Editor’s Letter

By Kathleen Carlin-Russell

Life happens. It is actually the perfect mantra or philosophy for living ... especially post pandemic. Perhaps it was always the way we should have been moving through life, pivoting and evolving with the moment / the situation / the circumstance. Based on this issue’s series article, it seems like folks buying and selling in the high-end residential market got that memo before the rest of us. According to the experts we spoke with, “consumer demand for housing has defied logic throughout 2023” and it is a “life happens” type of market, driven by life stages and lifestyle.

You could beg the question, shouldn’t it always have been that way?

Regardless, it is one of the main trends writer Camilla McLaughlin discusses in her mid-year luxury market update story, beginning on page 48. There are markets to watch (i.e. Los Angeles) interspersed amid a number of other trends, including the strength of the suburbs, and how location matters even more (check out the section entitled “Hyperlocal”).

A growing number of people have embraced a two-main-homes lifestyle, allowing them to be in the office a few days, and then back to their home outside the city. That could be a wonderfully timed “life stage” trend to adopt.

I’d certainly be willing to try it with our cover home, a waterfront beauty in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Overlooking the stunning hues of the Caribbean Sea, this home is set on 1.27 acres with a soughtafter dock and seaside pool. For an armchair tour of Jasmin Hill Villa, please see pages 13-15.

Until next time … www.linkedin.com/company/unique-homes-magazine

PUBLISHER EMERITUS Richard A. Goodwin

PUBLISHER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kathleen Carlin-Russell

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER / MANAGING EDITOR Mark Moffa

ART DIRECTOR Jonathan Bayley

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Kristen Ordonez

EDITORIAL/ADVERTISING COORDINATORS

Jamie Yoos, Jack Boles

EDITORIAL OFFICE 877.688.1110 / 609.688.1110

Fax: 609.688.0201 327 Wall Street, Princeton, NJ 08540 uhproduction@uniquehomes.com

PUBLISHER / DIRECTOR OF SALES

Bruce Griset 833.928.9020 / 310.977.5915 bgriset@uniquehomes.com

DIRECTOR OF NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Nick Antonicello, 609.283.1346 nantonicello@uniquehomes.com

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Sheri Norris, 813.760.2264 / 727.897.8356 snorris@uniquehomes.com

ADVERTISING SALES 833.928.9020 327 Wall Street, Princeton, NJ 08540

The Compound, Beverly Hills, California

The Compound is a unique offering within exclusive Oak Pass Road. The attached rendering is one version for a buyer looking for a private, multiplestructure luxury residential/work estate. It is also ideal for a residential estate compound for a buyer with extended family and staff applications. Presently, there are 4 houses on approximately 3 acres including a spectacular, newly built 12,000-square-foot home with offices of approximately 3,000 square feet, music/ movie development offices of approximately 5,000 square feet, a gym, screening rooms, and additional separate quarters for caretakers. There is complete flexibility as the owner has developed other estate properties and could modify designs to suit the buyer’s specifications. www.thehjc.com/listings/the-compound-beverly-hills/ $65,000,000

2667 Via De Los Ranchos, Los Olivos, California

WELCOME TO TWIN OAK RANCH, an extraordinarily private and secluded ranch just minutes to Los Olivos, nestled within a grassy valley abundant with wildlife. The Italian Villa is timeless and blends seamlessly with Santa Ynez Valley’s natural landscape, totaling 249 acres of sanctuary. No expense was spared with the residence, featuring natural stone from Turkey, reclaimed hardwood and handmade furniture imported from Columbia, a half-ton front door, and an Italian plum tree — just a few of the unique features of this compound. www.2667viadelosranchos.com/tour/2667viadelosranchos.com

Offered at $14,480,000

250 Garden Drive, Lake Sherwood, California

1626 Derringer Lane, Diamond Bar, California

Located in the 24-hour guard-gated community of Lake Sherwood, this magnificent property is for the discerning buyer who seeks the finest quality home at an exceptional price. Features include a Brazilian slate roof, handmade oak shutters, extensive Pennsylvania bluestone masonry, an outdoor kitchen with Tappan barbecue, play pool with multi-jet spa, as well as galvanized ironwork, full-height driveway gate and a score of specimen trees with LED illumination. The family/game room affords easy access to a picturesque kitchen. The formal dining room as well as the poolside breakfast room lead to the remarkable 2-story library that boasts a floor-to-ceiling LED-lit custom bookcase. Throughout the residence, the attention to detail and exemplary craftsmanship are without peer. www.250gardendrive.com

$6,488,000

Spectacular European villa within The Country, a highly secure community with the utmost privacy. The home boasts a grand entryway to the foyer, highlighting a magnificent staircase. Features of the home include dual master suites, an elevator, wine cellar, home theater, dry sauna, and gym all situated on over 2 flat acres. This property offers 8 bedrooms, 10 baths, and many unique amenities, including a tennis court, pool and spa, children’s playground, subterranean parking for 8-10 cars, a library, and an entertainer’s kitchen with double ranges, double dishwashers and a center island www.1626derringer.com/tour

$8,980,000

16479 Royal Hills Drive, Encino, California

Private Tahitian Island of Motu Tane

$6,475,000

This spectacular Mediterranean estate, completed in 2021, represents the epitome of luxury living and embodies premier design, finishes and amenities. Immaculately constructed and set behind gates in coveted Royal Hills, this is a true private compound, featuring a stunning main house, luxurious detached guesthouse, expansive resort-type backyard and a unique art-inspired swimmer’s infinity pool and spa that forge an effortless connection with jaw-dropping views. Features include a magnificent main-level chef’s kitchen with stainless steel appliances, high vaulted ceilings, numerous custom fireplaces, a sparkling pool, spa and zen backyard. Minutes to Ventura Boulevard and the Westside. www.16479royalhills-drive.com

JUST 10 MINUTES FROM THE MAIN ISLAND OF BORA BORA, the private island of Motu Tane encompasses approximately 10 acres of sandy beach, tropical foliage and coconut groves all set against a mountainous backdrop. Owned by cosmetics mogul François Nars, Motu Tane consists of traditional thatchedroof Polynesian huts or “fares,” with 22 separate structures. Enjoy 2 luxurious suites comprised of 2,500 square feet, each with a sunken lava bathtub, shower and dressing area. Find 9 beach bungalows and 2 suites to accommodate up to 20 guests, a library with museum-quality Polynesian art and artifacts, a photography studio, a chef’s dream kitchen and 2 staff quarters. thehjc.com/listings/private-tahitian-island-motu-tane/ Offered at $39,000,000

1133 Tower Road, Beverly Hills, California

A SPECTACULAR GATED AND PRIVATE Contemporary Mediterraneanstyle estate on prime Tower Road north of Sunset. Completely renovated from the ground up with top-of-the-line finishes. Soaring ceilings throughout and walls of glass provide sun-filled living and an impression of great volume. Generous and sun-filled dining, kitchen, and family rooms. The master suite features towering ceilings, a stunning master bath with soaking tub, and dual walk-in closets. The home’s 5-star resort-like grounds are complete with Italian gardens and courtyard, outdoor entertaining areas, and a sparkling pool and waterfall. With parking for up to 7 cars, this is a rare and special offering on one of best and quietest streets of Beverly Hills. Offered at $9,388,888

Boca De Canon Lane, Los Angeles, California

THIS FABULOUS ESTATE PROPERTY is beautifully poised behind towering trees on picturesque Boca de Canon Lane in prime Brentwood. Completely redesigned and remodeled with the finest of finishes. A spectacular open floor plan features a massive great room boasting soaring ceilings and majestic beams. The chef’s kitchen is enormous, designed for major entertaining, and features a huge pantry. Indoor and outdoor living at its absolute finest as walls of glass open to flat grassy yards, lush grounds and a charming stone waterfall flowing down to a phenomenal swimmer’s pool, 2nd grassy yard and enchanting guesthouse. The magnificent grounds include a vineyard, imposing hedges, stone walls, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, batting cage and so much more. Offered at $15,000,000