All posts by Unique Homes Staff

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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Glencoe, Illinois

Blocks from the Lake in Glencoe, Illinois

Boasting a stunning renovation, this Glencoe home is a real classic with an upscale redo.

“The most beautiful aspect of this home is the new buyer can walk to Lake Michigan and enjoy all the sunshine and peace it has to offer,” says listing agent Martha May of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago who is listing the property for $1.9995 million.

This five-bedroom, five-full- and 1-half-bath home features 4,500-square-foot, a polished quartz and quartzite kitchen, and a first-floor office.

The home also includes two newly refaced fireplaces. The family room, off the kitchen, features a Verona polished mosaic fireplace surround and flush hearth flush to the floor. And, the living room features an Athens white-marble fireplace surround and hearth flush to the floor.

The second floor features two family bedrooms and a hall bath, an en suite bedroom, guest suite and primary bedroom.

Rounding out the home, the 1,900-square-foot finished basement includes recreation areas, an exercise room, pool table, and a full bath.

For more information contact: Martha May, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago, 847.533.0559, mmay@bhhschicago.com

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Westwood, Massachusetts.

Scenic Views in Westwood, Massachusetts

With views of the Blue Hills and the downtown Boston skyline, this home is privately set on Fox Hill Street in Westwood, Massachusetts.

“It is a classic home because it is one of the original mansions of Westwood on Fox Hill,” says Mary Crane of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth who is listing the home for $1.95 million.

This turn-of-the-century 7-bedroom, 10-bath French Manor includes a stone courtyard, a 4-bay carriage house with two apartments above, a detached indoor lap pool and a charming frog pond.

The home is only 25 minutes to Boston, and is “perfect for someone looking for convenient access to the city, but, yet, has a private setting,” says Crane.

For more information contact: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate,  508.810.0676

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Extraordinary Home in Indiana Perfect for a Growing Family

In the exclusive, gated Park West subdivision of Munster, Indiana.

Munster, Indiana.

Built by First Metropolitan Builders, this 9,800 square foot home features pond views. “This home has a classical vibe, yet is functionally comfortable,” says listing agent Matt Maloney of Keller Williams NW Indiana.

Munster, Indiana.

Inside, the five-bedroom, five-and-one-half-bath there are three masonry fireplaces throughout. The foyer leads to a living room with a 15-foot coffered ceiling. And, the fully finished basement includes a kitchen, wine cellar, craft room and workout room.

Munster, Indiana.
Munster, Indiana.

Upstairs there is theater room with a balcony overlooking the pond and a paneled office. Rounding out the property, the Meticulously maintained grounds feature a covered back patio and built-in Wolfe gas grill.

“This is a home that will make your dreams a reality today,” says Maloney, who is listing it for $1.89 million.

Munster, Indiana.

For more information, contact: Matt Maloney, 219) 301-0477, mattmaloney@kw.com

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Rare Boston, Massachusetts Penthouse

Atop The Carlton House in Back Bay, Boston Massachusetts’s premier full-service building. It is directly above the Public Garden and connected to the Newbury Hotel.

Boston, Massachusetts

“It is one of the most prevalent high-end locations in Boston,” says listing agent Robert Kinlin of Berkshire Hathaway Robert Paul Properties. “the location is one-of-a-kind.”

This two-plus bedroom, two-and-one-half bathroom home offers over 3,500 square feet of living space.

There are breathtaking Back Bay views from every room. The opulent outdoor space features multiple seating areas and protected views of the Public Garden and the river .

The amount of outdoor space is very unusual to have in the city,” says Kinlin who is listing the property for $18 million.

Other features include a gracious foyer, sun-filled entertaining rooms, a family room and an office. The master suite is on its own level with a five-piece marble bath, expansive walk-in closets and dazzling views.

It is very open, airy and comfortable with soothing light colors,” says Kinlin. “

Exclusive services are available to residents are — including a 24-hour concierge, elegantly appointed common areas and Newbury Hotel services. The home is complete with two deeded valet garage parking spaces. “ It is terrific for a professional couple in the city or for any empty nesters,” says Kinlin.

For more information contact: Robert Kinlin, 508-648-2739

 
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50 Years of Unique Homes — Waterfront Property Trends

To commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Unique Homes, we’re taking periodic trips back in time to explore previous anniversary years. In our 45th Anniversary Edition, writer Camilla McLaughlin talked about the six trends buyers were considering when purchasing a waterfront property. It was years after the recession earlier in the decade, but its ripple effects still could be felt, impacting the behavior of buyers and sellers. Today, with the pandemic a factor, which of these trends do you think are still applicable? 

Thirsting for the Water

By Camilla McLaughlin

An expanse of ocean or lake, waves lapping the shore and lots of sand to sift through your fingers are at the heart of living on the water. For new resorts, except in ski locales, waterfront has become a “must-have” component, says Andy Carmody, president at the residential division of Crescent Communities.

Whether resort or an individual home, waterfront is considered a prime investment. As more people are looking outside of city metropolises to buy homes, the strong momentum for waterfront houses is going to continue into the new year. Demand for these types of properties has been incredibly strong due to the unique nature of waterfront and riverfront properties,” says Sherry Chris, president and CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.

Authenticity

Waterfront’s cachet might be powerful, but planners, such as Carmody, know it takes more than sun and sand to create a winner in today’s market. Authenticity rooted in a local or regional culture, architecture that facilitates lifestyle, and a range of amenities and experiences are as much part of waterfront’s vision as sun and sand. For example, The Residences at Seafire in the Caymans just opened, and already it’s apparent that features tied directly into a family experience are as important to potential buyers as a location on Seven Mile Beach.

Not Just Oceanfront

And waterfront isn’t necessarily oceanfront. Instead it could be a lake or river. Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina includes 32 miles of waterfront, including ponds, lakes, the river, and even a silky beach on a sandbar revealed when the tide recedes.

More Ways to Enjoy

A resort that doesn’t have a residential component along with a premium hotel is becoming a rarity. Already this trend is playing out in new hotel properties such as 1 Hotel in Miami Beach as well as in classic resorts redefining their focus. For example, The Cloister at Sea Island (pictured at right) has added a shared ownership component to appeal to consumers who want the same high level of service, but want to make less of a commitment, whether it’s time or money. Expect to see more single-family components, as well as shared ownership opportunities in new resorts. For developers, it’s often part of a financial imperative, but it’s also a match for the multiple lifestyles of affluent consumers today. 

No Longer Just for Vacations

A growing trend in some locations is for families to opt for a waterfront lifestyle fulltime. In places such as Del Mar and La Jolla in California, a number of newcomers are forsaking larger homes inland for a smaller residence on or near the water, simply because of the lifestyle. 

Island Hopping

Private islands may be a specialized niche, but demand has grown significantly since the recession. According to Sotheby’s International Realty, conservation and the desire to preserve natural spaces and rare ecosystems is one incentive to own an island.

Keeping it Green

Increasingly developers also recognize this desire to honor the land, and some of the newest developments in the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean reflect environmental stewardship. Mayakoba on Mexico’s Rivera Maya has become as much a nature preserve as a resort. Development directly on the ocean is restricted to a limited number of properties.

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Elite Agent: W. Terry Potts

W. Terry Potts

Country Club Properties

183 West Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741 | 828.526.2520 | Fax: 828.526.2470

ccp4terry@gmail.com | www.ccphighlandsnc.com

Country Club Properties is a fully independent real estate brokerage firm serving the country club market in the Highlands-Cashiers area. Completely independent from any developers, speculators or sales programs, Country Club Properties offers an untethered relationship. Area country clubs include Highlands, Wildcat Cliffs, Old Edwards Club, Mountaintop Club, Trillium Links Club, Cullasaja Club and Highlands Falls. Whether your interest is buying or selling real estate in the Highlands area, give Country Club Properties a call.

 

Featured Property: High Farm, NC

This highly unique property consists of over 90 acres of rolling land, flanked partially on one side by USFS land. The property has about 27 acres of open pasture with the additional acreage being wooded with streams and flanks the Chatooga River on a stretch of whitewater, waterfalls and swimming holes. $4,500,000 MLS #91498

 

 

W. Terry Potts originally appeared as an Elite agent in Unique Homes Spring ’21: Elite edition. See the ad here.

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