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.
For the internationally renowned architectural firm Swatt l Miers, setting is practically as important as style. Their designs have long been recognized for a strong connection to the land and a blurring of the boundaries between impeccably crafted indoors and out. That distinctive harmony is readily apparent in the glass-enclosed spaces of this dazzling contemporary residence in Healdsburg. At 9,372 square feet, it encompasses four bedrooms, five full and two half baths, and a host of seamlessly integrated interior and exterior spaces, each of which is imbued with a feeling of weightlessness, glorious natural light, and impressive attention to detail.
The home feels perfectly at one with its 38.28-acre surroundings, following the contours of the land and in one carefully chosen spot, even allowing a tree to weave its boughs between exterior beams. Walls of pristine disappearing glass seem to erase the manmade boundaries, with trees and bands of metal conjuring unique combinations of shadows and light. Automatic full-length remote-controllable shades can be lowered with ease to create privacy—not that discretion is a going concern, given the location, tucked amid evergreen copses at the end of a gently winding gravel drive in the area’s fabled rolling hills.
An aesthetic continuity and immersive quality unites the spaces, creating effortless transitions among them, while precise lines, angles, and cantilevers produce an eye-catching interplay of the vertical and the horizontal. Cast-in-place concrete, metal, and wood conjure a quality of natural strength, while textures and color—as in the kitchen cabinets and the vibrantly tiled powder room, with their pops of sunny yellow—add a sense of whimsy. Highlights include a dining alcove wrapped in windows on three sides, a living area with a fireplace and a dazzling constellation of globe-like pendant lights, an expertly equipped kitchen with counter seating, an underlit upper-level walkway, and bedrooms with en suite baths and balconies. A dramatic stair tower with floating treads links the three levels.
Extensive alfresco spaces—including a wraparound deck and a lower-level covered concrete patio with a gas fire feature—encourage passing as much time outdoors as in. Lounging on the sundeck that surrounds the alluring swimming pool affords opportunities to revel in meditative glimpses of mirrored foliage and vistas that stretch across the Dry Creek Valley.
Visitors will appreciate the luxurious one-bedroom guesthouse—which can also serve as staff or caretaker’s quarters and is equally as stylish as the main residence. The roof’s cantilevers project above the three-car garage, creating an additional terrace. Both the main residence and guesthouse are outfitted with state-of-the-art technological systems and are offered furnished.
Every place tells a story of its lineage, locale, and culture, and nowhere do these histories find a more sincere expression than in heritage homes. Through their architecture and design, they stand as monuments to iconic moments and encapsulate decades—even centuries—of aesthetic excellence. In doing so, they’re timeless, merging the past with the present in a way that persists well into the future.
These classic properties are possessed of charm, quality, and craftsmanship that make them highly covetable for homebuyers. But even more powerful is the pride that comes with stewarding a piece of history and preserving it for future generations.
One of the most enticing aspects of historic homes is the way they stimulate the imagination and create a fantasy that’s actually never far from reality. Just look, for instance, at this lush villa on the island of Capri, overlooking the Bay of Naples.
Think of how visionary its colors must have been when it was built at the turn of the 20th century; consider the awe with which locals would have looked upon it, with its vast verandas and classic colonnades. What kind of nobility or aristocracy might have made their home in such a place, with its five spacious bedrooms, additional quarters, leisurely terraces, and bountiful gardens? It’s a story that began more than 100 years ago—but for the one who lives here next, the rest will be theirs to write.
Preserving older pieces of history can be difficult to do, particularly in major metropolitan centers. Big cities face a relentless pressure to build new developments, and over time, fragments of the past fall apart little by little. That’s why it’s so remarkable that New York City still has a townhouse like this from the mid-1800s. While there are still quite a few properties from the early 20th century and the late 19th century to be found around town, it’s inspiring to have a home in the midst of Manhattan that predates the Gilded Age and remains in excellent condition.
The home is spread across four floors, from a comfortable cooking, dining, and living space at the garden level to a grand and stately parlor level that looks out onto the tree-lined streets of Chelsea. Above that, a whole floor is fully dedicated to the luxe primary suite, while the top floor has ample space for family, guests, or home offices. But the desirability is in the details, with ornate architectural features that hearken back to the house’s time-honored origins.
With its gleaming white sands and aquamarine seas, the Mediterranean isle of Formentera has gained prominence as a glamorous getaway destination. Its diminutive size and straightforward ferry access from nearby Ibiza have ensured that it’s always had a small permanent population, and the majority of beachgoers are visiting vacationers. But that just makes the deluxe homes there, like this gorgeously rustic residence, all the more rarified.
This vast property served as a center of reference for surrounding agrarian communities once it was completed in the 1930s. And with stunning 20th-century architecture, as well as sunny olive groves and lavender fields, it’s an ageless predecessor to the in-vogue concept of indoor-outdoor living.
Sometimes a property’s true prestige derives from notable previous owners and their famous accomplishments. That’s certainly the case for this serene Middletown mansion, which was commissioned by Macy’s founder Nathan Straus and constructed by the same architect who designed for the Vanderbilts, Tiffanys, and other iconic captains of industry.
Incredibly, the process of milk pasteurization was developed at this very property by Straus’s friend Louis Pasteur, deployed to market from its stables and leading to a drastic reduction in childhood mortality in early 20th-century America. So there’s much more to this five-acre estate than its lavish interiors or exceptional exteriors—it’s a place where history wasn’t just witnessed, but actively made.
Heritage homes never get old, because their age is precisely what keeps them current. Conserving them is a sound investment—both for the homeowner and for society as a whole—because of the tangible and intangible value these artifacts provide. They’re storytellers whose walls can speak, with gifts that are given in perpetuity.
Whether elegantly ornate or minimally modern, a striking staircase is a dramatic focal point—as thoughtfully designed as its surroundings—that creates a dazzling first impression.
Replete with majestic Old World classicism, this 3,974-square-foot penthouse at the Plaza is on the market for the first time. Destined to be the site of regal living and entertaining, the two-level residence features a skylit great room, three bedrooms, lavish baths, a loggia, an 82-foot terrace enjoying unparalleled views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, and such golden age design elements as mirrored walls, eye-catching flooring, handsome moldings, and a bold curved wood staircase with artful inlays and an elaborately detailed railing.
In one of the city’s most esteemed cooperatives, occupying an 1878 limestone and brick neo-Georgian building in Lenox Hill, this two-bedroom home has been expertly renovated to bring 21st-century comforts and conveniences to a classical setting. A striking sculptural modern staircase with a glass railing links the living room, dining room, and cook’s kitchen with the private quarters on the upper level, including a primary suite with a verdant view, a wood-burning fireplace, ample closet space, a chic bath, and an office.
This superlative 13,970-square-foot seven-bedroom manor is ideally sited on a lush 1.19-acre estate site in Houston’s Tanglewood neighborhood. A stunning foyer boasting a dramatic double-helix marble staircase with ornate iron railings—one of two stairways in the home—introduces the grandeur found throughout, from the rotunda-like living spaces to the teak-paneled office, library, theater, game room or lounge, and wine room. Covered terraces overlook the backyard and its heated pool, spa, fountains, water wall, fire pit, and sports court.
With its soaring ceilings, clean lines, and floor-to-ceiling walls of glass, this five-bedroom residence in L.A.’s coveted Beverly Grove is a triumph of contemporary design. Highlights include living and dining areas, a wine cellar, a chef’s kitchen with Miele appliances, and a primary suite with a fireplace and a balcony. Linking the levels is a floating staircase that is as much about form as function. The property also offers a pool and spa, a grilling area, and a patio with a fireplace.
New money, suit and tie — or in this case, a Kansas City Chiefs fit!
Travis Kelce‘s game jersey, worn in the 2019 Mexico City game against the Los Angeles Chargers, hit the Goldin Auctions house recently, and the lucky bidder who won had to shell out some serious cash!
The white jersey with Kelce and the number 87 written across the back went for a WHOPPING $37,000 on the site! The Taylor Swift bump strikes again!
For reference, with that kind of money, you could buy a brand new Cadillac with all the luxury add-ons. An even more wild comparison, according to the US Census, that sum is $6 grand more than the yearly income for the average American household which is only around $31,000. And it was all spent on a top the tight end wore in ONE game!
We mean, he did score a touchdown, but WOW! It hasn’t even been washed! Though we guess that’s part of the appeal for a lot of buyers… LOLz!
The owner of the auction house Ken Goldin spoke to TMZ about the huge sale, and he said the NFL star’s girlfriend is clearly to blame for the steep uptick in price:
“This is an all-time record for a Travis Kelce game-used item. He has always been popular but the success of the Chiefs, as well as the publicity he’s gotten around his relationship with Taylor Swift, has added to his popularity and awareness among collectors.”
For the who’s-who of the international art world, a year of exhibitions, acquisitions, and explorations always culminates in a winter excursion to Miami Beach. It’s here that Art Basel first expanded its festival beyond Switzerland, because of the global community, exuberant local culture, and effortless glamor.
Today, Art Basel has expanded its brand of contemporary art fairs to Hong Kong and Paris, but Miami Beach shines a beacon that can’t be ignored—hence, it’s attended by the world’s most elite artists, gallerists, collectors, and curators. From the moment it premiered in 2002, Art Basel Miami Beach was an astounding success. Since then, the event has only grown—and now, the most anticipated art party of 2023 is poised to feature modern and contemporary art from almost 300 galleries and 35 countries.
This year, Sotheby’s International Realty is participating with an additional slate of events and experiences. As an official Show Partner, brand activations and an invite-only Collector’s Lounge enable VIP guests to view some of the world’s greatest contemporary art and some of its most inspiring architecture—such as the Miami properties showcased below.
Like Art Basel Miami Beach, a truly impressive home cultivates numerous distinct, immersive environments that enable people to experience their surroundings in novel ways. That’s certainly accomplished by this exquisite, eco-centric mansion in the tranquil enclave of Coconut Grove, where tropical gardens enfold a dynamic network of interior and exterior living spaces. With mobile glass walls and a layered, interconnected paradise of suites and pavilions, balconies, and patios, every part of this property is a conversation starter.
Art Basel Miami Beach is likewise structured around separate sectors that stimulate deeper consideration: “Galleries” displays the most talked-about works from the commercial art scene; “Meridians” provides space to exhibit monumental works of art; “Nova” champions new yet acclaimed entrants to the art world, while “Positions” provides fertile ground to nurture this year’s still-emerging artists; “Survey” features masterpieces of historical significance; and “Kabinett” consists of autonomous booths where artists and curators have full creative control.
And then there’s the widely lauded Conversations series, a free public program where leading art and culture luminaries take part in panel discussions and debates. This property is the ideal place to continue these dialogues, with beautiful geometries and compelling fixtures that feel like a world-class gallery.
Located at the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC), Art Basel Miami Beach puts the conservation of the natural world front and center—from the aesthetically captivating “fins” that reduce energy consumption by providing passive cooling along the perimeter of the exhibition space, to the nine acres of landscaped parkland that nourish and protect native species. It’s an ethos shared by the Ivy House, a breathtaking estate in the coveted community of Ponce Davis.
The property elevates the concept of the “living wall” to a true art form; nearly every external surface is verdant and vibrant, taking carbon from the atmosphere and giving back to the planet. But while the various terraces, spas, and al fresco dining areas are fabulous, the rooms within the residence are remarkable for their undeniable elegance and unique character.
Want to live in a residence that is itself a masterpiece? Browse these global properties to discover the inspiring potential of living life in a total work of art.
33 Portland Place is one of the largest and most remarkable houses in central London. Unfolding over approximately 20,987 square feet, the property incorporates the rear mews house with all floors serviced by a lift. Originally built in 1775 by the renowned Robert Adam, the Grade II* listed property marries rich history with contemporary luxury, setting a new standard for quality and style and has acted as a film set for The King’s Speech, Kate Moss and Amy Winehouse.
Newly renovated by interior designer 1508 and offered in turn-key fashion, the interiors blend meticulous craftsmanship with a creative reimagining of the grand spaces, resulting in a classic, timeless aesthetic. Bespoke joinery, beautiful marble, hand-painted wallpapers, and artisanal chandeliers complement beautifully preserved period details.
For almost 250 years, No.33 Portland Place has played host to notable residents, aristocrats, and celebrities. From military engineer John Montresor in 1779 to the 4th Earl of Abergavenny and his pioneering daughters, ‘The Trio,’ this house has woven itself into London’s historical tapestry.
Located on an unusually wide boulevard, 33 Portland Place offers a grandeur and spaciousness rarely found in the city of London. In the heart of it all, the residence boasts the best of both worlds, with the verdant expanse of Regent’s Park and the world-class dining and unparalleled shopping of the West End just a stone’s throw away. Also within a short walk is the sought-after Marylebone High Street, famed for its boutique stores, artisanal cafes, and timeless charm. This coveted address allows you to enjoy and be a part of the very best that London has to offer.
Hardly a week goes by that a luxurious property somewhere in the world is marketed for its acclaimed architect, commendable construction firm, or esteemed design team, the quality of whose work is often not readily apparent in photographs. The reason for the honors showered on this striking Chelsea townhouse, however, are immediately apparent: its breathtaking contemporary façade singles it out as groundbreaking, innovative, and well worthy of the Award of Excellence from the Society of American Registered Architects, which it garnered in 2021.
The self-proclaimed goal of Manhattan-based architect Andrea Steele, who spearheaded the building’s creation—is to produce “innovative, socially conscious design that acts as a catalyst for the surrounding community.” This six-level residence, tucked amid more-traditional buildings, is just that—visually exciting and effortlessly inspiring, with a “screen” of aluminum louvers covering the façade and creating a tableau unlike any other in the vicinity.
The sophisticated interiors are a haven for aficionados of cutting-edge contemporary design and lovers of light and volume. While a convenient, highly practical elevator links all six levels, the dramatic staircase is as much about form as function, catching the eye as it ascends through the central atrium, opening the living spaces vertically, creating a pervasive sense of interconnectedness, and filling the house with a cascade of sunlight from above.
The ground level begins with a slate-paved hallway and a sizable glass-walled garage with remote-controlled folding steel doors. Beyond is an open pavilion-like space that can serve as a guest apartment, an office, or a studio and includes storage, laundry facilities, and a full bath. The building’s clever configuration positions this floor beneath the serene backyard, where a discreet skylight admits light from above. On the lowest level, the casual entertaining area features 20-foot ceilings, a gas fireplace, a 25-foot skylight, a wet bar, both a powder room and a full bath, a sauna with a steamshower, and a gym.
A full floor of formal living space on the second level opens through a wall of double-height glass to the peaceful walled backyard terrace, where the louvers of the streetside façade are echoed on the building’s southern side, gently filtering the direct sunlight that floods into the interiors. A generous dining room accommodating at least a dozen adjoins a sleek, streamlined Poliform kitchen with stainless-steel Gaggenau appliances and a built-in sitting area.
The private quarters—two bedroom suites with their own laundry closet and a 1,500-square-foot primary suite that includes a spa-like travertine bath with a soaking tub and rain shower, a walk-in closet, a dressing room, a sitting room, and a laundry area—occupy the quiet, secluded fourth and fifth levels. The uppermost floor is a versatile space that can benefit the busy professional as a large office, offer a den for relaxation beside a gas fireplace, or be converted into additional bedrooms that share a full and a powder bath. High above it all, a rooftop terrace—one of the most coveted amenities in bustling Manhattan—is ideal for dining, entertaining, or private reflection surrounded by the city’s dazzling skyline, as exciting and inspiring as the home itself.
From an oceanfront villa in Terres Basses, St. Martin, to a magnificent estate in Palm Beach, Florida, these are this month’s five featured notable properties for sale over US$5 Million.
“Esprit de la Mer” on Baie Rouge’s renowned coastline offers superb accommodations with breathtaking views. The open terrace, heated pool, and grand gazebo provide a picturesque setting overlooking Anguilla and the Caribbean Sea. Ideal for large groups, the residence features spacious living areas, a grand living room, a modern kitchen with black granite countertops, and five bedrooms. Three of the bedrooms are attached to the main home and two are ideally located in the gardens below near a terrace overlooking the ocean.
This magnificent Mediterranean estate is situated on an expansive lot in Palm Beach’s exclusive Estate Section. Gated and surrounded by lush landscaping, the property ensures privacy before revealing stunning Intracoastal views. The spacious floor plan features high cielings throughout, a second-floor primary suite with a private balcony, a chef’s kitchen with a butler’s pantry, a wood-paneled library, an oversized family room, a wine cellar, and a media room. The outdoor spaces include a grand covered loggia and a concrete dock.
Situated in the coveted Son Vida in Mallorca, this property offers exclusivity and breathtaking views. With three golf courses, two 5-star hotels, and a 15-minute drive to Palma, it’s a prime location. The residence spans three floors and features an open-plan design on the ground floor, including a spacious living room, dining area, and a well-equipped kitchen. The upper and lower floors comprises guest bedrooms, a master bedroom with a private terrace, a multi-purpose room, and a games room. Beaches are easily accessible from this exclusive address.
Originally designed by architect Albert Farr in 1926 and known as the “Hampton House,” this property seamlessly blends modern amenities with historical charm. The interiors are bathed in natural light, adorned with custom cabinetry, marble countertops, and premium fixtures and appliances. The recently expanded kitchen, formal living and dining rooms, and spacious outdoor patios offer ideal spaces for entertaining. The primary suite is a luxurious retreat with two full bathrooms, two closets, a sunroom, and a private deck. The house connects seamlessly to beautifully landscaped grounds with multiple outdoor living areas, a tennis court, a rose garden, and mature hedges for privacy.
This expansive Island Lake residence boasts over 10,000 square feet of lavish living space. The south-facing orientation floods the house with natural light, illuminating the mahogany library’s coffered ceiling and high bookshelves. The primary suite offers comfort with a spa-like shower, deep soaking tub, and a spacious walk-in closet. The kitchen, a culinary haven, features top-of-the-line appliances and SieMatic custom cabinetry. Custom millwork, Tiffany leaded glass, and stately fireplaces add timeless elegance. The fully finished lower level is perfect for entertaining, with a second kitchen, parlor room, living room, and an impressive wine cellar. Daylight windows in the lower-level bedrooms offer picturesque views, leading to a full balcony/terrace along the lakeside.
Whether in California’s wine country or on the rolling plains outside historic Santa Fe, these estates offer guesthouses that allow visitors to unwind in seclusion and consummate style.
This 5.96-acre Kenwood retreat was designed for quintessential wine country living. Behind a redwood façade, the single-level interiors of the main residence boast a great room and cook’s kitchen with beamed cathedral ceilings, four bedroom suites, a family room, and a soft soothing palette. The verdant landscaped grounds feature an inviting pool, a bocce court, and a one-bedroom guesthouse with a similar rustic yet elegant aesthetic, a luxurious bath that includes a soaking tub and a shower, and covered and open-air patios.
Recalling the summer getaways of the Adirondacs, this majestic 21.9-acre estate in Conyers Farm overlooks 140-acre Converse Lake. The Shingle-style main residence features six bedrooms; living, dining, music, and billiards rooms; a library; a solarium; a conservatory; a gym; a sauna; a family room with a bar and a wine cellar; an indoor pool; and a four-car garage. The grounds include a tennis court, a fire pit, a floating dock, and a charming two-bedroom guesthouse with a kitchen, a dining room, and a garage.
Glorious natural light illuminates the elegant millwork and other classical details that pervade this magnificent seaside home on Nantucket Sound. Every room of the main residence—including the six bedrooms—enjoys a view of the water. The freestanding guesthouse—which is adjoined by the estate’s six-bay garage—offers two bedroom suites, a kitchen, and living and dining spaces. The nine-acre sanctuary also boasts 1,855 feet of pristine sandy beach with a panoramic view.
Privy to a kaleidoscope of majestic mountains, dramatic sunsets, colorful gardens, and sparkling night skies, this enchanting 11-acre compound on the rugged outskirts of Santa Fe was built for luxurious living and entertaining in distinctive Southwestern style. In addition to a hacienda-style main residence, the property features an art studio, office, or gym; a well-equipped horse barn with easy access to trails; and a stylish guest casita with a living room, a full kitchen, one bedroom and bath, and a wraparound covered patio.
