Tag: home for sale

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

Innisfil, Canada | Gladys Montgomery, Herb Butzke, William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty

Privately set on 104 acres surrounded by hundreds of acres of protected land and located just two miles outside a charming country village, this expansive property offers generous spaces for entertaining and cozy spots for relaxation, quiet conversation, and daydreaming.

Originally built by a local farming family, the house was purchased in the early 1920s by William Bullitt, the U.S. Ambassador to Russia and France, who used it as a summer retreat. The Bullitt Estate comprises a circa 1811 Federal farmhouse to which a European-style great room and additional living quarters were added in the 1920s. A renovated mid-1800s barn and garage, a new post-and-beam carriage house, a 1920s-era three car garage, a new stone cottage with beamed interior and fireplace, and a small post and beam livestock barn with pasture complete the compound.

Meticulously restored and revamped by its current owners—singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne and his wife, poet Sarah Sousa—the compound now encompasses a main residence comprising five bedrooms, five baths, and nearly 11,000 square feet and several other structures, each with radiant heat and well-appointed interiors, suitable for myriad hobbies and pastimes, whether they be antique cars, gardening, or horses.

Taken together, the 438 acres of conserved open land and forests surrounding the estate provide unparalleled protection and privacy, as well as miles of walking trails and access to Chapel Falls Brook and Pony Mountain. Consequently, the Bullitt Estate is a place where one can truly be immersed in nature.

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Just blocks from the lush expanse of San Francisco’s historic Presidio, exclusive Presidio Terrace is a rarity in a city known for singularities—a miniature master-planned community named for its single privately owned street. In 1905, construction began along this pleasant elliptical cul-de-sac, which features 36 magnificent properties in a variety of architectural styles, from Beaux-Arts and Italian Renaissance to Mission and Tudor Revival. This grande dame was built not long after the neighborhood was christened, in 1909, and while a comprehensive renovation afforded top-tier modern systems, it also polished the lovingly maintained period details, allowing the home to retain an atmosphere of bygone elegance and grace.

San Francisco, California | Neill Bassi, Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage

The home’s generously scaled spaces, spanning four levels, are flooded with natural light from oversized windows and accompanied by gloriously colorful backyard gardens. Throughout, the sophisticated palette ranges from soothingly light to richer grounding hues, creating a variety of moods and settings with aesthetics that are at times chicly contemporary, at others consummately classical.

Stately columns, ornamental leaded glass, inlaid marble floors, richly hued hardwoods, ornate ironwork, thoughtful built-ins, and numerous fireplaces contribute to a dignified air in the library as well as the formal living and dining rooms. These regal areas accompany a bright, thoroughly modern kitchen, which boasts a Viking gas range, two wall ovens, and two dishwashers—all clad in professional-caliber stainless steel. A comfortable family room that encourages relaxed contemporary living opens through two sets of French doors to an enviable rear terrace perched above the backyard and linked with it via a discreet set of stairs.

The primary suite is a secluded second-level aerie overlooking these vibrant gardens. Completing the lavish retreat are three walk-in closets and a bath with a soaking tub and a step-in shower. Two additional bedrooms—joined by a shared bath with dual sinks, a shower, and a tub—benefit from their own generous closet space. Visitors will appreciate the inclusion of a second indulgent suite with its own luxurious bath, a large walk-in closet, and a leafy outlook.

The home’s uppermost level offers a gym, a contemplative office, a bedroom with a desk alcove in a dormer window and a dry bar—making this an ideal locale for an au pair or in-law—a bath, and a second family room with built-in shelves. The lower level is dedicated to casual diversion with its well-equipped media room; inviting tasting area just outside a temperature-controlled wine room with an impressive capacity; and versatile oversized garage capable of housing multiple cars while also providing space for storage, hobbies, and other creative or athletic pursuits. The exceedingly private guest bedroom on this level is a quiet, sun-washed space with access to the alluring gardens. With their flourishing roses, stretches of emerald lawn, and serene Japanese-inspired meditation and koi pond, the courtyard is yet another rarity, an idyllic oasis in one of the world’s most bustling cities.

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Showcasing the height of new luxury construction in some of the world’s most sought after locations, explore an exclusive new development from our worldwide network.
Austin, Texas | Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty

Tucked into one of the city’s most adored neighborhoods, Sixth&Blanco is the first and only mixed-use concept of its caliber in Austin. Every extension of Sixth&Blanco has been thoroughly considered to the most discerning detail, resulting in premier retail and restaurants on the first and second floors, a bespoke hotel on the third floor, and breathtaking homes on the fourth and fifth floors. Designed by Pritzker award-winning Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron, and curated and operated by renowned hospitality team MML, Sixth&Blanco is certain to become a landmark destination that joins world-class experiences, service, and design.

The ten meticulously appointed homes at Sixth&Blanco offer a refined urban living experience. Standout features include private terraces, soaring timber ceilings, and an intimate cocktail pool. Each home extends a rare opportunity to take up residence within a piece of city-defining architecture while enjoying access to exceptional amenities.

Highly curated specialty retail and restaurants span the first and second floors, accompanied by immaculately landscaped common areas and inviting terraces with views of mature trees and downtown Austin. The breezy, verdant spaces support a pedestrian network that brings a human scale and sense of domestic comfort to the space.

Discover luxury developments represented by Sotheby’s International Realty around the world

Images Credit: Herzog & de Meuron 

With their striking streamlined designs, 20th-century luminaries from Frank Lloyd Wright to Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson solidified modernist style in the architectural realm. Their influence persists in these homes, artful settings for contemporary living that feature clean lines, light-filled spaces, and a relationship with their surroundings.

Modern Majesty in the Marina District

Gregg Lynn | Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage

Re-imagined and rebuilt, this modern three-bedroom San Francisco home is unrivaled for its luxury, efficiency, and comfort. It features a living area with a sound system and a gas fireplace; a kitchen with a La Cornue range; a dining room overlooking the chic backyard garden; a rooftop deck; a wine cellar; a lower-level guest suite; and a garage with a pair of Tesla Powerwalls. A Control4 system manages climate, lighting, blinds, audiovisual equipment, security, and fireplaces.

Stylish Texas Showplace

Kingshill Martini Group | Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

Surrounded by 1.8 lush acres in the Stallion Lakes community, 40 miles outside Houston, this 6,595-square-foot four-bedroom residence exemplifies refined modern living. Sophisticated entertaining is effortless thanks to spaces with thoughtfully chosen fixtures and finishes: a dramatic double-height living room, a formal dining room, an impressively outfitted kitchen with a breakfast room and two pantries, a game room, a media room, and a covered outdoor living area featuring a summer kitchen and views of the refreshing pool and spa.

Light-Filled California Luxury

 Neyshia Go | Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage

Contemporary lines, soaring ceilings, and a minimalist palette are hallmarks of this light-flooded six-bedroom home on a promontory in Calabasas. Among the alluring spaces are a dining room with a full-size wine chiller, a theater, a game room, a library, a study, a gym, and a chef’s kitchen with a butler’s pantry, an oversized island, and stainless-steel Gaggenau and Thermador appliances. Perfect for California’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle, the backyard offers grassy lawn, an infinity-edge pool and spa, a fire pit, and an alfresco kitchen and bar.

Santa Fe Sophistication

 Britt Klein | Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe Brokerage

On a five-acre lot in Santa Fe’s wooded Wilderness Gate neighborhood, this striking three-bedroom residence combines sophisticated modern design, powerful architecture, and the inherent warmth of Santa Fe style. Highlights include an open-concept living and dining room; a wet bar with a wine chiller; a spacious, well-outfitted kitchen; a portal with a grilling area, a fireplace, and vast views of mountains, city lights, and sunsets; and a rare resort-caliber diving pool and spa.

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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 Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (NYSE: HOUS), 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.

Guy Bradshaw – United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty 

For many, a home overseas represents the essence of opulence and the hallmark of success. So it’s not a surprise that among society’s most affluent, so much of their collective wealth exists as real estate.

This trend is particularly prominent in the US—in 2022 alone, the number of overseas properties owned by Americans increased by 20%. Holding real estate abroad clearly has significant appeal for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, and here are six of the top considerations driving the demand.

1. Investment Opportunities

Guy Bradshaw – United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty 

For the ultra-wealthy, real estate consistently ranks as a preferred opportunity for investment. When there’s a chance to own a covetable property in a highly desirable market—such as this Knightsbridge apartment right on the border of Belgravia, just a few blocks away from Harrods—they seize it. With period architecture, contemporary infrastructure, and a prime London location, this type of residence is an auspicious asset for a world-class portfolio.

2. An Insatiable Wanderlust

Elena Babé – Madrid Sotheby’s International Realty 

Other affluent Americans simply love to travel to the cultural centers that offer the best of everything—exquisite architecture, beautiful weather, and astonishing history. Owning a home in these enviable locales enables them to visit and vacation as often as desired. It’s a convenient way to ensure they can attend all their favorite events, from festivals to fashion weeks. Madrid is a perfect example—especially this property that boasts Parque del Buen Retiro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as its own backyard.

3. Obtaining Dual Citizenship

Agnes Pinaire – Propriétés Parisiennes Sotheby’s International Realty

Some luxury consumers aspire to own properties that let them live overseas longer term. As such, obtaining a second passport or dual citizenship through employment or family connections remains a high ideal for a sizable portion of high-net-worth individuals. Whoever is fortunate enough to acquire a house like this one, which provides a country estate lifestyle in the midst of Paris’s metropolitan splendor, would likely want to enjoy it for months at a time.

4. The Golden Visa Program

Macarena Osorno – Portugal Sotheby’s International Realty 

Many globally minded affluents unable to procure a second passport through work or birthright are motivated to take advantage of the Golden Visa program.  This initiative awards permanent residency, or sometimes full citizenship, to those who make a major donation or investment in a given country. That means with the right financial incentives, the buyer of a property like this visionary retreat in Lisbon—which features a modern villa built on century-old foundations—could be granted a streamlined path to residency in Portugal.

5. A Luxe European Lifestyle

Christina Lofsten – Sweden Sotheby’s International Realty 

There are a lot of affluent Americans who are enamored with European cities—exciting and enriching, yet also accommodating spaces of quaint, quiet calm. That’s why they’re drawn to a bucolic escape like this dwelling, both verdant and vibrant, located on the cusp of the bustling archipelago that is Stockholm.

6. New Horizons to Explore

Veniz Kwong – List Sotheby’s International Realty 

There are other Americans, notably the younger generation, who are setting their sights on emerging markets in areas of Asia and Central America—both as savvy investments in their own real estate portfolios and as gateways to new ventures, voyages, and cultural exchanges. That’s why a place like Singapore, and this inspiring condo near the iconic Orchard Road, is such an inviting prospect for these buyers. By having a home base here, the rest of Asia and the Pacific, in all their diverse and dynamic possibilities, are a short flight away.

With these six reasons, it’s no wonder that affluent Americans are eager to expand their holdings to other cities and countries. These properties pay dividends not only as appreciating assets, but as destinations that never cease to amaze.

Considering cautiously dipping a gold-ringed toe in the waters of luxury property ownership before making the plunge? Explore these stunning rental properties.

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

Innisfil, Canada | David Bemmann, Jack Miller, Sotheby’s International Realty Canada

Crafted by visionary artisan Joe Brennen, this opulent lakeside estate offers unparalleled magnificence. Set on nearly eight acres with private Lake Simcoe shoreline, the residence flawlessly blends Tuscany’s allure with traditional lakeshore sophistication.

At the entrance of the estate, a gated paved entryway winds toward a circular driveway.

The interior impresses at every turn, from the custom chef’s kitchen and stately mahogany study to the two-story great room and stunning chandeliers throughout.

The lower level seamlessly merges indoor and outdoor spaces, resulting in expansive entertaining areas that connect the lounge, exercise room, billiards room, wine cellar, and private cinema to the lakeside loggia. As thoughtfully designed the home’s interiors, exterior spaces include a pool, cabana, stone patio and balcony with fountain feature, along with a fully-appointed outdoor kitchen. An impressive double-slip boathouse offers private lake access.

Adjacent to Allendale Golf Club and one hour from Toronto, this estate is also conveniently located near Lake Simcoe regional airport with full service for private jets, helicopters, and charters.

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Who can turn the world on with her smile? Television audiences of certain generations recognize this question and immediately know the answer: Mary Richards, or perhaps Mary Tyler Moore, the actress who portrayed the charming character and unwitting feminist who entertained viewers for years during the 1970s. An American luminary such as Moore deserved a fitting place to retreat, relax, and rest, and this magnificent manor—spanning some 13,825 square feet on 7.37 secluded acres in Greenwich—was perfect. Moore and her husband purchased the original 1900 estate and embarked on a three-year renovation that maintained its original façade but little else save the timeless fieldstone, matches for which the couple scoured local quarries to accommodate their expansion. Moore worked with Manhattan-based architect Stephen Wang to create a house that incorporates architectural elements found in Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, among them circular windows and Chippendale-style roof rails.

Greenwich, Connecticut | Joseph Barbieri, Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage

The setting has the feel of a fairytale forested enclave, introduced by a drive winding through shady groves and copses and alongside a stream. As the path approaches the home, the boughs open wide, revealing a sun-washed lawn and the distinguished residence at its heart. Among the many welcoming spaces on the main level are a stately living room with Venetian plaster walls, parquetry floors, and a bay window; a formal dining room with a vintage chandelier and striking dentil moldings; a handsome wood-clad library or billiards room—inspired by a similar room in Moore’s grandfather’s Virginia home—with window seats and walls of built-in bookcases; and a inviting family room that adjoins the spacious, thoughtfully equipped kitchen and opens to a breezy patio. Each of these public spaces is warmed by its own fireplace. One of Moore’s reportedly favorite places to linger was the home’s light-flooded solarium, which echoes the enveloping greenery and has walls of windows—some dazzling reclaimed panes of stained glass—affording a kaleidoscopic view of the grounds.

One of five restful bedrooms, the 2,000-square-foot primary suite comprises a bedroom with a fireplace, two impressive baths and dressing areas—one featuring a stained-glass ceiling rosette, a freestanding circular glass-walled shower, a soaking tub, and a closet with 100 linear feet of hanging space, which Moore specifically requested. For visitors, a one-bedroom apartment with a kitchen and a bath is secluded above the three-car garage.

Other noteworthy spaces include an office with its own powder bath, a laundry room with a dog shower and grooming station, an expertly outfitted gym, a laundry and gift-wrapping room, a spa with a massage room, a whirlpool tub, a steam room, and a sauna. Outdoors, expansive terraces gaze across lawns and manicured landscaping toward Oakley Pond and a 65-foot swimming pool with a fireside patio.

The estate has an elusive best-of-both-worlds quality: a private, protected, lush reprieve mere moments from the shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues of Greenwich Avenue and roughly an hour from Manhattan.

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From a US$139M sale in Greenwich, Connecticut, to a R75M sale in Cape Town, South Africa, here are five sales represented by the Sotheby’s International Realty® global network in August.

Greenwich, Connecticut

Leslie McElwreath, Joseph Barbieri | Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage, US$138,830,000

Bangkok, Thailand

List Sotheby’s International Realty, Thailand, Price Undisclosed

University Park, Texas

Sylvia Scott | Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty, US$17,450,000

Cape Town, South Africa

Steve Thomas, Dave Burger | Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, R75,000,000

San Sebastián del Oeste, Mexico

Alejandro Argumedo | Puerto Vallarta Sotheby’s International Realty, US$1,400,000

Discover previous editions of Significant Sales on the blog

From strikingly stately to warm and wood-clad, these four libraries are ideal for displaying and enjoying a collection of treasured tomes.

Elegant Upper East Side Townhouse

Serena Boardman | Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage

This light-filled six-level townhouse on one of the Upper East Side’s most desirable blocks unites classic inspiration with modern comfort and convenience. Highlights include formal living and dining rooms, a kitchen and breakfast room, seven peaceful bedrooms, a gym, a 28-foot indoor swimming pool, gardens, three landscaped terraces—one on the rooftop—a sunroom, a wet bar, an office, a den, and an august library with a fireplace, built-in bookshelves, and a window seat.

Mount Veeder Contemporary

Arthur Goodrich, Federico Parlagreco | Sotheby’s International Realty – St. Helena Brokerage

Amid some 130 rolling acres on Mount Veeder that afford breathtaking expansive views of the Napa Valley, this residence combines Modernist, Art Deco, and Deconstructionist architectural styles to create a truly one-of-a-kind home. Among the alluring spaces are four serene bedrooms, dining and entertaining spaces, a gym, and a bookshelf-lined library. The property also hosts a work by sculptor Fletcher Benton, a guest tower with a rooftop lookout, flourishing Cabernet vineyards, and a swimming pool.

Historic Hollywood Charm

 JoAnna Hennessy | Sotheby’s International Realty – Brentwood Brokerage

On a corner lot at the foot of the Hollywood Hills, this five-bedroom residence pays homage to the early 20th century with its abundant vintage details. A careful renovation and expansion provided superior appliances, museum-quality lighting, and stylishly modern baths. Part of the lavish primary suite, the library features walnut bookshelves and floors and opens to a resort-caliber pool area. The grounds also boast a brick patio with a grill and a fire pit, mature fruit trees, garden beds, and a detached guesthouse.

Palladian Finery in Houston

 Mary Elizabeth Hahnfeld | Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

This refined 10,818-square-foot Houston villa is surrounded by glorious gardens and lawns and managed by a Crestron smart home system. An elevator links all levels of the interiors, which offer four bedrooms, a chic living room, a dining room with a coffered trompe l’oeil ceiling, a climate-controlled wine vault, a dramatic kitchen with an adjoining family room, a handsome wet bar, and a striking library with a black granite floor, 18th-century doors, and floor-to-ceiling bookcases. Inviting loggias and terraces overlook the classical swimming pool.

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

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 Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (NYSE: HOUS), 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.

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

Charleston, South Carolina | Mid Rutledge, Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty

Featured in Architectural Digest in 2022, this exquisitely designed 7,256-square-foot home graces nearly an acre of picturesque oak-draped property in the sought-after Crescent neighborhood, just across the Ashley River from historic downtown Charleston. The1940s brick colonial home was redesigned and renovated in 2012 by visionary architect Bobby McAlpine, and was recently updated in 2020 by acclaimed interior designer Angie Hranowsky. The estate is infused with touches of genius, with custom-painted dining room floors, hand-selected wall coverings, carefully curated artwork and furniture, and unique light fixtures.

From the front stone terrace entry, the home stretches out in a U-shaped architectural design, cradling a tranquil garden and reflection pool between its two wings. On one end, the stunning kitchen commands the eye with a Wolf range, Breccia Viola marble backsplash, countertop and island with seating. Steel doors and windows line the Conservatory living room, allowing for beautiful views of the garden and ample light. A separate guest suite off the conservatory offers privacy and first-floor living quarters.

An intimate and spectacularly designed study, rich with bold color, custom built-in bookshelves, and carefully curated furniture pieces assembled over the years anchors the other wing of the home. Adjacent to the study, a custom-built wine room with state-of-the-art shelving, lighting, and temperature control offers elegant storage for thousands of bottles.

The primary bedroom suite defines luxury with floor-to-ceiling windows, a coffered ceiling with green grasscloth accents, and remote-controlled window shades which open with the touch of a button. A Kallista soaking tub is the focal point of the marble-appointed primary bathroom, flanked by dual vanities on each side. Ample linen, wardrobe and storage cabinets line the breezeway leading to a sizable primary closet. The second story encompasses an office, three full bedrooms, and two full bathrooms. The largest bedroom is currently used as an audio/visual room with state-of-the-art speakers and sound and an 80-inch projector screen. The third floor provides 348ft of flexible space which is currently used as a workout room.

Evoking the symmetry of an English garden with a modern coastal feel, the estate’s grounds feature exposed brick accents and blue stone walkways, illuminated by custom lighting at night. Mature oaks, handpicked ornamental shrubs, and other indigenous trees provide natural and picturesque privacy on this double lot. Surrounded by two chic cabanas, the sizable saline pool makes an enviable centerpiece for any outdoor gathering.

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Margot Royer-Boquillon – Paris Marais Sotheby’s International Realty 

Nothing signifies elegant, effortless sophistication quite like a pied-à-terre. These properties signify worldliness, leisure, and a globe-trotting sensibility, and demonstrate the means and impeccable taste an owner must have to maintain a “foot on the ground”—the literal translation of pied-à-terre—in their favorite cultural capitals.

Typically compact, comfortable apartments conveniently located in major metropolitan centers, a pied-à-terre enables its owner to conduct business in town or indulge in the aesthetic and culinary amusements the city has to offer. Here are three examples of how they represent the pinnacle of ease and luxury, and how the classic, essential pied-à-terre differs from conventional vacation homes.

Bridging the Way to Lovely Lower Manhattan

Karen Heyman and Alan Heyman – Sotheby’s International Realty – Downtown Manhattan Brokerage 

While a vacation home is traditionally a full-sized house or estate, a pied-à-terre is scaled to the individual; a personal condo that’s available on a whim, whenever the owner fancies a sojourn into town. That’s why many luxury consumers opt for a pied-à-terre in a full-service building, where they can enjoy a private flat and still feel like they’re staying in a five-star hotel.

Karen Heyman and Alan Heyman – Sotheby’s International Realty – Downtown Manhattan Brokerage 

That ambience exists at Olympia, a deluxe development perched atop the highest peak in Brooklyn’s historic Dumbo neighborhood. Residents can access more than 38,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities across three floors, including picturesque gardens, fabulous recreation facilities, and a spa level featuring a lap pool, cabanas, and tennis courts looking right out onto the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.

In fact, the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges are essentially on Olympia’s doorstep—meaning that a pied-à-terre in this exceptional building is a stone’s throw to the Financial District, Tribeca, Chinatown, and the Lower East Side.

In the Center of Parisian History and Culture

Margot Royer-Boquillon – Paris Marais Sotheby’s International Realty 

People often purchase vacation homes to get away from the frantic pace of city living. Pieds-à-terre are the perfect opposite; these homes are ideal for those who prefer to be in the center of the action, with the thriving hustle and bustle of the streets surrounding them.

Margot Royer-Boquillon – Paris Marais Sotheby’s International Realty 

This glamorous heritage apartment grants the best of both worlds. Set in the third arrondissement of Paris, it’s literally in the center of the prestigious city—yet this area is known for being green and serene, with ageless churches presiding on the corners, galleries and museums housed in historic buildings, and luscious gardens that liven the landscape. With its lofty ceilings and west-facing windows, there’s no place more enchanting to spend a tranquil evening.

But during the day, or after dark, the nearby fourth arrondissement is the pulse of the city. Cultural institutions like the Centre Pompidou constantly find new ways to illuminate and enlighten with cutting-edge exhibitions, while Le Marais, despite its ancient architecture, is anything but medieval with its incandescent nightlife.

From the Beach to the Boutique in Barcelona

Barcelona & Costa Brava – Sotheby’s International Realty

When retreating to a vacation home, there’s normally an expectation that the owners will be relaxing there for weeks, even months, at a time. A pied-à-terre is highly sought-after by those who will fly to a favored destination for an event, a concert, or a coveted restaurant reservation—and then promptly depart.

Barcelona & Costa Brava – Sotheby’s International Realty 

Situated directly above the ever-popular shoreline of La Barceloneta, this nautical haven delivers proximity to some of the best places to dine and shop along the seafront, as well as efficient access to the soul of Barcelona—Ciutat Vella, which is Catalan for “Old Town.” The condo’s corner position means it has not one but two spacious balconies, as well as its own panoramic terrace.

The renowned Las Rambla promenade, with its vibrant street vendors and colorful cafés, leads right to the heart of the city and radiates into the oldest neighborhoods—including El Raval, El Gòtic, and La Ribera—with all the legendary landmarks and lesser-known gems they offer.

Such is the beauty of the pied-à-terre. Since they’re nestled in such fabulous locations, the homes can be simple, utilitarian, and focused on providing a short-term rest stop that delivers long-term returns. For the urban traveler, this is the peak of practical luxury.

Eager to escape the cacophonous chaos of metropolitan living? Beat the bustle by capturing your own slice of island paradise.

Dating to the 1920s, the landmark Houston neighborhood of River Oaks is a coveted community with roots in the city’s early expansion. Its reputation remains that of an exclusive enclave brimming with exceptionally regal estates designed by illustrious architects, enveloped by stalwart grandfather oaks, and mere moments from fashionable shops, eclectic restaurants, indulgent salons and spas, and lively arts and culture venues.

Houston, Texas | Rachel Solar, Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

Such a rarefied setting is perfectly fitting for a home clearly inspired by the châteaux of France—fine country homes for the haut-bourgeosie that signaled authority, nobility, and wealth and were passed down for generations. In keeping with the European predecessors that inspired it, this 15,000-square-foot residence is replete with refined interior details: ornate ironwork, limestone and marble tile, custom boiserie and millwork, rift German white oak parquetry, vintage and Baccarat light fixtures, plaster walls with Segreto finishes, gently curing coves, trompe l’oeil ceilings, antique European fireplaces, handpainted wall coverings by de Gournay, and ceiling tracery.

Naturally, interior spaces possess a suitable splendor, largely for grand gatherings. Among rooms that could easily be mistaken for their Old World predecessors are an elegant living room with iconic black and white “harlequin”-patterned marble flooring; a formal dining room awash in a dreamy midnight blue and crowned by a heavenly trompe l’oeil ceiling; a bar with a dazzling mirrored-glass backsplash, brass hardware, and marble countertops; and a kitchen designed by St. Charles New York—a company firmly rooted in American design history—with appliances from the esteemed French firm La Cornue—whose provenance dates to 1908—cabinets in a matching lacquer finish, and marble countertops. Each of the five bedrooms is both serene and stylish, distinguished by a unique palette and aesthetic.

The bygone-era sensibility persists no further than ambience, however. The bar is equipped with a beverage refrigerator and an ice maker. The kitchen will please any modern cook with its 72-inch range and rotisserie, soft-close cabinets, thoughtful professional caliber appliances from Sub-Zero and Wolf, beverage and wine chillers, and two Thermador dishwashers that make cleanup—even for a crowd—effortless. On the third floor is an expertly outfitted gym with rubber flooring, a wet bar, a refrigerator, and built-in speakers. The game room includes a wet bar with a Perlick beverage refrigerator, and a dramatic wine cellar clad in eye-catching tile has a 500-bottle capacity.  A Savant smart house system allows for effortless automation and access from anywhere in the world via smartphone or tablet. Other contemporary comforts and conveniences include a security system with cameras, biometric access at multiple entrances, a safe room, a Kohler whole-house generator, water softening and filtration systems, and a landscape irrigation system. A three-car garage stands in for the carriage houses of old.

The 1.5-acre grounds are equally, appropriately majestic. An ornate antique English fountain contributes to the opulent introduction provided by the verdant front courtyard, while the backyard features classically inspired statuary, a verandah and a stone terrace with a vintage limestone balustrade, a tranquil koi pond, and two vine-draped pergolas. The centerpiece is a tiled swimming pool replenished by a cascading “water wall.” Landscape architect Johnny Steele has strewn the grounds with captivating crape myrtles, weeping willows, oaks, magnolias, and a tall flourishing privacy hedge. The estate backs up to the River Oaks Country Club and a rolling emerald course for one of the preferred sports of the modern American haut-bourgeoisie, golf.

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