All posts by Unique Homes Staff

Aqua Expeditions Enters Coastal Cruise Market

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The world’s most respected boutique luxury cruise line — Aqua Expeditions — is set to enter the coastal cruise market in the fall of 2019, after operating as an Amazon and Mekong River cruise line for the past 12 years. A month ago, Aqua Expeditions finalized the purchase of a long-range, 200-foot explorer yacht originally built for Britain’s Royal Navy. The vessel is now undergoing a complete refurbishment designed, transforming into an ultra-modern luxury expedition cruise ship catering to affluent explorers.

Scheduled to begin full operations in November 2019, the explorer class vessel will serve three new destinations with year-round departures. The full announcement on vessel name, facts, destinations and itinerary details will be released globally on May 8.

The May 8th announcement will also unveil a brand-new, state-of-the-art, luxury river cruise vessel to consolidate Aqua Expeditions’ position as one of the leaders in the river-cruise market. Once this and the recently purchased expedition vessel are in operation, Aqua Expeditions will have doubled its fleet from two to four vessels by mid-2020.

“Even as we grow, as an owner, I remain deeply involved in every aspect of the new vessels – from the minutiae of the design details to the intricacies of the itineraries — just as we did when we started out in 2007,” says CEO Francesco Galli Zugaro. “As with all Aqua Expeditions vessels, we are partnering both with renowned designers and critically acclaimed chefs to provide a world-class experience.”

The fleet expansion and geographic diversification underscore Aqua Expeditions’ long-time dedication to providing highly personalized luxury travel experiences, immersive excursions into the wildlife and culture of each region. Guests will enjoy world-class cuisine and dining experiences by renowned chefs. Highly tailored guest services and itineraries on the designer ships with elegant and contemporary aesthetics demonstrate Aqua Expeditions’ commitment to community, sustainability and preservation. “The new ships and destinations we will reveal next month are certain to intrigue the sophisticated traveler,” Galli Zugaro adds.

Photos courtesy of Aqua Expeditions.

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Suzanne Somers and Alan Hamel List Their Palm Springs Retreat

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Actress, author and entrepreneur Suzanne Somers and her husband Alan Hamel have listed their one-of-a-kind, 72-acre hillside retreat in Palm Springs, California.

The couple, who have owned this expansive mountainside compound since the late 1970s, are listing it at $9.5 million and have selected Ron Parks of Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty and Scott Lyle of Douglas Elliman Real Estate to co-list the one-of-a-kind property.

“Alan and I have finally decided to let go of our compound,” says Somers. “It’s been our private paradise; our L.A. getaway for so many years; our kids grew up here. We love entertaining on the grounds; our friends fly in from all over for a surprising south of France experience in Palm Springs. We’re changing things up a bit now and have purchased a Steve Chase-designed mid-century modern home on the other side of town. We don’t need 70-plus acres anymore; time for a new journey.”

Scattered across the main courtyard area are five buildings with 7,200 square feet of private living space, including five fully appointed bedroom suites (one of which is The Rock House by iconic architect Albert Frey), a pool house, a two-bedroom caretaker quarters, and an outdoor amphitheater carved into the mountain that seats 50 and has a dance floor that doubles as a yoga and meditation area, and offers a pool, spa, hiking trails and natural waterfall that spills down the hillside.

The compound is reachable by a private funicular, on foot or by golf cart via a private road. In the late ’70s, Somers and Hamel moved to the property as a weekend retreat; it was a safe haven, very private and an escape from their public life in L.A. Eventually, it became their permanent residence.

There have only been three owners in 100 years including the Hamels. “That says it all about this unique mountainside compound,” adds Somers.

Photos courtesy of Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty.

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Austin Condo Offers Free Electricity & Airfare to PG&E Customers

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Capsa Ventures, the developer of the FOURTH& Condos in Austin, Texas, announced they would provide free electricity to PG&E customers if they buy a condo in their 102-unit building near downtown Austin. The announcement came immediately after PG&E declared bankruptcy in January.

“With the mounting uncertainty PG&E customers must have, we want them to know we’ll take care of them if they decide to relocate,” says Scott Sproat, Director of Marketing & Project Sales for Capsa Ventures.

The Austin condo development promotes responsible energy consumption and received a 5 (out of 5) star rating through the Austin Energy Green Building program, the nation’s most successful sustainable building program.

Photo by Bruce James.

“We have a responsibility to be good stewards of the land we develop,” says Rance Clouse, CEO of Capsa Ventures. “Through extensive pre-planning, our team was very intentional with the materials we included at FOURTH&.” The New York Times even included FOURTH& in an article titled “The Many Faces of Innovation In U.S Cities.” With 600 solar panels on the roof, 100 percent LED lighting throughout and an extraordinary building envelope, anyone living here will see significantly reduced energy and water use. The condo project offers “Texas-sized” micro-loft (efficiency) units that are just over 500 square feet to two-bedroom, two and a half bath Urban Walk-Up units that are over 1,400 square feet. Pricing starts in the $250s for micro-loft units. The offer includes a $500 voucher for airfare and all electricity bills for their new condo to be paid for 12 months when new residents purchase and move into any available unit.

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Innovative Resort Set to Break Ground on Mammoth Mountain

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YOTELPAD Mammoth is set to break ground this spring in the heart of the popular Mammoth Mountain village as the first major on-mountain resort development in more than a decade.

YOTEL is a pioneer in modular building with a signature design concept that centers around transformative spaces with multi-purpose furniture and convertible configurations to maximize interior space along with built-in technology and a modern minimalistic design.

 

The property will implement the newest technologies, such as robot butlers making in-PAD deliveries and a robotic luggage concierge, as well as an interactive app offering ski and car valet, check-in, keyless entry, on-demand Fix-it (IT) and Cabin (housekeeping) Crews, mobile dining orders, Amazon lockers, and more. PADS (condos) range from 410 to 629sf and start in the $300,000s. The property will also unveil the brand’s new DOMO concept with 21 townhomes offering 1,503sf of living space that can sleep up to 10, priced from $1.5 million. Owners will have access to:The Terrace social hub with a bar, numerous fire pits, year-round pool and hot tub, a dog park, a dedicated area for yoga, table tennis and bocce ball courts.

 

The community fireplace lounge will have the first-ever YOTELPAD bar that connects the outdoor social spaces with the indoors. KOMYUNTI will serve as a multi-generational space, offering a place for guests to warm up fireside, mingle at the bar, dine at the on-site restaurant or takeover the fully-equipped kitchen available to owners.

Little ones will be plenty occupied with endless activities in dedicated zones for kids and teens, and other amenities in and around MISSION CONTROL (the central lobby area) will include a 24/7 gym, steam room and GRAB+GO light bites. Gear storage, as well as bike storage, will be available to owners seasonally.

Photos courtesy of YOTELPAD Mammoth.

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Okan Tower Launches in Downtown Miami

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Inspired by the silhouette of a tulip, Turkey’s official flower, a 70-story architectural masterpiece will soon grace the Miami skyline with dynamic living and hospitality experiences within a multi-purpose tower, delivering sophistication, convenience and the finest fusion of brands.

Okan Group — one of Turkey’s leading companies and a significant developer — has announced the official sales launch of its first U.S. development in Downtown Miami’s urban core:  Okan Tower. Uniting a diverse collection of mixed-use elements in one vertical destination, the project will present a 316-key hotel by Hilton Hotels & Resorts, 64,000 square feet of ‘Class A’ office space, 236 additional condo-hotel units starting on the 36th floor, and 149 condominium residences, plus 4 penthouses, starting on the 51st floor.

Located at 555 North Miami Avenue, Okan Tower will bring a new, defining form to the city’s iconic horizon. Exclusive sales and marketing for the development is by ONE Sotheby’s International Realty.

“We are thrilled to be launching sales for this much anticipated new development. The reputation and prestige synonymous with the Okan brand, paired with the company’s financial strength, communicates great confidence in the market,” says Daniel de la Vega, President of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. “Okan Tower’s team of power players and overall vision affords this project a unique edge in Miami’s real estate landscape, and we are proud to be part of this venture.” 

Billionaire businessman and Okan Group Chairman Bekir Okan greatly credits Miami’s vibrant energy and international fusion in his decision to name the city for the tower’s location. In between travels around the globe, Mr. Okan frequents his South Florida residence, which furthers his desire to allow the company’s roots to bloom in the Magic City, tied closely with the Hilton Hotels & Resorts name.

Considering the global footprints of Okan Group, Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Sotheby’s International Realty, Okan Tower’s world appeal will take its sales team across continents to showcase the product, including the U.S., Turkey, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. According to Miami Association

of Realtors’ latest South Florida International Real Estate Report, South Florida continues to strongly draw foreign buyers, who purchased $7.1 billion of area residential properties in 2017 – up from $6.2 billion the year prior – and accounted for 35 percent of closed sales.

Paying tribute to the Turkish culture, architect firm Behar Font & Partners was appointed to design Okan Tower and the striking curvature of its façade. Anticipated to attract international investors, the project’s condo-hotel units will be delivered turn-key within studios, and one and two bedrooms, from 447 to 1,245 square feet. Residential offerings will include condominiums ranging from one-to-three bedrooms, plus a den, with floor plans from 698 to more than 2,071 square feet. Two floors of duplex-style penthouses will feature expansive layouts, from 1,873 to more than 2,142 square feet.

World-class amenities will not be spared, with Okan Group carefully curating a menu of offerings that truly matter to the target demographic. This includes high-speed elevators with separate access points for the various mixed-use components, a sky pool with panoramic views of the bay and city on the 70th floor, Hammam spa, state-of-the-art health and fitness center, multipurpose room, and outdoor lounge. Additional features will be a playroom for kids, chef and gastro kitchen, a resident movie theater, and private area for owners with wine cellar and cigar room, as well as an activated rooftop restaurant on the 67th floor.

Okan Group brings to Miami nearly five decades of experience and a long-established reputation in Turkey and other parts of the world. The company has expertise in a variety of industries, including construction, tourism, education, health, and hospitality.

Photos courtesy of Okan Tower.

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Castles Fit for Royalty

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As fantasy fans marvel over the final season of the iconic Game of Thrones series, there are several real-life castles on the market fit for royalty. These grand properties offer a whimsical aesthetic that is sure to impress luxury homebuyers with elegant tastes.

3716 North White Chapel Boulevard  — Dallas, TX

The storybook façade blends old-word enchantment with modern luxury, fit for only the most elegant family in the land: The Lannisters. 

Château de Lamothe – Pyrées-Atlantiques, France A piece of French history, Château de Lamothe is a restored castle and charming property fit for none other than Lady Olena Tyrell. Aesthetically, both castles are covered in ivy and boast plentiful gardens. 

Photos courtesy of Conceirge Auctions.

   39 Bradford Road – Scarsdale, NY This breathtaking Tudor sits proudly on a tranquil street at the end of a cul-de-sac. A stunning presence and nestled on .57 acres, the location of 39 Bradford promotes carefree, outdoor play. The gracious entry sets the stage for wonderfully proportioned rooms that highlight the best of the original detail.

50 Crows Nest Road — Bronxville, NY

This impressive Manor House is surrounded by 1.3 acres of hilltop property with distant views of the Manhattan skyline. Extraordinarily constructed with local quarried stone, its Gothic Revival design remains much the same today as it was well over a century ago.

 

Photos courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence. 

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Queens’ Tallest Residential Tower

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The tallest residential structure in Queens, Skyline Tower, is set to launch sales of its luxury condominiums later this spring.

The tower’s robust amenity package and proximity to transit for a quick commute to Manhattan are helping to draw newcomers to the prosperous neighborhood. Skyline Tower is located in the Court Square area of Queens, which is known for its abundance of outdoor parks, restaurants and bars and artistic and entertainment venues.

Skyline Tower is the tallest residential building outside Manhattan, making it a game changer for real estate in the Queens borough and setting the stage for the future of luxury residential living in Long Island City.

Designed by Hill West Architects + White Hall Interiors, the 67-story building will offer residents striking 360-degree panoramic views of LIC, Greenpoint, Downtown Brooklyn, Midtown and Lower Manhattan. The designers anticipate that young professionals and families alike will be attracted to the tower’s unparalleled views and plethora of amenities.

Skyline Tower features a 75-foot, temperature-controlled swimming pool, a whimsical, hot air balloon-themed children’s playroom and an extensive spa package with a cedar-lined sauna, a steam room and a massage/treatment room. LIC-based brokerage firm Modern Spaces is selling studio to four-bedroom residences from $500K to $4 million.

Photos courtesy of Binyan Studios.

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Pick Your Penthouse

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A selection of gorgeous penthouse units on the market allow for home seekers to find a sky-high residence all their own. From the Italian countryside to the sandy beaches of Hawaii, here are a variety of penthouses across the globe, all with elevated aesthetic sensibilities and access to world-class amenities.

Castello di Casole, Bargagli Penthouse
Tuscany, Italy

Overlooking the hilltop town of Casole d’Elsa, the 3,350 square foot residence is perfectly situated within Castello di Casole, a historic castle in Tuscany, Italy that dates back to the 10th century. It is the ultimate in estate living encompassing three bedrooms, spacious private terrace, full kitchen and fireplace. Owners can enjoy a dedicated concierge, governate and private chefs as well as ensuite dining and spa services.

Photo courtesy of Casali di Casole.

Photo courtesy of Ascent South Lake Union.

Ascent South Lake Union, Penthouse C08
Seattle, Washington

Developed by Greystar, this nautical-inspired two-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse stands high within Ascent South Lake Union, a 25-story luxury apartment tower newly opened in Seattle’s up-and-coming neighborhood. Ascent South Lake Union offers penthouse residents prime access to the adjacent Amazon headquarters across the street, unparalleled views of the Downtown skyline, Lake Union and the Space Needle, and a host of smart home technology. Penthouse residents have access to The Observatory, a rooftop lounge and open-air deck, as well as an organic green roof, a rooftop spa, indoor entertainment kitchen, a pet spa, life-size Scrabble board and state-of-the-art fitness center. View the floor plan here.

Timbers Kauai, The Kaiholo Penthouse 3202
Kauai, Hawaii

As the pinnacle of luxury at the newest resort and on the lush island of Kauai, the three-bedroom and three-and-a-half bathroom Kaiholo penthouse offers spacious living with cliffside views of the 18-hole Ocean Course at Hokuala, Hau’pu Mountain Range and Nawiliwili Bay. As the largest residence at Timbers Kauai, the penthouse spans 5,239 square feet with a 1,795 square foot private lanai and features include Sapele hardwood floors, natural stone vanities and custom cabinetry, and beautifully appointed kitchens with Thermador Masterpiece appliances and an integrated wine cooler.

Photo courtesy of Timbers Kauai.

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Kiawah Sees First New Oceanfront Residential Development In 35 Years

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Timbers Resorts, the leading developer and operator of luxury boutique properties around the globe, recently announced the opening of the highly anticipated Timbers Kiawah – Ocean Club & Residences, the first new residential development on Kiawah Island’s oceanfront in over 30 years.

Made up of 21 thoughtfully designed residences across three oceanfront buildings, the new development is the first and only residence club on Kiawah Island, offering buyers a completely new way to approach home ownership on the sought-after island.  

“Timbers Kiawah is the front row seat to the best beach on the Eastern Seaboard,” says David Burden, Executive Chairman and Founder of Timbers Resorts. “Developed with families in mind, we believe it provides the ideal setting for generations – it captures the spirit of the Lowcountry and showcases the ultimate in oceanfront living. We are excited to be a part of the tight-knit community of Kiawah and we look forward to welcoming all of our new owners to the Timbers family.”

Featuring coastal interiors by J. Banks Design and architecture by Poss Architecture + Planning, Timbers Kiawah – Ocean Club & Residences features resort-like amenities including a private clubhouse with a central lounge area, temperature-controlled owners’ wine storage, private bar and state-of-the art fitness facility. Also available exclusively to Timbers residents and their guests is a private beach club with an oceanfront pool and beach services, as well as an array of family and children’s programming.

“The Timbers Kiawah experience is unlike any other in the Lowcountry,” says Greg Spencer, CEO of Timbers Resorts. “We curated a team of the most talented professionals to provide a fresh and exclusive experience on Kiawah Island. From the interiors to the roster of activities, we work diligently to provide a carefree setting for owners to relax and enjoy what Kiawah has to offer.”

With sales on track for sell-out, Timbers Kiawah’s sales success proves the continued strength of Timbers Resorts’ fractional ownership model. The Timbers concept affords owners a hassle-free owning experience—both on and off the island—by providing year-round onsite management as well as pre-arrival provisioning, on-island concierge services, owner storage, valet parking and daily housekeeping.

Currently for sale, Timbers Kiawah residences are housed in three separate buildings connected by the property’s exclusive beach club and pool deck. Each home features panoramic views of the ocean and spacious interiors fit for families. Recognized as some of the most prized real estate on Kiawah Island the 18 three-bedroom homes total over 2,200 sq. ft. each, while the development’s marquee listings—its three four-bedroom penthouses—boast over 3,600 sq. ft. of interior space. All residences feature floor-to-ceiling windows, expansive outdoor terraces and a host of high-quality finishes and furnishings – most of which were custom crafted by J. Banks Design, an international firm recognized by Interior Design as among the best in hospitality design.

Timbers Kiawah also features a clubhouse and lounge, owner services team, temperature-controlled wine storage, kids play room and a state-of-the-art fitness facility. Here, residents can send postcards custom designed by Charleston artist Rick Sargent to their families and friends; request any service ranging from meal delivery to babysitting; and book dining reservations and daytime excursions. Upon purchasing a residence, Timbers Kiawah will commission a caricature portrait of the family, which will hang in the clubhouse’s main room.

Timbers Kiawah provides owners with private access to a dedicated set of luxury amenities and personalized services. The heart of the resort is the beach club, where the oceanfront pool, residents-only restaurant and beach services are all located.

Throughout the property, Timbers Kiawah only uses bamboo cutlery and straws to help protect Kiawah Island’s threatened sea turtles. Conservation is a large part of the company’s DNA, and new programs dedicated to this cause will continue rolling out throughout the next year.

Photos courtesy of Timbers Kiawah.

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Halstead Chairman & CEO Named Chairman of the Board for LeadingRE

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Halstead announced its Chairman & CEO Diane M. Ramirez has been named Chairman of the Board of Directors of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (LeadingRE) on Tuesday, March 5.

“I’m honored to be elected Chairperson of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World’s Board of Directors. It has been a privilege to work alongside fellow board members, an esteemed group of global industry leaders, over the last two years in my Vice Chair role. In my new position, I look forward to continued collaboration to advance the real estate industry and strengthen the deep international relationships offered through the network,” says Ramirez.

Ramirez has been an active member of the organization for over 20 years, and most recently served as Vice Chairman since 2017. The board provides strategic guidance for LeadingRE, working closely with the company’s executive team to deliver high value programs and services to the network’s 565 market-leading real estate firms in 70 countries.

 

Photo courtesy of Halstead.

“Diane is a visionary leader whose reputation extends worldwide and who is highly respected in the real estate community. She is committed to the individual and collective success of our members, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her serving in this role,” says LeadingRE President/CEO Paul Boomsma.

The announcement was made during the LeadingRE Annual Conference, which took place February 20-22 at Wynn Las Vegas. At the event, Halstead, which was co-founded by Ramirez, was also awarded LeadingRE’s 2019 Most Innovative Brokerage Firm, accomplished against 565 top privately-held firms within the international network.

Halstead was also recognized with first place for three additional categories, including Company Brand & Property Advertising, Specialty Marketing, and Best Real Estate Search for its newly redesigned website, Halstead.com.

In addition to this new role, Ramirez was recently awarded the Bernard H. Mendik Lifetime Leadership Award from the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), for her exceptional career in the real estate industry.  She was also previously honored by REBNY with the Henry Forster award, an annual recognition presented to a real estate professional with an outstanding record of achievement and conduct both within the industry and the community.

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