Tag: luxury homes

Sotheby’s International Realty today announced the opening of Argentina Properties Sotheby’s International Realty in Argentina. The addition marks the brand’s continued growth in South America and its 28th office in the region.

The firm will be led by Horacio Cacace, a real estate broker with more than 30 years of experience in the real estate business. The company will serve the entirety of Argentina, including the country’s most prominent areas and exclusive neighborhoods, and will be headquartered in the city of Buenos Aires.

“Argentina has a growing luxury real estate market,” said Philip White, president and CEO, Sotheby’s International Realty. “The Argentinian market attracts a wide variety of buyers, including expatriates, high-net-worth individuals, foreign investors, and professionals in the technology and financial sectors. The country has also become a popular destination for Latin American countries, the United States, Brazil, Spain, and Italy. Argentina Properties Sotheby’s International Realty is an exciting addition to our global portfolio, and we look forward to supporting their business.”

“Our mission is to provide exceptional service to our clients, ensuring that their real estate experience is smooth and enjoyable,” said Cacace. “And our affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty enables us to further reach international clientele while supporting our company’s culture and mission of providing best-in-class service. Through our work with Sotheby’s International Realty, we will also be able to market our listings in the best light possible for both our domestic and international clients.”

The company has plans for continued growth in a phased approach and consists of several real estate associates who will guide clients through each of the steps needed to invest in the Argentinean market.

Bringing to mind a timeless English country manor or—more fittingly—the glamorous estates of Hollywood’s golden age, this impressive 11,706-square-foot residence in a convenient central Beverlywood location epitomizes a uniquely modern combination of traditional elegance with contemporary comforts and conveniences.

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

Refinement is the order of the day here, just minutes from Cheviot Hills, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and the Sunset Strip. It begins with a handsome brick façade, diamond-paned windows, gambreled rooflines, and ogee arches framing windows and doors. In the foyer, a gracefully curving stairway with an elaborate wood railing links two of the three levels. Throughout, flooring is appropriately august—from eye-catching stone tile with contrasting inlays to regal parquetry—while ceilings soar, chandeliers dazzle, and wainscoting and other millwork exhibits clean classic lines.

A floor plan this vast—conceived by revered area architect Ken Ungar—practically begs for grand gatherings and festive fêtes. The formal living room is warmed by a stone fireplace—one of four in the home—while the formal dining room accommodates a crowd with ease. Cooks and guests will appreciate the roomy kitchen and its stainless-steel appliances, cream-toned wood cabinetry, stone countertops, farmhouse sinks, and oversized island with counter seating. In the more-relaxed but resolutely stylish family room, a fully equipped wet bar is steps away, and floor-to-ceiling pocket doors disappear, giving way to a covered patio and the backyard. A well-outfitted theater and a sizeable game and billiards room beckon from the lower level.

Peaceful privacy is also easily enjoyed, of course, in the home’s generous bedrooms and a stately office, den, or study with richly hued coffered ceilings and a gas fireplace. The primary suite is a resort-caliber oasis featuring a spacious bedroom with a fireplace, two baths and walk-in closets, and a private balcony gazing out over the treetops toward the sparkling city skyline. The residence offers five additional bedroom suites with walk-in closets, desks, window seats with convenient storage, and other thoughtful built-ins. An upper-level lounge provides a comfortable space for secluded relaxation and entertainment.

The property comprises two lots and is one of only three estates of such substantial scale in Beverlywood. The grounds are an all-encompassing refuge allowing for effortless indoor-outdoor entertaining with its hypnotically lush landscaping and flora, refreshing swimming pool and spa, sun-washed terrace, sports court, and alfresco kitchen with built-in grill, refrigerator, and sink. Other highlights include a gym, a sauna, a steamshower, a 24-foot-wide two-car garage, and a driveway offering additional parking for the vehicles of visitors who will surely clamor for an invitation to this dazzling, diverting oasis.

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

From a spectacular apartment in Tokyo, Japan, to an elegant residence in Paris, France, these are this month’s five featured notable properties for sale over US$5 Million.

Tokyo, Japan

List Sotheby’s International Realty, Japan

This impressive tower is constructed with reinforced concrete and boasts a remarkable vantage point for viewing Tokyo’s city skyline. Situated on the 47th floor, this residence offers breathtaking views and luxurious amenities.

Nashville, Tennessee

Shauna Brooks, Shawn Binkley | Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty

Impeccable attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship come together in this magnificent home located in the prestigious Belle Meade neighborhood. The house showcases distinctive architectural elements, complemented by luxurious finishes and a thoughtful design.

East Hampton, New York

Clark + Thoerner Team | Sotheby’s International Realty – Bridgehampton Brokerage

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

Brisbane, Australia | Tyson Clarke, Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty

Cocooned within an exceptionally secluded and rare five-acre sanctuary, Stonebrook was brought to life by celebrated New Zealand architects Sumich Chaplin, and seamlessly intertwines opulence and comfort to create a landmark residence.

Infused with international influences and reminiscent of an exquisite Queenstown Villa or African Safari Lodge, the home is hidden from sight behind a grand stone wall. The residence features a gourmet kitchen with Gaggenau and Sub Zero appliances, superior entertaining amenities, four sumptuous ensuite bedrooms, a home theatre, and tranquil gardens.

Outdoors, a suite of superior resort-style amenities include a custom firepit, a basketball court, a dressage arena, and a private golf driving range.

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

Almost perennially, the Hamptons have been recognized as one of the world’s most desirable destinations, so to be tapped as one of its most exclusive streets—as Parsonage Lane in Sagaponack South recently has—is certainly a feat and a testament to the sophistication, style, and refinement of the estates that line it.

Sagaponack, New York | Beate V. Moore, Sotheby’s International Realty – Bridgehampton Brokerage

With its wood shingles, diamond-lattice windows, gambrel dormers, wood-burning fireplaces, and coffered ceilings, this timeless 6,550-square-foot residence designed by the locally lauded firm of McDonough & Conroy exemplifies a quintessential Hamptons aesthetic. Classical details—carefully crafted woodwork, moldings, and cabinetry—harmonize with state-of-the-art audiovisual, electronic, and mechanical systems—including a back-up generator—in this consummate modern getaway. The home is thoughtfully oriented with windows and outdoor spaces facing south and west, creating floods of interior light and delightful spots for sun-soaked alfresco relaxation and entertaining.

The impressive, inviting ambience begins in a grand foyer with wainscoting, handsome hardwood floors, and other regal detailing. The main floor has an effortless flow, with living, dining, kitchen, and entertaining spaces thoughtfully configured and linked openly for ease. A chic living room with a fireplace and a striking coffered ceiling overlooks the vibrant backyard and pool through a wall of windows, while two sets of French doors in the dining room admit refreshing breezes and access the covered front porch. The eat-in cook’s kitchen features an island, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, richly hued hardwood floors, and French doors to a sunny backyard deck. Beneath a coffered ceiling, the bright, convivial great room is wrapped in windows and anchored by a marble fireplace with stately detailing. The colorful den or library is outfitted with built-in shelving and a media center. For enjoyment of fresh sea breezes year-round, the home offers a four-season screened porch with a stacked-stone wood-burning fireplace, Bromic heaters, and wiring for a sound system.

A glamorous stairway leads from the foyer to the second floor—as does a discreet second staircase that could be joined on the rear of the home by an elevator.  Of the six bedrooms in the residence, the primary suite is a tranquil oasis with a sitting area, a fireplace, a private balcony overlooking the picturesque grounds, and a spacious, enduringly elegant bath with a soaking tub and a shower.

For days when weather demands time spent indoors, the home diverts with a spacious gym, a sauna and steam room, a wine cellar and tasting lounge, and a Sony Crestron theater—all located on the lower level along with a very secluded guest bedroom suite.

The grounds are designed for quiet lounging or festive alfresco fêtes, with an oversized heated gunite pool, expansive bluestone terraces, mahogany decks, a covered porch with a fireplace, emerald lawns ringed by manicured hedges, and all manner of mature trees and other flora—including a Keatsian “wealth of globed peonies.”

The home’s coveted address benefits from a convenient central location between Sagaponack’s commercial center and its idyllic sandy beaches. This perch provides particularly peaceful privacy—one of the most important components of the consummate Hamptons lifestyle.

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From a US$10,550,000 sale in Pinecrest, Florida, Connecticut, to a EUR€7,500,000 sale in Tiahura, French Polynesia, here are April 2023’s five highlighted sales represented by the Sotheby’s International Realty® global network.

Barcelona, Spain

Lola Berlinski, Bojan Mujcin |Barcelona & Costa Brava Sotheby’s International Realty, EUR€5,000,000

Tiahura, French Polynesia

Delphine Lecocq, Jacques Menahem |French Polynesia International Realty, EUR€7,500,000

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Neil Lyon | Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe Brokerage, Price Undisclosed

Pinecrest, Florida

Michael Martinez, Dennis Carvajal | ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, US$10,550,000

Newport, Rhode Island

Kate Kirby Greenman, Grace McCluskey |Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty, US$5,750,000

Discover previous editions of Significant Sales on the blog

An outdoor fireplace or fire pit helps create an exceptionally warm, welcoming ambience in any open-air space, whether it’s a rooftop deck gazing out toward the Pacific or a poolside terrace mere blocks from the Atlantic.

Whispering Oaks Vineyard

 Kevin McDonald | Sotheby’s International Realty – Sonoma Brokerage

A gated drive winds through some 10 acres of meticulously maintained vineyards to this four-bedroom modern residence, which harmonizes effortlessly with its natural surroundings. Floor-to-ceiling windows blur the lines between indoors and out and allow for enjoyment of mesmerizing views. The primary suite opens to a balcony with expansive vistas, while flourishing landscaping surrounds a covered patio with a fire pit and a fireplace. The 27.3-acre estate consists of multiple legal parcels and also features barns, a guesthouse, and a serene pond.

Light-Filled Venice Oasis

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

In a prime location in storied Venice, California—blocks from the restaurants and boutiques of famed Abbot Kinney Boulevard—this light-filled three-bedroom contemporary home is ideal for relaxed living and entertaining. The heart of the 2,920-square-foot interiors is an open living area, dining area, and chef’s kitchen on the main level. The enviable rooftop deck provides a perfect perch for reveling in the panoramic view, dining alfresco, or lounging beside a warm, stylish fire feature.

Palm Beach Paradise

 Bobby Goodnough, Raj Shrestha | Sotheby’s International Realty – Palm Beach Brokerage

Built in 1924 and rejuvenated to exemplify chic modern minimalism, this elegant five-bedroom Mediterranean-style home enjoys a coveted location just blocks from the water in the estate section of Palm Beach. The 5,210-square-foot interiors boast a thoughtful floor plan; soaring ceilings; a spacious, impeccably appointed kitchen; and five peaceful bedrooms. Towering trees, manicured hedges, and expanses of lush lawn surround the refreshing swimming pool and its sunny terrace, which includes a stylish fire pit.

Warm, Inviting Santa Fe Escape

 Caroline Russell | Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe Brokerage

In the exclusive community of Las Campanas, less than 15 minutes from downtown Santa Fe, this sophisticated three-bedroom residence is replete with the region’s unique charm and beloved aesthetic elements—striking ceiling beams, decorative corbels, salt cedar cabinetry, Saltillo tile, and Anasazi-inspired stacked stone. Many rooms in the 2,724-square-foot floor plan open to outdoor living areas, including a traditional portal with a wood-burning fireplace, a built-in hot tub, and mature trees and gardens.

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.

Brisbane, Queensland, Australia | Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty

The mansion, owned by a JLL executive, is hitting the market for A$20 million.

A Brisbane Equestrian Compound Is on Sale for $13.2 Million – Bloomberg

The Gallery-Like Home of Collector Chara Schreyer, Who Championed ‘Strange’ Art, Has Come to Market in San Francisco – artnet

Bulgaria’s Most Expensive Home Lists for €10.5 Million – Penta

Midwest Modernist Gem for $2.7M – Dwell

The 15th-century Tuscan villa that lured a modern day Danish sculptor – Financial Times

9 Best Places to Live in South Carolina, According to Real Estate Experts – Travel + Leisure

$1.7 Million Homes in California – The New York Times

If You Crave Ocean Views, This Glass House Off the Coast of New York Is a Clear Choice – Dwell

Custom-designed Home in Sagaponack Asks $11.85M – Behind the Hedges

A desert hideaway asks for $699k near Joshua Tree – The Spaces

Dubai’s Most Expensive Home Hits the Market for $204 Million – Galerie

Historic Home Cloistered in New York Hamlet Fronts a Secluded Beach – Dirt

Charming Bluebonnet Country Estate Built by Renowned Houston Architect – Houston Culture Map

37-Acre Calabasas Estate Listed at $8.5M Has a Wildfire Suppression System – Los Angeles Daily News

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

An East Village Synagogue Long Inhabited by Artists Is for Sale – Curbed

6 upscale homes in hiking country – The Week

Mark Lowham and Daniel Heider – TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

Luxury estates often feature water, an element that affords a sense of total relaxation and peacefulness. While conventional pools remain incredibly popular amenities, water features offer unique visual resplendence and musical rhythms. 

Here are four that span the spectrum from traditional to contemporary, and reimagine how water can be creatively incorporated into a residential property.

Outdoor Luxury Living in McLean

Mark Lowham and Daniel Heider – TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

McLean, Virginia boasts a wealth of palatial homes. But even by the exacting local standards, Chateau du Soleil is unique. Taking design queues from 18th-century French architecture—so much so that its ballroom was modeled after Versailles—the estate’s mansion is a limestone and white marble masterpiece spanning some 22,000 square feet.

But what this home accomplishes with water is exceptional on multiple levels—literally, since the modern lap pool descends in a terraced waterfall, while well-placed fountains enhance the stateliness of the exterior. There’s also a smaller, spa-like pool with a delicate curtain of therapeutic spray and an unobstructed view of the 200-inch outdoor television. With their structural ingenuity, the water features here lend a whole new meaning to “top tier.”

Remembrances of Days Past in the Berkshires

Patrice Melluzzo – William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty

The bucolic landscapes of the Berkshires seem to belong to another world, or at least to another time. The abundant verdure and vistas of rolling mountains evoke an ambience of comfort and nostalgia, while also inspiring a sense of awe. The same can be said for this majestic estate, which is almost imperial in grandeur and scale, while also retaining the charm and whimsy of a country cottage.

Lush flower-rich gardens follow the slope of the hillside from the panoramic backdoors towards acres of meadows and woods. And, most importantly, hearkening back to yesteryear is a picturesque fountain and quiet stone pool. Water flows from its central, circular arch into a chalice-like receptacle—then, from there, is channeled in rivulets down grooved contours to sound a patter as refreshing as summer rain. It imbues the site with a meditative, almost mystical quality.

A Congregation of the Elements in Tierra Verde

Robyn Gunn – Premier Sotheby’s International Realty

Located adjacent to the peaceful and pristine Shell Key Preserve, Tierra Verde is aptly named. The term means “green land,” and the area is graced by isles, mangroves, marinas, and, of course, Tre Sorelle, a traditional Tuscan-style farmhouse built beneath the Florida sun.

Of all its phenomenal outdoor features, perhaps this property’s most striking one is the stylized stone stairway that leads to a fire pit surrounded by cobbled bench seating and a stunning, mirror-like moat. Flickering flames, fresh water, earthen estate, and open sky unites the elements in a gathering place truly unlike any other.

Tropical Sojourning in the Rocky Mountains

Heather Graham and Sean Endsley – LIV Sotheby’s International Realty 

Evergreen is a dream destination positioned between breathtaking Colorado mountain peaks that are a hiker’s paradise in the summer and a skier’s delight in the winter. To live at this estate takes luxury to a whole new level, with its private, seven-bedroom mountaintop resort providing an exemplary all-season retreat.

Whatever the season, the indoor pool with water features provides a portal to perpetual summer, with fanning palm trees and colorful tropical flowers offering a floral counterpoint to the surrounding eponymous evergreens for which the area is named. In this otherworldly oasis, waterfalls cascade from craggy outcroppings, while the stunningly crafted ceiling is a canopy of azure sky.

 Water features are not created equal. There are those, like the four showcased here, that do something truly inspired with water features. They leave a lasting impression on those who encounter them, and continuously foster contemplation and joy for those lucky enough to live with them.

Explore homes with indoor pools on sothebysrealty.com

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

Duck, North Carolina | Landmark Sotheby’s International Realty

This beautiful Palmer’s Island oceanfront estate is just one of thirteen homes in a quiet neighborhood that spans one of the Outer Banks’ most exclusive and private stretches of shoreline. Situated on a wide, elevated lot, the estate offers breathtaking views of the ocean and the sound.

Built by one of the top builders in the area, the interior features an open floor plan, intelligently designed to take full advantage of exceptional sight lines, with abundant natural light made available through the many oversized windows. Common areas boast elaborate décor and top-quality furnishings, surrounded by exquisite shiplap walls and high ceilings, along with custom flooring. Other amenities include a central vacuum, security system, and an enclosed area for storing/parking a boat.

The grand foyer, dining room, gourmet kitchen, and main family room are impressive. Spacious and well-equipped, the kitchen offers not one,but two large islands, both with sinks, and high-end stainless appliances that feature two ovens, two dishwashers, a gourmet gas top stove, an ice machine, wine and beverage coolers, in addition to a large sub-zero refrigerator, and bar-top seating that flows seamlessly into a breakfast nook on one side and the dining and living areas on the other, making entertaining large groups a breeze. A beautiful screened porch off the dining area is the perfect spot to gaze upon the sound while taking in the amazing Outer Banks sunsets.

On the ground level is an expansive patio area, offering a grill and a table adjacent to an oversized custom pool and six-person hot tub. Also adjacent to the patio is a breezeway that has two outdoor showers and that flows into a private boardwalk guiding you to the beach. Palmer’s Island is a premier neighborhood in the northernmost part of Duck that offers unpopulated beaches, awe-inspiring views of the ocean and sound, private access to a sound side pier that is ideal for launching your kayak or paddleboard, and the option for access to the Sanderling Resort club’s tennis courts, clubhouse, gym and spa.

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An exceedingly rare find, this expansive triplex penthouse at 652 Hudson Street captures much of the unique, quintessentially vast and aerie-like quality that made the Meatpacking District so desirable. Atop a building that dates to 1900, it offers approximately 6,151 square feet of stylish space on two levels and an enviable rooftop sunroom and deck with a panoramic view. The floor plan features two remarkably generous areas for living and entertaining, a well-equipped windowed eat-in kitchen, a library, three bedrooms—with guest quarters thoughtfully secluded from the primary suite—and three full and two half baths. Touches of the building’s historic character endure in wood-burning fireplaces, cast-iron columns, and surfaces of handsome exposed brick. The 31 oversized tilt-and-turn windows fill the home with light and frame iconic skyline views like works of art, creating an ever-present gallery dedicated to the singular neighborhood.

New York, New York | Julianne Bond, Sotheby’s International Realty – Downtown Manhattan Brokerage

By 1900, what would come to be known as Manhattan’s Meatpacking District was earning its eventual moniker, thriving as an area that was less invitingly residential and more finely attuned to industrial and commercial endeavors—most notably its namesake businesses, meat processing. In keeping with the adage that “the only thing constant is change,” the neighborhood underwent numerous transformations during the ensuing century, bringing at first the raw underbelly of the city immortalized by Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side” to nightclubs and then haute boutiques and elite restaurants, fostered by the advent of the High Line and the new location of the Whitney Museum of Art. By the early 21st century, New York Magazine would refer to the Meatpacking District as the city’s “most fashionable neighborhood,” its new denizens drawn by the generous square footage and naturally open, airy, light-filled nature of its formerly industrial spaces. While 652 Hudson Street enjoys a level of privacy rare for its neighborhood—and indeed, the city—this timeless residence is also steps from all of these treasures and innumerable other attractions and amenities, making it a one-of-a-kind opportunity not to be missed.

The effortless open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area is perfect for grand entertaining or quiet enjoyment and allows for furnishings and art to take center stage. The main living area offers room for lounging, dining, and even tickling the ivories of a grand piano. The custom-outfitted kitchen boasts cherry cabinetry Brazilian granite countertops, multiple sinks and islands, and superior appliances from Sub-Zero, Viking, Thor, and Samsung. Richly hued cherry woodwork continues in the library, which is lined with bookshelves and cabinets. Each of the two bedrooms on this level benefits from natural light, an en suite bath, and closet space, and one enjoys the warmth and charm of a fireplace. The second level is dedicated to the chic owner’s suite, which includes a generous closet and dressing area and a great room with dazzling city views. The sophisticated sunroom and multilevel rooftop deck help achieve one of the most desirable dreams in the city: private outdoor living and entertaining space. Wrapped in glass, the sunroom provides a kitchen perfect for accommodating parties, a half bath, and living and dining areas. Beyond are approximately 1,526 square feet of illuminated and irrigated alfresco space that basks in sunlight and revels in the cinematic downtown skyline that envelops it. Other highlights include a discrete laundry area; central air conditioning; custom closets, built-ins, and bookshelves throughout; two storage units; and bundled fiber-optic internet, telephone, and television service. Pets are welcome here.

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Russell Reddell and Matt Finnigan – New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty 

Water sustains the survival of everything on Earth. The sight of water is soothing to our eyes, the sound of it is comforting to our ears, and the touch of it is calming to our souls. So it’s only natural that homes that stand at the land’s end have always held a special appeal and are highly sought after in luxury real estate.

Here are five fabulous properties that gracefully complement the qualities seen in their local landscapes and seascapes without getting lost in them. 

The Sublimity of the Pacific Northwest

Christopher Hobbs – Sotheby’s International Realty Canada

The entire Pacific Northwest coast is shaped by the water. Surging mists roll off the surf and nourish the temperate rainforests, giving rise to some of the most productive and regenerative ecosystems on Earth.

Christopher Hobbs – Sotheby’s International Realty Canada

With bright wooden architecture that accentuates the madrone trees growing along the rugged shoreline, as well as entire walls of glass, the aptly named “Light House” makes the most of its splendid location. The combination of panoramic windows and connected sundecks, gardens, patios, and pathways provide ideal indoor-outdoor living spaces set in harmony with the landscape.

The Intensity of the Mediterranean Sea

Marco Alberti – Italy Sotheby’s International Realty

Warm in summer and mild in winter, the Mediterranean Sea extends an irresistible invitation to enjoy and indulge. It’s immersive in every way; aesthetically, with the brilliant blue of its surface, and physically, with its balmy, spa-like waters. It’s the kind of place that must be experienced to be believed.

Marco Alberti – Italy Sotheby’s International Realty

Its second-largest island of Sardinia epitomizes this, which is what made it so attractive to legendary Italian fashion designer and entrepreneur Mariuccia Mandelli. She built this two-floor villa with interior living spaces so sumptuous, luminous, and vast that they feel like authentic extensions of the nearby beach.

The Radiance of the Aegean Coastline

Despina Laou – Greece Sotheby’s International Realty 

The geography of the Aegean Sea is a fantastical setting, offering a gorgeous stretch of water famed for the sheer number of archipelagos it contains.

Despina Laou – Greece Sotheby’s International Realty 

“Sea Melody,” a magnificent property on Paros, is in the middle of this stunning scenery. The flat, geometric contours of the home are tastefully contiguous with the low-lying islands in its vicinity, and the sprawling 49-foot pool mirrors the azure skies and brings the water right to the center of the residence.

The Dynamism of the Otago Mountains

Russell Reddell and Matt Finnigan – New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty 

No mountain range deserves its name more than the Remarkables, with its striking silhouette rising over the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The streams, ponds, and lakes in its foothills teem with fresh meltwater year-round, holding a mirror to the summits and skies.

Russell Reddell and Matt Finnigan – New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty 

Nowhere is this more pronounced than at “Pokapu,” an award-winning feat of architecture that reflects the terrain—from the staggered angles of its roofs to the stones of its pillars and chimneys. The natural materials are infused with warm tones that make the home a pleasing, welcoming retreat in any season.

The Endlessness of the South Atlantic

Andrea Glew – Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty 

Open ocean is arresting to behold, especially at the extreme end of the world’s second-largest continent. On the tip of South Africa, the water spreads to the distant horizon in three directions, conjuring a singular sense of boundlessness.

Andrea Glew – Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty 

This particular residence capitalizes on Cape Town’s topography to provide the most breathtaking evening vistas. And from the expansive indoor areas to the outdoor verandas and lawns, the floorplan beautifully follows the contours of the rocky outcropping it occupies.

Water is precious—and while more than 70% of our blue planet may be covered in it, the opportunity to reside in its immediate presence still feels like a rare and sacred privilege. That’s why homes near the water are so resolutely sought after, and it’s why these five unique properties are ultimately so spectacular.

Some homes not only complement their environment, but mirror the landscape. See these 5 homes that blend seamlessly with their surroundings.

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.

Whether a restyled former synagogue or a transfigured community theater, these four properties have been painstakingly, fashionably modified, respecting each one’s provenance while introducing architectural and aesthetic innovations.

Sonoma’s Ruby Stone Building

 Ginger Martin | Sotheby’s International Realty – St. Helena Brokerage

History meets modern luxury in this distinctive 6,743-square-foot property just a block from the Sonoma Plaza. Since its construction in 1906, the building has served as one of the first ice-producing facilities in Sonoma County, a cooperage, a brewery, an art studio, an armory, and a bed-and-breakfast. Revitalized in 2023, it now consists of a main residence with terrazzo and Tasmanian oak flooring and an elevator, a guesthouse with a gym or wellness suite, and a swimming pool and spa.

Tribeca Gem

 Amadei Hettinger Team | Sotheby’s International Realty – Downtown Manhattan Brokerage

This former retail space has been cleverly converted into a uniquely chic residence on a delightful cobblestone street in Tribeca. In addition to a light-filled open-plan living, dining, kitchen, and entertaining space with soaring ceilings, cast iron columns, and poured concrete floors, it features three bedrooms, an office or library with a towering wall of built-in bookshelves, and on the lower level, a spacious, private recreation room along with a bath, versatile storage rooms, and laundry facilities.

Light-Filled Contemporary Loft

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

In the 1980s, a group of artists purchased this onetime synagogue and transformed it into light-filled loft spaces. The last of these available in the building, this 1,900-square-foot home is currently owned by a renowned designer who has created a unique collection of stylish living spaces combining prewar and contemporary charm. Highlights include roomy living and dining areas; a bright eat-in kitchen with a breakfast bar, stainless-steel appliances, and treetop views; two centrally located baths; an office alcove; and two restful bedrooms.

Charming, Versatile Property in Carmel

 Kathleen Hendricks, TJ Bristol | Sotheby’s International Realty – Carmel Brokerage

This building—a beloved local theater until 2014—has been thoughtfully rejuvenated. In the airy space formerly occupied by the stage is an inviting 1,764-square-foot home with stylish open living, dining, and kitchen space; a primary suite with a walk-in closet; and a guest bedroom and bath. The remainder of the building is dedicated to two offices and a one-bedroom apartment, all currently rented. The revitalized gated backyard includes colorful landscaping, patio space, a hot tub, a pool, an outdoor shower, and a freestanding four-car garage.

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.

Vaughan, Ontario, Canada | Sotheby’s International Realty Canada

The high-tech home has biometric fingerprint locks, a QR code at the entrance for the  Wi-Fi, and a security fogging system in the garage in case there’s a break-in.

From Biometric Fingerprint Locks to Scented A/C: 7 Smart Homes – Robb Report

Susie Hilfiger Sells Greenwich Estate for $15 Million – The Wall Street Journal

five homes for sale on the coast – FInancial Times

Foreigners Fueled London’s Ultra-Luxury Home Market. Now They’re Moving to Its Historic Rival. – Mansion Global

6 rustic homes in Wyoming – The Week

Susie Hilfiger Sells Greenwich Estate for $15 Million – The Wall Street Journal

Expansive River Retreat in Virginia Wows With Unforgettable Views for $1.9M – Realtor.com

On the Market: An Equestrian Paradise In California’s Wine Country – Cowboys & Indians

Near Joshua Tree, a Fully Furnished Desert Getaway Seeks $699K – Dwell

A Vaulted Safe Room With a Bathroom and Refrigerator – Robb Report

$450,000 Homes in Oklahoma, Missouri and Rhode Island – The New York Times

Encino Compound with a Speakeasy, Recording Studio Seeks $30 Million – Los Angeles Daily News

Sotheby’s International Realty Buys Local Agency Pritchett-Rapf – Malibu Times

Maximalism Faux Pas That Will Turn Home Buyers Off – Mansion Global

$3.2 Million Homes in California – The New York Times

Santa Rosa Estate That Was Home to Rocket the Rescue Dog Listed for $3,995,000 – The Press Democrat