All posts by Unique Homes Staff

Elite 2020: Stars of Santa Fe

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Success can be defined in many ways. In real estate, the numbers speak for themselves.

Darlene is the #1 sales broker in Santa Fe and the State of New Mexico since 2012, based on sales volume according to the Santa Fe Association of Realtors MLS. She is also #2 of all U.S. Sotheby’s International Realty Brokers in 2018, of all company-owned agencies nationwide. And of all Real Estate Agents in the U.S., Darlene ranks 67th in sales volume.

For Darlene, it has been persistence, hard work, and a gift for intuiting her clients’ needs – along with sourcing solutions for her clients at every step along the way.

Extraordinary personal service and a passion for helping her buyers and sellers sets Darlene apart and contributes to her exceptional success.

DARLENE STREIT

Santa Fe Real Estate, Sotheby’s International Realty

417 East Palace Avenue Santa Fe, NM 87501

T. 505.920.8001

dstreit@dstreit.com

 

Click here to view Darlene’s ELITE agent ad in Unique Homes ELITE 2020.

Click here to view Darlene’s info on the Unique Homes Elite page.

Featured Property: 5 Chippewa Circle, Santa Fe NM

This property offers an expansive 5-bedroom, 6-bath home on one level in the gated community of Las Campanas, on 3.5 acres. The home is a total remodel by Woods Contruction, just completed, and elegantly appointed with diamond plaster walls and radiant heat stone floors.

Natural light flows through skylights and clerestory windows. The living room, with high ceilings accented with crossed vigas and large fireplace flows into the dining area, surrounded by mountain and garden views. The meticulously designed chefs’ kitchen features built-in Sub-Zero refrigerators, Wolf double ovens, a large center island with an 8-burner gas Wolf range, Taj white quartz counters, integrated sinks, food prep areas, walk-in pantry and kiva fireplace.

The large private master bedroom boasts a fireplace, mountain views, solid walnut herringbone pattern wood floors, and custom  walnut built-in cabinets flanked by matching walk-in closets. Two luxurious master en suite bathrooms are excellent accompaniments, one furnished with a modern soaking tub, walk-in shower, steam room, oversized custom dual sink vanity, towel warmers, all complemented by elegant tile and stone floors. 

Outdoor living offers an easy-access grand portal, fireplace and grilling area, contemporary heated swimming pool and spa surrounded by stone patio, and a roof top deck with 360-degree views of the mountains and golf course. A short 10-mile commute to the heart and history that is the Santa Fe Plaza.

To learn more about the area, visit Darlene’s profile at Uniquehomes.com or her website.

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A Peaceful Paradise

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Tired of being cooped up working from home? Work from the beach! Make your summer of 2020 as enjoyable as possible on peaceful Isle of Palms.

Located just a block from the beach, this rental property situated 3005 Cameron Blvd in Isle Of Palms, SC boasts a beautiful private pool and fenced yard outside. Inside, the well-designed open floor plan offers elevator access and large spaces to enjoy inside and out, including the rooftop deck with ocean views, and private yard with plenty of seating to lounge around the pool and enjoy a poolside barbecue.

The well-maintained home is like your own private resort, boasting two master suites with oversized showers and Jacuzzi tubs, four additional bedrooms including a bunk room off the main living space, fully equipped gourmet kitchen, Brazilian cherry hardwood floors throughout, and elevator for easy access for all guests.

The light-filled great room with exposed beams and a cathedral ceiling is a comfortable place for your whole crew to gather for entertainment around the 60-inch HDTV with surround sound. Some may opt to enjoy the evening breezes and sounds of the ocean from the adjacent covered porch.

 

When it’s mealtime, preparation is a pleasure with the open kitchen and gas cooktop island where the chef can be in the center of the activity of the group. Large dining table seats 12 with additional options for seating at the breakfast bar, covered porch, or al fresco poolside.

A “reverse floor plan” with the living space above 4 of the 6 bedrooms, the master suite on this floor has a coffered ceiling, walk-in closet, and huge master bath with a double sink vanity, Jacuzzi tub and oversized shower. Just across the hall from the powder room is the bunkroom with two sets of bunk beds and TV.

The floor below has another master suite with the same layout as above, and an additional king-bedded room – each with their own private porch overlooking the pool. There are two more bedrooms with queen beds on this floor, the laundry room, and another covered porch with a row of rocking chairs off of the main entry foyer.

The location is ideal – just a short stroll one block to the beach access path at 30th Avenue to the gorgeous wide stretch of beach that spans the eastern side of the island halfway between the Isle of Palms Connector and the marina. See dolphins play near the shore, and on moonlit walks you will encounter crabs scurrying out of your path and you may even find sea turtles nesting during the summer or their hatchlings racing toward the ocean on warm evenings. Bike for miles on the beach, or tool around the island on a golf cart – rentals available.

Make Admiral’s Roost your summer home this year!  

For more information contact Michele Miller, Realtor®
Charleston Realty Services – eXp Realty LLC
843-388-4693 mobile
michelemiller.realtor@gmail.com

 

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Christine Aldrete Banks: Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

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Christine Aldrete Banks

Re/Max Preferred

210.570.9530 / Cell: 830.279.8678 | christine@stoneoakliving.com www.stoneoakliving.com

Christine’s expertise spans more than 30 years, with accolades such as, CERTIFIED LUXURY HOME MARKETING SPECIALIST, plus Accredited Luxury Home Specialist, and Resort Second-Home Property Specialist, among others. She has exclusive reach through a network of luxury providers, to the high net-worth and international clientele. She delivers a boutique approach to executive listings, along with concierge buyer representation, in Stone Oak and North San Antonio. Additionally, Christine expertly represents Resort and Second-Home Property buyers and sellers, in the Texas Hill Country and the Texas Gulf Coast regions.  

Christine Presents: SPYGLASS ON THE ISLAND, Prestigious Town Homes in

Corpus Christi, Texas

Spyglass, where you deserve to come home to this summer, is pre-selling now at SpyglassOnTheIsland.com.

About the Property

Sophisticated Hamptons Styling! Well appointed homes on Padre Island with natural stone, barn doors, carriage house lanterns, walk-in showers, pedestal sinks, plantation shutters and illuminated balconies. Savvy floor plans with 1250 sq. ft, 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Two-story townhomes located just steps from the neighborhood park and boat launch. Fee simple ownership, not condominium. A terrific opportunity to own new town homes in Corpus Christi on one of the last remaining lots in Ports O’Call!

  • Bedrooms : 2
  • Bathrooms: 2.5
  • Square feet: 1250
  • Quartz/Granite Counter Tops
  • Barn Doors
  • Carriage House Lanterns
  • Walk-in Showers
  • Stainless Steel Appliance Package
  • Pedestal Sinks
  • Plantation Shutters
  • Private Balconies
  • 10 Foot Ceilings

About the Neighborhood

Explore the treasures of the Texas Gulf Coast, from surfing, to sailing, to sand castles. Dive in to extreme sports, family fun, and romantic sunsets!  Miles of undisturbed Texas beaches and charming island shops beckon year-round. Look no further for the most stylish new town homes on Padre Island. Spyglass, the newest development in Ports O’ Call, a deed restricted community, is ideally located, surrounded by deep water canals, a short drive over the causeway from:

  • Deep Sea Fishing
  • Casual Restaurants
  • Boutique Shopping
  • The Corpus Christi Marina
  • Fine Dining
  • Sailboat Regattas
  • Live Music
  • Sunset Dinner Cruises and Dolphin Watches
  • Water Sport and Watercraft Rentals and Charters
  • Historical Monuments

 

Christine Aldrete Banks originally appeared as an Elite agent in the Unique Homes Spring ’20: Elite edition. See her pages here.

 

 

 

 

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In the Heart of Key West

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Currently owned by legendary Dale Earnhardt Jr, the property is in the heart of Old Town, Key West, Florida. “This truly is a unique property steeped in rich and mysterious history,” says listing agent Bob Cardenas of Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty. “One of the highlights of the home is, undoubtedly, its secret hatch door in the parlor, which has been a part of the house since its inception.”

This five-bedroom, three-full- and 1-half bath home, listed for $3.7 million, was built in 1863 during the Civil War era, and it retains most of its original architecture that was lovingly maintained. It has one of the deepest and largest pools in Key West, reportedly being about 13 to 14 feet deep. A gate from the second-floor porch opens allowing daring (or crazy) individuals to jump off the second floor into the pool. 

The kitchen was artfully designed by Earnhardt to resemble the inside of a pirate ship, including a large ships wheel at the end of the bar, bringing in a taste of another era of Key West history. A legal guest house at the other side of the huge lot is currently one huge bedroom, however the owner had planned to turn it into two bedrooms and one bath. His local contractor has the plans and estimated costs ready for construction. This house must be seen to be appreciated. 

This is your chance to buy a bit of Key West history, along with a unique house with serious celebrity status!

 

Photos by Andre van Rensburg.

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Rise to the Top

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Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate Members Recognized More Than 150 Times in REAL Trends 500

 

REAL Trends recently published their 33rd Annual REAL Trends 500, a leading report ranking the performance of the top residential real estate firms in the United States.

The list ranks the Top 500 firms ranked by both closed transactions sides as well as closed sales volume throughout 2019. Additionally, they acknowledged firms that closed at least one billion dollars’ worth of residential real estate in the surveyed year. 

This year, Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate members were recognized more than 150 times in the REAL Trends 500. Many members were included more than once and ranked among the top ten in their respective categories! 

Congratulations to all Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate members who made this prestigious list!

Residential real estate leaders have been looking to REAL Trends for more than 30 years for timely and trusted information and analysis through their monthly newsletter, conferences and publications. They provide vital data and insight into market trends that are imperative to the luxury real estate community, and inclusion in the REAL Trends 500 is a high honor.

Please visit REAL Trends 500 to view the entire report; keep an eye out for our latest LRE® promotion on page 3.

Photo at left provided by Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate.

Featured photo by Luan Oosthuizen.

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Prestigious and Pristine Property in Portugal

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The finest property in Portugal, in the most prestigious location in the country, has been put on the market – and it could be yours! 

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Portugal offers Quinta de Lago, one of the most exciting and exclusive resorts in Europe, boasting some of the most spectacular and beautiful villas in the Algarve. Founded in 1972, this 800-acre residential estate borders miles of golden coast along the Atlantic Ocean, with views of sprawling pine forests and some of the world’s top golf courses. You can rest assured this area will remain pristine, with a strict 8 percent building restriction as part of the UNESCO Ria Formosa bird sanctuary, ensuring your investment will prosper for years to come. 

On over 44,000 square feet of land, with over 16,000 square feet of living space, this 8 bedroom villa includes high-quality kitchens with full equipment, a 4-level glass electric elevator, and full fitness equipment. Enjoy a movie with friends and family in the 12-person theater with 4 Control system touchpanels, and Lutron light switches and thermostats. A wine gallery freezer in the basement is stocked with top Portugeuese wines and champagne, and drinks can be enjoyed in the basement bar lounge.

.Six indoor and outdoor gas fireplaces provide ambience, and the villa is decorated with top indoor and outdoor furnishings. Enjoy the luxurious outdoors with 3 heated pools and an outside lounge, and top garden Quinta landscaping. With spectacular views, amazing amenities and dazzling details, this luxurious villa is sure to impress. €20,000,000

Photos courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Portugal.

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A Modern Masterpiece: A Village of One’s Own

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Designed by Hugh Newell Jacobsen, this estate in Meadowbrook, Pennsylvania, sits on a sloping hillside, nearly invisible from the road.

The main home is grand without being grandiose, a quiet elegance that offers multiple experiences. Features within include two entertainment patios, a two-story library, four bedrooms, three full and 1 half baths, and a private office in the master suite. There are many fine details throughout, including five wood-burning fireplaces, a circular staircase, a custom light tower in the foyer. granite countertops and a kitchen island. 

As one turns down a pea-gravel drive past a series of perfectly placed pines and hemlocks, a sharp 120-degree turn to the west reveals a remarkable village-like cluster of five buildings on the left with the barn across the drive. From the moment you turn down the drive, there is a sense of calm discovery. “Good architecture doesn’t really over-power its surroundings, it makes the site look better,” said Jacobsen.

The property is listed by J. Scott Laughlin of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox and Roach for $1.295 million. 

     

This editorial originally appeared in the Spring 2020 edition of

Unique Homes Magazine. Click here to see more.

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Susan Macarz: Providing Luxury to Toronto Real Estate Buyers and Sellers

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Susan Macarz loves the extraordinary, which is why she provides nothing but exceptional service and results to her clients. She knows that hiring a Toronto real estate agent is essential if you want to reduce your work, risk, and stress. Susan’s specialty is finding the perfect houses for sale in Toronto’s upscale and luxurious neighborhoods.

Click here to view Susan’s ELITE agent ad in Unique Homes ELITE 2020.

Click here to view Susan’s info on the Unique Homes Elite page. 

With her passion for interior design, she can focus in on your style, providing you with the best condos in Toronto. When you work with Susan, she listens to your needs and requirements. Susan can help you imagine yourself in the new space or find exceptional buyers who match your home’s personality. She is quick-witted, using her experience to assist in all kinds of buying and selling matters.

 

From Toronto townhouses and condos, to luxury penthouses and semi-detached homes, to single family homes or luxury estate homes, Susan can connect you with your dream home.

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Live the Island Life on Panama’s Isla Saboga

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In the exclusive El Encanto development on Isla Saboga, Panama, this home has stunning views of the jungle, ocean and beach.

“This home in the beautiful Las Perlas Archipelago in Panama is perfect for a couple looking to get away from it all,” says listing agent Stephanie Villarreal of Your Panama Real Estate Connection. “Life on the island is very relaxed and the expansive deck on the main level provides a perfect space to enjoy endless views.”

The total indoor and outdoor area is approximately 2,700 square feet (or 250 square meters) on three levels. The three-bedroom, two-full- and one-half bath is equipped with all the modern amenities.

“The house is meticulously maintained by the present owner and comes equipped with top-quality furnishings,” says Villarreal. “Attention to detail is evident throughout starting from the custom kitchen cabinets imported from Italy to the screened dining room and sitting area which is perfect to enjoy the gorgeous sunsets.  

The home, listed for $629,000 USD, is ready for immediate occupancy and the property is located only 35 miles from Panama City (next to Contadora Island) and is easily reached in under 2 hours by ferry from Panama City, or only 20 minutes by airplane to Isla Contadora and then a short 10-minute boat ride to Isla Saboga.

“Perhaps one of the most unique features of the property is that there are many mature trees including mango, papaya, coconut and plantain,” says Villarreal. “The ease of having tropical fruit at your doorstep is definitely a plus — not to mention that being on a tropical island, you are steps away from the beautiful beach and can relax in the clear Pacific waters or try your luck fishing.”

For more information on this property, please visit www.yourpanamaconnection.com

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Under the Radar: North Cyprus and Canada

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By Jessica Ganga and Marlene Ridgway

North Cyprus 

“With 300 days of sunshine,  golden beaches, friendly people, and stunning countryside, it’s no wonder that many visitors seriously consider buying property in North Cyprus,” explains Aylin Pelin Onar, Broker/Owner and Global Luxury Ambassador of Coldwell Banker Maximum.

Cyprus consists of 480 miles of stunning coastline, attracting buyers from all over the world. ©iStockPhoto.com / Mindstorm-Inc.

As the third-largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus boasts 480 miles of coastline, citrus groves, gorgeous beaches and has a capital growth average of 20 to 40 percent annually over the past three years, making it a prime opportunity for luxury buyers, according to Onar. There’s also a certain mystery surrounding the island that is appealing. “It’s no surprise that according to legend, Julius Caesar gave the island to Cleopatra as a token of his love.”

 

With the highest-priced listing in the area being an $8 million, 150,000-square-meter villa built on a private hill, it’s clear that there is an expanding demand for luxury properties. “Our market is growing due to improving local and international economic conditions,” says Onar. Situated between three continents, Europe, Asia, and Africa, the location has contributed to the growing international market. “We are receiving clients from Turkey, Russia, Scandinavian countries, the Middle East, England, Israel and Australia,” notes Onar.

 

With the continuing development of new constructions and homes, the luxury market is expected to keep expanding to sustain the demand. Up and coming areas such as East of Kyrenia can provide the 5-star accommodations that luxury buyers now expect, including social facilities such as gym centers, spas, pools, and high security. “East of Kyrenia is the shining star, especially with its seafront luxury sites. The natural beauty, beautiful beaches, amazing mountain views, 18-hole international golf course, and 5-star hotels with casinos are the attraction points of this area,” says Onar.

Aylin Pelin Onar

Aylin Pelin Onar

Broker/Owner, Global Luxury Ambassador

Coldwell Banker Maximum

AylinPelin.Onar@CB.com.TR

www.MaximumVelver.com

Page 30

Luxury properties in Esentepe, Kyrenia, North Cyprus embrace the island’s natural beauty, such as this home with gorgeous ocean views that sold recently for $900,000 USD. Photo courtesy of Sadi Yolgecen.

Recently sold for $7.7 million USD in Kyrenia, North Cyprus, this house examplifies the ultra-luxury listings available. Photo courtesy of Sadi Yolegecen.

Canada

With its diverse landscape and abundance of land, Canada is an ideal location for luxury buyers seeking a new place to call home. Of Canada’s many cities, Toronto is one that is family friendly and among the safest in the country. “People see Canada as a safe place to invest their money and raise their family. Toronto is the biggest city in the country and the financial centre of the country,” says Barry Cohen, Broker at RE/MAX Realtron Barry Cohen Homes Inc., Brokerage in Toronto.

As Canada’s largest city, Toronto has grown to be a rich metropolis with no shortage of things to do. “It’s a very cosmopolitan, multicultural city,” says Susan Macarz, Broker at RE/MAX Ultimate Realty Inc. Brokerage. Toronto boasts picturesque parks and playgrounds, country clubs, a theater district and nightclubs, to only name a few. Toronto also features some of the best schools in the country, attracting families seeking to provide their children with a top-notch education, according to Macarz.

Toronto, the largest city in Canada. ©iStockPhoto.com / PGIAM. 

Toronto’s real estate market is diverse and continuously changing. “What’s happening is that there is very little land left in Toronto, so what people do is they buy big properties with an older house on it and they tear it down because they are buying it for land value,” says Macarz … Another trend that Macarz noted was the increase of townhomes and condominiums in the area, specifically Central Toronto, adding to the variety. “What I’m finding more often now is … there’s townhomes that are being built along the major streets. These townhomes start at about $1.5 million CAD and up,” says Macarz. Tall high-rises are being built that feature luxurious condominiums that have sizeable square footage, according to Macarz.

Along with urban-styled living spaces, Toronto is home to spectacular estates and mansions. According to Macarz, luxury buyers can find homes priced from about $4 million CAD to $30 million CAD. The most expensive listing in Toronto is located in the Bridle Path area, on the market for $32 million CAD by Cohen’s team. “It’s a magnificent multi-generational estate with a completely separate two story in-law apartment with its own entrance, elevator, and garage,” says Cohen. The 35,000-square-foot home also features an indoor pool and tennis courts.

Overall, both Macarz and Cohen made clear that Toronto is a premier location for people seeking to find their dream home.

In the St. Andrew-Windfields area of Toronto, elegance and contemporary blend in this listing recently sold for $7.1 million CAD by the Barry Cohen Team. Photo courtesy of Barry Cohen.

Barry Cohen

Barry Cohen

Broker, RE/MAX Realtron, Barry Cohen Homes Inc. Brokerage

Susan Macarz

Susan Macarz

Broker, RE/MAX Ultimate, Realty Inc. Brokerage

This editorial appeared in the Unique Homes Global ’19 Issue.

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