All posts by Unique Homes Staff

Majestic Luxury Living in the Bahamas

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With 170 feet of beachfront and a 98-foot private dock, this 5-bedroom, 6-bath estate home sits on 1.5 acres on the longest natural beach on the northeast shore in Nassau, Bahamas.  The majestic home greets all with a grand circular, brick-paved driveway with an electric gate. 

“The gracious entrance, and its remarkable sea views from the lower and upper patios, make this home ideal for entertainment,” says Nicole Fair of Kerry Sullivan Real Estate who is listing the property for $4.5 million. Fine features of the home include Jerusalem stone flooring, Abaco pine and cherry wood cabinets.

“Guests will be charmed by the spacious foyer with sweeping mahogany staircase and tasteful décor,” says Fair. The home also features a wine cellar, terraced gardens, electric shutters, a generator and a guest cottage. 

For more information, contact: 

Nicole Fair | Kerry Sullivan Real Estate

Nicole@KerrySullivanRealEstate.com

KerrySullivanRealEstate.com

242.424.2513

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Equestrian Escape in Edmond, Oklahoma

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Edmond, Oklahoma

Majestic family estate on 18 acres in the gated equestrian addition of Qua Vadis in the Edmond city limits. The estate has 11,000 square feet of living and is minutes from downtown OKC. The 6,200-square-foot main home features 5 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, 2 living and dining rooms, office, gym or second office, safe room, and in-ground shelter. The 2nd 2,697-square-foot home is perfect to accommodate guests or multi-generational family living with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a bank vault shelter and safe room. The 2,400-square-foot lodge style cabana overlooks the pool, courtyard and fire pit. A 5,000-square-foot barn with 16-foot doors and 4 horse stalls can accommodate an RV. Oak trees, riding trails, stocked pond, loafing shed, water wells, and generators. $3,600,000

For more about this property, visit www.11200sorentinodr.com

For more information, contact: 

Debra Wilson — Broker Associate, GRI, CRS, ABR

Metro First Realty

Debra@cogentexp.com

405.919.6978

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Under Pressure

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The following is a

Unique Homes Online Exclusive

During the mid-year height of the Covid-19 pandemic, real estate agents comment on how the market stood, and in some cases prevailed, under enormous pressure.

 

This past Fall, luxury real estate agents from across the country spoke on Unique Homes’ first Zoom panel to discuss topics from the recent article “Space: The New Currency,” from Unique Homes Magazine’s recent Fall issue, written by Camilla McLaughlin. On this exclusive virtual panel, agents were able to discuss how the real estate markets of America endured (and continue to endure) through the turbulence that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused. Throughout the discussion, these experienced panelists spoke on the changes their area(s) have undergone and the how the pandemic has affected the homebuying process. We’ve highlighted some of our distinguished panelists and their unique experiences below.

 

Mauricio Umansky, Founder/CEO of The Agency

Los Angeles, CA

In the beginning of “Space: The New Currency,” Mauricio Umansky, Founder and CEO of The Agency, notes that in the midst of the pandemic, consumers who were staying at home also found themselves asking impactful questions regarding their homes and their futures: where am I sequestering versus where am I at home? What do I want my home to look like? What do I want my second home to look like? 

As one of the opening speakers, Umansky adds that though many of these questions may not be answered right away, the pandemic proved to be a catalyst for many potential home buyers to start a dialogue with their local real estate agents. “Sequestering at home, stay in, shelter in place, whatever it is we want to call it, has caused a conversation that is equal amongst everybody, whether it’s politically driven, whether it’s answering ‘what do I want to do with my life?’ and understanding that we can now work and operate from anywhere.”

 

 

Courtney Hampson, Vice President of Marketing

Palmetto Bluff, SC

Palmetto Bluff is a community in coastal South Carolina that caters to a mix of primary and vacation homeowners. Courtney Hampson, Vice President of Marketing for Palmetto Bluff, says on the panel that at the beginning of the pandemic many residents were already staying in Palmetto Bluff due to Spring Break, and were mandated to stay due to the shutdown. Many stayed until May when the state began opening up again, and there were several instances where those who extended their stay ended up moving to Palmetto Bluff full time. About a particular couple from New York with young children, Hampson says “They literally walked down the street into our real estate office, went on our tour, looked at available homes, closed two days later, our fastest closing ever, and that was it. ‘This is where we are,’ they said, ‘This is the plan now.'”

During the panel Hampson also stated that the utilization of virual tours and showings became more widely utilized, so much that they had to include the option right away on their website.” She also noted that in the midst of everything, they found that buyers were buying almost like they were suffering from FOMO, or a Fear of Missing Out. “[Clients] are booking their stay at the hotel first, and … they have almost a fear of missing out. They’re not waiting to get here to look at real estate — they’re doing that virtually, going under contract and seeing their property the first time they come to visit.” 

Carrie Wells, Coldwell Banker Mason Morse Real Estate

Aspen, CO

Though located on the opposite side of the United States, Carrie Wells of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse Real Estate in Aspen, Colorado, experienced similar situations as Hampson had in South Carolina. March is typically the latter part of the state’s skiing season, but due to the pandemic the season was cut short, and those visiting found themselves sequestering in Aspen — and staying. She remarked that you can see this reflected in the school district alone, where 175 new students were admitted and a wait list was created for the Aspen Country Day School, Aspen’s main private school. She also noted that with the help of Matterport virtual tour technology, many sales were able to happen, as clients wanted to be able to visit openings safely. 

Wells remarked about her own experience with a New York family who stayed in Aspen until the summer. “He said, ‘I never realized that Aspen is so enjoyable in April and May,’ which are normally our off-season months. … People have experienced being here year-round, when they normally would not be here, and there’s so much to do other than downhill skiing that I think regardless of what happens with our winter, we’re still going to see our market continue to be strong.”

 

 

Frank Aazami, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty

Scottsdale, AZ

The title of the article “Space: The New Currency,” as well as the main point of discussion for the panel, was inspired by profound statement by Frank Aazami of Russ Lyon Sothebby’s International Realty. During the panel Aazami notes that when the pandemic began and people were sequestering, he noticed that areas that were previously difficult to sell beforehand, regions outside of Phoenix and Scottsdale such as Fountains Hills, Cave Creek, et cetera, were now like beacons that buyers were gravitating toward. Previously, there were no sales north of $3 million, but eventually there were closings reaching upwards of $4 and $6 million. The reasoning for this market change? Space!

In the article, Aazami notes that from his region of Scottsdale, Arizona, his experience during the pandemic that no matter what buyers were generally looking for — a vacation home, relocation refuge, et cetera — the key point he saw was that consumers were looking for a safe haven, with plenty of space. Not only that, but consumers are also requesting specifics when it comes to this space in order to make their purchases personal and customized to their lifestyles, from multiple offices and indoor gyms to view decks and larger patios. 

 

 

Chris Bernier, Churchill Properties

Boston’s North Shore, MA

Located just 30 minutes outside of Boston, Chris Bernier of Churchill Properties notes during the Zoom panel that despite the usual trends of buyers looking for smaller, more minimalistic style homes, space really is the new currency. He affirms that many buyers in his market are flocking toward the larger homes. These market shifts are no doubt due to the pandemic shifting priorities. 

“Our listing inventory is down 52 percent for single family homes in Massachusetts, so we’re running on half of what we were this time last year. And it’s just made a tremendously imbalanced seller’s market. Prices are up in Massachusetts, it’s just driving the market up.” With as much uncertainty, he adds that it’s also been hard to know exactly what the real estate cycle looks like, even though it’s always been a very predictable real estate cycle in Massachusetts. That all being said, he notes that from the pandemic to American politics at play, “with everything that’s going on, it’s been one of the best years in Massachusetts for residential real estate.” 

 

James Torrance, Keller Williams Luxury International

Palm Beach, FL

James Torrance from Palm Beach, Florida, has much to say about the pandemic has shifted Florida into more than just a retirement or snowbird refuge, seen in these clips from the Zoom discussion. He notes further that in fact a large wave of buyers from California and more specifically Chicago brought interest to the area and helped close several sales, a rarity in his area. What was also interesting that he notices are the importance of the private schools and districts in South Florida, as he mentions that many buyers were finding schools they liked, then picking from available homes nearby.

This, alongside his points about the importance of homes with multi-functional spaces such as guesthouses and just the overall outlook on how the market has shifted, highlight just how much action Florida has seen in the past several months due to Covid-19’s effect on real estate.

 

 

Roxann Taylor, Engel & Völkers Dallas Forth Worth

Dallas, TX

As an real estate agent with 40-plus years of selling experience, Roxann Taylor of Engel & Völkers Dallas Forth Worth was a fountain of wisdom toward the end of the virtual panel. She highlighted much of what the other panelists had noted, including buyers prioritizing homes with large space as opposed to downsizing, and putting houses on the market through a near fully virtual process. 

 

 

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Ray Kroc’s California Ranch Hits the Market

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Once owned by McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc, this ranch features a pallette of stunningly beautiful pastures, valleys, hills and vistas, perfect for a family compound, company retreat, or working ranch. Comprised of 6 parcels totaling 554 acres, and multiple residences, barns, gathering spaces, and recreational opportunities.

The property includes a 17,000-square-foot lodge with a 3,000-square-foot grand room, 14 bedroom suites, commercial kitchen, and dining room for approximately 100 people with overnight accommodations on the ranch for approximately 100 guests.

The Founder’s Building serves as a library, with 2 bedroom suites and ranch offices below. Other structures include a large storage barn, McDonald’s test kitchen, complete gymnasium, 4 single-family residences, 2 bunk houses with multiple en suite bedrooms, barns, paddocks and numerous fenced corrals.

Priced at $29,000,000.

For more photos, information, and a property video click here.

For more information on this property, please be sure to contact: 

Maurie McGuire, Scott Westlotorn & Maria Temmel of Coldwell Banker Realty.
Maurie@Montecitoland.com | Scott@MontecitoLand.com | Maria.Temmel@camoves.com
MM. 805.403.8816  |  SW. 805.403.4313  |  MT. 310.383.2337

CalDRE# 01875690 – # 01061042 – # 02023777

Photos courtesy of Maria Temmel. 
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Fairytale Setting in West Virginia

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This exceptionally stylish and elegant home is in a private 6.8-acre wooded setting in Lewisburg, West Virginia, just minutes from downtown and the world-famous Greenbrier Resort.

“It has great quality and character, while maintaining the ease of a comfortable lifestyle,” says listing agent Paul Grist of Grist Real Estate Associates Inc. who is listing the property with Donna Stoner for $1.625 million

Its many noteworthy features include a living room with a 23-foot cathedral ceiling, four gas fireplaces, a large gourmet kitchen with an adjacent screened dining porch, five bedroom suites, a wine cellar, a dry sauna, and three-bay garage.

“The lower level family room features a stone fireplace and large windows, perfect for viewing the private wooded surrounding,” says Grist.

 

For more information, contact:

Grist Real Estate Associates, Inc.

Paul Grist, Broker — 304.661.6543

Donna Stoner, GRI, Agent — 304.646.6454

695 Jefferson Street, South Lewisburg, WV 24901

304.645.5000

www.GristRealEstate.com/LUX

 

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Nature’s Lover Estate in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

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Showcasing a greenhouse, waterfall and koi pond, this approximately 22-acre mountain retreat in the Greenbrier Sporting Club at White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, is perfect for someone who enjoys nature.

 “The exterior waterfall in the front of the house makes it sound like a babbling brook in the middle of nature,” says listing agent Paul Grist of Grist Real Estate Associates Inc. who is listing the property with Donna Stoner.

 The home features 10,028± square feet of living space, eight bedrooms, nine full and three half baths, four fireplaces, and two hot tubs.

 “The living room, dining room, and kitchen, with serene views of the eastern mountains, gives one a feeling of ‘sitting on top of the world’ with total privacy,” says Grist.

 The estate, which is listed for $2.95 million, also includes a carriage house.

 Adjacent to the world-famous Greenbrier Resort, it is also conveniently located four hours from Washington D.C. and five hours from Pittsburgh, with the nearby airport offering direct flights.

For more information, contact:

Grist Real Estate Associates, Inc.

Paul Grist, Broker — 304.661.6543

Donna Stoner, GRI, Agent — 304.646.6454

695 Jefferson Street, South Lewisburg, WV 24901

304.645.5000

www.GristRealEstate.com/LUX

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ASPIRE House: Princeton Designer Show House

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By Jessica Ganga and Victoria Zielinski

 

Unique Homes Magazine had the opportunity to visit the Princeton Aspire Show House, where designers showcased their elegant and creative designs for each room and area of the home. Located just minutes away from downtown Princeton, this home seamlessly blends modern design with art, creating the perfect balance of the two.

Foyer

Foyer of the home that leads to the offices.

Walking into the home, the first thing you can’t help but notice is the accent wall that travels from the bottom to the top of the staircase. It’s designed by Joe Berkowitz of JAB Design Group. Inspired by a black and white photo he saw, the basis of the foyer is a mix of “edgy” and “traditional contemporary.”

It’s warm and inviting despite the accent color being black and white. The textured wallpaper is a subtle twist, which adds an eclectic focal point. An added touch: Walk up the steps to find the exact image Berkowitz admired for his design. 

Library

From the foyer, to the right, is the library, a “dark, mesmerizing, and thought-provoking room,” as described by the designer, Amy Manor of Red Bank Design Center. Manor drew from a childhood memory to create a space that welcomes diversity and is a space without judgement. Continuing with the theme of the home, Manor incorporated art from artists featured in Parlor Gallery in Asbury Park, N.J. 

The home’s library featuring art from Parlor Gallery.

His & Hers Offices: 

Gentleman’s Office: When designers Vivian Hung and Joe Giamarese approached the design of the masculine office space, they took into account the pandemic of 2020. What was important to them when creating the space was keeping in mind how this place will function as a work-from-home space. According to Hung, the design duo loves texture, but didn’t want to be bold with it. They incorporated pattern and texture with the carpet and the drapery that created a calming energy throughout. The main centerpiece of the office? The desk that played with the mix of materials, contrasted well with the carpet and fit perfectly into the space. 

Lady’s Office: A true creative escape. This space is one that evokes fun, creativity and a place to genuinely retire for work. Designed by Vicki Kelly Gindy and Tram-Anh Poprik of Red Bank Design Center, the use of color and art combine to make this escape for the “mind, body and spirit.” At the center of the office sits a piece by artist Ray Geary that brings the whole look and feel of the office together. The flow of the colors can’t help but make anyone entering the office stop and say “wow.”

Kitchen + Mudroom 

 “Overall Asian styling with a cool California modern flare” sets the tone of the home for designer Ginny Padula of Town & Country Kitchen and Bath, providing the cabinetry and permanent fixtures for the kitchen, butler’s pantry, mudroom, bathrooms, and more. The kitchen, showcasing design elements that are sleek, earthy and natural, creates a modern, yet comfortable and warm space for cooking, dining, and entertaining. Unique touches, such as the cozy breakfast area, matching countertops and backsplash, and large island, add to the cohesive flow of the space, making it the perfect space for gathering with family and friends.

The lady’s office featuring art from the Parlor Gallery in Asbury Park, NJ.

The kitchen and breakfast nook look out to the backyard featuring a small pond.

Moving toward the mudroom, designer Tamu Rasheba Green of Lux Pad Interiors sought to create a transition space offering a calming atmosphere from the outside world to inside the home. The mudroom, featuring custom built-ins, closets, and an enclosed powder room, allows for the homeowners to “remove physical baggage” and “release tension of the day” by providing a personalized space to decompress before entering the home’s main quarters. 

The Great Room

Designed by Anna Maria Mannarino from Mannarino. The great room flows seamlessly from the kitchen and features a floating stand-alone fireplace that is the centerpiece of the room. For more photos and for Anna Maria’s contact information, click here!

The floating fireplace is the great room’s focal point.

Dining Room

Designer Sam Ciardi of Samuel Robert Signature Spaces was tasked with incorporating the homeowner’s 12 antique wooden panels that depict the Chinese New Year zodiac signs. The result: an earthy room filled with plants, earth tones and “the ultimate expression of minimalist design.”

Drawing Room 

Celebrating the atypical and unexpected, the drawing room, the work of designer Alirio Pirela of Pirela Atelier, creates an inviting space with a medley of different styles that blend together seamlessly. From American Art Deco to European Mid-Century masters and modern emerging artists, the result is a multifaceted space perfect for a serene retreat from the day-to-day. 

 

The dining room was designed around the antique, Chinese wooden panels.

The drawing room features stunning art and sculptures.

Master Bedroom + Bathroom

A truly opulent and sophisticated space, the master bedroom, designed by Judy King of Judy King Interiors, embraces comfort and style. A soft mural wall blends with a striking full-wall fireplace and unique accent pieces drawing attention to the room’s distinct decor, and an impressive walk-in closet and master bath highlighting the experience of getting ready for and ending the day. 

 

Boy’s Bedroom

A 9-year-old’s imagination and curiosity about the world, travel, and life inspired designer Diane Durocher of Diane Durocher Interiors to create a timeless bedroom that will grow with him. A walk-in closet and bathroom provide plenty of space, and the decor, such as a large canvas map hanging from the ceiling above the bed, create infinite possibilities for discovery. 

The master bedroom features a warm and inviting sitting area with a fireplace.

Carefully curated pieces add some fun to the home’s guest bedroom.

Guest Bedroom

Designed by Gail Davis of Gail Davis Designs, the guest bedroom of the home is a warm and inviting, en suite space for guests. The warm space is accented by the statement bed that features the soft and comfortable linens by Deborah Sharp Linens. For lighting, the room utilizes the natural light that floods in through the large windows, but also uses shorter, standing lights, creating a cool-toned atmosphere. For more photos and Gail’s contact info, click here. 

Lower Level — Wet Bar and Gallery Space

The lower level of the home is a large, open space with plenty of amenities. Designed by Ginny Padula of Town & Country Kitchen and Bath, the area was envisioned as “an entertaining space that was both cool and modern yet comfortable and soothing.” Features of this level include a yoga studio, simulation golf room and a theater. The main space, where people would gather, is relaxed with soft-toned fabrics, which perfectly contrasts the main staple of the floor: the bar. 

The downstairs bar is the perfect spot for family and friends to gather around.

Acting as an art gallery, the lower level features a painting by American pop artist Roy Lichtenstein.

For the Showhouse, though, the lower level was transformed into a pop-up art gallery featuring work provided by Chelsea Art Group, which is based in New York City. There were so many interesting and beautiful pieces in the space, featuring a painting hung up near the bar area by famous pop artist Roy Lichtenstein.

The 2020 Princeton Designer Showhouse was sponsored by the following: Benjamin Moore, Cosentino, Kallista, Kohler, Florense, Signature Kitchen Suite, and LG Signature. 

 

Featured photo: A perfect entertaining space, the lower level features a nice sitting area, golf simulation room, and home theater.
Photography by Mike Van Tassell Architectural Photography
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Luxurious Las Vegas

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8920 Players Club Drive

Las Vegas, Nevada 89134

11 Bedrooms, 16 Bathrooms, 21,835 Square Feet, $11,375,000

Get ready to be swept off your feet. This sprawling 23,360-square-foot estate overlooking the 4th fairway of Las Vegas’ private TPC Golf Course is not your typical luxury home. Built in 1998, there is $3 million in upgrades and high-end finishes, from the playful grotto-style pool/spa setting to the intricate crown molding and rich, detailed woodwork. An ivy-lined entry resembling old-world European courtyards leads to a stunning foyer with its 2-storied portico. A home designed for entertaining on a grand scale, enjoy spectacular ceilings, crown molding, and ornate marble and carpet floor patterns. From the extravagant marquee inviting its movie enthusiasts into a 15-seat theater, to the breakfast nook set under a beautiful, well-lit tray ceiling, your guests will be entranced and inspired by the overwhelming originality and creativity. With the chef’s kitchen, recreation rooms, 3 offices, pool/spa, and shooting range, this home has everything. A must-see for the ultimate in Las Vegas living.

For more information, contact:

Don Kuhl

Principal – KUHL Group

Synergy | Sotheby’s International Realty

C: 702.324.2121 O: 702.360.1414

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Las Vegas Luxury Living

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1701 Enclave Court

Las Vegas, Nevada 89134

4 Bedrooms, 8 Bathrooms, 13,349 Square Feet, $12,950,000

Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling Water, this legacy property located in the prestigious Enclave of Summerlin is perfect for entertaining guests and family. Comprised of over 2,200 tons of ledge stone, this 13,000-plus-square-foot home sits on 2 acres of the private TPC course. This home’s amazing gardens and waterfalls run throughout the property, and not only serve as the centerpiece of this palatial home but provide a constant reminder of the true uniqueness of this home in the desert. Impressive vaulted-box, exposed-beam ceilings with recessed lighting adorn much of the home. For entertaining guests and family, this home boasts a great room, family room, formal dining room, wet bar, and wine cellar/home theater. This Las Vegas home offers both character and significance unmatched in the valley.

For more information, contact:

Don Kuhl

Principal – KUHL Group

Synergy | Sotheby’s International Realty

C: 702.324.2121 O: 702.360.1414 

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Desirable Quarton Lake Estate Home in Michigan

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This 2018 custom-built home in Birmingham, Michigan features six bedrooms, six full and two half baths and an open first floor with a dream kitchen, study, formal dining room, mudroom, command center and music room.

The master suite is complete with a beautiful view, tray ceilings, fireplace, a walk-in closet, and a master bath with heated floors, soaking tub, and dual vanities.

Additionally, there is a finished lower level that features a full kitchen, bedroom, full bath, family room and exercise room.

The home, listed for $3.3 million by Kathy Wilson of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices HWWB Realtors, is complete with a well-manicured backyard with a sport court and a built-in fire pit on the patio. 

 

Photos courtesy of Kathy Wilson.
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