmart and Apollo Group (which operates the University of Phoenix, the nation’s largest forprofit university). In fact, the University of Arizona College of Medicine branch in downtown Phoenix is one of the largest public universities in the nation. Intel based one of its largest sites here, as did Honeywell with its Aerospace Division. Other major bases are part of American Express, U-Haul, Best Western and U.S. Airways.

When it comes to knowing Phoenix real estate, Sandra Baldwin is a “Portrait of Success, “ arguably Arizona’s most highly decorated and successful Realtor. Since Sandra Baldwin began her stellar career in luxury home sales in 1982, she has recorded over a billion dollars in sales.

That’s “Billion” — with a “B.” For the past two decades, Sandra has been her company’s most productive agent. She has been ranked as high as 7th internationally out of tens of thousands of real estate agents. Sandra has also been recognized by both the Phoenix and Scottsdale Board of Realtors for lifetime achievement.

In order to deliver on its promise of excellence, Sandra’s Baldwin Team has assembled a group of consummate real estate professionals who each specialize in a key set of tasks. There is no longer any room in the luxury home market for the “jack-of-all-trades” agent. No one person can be the master of today’s complicated and ever changing real estate transaction. Each area of the profession (marketing, escrow, legal compliance, etc.) demands an expert, someone who is not distracted by trying to change focus every few minutes. The Baldwin Team is built around this formula.

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Park City Written by B. B. Smith

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ne of the 20 “Prettiest Towns in the United States” (says Forbes Traveler magazine), Park City is a prime destination for those seeing a luxury lifestyle with everything from world class scenery and amenities to professional level sports venues that range from snowy terrains to golf courses.

Home to three magnificent ski resorts and 16 golf courses, Park City is perhaps best known to the “outside world” as the site of the 2002 Olympics and the setting for Paul Newman’s annual Sundance Film Festival. The legacy of that experience has created a high end residential Utopia that offers incredible scenery, luxurious and healing hot springs, a sophisticated social scene, yet with a personal residential privacy and all the amenities that are demanded by those who can afford the very best, explains Paul Benson, Park City’s premier real estate resource.

Beautifully sited in Utah’s Summit County, just 36 miles east of Salt Lake City’s international airport, Park City is nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains’ Wasatch range. A rich heritage from silver mining days combined with its state-of-the-art offerings today give Park City a unique and captivating blend of the old and the new. Sixty-four National Register of Historic Places are found throughout the city (many on Main Street!). A fascinatingly diverse population includes an exceptionally large percentage of Northern and Central European residents.

Early Mormon pioneers who, traveling through this canyon, eventually settled in Salt Lake City first noted Park City. One of their leaders, Parley P. Pratt, obtaining a charter for the canyon, built a toll road. They called it Parley’s Park City, later dropping the “Parley” (probably after getting hacked about the tolls). When the rich veins were discovered, George Hearst (yes, that Hearst family) was the first major silver producer and his Silver King Mine became one of the most famous in the world.

With events such as Sundance Film Festival drawing an international array of celebrities, it’s little wonder Park City, one of the wealthiest cities in the nation, is famed for its international cuisine, education, entertainment venues, art and culture, and shopping that ranges from the most sophisticated to quaint boutiques to an incredibly large number of factory outlet stores.

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Although almost every outdoors mountain sport imaginable can be indulged in around Park City, skiing is king thanks to magnificent area resorts and the fact that the U.S. Ski and Snowboarding Team is based here along with the Australian Freestyle Ski Team. Park City’s easy access plus its fabulous Olympic-training quality venues, its expansive accommodations, full range of amenities draw the world’s best to its slopes.

But not everyone is playing in the snow and summers in Park City are delightfully mild. The International Mountain Biking Association lists Park City as one of its “Gold-level Ride Centers.”

Sundance brings in the filmmakers and, captivated by the scenery and ambiance, they return to shoot movies such a “Dumb and Dumber,” “I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer,” “Everwood,” “Daddy Day Care,” “Troll 2,” and scenes from the TV’s “One Tree Hill,” “The Simpsons” and “Johnny Tsunami.” Celebrities who live (or have lived) in Park City include Mitt Romney, Jimmy Shea, Michael Jordan, Jim Nantz, Barry Sims, John Terry, Treat Williams, Scott Wolf and Billy Demong.

Tourism has helped Park City become globally recognized as one of the United State’s most affluent and lively resort towns. The resulting rich economy has attracted other major businesses, drawn to the area by a highly successful campaign to promote Park City as a culture of expenditure, adventure and wealth. Mrs. Fields Cookies started in Park City.

“Selling Utopia” — that’s how Realtors refer to the enviable job of getting to intimately know Park City. And Paul Benson, ranked #1 by the Park City Board of Realtors for top sales, has certainly succeeded.

He has consistently been in the Top Ten rankings for real estate sales.

The Benson team has sold over $500 million in volume, attesting to their intimate knowledge and professionalism in property transactions. His unique understanding of the Park City market comes not only from his business perspectives but also from his widespread participation in all aspects of the Park City outdoor lifestyle, including activities such as cohosting the celebrity-filled ChefDance during Sundance Festival.

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Here, at Open Country International, you will find the finest Luxury Farms and Ranch Properties offered for sale represented by the most prominent Country Real Estate brokers.

Visit us online at w w w. Op e n C o u n t r y I n t e r n at i o n a l . c o m

Your Gateway to Exceptional Country Farm Ranch Properties Around the World

International

Caribbean Nassau / The Bahamas. . . . . . . 92-93 Canada Toronto. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94-95

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Nassau / The Bahamas Written by B. B. Smith

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lessed with natural beauty, tropical climate, crystal clear turquoise waters, miles of deserted talcum-soft deserted beaches, seductive harbors, colorful blends of Old World and Colonial architecture, Nassau is as much a state of mind as it is an incredibly popular destination for those who can afford the very best.

The Bahamas have long been “where it’s at” — including the first New World landing for Christopher Columbus (1492), a stronghold of pirates and a film site of choice James Bond movies. Plenty of history packed into this collection of over 3,000 islands, cays and islets (a BIG rock) with the strange name. Bahamas might translate from the Spanish phrase, baja mar (short sea) or the Lucayan word for ba-ha-ma (“large upper middle land).

The Lucayans were the Indians Columbus actually met in 1942. Ownership of the Bahamas flipped around from England to Spain to France, but pirates — including the infamous Blackbeard and two famous female

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pirates Anne Bonny and Mary Read — seemed to establish the firmest hold. For a while it was actually called Pirate Republic. The British put an end to that and islands became the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, a sovereign, independent nation with a prime minister (and Queen Elizabeth as head of state).

The Bahamas are actually in the same chain of islands as Cuba, with Bimini the island closest to the United States. But the real center of activity is Nassau — the Bahamas largest and capital city — located on the island of New Providence. During the U.S.’s Civil War, Nassau served as home to blockade runners.

With its numerous tidally-connected lakes and closeness to Miami, Nassau and its sister islands provide an eclectic experience for residents and tourists alike, according to H. G. Christie, the Bahamas’ oldest, largest and premier real estate broker. The tropical to subtropical climate is a major asset, and it’s said there has never been a freeze reported in The Bahamas.

With the influx of those desiring luxury living at its finest have come the high end amenities such as fine cuisine, shopping, education, arts and culture — all without losing the relaxed atmosphere and friendliness always associated with island living. Even the exciting casinos managed to exude an air of luxurious well being without being too overt.

Nassau’s biggest festival, Junkanoo, is an energetic explosion of excitement that begins the day after Christmas and runs through New Year’s Day, filling the streets — almost continuously! — With brightly costumed folks dancing to the constant rhythms of cowbells, drums and whistles. Most islands hold a Junkanoo, but the biggest and most famous happens in Nassau. Several versions Junkanoo’s name origin, including that it’s named its founder, John Kanoo or after “junk enoo” — the Scottish settlers’ name for the parades (i.e., junk enough!).

Junkanoo was featured in numerous filmings including “After the Sunset,” “Jaws The Revenge,” “Thunderball” and an episode of “Top Chiefs: All

Stars.” Actually, “Thunderball” had a “fake” Junkanoo. It was filmed at the wrong time, but Nassau residents were so excited, hundreds volunteered to create elaborate floats and appear in costume. Several Bond films were set in the Bahamas as were “Splash,” “Cocoon I & II,” “Flipper,” “Silence of the Lambs,” “After the Sunset” and “Into the Blue.”

Many celebrities who come to film set up house (or summer house) here.

Among those who are now, or have, owned property in the Bahamas are Nicolas Cage, Sean Connery, Johnny Depp, Bill Gates, Michael Jordon, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Eddie Murphy, Chuck Norris, Oprah, Shakira and John Travolta. Depp, Murphy and Cage actually own their own islands. Well, Nicholas owns two.

H.G. Christie Ltd., founded in 1922 by the legendary Sir Harold Christie, has an incomparable selection of Bahama property listings, including luxury homes and condos, vacation homes, beachfront properties, real estate for development, and private islands. A pioneering force, Sir Harold, along with his brother Frank Holmes Christie, C.B.E., were instrumental in the creation of many of the most celebrated real estate developments in The Bahamas. In 1978, his nephew, William McP. (Peter) Christie, J.P., a prominent member of the Bahamas Bar became President of the company. Today, HGChristie.com has more than 3,300 listings and is updated daily. The family continues the company’s traditions of innovation and integrity.

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Toronto Written by B.B. SMITH

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the northern end of what is now Lake Simcoe, the Huron planted tree saplings to corral fish.

Toronto’s advantageous site attracted Anglo settlers and the area grew until 1813 when — during the War of 1812 — it was burned to the ground

by American soldiers. In part in retaliation for this fire, British trips later burned Washington, DC. Today all is peaceful, so peaceful, in fact, Toronto is considered one of the safest major cities in North America. One of the world’s major tourist draws, Toronto boasts one of the world’s largest Zoos and the only real, full-sized castle in North America (Casa Loma).

Built as a private residence around 1910, Casa Loma had 59 telephones!

The movies Chicago and parts of X-Men were shot there. The Toronto Zoo, by the way, won “Top Cellphone Recycler” in a competition of North American Wildlife Organizations.

T

oronto — voted one of the World’s Most Livable Cities — is a city with plenty of bragging rights.

For example, looking for the longest street in the world? You’re in luck!

Part of it is here in Toronto. Yonge Street starts at Lake Ontario, runs through Toronto as Highway 11, and ends at the Minnesota border, a distance of 1178 miles.

Beautifully sited on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto anchors the exciting, ever-excelling “Golden Horseshoe” region. Its unique location makes it an important entrance/exit point for Canada and the United States.

Voted one of the “World’s Most Diverse Cities,” Toronto’s eclectic population excites an international flavor in everything from education to entertainment, from fine shopping to diverse cuisine and, most importantly, in its wide range of arts and cultural offerings. Over 50 ballet and dance companies, six opera companies, two symphony orchestras and theaters too numerous to count are thriving in Toronto.

The world’s first permanent IMAX movie theater opened in Toronto and a year-round schedule of festivals celebrate an international array of cultures.

No wonder then that Toronto’s luxury residential communities are a worldclass draw for those looking for exceptional residential opportunities, according to Michael Kalles, Toronto’s go-to real estate agent for highend living.

Only New York and London boast bigger (tho perhaps not livelier?) theater districts than Toronto. Greektown boasts one of the highest concentrations of restaurants per kilometre in the world. And the shopping . . . well, it’s world class, too!

Let’s not forget sports. Toronto boasts seven major league sports teams: hockey (Maple Leafs), baseball (Blue Jays), basketball (Raptors), Canadian football, soccer (mens) and two pro women’s soccer leagues. The National Football League’s Buffalo Bills play selected games in Toronto.

Three rivers flow lazily through the city: Humber, Don and Rouge.

Their many creeks create deeply forested ravines ideal for parks and recreation trails. Prominent escarpments, remnants of a glacial age, add to the ambiance with beautiful city overlooks and deeply wooded ravines. Public parks abound. Downs view Park won the coveted “Tree City” design award.

“Eclectic” describes Toronto’s building scene as well, ranging from multiple luxury high rises to the historic Distillery District, North America’s largest and best-preserved collection of Victorian era industrial architecture. This was once the largest alcohol-processing center in North America. It’s now renovated into a pedestrian-oriented neighborhood of arts, culture and entertainment.

Toronto has long ranked as one of the top financial centers in the world, and certainly as Canada’s commercial capital. The Globalization and World Cities (GaWC) Study Group lists Toronto as an “Alpha World City.”

Home to the Toronto Stock Exchange, the world’s seventh largest by many gauges, Toronto’s wide range of leading economic sectors have attracted an affluent international community which has shaped the city into an ideal environment for raising children.

In fact, historically-preserved and treasured neighborhoods exist all over Toronto, according to Michael Kalles of Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd. It’s said if you have a multimillion-dollar residence to sell, or want to acquire one, your first call should be to Kalles Real Estate.

Catering to the elite, “carriage-trade,” Kalles is a generational firm, whose reputation and mode of operation helped it not just survive but to actually thrive during economic downturns. Sharp decisions to quickly utilize social media and other advances in sales technology combined with the company’s firm commitment to keep its focus on relationships with clients are key to Kalles’ success in Toronto’s affluent communities.

Things have certainly changed since, for centuries, the area was inhabited by Huron and Iroquois Tribes. “Toronto” likely derives from the Iroquois word “tkaronto” or “place where trees stand in the water.” On

Michael Kalles recently joined the prestigious Haute Living Real Estate Network. This exclusive circle of leading real estate agents is invited to bring opulent estates and luxury properties to Haute Living readers.

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