All posts by Unique Homes Staff

A Beautifully Restored 1927 Kenilworth Home – Asheville, North Carolina

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Welcome to 10 Normandy Road, a beautifully restored 1927 Kenilworth home in Asheville, North Carolina. This historic gem is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Asheville’s history. 

Living Room
Living Room Area

As you enter the house, you are greeted by a cozy living area perfect for intimate gatherings or entertaining. The living room boasts French doors, transom windows, custom-milled woodwork, trim, and crown molding, all centered around an original fireplace. 

Kitchen
Kitchen area

The den, which can serve as a third bedroom, features the second original fireplace, a large closet, and a porch with stunning views of the West North Carolina mountains. 

The refined charm of this home, nestled in one of Asheville’s premier streets, epitomizes perfection. The adjacent land is also available, making the potential of this property uncapped. 

Original Fireplace
Bedroom

A charming stone guest cottage is also available, perfect for guests who enjoy privacy, or it can be rented for an additional source of income. The cottage exudes timelessness in its architectural details, with custom moldings that add to its charm. 

If you are looking for your very own piece of Asheville’s history and charm, don’t miss this opportunity. Explore the complete property listing and discover the beauty and potential of 10 Normandy Road.

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Coming Attractions

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Some of the most dramatic structures currently under construction — multibillion-dollar projects dedicated to transportation, entertainment and sustainability — will reshape the skylines of American cities while enhancing our quality of life. A selection of transformative projects, some of which have been decades in the planning process, are presented here.

Complex Creations

Christian Brockmann, Ph.D., a professor of construction engineering at the University of Utah, is a specialist in megaprojects and author of Advanced Construction Project Management: The Complexity of Megaprojects. The book cites endeavors from the Pyramids of Giza and Machu Pichu to the Sydney Opera House as megaprojects sharing similar challenges despite being erected in vastly different eras. Some attempt to define modern megaprojects strictly by cost (e.g., $1 billion-plus), but Brockmann insists they be defined by complexity, novelty and use of specific resources, the latter referring to equipment designed specifically for a project.

“The extreme complexity of these projects stretches our cognitive abilities, skills and experience, and when you push the limits of what you can do, you have to accept the possibility of failure,” he explains.

Notes from the Symphony

Professor Brockmann reports that politics regularly interferes with engineering and that the media often shapes public opinion of a project, especially when initial projections of benefit, budget or delivery date are overly ambitious. As an example, he offers Elbphilharmonie, the striking symphony hall in Hamburg, Germany, which experienced a cost overrun of approximately $700 million. “The press was very critical of the project, as it was far beyond budget and time, but when it finally opened the press and public became very positive,” says Brockmann, who notes the venue’s annual economic impact to the city of Hamburg has been quite beneficial.

Emphasizing the value of persistence and improvisation, the megaproject expert states, “Every situation is different and you have to develop a new approach for each one.”

Silver Bullets

Around the world, high-speed rail megaprojects are reimagining a mode of transportation that was viewed as obsolete not terribly long ago. One of the reasons palatial train stations have been repurposed as museums, hotels or shopping malls is that passengers abandoned trains when air travel emerged. But with bullet trains whisking passengers at more than 200 miles per hour, rail service is experiencing a renaissance.

In Asia and Europe, where governments made big bets on high-speed rail decades ago, this form of intercity transportation is ubiquitous. America finally gets into the game with projects moving forward in Florida, Texas and California. The Golden State’s high-speed rail project is so overbudget and behind schedule that many voters who initially favored it have lost interest. But when completed, the $100 billion project will zip passengers at speeds that will be competitive with air travelwhile leaving a negligible carbon footprint.

Theater in the Round

Nearing completion on the Las Vegas Strip is the MSG Sphere, an ambitious 17,500-seat theater developed by Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corporation. When it opens for concertgoers in late 2023, the inaugural act in the largest spherical structure in the world will be U2. The projected price tag of the MSG Sphere, whose construction was disrupted by the pandemic, has reached approximately $2.2 billion.

The “exosphere” (outer shell) will feature a digital canvas that morphs between themes, depending on the season or occasion, while the theater inside will be the first large-scale venue to utilize multi-sensory storytelling to wow concertgoers. It will possess the world’s highest resolution digital screen, 164,000 audio speakers and cutting-edge 4D technologies, including scents and breezes. David Dibble, CEO of MSG Ventures, has stated, “With MSG Sphere, we’re creating an entirely new platform for immersive experiences.”

Bridging Borders

When completed next year, the $5.7 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge will span the Detroit River, a strategic commercial connection between Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario. The project’s graceful design reflects a contemporary, minimalist aesthetic and its name honors one of hockey’s most legendary players. The project will streamline the flow of goods and passengers at this critical convergence of Canadian and American interests. “Inspiration for the design was found in the waters of the Detroit River with the rolling waves conveying the senses of passage and gateway,” explains Heather Grondin, vice president, corporate affairs and external relations of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority. She adds, “The cable-stayed bridge design is a modern and elegant form with a tower shape inspired by the curvature of a hockey stick in a slap shot — a nod to Gordie Howe.”

Located steps from the new PGA headquarters<br /> is the sprawling Omni PGA Frisco Resort.

Links Unlimited

Opening this spring, steps from the new Professional Golfers Association (PGA) headquarters outside Dallas, is the Omni PGA Frisco Resort. Two 18-hole championship courses will be accompanied by a lighted par three course and two-acre putting green, complemented by diverse dining, retail and entertainment experiences.

The hotel component will feature 500 guest rooms and suites, 10 four-bedroom ranch houses, a rooftop infinity pool and full-service spa. With versatile indoor-outdoor spaces accommodating special events, the $520 million complex represents a true golfer’s paradise in the Lone Star State. “Omni PGA Frisco is an ambitious new resort concept for the state of Texas,” says Jeff Smith, vice president and managing director for the Omni PGA Frisco Resort. He adds, “The sprawling complex provides an unparalleled experience for those who are advanced players, new to the game, and everything in between.” Another megadevelopment in Frisco, Texas, was recently announced: a new theme park from Universal Studios.

St. Regis Chicago

Windy City Glam

While the Omni PGA Frisco Resort rambles over 600 acres, the St. Regis Chicago soars 101 stories in a city already home to iconic skyscrapers. Clad in undulating glass, the design is a product of hometown firm Studio Gang, whose founder Jeanne Gang is one of the world’s most prominent female architects. A project of Magellan Development Group, the structure will house luxury condominiums in addition to an elegant St. Regis hotel. Featuring an allocation of green space atop each of its distinct tiers, the building allows greater connectivity with the environment and the city around it.

“The St. Regis Chicago is a work of art and is already a spectacular addition to the Chicago skyline,” maintains Rob Pontarelli, Magellan’s senior vice president of marketing. “The St. Regis Chicago is an architectural wonder inspired by a crystalline form found in nature and serves as Chicago’s premier destination, offering ultra-luxury living, five-star lodging, service and dining,” he adds.

Intuit Dome

Techy Arena

Major league sports venues frequently rank among the most expensive construction projects in the nation, yet many reflect uninspired designs. However, the Intuit Dome that will be home to the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers features a memorable, futuristic design that pairs well with SoFi Stadium, also located in the L.A. suburb of Inglewood. And in an era when local taxpayers fund sports arenas, the $2 billion Intuit Dome is privately funded.

Inside, a wraparound, double-sided “halo” display board will feature an immersive digital canvas featuring 38,375 square feet (more than 233 million LEDs), while VIP “courtside cabanas” and “halo suites” will provide the ultimate luxury experience for sports fans and concertgoers. “This is going to be an unbelievable building, a great experience to come into,” states NBA Hall of Famer and Clippers consultant Jerry West.

Made in America

Semiconductor chips are essential to computers and smartphones, as well as automobiles, household appliances and medical devices. Therefore, manufacturing those items domestically — almost 90 percent are currently imported from overseas — is critical to the U.S. economy and national security.

Last year, Congress authorized more than $50 billion to the semiconductor industry, a catalyst for a flurry of announcements by large manufacturers. Intel is spending $20 billion to construct a manufacturing facility in Ohio, while Micron Technology and Qualcomm have also made multibillion-dollar commitments to manufacture advanced chips in the U.S. “Today marks a pivotal moment in the journey to build a more  geographically balanced and resilient semiconductor supply chain,” remarked Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger at the Ohio groundbreaking.

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A Musical Masterpiece

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In the illustrious world of pianos, few instruments can claim a lineage as rich and distinctive as the 1889 Steinway Artcase grand. After being crafted in Hamburg, Germany, this unique piano then embarked on a transformative journey under the skilled hands of Anton Bembé of Mainz, Germany, emerging as a true masterpiece of musical and visual art.

External artwork
External Design

The piano’s grandeur is immediately recognized by the external artwork. Adorned with an elaborately painted case, the Steinway Artcase grand boasts intricate hand carvings, gilded accents, and meticulously applied wood designs. Each brushstroke and carving is a testament to the artistry of a bygone era. “It is truly one of a kind,” says Dan Murphy, president of Mid-America Piano. “It sounds beautiful, and the original ivory keys are perfect. The paintings are stunning and the matching beveled mirror is special all by itself. The complete package is so unique and unusual!”

Paintings
Adornments

Artcase grands, such as this 1889 Steinway were commonly commissioned by families to celebrate special occasions or presented as gifts to commemorate weddings, anniversaries, and more. The exteriors often featured personalized paintings and carvings that preserved the sentiment of the events. “Steinway is one of the premier piano makers in the world,” says Murphy, and it seems no detail was considered too small when creating this grand musical instrument.

The hammers, soundboard, and tuning pins.
Keytag

While the exterior carvings and details remain in pristine condition, the hammers, soundboard, and tuning pins have been meticulously restored. These updates and the quality of craftsmanship allow for a warm and resonant tone that will delight music lovers. In addition, the original ivory keytops are still in prime condition. “The original key even has an etched ivory “keytag,” says Murphy, which is a testament to the care that’s been paid to the instrument throughout the years. 

Beveled Mirror

Adding to the uniqueness of this treasure is the inclusion of a matching stool and a beveled mirror. This complete package is a singular find in the music and art world. “Due to the extensive detail, it is likely this piano resided in a castle in Europe in its early life,” explains Murphy. “Today, this rare piano deserves to be enjoyed in an upscale estate, a museum or a luxury home.” 

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Unique Homes 2023 Anniversary Issue

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Welcome to the much-anticipated 2023 Anniversary Issue of Unique Homes Magazine. As we celebrate this milestone, we present you with The Ultimate List, a meticulously curated selection of the 20 most expensive listings in each state, showcasing the diversity that defines the very fabric of our nation.

This issue is meant to serve as your exclusive passport to the epitome of luxury in real estate. Embark on a journey with us as we redefine island living in Oahu, Hawaii, where the tropical paradise meets contemporary opulence. Explore Casa Mare, an expansive residence on the coveted Seven Mile Beach Corridor of Grand Cayman, offering an unparalleled experience in Caribbean living. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Tranquility in Tulum, a haven where the beauty of nature converges with architectural brilliance.

We welcome the reader to use this issue as a portal to extraordinary homes. Join us as we unveil the unparalleled, the extraordinary, and the truly unique in the world of luxury real estate. Welcome to the 2023 Anniversary Issue of Unique Homes Magazine – where dreams find their address.

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Designer Showcase at The Ritz-Carlton Residence, Portland

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The ultimate expression of luxury living can be found at the Ritz-Carlton Residence in Portland, where guests and residents can experience the diverse landscape with sweeping views and easy access to all that the city has to offer. This unique setting is an inspiration for those seeking a high-end lifestyle with careful attention to every detail, especially the design. From November 17-25, LUXE | Forbes Global Properties is hosting a designer showcase, The Floor of Dreams, which will explore various interpretations of relaxed refinement by interior designers with the experience to impress.

Floor of Dreams Dining Area
Floor of Dreams Kitchen Area

The event will display the work of designers, Kevin Twitty Interiors, Tiffany Home Design, City Home Design Services, OnStage Home Staging, and Cielo Home and Design. Each offers a unique style and ethos that shines through their work. The proceeds from the event will go toward the Downtown Clean & Safe District, which is an enhanced service district in the city, where property owners supplement publicly financed services for neighborhood improvement including cleaning, security, market research, and retail advocacy. 

Floor of Dreams Kitchen
Floor of Dreams Living Room

A word from the designers

“The Pacific Northwest is known for its natural beauty, and the nearby Hillside and Portland Heights neighborhoods with their prominent tree lines inspired me to pull an element of the forest into the Residence,” says Kevin Twitty. “This can be seen in the use of sumptuous textures and lush greens to bring in a beautiful organic element to the design.” Twitty currently calls Portland home and strives to bring his passion for life into his work. His careful attention to detail has earned him several national and local design awards. Twitty says about the showcase, “As I pulled from these inspirations, I was careful to allow the luxury and refinement of the Residence play its own role in delivering a dwelling that would embody a timeless elegance and discerning sophistication that pays homage to this remarkable city.”

Floor of Dreams Living Room Area
Ceilo Home Living Room

Cielo Home Interior Design is proud to be participating in the Floor of Dreams at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Portland. It’s been another opportunity for the design firm to celebrate the individual taste of each client. “The inspiration for this space was the stylish, well-traveled client of The Ritz-Carlton. It is a warm and inviting “landing pad” with a priceless view,” says a representative from the Cielo Home team. “Nature and the beauty of the changing light in the space gave us guidance, while a subtle use of paint colors creates a seamless flow from room to room. The furnishings are a clever mix of family heirlooms, contemporary upholstery, fine custom rugs, and curated works of art, many sourced locally.”

Floor of Dreams Living Room
Floor of Dreams Kitchen Area

Join the fun 

The Floor of Dream showcase is bound to inspire guests, and the proceeds will be directed towards a good cause. The event will be open to ticket holders from November 17-25. More information about tickets can be found online. 

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File Under Pop

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Inspired by the ancient and very active volcano, Mount Etna in Sicily, Josephine Akvama Hoffmeyer’s design studio specializes in handcrafted lava stone tiles. File Under Pop works in dressing walls, ceilings, countertops, floors, and more with these unique tiles, in addition to custom paints, and hand-painted wallpapers that were designed to last.

The Copenhagen-based company produces with quality being at the forefront of all its designs. “We are craftsmen and only through thoroughness do we accomplish high-quality products,” says Hoffmeyer. “Layer after layer of studies, analyses, sketches, and renderings combined with mold-making and prototypes rest behind every File Under Pop product. It is our clear objective to sustain lifelong products when we materialize colors and glazes, shapes, dimensions, tiles, wallpaper, fabrics, and more.”

“To create a space is like conducting an orchestra. You<br /> leave out some instruments, you intensify others, you<br /> insert pauses in order to create spaces for dwelling,”<br /> says Josephine Akvama Hoffmeyer.

Hoffmeyer, the founder of File Under Pop, has always been driven by creativity. The designer first led a musical career, studying and playing among international talents in New York City, hence the name choice for her design company. However, a passion for travel landed Hoffmeyer in Italy where she was soon captivated by the active volcano, Mount Etna, the lava stone, and the natural beauty of the area.

“Beauty is visual, although you can see right through it or sense it in complete darkness. It is neither a fixed image nor state of mind. Beauty exists through engagement and consciousness of all living beings,” says Hoffmeyer. Her creativity soon translated into an interest in tile making, which resulted in the tile company, File Under Pop. “Beauty is imperfect, incomplete, and impermanent. It often balances opposite directions at the same time and File Under Pop aims to make room for beauty in all aspects,” explains Hoffmeyer.

File Under Pop

Italian glazed and raw lava stone, and Spanish clay make up the individual tiles that are hand-crafted and truly one of a kind at File Under Pop. The design, textures, and raw materials prompt a natural, almost unprocessed feel to each room the tiles are placed in.

“All our tiles are developed with great care and processed by hand, making each tile a unique piece of craftsmanship,” according to a File Under Pop representative. The tiles are made with such pure materials and crafted so carefully that the natural clay or lava stone becomes playfully imperfect during its process of being compacted, carved, and converted.

File Under Pop

“Our clay tiles come from a family-owned production located just outside the Spanish town of Valencia. All the clay tiles are made using silkscreen and hand-printing techniques to create the decorations,” says another File Under Pop representative. The final product of both forms is deeply reminiscent of where it originated and its natural state.

Clay and lava stones are the specialties, though they have expanded into several other design aspects over the years. From vases, lava stone boards, sinks and more, the designers and handcrafters at File Under Pop are pushing the raw materials to new levels. In addition to the tiles, the artistic designs on the glazed tiles and painted onto the wallpapers are equally impressive and in tune with the overall aesthetic.

About the designs, a representative explains that they display “characteristics of traditional Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi, include asymmetry, roughness, simplicity, economy, austerity, modesty, intimacy, and the appreciation of both natural objects and the forces of nature.” These concepts can be seen in several of the designs, such as Edo Clouds, which consists of delicate cloud shapes that repeat in a simple but beautiful pattern, or the Patch wallpaper, which clearly displays large, thick brush strokes in an asymmetrical pattern that feels muted and natural, but also intricate. The raw, natural stones — either glazed or unglazed — enhance the original texture, grooves, and markings in the stone.

File Under Pop
File Under Pop

File Under Pop is just around the corner from the Color Lab, which is the company’s very own paint and tile shop that offers products, but also helpful advice, and perspective when it comes to paint colors and pairings. “Colors are not just a tool to create joy or well-being. They house the potential to unfold an endless range of human emotions and give us the chance to clarify, process, and release even states of grief or sorrow,” says a File Under Pop representative. The Color Lab offers 96 different shades and blends of colors that were each carefully curated by Hoffmeyer. To create an extremely intricate finish, and bring out more details in the design motifs, the paints are mixed with copper, silver, and white gold leaf, and 23-karat gold leaf.

File Under Pop

“Beauty is imperfect, incomplete, and impermanent. It often balances opposite directions at the same time and File Under Pop aims to make room for beauty in all aspects.”

Every File Under Pop decoration has its own philosophy and source of inspiration, according to Hoffmeyer. All together, or on their own, the various File Under Pop items help to create spaces that feel natural and cohesive, which is in alignment with the company’s style and overall goal to create lasting designs. “Most of us sense it instinctively when all elements fall into place and we align ourselves with our surroundings,” says Hoffmeyer.

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‘Home is Your Memory Maker’

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By Jamie Yoos

The vastly different worlds of law and interior design may rarely seem to intersect, but for Kevie Murphy of K.A. Murphy Interiors, the two passions have come together as the driving forces behind her successful career and business.

K.A. Murphy

Murphy is the founder and principal designer of K.A. Murphy Interiors, her self-started, full-service design firm with a focus on high-end residential interiors. A harmonious balance of function and beauty are the key components of all projects and fundamental to Murphy’s overall vision for any space.

The company breaks down its process into 3 categories, the first being to inspire. The team collaborates, listens to the needs and desires of each client, and works to conjure up a vision for their space, with the intention of turning something they need into something they love.

Elderfields by K.A. Murphy Designs

Then, it’s time to design. They present the client with a fully comprehensive design plan of action, going into extreme detail to ensure that the client can clearly envision the final product. Finally, they transform the space. The vision is brought to life. Every single detail, the installation of every little element: furniture, lighting, wall coverings, window treatment, carpets, and accessories — is all overseen and coordinated by the team. “We make an effort to listen to what our clients’ needs are, how they use their homes, what their wants are. What we do in your home will not be in anybody else’s,” says Murphy.

K.A. Murphy Interiors isn’t limited by any specific design aesthetic, however, one common theme amongst its design repertoire is bold, vibrant color that sets its designs apart.

Elderfields Road

One of Murphy’s favorite projects was a colonial home from the 1940s on Elderfield Road in Manhasset, New York. The project was extremely personal to Murphy because… it’s her own house! When renovating and designing the home, she desired something colorful, comfortable, family oriented and durable, but still pretty.

The color scheme was inspired by the patterned wallpaper Murphy chose for the foyer that boasts mesmerizing magentas, aqua blues, turquoise, deep muted purples, and gold. Each room is unique and vastly different from the last, but they somehow seamlessly blend together to create a stunning home.

Elderfields staircase

Interior design was not always Murphy’s focus, or even on her radar. She grew up in Port Jefferson Station, New York, with an interest in law. “I always wanted to be a lawyer. My dad is a lawyer; I always felt like it was a natural career choice for me,” says Murphy. She was a swimmer from age 6 into high school, which she used to her advantage in order to help jumpstart her future. “I think my trajectory was guided by the fact that I was going to use swimming to get into the best colleges that I could afford, with the idea that I was going to apply for law school.” Murphy’s swimming ended up earning her a full ride to Boston University. Then she went on to attend New York Law School, just as she had planned.

From there, she went on to work as an assistant district attorney in Brooklyn. “I did that for my commitment of three years and loved it, but my real passion was doing medical malpractice defense for the doctors and the hospitals.” She then began working at a law firm as a partner doing exactly that. Her impressive career in law was smooth-sailing and moving in upward strides. She eventually retired there as a partner in litigation when she had her first child.

Like most undiscovered passions, interior design took Murphy by surprise when she and her husband purchased a Brooklyn Heights home that required extensive renovations. The passion project of tirelessly perfecting her own home opened up a new door for Murphy, allowing her to realize her zeal for interior design.

“The interior design business idea was sprouted from a girls’ trip I took with two of my roommates from college. I said, ‘I think I’m going to go to school for this, I think I would be really good at it.’ To which they said, ‘the world is your oyster. If you think you can do this, we know that you can — go do it.’” Murphy recounts.

“It’s such a shock when you tell someone that you went from being a partner at a law firm in Manhattan to an interior designer. But a lot of the business-end skills are translatable. I was willing to give it a shot.” It wasn’t long after that Murphy was enrolled at the New York School of Interior Design.

Murphy’s love for colorful<br /> design is displayed through the<br /> vibrant magenta and orange<br /> tones in her family room.

The supportive roommates from the girls’ trip helped Murphy in kick-starting her business until it was time to take the next step — getting an office. “I felt like that was the first step in becoming super legitimate. Then, I hired my first employee. We just grew, we needed more help and we were able to take on more work.” Hence, the K.A. Murphy Interiors team was born, consisting of Murphy herself as the principal designer, Liudmila Tapia as the design director, Alyssa Devoe as the senior design/marketing manager, and Essilevi Medina as the senior designer.

All of this has brought Murphy to the current stage in her career. Murphy’s unwavering passion and undeniable people skills have allowed her to use her design talents to enhance the lives of her clients through her work. Her skills gained from working as a lawyer do, in fact, aid her in running the business. “It definitely helps with drafting design agreements or reviewing paperwork, contracts; I’m extremely confident reading them. My power of persuasion is very honed as well, based on my litigation skills — when I believe in something, my client knows about it and that translates into sales,” says Murphy. She plans to expand the business even further and hopes to purchase an office building for the company in the near future.

Murphy lives with her husband and 4 children in the Flower Hill home she designed in New York. She often says that “Home is your memory maker.” This mantra has become the forefront of K.A. Murphy Interiors’ mission. “[Home is] your family, your heirlooms, and where your lifetime of memories are held. It’s where you wake up, comforted by what you love, surrounded by things that are invaluable, that can’t be replicated anywhere else,” the K.A. Murphy Interiors website states. “We aspire to convey this in homes that are exquisitely tailored and highly personal.”

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Green Acres

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As new trends change and evolve in real estate, one thing has been consistent as of late: green initiatives. It’s cool to be kind to the environment in 2023 — even the little things can have a ripple effect to create change all around us.

Luxury developments across the globe are leading by example in this department. Many are following in the footsteps of planet-friendly legislation, and creating their own ways of sustainable living for residents, whether it’s solar-paneled energy, electric cooking devices, conservation of land, or harvesting fruits and vegetables.

The Strand in Turks and Caicos has a<br /> pollinator sanctuary.

The Strand, a luxury oceanfront real estate development in Turks and Caicos, sees the pros far outweighing the cons when it comes to these changes.

“Practicing sustainability is just being smart, thoughtful and forward-thinking,” says John Fair, managing director, developer and project manager at The Strand. “Would you rather pay 50 cents per kilowatt-hour for electricity generated from diesel fuel, or 13 cents per kilowatt-hour from the sun?”

The Strand offers private homes, villas, and custom residences overlooking Cooper Jack Bay on the island, with gorgeous views and shoreline swimming. One of the factors that it is most proud of, beyond offering solar-powered homes, is its ability to turn the property into a pollinator sanctuary for all types of creatures.

The Strand also incorporates the textures of the<br /> natural landscape into the architecture of each<br /> homesite; particularly their roots in coral stone.

The Strand propagates native flowers and plants on site, which is able to attract all kinds of butterflies, dragonflies, hummingbirds and more to the property. A plethora of flora and fauna boasts beautiful scenery all around, and offers improved air quality and green ecosystems.

The Strand is focused on incorporating the natural scenery into the architecture of the homes as well. According to Fair, the property sits on a limestone shelf, which millions of years ago was a coral reef. Now, seashell limestone and coral stone is incorporated into the flooring and textures of every residence on the property. This allows the natural surroundings to blend seamlessly into the present.

Beyond just the beauty, The Strand also integrates state-of-the-art smart technology in every room, only LED lighting throughout the property, and smart irrigation systems with rainwater catchment cisterns.

Tributary Cabin

Another development focused on the success of its natural environment is Tributary, located in Driggs, Idaho. Tributary is a 1,500-acre development, with luxury real estate nestled in gorgeous wildlife. Five hundred of its acres are fen-designated wetlands, which are pristinely maintained by the Teton Regional Land Trust.

“The Woods Creek Fen is the most floristically unique wetland in Teton County,” says Sara Beth Judson, real estate sales associate at Tributary, of the property. “The fen is managed to protect the on-site wildlife and rare plants.”

Tributary Cabin Dining Room

In addition to the existing wetlands, Judson notes, it also has constructed various ponds on site, in order to provide shelter and habitats for native trumpeter swans, long-billed curlews, waterfowl and shorebirds. Tributary is perfect for hiking alongside the ponds in the summer, and well-known as an emerging top-10 skiing destination in the winter.

The land itself is entrenched in rich, vast ecosystems, and residents can enjoy being a part of it all. Tributary is situated in the western slope of the Teton mountain range, and also in a high alpine valley, which makes it a “biodiversity hotspot.” The property is actually part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the most integral ecological landscapes in the world. This 15-million-acre organization encompasses Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks as well.

“With every expansion or home being built, we take full consideration of our footprint and the materials used to ensure we are responsible stewards of the incredible ecosystem that surrounds us,” Judson says.

Vineyards, budding oak trees, and<br /> buzzing beehives are just a few of the<br /> vibrant ecosystems that are alive on the<br /> Montage Residences property.

Providing a bit of a different landscape is Montage Residences Healdsburg, in sunny Sonoma County, California, which takes this one step further with its own sustainable farms. Montage Residences, which offers luxury estates and homesites, is located in the scenic Alexander Valley, closeby to the Russian River. With private vineyards, towering oak trees, honey-soaked beehives, and an orchard of hazelnut trees to produce truffles, it’s safe to say that Montage Residences has a well-produced ecosystem.

Each residence is crafted through tolerant landscaping, with renewable-energy systems made possible through Tesla batteries. The property is also Cal Certified, meaning that the homes are extremely well-rated for energy efficiency. Montage Residences is able to offer unique farm-to-table dining experiences, and also a true integration into the environment through the use of their farms and natural production.

Harvest

“The rolling hillsides of Healdsburg not only provide beautiful vineyard vistas, but also create opportunities for uniquely designed homes that are built into the landscape instead of on it,” says Neil Johnson, managing director of development at Ohana Real Estate Investors, from Montage. “Homes at Montage Residences Healdsburg complement the natural landscape of Northern California, preserving the rolling terrain and native oak trees in each home design.”

Each of these properties agree that green infrastructure should not only be a piece of their initiatives, but a top priority. The land gives way to each of these incredible experiences, and is treated as an honored host.

“Preserving the magic and beauty of the natural setting through environmental stewardship is incredibly important to us,” Johnson mentions. “In speaking with owners at Montage Residences Healdsburg, they’re most excited about the opportunity to live within the region’s natural beauty.”

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Cash for Craft

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By Roger Grody

In the past two decades, an explosion of craft distilleries — much like the proliferation of microbreweries that preceded it — brought greater innovation and individuality to the spirits industry. Passionate entrepreneurs were suddenly creating spirits whose quality rivaled esteemed household-name brands, and now some of the world’s largest corporations are snapping up those startups.

Henry Preiss, co-founder of Preiss Imports and a brand creator himself, reports, “It’s interesting to watch how rapidly this trend is progressing. Hardly a week goes by that don’t see a major deal announced.” Preiss explains, “The big guys with deep pockets are looking for luxury brands in emerging categories that are scaling,” and cites Diageo’s blockbuster purchase of George Clooney’s Casamigos tequila in 2017 as a catalyst in a fast-moving market. It not only reinforced the popularity of agave-based spirits, but spawned other celebrity labels whose founders would be delighted with similar results.

Texas-based Balcones Distilling gave Diageo a<br /> foothold in the American craft whiskey sector.

Preiss explains that large multinational companies are willing to take a bet on a hot brand, and if they are unable to scale it they have the financial wherewithal to write it off. He cites 42 Below vodka and Leblon cachaça as two Bacardi acquisitions that are now difficult to find on the shelves. Preiss believes that quality is sometimes compromised after brands are acquired by large corporations, as the influence of personally invested founders diminishes over time. “Big companies are not about loving the business, but loving the bottom line,” says the 49-year veteran of the spirits industry.

Last year, Constellation Brands acquired the remaining interest in Austin Cocktails, a maker of premium, award-winning bottled and canned craft cocktails. “Operating in an environment where women entrepreneurs are significantly under-funded, we feel a sense of tremendous accomplishment,” says Kelly Gasink, who brought her products to market in 2014 with sister Jill Burns.

Copper & Kings

Spirit giant Diageo — its brands include Ketel One, Johnnie Walker and Captain Morgan — recently purchased Mr Black, an Australian cold brew coffee liqueur, anxious to establish a presence in a sector that has become highly competitive with the re-emergence of cocktails like the espresso martini and revolver. Claudia Schubert, president of Diageo North America, relates, “We believe Mr Black is just getting started in the dynamic coffee liqueur segment,” while co-founder Tom Baker states, “Coffee is more than just a drink — it’s a culture, ritual, obsession, aesthetic, experience, tradition, and community.”

Constellation Brands has been particularly aggressive about investing in or purchasing innovative distilleries. In 2020, the Fortune 500 corporation’s venture capital arm acquired Louisville’s Copper & Kings, maker of award-winning craft brandy aged in bourbon barrels. Copper & Kings, which has also produced gin, absinthe and a line of liqueurs, is famous for its unique technique of piping music through the cellar to enhance aging.

Balcones Distilling - Texas Single Malt

A flurry of recent acquisitions has focused on American whiskey producers, allowing international corporations to gain a foothold in the robust sector. Food and spirits writer Steve Coomes, author of The Rebirth of Bourbon and The Home Distiller’s Guide to Spirits, suggests the motivations of most transactions are hardly unexpected. “The owners of acquired distilleries realize staying competitive is outstripping their capital, while the buyers get brand diversity and mature, well-run businesses with market penetration.”

Some owners, explains Coomes, remain involved in the creative process after the deals close, but notes that distillery founders are the types of entrepreneurs wary of taking orders from corporate headquarters. “Sometimes the owners just want to make great whiskey, but the acquiring company wants to push a ready-to-drink product,” says Coomes of potential friction.

Recognizing value in the Kentucky bourbon industry, Milan-based Campari Group entered<br /> into a deal with Wilderness Trail Distillery.

Late last year, London-based Diageo acquired Balcones Distilling, the up-and-coming Texas whiskey producer. Diageo’s Schubert commented, “The Balcones team are true innovators and pioneers in the emerging American single malt and Texas whiskey movements, and their super premium-plus whiskeys are highly complementary to our portfolio.”

Greg Allen, chairman of the 15-year-old distillery, said, “Balcones started with an idea driven by an innovative spirit and passion to create something original and authentic in the heart of Texas.” He added, “We’re thrilled that Diageo shares our belief in its potential and we look forward to seeing Diageo bring Balcones’ incredible whiskeys to more consumers.”

WTD Bottles in Barrelhouse

In 2016, fast-growing High West Distillery was acquired by Constellation, which viewed the Park City, Utah, company’s American whiskeys as particularly appealing. “High West’s whiskeys are high-end, distinctive and delicious — perfect for today’s knowledgeable consumer who enjoys artfully crafted whiskeys,” explained Bill Newlands, Constellation’s president and CEO. Resolving to work closely with the label’s founding couple, David and Jane Perkins, he added, “With the addition of High West, Constellation Brands bolsters its position in the dynamic and growing craft spirits category.”

“The ideal situation is when the acquiring company recognizes the brand as a great horse they want in their stable, and are committed to making it bigger and better,” says Coomes. A deal the journalist views as representing the best-case scenario is a 70-percent stake that Milan-headquartered Campari Group recently took in Kentucky’s Wilderness Trail Distillery — hardly a craft operation, it is recognized as the 14th-largest bourbon producer — with the remaining 30-percent interest to follow in 2031.

Constellation Brands diversified its portfolio<br /> through the acquisition of Copper & Kings, a<br /> Kentucky producer of craft brandies.

“The owners will likely use that substantial new capital to invest in distillery operations while Campari will move the bottles,” says Coomes, who adds, “That’s great for the consumer.” It is too early to assess the ultimate impact on the quality of Wilderness Trail whiskeys. The good news, however, is that there is no shortage of passionate entrepreneurs anxious to launch their own craft distilleries.

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Spiritual Transformations

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By Roger Grody

Places of worship are designed for a very specific function, so when they are abandoned — parishioners migrate elsewhere or structures become physically compromised — it is challenging to repurpose the buildings. But designers who appreciate the heritage of sacred sites achieve extraordinary transformations, retaining a sense of spirit even when the buildings are readapted for less virtuous activities.

As congregations have declined, some neighborhood churches in Boston have been decommissioned, leading to creative conversions into luxury condominium projects. Representing one of the most dramatic of those adaptive reuses is The Lucas, a sleek high-end condominium building rising from the Gothic form of Holy Trinity German Catholic Church, originally constructed in 1874.

Holy Trinity had been vacant for a decade, so the city allowed an ambitious developer to erect a bold, eight story steel-and-glass tower within the granite and puddingstone masonry shell of the historic structure, with five floors rising above the original roofline of the sanctuary. While the new construction may sound incompatible with the Gothic structure, Finegold Alexander Architects designed the new addition to be discretely tucked behind the original façade.

A landmark church in Boston has<br /> been boldly repurposed as The Lucas,<br /> a luxury condominium project.<br /> Preservation of the original Gothic<br /> façade honors the historic site while<br /> retaining a human scale.

Tony Hsiao, principal and director of design at Finegold Alexander, suggests that churches, with their unique detailing and large windows, make transformations into luxury condominiums a natural progression, and reports The Lucas was sold-out prior to completion. Ellen Anselone, principal and vice president at the Boston-based firm, submits that despite the project’s bold infusion of modernism, it was sensitive to the neighborhood. “By preserving the façade, this project maintains a neighborhood scale and is consistent with the fabric of the neighborhood,” she says, noting that residents were pleased the abandoned building was redeveloped and appreciated that the new use was residential.

The visible stories of the modern addition are stepped back, reducing its visual impact, and creative design elements further harmonize the tower with the 19th century structure. “The inspiration was to integrate the new with the old, tying the new structure to the historic framework,” explains Hsiao. “The steel buttresses on the new tower were derived from the buttresses in the original Gothic architecture,” he adds.

Severe earthquake damage threatened demolition of Los Angeles’ Cathedral of Saint Vibiana, but preservationists ultimately saved the 1876 landmark. A new, modern cathedral was erected a few blocks away, and beloved Saint Vibiana was masterfully repurposed for less pious entertainment. The restored architecture Italianate structure now houses Redbird, the restaurant of acclaimed L.A. chef Neal Fraser, and Vibiana, an adjoining event space.

Redbird, one of the<br /> LA's top restaurants.

Amy Knoll Fraser, the chef’s wife and owner/operator of Redbird and Vibiana, recalls her first tour of the building in 2008, when she learned the owners of the property were looking for a restaurant to fill the historic space. “I froze, got chills and thought, ‘We have to do this’…I knew we were the ones to transform it.” The couple felt obligated to pay reverence to one of L.A.’s most historic buildings by offering a dining experience that balances tradition, innovation and cultural L.A.’s Saint Vibiana, a historic Italianate cathedral, has been reimagined as Vibiana, an event venue, and Redbird, one of the city’s top restaurants.

L.A.’s Saint Vibiana, a<br /> historic Italianate cathedral,<br /> has been reimagined as<br /> Vibiana, an event venue,<br /> and Redbird, one of the<br /> city’s top restaurants.

Working with designer Robert Weimer, who collaborated with the couple on previous restaurants, a design was conceived that introduces contemporary components while still paying homage to the existing architecture. “We viewed the original as a backdrop for the adapted use, lovingly placing the new elements within,” explains Weimer.

Emphasizing the intention was to complement the original architecture, not transform it, the designer states, “The added pieces are modern and crisp, and together with the slightly worn edges of the original historic building, the space has a dynamism and dialogue it wouldn’t have had otherwise.”

A cliffside monastery on Italy’s Amalfi Coast was splendidly transformed into<br /> Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa, a world-class boutique hotel.

Redbird’s dining room, a soaring space capped by a galleria-like glass ceiling, occupies what was originally Saint Vibiana’s rectory. It hosts a trendy clientele enjoying dishes like beef tartare with kimchi aioli and egg jam, or California sea bass with fregola and mussels in saffron-scented tomato broth. Knoll Fraser reports, “Neal’s cooking has always been a celebration of the multiculturalism of our city and we feel the property deserves to remain a place of community.” Chef/owner Neal Fraser suggests, “The architecture told us how to design the space and the menu,” and observes, “People love the fact the building is historic, but doesn’t feel like a museum.”

Occupying a landmark 1859 church in Portland, Maine, is Trine Events at Grace, hosting weddings, nonprofit banquets and corporate events. Noting the history of the building is what distinguishes the venue, owner Anne Rutherford states, “It’s impossible to be in the space without feeling the hum of almost 200 years of gathering, celebration, reverence and community.”

The Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa offers breathtaking views<br /> of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

It is not uncommon for churches, convents or monasteries to be reimagined as boutique hotels and Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa on Italy’s idyllic Amalfi Coast is a particularly stunning example. A restored 17th-century monastery, the hotel hugs a rugged cliff above the Tyrrhenian Sea, offering breathtaking views from its Michelin-starred restaurant and infinity pool. The property’s 20 rooms and suites, housed in what were originally the nuns’ quarters, provide the kind of sanctuary that is impossible to find in a large cosmopolitan hotel.

Although historic churches and monasteries may not be intrinsically well-suited to be repurposed as luxury hotels, Monastero Santa Rosa’s front office manager Pompeo Amendola believes this site demonstrates the enormous potential of such conversions. “These properties offer the unique opportunity to create specialized spaces and curated experiences that provide a genuine sense of place otherwise unavailable to guests,” he maintains.

Amendola reports a team of architects and historians collaborated on the restoration of Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa. “The main focus was to revive the spirit of Santa Rosa, creating modern-day experiences for the most discerning traveler while maintaining elements of its storied past,” he explains. One small but poetic example of connecting guests to the site’s history is a celebration of the monastic order’s legendary baking heritage. A sweet cream-filled pastry known as sfogliatella Santa Rosa originated at the monastery and is still baked on-site, placed in breadbaskets for guests to enjoy at breakfast.

In the Peruvian Andes, the JW Marriott El Convento Cusco is built on the site of a 16th century convent.

In the Peruvian Andes, the JW Marriott El Convento Cusco is built on the site of a 16th century convent. At the hotel’s reception desk is a massive, sculptural lighting fixture (handcrafted from 76,500 Swarovski crystals) that represents the God of the Sun in Incan iconography, a further reminder that this hotel was really 500 years in the making.

Another historic South American convent housing a luxury hotel is the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, located in the historic district of Cartagena, Colombia, a short walk to the ocean. The property successfully blends modern amenities with the spirit of the original 17th century convent. Its 1621 restaurant, for instance, occupies the Clarist nuns’ former dining room, but now features refined French technique applied to local ingredients.

“Our experiences are truly unique,” states Carmen Otero, sales and marketing director of the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara. She notes that colonial Cartagena has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and that the guest experience at the hotel is fully integrated into the ancient city’s rich history. “In all of our spaces we’ve involved local culture, which allowed us to retain the magic that can only be expressed in this place with 400 years of history,” explains Otero. Elaborate ocean-view suites tastefully blend the site’s religious history with the decadence of pure luxury.

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