All posts by Unique Homes Staff

Canadian Country Estate Offers Refined Living Fit for Royalty

Overlooking the beautiful countryside in Calgary, Alberta Canada, this exquisitely appointed country estate home sits majestically atop an escarpment with views of the Rocky Mountains.
“This home feels like an English country manor where family royals escape to relax in the warmth of magnificent space,” says Rachelle Starnes of The Starnes Group with Coldwell Banker Complete Real Estate who is listed the property.
Features include over 9,000 developed square feet, 6 bedrooms, 6 baths, an art gallery central hall, intricately designed iron staircase railings, walnut flooring, a living room with a central wood-burning fireplace, a custom kitchen with a breakfast nook, floor-to-ceiling windows, a six-diamond master wing covering the entire upper west side and a main-floor guest room.
The home, listed for $3.575 CDN, also features a lower level with a media room, bar area, wine cellar and exercise room.
“This property is perfect for those who seek refinement in a country setting,” says Starnes.

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Sales launch at Manhattan Residential Building

Architect SOO K. CHAN’S LATEST RESIDENTIAL BUILDING provides expansive panoramic views of Manhattan’s High Line.

Sales have launched at Five One Five, a new luxury residential building in Manhattan’s West Chelsea neighborhood. Located at 515 West 29th Street, the building is the only property in Manhattan to be framed by the renowned High Line park on two sides.
The 15-unit development was designed by acclaimed Singaporean architect Soo K. Chan, founding principal of SCDA — a multi-disciplinary firm engaging in architecture, interior, landscape and product design. The building’s distinctive design and construction features, including an intricate exterior made of curvy glass fins that give the façade a rippling appearance, reflects Chan’s signature fluid style that seamlessly coalesces with its surroundings. Chan and SCDA have designed and built residences, hotels and museums around the world, with Five One Five being their second project in New York.

Forum Absolute Capital Partners, a New York-based, privately-owned real estate investment platform with approximately $400 million in equity under management, is the owner and developer of the project. FACP and CORE, New York City’s leading boutique real estate brokerage firm, are leading sales and marketing for the development.
Five One Five is a truly remarkable residential development because it is one of the few buildings that overlooks the High Line with unobstructed views over the Hudson Yards plaza,” said Shaun Osher, founder and CEO of CORE. “The unique building design and generous layouts are sure to generate strong interest in this boutique project.”
Five One Five has world-class amenities that come with it, including a gym, 24-hour attended lobby, direct keyed elevator access to each residence, roof deck with a kitchen and ample storage. The development is located just steps from multiple transportation options, including the West Side Highway, the 7, A, C and E subway lines and access to interstate rail-transit via Penn Station.
Five One Five also includes a mix of two- and three-bedroom apartments, including a five-unit penthouse collection with expansive panoramic views of the High Line. All units feature bright, spacious Bulthaup kitchens with Gaggenau appliance packages and built-in multipurpose islands that are great for entertaining. Additionally, each unit features light oak floors, Molteni millwork and closet build-outs, door hardware by Franz Schneider Brakel, as well as Delta LED light fixtures and mobile-controlled Lutron Homeworks QS System for electronics, temperature control, shades and lighting. Prices at the 11-story building range from $4.3 million to $8.5 million.

Photos courtesy of CORE

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Featured Agent: Jeanne P. Hockaday of Virginia Country Real Estate, Inc.

Jeanne P. Hockaday

Virginia Country Real Estate, Inc.

3765 George Washington Memorial Highway, Hayes, VA 23072

O: 804.642.6126 | C: 804.815.0097 | jph@virginiacountryrealestate.com

www.VirginiaCountryRealEstate.com

Jeanne Hockaday is the principal broker and owner of Virginia Country Real Estate, Inc. A licensed Realtor with 45 years experience, earning the status of the Nationally Recognized title “Emeritus” through the National Association of Realtors (NAR), as well as many Realtor designations which provide better knowledge and skills for performing at the top of our professions. CRS, Certified Residential Specialist, GRI, Graduate of the Realtor Institute, CRB, Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager, ABR, Accredited Buyer Representative, E-Pro Technical Training, QSC, Quality Service Certificate. A Dale Carnegie graduate, Elite Homes Luxury Property Representative, Sales Trainer and Manager, and Realtor agent since 1973. Served 3 times as President of the Chesapeake Bay  River Association of Realtors and various other position’s. Currently serving on the State of Virginia Association of Virginia Leadership Academy Alumina Representative, and the State of Virginia Health Dept. On-site Sewage and Systems Appeals Board. A proud Rotarian, Chamber of Commerce, and National Home Builder’s Association member.

Featured Listing by Jeanne P. Hockaday

VIRGINIA

Camelot

Romance and leisure by the peaceful Piankatank River; be captivated by the appeal of a coastal Nantucket-style home complemented by a charming guest cottage. Features include a multi-car garage with a work bay and storage, a lounging pool and deep-water dock by sunning sand beach.

$1,175,000.

Jeanne P. Hockaday originally appeared as an Elite agent in the Unique Homes Spring ’18: Elite edition. See her page here.

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Featured Agents: Mary Pond & Ed Gunning of Smith and Associates Real Estate, Inc.

Mary Pond & Ed Gunning

Smith and Associates Real Estate, Inc.

333 Village Main Street, Suite 670, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Mary: 813.294.8867 | Ed: 813.690.7902
GunningPond@SmithandAssociates.com | GunningPond.com
Ed Gunning and Mary Pond with Smith and Associates Real Estate, Inc. have been bringing buyers and sellers together in the Tampa Bay area for over 30 years. Their successful partnership stems from their thorough knowledge of the bay area real estate market and understanding and exceeding their client’s needs. They know the importance of maintaining the highest level of service and integrity, which is evidenced in the fact that Ed and Mary have consistently been top multi-million dollar producers.

Featured Listing by Mary Pond & Ed Gunning

Tampa, Florida

Stunning estate-sized property located on South Tampa’s prestigious Palma Ceia Golf Course. Situated on 3/4 of an acre of manicured grounds and overlooking the 3rd fairway, this residence offers 5 bedrooms and 5.5 baths in the main house and a 1-bedroom, 1-bath guesthouse. Incredible pool and spa plus an outdoor entertainment area with a fully-equipped kitchen. Perfect for entertaining!
$4,750,000.

Mary Pond and Ed Gunning originally appeared as an Elite agents in the Unique Homes Spring ’18: Elite edition. See their page here.

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Featured Agent: James Lucarelli of Real Estate Affiliates of Telluride

James Lucarelli

Real Estate Affiliates of Telluride

657 W. Colorado Avenue, Telluride, CO 81435
O. 970.728.0213 | C. 970.708.2255 | Jim@TellurideAffiliates.com | www.TellurideAffiliates.com

James F. “Jim” Lucarelli has more than 27 years of experience in the Telluride real estate market. In that time, he has served 3 terms as president of the Telluride Association of Realtors and is the only 3-time Realtor of the Year. In February 2002 he founded Real Estate Affiliates of Telluride, a company committed to providing respectful, professional service to its clients, and it quickly became one of the region’s top boutique real estate offices. In addition to his work as Broker/Owner of Real Estate Affiliates, Jim also has been involved in construction management and project development, building single-family residences and overseeing the creation of neighborhoods in Mountain Village and Telluride.

Listing by James Lucarelli

TELLURIDE, COLORADO

E. Pandora Avenue

This is a must-see view lot on the sunny side of Telluride. The property offers sweeping views of Bear Creek, Mt. Ballard, Ingram and Ski Area, as well as sunrises over Ajax and spectacular western sunsets. With 6,548 square feet, the lot is located on a paved, quiet Town of Telluride road with cul-de-sac type qualities. Duplex zoning (2 kitchens but not subdividable) in a multimillion-dollar neighborhood. Best available vacant lot in town for its size, location, and views.

$2,600,000

 

James Lucarelli originally appeared as an Elite agent in the Unique Homes Spring ’18: Elite edition. See his page here.

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Featured Agent: Rhonda Smith of Algin Realty, Inc.

Rhonda A. Smith

Algin Realty, Inc.

150 W. Washington Street, Madison, GA 30650

O. 770.616.4460 | C. 706.319.7980 | rsmithspa@yahoo.com | www.alginrealty.com

Rhonda is a member of Morgan County Rotary, a Board Member of the Madison – Morgan Boys & Girls Club, and the local Magnolia Garden Club. Rhonda enjoys working with both buyers and sellers where she is knowledgeable in the Madison, Rutledge, Lake Oconee, Athens and surrounding counties. She is a certified Real Estate Negotiating Expert, a member of the Institute of Luxury Home Marketing, and a Seniors Real Estate Specialist. Whether you are a first time home buyer or retiree looking to downsize, it is her pleasure to assist from starting with a lender to beyond the closing. Her motto is “there is no home  too small or too big — there is the right fit for everyone!” Rhonda is always helping families plant roots one home at a time!

Featured Listing by Rhonda Smith

MADISON, GEORGIA

Joshua Hill House

The most historically significant home in Madison, the Joshua Hill House perfectly depicts the slow, luxurious lifestyle of Southern living. This Greek Revival sits on its own block surrounded by gardens, a potting shed, guesthouse and a beautiful pecan grove.

$3,000,000.

 

Rhonda Smith originally appeared as an Elite agent in the Unique Homes Spring ’18: Elite edition. See her page here.

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Kelly Hoppen partners with Lux* Resorts & Hotels

The design of Lux* Grand Gaube incorporates elements of nature with its sea views, airy verandas and sundecks.

Kelly Hoppen, a designer, entrepreneur, author, educator and Member of the Order of the British Empire, has designed the interior of LUX* Grand Gaube, a major hotel owned by LUX* Resorts & Hotels. LUX* Grand Gaube is based in Mauritius, an island nation located in East Africa, that is known for its beaches, lagoons and reefs.
Reminded of her experiences in Africa as a child, Hoppen was blown away by the hotel’s location, light, smell and foliage. Hoppen wanted to provide an experience through her design for LUX* Grand Gaube and create something new for the brand.
“An experience is the strongest feeling to have and if I can create something special and have an amazing company like LUX* implement the service with my design then that’s when magic happens,” Hoppen said. “Both my brand and LUX* have a great understanding of what timeless luxury is and therefore the collaboration is a naturally evolving journey.”

Hoppen’s design allows guests to feel at home and transports them to an extraordinary world which stays true to the architect Jean-Francois Adam’s vision of contemporary yet timeless Indian Ocean living.
As an avid traveller, Hoppen appreciates the importance of comfort and ease of a hotel, and when designing, puts herself in the guests’ shoes. For Hoppen, every single detail is extremely important. From the bedroom decor, to the restaurant, to the walk from the hotel to the beach, to having a sip of morning coffee — every aspect and angle had to be taken into consideration when designing this hotel.
For the hotel’s interior, Hoppen used her signature neutral pallet to create layers of contrast, both in color and texture. Hoppen complemented these neutrals with splashes of color for the interior spaces. Her design evokes a certain calmness throughout the resort and provides LUX* Grand Gaube with an essence of pure tranquility.

Inspired by the stunning natural landscape, Hoppen felt it was paramount to incorporate elements of nature in the interior spaces. All rooms, suites and villas open out to stunning sea views and airy verandas. Some rooms offer outdoor baths or sundecks edged by the resort’s private cove. Hoppen has enhanced the spindrift-white bedrooms with unexpected details such as succulents in ceramic pots. Accents such as handwoven African baskets, wicker tables and smooth neutral floors ensure all bedrooms provide the utmost comfort. The geometric encaustic tiles add graphic-design personality to the ensuites, and many bathrooms feature reclaimed bespoke Victorian bathtubs.
LUX* Grand Gaube provides its guests with a choice of six restaurants and seven bars, many of which are totally unique in style. Guests may enjoy sunshine or starlight through the glazed ceilings of the Palm Court Restaurant, while savouring dishes cooked à la minute. Every table in the restaurant looks out onto the ocean and guests may be seated comfortably on the banquettes or at the kitchen counters.

Inspired by the surrounding tropics, from the minute guests arrive to the minute they leave, Hoppen’s design allows guests to relax and forget about their troubles, immersing themselves in the resort’s experience.

Photo courtesy of www.kellyhoppeninteriors.com

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Where should Prince Harry and Meghan Markle purchase their second home?

Royal wedding fever is upon us, and people around the world are placing their bets on what Meghan’s dress will look like, where the couple will honeymoon and even the food at the reception. But how about what happens when the wedding insanity dies down?  The couple will surely need a few places to relax and unwind. Listed below are a few homes we believe are fit for royalty.

Rock House
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

If privacy is top of mind for Meghan and Harry, this brand new residential resort tucked into the untouched limestone cliffs of Turks and Caicos, a British territory, will offer the perfect combination of five-star service and plenty of personal space to unwind once the wedding madness settles. The recently-announced Ridge Cottages are especially ideal cliffside hideaways, as they will offer the most space and a private pool off the main living area, ensuring a lifetime of Turks and Caicos sunsets, sans paparazzi. Other Grace Bay Resorts-managed properties are frequented by public figures such as Jane Fonda and Gayle King.

Photo courtesy of Rock House

Photo courtesy of Millerhare

1000M
Chicago, Illinois

Located less than an hour away from Northwestern University — Meghan Markle’s alma mater — 1000M may be the perfect pied-à-terre for the royal couple. Getting around won’t be a problem for the newlyweds with access to the Helmut Jahn-designed Porte-cochère with 24-hour door staff and driver service. When they’re looking to stay in, Meghan and Harry can take advantage of more than 40,000 feet of indoor and outdoor amenity spaces including a 52-foot resort-style pool with private cabanas, a conservatory for musical performances and art exhibitions, a full-service bar and lounge, live music and events, a wine tasting room with private wine storage and the sky terrace with telescopes for celestial viewing.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences
Miami Beach, Florida

With seven bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, the $40 million penthouse at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach offers the newly-wed royals a tropical palace in paradise. Megan and Harry can take in the views of the Miami skyline and expansive ocean vistas on the private side of Miami Beach on a quiet ocean inlet.
The penthouse is equipped with a private hammam spa, his-and-hers studios, sunrise and sunset swimming pools with hot tubs, private plunge pools off the master bedrooms, alfresco kitchen and bar, butler kitchen, service accommodations, book library, separate his-and-hers studies, wine room, private screening room and family game suite. 
If that’s not enough, the property will also offer a private house car and day yacht, as well as a navigable marine helipad for easy transportation without the paparazzi.

Photo courtesy of DooArchitecture

Photo courtesy of Epiphany

Caroline Bay
Bermuda

For the ultimate feeling of privacy and tranquility, Meghan and Harry can purchase at Caroline Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve located in a private enclave on the west end of Bermuda. The Cove, the first 35 residences to be complete, offers residents a waterfront lifestyle with access to a superyacht marina. With open floor plans and generous spaces for indoor and outdoor living, homeowners who’ve purchased the four-bedroom penthouses can take advantage of the private elevator entry offerings and plunge pools. If the couple gets homesick, the homes pay subtle tribute to British Colonial architecture. The couple can also receive a complimentary one-year membership to Port Royal Golf Club, a Troon Privé club just across the street.

Alaia
Belize

Located in one of the world’s most photogenic yet untapped destinations, Alaia, the newest waterfront resort and residential property spanning more than 20-acres, is the ideal location for Harry and Meghan to call home. A collection of residences and eight oceanfront villas will have their own entrances along the tranquil Caribbean Sea.
Offering the utmost privacy and luxury, the property is surrounded by lush landscaping and provides exclusive amenities for residents only, including a live art gallery and beach club. Harry and Meghan can purchase a villa and indulge in their own private pools, beach seats, bedrooms filled with rustic marbles and stones, reclaimed wood, linen curtains, textured beige walls and earth-toned hues, as well as direct access to pristine white beaches.

Photo courtesy of Alaia

Photo courtesy of Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences

Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences
Singer Island, Florida

 The residences at Amrit will offer Megan and Harry the perfect second home to slough away the stresses of royal life.

With a personal wellness assistant included, the couple can partake in daily meditation classes, yoga, nutritional juices and foods, as well as various spa therapies.

Located on prime beachfront property in Palm Beach’s Singer Island, Amrit’s residences are equipped with posture supportive flooring and vitamin C infused showers.

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Featured Agent: Chris Karsteter of Coldwell Banker Bain

Chris Karsteter

Coldwell Banker Bain

 

1661 East Olive Way Seattle, WA 98102

T. 206.794.1465 ~ karsteter@coldwellbanker.com ~ Coldwell Banker Bain

Chris’ goal is to provide exceptional personalized service throughout the real estate experience. He relies on 30 years of customer service expertise to help ensure professional, pleasant and “painless” real estate transactions for his customers and clients.

Featured Listing by Chris Karsteter

San Juan Islands, Washington

 

A rare opportunity. Situated within the breathtaking San Juan Islands archipelago, just north of Seattle, this extraordinary 29-acre gated estate offers supreme privacy and is a sophisticated retreat on the wooded shores of Puget Sound. 4,421 feet of front footage and sheltered boathouses. Although the property feels like a private island, it is connected to Blakely Island proper, its marina and airport. $4,500,000 price reduction… seller wants to sell.

www.BlakelyEstate.com

$13,995,000

 

Chris Karsteter originally appeared as an Elite agent in the Unique Homes Spring ’18: Elite edition. See his page here.

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Midtown Atlanta Residential Tower Will Offer Luxury Lifestyle At Competitive Rate

No2 Opus Place, a luxury development in Atlanta, Georgia, encompasses more than 46,000 feet of private amenities, including a spa and wellness haven, artful experiences and Mozart’s Club Level.

No2 Opus Place, famed for its record-setting plans to become the tallest residential tower along the Midtown Atlanta skyline, will be known for more than its height in the near future. The luxurious development is soon to be the most highly amenitized condominium building in Midtown, encompassing more than 46,000 feet of private amenities spread over three floors with endless city views and top-of-the-line finishes and features. No2 Opus Place wrote 20 contracts during the month of March and the project is in the site work phase of construction.

At only 48 cents per square foot, No2 Opus Place’s monthly homeowners’ association fees will offer residents a well-appointed lifestyle with access to an outstanding number of in-house amenities, without the high rates normally associated with luxury living.

“The developer thoughtfully curated No2 Opus Place to incorporate a fully loaded line-up of amenities, services and gathering spaces at a reasonable cost to the homeowner,” said Lori Lane, senior vice president of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “Right now is a great time for buyers to discover No2 Opus Place — we’re currently in our pre-sale phase which offers the best pricing options and choice of residences.”

The Opus Club, a finely selected collection of best-in-class amenities, will provide residents and their guests the ultimate in exclusive hospitality, all under one roof.

Situated atop a fine dining restaurant, the private 8,200-square-foot arrival experience will welcome residents home with an on-site bellman and full valet service. The grand entryway leads residents into the Entrance Suite, featuring a double height space accentuated by a contemporary crystal chandelier and blue-chip art collection. Also included in the arrival is access to on-site parking, dry and cold package storage and on-site property management. A 24-hour Concierge is available to offer residents services typically found in a boutique hotel. Additionally, No2 Opus Place will employ a full-time Lifestyle Curator to plan events such as wine tastings and movie screenings.

Ascending upwards through the tower, residents will experience a 26,000-square-foot health and wellness facility featuring both indoor and outdoor amenities. The outdoor area will provide ample entertainment space for residents and their guests. From the resort-style pool featuring a massive movie wall, waterfall and private cabanas to alfresco dining spaces with fire pits and BBQ grills to a juice bar in an open-air lounge, the exterior amenities cater to every aspect of an active, stylish lifestyle. The outdoor area also includes a covered lap pool perfect for catching the sunrise during exercises, an outdoor kitchen and a dog run.

An on-site Wellness Director and Spa Attendant will help guide residents’ wellness routines within the indoor and outdoor treatment rooms. Sauna and steam rooms and a state-of-the-art gym, along with a Pilates and yoga studio, are also a part of the rejuvenating spa and wellness center.

Near the pinnacle of the building lies Mozart’s 41st, the 8,900-square-foot Club Level featuring a 23-seat IMAX Screening room, ultra-lounge, cocktail bar, demonstration kitchens, a culinary tasting lounge and a wine tasting and storage space. For residents looking for a more intimate experience, access to private guest suites, a private dining room and a library is also available.

Photos courtesy of ARX Solutions

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