Tag: Luxury Real Estate

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.

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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.

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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Both practical and alluring, these unique wine storage solutions go beyond mere function, incorporating eye-catching details or distinctive design.

Waterfront Oasis

The Greg Forest Team | Sotheby’s International Realty – Palm Beach Brokerage

In the coveted Riverbend neighborhood of Palm City, this spacious five-bedroom estate allows for the consummate Florida lifestyle, with a sun-washed terrace, a pool and spa, and a fire pit along with access to the ocean via a community dock. Its 5,616 square feet of stylish, light-filled living space encompasses five bedrooms, a chef’s kitchen with a breakfast area and a walk-in pantry, an inviting family room, a loft with a balcony, and a formal dining room with a dramatic wine display wall.

Upper East Side Refinement

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

Occupying three floors of a stately historic Upper East Side townhouse, this handsome three-bedroom residence has been meticulously renovated while retaining elegant vintage details. Highlights include a gallery with a gas fireplace boasting its original black marble mantel, a living room with soaring ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace, a dining room with original paneling and a period stained-glass window, a kitchen with superior appliances, a library with a wet bar and garden access, and a wine-tasting room with a 1,356-bottle capacity.

High Style in Houston

 Jay Monroe | Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

This chic Houston home encourages alfresco living and entertaining with terraces on three levels, an outdoor kitchen, a pool and spa, a fire pit, and a putting green. Indoor entertaining is equally effortless thanks to a game room with a wet bar and a beverage refrigerator and an open-plan great room that includes a sleek kitchen, a living area with a gas fireplace and a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the pool, and a dining area with a handsome wall of built-in storage and full-size wine chillers.

Luxurious Southern California Living

 Maurice Frazier | Sotheby’s International Realty – Sherman Oaks Brokerage

This modern Porter Ranch residence was designed for sophisticated Southern California festivities. The heart of the five-bedroom home is a collection of diverting spaces that includes a chef’s kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, a dedicated home theater, a wet bar, and a wine room ideal for showcasing and sampling from a prized collection. The backyard is a sybaritic delight featuring swings suspended over a swimming pool, a spa, a waterfall, a fire pit, and a sunken outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill and a pizza oven.

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, and home.

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

The late television star bought the Georgian-style Greenwich home with her husband for roughly $10 million in 2006.

Mary Tyler Moore’s Connecticut Home Hits the Market for $21.9 Million – The Wall Street Journal

This $29 Million SoCal Estate Is Like Having Your Own Private 5-Star Resort – Robb Report

Gisele Bündchen Buys Florida Home With Full-Size Soccer Field and Equestrian Rings – The Wall Street Journal

Sea Island, Georgia’s Luxurious Coastal Cottages Are Steeped in Tranquillity and Tradition – Mansion Global

In Upstate New York, a Victorian House With a Wild Side Asks $750K – Dwell

Asking $22 Million: A Napa Valley Home With a Cabernet Vineyard – The Wall Street Journal

Runway Ready: These 7 Homes Are Inspired by Top Fashion Houses – Robb Report

$2.8 Million Homes in Rhode Island, California and Colorado – The New York Times

10 Best Places to Live in Washington, According to Local Real Estate Experts – Travel + Leisure

Hot property: five homes for sale in New England – Financial Times

What to Know Before Buying Real Estate in the Alluring English Countryside – Galerie

Listed at $3M, This Usonian-Style Lloyd Wright Home Is a Rare Find – Dwell

Over Floor-to-Ceiling Windows? Try This Elevated Option Instead – The Wall Street Journal

For $2.05M, a Historic Barn-Turned-Showplace on the Cape – Boston.com

Inside a Charles Du Bois-Designed Midcentury Modern Asking $2.2M – Cottages & Gardens

$1.4 Million Homes in California – The New York Times

Home sale could set record – San Francisco Business Times

Two Waterfront Lots, One Compound in Southampton for $10M – Behind the Hedges

Homes for Sale in New York and Connecticut – The New York Times

Brian Williams and Chandler Williams – Summit Sotheby’s International Realty

Clean and contemporary, yet warm and welcoming; chic and minimalistic, yet charming and comfortable. With a rare aesthetic balance between so many of the traits people idealize for their properties, it’s obvious why the modern farmhouse remains one of the foremost styles sought by homebuyers.

So what does a true paragon of this design principle look like? At its best, it would look like this spectacular new build in Liberty, Utah, where urban and rural meld, and the wholesome simplicity of the past intersects with the innovative sustainability of the future.

Here are five of the most iconic characteristics of modern farmhouses, and how this property showcases them to perfection.

1. Architecture with an Agrarian Inflection

Brian Williams and Chandler Williams – Summit Sotheby’s International Realty

Many properties identify as “modern farmhouses” because of a spacious floor plan and simple frontage, but the genuine aesthetic goes beyond that. Ideally, it should actually look like it’s been repurposed or renovated from an agricultural past. A pale neutral color, a classic shape, barnboard detailing, and a generous patio are all key differentiators, along with a monochromatic or metal roof.

These features are all immediately present in the four buildings that comprise this home—a landscaped, three-acre parcel set on an immense 23 acres of irrigated pasture land. True to the modern farmhouse style, it’s authentic country living, though gracious and glamorous.

2. A Country Cottage, Without the Clutter

Brian Williams and Chandler Williams – Summit Sotheby’s International Realty

From an interior design perspective, what’s the difference between the classic farmhouse style and the modern farmhouse style? Classic farmhouses are far more traditional and maximalist. They contain a vibrant medley of colors, patterns, and textures that add a quaintness to the living space—picture a parlor with floral wallpaper, vintage furniture, and gingham cushions with a variety of lively pastel hues.

The modern farmhouse, by contrast, has transcended this traditional homesteading aesthetic for a clean, sleek look. They’re still bright, but only because they favor large windows and an open layout—not because they’re a visual potpourri of olden-day decor.

3. Surfaces Made From Natural Materials

Brian Williams and Chandler Williams – Summit Sotheby’s International Realty

In a modern farmhouse, interiors are characterized by an undeniably organic quality, with surfaces sourced from the land. Wide plank wooden floors are essential, complementing the reclaimed wood that tends to be a popular choice for tables, chairs, and other fundamental furnishings.

As seen in this residence, wood adorns floors, ceilings, and the impressive custom mantle. And in the unique modern farmhouse style, it complements the simplicity of unadorned walls and the occasional metallic fixture.

4. Adding Raw, Rustic, and Rural Texture

Brian Williams and Chandler Williams – Summit Sotheby’s International Realty

Throughout a modern farmhouse, it’s not just wood that contributes to the look and feel of the country home. Furniture, accents, and accessories may feature substances from wicker and rattan to stone and iron, adding visual and tactile variance while steering clear of all things synthetic and artificial.

Fabrics such as wool and cotton lend a pastoral perfection to this modern farmhouse’s upholstery. But these textiles can also function as statement pieces, bringing an understated refinement to rugs, cushions, and wall art.

5. Color Palettes that Cultivate Calmness

Brian Williams and Chandler Williams – Summit Sotheby’s International Realty

To fully realize a modern farmhouse aesthetic, colors must remain within a neutral and natural range. White walls are a trademark of the style, while the wooden, woven, and ceramic accents bring a range of shades—brown, beige, and cream—that are considered “warm” neutrals, and add to the coziness of the country abode.

Other colors may make an occasional appearance—earth tones of russet red or orange ochre can enhance warmth, while blues and greens evoke the outdoors and bring a sense of serenity—but as seen in this exemplary modern farmhouse, the consistent neutrals are easy on the eyes and truly the home’s essential aesthetic through-line.

All of these elements combine to create a dwelling that not only exudes a homey and hospitable ambience, but elevates it with a timeless elegance that invites, excites, and inspires.

Did you know that the desire to be cozy is universal? Get ready for autumn by exploring the Danish approach to enhancing comfort and calm.

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

Silverthorne, Colorado | Marco Del Zotto, John Keith, LIV Sotheby’s International Realty

Perched gracefully above the town of Silverthorne, this luxurious residence is a testament to the artful fusion of nature and refined living. The home – envisioned and crafted by the collaborative genius of the Salt Team and Nathan Glassman – offers bespoke features throughout, including a pivot entry door and a stunning foyer anchored by a column of Mountain Ash Granite that guides the arrangement of rooms along a central, unifying axis.

Infused with an abundance of natural light, this home seamlessly blends a captivating rock water feature, a thriving living roof, and expansive vistas that stretch over the Tenmile and Gore Ranges. Here, the boundary between home and nature dissolves into a harmonious coexistence.

Not a single nuance of a premium living experience has been compromised. The kitchen is a testament to this, adorned with a selection of top-tier Thermador Appliances thoughtfully customized with Bubinga Wood and Rustic Walnut. This culinary oasis not only elevates the art of hosting and entertaining but seamlessly extends into an outdoor living space, blurring the lines between culinary creativity and the great outdoors.

Outside, an ensemble of patios, decks, and a serene courtyard extends offer nearly 1100 sq. ft. of additional space for relaxation and entertainment. The vistas from these vantage points capture the very essence of Colorado’s beauty with rugged mountain views across the horizon.

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The dense flora and stalwart trees of Beverly Hills’s Trousdale Estates—an esteemed enclave that climbs toward the mountains above Sunset Boulevard—creates a sanctuary of greenery and seclusion for the favored homes nestled there, many of which are known for their chic modern simplicity. This magnificent estate, however—a palatial Mediterranean-inspired manor of some 13,400 square feet—exemplifies a timeless refinement that can only be characterized as grand. In style and splendor, it feels more akin to its nearby neighbor, the historic Greystone Mansion.

Beverly Hills, California | Shawn Shirdel, Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage

While the residence shows a clear reverence for tradition—in its classical pediment, columns, and moldings; decorative ironwork and wood inlays; surfaces of august marble; intricately carved woodwork; eye-catching parquetry; and ornate fireplace mantels—the crisp, clean minimalism and airy openness of contemporary design are certainly given their due. Beyond stately entry gates, a drive winds to the motor court that creates an impressive introduction. Dazzling skylights, oversized windows, and French are used to dramatic effect in nearly every room, beginning in the majestic foyer and continuing in the living and dining rooms and making a bright, bold statement in the regal spa-inspired owner’s baths—each of which features a jetted soaking tub. The kitchen boasts a unique combination of charming powder blue cabinetry, striking carved detailing, and professional-caliber stainless-steel appliances sure to please any chef. Other highlights include a handsome wood-paneled library with built-in bookshelves, an enviable climate-controlled wine cellar, and a warming fireplace and both a room-sized closet and a private ramada-like  balcony augmenting the owner’s suite.

A covered rear terrace just off the main level seems designed with festive fêtes in mind. Beyond are meticulously manicured resort-caliber grounds of just over an acre, including stretches of emerald lawn, professionally plotted pathways, and a dazzling sun-washed pool with a fountain overseen by swaying palms that further the Mediterranean dreamscape. The accompanying guesthouse continues the Old World flair with its barrel-tiled roof, columns, and iron-railed balconies. Steps away is a professional-caliber walled sports court with a balustraded viewing area.

Abundant classicism notwithstanding, a surround sound system, top-of-the-line solar panels, and a security system with cameras see that contemporary comforts, convenience, and assurances have been appropriately attended to at this most rarefied, coveted address.

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From a contemporary estate in Miami Florida, to an elegant castle in Gernsbach, Germany, these are this month’s five featured notable properties for sale over US$5 Million.

Gernsbach, Germany

Baden-Württemberg Sotheby’s International Realty

Eberstein Castle, in the picturesque village of Gernsbach, is situated amidst lush vineyards and offers unparalleled romantic charm and timeless beauty. Rooted in the 13th century, the castle served as both a fortress and a residence for the Margraves of Baden. An 18th-century remodel by architect Friedrich Weinbrenner imbued the castle with the classical features often associated with the period. Today, Eberstein Castle houses an exclusive hotel and also serves as a sought-after venue for weddings, corporate events, conferences, and cultural gatherings. Eberstein Castle Winery produces exceptional white and red wines, benefiting from its unique location on the Black Forest slopes and distinctive climate and soil conditions.

Villefranche Sur Mer, France

Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty

Situated in Villefranche sur Mer along the French Riviera, “Moonlight” blends contemporary elegance, lavish amenities, and sea vistas. Living areas unfold across three levels, featuring a spacious main room housing a living area, an impressive dining space, a transparent wall wine cellar, and a professional kitchen. Opulent finishes, including oak wood, stone, stainless steel, and marble, grace the property, complemented by premium equipment, luxury doors, faucets, and an advanced smart home system. A three-bedroom guest house provides extra accommodations.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

LUXHABITAT Sotheby’s International Realty