For those who grew up with the Pokémon TCG, the Classic box is one of the best ways to get back into it. Normally $399.99, this collector’s box set is currently discounted to $319.99 at Amazon and Best Buy (its lowest price ever). And while the cards may bring back memories, the rest of this set takes a more mature approach to the game you remember.
In addition to vintage decks, inside the box you’ll find enough sleeves for all 180 holofoil cards, and a trio of classy leatherette deck boxes with magnetic closures. Perhaps the coolest addition to this set, however, is the collection of stackable metallic damage and status counters, which carry some serious heft and are a massive improvement over the Mancala beads that came packaged in the original set. The classic box also forgoes the usual double-sided coin in favor of a roulette-style wheel in the middle of the organizer box to determine heads or tails.
Everything is neatly organized in a folding case (with felt cutouts for your decks and damage counters), which doubles as a matte playing board with a convenient carrying handle.
Image: The Pokémon Company
While none of the cards contained in this set, except for the energy cards, are tournament-legal, the Pokémon TCG Classic collector’s box is an awesome way to show off your love for the game and elevate your experience with this childhood classic.
Sotheby’s International Realty today announced the opening of Anguilla Sotheby’s International Realty. The addition marks the brand’s continued growth in the Caribbean and its 31st office in the region.
Anguilla Sotheby’s International Realty, based on the West End,will serve the entire island and is owned by Lesley Reed and Harrison Drouin-Reed who have a combined 40 plus years of real estate experience. Reed and Drouin-Reed also lead St. Martin Sotheby’s International Realty, the premier real estate, vacation rental, and property management firm on the island of St. Martin/St. Maarten.
“Anguilla has a thriving luxury residential market with beachfront, hillside, and cliffside properties, offering a unique lifestyle, rich culture, sub-tropical climate, and world class beaches,” said Philip White, president and CEO, Sotheby’s International Realty. “The island attracts a wide variety of buyers, including expatriates, high-net-worth individuals, and foreign investors due to the region’s tax laws.Lesley and Harrison have a strong understanding of the market and we are proud to have them represent the brand in Anguilla.”
“The timing is perfect for Sotheby’s International Realty to be entering Anguilla,” said Reed. “The market is set to expand with the upcoming private jet terminal, the marina, and the new ferry terminal plus the airport is also accommodating commercial international flights. We are optimistic that the Anguillan real estate market is poised for success.
There are certain aspects of a luxury home that are so classic and timeless, they’ve become shorthand for opulence. The marble bathroom is one of them.
When embellished with marble, an ensuite instantly and intuitively conjures an impression of quality, radiance, and relaxation. And through floors and tiles, or tubs and countertops, there are many creative ways to feature this material and magnify the statement it makes.
Marble is like a butterfly, not just because it’s lovely to behold. It’s the product of metamorphosis; when subjected to the extreme pressures beneath the earth, limestone changes form and recrystallizes as something wholly new. When it does, it may contain variegated “veins” of color due to other minerals present in the original limestone—and this is one of its most striking properties.
The color of the marble, and the differentiated bands within it, can serve as an exquisite starting point for designing a bathroom. Such is the case in this enchanting Parisian apartment, where the bronze stripes in the cerulean stone set the tone for everything else, from the metallic fixtures to the mural wall.
Though multicolored marble can be impressive, it is—technically speaking—impure. Dense hues and rich striations are actually the result of substances such as iron oxide, clay, chert, and feldspar that intruded into the limestone before it became marble. In its purest form, marble is white, as attested by the statues and monuments of classical antiquity.
That makes it the perfect material for a monochromatic moment. Those who prefer a clean, uncluttered aesthetic will appreciate the bathroom at this unique, auspicious property in Dorado Beach’s highly desirable Ritz Carlton Reserve.
From serpentine to porphyry, there are many minerals that can change the visual composition of marble—and in exceptional cases, the results can be especially vivid.
This stunning alpine lodge in Wanaka is a shining example. Its marble bathroom takes the accent wall to a whole new level by selecting a singularly striking variety of marble and accessorizing the entire ensuite with it so that the wooden paneling is made even more luminous and attractive.
While simple, chic concepts are always in style for home decor, warm neutrals are increasingly taking the place of stark white surfaces. This can imbue spaces with a sense of comfort while preserving their air of sophistication.
In many cases, marble serves this purpose with aplomb, as demonstrated by the bathroom of this panoramic San Juan penthouse. The interplay of natural light, clear glass, earthy tones and textures, and gray- and beige-infused marble gives this gilded ensuite an extra sumptuous sheen.
White marble may be the purest form of this coveted stone, but when marked with prominent shades and hues, it can take the place of wall art to create a space that makes an abstract yet high-impact visual statement.
Nowhere is this more apparent than in this vast lakeside compound in Austin. With a wonderfully contrasting palette and veins that almost appear to splash and flash across the polished surface, the marble in this spa-like bathroom is nothing short of painterly.
Bathrooms with marble features will always be iconic. But they will never be generic, because this fabulous stone—with its myriad applications, and the mineral incursions that grant it such variation—possesses both an allure and a versatility few materials can match.
In desirable settings from East Coast to West, these distinctive, well-appointed home bars prove that the best spot for a festive nightcap is often home sweet home.
Overlooking the rolling fairways of a Jack Nicklaus–designed golf course in Santa Fe’s exclusive Las Campanas community, this custom estate—a 4,296-square-foot two-bedroom main residence and a two-bedroom guesthouse—combines soft contemporary style with the inherent welcoming warmth of the Southwest. The heart of the home is a dramatic great room with high ceilings, vigas, a fireplace, a dining area, doors to a portal and patio, and a sophisticated wet bar. Indoor-outdoor living and entertaining benefit from a backdrop of two majestic mountain ranges.
At this impressive 14-acre estate, a six-bedroom Mediterranean-inspired residence, a guesthouse, a pool and spa, a bocce court, and a fire pit are enveloped by more than 11 acres of vineyards, gardens, trees, lawns, and rolling hills. Featuring a professional-caliber chef’s kitchen, a formal dining room, a well-outfitted home theater, a wine tasting room, and a great room with a fireplace and a spacious cocktail bar with counter seating, the villa’s modern single-level floor plan is ideal for living and entertaining in comfortably elegant style.
Impeccable attention has been paid to the details, finishes, and amenities of this stylish 6,528-square-foot five-bedroom home in the prestigious Riviera neighborhood of Pacific Palisades. Highlights include a comfortable theater, a chef’s kitchen with a La Cornue Château series range, a climate-controlled wine closet, formal living and dining rooms, and just off the family room, behind pocket glass doors, a chic custom cocktail bar. The backyard oasis boasts a pool, a spa, a verdant lawn, and flourishing citrus, olive, and other trees.
On the banks of the Aspetuck River, this verdant 54-acre equestrian estate offers three barns with 69 stalls, tack rooms, haylofts, riding rings, staff quarters, an office and viewing room, paddocks, and fenced pastures. High on a hill at the end of a long private drive, the stately stone manor that anchors the property features four bedrooms, six fireplaces, formal living and dining rooms, a library, a wine cellar, a welcoming kitchen, and a family room with a timeless wood-paneled bar.
As any traveling businessperson or seasoned globetrotter knows, Manhattan is strewn with hotels, many of them glamorous and highly esteemed. None, however, can hold a proverbial candle to the Plaza, whose silhouette alone is recognizable to esteemed executives, royalty—both heads of state and the Hollywood variety—and Eloise fans young and old. This historic landmark was designed in the early 20th century by architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh and, following a three-year renovation begun in 2005, it remains as opulent, elegant, and illustrious as the day it welcomed its first guests. On the building’s “the tippy-top floors,” as Eloise certainly would have dubbed them, are the prized private penthouse residences, among them this veritable manor in the sky that comprises two neighboring homes—one a triplex, the other a duplex—in one awe-inspiring aerie of more than 10,000 square feet.
The three floors of the triplex are linked by an eye-catching central staircase along with a convenient elevator. Its generous floor plan spans some 6,316 square feet and encompasses a glamorous living room with light-flooding windows and a sophisticated marble-backed cocktail bar; a regal dining room with a wine-display and -storage wall and a striking ceiling treatment and light fixture; a streamlined and skylit chef’s kitchen; a sizeable pantry and wine cellar; a family or media room warmed by a gas fireplace; a quiet, contemplative study; and four bedrooms, including a cinematic owner’s suite with two dressing rooms and two spa-inspired baths.
At roughly 3,974 square feet, the Gatsbyesque duplex serves as an impressively spacious and luxurious guesthouse with its own elevator, dazzling mirrored walls, distinctive flooring, handsome moldings, and other Golden Age design elements. Beyond the grand foyer are the atrium-like great room and a light-filled butler’s kitchen. At the top of a bold sweeping staircase with artful wood inlays and an elaborate railing are three bedrooms and three full baths—one of which is a paragon of luxury featuring an ornate wood-burning fireplace and a majestic marble-clad bath.
The pièce de résistance, however, is the 82-foot-long terrace, which the two residences share. Framed by the oxidized copper of the Plaza’s unmistakeable mansard roof, this is the consummate perch for gazing across the emerald sweep of Central Park and the icon-studded skyline of Manhattan as they unfold northward. This is merely one of the rewards reaped by choosing a life lived at the pinnacle of one of the most preeminent and prestigious buildings in the world.
Rugby elation to rugby heartache, a footballing managerial merry-go-round, golfing greatness, boxing blockbusters and so much more. The 2023 Irish sporting landscape had a little bit of everything. Here, Sky Sports takes a look back at the highs and lows of the year.
It was a year in Irish rugby that saw historical success, huge expectation, unprecedented hope, and ultimately, heartbreak perhaps worse than ever before.
Towards the start of the year, Andy Farrell’s Ireland – ranked world No 1 since July 2022 – secured a sensational Six Nations Grand Slam.
Wales were blown away 34-10 on the opening weekend in Cardiff to sour Warren Gatland’s homecoming, while Round 2 saw one of the best contests in the history of the championship as Ireland put in a near-perfect display to beat reigning champions France 32-19 in Dublin.
From then, Farrell’s charges were favourites for the title, seeing off Italy in Rome, Scotland at Murrayfield despite a raft of injuries, and finally, England in Dublin to lift the Six Nations trophy and Triple Crown.
Ireland beat England on the last day of the Six Nations to clinch the Grand Slam on home soil for the first time
The warm glow continued during the pool stages of the Rugby World Cup as Ireland won all four matches, beating eventual champions South Africa in a Paris epic, and a ruthless dismantling of Scotland clinched top spot in Pool B and extended their winning streak to 17 matches.
Ireland’s quarter-final opponents were New Zealand due to a brutally lopsided draw, but the nation was now convinced this was their greatest chance for World Cup glory and to break their awful record of never having won a quarter-final.
Although Ireland had beaten the All Blacks in three of the previous four meetings, they didn’t perform to anywhere near their peak levels, while New Zealand produced their best performance in years.
Ireland fought back from 13-0 down to narrow the half-time gap to a single point at 18-17, but as the game ebbed and flowed on a knife’s edge, their inability to strike in the 22 enough proved a major factor as the All Blacks inflicted yet another agonising last-eight exit.
Ireland’s 2023 ended in devastating fashion with another quarter-final exit at the World Cup, at the hands of New Zealand for the second-straight tournament
Skipper Johnny Sexton and Keith Earls retired in the aftermath, bringing to an end stellar careers, but also a sense Ireland’s true time to become world champions had been lost.
Farrell has committed to Ireland until after the 2027 World Cup and is odds-on to lead to the British and Irish Lions in Australia in 2027. The rebuild starts now and the big question is who dons the No 10 shirt in Marseille on February 2.
Within provincial rugby, there were contrasting fortunes for Leinster and Munster. The men in blue dominated the majority of the season, only to lose late on to their arch-rivals in Dublin in the URC semi-finals, and then in the Champions Cup final again a week later to La Rochelle – this time after sprinting out to 17-0 and 23-7 leads at the Aviva Stadium. The loss was Leinster’s third in succession in European Cup finals.
Munster began the season terribly, losing five from their first seven fixtures under new head coach Graham Rowntree, but though much of the campaign was spent worrying about qualification for Europe, a remarkable final season run away from home of four wins and a draw saw them all the way to the URC final against the Stormers in Cape Town, and a superb 19-14 success – the province’s first silverware since 2011.
Like previous campaigns, Leinster have made a strong start to the season both on the domestic and European front, but it has been a mixed bag so far for the other three, with inconsistency a common theme.
Women’s rugby at lowest ebb
While men’s rugby in Ireland is in a good place, the women’s game endured one of the worst years in its history.
Ireland finished a gruesome 2023 Women’s Six Nations dead last with the Wooden Spoon after losing all five matches by an average margin of over 30 points.
They were then placed into the third tier of the new WXV tournament during October, the result of which meant they played Kazakhstan, Colombia and Spain – beating the latter only due to a try with five minutes to play.
The side has gone from Six Nations champions in 2015 to bottom of the pile in 2023, having failed to qualify for the last World Cup in 2022 too.
Captain Nicola Fryday retired from international rugby at the age of just 28 – the second captain of the women’s side to do so in two years after Claire Molly in late 2021, who still plays for Bristol in Premiership Women’s Rugby.
Ireland came last in the 2023 Women’s Six Nations, losing all five of their matches
All the while, the IRFU has come under huge scrutiny for their running of the women’s game. While France, England, Wales and Scotland have all professionalised their women’s teams, the same cannot be said of Ireland.
In April, an unnamed player expressed concerns of sexism in a Telegraph report, with the IRFU likened to an “old boys club”, with allegations players were denied protein supplements as they prepared for a summer tour to Japan and that the switch from white to blue shorts over period concerns was done without proper consultation with the squad.
The anonymous player also alleged squad members learnt they were dropped via email, with some omitted from mailing lists, while the IRFU are also said to have refused to explore the option of a “hybrid contracts” – a specific request from players – with the union instead favouring a “full-time or nothing attitude.”
The IRFU disputed all the claims in a statement, but as high performance director David Nucifora’s impending exit was confirmed – David Humphreys will replace him in 2024 – it was noteworthy there was no response from anyone in the women’s game.
Football: Republic of Ireland’s World Cup odyssey ends in management change
It was, for reasons good and bad, a landmark year for the Republic of Ireland women’s team.
All roads led to Australia and New Zealand, where Ireland made their maiden major tournament bow at the World Cup. In itself a historic achievement, but performances on the pitch struggled to catch fire while off-field issues overshadowed the build-up and conclusion.
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Vera Pauw strongly denied allegations against her of body-shaming and inappropriate behaviour during her time at Houston Dash
Vera Pauw strongly denied allegations against her of body-shaming and inappropriate behaviour during her time at Houston Dash
Just weeks before the tournament began, allegations of body shaming were made against Ireland manager Vera Pauw, relating to her time in charge of Houston Dash in the USA’s National Women’s Soccer League. Pauw strongly denied the allegations, but they undeniably cast a shadow over Ireland’s preparations.
Captain Katie McCabe’s wonder goal in their second game against Canada was the highlight of a tournament which ended for Ireland after the group stage, having lost to Australia and Canada before drawing with Nigeria.
Pauw departed upon conclusion of the World Cup, with the FAI opting not to extend her contract.
Captain Katie McCabe scored directly from a corner to put Ireland ahead against Canada, but they could not hold on to the lead
Eileen Gleeson, assistant under Pauw, was appointed interim manager and guided the team through an outstanding Nations League campaign. Ireland won all six of their games, scoring 20 goals and conceding just two – ensuring they will be in League A for the Euro 2025 qualifiers.
That success no doubt informed the FAI’s decision to hand Gleeson the reins on a permanent basis on December 18, with the Dubliner now tasked with leading their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign.
It was also a year of change for Northern Ireland, who themselves were on a managerial hunt after Kenny Shiels departed in January following a four-year stint which saw the team reach their first major tournament at Euro 2022.
Former Chelsea assistant coach Tanya Oxtoby took up the reins in August, and oversaw a Nations League campaign in which Northern Ireland recorded two wins, a draw and three losses.
A third-placed finish in their group means they face a two-legged play-off with Montenegro in February, where they must win to avoid dropping into League C for the upcoming Euro 2025 qualifiers.
Time runs out for Kenny and O’Neill’s return fails to spark NI response
Like their female counterparts, the Republic of Ireland men’s team opted for a change of manager.
After three and a half years in charge, Stephen Kenny left upon expiry of his contract after a disappointing Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
Drawn in a group with France and the Netherlands, a top-two finish was always a tall order, but Ireland never gave themselves a chance of reaching next summer’s tournament. They won just two of their eight games, both against minnows Gibraltar, and there was little clamour for Kenny to be given another bite at the cherry as Ireland seek a fresh start.
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Former Ireland international Stephen Kelly admits he wasn’t surprised to hear that the Football Association of Ireland won’t be renewing Stephen Kenny’s contract
Former Ireland international Stephen Kelly admits he wasn’t surprised to hear that the Football Association of Ireland won’t be renewing Stephen Kenny’s contract
As for Northern Ireland, hope abounded as Michael O’Neill – back for a second stint as manager having previously taken the side to Euro 2016 – returned to guide them through what looked on paper to be a very favourable Euro 2024 qualifying group.
However, disappointing early home losses to Finland and Kazakhstan, coupled by a defeat by Denmark in Copenhagen, realistically ended NI’s hopes of qualification after only four games.
A 2-0 win over Denmark in their final qualifier in November did however see Northern Ireland bow out with a spring in their step.
Having struggled with injuries, O’Neill will hope to have some key faces back to pair with his young players in 2024.
Golf: McIlroy and Maguire bring it home for Europe
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Relive Rory McIlroy’s two wins, which saw him claim a fifth Race to Dubai title, and his starring role in Europe’s Ryder Cup triumph.
Relive Rory McIlroy’s two wins, which saw him claim a fifth Race to Dubai title, and his starring role in Europe’s Ryder Cup triumph.
It was another year to remember for Ireland’s golfers with Rory McIlroy once again leading the charge.
A Scottish Open win took his tally of PGA Tour titles to 24, before the world No 2 claimed the Race to Dubai title for the fifth time. However, McIlroy’s 2023 peaked in the early autumn heat of Rome.
After a poor display at Whistling Straights in 2021 ended in tears, McIlroy turned the page on his own Ryder Cup story to claim four points from a possible five at Marco Simone to finish as the highest individual scorer in the 2023 competition. Leading the charge both on the course and off it, when he became involved in a heated car-park confrontation with Team USA caddy Joe LaCava, as Europe regained the trophy.
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Andrew Coltart provided his thoughts on one of the moments of the golfing year, where Rory McIlroy had a dispute with caddie Joe LaCava at the Ryder Cup. You can listen to the Sky Sports Golf Podcast now
Andrew Coltart provided his thoughts on one of the moments of the golfing year, where Rory McIlroy had a dispute with caddie Joe LaCava at the Ryder Cup. You can listen to the Sky Sports Golf Podcast now
Despite the successes, the hunt for the elusive fifth major goes into another year after some more near-misses at the flagship events.
McIlroy came second at the US Open behind Wyndham Clark, while there were top-10 finishes at the PGA Championship and The Open. He remains one of the game’s leading lights, and the Holywood man now enters 2024 hoping to claim a major title for the first time in a decade.
His compatriot Shane Lowry also played his part in Europe’s Ryder Cup redemption, winning 1.5 points from three matches while also claiming three top-20 finishes in 2023’s majors.
It was a breakthrough year for 20-year-old Tom McKibbin, who became Irish golf’s youngest tour winner since McIlroy (who hails from the same town in County Down) when he won the DP World Tour’s European Open in June.
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Maguire claimed three crucial points as Europe retained the Solheim Cup having lost the opening day foursomes 4-0
Maguire claimed three crucial points as Europe retained the Solheim Cup having lost the opening day foursomes 4-0
Meanwhile, Cavan’s Leona Maguire enjoyed another fruitful year, the highlight of which came at the Solheim Cup.
Maguire shone, as she did on tournament debut in 2021, winning three points including a crucial 4&3 win over Rose Zhang as Europe retained the cup after a 14-14 draw.
Maguire also claimed her second LGPA Tour title as a spectacular final round saw her clinch a two-shot win at the Meijer LPGA Classic.
A good year could have been a great one, with Maguire taking a one-shot lead into the final round of the Women’s PGA Championship, before shooting a disappointing 74 on the final day with China’s Ruoning Yin winning the major. Maguire’s compatriot Stephanie Meadow impressed at the tournament, finishing tied for third.
Boxing: Revenge for Taylor after first pro defeat as five qualify for Olympics
The main headline from an Irish boxing perspective this year saw Olympic legend Katie Taylor suffer the first defeat of her professional career at the 23rd attempt, losing to England’s Chantelle Cameron in Dublin by majority decision in May.
Seeking revenge, Taylor fought Cameron again on November 25 in Dublin, becoming a two-weight undisputed world champion when she showed her mettle to win by majority decision. Taylor has since said she would fight Cameron again, and has made no secret of her desire to do so at Croke Park.
Elsewhere in the Irish boxing world, Belfast’s Michael Conlan suffered two defeats in 2023, having only previously lost once in 19 professional bouts. The 32-year-old lost to Mexico’s Luis Alberto Lopez by TKO in the fifth round of their fight in May for the IBF featherweight title, and then lost to Englishman Jordan Gill by TKO in the seventh round on December 2 for the vacant WBA International super-featherweight title.
Earlier this year, Kellie Harrington, Ireland’s Tokyo Olympic gold medallist, and four other Irish boxers qualified for the Paris Olympics: Aoife O’Rourke, Jack Marley, Michaela Walsh, Dean Clancy. Roscommon’s O’Rourke and Dublin’s Marley are considered exciting medal prospects.
GAA: Dublin at the double as Limerick continue dominance
Dublin captain Carla Rowe (left) and Leah Caffrey lift the Brendan Martin Cup after their All-Ireland final victory over Kerry
Just when you thought the Dubs were in a downturn.
After a three-year absence, the Sam Maguire and Brendan Martin Cups are back residing in the capital. Their previous stays were lengthy ones, six and four years respectively, but football is a much more competitive environment these days.
The Dublin’s women’s team will attest to that, having watched neighbours Meath rise from the intermediate ranks and win back-to-back All-Irelands at senior level. Plenty of motivation, then, and Dublin lay down a marker by twice beating the defending champions in the Leinster Championship.
A two-point home loss to Kerry in the All-Ireland group stages proved a momentary setback. Dublin’s winning margin across the next three games was over 15 points as they booked a return date with a Kingdom side chasing a league and championship double.
A first final in the women’s code between these two footballing heavyweights was all but over by the interval, Dublin leading by seven after former Ireland rugby international Hannah Tyrrell kicked eight first-half points. With Mick Bohan on board for an eighth season as manager, they will again be among the frontrunners in 2024.
James McCarthy, Stephen Cluxton and Michael Fitzsimons are no strangers to getting their hands on the Sam Maguire Cup
The Dublin men’s team timed their run to perfection as they became the first non-Division One team to win the All-Ireland since Armagh in 2002.
Dessie Farrell’s side began the year in the unfamiliar surrounds of the league’s second tier, which allowed them to stay under the radar and slowly build up a head of steam.
After yet another cakewalk in Leinster – it’s now 13 provincial titles in a row and 18 in 19 seasons – a below-par draw with Roscommon in the All-Ireland group stages provided Dublin with a timely shot in the arm. They powered to a mouth-watering final with defending champions Kerry, for whom David Clifford was shooting the lights out all summer. However, the Kingdom talisman was unable to hit his usual high standards in the decider, and a late scoring burst saw Dublin home.
Captain James McCarthy has committed to another season as he chases a record-equalling 10th All-Ireland medal, while Stephen Cluxton could follow suit as the Boys in Blue look to retain their crown.
Derry, with Mickey Harte at the helm, will have something to say about that, as will the likes of Armagh, Galway and Kerry. However, Gaelic football remains a sport in crisis, blighted by packed defences and incessant handpassing. Armagh and Crossmaglen great Aaron Kernan described the sport in its current guise as “boring” and “monotonous” and warned it could get even worse before it gets better, while the split season continues to divide.
Aaron Gillane was Limerick’s leading scorer with 3-47 in seven championship matches
No such concerns in hurling, split season aside, as Limerick head into 2024 bidding to become the first county to win five All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championships in a row.
They recovered from a loss to Clare in the Munster Championship group stages, their first championship defeat since 2019, to book a rematch with their neighbours in the final, where a one-point success secured a fifth consecutive provincial title.
Limerick reinforced their reputation as a second-half team with devastating performances at Croke Park, overturning half-time deficits against both Galway and Kilkenny in the semi-finals and final respectively. John Kiely’s men saved their best performance for the final, outscoring the Cats by 0-19 to 0-5 in a majestic final half-hour. Can anyone stop their drive for five?
Cork captain Amy O’Connor completes her incredible hat-trick against Waterford
Speaking of majestic, Amy O’Connor was Cork’s hero as they ended their five-year wait for an All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship.
O’Connor produced one of the moments of the year when she smashed a hat-trick in less than two minutes during their dominant victory over a Waterford side appearing in their first All-Ireland final since 1945.
Olympics: Record medal haul should be target in Paris
The sky is the limit for 21-year-old sensation Rhasidat Adeleke
Ireland record medal tally at an Olympics came in 2012 when they won six in London, and hopes are high they can match or perhaps even better that in Paris this summer.
Tallaght sensation Rhasidat Adeleke has enjoyed a record-breaking 12 months and her upward curve will continue after deciding to turn professional. Rhys McClenaghan (pommel horse) is a back-to-back world champion while freestyle swimmer Daniel Wiffen will be targeting a medal in Paris after smashing the 800m world record.
Daniel Wiffen smashed the 800m freestyle world record by almost three seconds
In Ciara Mageean and Sarah Healy Ireland possess two serious competitors in the 1500m. Mageean finished fourth in world-class company at the World Championships last August, with Healy joining the Down athlete and Sonia O’Sullivan as the only Irishwomen to run the 1500m in under four minutes.
Throw in Ireland’s rowing stars – Olympic gold medallists Fintan McCarthy and Paul O’Donovan claimed their third World Championship in September – and the long list of boxing contenders headed by Kellie Harrington, and this has the potential to be a ground-breaking Games.
8250 Sanderling Road is a breathtaking architectural masterpiece nestled on the pristine shores of Siesta Key, one of Florida’s most coveted barrier islands. This extraordinary modern beach residence is a testament to the artistry of world-renowned architect Guy Peterson FAIA, known for setting the standard of excellence in modern design. The home proudly boasts an Honor Award from the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the AIA, and an Excellence in Architecture Award from the Florida Association of the AIA, as well as being featured in numerous media outlets for its architectural significance including HGTV Homes Across America, Florida Design, Robb Report, Sarasota Magazine, Sarasota Herald Tribune’s Style Magazine. In addition, it has been highlighted in many publications including Four Florida Moderns, a book devoted to four Florida architects, and 50 US Architects Residential and Planning, a curated collection of award-winning architects and their most significant accomplishments.
In 2015, the new owners undertook a transformative renovation collaborating with Guy Peterson FAIA, Michael K Walker, and Richard Geary, resulting in a newfound clarity of design that harmonizes seamlessly with the original architectural brilliance. Elegantly composed of four rectangular pavilions, each thoughtfully supported by a concrete framework, the exterior is a true work of art. Layers of concrete, intricate cutouts and artful glass details adorn the modern façade.
As you approach, a seashell-textured concrete path welcomes you, setting the stage for the extraordinary experience that unfolds within. Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by interiors that are equally awe-inspiring. The foyer gives way to views of all levels creating the perspective of a sculpture framed by glass, concrete, metal and pure white. The custom bar, elegantly appointed with an illuminated onyx top, blends effortlessly with its surroundings. The dining room showcases concrete columns against sanded glass walls, framing a mesmerizing beach view through towering floor-to-ceiling windows. The custom kitchen pays homage to the teak accents found throughout the home, featuring top-of-the-line Miele and Wolf appliances, marble counters, and dual islands.
The owner’s suite is a private oasis, complete with a cozy sitting area, a convenient coffee bar, meticulously organized closets, and a Gulf-front terrace to enjoy a morning coffee while taking in the tranquil blue Gulf of Mexico view. The dual en-suite bathrooms exude opulence with stone counters, generous showers, and exquisite detailing. On this same level is a sitting area and enormous landscaped terrace overlooking the grounds. An office with panoramic views of the Gulf inspires productivity. Guest accommodations are equally inviting, with en-suite bedrooms allowing for the utmost privacy.
Situated within the prestigious Sanderling Club on Siesta Key, this home affords exclusive access to the Paul Rudolph-designed beach clubhouse, tennis courts, and a 24/7 guard-gated community for ultimate privacy and security. The community also has a marina with boat docks, while tranquil Heron Lagoon complements the expansive 1.54-acre site, offering over 150 feet of Gulf frontage and an additional 150+ waterfront feet along the lagoon’s edge, creating the perfect gulf-to-lagoon retreat. Siesta Key itself is a renowned destination, celebrated for its powdery white quartz sand beaches and vibrant cultural scene.
What constitutes a luxury home? There was no singular answer to that question in 2023, as every month produced a pageant of some of the most exemplary and visionary properties on earth.
Some are chic and innovative, featuring the latest technology and forward-thinking approaches to indoor-outdoor living. Others celebrate classical prestige, paying homage to stately nobility and long-standing traditions. There are those that are perfect for entertaining, blending elegance with extravagance, and those that are better suited to enlightening, with architecture and design that belong in a catalog of high art.
And certain luxury homes create universes entirely unto themselves—personal paradises that serve as ideal refuges and idyllic retreats, uniting the natural and cultural worlds in unique and inspired ways.
In celebration of a new year—and commemoration of another year gone by—here are five glamorous homes that epitomize each of these styles and were featured in 2023.
Picture the pinnacle of ultramodern living; it’s probably a home paneled with panoramic expanses of glass, surrounded by intriguing water features and vibrant living walls, with top-of-the-line amenities, accessories, and appliances effortlessly automating everyday functions.
Situated in the private community of La Gorce Island, this glittering villa meets all those criteria and more, adding a dedicated dock for a large yacht to its long list of cutting-edge conveniences.
Major urban metropolises hold deep histories, long memories, and epic stories, many of which are preserved in their most esteemed residences.
Nowhere is this more readily apparent than in this fabulous townhome, which has hosted famous figures past and present—including serving as a film set for luminaries such as Kate Moss, Amy Winehouse, and Tom Hooper. With its opulent moldings, ornate wainscotting, and hand-painted wallpapers, it’s a paragon of old-world wonder, yet updated with a range of thoughtful new renovations.
There are properties that have it all—pools and pavilions, gardens and gazebos, fitness facilities and games rooms and guesthouses; spaces for recreation and relaxation that can enchant or enthrall almost anyone.
Envisioned in the style of a hôtel particulier, this waterfront resort is one of those residences that makes the most of having the most, with its six bedrooms, seven full baths, and two acres of land. From a wine vault fit for a master vintner to its scenic light-filled solarium, every area is bursting with exuberant character.
When does a work of architecture become a work of art? Perhaps when it’s a museum-quality melange of different iconic styles, all coming together to craft a stunning, habitable masterpiece that complements and contrasts its location in a compelling way.
This sculptural abode atop Mount Veeder could easily be viewed as equal parts art installation and property. Though its flawless white façades may seem simple at first glance, they combine influences from modernist and Art Deco architecture, as well as deconstructivist aesthetics. This grandeur is intensified by the local vistas of Napa Valley and terraces of Cabernet vineyards.
Sometimes an estate just isn’t enough. It has to be an escape—an experience that provides a haven unlike anywhere else in the world.
With a phalanx of olive orchards, unparalleled perspectives of the mountains and sea, and a monastery-turned-chateau as a main residence, this prominent property in the ever-aristocratic French Riviera is on another level of luxury. The home, with its bucolic groves and sporting grounds, has been a coveted oasis for celebrities since its exquisite refurbishment more than a century ago.
The dynamic and diverse luxury homes showcased throughout 2023 demonstrate the finest styles and lifestyles, while constantly presenting fresh, distinct personalities. They’re never predictable, nor are they conformist; and as a new year commences, it’s exciting to consider both the extant and nascent properties that will be featured in 2024.
Whether centuries old and Southwestern in style or part of a sleek contemporary Southern California milieu, these fireplaces contribute both warmth and aesthetic panache to their surroundings.
Designed for the quintessential California lifestyle, this chic four-bedroom residence features sophisticated spaces with soaring ceilings, reclaimed beams, wide-plank wood floors, and such distinctive finishes as the Taj Mahal stone that surrounds the living room’s bespoke fireplace. Other highlights include a chef’s kitchen with stainless-steel appliances, an oversized island, and a dining area; a primary suite with dual walk-in closets and a spa-like bath; a media room or recording studio; and an enviable terrace with a pool and views of the Century City skyline.
Surrounded by 2.27 acres of mature trees, landscaping, and rolling lawn just minutes from the historic Sonoma plaza, this 3,925-square-foot four-bedroom hacienda is a relaxed yet elegant retreat in the heart of wine country. The inviting open-plan great room features dramatic carved posts, beamed ceilings, and one of three warming fireplaces. French doors in most rooms lead to the outdoors and their courtyards, swimming pool, freestanding pool house, wisteria-covered loggia, playground, gardens, and fruit trees.
At the end of two gated driveways, this extraordinary 81.45-acre estate is one of the largest private landholdings in Greenwich. In addition to the 14,200-square-foot home, the property boasts a pond, a three-bedroom guest cottage, a baseball field, a tennis court, a pool, and a workshop or barn. The timber-clad six-bedroom residence blends a Shingle-style façade with Japanese-influenced interiors, and multiple stalwart stone fireplaces—in the living room, two family rooms, primary suite, and billiards room—contribute to the rugged style and welcoming warmth.
This enchanting property appears on the earliest known map of Santa Fe and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It includes a home with two portales, three bedrooms and baths, a living room, a “farm kitchen” with new appliances, a laundry room, and a garage; an attached two-bedroom apartment with a garage; and a two-story, one-bedroom studio. Three-foot-thick adobe walls, hand-planed Territorial-style ceiling vigas, split cedar rajas, and multiple traditional kiva fireplaces have all been lovingly preserved.
Gallagher Premiership round-up: Bath move above Sale after their 25-17 victory over Harlequins; Northampton enjoy narrow 31-29 victory away at Gloucester and Exeter Chiefs beat the Leicester Tigers 29-10 to extend their unbeaten home run
Last Updated: 23/12/23 6:40pm
Joe Cokanasiga scored two tries for Bath in their victory over Harlequins
Bath top the Gallagher Premiership at Christmas after winning an absorbing battle with fellow title contenders Harlequins 25-17 at the Rec.
England wing Joe Cokanasiga scored twice, with his second try clinching an important bonus point late on. Other Bath tries went to lock Elliott Stooke and flanker Miles Reid, while the Londoners stayed in contention with tries from fly-half Marcus Smith, hooker Jack Walker and flanker James Chisholm.
Cokanasiga opened the scoring within two minutes but Russell’s conversion attempt was wide, only for Smith to dance through the home defence to score at the other end moments later before hooking his kick against a post.
Joe Cokanasiga got Bath off to a dream start after scoring an early try
The swirling wind and rain made handling difficult and Bath looked particularly vulnerable in defence, although the only score of the first half came when Russell put the hosts 8-5 ahead with a penalty.
Bath struck quickly after the restart with a catch-and-drive try by Stooke and followed up in the 48th minute with another spectacular effort by Cokanasiga, who steamrollered over Smith’s attempted tackle, with Russell’s conversion – the first of the game – increasing the lead to 20-5.
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The visitors were not about to lie down and Smith’s penalty to the corner led to a catch-and-drive for Walker on his 50th appearance since joining from Bath.
Smith converted but Bath were gaining the upper hand and Russell’s inch-perfect tactical kicking set up a line-out in the corner. This time it was Reid who profited, leaving the home side with an 11-point lead and just six minutes to defend it.
Unfortunately for Quins, Chisholm’s last-minute score came too late. They might have claimed a losing bonus point but Smith again hooked his conversion against a post.
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Exeter Chiefs 29-10 Leicester Tigers
Exeter maintained their superb home form as they defeated Leicester 29-10 in front of a record crowd at Sandy Park.
An attendance of exactly 15,000 witnessed the Chiefs end their 2023 home campaign in style with a bonus-point win as they stretched their unbeaten Sandy Park run in all competitions to 23 matches, spanning a period of 61 weeks.
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It took the Tigers a long time to find their way into the game, despite many of their internationals returning to duty. They trailed 24-0 early in the second half and, when they finally did fight back, they had left themselves too big a mountain to climb.
Chiefs centre Henry Slade had another an excellent game, once more staking his claim for an England recall for the upcoming Six Nations.
Gloucester 29-31 Northampton Saints
Adam Hastings missed a 45-metre angled penalty with the last kick of the match as Gloucester suffered a 31-29 Gallagher Premiership defeat to Northampton before a crowd of over 15,000 at Kingsholm.
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Hastings’ failure took Gloucester’s losing run in the league to seven games but it was rough justice on them for they had dominated a one-sided second half.
When the hosts trailed 24-7 after 35 minutes, another loss looked a near certainty but a yellow card for Saints centre Rory Hutchinson saw an instant change in momentum as Gloucester scored 22 unanswered points.
Freddie Clarke, Chris Harris, Matias Alemanno and Santiago Carreras scored their tries with Adam Hastings adding three conversions and a penalty.
Curtis Langdon scored two tries for Northampton, with Alex Mitchell, Alex Coles and Tom Litchfield also on the try-scoring sheet as Fin Smith added three conversions.
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.
Since 2000, color matching powerhouse Pantone® has welcomed in the New Year with its Color of the Year announcement—a prediction about the hue and themes that will influence us over the next twelve months. The selected shade not only reflects the feeling and tone of the time, but surfaces in fashion, home décor, and graphic design as everyone from illustrators to tastemakers finds something fresh in the color of the moment.
Pantone has looked to warmth and comfort for 2024 and forecasted PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz, which the company says echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connection, and “resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace, and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless.” Whether through paint, ornamental accents, or exterior elements, this velvety gentle peach tone takes pride of place in the five properties below.
Sited on just almost two acres of lush mature gardens, this elegant gated estate includes a main residence and a guesthouse. The home boasts numerous European-inspired features including stonework, handmade tiles, custom stenciling, beamed ceilings, custom windows and hardware, hickory floors, and grand fireplaces. Hand-troweled pigmented plaster walls add a beautifully peachy glow to the interiors.
Casa Bellagio enjoys an ideal location in Cabo Bello, an exclusive enclave east of Cabo San Lucas. With its magnificent architectural design featuring lofty vaulted ceilings and columns, the property exudes the charm of old-world Mexico. The façade of the home is accentuated by domed ceilings adorned with tinted stucco.
This exceptional tenth floor Classic Seven in New York, New York enjoys light streaming through every room. The corner living room offers city and sky views, and is adorned with peach-tinted details.
Home of noted collector and beloved Santa Fe icon Omer Claiborne, this serene compound is tucked down a quiet lane. The residence features many custom details including recessed shelves designed to display artifacts, concrete floors, French doors, and glowing plaster walls.
This European-inspired custom home is situated in a spectacular setting on the 14th fairway of Troon North’s Monument Golf Course. Stucco walls and tinted roof tiles add a peachy tint to the property’s exterior spaces.
Looking for other ways to inspire connection? These welcoming guest houses offer ample ways to pamper visitors.
Featuring curated videos from the most sought-after destinations the world over, discover this week’s Video of the Week
Sausalito, California | Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty
Located just above the exclusive enclave of Sausalito yet completely private and gated, this approximately 7,400 square foot residence features three principal entrances, five bedrooms, soaring 25-foot-tall ceilings, and over 1,600 square feet of terraces, patios and decks set amidst manicured gardens.
Once a former church, the property was meticulously reimagined in 2013. Upon entry, a dramatic foyer opens to the central, double-height space of the home. A grand staircase descends to a formal dining area, a 300-bottle showcase wine cellar, a chef’s kitchen, additional living areas, and access to the lush gardens.
Additional highlights include a luxurious primary suite, a “crow’s nest” office located in the former church tower, a fully-equipped gym, panoramic views of Sausalito’s famed yacht harbors, and an ideal climate in the area’s coveted “banana belt.”
At the tip of Long Island as it stretches out into the Atlantic, Montauk is a destination known for its sandy beaches, impeccable surfing, and charming cottages and estates. Fondly referred to as a “tree house,” this distinctive modern residence is nestled not high in the boughs of towering trees but standing stalwart among them, like a companion, a mere stone’s throw from the shoreline. It represents a new paradigm of oceanfront living, with clean lines, striking contemporary details, a refreshingly chic minimalism, and mesmerizing views of the water. This is an oasis where a fittingly relaxed but unquestionably stylish life can be effortlessly enjoyed in a setting free from the trappings of stereotypical seaside escapes.
Contributing to the tranquility is a soothing organic palette of calming wood tones and hues that echo the flora, sky, and water beyond. Oversized windows, skylights, and tall glass doors admit floods of light, while towering ceilings offer space for that light to flow, creating a feeling of bright airiness and blurring the boundaries between indoors and out. As should be expected, most rooms look out on or open to the surroundings and—naturally—the ocean, an enviably breathtaking backdrop for every moment and activity.
The open-plan living and entertaining spaces are simultaneously voluminous and inviting, making them ideal for secluded solo relaxation or grand-scale festivities. For the rare days and nights spent indoors, the impressively outfitted kitchen accommodates all manner of culinary pursuits with its generous counter and cabinet space and superior-caliber appliances, a gym allows for persistent dedication to fitness, and a media and game room with a projector and wet bar encourages rousing games and enthralling film screenings in pure privacy. The four consummately peaceful bedrooms welcome owners and their visitors—who are certain to be plentiful—in serene seaside style.
Tall trees create a verdant enclave of privacy for the alluring swimming pool and its spacious terrace, where nearby ocean waves provide a subtle natural soundtrack. Meanwhile, embracing the home are a series of walkways, terraces, balconies, and decks that offer a wide variety of settings for alfresco fêtes, lounging in the sun, meditating on the distant horizon, basking in the rosy glow of sunsets, and appreciating the property’s enviable proximity of the ocean. During idyllic late-night moments spent gazing skyward, expanses of stars twinkle above the water, uninterrupted by the lights of the city, which during these idyllic moments feels not just hours but worlds away.
From a EUR€33M sale in Rome, Italy, to a US$9M sale in Kennebunkport, Maine, here are five sales represented by the Sotheby’s International Realty global network in November.
Rome, Italy
Barbara Alessio | Italy Sotheby’s International Realty, EUR€33,000,000
High above the Four Seasons Hotel in Tribeca, this 2,265-square-foot residence combines a landmark location with modern aesthetics. Of the three bedrooms, the primary suite boasts full-height windows, a wet bar, and a bath with a soaking tub, a marble shower, and heated floors. In a prime corner position, the eat-in kitchen features rift-cut Bilotta cabinetry and Gaggenau and Miele appliances. The living room enjoys dramatic southerly views through double-height windows and adjoins a dining room with an artful chandelier that mimics flowering branches.
This sleek, streamlined 2,943-square-foot Hollywood home is a paradigm of modern design. Its fluid open-plan spaces include living and dining areas, a kitchen with Miele and Thermador appliances, and a relaxed family room—all opening to a terrace with views across the treetops and canyon toward hills in the distance. A unique fixture composed of dangling glass globe pendants illuminates the stairway that leads to the three bedroom suites and a private deck with a pool, a spa, and lounging areas.
Within Century City’s coveted Le Parc community, this single-level two-bedroom residence exemplifies modern elegance. The open, light-filled floor plan features a spacious living room, a formal dining room, a kitchen with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, and a breakfast room with a built-in banquette, doors to a terrace with treetop views, and eye-catching contemporary lighting. Le Parc provides 24-hour guard-gated security; 10 acres of manicured grounds, lush gardens, ponds, and waterfalls; swimming pools and a spa; tennis courts; a gym; and a clubhouse.
West Palm Beach’s Prospect Park neighborhood is the setting for this impeccably renovated four-bedroom villa. Natural light and a pleasantly minimalist aesthetic fills nearly every room, including an owner’s suite with a breakfast bar, a balcony, a luxurious bath, and generous closet space. The main-level great room opens to a loggia and a pool with waterfalls and is adjoined by a kitchen with a dazzling mirrored tile backsplash and an island crowned by contemporary lighting composed of linear rod pendants.
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.
Celebrity real estate agent Mauricio Umansky will not face a civil trial for allegedly violating his duties as a broker in the sale of a prominent Malibu hilltop mansion that he flipped for nearly $70 million.
Real estate investor Sam Hakim and his agent dropped their consolidated Superior Court lawsuits this month against Umansky, his development partner Mauricio Oberfeld and other defendants. The legal action accused the two men of conspiring to buy the mansion in 2016 for $32.5 million — despite an alleged higher offer from Hakim — so they could fix it up and sell it for a big profit.
Umansky and his luxury Beverly Hills real estate firm, The Agency, not only represented the buyer and seller in the transaction, but Umansky had a stake in the buyer’s limited liability company fronted by Oberfeld. The 2019 lawsuit sought at least $35 million in damages, or roughly the profit made flipping the property in 2017 to the heir of a Hong Kong drink manufacturer.
Jennifer Shakouri and Alan Hearty, attorneys for Hakim, a Beverly Hills resident who runs a family real estate investment firm, said in a statement that their client, who is Jewish, decided to “put this matter behind him” amid the war in Gaza.
“In light of current global events, including the shocking attack on the state of Israel on October 7, Mr. Hakim decided his time and energy would be better served on matters other than this litigation. This led him to resolve this matter,” said the statement, which noted that as part of the settlement Umansky agreed to give money to a “pro-Israel charitable organization.”
“Regarding the issue of wrongdoing by Mr. Umansky, the court records speak for themselves,” the statement concluded.
In an interview, Umansky, who is also Jewish, said the donation by himself and his brokerage was something he would have gladly done anyway. He declined to disclose the value of the donation. He said the decision by Hakim and his agent to drop the litigation was an indication of its lack of merit.
“At the end of the day, I believe that from the beginning I did not do anything wrong,” he said.
Hakim’s decision followed the production of text messages that had long been sought by the defendants in discovery. Texts between Hakim and his broker, Aitan Segal, suggested that Hakim was first made aware of the partnership that Umansky and Oberfeld had formed to buy and flip the property through a 2017 article — not one he read in 2018 as he had claimed.
Real estate investor Sam Hakim poses in front of the Malibu mansion whose $70-million sale prompted his lawsuit against Mauricio Umansky.
(Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)
The issue of when he first knew of Umansky’s involvement is relevant to how long he had to file the case before the statute of limitations expired. Attorneys for the defendants sought to have the case terminated over the delayed production of the texts; Judge Mark Epstein rejected that bid in an October decision while leaving open the possibility of monetary sanctions.
Jeremiah Reynolds, an attorney for Oberfeld and another defendant, Matt Dugally, who also was a member of the buyer’s group and owns a luxury home builder with Oberfeld, said in a statement that neither client paid Hakim “to settle this frivolous case against them.”
“Sam Hakim voluntarily dropped his lawsuit under threat of court ordered sanctions for his failure to turn over text messages that demonstrated his case never should have been filed,” the statement said.
The Hakim lawsuit was not the first filed against Umansky over the 16.5-acre Malibu compound, a conspicuous piece of real estate featuring a 15,000-square-foot mansion overlooking the city’s pier. The compound was featured on “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” a show featuring Umansky’s spouse Kyle Richards, when the broker — the star of his own Netflix reality show — was readying it for resale.
The estate was acquired in 2006 by Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, the playboy son of the president of Equatorial Guinea. He was forced to sell the home in 2014 after the U.S. government filed an asset forfeiture case that accused him of buying the mansion, a jet and other luxury items with laundered funds generated by corrupt business dealings in his native country.
Umansky was hired by Nguema to conduct the sale, with the first $10.3 million in proceeds going to the U.S. government and the remainder for the benefit of the people of Equatorial Guinea. After it was reported in the media that Umansky was a member of the group that flipped the home in 2017 for $69.9 million, Nguema sued Umansky, accusing him of self-dealing that lowered the initial sale price.
Umansky reached a settlement with Nguema, who is no longer in the U.S., that provided $6.35 million to a healthcare nonprofit working in Equatorial Guinea, as part of the asset forfeiture case that wrapped up in 2021.
The Agency’s insurance company also sued after the brokerage filed an insurance claim to help fund the Nguema settlement. The insurer accused Umansky of a conflict of interest in the deals and sought to rescind the brokerage’s policy. An undisclosed settlement was reached.
Umansky said that he was unable to comment on those cases and settlements due to nondisclosure agreements.
At the same time, Hakim’s case had been wending its way through Santa Monica Superior Court, with voluminous filings by both sides. The original complaint accused Umansky, Oberfeld and other defendants of eight causes of action, including fraud, breaches of duty and negligent misrepresentation.
Not every allegation applied to every defendant and over the years Epstein struck several, including the fraud allegation. A trial was set for next year on the remaining causes of action — including an allegation Umansky breached his duty to be an honest and fair broker — assuming the case survived a motion for summary judgment and wasn’t dismissed by Epstein.
A core issue was Hakim’s allegation that he and Segal verbally offered at least $40 million for the property, but that Umansky never passed the offer on to his client Nguema. They also claimed Umansky told them not to bother to put the offer in writing because of the unusual nature of the transaction, since Nguema would not personally benefit from a higher price.
Umansky has denied Hakim made such an offer or that he told him to not put it in writing — something he said a sophisticated investor would always do. “It’s a ‘he said, she said.’ I know what happened. And I know that there was no verbal offer made. Period. End the story,” Umansky said.
Hakim’s attorneys have disputed that there was no evidence. Last year, they submitted into the court file the transcription of a voicemail left for Umansky by Segal in May 2015. During it, the agent notes that his client is ready with an all-cash offer in the “40 range.”
Umansky dismissed the voicemail, saying it was left with him prior to Segal visiting the property. “I am well aware of that. We do that all the time, ‘Hey, I’ve got a client looking up to $60 million. What can I have? What can you show?’ That’s not evidence of any sort of offer.”
Attorneys for Umansky also have questioned whether Hakim had the financial wherewithal to make an all-cash offer that would close the deal fast, though Umansky’s and Oberfeld’s limited liability company itself needed to bring in other investors.
Perhaps the most central issue of the case revolved around when Umansky and Oberfeld reached their own agreement to buy the property. Umansky informed Nguema and the Department of Justice in June 2016 — weeks before the sale closed and long after negotiations with Hakim had ceased — that he had only recently been invited to participate in the buyers’ group.
But Epstein cast doubt on that in a ruling this year, stating there were documents indicating a “concrete February 2016 plan for a joint partnership that had long been in the works.”
“The court notes that the evidence does seem pretty clear that Umansky’s suggestion that the discussions only started a little bit before May 2016 was simply false and he knew it when he said it,” the judge wrote.
Umansky said the “judge was completely wrong in those statements” — and almost seemed to rue the case was dropped.
“Unfortunately, or fortunately, it’s not going to be heard at trial,” he said.
Art can be complex or purposely inscrutable, making the complete “understanding” of a piece an impossibility. But that doesn’t mean you can’t notice and interact with the work—and there are three fundamental qualities any art scholar or historian will immediately identify.
First, the physical form; what medium or media is the work made with? Second, the content; what does it depict or communicate through image, color, shape, or symbol? And finally, the context; what factors have informed or influenced its creation?
Context has another facet—where is the artwork situated, and why? What does it accomplish in this space, and how does it dialogue with its surroundings? This is the context that knowledgeable collectors consider as they display statement art pieces in their homes, and here are six techniques they employ when deciding on the most impactful placements.
In painting, a hue refers to the color created by pure pigment. When mixed with white, it becomes tinted; when mixed with black, it becomes shaded. But tones—which come from the mixture of grays, composed of both black and white—bring great nuance to a work. Pay attention to these nuances, as seen in this Baumeister abstraction, and how they interact with neutral spaces such as this Tribeca apartment in the Four Seasons Hotel, where a gray-infused accent wall and furnishings provide intriguing convergences and contrasts with the colors in the work.
Not all artworks lie flush against a wall. When a work plays with light, depth, and dimension in novel ways, juxtapose it with a space that likewise combines different lines, curves, and contours in different ways. That’s why a piece like this evocative Lerner would be well-situated in the open-concept family room of this stunning East Hampton estate.
Nature is inherently calming, and artworks can help to embellish and emphasize natural elements in the living space—whether wood or stone, flowers or water. Here, it’s easy to picture how this color field by Erben complements this unique, ultramodern country home in Austin, which abounds with plant life, organic wooden paneling and accents, and earth tones.
Sculptures have an indelible presence in space, foregrounding their texture and tactility as the defining features of their aesthetic composition. So when organizing decor around a piece like this captivating Choucair figure, pay close attention to the haptic qualities of the room’s varied surfaces to create an ambiance that’s as tangibly satisfying as it is visually appealing—as is the case with this gorgeously contemporary retreat in London.
An artwork, first and foremost, needs to suit the space where it’s situated—and then furnishings can be selected that correspond with the piece. When done correctly, the most subtle intricacies can become bold declarations; notice how the repeating images in this photographic work by Gilbert and George cultivate an illusion of reflectiveness that’s heightened by the furniture in this West Hollywood mansion, while stark geometry intensifies the black window frames.
Sometimes, the best counterpoints to a work of art exist beyond the home itself. It’s not just the warm wooden interiors of this chic Brooklyn condo that enliven this jubilant Albers canvas, but the abundant sunlight and the historic brick and brownstone buildings across the bay.
Statement pieces are important focal points for a room, but they have to take priority. Fortunately, art is inherently lucid. If you’re willing to consciously look and listen, it will tell you what it needs in order to achieve its full potential.
This recently constructed contemporary villa is situated on a highly coveted street in Son Vida. Often dubbed the Beverly Hills of Mallorca due to its exclusive nature and breathtaking vistas, Son Vida offers three golf courses, two five-star hotels, and is a mere 15-minute drive from the cosmopolitan capital, Palma.
Spanning three floors, the residence is highlighted by expansive outdoor terraces boasting spectacular sea views and a saltwater swimming pool, creating a true indoor/outdoor lifestyle.
The ground floor entrance hall opens to an open staircase, and a spacious open-plan dining and living room with a fireplace, seamlessly connected to an open-plan kitchen with a cooking island.
The lower floor, accessible via an elevator, features versatile open paces including a gallery space and a games room.
