All posts by Madeline Holmes

1245 Mill Creek Road Absolutely Stuns in Bradenton, Florida

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1245 Mill Creek Road

About the House

This dream-worthy estate boasts 30 acres of seclusion and tranquility. Built in 2021 along the banks of the Manatee River, this home is truly one of a kind. Inspired by the unique Cape Dutch style, the house spans 4,489 square feet and includes three bedrooms and four baths. Each room exemplifies understated elegance, with a focus on the breathtaking nature views surrounding the property.

The home is divided into east and west wings, providing space and privacy for all guests. The east wing is complete with a library, gallery, spacious bedroom suite, and a large study that can also serve as a third bedroom. The west wing features another large bedroom suite, a study, and a utility/hobby room. Each wing has its own stairwell leading to separate garages, and nestled between them are a gym and a hobby room.

The heart of the home is the large open living area, which maximizes natural light and offers spectacular views, creating an inviting and beautiful gathering space. The owners selected finishes such as

 

 

 

In addition to the incredible main house, the estate features a 1,265-square-foot modern guest house. “The Treehouse” is an airy and bright one-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath space with expansive windows overlooking the pond. Perfect for outdoor grilling and dining, the large screened deck is a wonderful addition to the guest house.

As the home is centered around nature, wildlife is abundant on the property. It is a haven for deer, bobcats, owls, otters, turtles, eagles, and countless waterbirds. Throughout the landscaping, many nesting boxes hang in trees to protect various bird species. Additionally, the 60-foot dock is excellent for boating and fishing, with several species inhabiting the waterways.

The estate includes several other structures, such as an air-conditioned, insulated utility barn, a greenhouse with a full nursery rack, and the “Fish Shack,” a screened hut perfect for sunset gatherings.

1245 Mill Creek Road  provides many opportunities to explore the Florida wetlands, with several trails leading to different areas of the estate. This estate is truly a tribute to the landscape and nature around it.

 

This home appeared on the cover of
Prestige Summer 2024 magazine.

Click here to read the full article. 

 

Connect with
Bev Murray to learn more about this listing!

Broker – Associate, Realtor®

BHHS Chairman’s Circle Diamond

(Top ½ of 1% out of 50,000+ agents nationwide)

(941) 724-4995
bev@murraygroupusa.com

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Inside Christiano Ronaldo’s New Mansion

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Take a tour of the jaw-dropping concept design for soccer legend Christiano Ronaldo’s Miami mansion-to-be.

Cuban architect Jorge Luiz Veliz Quintana of Veliz Arquitecto, spared no detail in his creation of the concept design for Ronalo’s dream mansion. Veliz is known for his contemporary and avant-garde work and is recognized worldwide as a talented artist. Notably, he secured accolades at the prestigious Golden Trezzini Awards for Architecture and Design.

 

Veliz has brought his many talents to hotel and commercial products, creating spaces that satisfy the needs of his clients and inspire. And recently, as the principal architect for Christiano Ronald’s mansion, he displays his innovation and vision for creating solutions for architectuel and design demands of the future.

A haven of elegance, opulence and beauty, the design for Ronaldo’s Miami home is a creative an architectural feat. Positioned atop an artificial rock in the ocean, this property is all about location. The house is shaped like the letter “C” as a tribute to the iconic footballer’s name; however, the shape also maximizes views of the natural surrounding beauty.

 

A helipad on the top floor allows visitors to arrive in style and comfort, while guaranteeing the utmost privacy of the inevitable A-list guests. A waterfall that flows from the second floor in the pool creates a serene oasis, while the stunning round pool is the crown jewel of the home and serves as the perfect place to relax and enjoy the view. Equipped with a special mechanism, the pool can close instantly and transform the space into an area for events and parties. 

With three levels, the mansion includes five bedrooms, each with their own private bathroom. Moreover, a fully equipped gym will satisfy the soccer stars training regimen. Finally, the state-of-the-art home theater is the perfect luxury environment for movie lovers. We can’t wait to see this truly unique home come to life.

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Former MLB Star’s Home is on the Market

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At Unique Homes Media, Inc. we’re always on the lookout for unforgettable homes and we think you’re going to love former MLB star, Travis Fryman’s 9,000-square-foot estate. 

The Gold Glove award-winning third baseman’s estate hit the market for $4.8 million. The stunning mansion sits on 150 acres of wooded land in Molino, Florida and is listed by the Mark Lee Team of Levin Rinke Realty. 

Travis Fryman is a Florida native, growing up in Pensacola, just south of Molino, where he built his estate. He was drafted into the MLB by the Detroit Tigers in 1987 and ended his career with the Cleveland Indians in 2002. 

 

He bought the property in the late 1990s and built the home in 2000. “Since Travis grew up in this area, this property holds a special place in his heart,” said Stephan Vance, one of the listing agents and Realtor with the Mark Lee Team. “He built the home with the intention of creating a sanctuary that truly embodies the beauty and spirit of this region.”

The home features a beautiful, secluded front entrance hidden by a variety of mature trees. A grand brick staircase and a double mahogany front door create a welcoming Southern-style entrance. The doors open up to a two-story foyer, private dining room, kitchen, and the great room. The kitchen is decked with a Sub-Zero refrigerator, butcher block center island with a prep sink, wine cooler, built-in heat lamps, and a double-oven. 

With six bedrooms and seven full baths, there is no shortage of space in this opulent residence. The primary suite is located on the main level and features vaulted ceilings, a gas fireplace, and private pool access. A double sink vanity and makeup table, a tub surrounded by a bay window and a spacious walk-in closet make up the expansive primary bath. 

One of the highlights of the home is the great room, which is adorned with a stone wood-burning fireplace, 250 foot tongue-and-groove ceilings, and multiple glass French doors. Additionally, the interior double doors lead into a large sunroom that has panoramic views of the lovely estate grounds.

A rarity in Northwest Florida, the home includes a fully finished basement. It’s equipped with a professional gym, private bedroom and bathroom, a pool table area and an oversized media room with built-ins and a wet bar.

 

With 150-acres of land, the outdoor space is a large selling point for this property.The east side of the home has a large pine barn, batting cage, secluded office space, workshop, area and a bar for entertaining guests. Moreover, on the backside of the house is a wraparound covered patio with an attached gazebo that overlooks the fenced-in gunite pool. Finally, the property has multiple walking trails and parceled out sites for the option to build. 

“Finding a property of this size just outside a city like Pensacola is rare for this area,” said Gordon Miles, president of Levin Rinke Realty. “With its mature trees and extensive wooded land, it offers a rural atmosphere while still being just a short drive from downtown Pensacola and some of the best beaches along the Gulf Coast.” 

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Wooden Wonders: Elevate your Home

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Whether it’s white oak, mahogany, or maple – wood stands the test of time in interior design. 

A natural element, such as wood, has the ability  to complement different design styles and create a sense of warm minimalism that has contributed to its popularity over the years. In 2024, there are still luxurious ways to branch out and incorporate fine wood finishes.

 

Hardwood flooring is highly sought after, not only for its natural and warm look but also for its durability and versatility. This material can maintain its beautiful appearance for years and can also be sanded down and refinished to fit any design renovations. DUCHATEAU is a must-know brand that offers luxury, European-style engineered, hardwood floors and also high-quality floor cleaners. 

Each of DUCHATEAU’s collections has a distinctive character and exclusive finishes that complement any space. The Global Winds Collection reflects the company’s passion for the natural beauty of the wood. All with a white oak base, the six different finishes are inspired by a unique local wind found across the globe. Each global wind style appears to be made by natural elements of sun, wind, and time. For example, the “Sirocco” finish reflects the warm gusts of the Aegean Sea. The final product is a raw visual of a luminous soft white as if it had been washed out by the Mediterranean sun.

DUCHEATEAU continues to find its inspiration in nature with the Terra collection, influenced by unique natural ecosystems around the world. The collection has five different finishes that draw inspiration from subarctic snow forests all the way to coastal shrublands. The Savanna finish has a rich tan glow that brings to mind African Grasslands. Offered in both wide-plank and herringbone patterns, the terra collection is sure to fit any space.

While the floor might be a more common place to find wood in a home, wood finishes are starting to pop up in some surprising areas as well. For example, Louis Vuitton is offering a Monogram Wood Coffret de Voyage, a small wooden box that is perfect for small trinkets around the home or prominently displayed on a coffee table. In addition, the Goyard Purple Goyardine Canvas Structured Saigon Mini purse is complete with an elegant wood handle.

In April, California Faucets introduced new bath fixtures  – the San Elijo Series. This is the company’s first faucet that incorporates real wood in the design. With a softened contemporary look, San Elijo features gently rounded teak handles. The wood has a rich grain pattern, which infuses texture and natural beauty into the design.

The bath faucet brings a refreshing modern appeal combined with a natural warmth. The San Elijo Faucets can fit any homeowner’s design vision with over 25 artisan finishes and even options for a split-finish look. Additionally, the teak wood can be paired with numerous brass finishes to create a clean and contemporary style faucet. Finally, San Elijo comes with a wide array of coordinating accessories – making it the perfect fit for any luxury bathroom. 

 

 

The custom wood stair treads are created by Grothouse’s team of engineers and craftsmen to fit each space precisely. When installed, the stair treads create floating landings that look like a beautiful work of art in your home. The floating landing combined with the wood blends with any style and evokes a warm and contemporary touch. 

In the opulent realm, wood is finding its way into other parts of the home as well. In stair treads, shelves, and other furniture, wood has proven itself an effective material virtually everywhere. Grothouse is a premier wood manufacturer, renowned for its experience and commitment to sustainability within the industry. Grothouse offers unique, handcrafted wood products that showcase their expertise. 

 

 

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links at no additional cost to you.

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Artist Spotlight: Paul Cocksedge

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Drawing inspiration from everywhere around him, Paul Cocksedge uses his life experience to influence his luxurious art that would stand out in any home. 

 

Background

Paul Cocksedge is an artist in East London known for his public art, sculptures, and architectural installations. His unorthodox approach to materials creates a freshness in perspective that is a signature of his work.

Cocksedge studied at the Royal College of Art in London where he claims that his, “creative journey really stepped up a gear.” Under Professor Ron Arad, he learned about the space between art and design. “It was thrilling liberating, and I learned so much from this experience,” says Cocksedge of his two years at the school. 

Creative Process

Cocksedge finds his artistic process to be quite chaotic, yet focused at the same time. The process of drawing, thinking, sketching, and writing might seem somewhat disorganized to the untrained eye. However, Cocksedge claims, “when we work on my ideas in the studio, we have a particular destination, which we usually land on or very close to.” 

For Cocksedge, it is important that his ideas have precision amidst the chaos that allows him to indicate an end point. This process aids Cocksedge in reaching his end goal without sacrificing creativity.

Inspiration

As for his inspirations, Cocksedge finds it from all different directions. He claims to find creativity in, “how I was brought up, my education, where I’ve traveled, who I’ve seen, my friends. The highs and lows.” Cockedge’s inspiration is very individual to him as an artist, which is why he claims that creativity is a personal journey. 

Whether it is a certain material, science, or politics influencing his work, Cocksedge tries “to work a way of manifesting that idea in the most pure way.” These various inspirations are reflected in his body of work featured in his studio and collections around the world.

 

The studio was founded in 2004 by Cocksedge and former classmate, Joana Pinho. Their dedicated team of collaborators is always pushing the boundaries of creativity by testing the properties of light, color, and material. 

The Paul Cocksedge Studio has collaborated with leading cultural institutions, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London to Friedman Benda in New York, as well as with luxury brands including Hermès, Swarovski, and BMW. 

 

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7-Must Have Mirrors for Your Luxury Home

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While being practical in spaces like the bathroom or bedroom, mirrors are also elegant design elements. 

With a variety of shapes, colors, sizes, styles, and finishes mirrors serve as eye-catching decor pieces. Unique Homes is happy to present our 7 must-have mirrors in your luxury home.

Marie Antoinette Mirror

 

 

 

 

This unique mirror is inspired by the extravagant and lavish lifestyle led by Marie Antoinette and the French royal family. With hand-carved details along the frame and a white finish, this elegant piece is the perfect design element for your upscale living space. 

Filigree Mirror

 

The stunning Filigree Mirror is created using one of the world’s oldest jewelry-making techniques. The mirror is crafted  from brass cords, gilded in 18k gold, and hand-hammered into a shape traditional to Portuguese art. Completely handcrafted, this piece is an exquisite finish for your high-end space. 

 

Apollo Mirror

 

Inspired by the most important Olympian God in Ancient Greece, the Apollo Mirror is a striking piece of art. The God of light and sun is reflected in the highly decorative starburst design. The frame is made with either solid oak wood or mahogany and finished with silver or gold leaf. This dazzling mirror is complimentary to any luxury home. 

D. Dinis Mirror

 

 

 

Influenced by one most important kings in Portugal’s history, the D. Dinis Mirror reflects the ruler’s love for art and education. The mirror is inspired by classic Parisian-style design but reimagined through a modern perspective. A beautiful gold frame is juxtaposed with the fragmented mirror, creating a striking visual. 

Root Mirror

 

Composed of ten classic overlapped mirrors, the Root Mirror is an excellent conversation piece. The frames are gray with a rusted gold leaf finish, each a different size and in a unique frame. The piece creates dimension in any space and is an extravagant touch in luxury living and dining rooms alike. 

Angra Mirror

 

This extravagant large wall mirror stands out due to its unique shape and curved design. The Angra Mirror was created as a tribute to the history of Angra do Heroismo in Azores, Portugal. Polished brass combined with niquel-plated steel creates a glamorous accent piece.

Lumiere Round Mirror

 

 

 

Inspired by 19th-century design, the Lumiere wall mirror lamp combines a Victorian street light with an architectural tectonic form. The mirror is in circular format and ripped by a hammered polish brass sheet. Attached to the middle of the mirror is a cast brass, elegant, hand-sculpted lantern. While being functional, the Lumiere is also artwork that compliments any luxury home. 

 

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What’s Cooking in Luxury Kitchens 2024?

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Lavish kitchen trends are heating up in 2024 by combining innovative design with modern functionality. 

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in a home, it is the heart of everyday living and has great influence over prospective buyers. Therefore, homeowners must invest time and money into making their kitchens an aesthetically pleasing and practical space for the whole family. 

Materials With a Natural Look

This year has seen many luxury kitchens utilizing natural materials to create a contemporary, yet timeless look. Stone Forest is a group of designers with over 30 years of experience using materials such as copper, stone, bronze, and wood in their innovative designs. In April, the Santa Fe-based company unveiled the exceptionally crafted Edo Vessel Sink.

 

The sink was created in collaboration with designer Tod Babick, and is available in Golden Bronze and Desert Cream Limestone. This product pays homage to the rich heritage of Japanese pottery, while including elements of modern design. “The irregular, imperfect form and surfaces of the piece, as well as the variations within the patina, are in alignment with the Japanese aesthetic philosophy of wabi-sabi,” says Babick.

 

Avant-Garde Accents

While there has been a shift towards minimalist design in kitchens, Häcker – a German-based, modern kitchen manufacturer wishes to enhance the “aesthetic of reduction” through select avant-garde accents.

Eurocucina is a major kitchen trade show that is held annually in Milan. This year, Häcker Kitchens will present the “Polygon,” an island solution made of natural stone with an extravagant pentagonal front. The unique shape creates a distinctive and prominent spatial effect. While adding visual interest to a room, avant-garde pieces are also the perfect way for a homeowner to personalize their kitchens.

Customization

 

Additionally, the “concept130” product line offers kitchen and living room furniture that is adaptable to the space available and the personal preferences of the homeowners. Customers can also choose the number and arrangement of open and closed compartments and the design of the fronts for numerous pieces of furniture. 

 

According to Houzz Magazine, 28-percent of kitchen renovations are to customize a recently purchased home. Homeowners wish to add their own personalized flair to their homes and that is often reflected in the kitchen. Häcker recognizes the importance of individuality and flexibility in interior design. The company offers over 2,000 NCS and 190 RAL colors, which gives homeowners a broad palette and the option to create almost any color scheme.

Function Above All Else

While the luxury realm has seen many new design trends this year, there has also been an increased focus on creating a kitchen that is functional. According to a study conducted by Houzz Magazine, 2024 saw an increase in homeowners upgrading to high-tech appliances. With nearly one-third of homeowners opting for Wi-Fi-connected appliances, these high-tech installations are the future. 

Brands such as BLAUPUNKT, a built-in kitchen appliance manufacturer, fulfill the demand for high-tech, luxury appliances. It offers stove tops with combi-induction, permanent pot recognition, and automatic activation of controls. Moreover, the sinks and taps focus on durability and functionality with features such as scratch, color, and heat resistance. BLAUPUNKT not only provides homeowners with the latest kitchen tech but also with stylish and sophisticated appliances that will fit in any luxury kitchen. 

 

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Skip Boring Hotels this Summer and Embrace Adventure with Glamping

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In our ever-changing modern world, it is hard to stay grounded and unplugged. These luxurious glamping options provide the supreme opportunity for the ultimate digital detox, without compromising comfort. 

Camping has long been an effective method for connecting with nature and spending quality time with loved ones. However, the adventurous getaway often comes with a number of caveats – uncomfortable accommodations, limited cuisine, and a lack of amenities. What if there was a way to experience all the wonders of nature, without having to “rough it?” Enter glamping – a growing, luxury approach to traditional outdoorsmanship. 

Popular opportunities offer guests the comfort and sophistication of staying at  an upscale hotel, with the rejuvenating charm of sleeping under the stars. This new trend satisfies consumer’s demands to escape the plight of our digital world and find solace in nature, without sacrificing luxury comforts. 

Paint Rock Canyon Ranch

In Wyoming, a new luxury guest destination, Paint Rock Canyon Ranch, offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in ranch living, with opportunities to ride horseback, fly fish, and hike. After a long day of outdoor activities, guests can retire to their luxury accommodations – a large safari-style tent, with full-sized beds, and the finest furnishings. Guests will also enjoy meals prepared by a private chef that incorporate the ranch’s farm-raised beef, local produce, and fresh dairy products. 

 

 “The goal is for guests at the Paint Rock Canyon Ranch to leave with a deep understanding of the rich history of the area and the important role that ranching plays in restoring our natural resources,” says Duke Phillips III, founder of Ranchlands. 

The Resort at Paws Up

Due north of Paint Rock Canyon, The Resort at Paws Up is Montana’s premier glamping resort and has six different camps to explore. With accommodations fit for families, couples, and large groups, there is something for everyone. 

Paws Up is set on 37,000 acres of forests and is intersected by 10 miles of the Blackfoot River. While offering many activities from canoeing to hot air ballooning, the resort also boasts several fine-dining restaurants and a spa. With luxury, safari-style tents, and five-star amenities, Paws Up has truly redefined the concept of sleeping under the stars. 

Terra Glamping

Across the country in East Hampton, New York, Terra Glamping is a unique approach to a vacation in the Hamptons. This company aims to achieve an unplugged environment where friends and family can connect with each other through quality time that’s not interrupted by technology and the experience of natural wonders around them. This refined take on camping is an opportunity for guests to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City and unwind while satisfying their adventurous side.

With 30 safari-style tents overlooking the Sag Harbor and Shelter Island, these boutique waterfront accommodations are sure to delight. Each tent is equipped with a porch, memory foam mattress, down bedding, and furniture you would expect in an upscale hotel room. Guests can enjoy activities such as kayaking and paddle-boarding and even s’mores by the fire each  night. A breakfast boasting fresh fruit and pastries is also served in the dining area every morning. Terra’s amenities combined with the various activities it offers truly make it a one-of-a-kind, luxury experience.

 

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