All posts by Unique Homes Staff

Luxury Real Estate Fall Conference in Washington D.C.

Photo courtesy of LuxuryRealEstate Events. 

Washington D.C. provided the backdrop for this year’s Luxury Real Estate Fall Conference. Members of the global Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate (LRE®) network arrived on September 24th — kicking off the four-day event, according to a press release

Members connected with fellow real estate agents and got the chance to participate in expert discussions. During the panels, topics included the tools that are provided to agents for marketing. Further discussed was the balance between agents being supported and overwhelmed with marketing and technology choices. Other topics included how real estate agents are choosing to spend their money and how to be there for their clients.    

Keynote speakers at the event included Molly Bloom, author of the book Molly’s Game, and Matthew Ferrara, distinguished philosopher, photographer, speaker and writer. Bloom shared her presentation entitled “Make Every Customer Feel Like a Highroller” where she talked about who personal journey and success. Ferrara talked about how agents should aim high when it comes to self-discipline and their mindset, taking ordinary activities and using them as inspiring moments. 

Molly Bloom. Photo courtesy of LuxuryRealEstate Events. 

Matthew Ferrara. Photo courtesy of LuxuryRealEstate Events.

The Fall Conference came to an end with a dinner and (LRE®) Award’s presentation. Founders/Owners of Chinowth & Cohen Realtors, Sheryl Chinowth and Lee Cohen, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Their real estate peers honored them with the award due “relentless hard work and persistent dedication to the real estate industry.” 

 

To view the full list of award recipients click here

Photo courtesy of LuxuryRealEstate Events. 

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Featured Agents: Peter Barkin & Mark Gilman

Peter Barkin & Mark Gilman

Compass, Barkin-Gilman Group

 

 

1200 E. Las Olas Blvd Suite 103, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Peter: (954) 675-6656Mark: (954) 557-8777  | www.barkingilman.com

Peter Barkin and Mark Gilman have been successfully supporting the real estate dreams of buyers and sellers in South Florida for more than 20 years. In 2002, Peter and Mark teamed together to create the Barkin-Gilman Group, a highly respected and successful brand within the South Florida real estate community.

Listing by Peter Barkin & Mark Gilman

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

AQUABLU

There are 2-bedroom and 3-bedrooms available at the beautiful development, as well as dockage.

Starting at $1,395,000.

Peter Barkin & Mark Gilman originally appeared as Elite Agents in the Unique Homes Spring ’19: Elite edition. See their page here.

 

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Featured Agent: Debra A. Johnston of Berkshire Hathaway

Debra Johnston

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Georgia Properties

 

3500 Lenox Road NE, Suite 300, Atlanta, GA

404.312.1959 | DebraAJohnston.com

Listing by Debra Johnston

Atlanta, Georgia

40 Cates Road

Perhaps one of the rarest estates on over 8.4-plus acres available near Buckhead. Gated and completely fenced to the back gate, this unique and manicured property is surrounded by protected state land. The estate includes a lake with fountains, waterfalls, pergola, koi ponds, guest cottage and caretaker home. Entertain with tennis, batting cages, new pool and spa, outdoor dining pavilion and full bar. Enjoy the latest in Control4 home technology.

$7,950,000.

 

Debra Johnston originally appeared as an Elite Agent in the Unique Homes Spring ’19: Elite edition. See her page here.


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International Travel Destinations this Fall

The busy summer season is coming to a close, but here are a few unforgettable destinations around the world that should be shared! These curated experiences are opportunities to immerse yourself in new cultures, taste new foods, appreciate art, design, history and enjoy time for yourself to rejuvenate.

Photo courtesy of São Lourenço do Barrocal

Wild Terrains — Portugal

As the only travel company leading women-only group trips that partner exclusively with local, female-owned businesses, Wild Terrains has expanded and launched their second destination – Portugal. This new eight-day/seven-night journey takes women travelers to Lisbon, Alentejo, and Porto, where the dynamic history, delicious food, and breathtaking landscapes are just the beginning. Guests stay at stylish women-owned hotels like The Lisboans in Lisbon and Duas Portas Townhouse in Porto. Experience a Lisbon street art tour designed by Vanessa Teodoro, a South African street artist. Enjoy a tasting menu dinner at women-owned Prado with wine pairings by Portugal’s top female winemakers, and so much more!

Other activities:

Foraging with Portuguese mixologist Constança Cordeiro, private mixology lessons, biking through the countryside of Alentejo Visit. Travelers will learn more about Portuguese food history with cooking classes and eating your way through Porto with a food crawl. Another option is to take a day trip to Douro Valley to meet some female winemakers in the region, and so much more!

Photo courtesy of Prado Restaurant                                                                                                                                              Photo courtesy of  The Lisboans

Photo courtesy of Wild Terrains

On Foot Holidays — Catalonia

The hills of Catalonia are perfect for a fall getaway, with the grape harvest in full swing in September. On Foot Holidays’ self-guided hiking vacation will take you through the terraced vineyards of the famed Priorat winemaking region to the town of Porrera, where there are, of course, plenty of opportunities to sample the local wines in celebration of completing your walk. Starting at Montsant, only an hour from Barcelona, the route through quiet hills with magnificent vistas also passes two fine abbeys – Poblet and Escaladei – the former thriving and active, the latter now being restored as an archaeological site of major significance. 

Did you know?

All of On Foot Holidays’ 32 routes throughout Europe are designed by a local – someone who lives near every route and is responsible for the upkeep of the route, hotel liaison and providing telephone support for all walkers during their trip. For this route, the locals recommend a stay in Barcelona at the end (or start) at one of On Foot Holidays’ hand-picked hotels or B&Bs.

Photos courtesy of On Foot Holidays

Les Ilets de la Plage – Saint Barth

The sixth edition of the Saint Barth Gourmet Festival takes place November 6-10, 2019 on the island of Saint Bathélemy. Now considered a major culinary event, the Festival’s cast of participating chefs is once again star-studded and comprises iconic figures of haute French cuisine. The Saint Barth Gourmet Festival is counted as one of the major events in the world of culinary excellence and one of the best gourmet festivals on an international scale. 

In addition: 

The intimate, family-owned beach resort offers 12 private villas with direct access to the white sand beach and azure sea. Secluded yet central, Les Ilets has been a well-kept secret for years, combining the privacy and serenity of a villa with a hotel concierge service at an affordable price. 

Photo courtesy of Pierre Carreau

Photo courtesy of Gerald Tessier

Ignacia Guest House — Mexico City

Stay in the beloved Colonia Roma neighborhood at Ignacia Guest House, a trendy eco-friendly bed and breakfast. Featuring just five unique suites, the hotel’s namesake is Ignacia, the housekeeper who took care of this 1913 colonial mansion for more than 70 years. In celebration of Dia de los Muertos, the chef will bake the traditional holiday bread for breakfast that week – Pan de Muertos or “bread of the dead,” a slightly sweet, brioche-like bread covered with orange blossom water and anise seeds. 

In addition:

Foodies will love Eat Like a Local Mexico City’s special Dia de los Muertos food tour where founder Rocio Vazquez Landeta shares her personal approach to the celebration. Start the day with coffee, sweet bread, and street tacos with a visit to the flower market to enjoy delicious food while shopping for candy skulls, flowers, candles, colorful papers, and more. 

Photo courtesy of Jaime Navarro

The Liming — Bequia 

To Caribbean locals, liming means ‘the art of doing nothing.’ At The Liming Bequia, this leisurely way of passing the time comes with added luxury. Set on the tiny island of Bequia, this boutique hideaway is refreshingly off the beaten track compared to larger islands. With lush gardens, a private marina and views towards Canouan and Mayreau, The Liming instantly rewards you for going that bit further. 

Did you know?

Reopening after the off-season on November 9th, 2019, The Liming Bequia recently announced a special offer for travelers –

stay for 7 nights, pay only for 5” – so guests can enjoy liming for even longer. 

Photos courtesy of The Liming, Bequia

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ULTIMATE HOMES 2019: THE MOST EXPENSIVE HOMES FOR SALE IN AMERICA

OUR EXCLUSIVE GUIDE TO THE MOST EXPENSIVE HOMES FOR SALE IN AMERICA

This is the 15th year the editors of Unique Homes have published Ultimate Homes. Our comprehensive list of every property for sale in the U.S. for at least $25 million starts on page 52 of our recent Ultimate edition, and remains the only of its kind. Below, you will find a list of the top 10 most expensive properties featured on this year’s list — starting with a $500 million estate in Bel Air, California and ending with a $135 million property in Manalapan, Florida.

$500 million
The One
Bel Air, California

 

$250 million
Mesa Vista Ranch
Pampa, Texas

$245 million
Chartwell
Bel Air, California

$180 million
908 Bel Air Road
Bel Air, California

$165 million
Villa Firenze
Beverly Hills, California

$150 million
Billionaire
Bel Air, California

$150 million 
Meadow Lane Oceanfront
Southampton,
New York 

$145 million
90 Jule Pond Drive
Southampton,
New York

$137.5 million
Gemini
Manalapan, Florida

$135 million
Wallingsford Estate
Beverly Hills, California

$135 million
The Beverly House
Beverly Hills, California

$135 million
La Follia
Palm Beach, Florida

The list originally appeared in Unique Homes
Ultimate ’19. 

Click here to see the digital copy. 

To see the full list, click here and continue to pages 58, 64, 68 and 72

Featured photo courtesy of Tyler Hogan

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Featured Agent: W. Terry Potts of Country Club Properties

W. Terry Potts

Country Club Properties

183 West Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741

828.526.2520 | 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.

Listing by W. Terry Potts

Highlands, NC

Browery Road

One of the finest estates available in Highlands! Highrocks features gated access to a large private 3.6-acre lot with stunning views of Whiteside, and the valley vistas beyond. Featuring multiple stone fireplaces, water features, a custom dream kitchen, and Carolina room with a fireplace.

www.ccphighlandsnc.com.

$4,499,000.

 

 

W. Terry Potts originally appeared as an Elite Agent in the Unique Homes Spring ’19: Elite edition. See his page here.

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Engel and Völkers Snell Announces New Partnership

Luxury real estate company, Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate, recently announced its newest partnership with Lifestyle Asset Group, an exclusive vacation home company. The new collaboration creates a strategic bridge between the two companies, offering a select number of shares from Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate’s choice portfolio. With the alliance, Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate continues to “solidify its dominant position in the Los Cabos market,” according to a recent press release

“By aligning our services with Lifestyle Asset Group we are ensuring that the marketplace’s luxury homeowners have a dynamic sales solution at hand. We can now provide the most sophisticated and effective collective ownership services for families to affordably own vacation homes,” says Vanessa Fukunaga, President and CEO of Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate.

Photo courtesy of Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate

The partnership will ensure a smart solution for buyers and sellers in the Los Cabos’ luxury second home market. The buyers have the ability to make a logical investment with a clear exit in place so they know when their capital will return after eight years of time in their beach getaway. Sellers will have the advantage of selling their property at or above its market value with no additional cost. 

Over $50 million worth of luxury real estate is being offered on the peninsula. Both Engel & Völkers Snell Real Estate and Lifestyle Asset Group are looking forward to a successful vacation home partnership.

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Featured Property: 10515 NE 21st Place

This home in Bellevue, Washington, is redefining what it means to live in luxury. This stunning new construction is the perfect modern home for an individual or family.

Walk into through the solid mahogany doors to the foyer and see the unique and custom-made staircase to your right. The 5-bed, 6-bath home has the master suite on the main level and four en suite bedrooms on the upper level as well. 

On the main level is also a home office, patio with a built-in barbecue and heaters a chef’s kitchen and so much more. Meanwhile, the upper level features an entertainment room with all the bells and whistles, convenient laundry room and cozy reading nook.

The chef’s kitchen with quartz countertops & backsplash, 14-foot island, a Wolf stove and Miele appliances.

This home has been thoughtfully designed with luxury and efficiency in mind, and is the ultimate form of luxury for its owner.

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Featured Agent: Candy Swick of Candy Swick & Company

Candy Swick

Candy Swick & Company

 2063 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34237

941.954.9000 | www.candyswick.com

 

Listing by Candy Swick

Sarasota, Florida

18TH FLOOR SWEEPING BAY VIEWS!  Unobstructed water views will forever grace this residence poised directly on Sarasota Bay. With only one floor above, this prime location lies beneath the protection of the penthouse and is high enough to see the Gulf of Mexico.  This is the only double unit in the building with two garage parking spaces and over 3,000 square feet of interior living space plus two balconies.  The combined Van Gogh & Renoir layout has three bedrooms, three baths, a study, dining, living and family rooms.  Sensational water views set the stage in the main living area, perfect for entertaining.  Located in a secure, 24-hour guard gated, Downtown Sarasota building with amenities.

www.candyswick.com.

$2,500,000

 

Candy Swick originally appeared as an Elite Agent in the 

Unique Homes Spring ’19: Elite edition.

See her page here.

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Featured Agent: Chris Loffreno of Loffreno Real Estate, Inc

Chris Loffreno

Loffreno Real Estate, Inc

2100 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, Florida 33931

239.463.2999  |  800.741.2986  |  chris@loffreno.com  |  FortMyersBeachRealEstate.com | Loffreno.com

Fort Myers Beach is a laid back casual beach town on Estero Island, off the Southwest Florida coast. A long, sandy beach faces the Gulf of Mexico, and offers the bay on the other side of the Island featuring fresh seafood off the docks. Boating and fishing are boundless from the island or its offshore Gulf waters. A short drive brings you to neighboring communities of Naples, Sanibel and Captiva. There are numerous stores and shopping centers, waterfront dining and an array of water sports and activities. There is always something to do in this active beach town!

 

Listings by Chris Loffreno

Classic Florida Beachfront Enclave

Your island estate located in a secluded and private setting just off road. An extended driveway greets you to this outstanding gulf-front property of two attached homes. Upper $2 million.

Chris Loffreno originally appeared as an Elite agent in the Unique Homes Spring ’19: Elite edition

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