Tag: home for sale

Remnants of classic street cobblestones and a striking redbrick façade hint at the provenance of the building that houses this sophisticated three-bedroom loft in SoHo. Designed by prominent young architect Jarvis Morgan Slade, the 1883 cast-iron building was renovated by Lawrence B. Bogdanow in the 1990s and joined with a neighboring building to create a complex of contemporary condominiums sharing a tranquil courtyard.

New York, New York | Mark Mistovich, Daniela Sassoun, Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage

Although vestiges of 19th-century style remain—in stately columns, for example—the light-flooded residence is undeniably modern and chic. The voluminous open-plan living area, with soaring 12-foot ceilings and ample space for large-scale dining and entertaining, is anchored by an eye-catching gas fireplace with an extended hearth that creates warm built-in seating beside a wall ideal for displaying art. Oversized windows make the most of the home’s multiple exposures, while glass doors admit floods of morning light and open to Juliet balconies overlooking the courtyard. Nearby are a powder room and a discreet bar area with a custom-designed retractable cart. The adjoining chef’s kitchen, which includes space for informal dining, features appliances from Wolf, Miele, and Sub-Zero and a butler’s pantry with a wine chiller and an auxiliary dishwasher.

For quieter, more-intimate moments, the library or media room welcomes with its relaxing ambience, built-in bookshelves, and French doors giving way to a Juliet balcony. Tucked in the quiet southwestern corner behind a wall of steel-framed glass is an office with windows facing Wooster Street, an extensive built-in desk, and streamlined storage. Secluded on the home’s southeast corner, the spacious owner’s bedroom is accompanied by an elegant marble bath with heated floors and both a roomy steamshower and a soaking tub. The two guest bedrooms benefit from en suite baths and thoughtful closet space.

A keypad-controlled elevator connects the building’s lobby directly with an inviting foyer. Residents enjoy central air conditioning, amenities and services that include a full-time superintendent, and the knowledge that their home helps maintain a portion of the history of one of the greatest cities in the world.

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Arthur Goodrich – Sotheby’s International Realty – St. Helena Brokerage

In the heart of the Calistoga Hills, set amid verdant vineyards yielding some of Napa Valley’s most coveted cabernets, you’ll find a sommelier’s dream home.

This 46-acre property previously served as a boutique school for boys, so its grounds play host to all sorts of useful amenities—common rooms and workspaces, studios and a gym, courtyards and sporting greens—that have been thoughtfully remodeled as a resort-like private residence. It’s an ideal destination for anyone, but what it offers to wine connoisseurs is a genuine dream come true.

Form Deserves the Same Consideration as Function

Arthur Goodrich – Sotheby’s International Realty – St. Helena Brokerage

A sommelier’s cellar must meet multiple technical specifications, but this pragmatism shouldn’t come at the expense of aesthetics. The most elegant designs, like the most elegant wines, are experiences as original and memorable as they are opulent and sumptuous.

That’s why dedicated tasting rooms are in-demand, transforming what was once solely a cellar into a sanctum where wine can be enjoyed with all the senses—seen, smelled, swirled, and sampled.

In this particular home, a custom wooden table and seating have been added along with a plush woven rug, conceptually combining the classic wine cellar and the contemporary tasting room in a single, well-appointed refuge. A cellar like this is comfortable for not only the patrons, but for the wine itself.

Temperature and Humidity Must Remain Top of Mind

Of all the rigorous requirements a sommelier’s cellar must abide by, none are more important than temperature. In order for the wine to age at its natural rate, a state-of-the-art facility should maintain the thermostat in a range of 55 to 58 degrees with minimal fluctuations.

Humidity is also a critical factor, and must be kept between 50% and 70%. Any more humid than that, and mold may form on labels and corks; any less, and corks could shrivel slightly, allowing air to percolate through the weakened seal and cause the wine to spoil.

The Right Kind of Light Won’t Put Your Wine at Risk

Arthur Goodrich – Sotheby’s International Realty – St. Helena Brokerage

Wine cellars are typically associated with being bunker-like—sequestered and subterranean, with small faint lights that are rarely left on. This is for good reason, since the sun emits UV radiation that reacts with wine’s phenolic compounds and degrades it, which is why bottles are crafted with tinted glass. In fact, even fluorescent lights cast trace amounts of UV, and like incandescent lights, they also emit heat and can subtly raise the temperature of a wine cellar.

Does this mean that all wine storage has to take place below ground, in darkness? Not at all. With double-layered panes and augmented UV protection, frameless glass wine cellars have gained popularity as a way to store a collection in full view of guests. This property features one on the ground floor, giving it prime placement in the home without the risk of prematurely aging the wine.

But for the traditional wine cellar, cool and bright LED lights are the best option. And because high-end wine cellars can be energy-intensive, their efficiency is a welcome bonus.

Proper Posture Ensures Protection for the Collection

Wine bottles should be laid horizontally when stored in a cellar. The cork is kept moist through contact with the wine, meaning it won’t dry out and damage the seal.

Less well-known is the fact that subtle vibrations, such as the rumbling of a washing machine nearby or the trundling of trucks on a busy thoroughfare, can agitate the wine’s sediments, thus lowering the levels of tartaric and succinic acid that give the drink its signature notes.

Wine, Like Property, is an Investment Worth Making

Kelly Brophy and Olivia Decker – Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty

Good wine can be literally worth its weight in gold. That’s another reason why it’s so critical to keep it in pristine condition, from its flavor and corking to its label and original casing. Keep those limited edition boxes somewhere secure, like the deluxe wine cellar in this estate also located in California’s renowned wine country.

Kelly Brophy and Olivia Decker – Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty

But before purchasing remarkable wines, purchase the type of property and the type of wine cellar that can protect your investment for the long term. Like fine wine, a fine home will continue to appreciate in value while bringing immense satisfaction to its owner.

Fine wine pairs well with delicious food. Look inside these kitchens for the home chef.

Each of these four eye-catching fireplaces—one an ornate mantel carved from stone, another a sleek contemporary piece clad in dazzling black tile—contribute warmth and style to their singular settings.

Classic, Comfortable Manhattan Haven

Diana Devendorf Rice | Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage

Overlooking the East River and the terraces of the iconic River House, this renovated Art Deco cooperative residence is a classically elegant aerie on one of Manhattan’s most distinguished tree-lined cul-de-sacs. In addition to a kitchen with custom gray and white cabinets and Miele appliances, it includes two bedrooms—one of which easily functions as an office or library—and a light-filled living room with Tudor-style leaded-glass windows and a stately carved stone wood-burning fireplace.

Estancia del Rio

Gary Bobolsky | Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe Brokerage

Northwest of Santa Fe along the Rio Chama, this remarkably private 1,000-acre property—two separately deeded 500-acre tracts with a private well—enjoys vast views of the glorious scenery memorialized in the works of Georgia O’Keeffe. Landscaped stone paths lead from a home offering a formal stone-walled living and dining space with an oversized arched fireplace to the sleeping casitas. A large soaking pool sits just below the outdoor living spaces, and the ranch enjoys access to the river.

California Contemporary

Robert Radcliffe | Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Monica – Venice Brokerage

This thoughtfully designed 3,770-square-foot four-bedroom contemporary home allows for the consummate indoor-outdoor California lifestyle. Atop the roof is a deck with 360-degree city views, and the property offers a sauna, an ipe deck, and an additional residence with its own entrance and deck. The open-plan main level consists of a kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances and quartzite countertops, a dining area with a clever interior plant wall, and a welcoming living room with a dazzling custom-tiled fireplace.

Stylish Serenity in Sherman Oaks

 John Giddins | Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage

This stylish and serene home on a quiet cul-de-sac in Sherman Oaks is replete with graceful archways, herringbone-patterned white oak floors, and uncommonly elegant finishes. Its 3,247-square-foot floor plan offers four bedrooms, while the generous backyard features dining and sitting areas, a firepit, a spa, and a built-in grill. Adjoining in an ideal flow for entertaining are a stylish living room, an inviting family room, a gourmet kitchen, and a formal dining room with doors to the backyard and a striking Calacatta marble fireplace.

Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com

Highlights from this week’s top news stories on luxury and global real estate, art, collectibles, and home.

Bedford, New York | Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty

The home comes completely furnished—and with a $300,000 boat.

This $12 Million New York Manse, With a Rock Wall and Zip Line, Is Like a Luxury Summer Camp – Robb Report

An Experimental Home With a Shape-Shifting Interior Just Hit the Market for the First Time – Dwell

Lavish Lake House Cannonballs Onto the Market as Michigan’s Priciest Listing at $18M – Realtor

Florida Homes Are Still Selling in Four Days—At Least Inside Disney World – Mansion Global

After Listing for $125 Million, a Malibu Home Sells for $91 Million – The Wall Street Journal

Palazzo Raggi by Tamburini Architectural Studio – Architecture Magazine

Peek Inside This Enchanting Texas Home with Its Own Casita – Apartment Therapy

How to relocate to the Caribbean – The Times

East Hampton House Designed by Norman Jaffe Up for Auction, Again – Behind the Hedges

$1.8 Million Homes in Florida, Tennessee and New Mexico – The New York Times

10 Most Expensive Homes Sold in Greater Houston – Houston Agent Magazine

Homes for Sale in Brooklyn and Manhattan – The New York Times

7 of the Prettiest Houses Under $500,000 to Hit the Market in 2022 – Apartment Therapy

No matter how you celebrate the season, decorating makes the winter unlike any other time of year. Festive decor welcomes loved ones, as friends and families gather together. Here are some ideas about how this year’s leading holiday trends can be thoughtfully integrated throughout the home.

Foyer: Add Color to Wintery White with Candy Cane Red

Tiffany Fraenkel-Burrus – Cardis Immobilier Sotheby’s International Realty

It’s not uncommon for homes to feature pale neutrals in the entryways and hallways—and at this time of year, that’s an asset. White is the classic winter color, providing a creative canvas that can be complemented with bright scarlets or traditional greenery. The holiday party commences as soon as guests step through the door.

Dining Room: Modern Minimalism with a Nod to Nostalgia

Kristi Ambrosetti – Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage

Speaking of parties, one of the key components of any holiday get-together is food—so consider a dining room that’s both modern and modernist. Gilded accents and heirloom crockery bring a touch of nostalgic glamor, which is a popular holiday theme this year. The addition of a monochromatic palette, underscored with subtle hues like dusty rose, lends the space an undeniable contemporary vibe.

Living Room: The Hearth is the Holiday Heart of the Home

Carole Taylor – TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

The fireplace serves as the seasonal center, whether enjoying mugs of hot chocolate and mulled wine late into the evening or opening gifts early in the morning. As such, it’s no wonder that “mantelscaping” is such a major trend in holiday decorating. A traditional hearth is a holiday hallmark, and the surrounding space can be further accessorized with cozy furniture and carpeting, warm wall colors and natural wooden materials, and jewel tones that are echoed in decorative bulbs, beads, and baubles.

Staircase: Enhance the Timeless Grandeur with a Garland

Rachel Hollingsworth – Western Australia Sotheby’s International Realty

When decorating for the holidays, the home’s old-fashioned flourishes become its most attractive features, which means dwellings that feature a grand staircase are in luck. Run evergreen garlands along the banisters, especially if the steps or railings are hardwood, and embrace the rustic winter atmosphere by positioning natural wreaths or poinsettias nearby. Lights, or a glittering chandelier, can add to the staircase’s festive aesthetic.

Bedroom: A Sanctuary of Warmth Through the Cold Nights

Nikki Field – Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage

When decorating for the holidays, the home’s old-fashioned flourishes become its most attractive features, which means dwellings that feature a grand staircase are in luck. Run evergreen garlands along the banisters, especially if the steps or railings are hardwood, and embrace the rustic winter atmosphere by positioning natural wreaths or poinsettias nearby. Lights, or a glittering chandelier, can add to the staircase’s festive aesthetic.

Fine wine pairs well with delicious food. Look inside these kitchens for the home chef.

Featuring curated videos from the most sought-after destinations the world over, discover this  week’s Video of the Week.

Chicago, Illinois | Andorra Sotheby’s International Realty

Located in the charming village of Ordino, the first destination in the Principality of Andorra to be named a Biosphere Reserve, this property is part of a new development that is remarkable for its privileged location as well as its luxurious design, conceived by the prestigious architectural studio Rafael De La-Hoz Arquitectos. The newly built property includes multiple terraces optimally oriented to provide the maximum possible exposure to natural light, while offering the magnificent views of Ordino and its valleys.

The first floor is divided into a large kitchen with central island, equipped with the latest technology, that opens onto a cozy dining room with access to the terrace. The living room and a library also access the terrace. On the top floor, under the roof, there is a practical office.

The property has been designed to combine modern elements, such as the large glass windows, with classic Andorran architecture in stone and wood, to perfectly integrate into the environment and protect the essence of the country’s architecture.

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Life on Cape Cod affords seemingly endless activities and allures—from clam bakes and coastal bonfires to chasing bass and blues from private boats and piers. The distinctive homes of the area, designed to make the most of their enviable environs, are also attractions in their own right. This inspiring 4,210-square-foot residence perched on the verge of Popponesset Bay is a shining modern example of the local vernacular, with its timeless wood shingles, pitched rooflines, plentiful windows, central chimney, crisp white trim and millwork, and numerous decks and balconies. Brilliant blue sky, glorious sunlight, salty sea air, and sparkling waters create a singularly stimulating setting.

Mashpee, Massachusetts |  Jack Cotton Jr., Sotheby’s International Realty Osterville Brokerage

No detail was overlooked in the creation of this retreat, meant to make the most of its coveted locale, with every room enjoying a water view. Lovingly maintained, it features a wealth of light-flooded spaces that are finished in cheerful whites and allow for effortless day-to-day living, quiet private moments, and festive seaside gatherings. Highlights include a cook’s kitchen with an island and superior appliances, an adjoining window-wrapped dining room opening to a deck, a double-height living room with a stately stone fireplace, a family room, a study or den, and a game room.

The private quarters are secluded on two levels atop a winding stairway. The primary bedroom has a lofty ceiling that contributes to the bright and airy ambience, a sizeable walk-in closet, an elegant bath, and a sitting room with an expansive private balcony—the perfect venue for relaxing while gazing out toward sunrises or taking in the carpet of stars in the night sky. Visitors will appreciate the home’s three quiet guest getaways, each with its own en suite bath, balcony, and captivating vista.

In addition to a roomy deck with a refreshing swimming pool, the property offers a charming railed walkway that meanders through native flora and a sturdy stone outcropping to a private timber dock with a float and an alfresco shower. From here, the smooth waters of the bay stretch out toward “the Spit,” Nantucket Sound, and the always-mesmerizing horizon beyond.

Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com

Amsterdam Sotheby’s International Realty

To be in Amsterdam during the holidays is a special gift. It embodies the nostalgia of picture-perfect towns sculpted inside of a snow globe, with its gabled houses and cobbled roads, decorated lamp posts, romantic bridges, warmly-glowing windows and scents of fresh-baked goods floating on the air. From this stunning heritage home, built in 1930 and fully renovated in 2021, you can settle within the city’s holiday charm and strike out for an exciting day of exploration.

Morning: Christmas Markets Before the Crowds

Morning in the primary suite is serene and radiant. The French doors serve as floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto the balcony, and the proximity of Beatrixpark creates the fantasy of living on the edge of the woods, even as the city’s conveniences lie at your doorstep. There are five other bedrooms, each with its own character, making this property ideal for hosting friends and family during the holidays. And at the top of the home, the furnished roof terrace provides a storybook panorama of picturesque architecture and treetops.

As you head to your magnificent ensuite, there’s no need for slippers—the in-floor heating keeps you comfortable—and you play some holiday tunes on the built-in sound system while preparing for the day. Once you’re washed and dressed, you head down to the marble foyer on the ground floor and exit onto Schubertstraat, one of the many charming streets named after acclaimed composers.

Cross the canal going east into colorful De Pijp, the ever-popular district lined with bars and cafés. Here you’ll find Albert Cuypmarkt, one of the city’s premier traditional street markets, where breakfast can be found in the form of tantalizing Dutch baking classics such as stroopwafels or poffertjes.

The Museumplein, a park that transforms into Amsterdam’s most iconic Christmas market, is just a few blocks away. The whole square is transformed into a rink surrounded by a winter wonderland-like village, with the majestic Rijksmuseum presiding as the backdrop. It’ll be a while before the afternoon and evening shoppers flock in, so you rent some skates and take a spin on the ice, browse the quaint merchant stalls, and buy some oliebollen from the seasonal food trucks.

Noon: Scenes of a Festive Fairytale

Back home in your spacious kitchen, you’re once more jamming to the festive playlist—this time, on the main floor’s embedded sound system—while preparing tea and snacks with your luxury appliances. The tall French doors face west overlooking the garden, and afternoon sunlight beams iridescently through the glass. The wintery day looks crystal clear and cold, but you don’t feel the slightest chill—the heating system spans throughout your home’s double oak herringbone floors.

An afternoon stroll brings you through Vondelpark, a breathtaking urban forest bordered by ancient trees, icy streams, and lovely mansions. It’s always a marvel, but a dusting of snow makes it truly magical. On the other side of Vondelpark, you head up to De Hallen, an industrial tram depot-turned-artisan shopping destination. Its fabled Foodhallen is a pilgrimage for street-food connoisseurs.

Across four short bridges, you find De 9 Straatjesin, an area of the city so stunning, it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The boutiques are ideal for holiday shopping, but as the sun quickly descends and afternoon turns into an early evening, you’re content with admiring the sparkling outdoor decorations.

Night: As the Lights Come On, Inspiration Strikes

Meandering back towards your house, the Amsterdam Light Festival delights and dazzles you. More than 40 international artists have converged on the city to build innovative light installations over Amsterdam’s centermost canals. As you happen upon the unique sculptures, you click the icons on the festival’s digital map to unfurl written or spoken didactics that explain the concepts and craftsmanship behind these works of art.

Having returned home, you order dinner and dessert from the restaurants or patisseries in your area, then prepare a drink at your kitchen’s custom bar before heading to the living room, located off the main hall through dramatic double steel doors. You light a fire in your wood-burning fireplace and some candles on the marble mantle to set the tone as you curl up in the bay window to scroll through the photos you took, and record the day’s adventures in your journal. 

What will you do tomorrow? The Light Festival will still be on for several weeks, and some of the displays are best seen by boat—perhaps you’ll charter a private canal cruise. For now, you allow scenes of the day to dance in your memory as you drift to sleep, anticipating vivid dreams that play upon the vibrant world you’re immersed in.

Read more from our Life of Luxury series

Whether they illuminate a traditional townhouse in Southampton or a chic contemporary residence in Southern California, distinctive light fixtures make each of these homes shine.

Woolworth Tower Aerie

 Stan Ponte, Joshua Judge | Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage

Towering above the city in the illustrious, amenity-rich Woolworth Building, this 2,548-square-foot condominium residence features sophisticated living and entertaining areas, two generous bedroom suites, and exposures in three directions offering sweeping views of the Hudson River and the city skyline. Its centerpiece is an open living and dining room with handsome herringbone floors, a bar, and one of multiple eye-catching modern light fixtures. This space flows to a light-filled kitchen with marble countertops, Dornbracht fixtures, and Miele appliances that include a wine chiller.

Chic Houston Haven

Kelley Austin | Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

Ideal for the entertainer, this striking new home on a prime corner lot exemplifies chic modern design. Its 4,906-square-foot two-level floor plan features engineered French oak floors throughout the study, elegant dining room, family room, chef’s kitchen, primary suite, and three guest bedrooms—all introduced by an entryway with two unique wine vaults and a dramatic globe-like light fixture. The spacious grounds offer a covered Trex deck with an outdoor kitchen that includes a grill, a refrigerator, a sink, and storage.

Cutting-Edge Contemporary

Robin Walpert | Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Monica – Venice Brokerage

A stunning example of quintessential contemporary design, this new solar-powered five-bedroom was designed for a luxurious environmentally friendly lifestyle. No expense was spared in its creation and outfitting, with a host of superior-quality fixtures that include dazzling glass light fixtures in the double-height living room as well as the adjoining dining area and chef’s kitchen. The serene backyard boasts a pool and spa, a gas fire pit, an outdoor kitchen, a synthetic turf lawn, and drought-tolerant landscaping with a drip irrigation system.

Polo Club Townhouse

Holly Hodder | Sotheby’s International Realty – Southampton Brokerage

This 3,450-square-foot three-level home is a rare find in Southampton Village’s famed Polo Club. In addition to four bedroom suites, it offers a well-equipped kitchen with stainless-steel appliances, a finished lower level with a den or media room, and open living and dining spaces that respect both traditional and modern styles and feature bright, distinctive light fixtures. The main level opens to a charming backyard with a bluestone patio and colorful gardens.

Los Angeles Oasis

Marc Noah | Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage

Recently remodeled, this 7,070-square-foot villa is an inviting oasis in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Highlights include a formal living room; a great room with soaring ceilings; a kitchen with Sub-Zero appliances, an island, and a butler’s pantry; an office; four bedroom suites; a theater and game room with a wet bar; and a saltwater pool accompanied by a spacious terrace and an outdoor kitchen. Linking the multiple levels is a dramatic staircase with three captivating round light fixtures.

Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com

Highlights from this week’s top news stories on luxury and global real estate, art, collectibles, and home.

Hudson, New York | Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty

Located just a short drive from New York City, the revamped historic home offers a harmonious blend of old and new.

A Charming Hudson Valley Farmhouse Dating Back to 1810 Seeks $995K – Dwell

Hamish Bowles Lists Greenwich Village Apartment for $2.9 Million – Architectural Digest

A Thomas Schoos-Designed Condo, Hits The Market For $17 Million – Forbes

Supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio Parts Ways with Her Bright NYC Duplex Penthouse – Cottages & Gardens

Hot property: five homes for sale that offer December sun – Financial Times

An Utterly Private 43-Acre Compound in Wyoming’s Jackson Hole Valley – Mansion Global

Inside a Unique Farmhouse-Turned-Residence in Bavaria Built in 1560 and Listed for $3.1M – Cottages & Gardens

The Latest Must-Have Kitchen Staple: A Pantry – Wall Street Journal

The Most Expensive Condo for Sale in Austin Is Now This $17 Million Aerie – Mansion Global

$880,000 Homes in Georgia, Massachusetts and Oregon – New York Times

Property: 9 dream homes to put on your Christmas wish list – Yahoo! Finance

Winter sun retreats around the world – The Week

Priciest Wine-Country Real Estate in the U.S.? You Won’t Find It in Napa – Wall Street Journal

$2.2M Modernist Dwelling From the Atomic Age a Rare Treat in the Nation’s Capital – Realtor

$1.3 Million Homes in California – New York Times

Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, Is an Upscale Lake Town With Colonial Origins – Mansion Global

Retired Racer’s Magnificent Mountaintop Mansion Roars Onto the Market for $24.8M – Realtor

Tuscan Farmhouse on Florida’s Gulf Coast Lists for Nearly $14 Million – Mansion Global

Ski chalets and mountain homes for sale right now – The Spaces

Homes for Sale in New York and New Jersey – New York Times

Brussels buyers find charming houses and relative affordability – Financial Times

Featuring curated videos from the most sought-after destinations the world over, discover this  week’s Video of the Week.

Chicago, Illinois | Mark Lowham, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

Rugged granite cliffs and panoramic views of the Potomac River set the stage for this exceptional estate which has been described as one of the most beautiful homes on the East Coast. A private lane introduces the gated entrance which reveals the understated, French Provincial architecture of the residence. Timeless materials, including a Vermont Slate roof, copper gutters, and limestone and concrete stucco walls blend seamlessly into the breathtaking natural setting.

Custom iron doors introduce guests to a circular rotunda with views to the river and beyond. Designed to capture sweeping views from literally every room, galleries extend both direction to the public rooms, including the main salon, dining room and soaring great room. Adjoining the great room, a world class kitchen by Lobkovitch with input from renowned chef, Jose Andres, captures every luxurious amenity, including a breakfast room with 180 degree views of the gardens, outdoor pool and the river. A separate catering kitchen provides a full suite of appliances to satisfy the most discerning host. Nearby, an office with unobstructed river views, a managers office, a full laundry room and coat room lead to the daily garage with parking for 4-6 cars.

On the opposite end of this level, a spacious salon once again captures uncompromising views of the river to the west and leads to a collectors garage with room for 18-22 cars. This finely finished space also doubles as an exceptional ballroom space for large indoor gatherings. Upstairs, the primary suite encompasses the entire western wing of the 2nd floor and includes a perfectly scaled bedroom with a fireplace, a spa-quality bath, coffee bar, and a dramatic closet and dressing room. A private corridor leads to four additional bedrooms, all with beautifully detailed, en-suite baths and stunning views.

The lower level of the residence introduced by two separate staircases was designed to surprise and delight. A games room adjoins a dramatic wine room with a quartz crystal wine cellar and wet bar. The nearby media room is pre-wired for electronic black-out shades and features dual retractable screens. Just beyond, an exercise suite captures sweeping views outdoors and overlooks the indoor basketball court outfitted with official NBA Spaulding Basketball hoops, professional flooring, and an exterior entrance. Just a few steps beyond, a sublime indoor swimming pool and spa are equipped with an LED lighting system, adjoining bath and shower, and a separate de-humidification system. An ADA compliant elevator services three levels of the residence, and a smart-house system by Savant controls Lutron lighting, music, HVAC systems, fireplaces, entrance gates, and security systems. A full-house generator, geothermal system for heating and air conditioning, and dual well and septic systems for water and sewer insure flawless operations throughout the estate.

Outdoors, a covered veranda with built-in heaters, retractable screens, a firepit, and an outdoor kitchen overlook the expansive lawn and gardens. Designed for outdoor entertaining, the central lawn area was designed to accommodate a large tent for 200+ guests. Beyond, an infinity edge pool captures sunset views, and multiple terraces provide ideal vantage points for the truly spectacular views in all directions of the river, abundant wildlife, and the city of Washington beyond. Additional accommodations for guests or staff are provided in two separate quarters: a two-bedroom unit with a kitchen and separate entrance on the lower level, and an additional guest or staff quarters with a separate entrance located above the daily garage. The estates ideal location just 1.5 miles from the Capital Beltway and 10 minutes to Tysons Corner also provides easy access to both Ronald Reagan National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport. Downtown Washington is less than 20 minutes. The Cliffs is unquestionably the finest new estate offering in Washington.

Discover tours of luxury homes for sale around the world on our award-winning YouTube Channel

Sotheby’s International Realty today announced the opening of Vashon Island Sotheby’s International Realty, signifying the brand’s continued expansion in the United States and its seventh affiliated office in the state of Washington.

The firm is owned and operated by Nicole Donnelly-Martin, Linda Bianchi, and Richard Bianchi who bring a collective 85 years of real estate experience. The office will be managed by Glynis Delargy. Headquartered on Vashon Island, an island community nestled between Seattle and Tacoma in the southern part of Puget Sound, the company will service the surrounding area in addition to the Kitsap Peninsula and South Sound regions.

“The luxury market on Vashon Island is seeing incredible growth,” said Philip White, president and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty. “The area has seen a significant increase year-over-year in the over $2 million-dollar market, according to local market records. It also possesses the most waterfront footage of any area in King County, making it ideal for those looking to be surrounded by the natural splendor of the Pacific Northwest. Nicole and her team possess strong experience and I look forward to welcoming Vashon Island Sotheby’s International Realty to the network.”

“Vashon Island Sotheby’s International Realty is a locally owned real estate brokerage focused on the exceptional representation of buyers and sellers on Vashon Island and the surrounding areas,” said Donnelly-Martin. “Local knowledge, combined with high-quality service and unmatched results, sets us apart. Our affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty enables the homes we represent to also benefit from its renowned global marketing programs, worldwide exposure and exclusive access to a highly qualified global clientele.”

The company is committed to supporting its local community with active involvement in the Vashon Schools Foundation, Vashon Rotary Club, and St. Vincent de Paul Society Vashon, an international non-profit organization whose mission is to serve the poor and underserved members of Vashon Island. Vashon Sotheby’s International Realty has also pledged a minimum of 1% of its profits to organizations that support its neighbors and local environment.

The list of accolades for Monika Haefelfinger and Scott Utterstrom’s firm XTEN Architecture runs into the dozens. The acclaimed international company based in Los Angeles and Switzerland specializes in custom contemporary constructions that combine the notorious precision of the Swiss with California’s progressive, experimental spirit. Soaring above the city of Los Angeles with the majestic Pacific Ocean in the distance, this striking residence is among XTEN’s award winners—a standing that, with its generous use of glass, crisp clean lines, unique fluid layout, and emphasis on the view—it rightly deserves.

Los Angeles, California | Bruno Abisror, Joseph Cilic, Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Monica – Venice Brokerage

The home’s position, following the contours of its hillside, creates a feeling of being integrated with its natural surroundings, and some 44 floor-to-ceiling sliding glass panels thoughtfully positioned throughout the home blur the lines between indoors and out, capturing the prevailing breezes and “disappearing” to establish an effortless flow between serene interiors and captivating alfresco areas with dazzling outlooks.

Outdoor living shares top billing here. A spacious yard, numerous decks, a trio of burbling water features, a fire pit, and an infinity-edge waterfall accompany the home, offering a variety of venues for outdoor lounging, dining, and entertaining with one of the city’s most enviable vistas as a backdrop. When illuminated at night, the waters of the alluring swimming pool and spa echo the entrancing blues of the sky overhead.

The open, expansive living room has two focal points: a striking sculptural indoor-outdoor fireplace and a magnificent view. A dining area adjoins a kitchen with streamlined surfaces of wood and stone and a secluded breakfast patio. A casual living area gives way seamlessly to a stone and grass terrace set into the earth and enveloped by trees and hedges for consummate privacy. Honey-hued hardwood floors flow throughout.

The carefully cantilevered charcoal-hued concrete staircase rises to the upper level and its two guest suites as well as an inspiring primary suite with a similarly eye-catching fireplace, a well-outfitted walk-in closet, and a glass-railed balcony. The resort-caliber bath boasts a soaking tub and a mirrored dual-vanity wall. Fittingly for a residence in the city widely regarded as the home of cinema, a full wall of glass offers a sparkling, theatrical view.

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Showcasing the height of new luxury construction in some of the world’s most sought-after locations, let’s explore an exclusive new development from our worldwide network.

Helsinki, Finland | Snellman Sotheby’s International Realty

Marble Palace (”Marmoripalatsi”) was designed in 1916 and completed in 1918 by one of Finland’s most iconic architects, Eliel Saarinen. Today, this masterpiece from his classical phase has been converted back into its original purpose – a lavish private residence in Helsinki’s beautiful Kaivopuisto park. With housing four spacious new homes, each with their own individual character, it represents luxurious urban living unlike anywhere else in Finland.

While the new apartments retain the palace’s distinguished ambience and stay true to Saarinen’s concept of distinct public and private sections, tremendous upgrades have taken place under the surface. The extensive restoration project by SARC Architects has brought the building into the 21st century, leveraging advanced building automation technology wherever needed to optimize heating, ventilation and cooling. Sustainable LED lighting and underground heat pipes to clear exterior walkways of snow and ice are but some of the contemporary comforts that take living at Marmoripalatsi to the next level.

Varied and attractive outdoor spaces complement Marmoripalatsi’s interiors beautifully. The exquisite loggia, framed by original granite arches, adds Mediterranean charm to dinners under the evening sun. Every apartment enjoys a private patio, roof terrace, or one or more balconies overlooking the park.

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From Sag Harbor to Southern California, these exceptional homes feature tubs that transform luxurious baths into peaceful personal spas designed for warm, luxurious escapes.

Chic California Contemporary

 Pane Team | Sotheby’s International Realty – Sherman Oaks Brokerage

Combining chic modern style with consummate comfort, this striking light-filled Encino home offers fluid open living and dining spaces as well as a chef’s kitchen with Viking appliances, quartz countertops, wine storage, and walk-in and butler’s pantries. Among the five bedrooms is a primary suite with an expansive closet and a spa-like bath that includes a serene soaking tub set beside a wide window that frames a picturesque view. The property is an idyllic oasis featuring an infinity-edge pool and breathtaking valley vistas.

Sag Harbor Serenity

Beate V. Moore | Sotheby’s International Realty – Bridgehampton Brokerage

On one of the most desirable streets in Sag Harbor, this four-bedroom residence is a charming coastal haven. Light-filled open-plan living, dining, and entertaining spaces are adjoined by an impressive kitchen with a sunroom and access to a dining patio, a heated gunite pool, and enchanting lawns and gardens. Secluded on the upper level, the cheerful owner’s aerie includes a bath with spacious tiled shower and a classic claw-foot tub. The home is less than a half mile from restaurants, shops, and the beach.

Picturesque Palm Beach Oasis

Frances and Todd Peter | Sotheby’s International Realty – Palm Beach Brokerage

Surrounded by mature palm trees, this thoughtfully renovated 2,671-square-foot home brings midcentury flair to Palm Beach. Ideal for entertaining, it appeals with an open-plan living room, dining room, and kitchen; a refreshing pool; a loggia; and an outdoor kitchen. The owner’s suite boasts a well-equipped walk-in closet and a bath with eye-catching tile and a wet room offering a dual-head shower and an artful tub ideal for a relaxing soak. A freestanding apartment includes its own kitchen, living room, driveway, and garage.

Greenwich Gem

Leslie McElwreath | Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage

Built in 1710, this distinctive residence blends period details with modern appointments and amenities. The 8,077-square-foot floor plan boasts a gourmet kitchen, a family room, a living room with a fireplace, a butler’s pantry with a wet bar and a wine chiller, and a chic dining room with French doors to a wraparound covered porch. The home’s six bedrooms include a primary suite with a fireplace, a view of the verdant grounds, and a regal marble bath with a soothing vintage-inspired soaking tub.

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About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC

Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY), a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services. In February 2004, Realogy entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744.

Theodora Kaufmann – Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty

Throughout history, people have feverishly pursued perpetual youth, health, and beauty—and today, it looks as though we’ve just about caught it. New tools, technologies, formulas, and facilities are offering science-based ways to not only optimize physical and mental performance, but to maintain it for longer.

Home design and architecture are playing a substantial role in this wellness revolution. The indoor spaces we inhabit, the outdoor settings that immerse us, and the amenities and utilities we invest in can invigorate our minds and bodies in some truly incredible ways. Just look at these four properties to see how luxe homes can have a transformative impact on health.

Nigel Denham and Penny Brown – Sotheby’s International Realty Canada

But the greatest way to give your body a boost is by having facilities in your own home—a trend that has caught on in affluent circles. Hot and cold treatments are particularly in demand, with saunas and plunge pools topping the luxury biohacker’s wishlist. This magnificent mansion, just minutes away from Toronto’s iconic Yonge Street, ticks both those boxes, and also features a private spa and sauna.Work From the Multiverse in Marbella

Futuristic Renovations are On-Trend

The biohacking industry could be worth a trillion dollars within the coming decade, according to McKinsey. And while biohacking consultants, coaches, services, and facilities proliferate the industry, biohacking architecture—spaces that are purposely designed to maximize health and well-being—provides more holistic benefits to those who can afford them.

Theodora Kaufmann – Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty

Today, athletes and celebrities are renovating their homes to create biohacking havens. But Pronay Castle in Nograd is ahead of this trend, having been renovated more than 250 years after it was first constructed in 1750. This historic estate is now the epitome of an environment rebuilt and retrofitted for wellness. Its extensive grounds have three different types of gardens, allowing for natural tranquility and regular exercise, while a state-of-the-art spa— complete with a steam room, a salt room, and a sauna—has been built into the hillside.

Holiday at Home in Your Own Resort

Another benefit of biohacking at home is that it accommodates living blissfully far away from the hustle and bustle of a major city. After all, a peaceful and inspiring setting can be as good for your health as having a longevity guru at your disposal, or a vitamin lounge where you can go for a full-body cleanse. Living in a vacation hotspot can also bring the best of both worlds, with surroundings that nourish your mind and body, and five-star amenities within walking distance.

Andorra Sotheby’s International Realty

That’s what you’ll find in a place like Andorra. The tiny European principality lies nestled amid the sublimity of the eastern Pyrenees, and is beloved by visitors for its exceptional summer and winter resorts. And while this spectacular mountainside villa is in fact steps away from world-class facilities, such as the nearby thermal leisure center, it boasts its very own hammam and salt room on the lower level, and a top-of-the-line hydromassage tub in its ensuite.

Tomorrow’s Amenities are Here Today

With enthusiasm for biohacking at an all-time high, it’s certain to be a competitive differentiator for luxury developments in the future. Imagine how convenient it would be to have an opulent condo in a building that already offers all the health-boosting technologies you could hope for. You could biohack at home without having to purchase a single piece of equipment.

Mary Carmen Paz – Riviera Maya Sotheby’s International Realty 

As it turns out, that future is nearly here. When Shark Tower opens in Cancun, its exquisite onsite spa will host dedicated tubs for hot temperature and cryotherapy, which are exactly the types of treatments seasoned biohackers swear by. The owner of this gorgeous, panoramic apartment on the 15th floor will have unlimited access, alongside complimentary memberships to the exclusive beach and golf clubs, and use of the private marina.

Health truly is the key to happiness, and it’s becoming increasingly possible to hack it. When the right technologies are combined with the right residence, it creates the ideal conditions for a long life and an invigorating lifestyle.

Curious about now nature can benefit your wellness? Peruse these inspirational home gardens.