All posts by Unique Homes Staff

6.25 Acres of Excellence in Scottsdale

This estate is a beautiful expression of ranch hacienda-style architecture. Designed by acclaimed architect John Sather of Swaback Partners, it was built with the highest quality materials and workmanship, and every room reflects extraordinary attention to detail. Nestled on six acres on the side of the McDowell Mountains – and backing onto a nature preserve – the property is truly a mountainside sanctuary that offers both privacy and an organic connection to the Sonoran Desert.

The entrance speaks volumes about what’s inside. The imposing arched front door with seeded-glass panels was custom crafted of reclaimed materials by La Puerta of Santa Fe, and the two-story entryway features a commanding chandelier fabricated by the trade-only designer Paul Ferrante. The hardwood floors in the house are made of distressed hickory, and they perfectly compliment the artisanal plasterwork on the walls. Imported from Italy, the Albertini windows and glass-paneled doors, with their rich burnt-pine finish, are another strong design element. Tucson-based Taber & Co. made the bespoke in-wall mesquite cabinets in the living room, and the custom interior doors are also solid mesquite.

Attention to detail is found throughout. The twin custom granite sinks in the kitchen feature integrated drain boards chiseled into the countertop – no dish racks needed. To reduce back strain when rolling dough, chopping vegetables, or doing other prep work, the center island was set at an above-standard 42” height. Electric outlets throughout the house were faux painted to match the surrounding walls and backsplashes. The three decorative panels on each interior door were deliberately sized so that the door lever is perfectly centered on the door rail. And the massive living room fireplace surround was entirely assembled from book-matched marble slabs, to stunning effect.

Many of the rooms are worthy of special mention. Befitting a movie producer who wants to experience films in the best possible way, the 10-seat tiered theater is equipped with state-of-the-art projection and sound systems designed by Shen Milsom & Wilke, a world-class engineering firm. Next to the theater on the lower level is a 2,000-bottle wine cellar, whose rustic stone walls help maintain ideal temperature and humidity levels for long-term storage. Also on the “play” level is a game room that can accommodate all sorts of toys, which currently include a pool table, juke box, Skee-Ball alley, Harley-themed pinball machine and poker table.

The spacious Primary Suite was designed to achieve just the right balance between privacy and togetherness. The suite has a common bedroom but completely separate dual bathrooms and dual closets. The suite also includes a room for luggage storage and a private patio with a fireplace and whirlpool.

Located in a stand-alone structure a little further up the mountain, the Spa is another noteworthy space. On one side is a fully equipped exercise room with wall-to-wall French doors and transom windows that wash the room with light and offer lovely views of a desert garden. On the other side is an intimate massage room with an exquisite domed mosaic ceiling.

How many homes have an ADA-compliant bedroom suite? This one does. All of the light switches are set at ADA height, the bathroom vanity is ADA accessible, and there are grab bars at the commode and in the shower. A commercial-grade elevator serves all three floors and is also ADA-compliant.

The exterior spaces are equally impressive. Berghoff Design Group did the landscaping, which features a virtual arboretum of mature, thriving ironwood, palo verde, mesquite, and Texas ebony trees, all native to the Desert Southwest. These trees form a natural canopy and add to the overall sense of privacy which characterizes this property. The fountains are genuine antiques, and an inviting bougainvillea-lined walkway made from reclaimed stone leads to the main entrance. 

Coming Soon on MLS info: 

https://www.flexmls.com/link.html?1o78de5c3cx6,12,1

Video: https://vimeo.com/648347361

Property Website

https://azingrealtymedia.hd.pics/10738-E-Diamond-Rim-Drive

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The Beauty of Victoria

Victoria, British Columbia’s Capital City, is located on the beautiful Vancouver Island in Canada. From the minute your plane touches down, your lungs will expand and relish healthy, fresh, ocean-circulated air.

Here you can enjoy boating, beaches, world-class shopping and a super natural environment.

Looking to settle down in Victoria?

Check out this Unique listing!

Victoria boasts a spectacular setting of ocean and mountain vistas and offers numerous economic, cultural and recreational opportunities. 

Victoria has the mildest climate in Canada and with greenery in evidence throughout the year there is little wonder that it’s called the City of Gardens!

The Inner Harbour is the heart of Victoria and for many boaters is the gateway to the City of Gardens. Bordering the harbour are the ivy-covered Fairmont Empress hotel, the world-renowned Royal British Columbia Museum and the magnificent BC Parliament Buildings.

UPLANDS ESTATES in Oak Bay | Victoria, British Columbia

Privately nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, away from all drive-through traffic, this rare artisan creation awaits. 9,878 square feet of interior luxury living. 1,745 square feet of exquisite patio entertaining areas including a full outdoor kitchen and gas fire pit. All with .71 acres of surrounding, ever-changing flowering gardens and trees highlighted by a meandering river and waterfalls. This is the first time this property has been offered for sale since completion in 2012. Visit the website for Floor Plans, Video, 3D Renderings & 100+ Photos. $6,995,000

Listing provided by Cathy Duncan.

Cathy & Associates Ltd. | cathy@cathyduncan.com | 250.888.9343

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Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Step Back in Time in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

This magnificent heritage home is one of Toronto’s most prestigious addresses.

It was built in 1901 with traditional red brick, stone, and wood detailing. The details maintain the striking Queen Anne Revival styling done by the prolific Toronto architect C. J. Gibson. It was thoughtfully restored from 2017-2021. The home rests on a 43-by-106-foot corner property. 

“It is a rare offering in Toronto’s Historic Yorkville,” says listing agent Jay Egan of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Toronto Realty. “Very seldom do properties of this size — that are completely renovated/restored — become available. The king of Lowther is one of the finest examples of Heritage revitalization in the city.”

 The Victorian exterior and remodeled interior are up to today’s standards. “Shumacher designs intentionally designed the interior to reflect its heritage with a seamless, well-thought-out modern décor,” says Egan.

Features include 6,800-plus square feet, six bedrooms, seven baths, two kitchens, a media room, and a nanny suite.

The home also includes a glass wine cellar, gas fireplaces, spa-style baths and a private patio with built-in grill.

The home is listed for $12.995 million and is perfect for “a family looking for a magnificent and rare downtown estate in the heart of the most sought-after locations in Toronto,” says Egan.

For more information contact, Jay Egan, 416.504.6133, jay@bhhstoronto.ca, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Toronto Realty

 

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Outremont, Québec, Canada

Sophistication and Warmth in Outremont, Québec

An exceptional stone mansion

“It is nestled on prestigious Maplewood Avenue in the heart of Outremont in Montréal, Canada,” says listing agent Maureen Brosseau of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Quebec. “It is surrounded by lush park-like gardens and blends the charm of the old world with the convenience of the new.”

On 13,672 square feet, this residence boasts seven bedrooms, five baths and a lower-level ballroom. It is a true entertainer’s delight. Features include a formal living room, dining room, home office and gracious outdoor spaces.

 Enjoy enchanting terraces for al fresco dining under the stars.

“Timeless elegance abounds and the home offers superior craftsmanship for the connoisseur of vintage architecture,” says Brosseau. “It is ideal for those whose lifestyle demands the finest.”

For more information, contact: Maureen Brosseau, 514.995.4597, mbrosseau@bhhsquebec.ca, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Quebec

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Birmingham, Michigan

Renovated Home in Birmingham, Michigan

Overlooking the 18th fairway on the Birmingham Country Club Golf Course

“My favorite room is the master bedroom that has views of the golf course,” says Kathy Wilson of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices HWWB Realtors, who is listing the property for 1.2999 million. The master bedroom suite also includes cathedral ceilings, a wet bar, a bath with dual vanities and heated marble floors, and French doors to the private upper balcony.

The home also includes:

  • Open kitchen with a center granite island and built-in wine fridge
  • Octagonal breakfast nook with a tray ceiling and inlaid wood floors
  • Formal dining room with custom millwork
  • First floor office with mahogany built-ins and a coffered ceiling
  • Four bedrooms
  • Three full and one half baths
  • Lower level with a theater room with a projector and large screen and a workout room

A covered front porch, balcony, and flagstone patio round out the property.

For more information contact: Kathy Wilson, 248.321.8700, kwteam@hwwbrealtors.com, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices HWWB Realtors

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Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Fine Country Living in Ontario, Canada

This 75-acre property sits in one of the most sought-after Burlington, Ontario, Canada locations.

The gated property welcomes all with beautiful, rolling topography, mature trees, exquisite gardens and open fields.

“What this property offers is rare,” says listing agent Lesley Cumming of Sotheby’s International Realty Canada. “Not only with the 75 acres of privacy, but the uniqueness of multiple living spaces, which works so well for a family compound or work/life environment.”

The property includes a 5,000-square-foot main house,  a three-plus-one-bedroom bungalow, a four-car coach house with lofted living space above, a circa-1850s bank barn, 15 horse stalls, seven paddocks, two ponds, and so much more.

The main house features four-plus-one bedrooms.

“This home has a beautiful center hall plan with each space offering sophistication and comfort all at the same time.” says Cumming. “My favorite room in the house is the sunken four-season sunroom. It is spacious and cozy with one of four fireplaces and so many windows to take in the rolling topography and sunshine.”

This home was built by Mennonite builders 21 years ago. The main entry has a grand foyer with a sweeping staircase.

There is also a kitchen with a center island, which opens to the breakfast table, living room and sunroom — perfect for the entertainer and chef.

The lower level consists of a games room, family room, gym, office, 3-piece bath, wine room, and a separate entrance to the outside.

Outdoor living includes an inground pool, wraparound porches, and numerous terraces.

This property offers hiking, snowmobiling, snow shoeing, extensive trail rides and fun in the sun.

“This home would be perfect for a family to enjoy,” says Cumming, who is listing the home for $7.85 million CAD. “There is so much to offer for everyone. From a possible family compound with multiple living spaces to the barn, paddocks, indoor riding ring, many acres of farmed land, and more.”

Your Muskoka-like setting, minutes outside of the city, doesn’t look any better than this.

For more information contact: Lesley Cumming, lesleycumming11@gmail.com, 905.973.1275, Sotheby’s International Realty Canada

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Whitefish Lake, Minnesota

Once-in-the-Lifetime Opportunity on Whitefish Lake, Minnesota

Own a 3.17-acre peninsula with this Whitefish Chain estate on Whitefish Lake, one of the 14 connected lakes on the Whitefish Chain in Minnesota.

The full log-constructed main home includes three magnificent stone fireplaces.

“The sunroom is special,” says listing agent Bruce Larson of Larson Group Real Estate Keller Williams Professionals. “It’s a cat bird seat where the room is all glass and from there you have a view of what is happening throughout the grounds, at the docks, and at the cabins.”

 

This professionally landscaped peninsula is studded with mature trees and is complemented by fabulous decking systems, paver driveways, flagstone patios and flagstone walkways.

“The lodge gives you the feel of a great lodge in a national park,” says Larson.  “It offers phenomenal craftsmanship and detail.”

Enjoy the surrounding famous Whitefish Chain, boating, fishing, swimming, snowmobiling, and so much more.

Located 150 miles north of the Twin Cities and minutes from the resort town of Crosslake, Minnesota, amenities include a regional airport, great restaurants, premier golf courses, and unique retail shops.

“This home is perfect for someone that enjoys the best of lake living Minnesota has to offer,” says Larson. 

For more information contact Bruce K. Larson, 218.831.7653, Bruce@LGKWPro.com, Larson Group Real Estate Keller Williams Professionals

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Owego, New York

River Views in Owego, New York

This historic and private 3.05-acre estate features direct Susquehanna River frontage in picturesque Owego, New York.

The Claude Bragdon-designed home (1902) includes original millwork, floors, a leaded-glass-front entrance suite, and an ornate dining room ceiling.

“Even the original door bell system which notified servants, is still installed and working to this day,” says co-listing agent Jeffrey Lamica of Keller Williams Greater Rochester who is listing the property with Christopher McCarthy.

This Georgian-style residential retreat welcomes all with multiple porches and a grand front entrance. It features 6 bedrooms with en suite baths and 5,700 square feet.

“This is a grand home from a by-gone era, with large windows and tall ceilings,” says Lamica.

Amenities include an in-ground pool, pool house, arbor garden, and riverfront gazebo, perfect for outdoor entertaining.

It is currently run as a turnkey, executive bed and breakfast and event center and the carriage house (1905) event center includes a full commercial kitchen. It is ideal for business or personal space.

“This home would be perfect for the entrepreneur who is interested in the hospitality industry or individuals who love to host large scale events at their home,” says Lamica.

For more information contact:

Christopher McCarthy, RE Salesperson, crmccart@kw.com,  585.973.8245

Jeffrey Lamica, RE Salesperson, jeffreylamica@kw.com, 585.507.6345

Keller Williams Realty Greater Rochester: Broker, 585.362.8900

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Boston, Massachusetts

Historic Architecture Meets Modern Luxury in Massachusetts

“The home was once lived in by Nathaniel Hawthorne,” says listing agent Joshua Stephens of The Moving Greater Boston Team with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Warren Residential. “He is one of the greatest fiction writers in American literature and best known for The Scarlet Letter (1850) and The House of the Seven Gables (1851).”

This 5-bedroom, single-family home is in Beacon Hill, Massachusetts. It is the quintessential home — pairing Old World charm with modern conveniences and luxury. There is even a beautiful urban oasis in a private outdoor garden/patio.

Luxury living spans across the home’s five floors in a family-friendly layout. Detail throughout includes five fireplaces and ornate millwork, and the finest in home entertainment, WIFI, speakers, and security.

The chef’s kitchen is perfect for entertaining with an island, state-of-the-art appliances, and ample storage.

A large and inviting living/dining room on the second floor opens to a media room with a wet bar. Upstairs an expansive owner’s suite is complete with a walk-in closet and spa-like bathroom with a heated floor. The lower level doubles as an au pair suite or a home gym.

For more information, contact: The Moving Greater Boston Team, 617.744.4677

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Style, Grace, and Hudson River Views in Cornwall, New York

This exquisite custom-built home in Cornwall, New York greets all with its half-circular driveway, meticulous landscaping, and stunning mountain and Hudson River views. The home offers superb craftsmanship and extraordinary architectural details throughout.

“My favorite room in this house is the sunken living room with a beamed ceiling, cozy stone fireplace and curved wall of windows along the back of the room that overlooks the gorgeous pool and property,” says Tina Townsend of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hudson Valley Properties who is listing the home for $1.25 million.  “It is a very custom home, and this room helps give it its cozy character.”

The home also features a grand two-story marble foyer with a curved staircase and a family room with floor-to-ceiling built-in bookcases. The primary suite includes a wall of windows and an exterior deck with views. Rounding out the property, the backyard includes a poolscape and patio.

For more information contact: Tina Townsend, 914.456.4097

 

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