All posts by Unique Homes Staff

IQ Raising Amenities

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Raise your IQ as you indulge in these one-of-a-kind amenities. Communities are constantly coming up with new ways to create impressive amenities for their residents and guests, and these communities are doing just that. 

From studying the stars through a luxury telescope, to hands-on learning from conservationists, residents at these communities are offered the chance to learn from the comfort of their own homes. 

Study the Stars in Style

As you are perched atop a protected hilltop, set up a telescope and take in the stars at Headwaters — a tech-inflected home community developed by Freehold Communities.

The structure has been carefully deconstructed to become the setting for a stargazing amphitheater. Astronomers from the University of Texas frequently gather with Headwaters families to create a high-touch, outdoor classroom for residents to learn about celestial events — eclipses, meteor showers and supermoons.

Located in Dripping Springs, Texas, the Headwaters integrates 1,000 homes within expanses of natural habitat, eight miles of walking trails, as well as five protected hilltops.

Photos courtesy of Freehold Communities

Learn from Onsite Conservationists

With thousands of acres of unspoiled nature and 32 miles of riverfront, Palmetto Bluff offers a natural classroom where teachers — onsite conservationists and guides — run tours, classes, workshops and field trips open to all residents of the luxury, South Carolina community. Learn about life oaks, wild turkeys and other Low Country flora and fauna on bike, horseback or on foot, or head to the May River to explore by kayak, canoe or paddle board.

Looking to learn about the area’s rich history? Onsite archeologist Dr. Mary Socci leads artifact hunting expeditions from past communities dating back 12,000 BC and even leads cemetery walks that include past inhabitants’ pets.

Photos courtesy of Palmetto Bluff

Explore Surrounding Nature

At the Walden Monterey, the luxury agrihood where expansive lots will start in the $5 millions, developers are launching a tree-naming app described as “Pokémon go meets Google Sky, but for trees.” The goal? To increase residents’ interactions with nature through gamification.

Focus on Sustainability and Environmentalism

Located along Ecuador’s Pacific Riviera in the town of Puerto Caya, Oceanside Farms allows residents to gather for onsite lectures and TedX presentations focusing on sustainability and environmentalism.

Discover Astronomy from an Astronomer  

For those interested in astronomy, Mountain Shadows is the place to be. The destination offers the Cocktails Under the Cosmos Series and the Spirited Sipping Seminars. Astronomy lessons take place at the hotel’s Camelback Overlook rooftop deck, offered to both hotel guests and residents of the community. Each astronomer-led event features a signature cocktail themed around that month’s astrological sign, which can be seen brighter in the valley due to its low light pollution and dramatic desert backdrop.

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Featured Company: Churchill Properties of Massachusetts

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Churchill Properties

123 Brimbal Ave, Beverly, MA | 122 Main Street, Suite 4, Gloucester, MA | 49 Union Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA | 169 Bay Road, Hamilton, MA 01982

1.833.MOVING.9 | www.churchillprop.com

Churchill Properties is a full service residential real estate firm offering excellence in brokerage services to Boston’s North Shore communities through our offices located in Manchester-by-the-Sea and Hamilton, Mass.  We are members of the elite Leading Real Estate Companies of the World network including 4100 offices and 130,000 agents in 65 countries worldwide. Our unique marketing and sales program utilizes multiple media channels and promotional activities including:

 

Featured Property: Annisquam, MA

The Stage Cove House is a direct waterfront property in Annisquam Village, just steps to the Cambridge Beach, including a private dock. Sweeping views over Wingaesheek Beach and the Annisquam Yacht Club. $2,500,000. 

 

 

Churchill Properties originally appeared as an Elite company in Unique Homes Spring ’19: Elite edition. See the ad here.

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Bold Wallpaper

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When it comes to maximalist design, more is definitely more, and walls are no exception. We’re not going back to the retro chintz of bygone eras, instead, current wallpaper patterns are bold, edgy, fun and available in huge variety.

Oversized tropical leaves, prancing golden zebras, floral prints in a neon palette, animal prints, geometric shapes… even world maps designed to fit whole walls.

They’re becoming huge works of art within a room with many wallpaper designs taking inspiration from famous artists — Van Gogh, Matisse, Andy Warhol to name a few. Wallpaper designs are refusing to fade into the background.

So how are home designers putting the trend into practice? Bold wallpaper creates a huge impact so it tends to be the starting point for a room design. One or two statement walls is often enough. They’re striking without being overpowering.

Dark colors, big patterns, embracing the bold wallpaper trend requires bravery, but the courageous are able to create unique rooms full of life and edgy charm.

wallsauce.com

This striking mural wallpaper, designed by Anna Jacobs from her original painting in ink on watercolour paper, is imagined as a super large scale art work to give maximum impact in an interior. It can also be hung in repeat, used with picture rails and dado rails and cropped to fit most wall heights, without compromising the image.

Photo courtesy of Anna Jacobs

This grand Jungle Paradise Wallpaper by Santorus features ascending vines of imperial creatures amongst ferns and palms. A soft gold-metallic finish enhances the stunning imagery to set a scene of embellished colonial nostalgia.

Photo courtesy of Lime Lace

Designed by Aurélie Mathigot, this blue and green wallpaper displays a soothing design. The wallpaper is entitled “De L’autre Cote le Calme,” which translates to “The Other Side of Calm.”  If you’re in search of escape, wide open spaces, and extensive greenery, this beautiful wallpaper will bring this breath of fresh air.

Photo courtesy of KSL LIVING

This paper creates a tromp l’oeil effect — appearing as three-dimensional images but on a flat surface. The designer sourced the images of old wood from surfaces in his own workshop in Eindhoven. This is a part of a new collection of six designs by Piet Hein Eek, black marble, white marble, black brick wall, silver brick wall, burnt wood and blue painted wooden floorboards.

Photo courtesy of Lagoon

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Olivia Newton-John Puts her Australian Farmhouse on the Market

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First introduced to the world in the 1970s with a string of No. 1 hit songs and blockbuster movies, super-star actress, four-time Grammy winner and world-class beauty, Olivia Newton-John, is selling her Australia farm that she has owned for almost forty years.

Olivia bought her farm in the early 1980s after her roll in the 1978 film Grease, the break that would make her a super star. It was her Australian retreat where she would recharge in the peace of the rainforest and views over the land.

Now 70 and with Florida as her home base, when Olivia does return to Australia she and her husband, John Easterling, stay at the Gaia Retreat & Spa which she co-owns. Hoping to attract a buyer who is as close to nature as herself, she has put the 187-acre farm and its French Country-style home on the market for offers in excess of $5.5 million AU ($3.9 million US).

Located only 40 minutes from celebrity and tourist favorite Byron Bay, the farm is a mix of rolling pasture and green lawns with panoramic views, rain forest with a natural waterfall, two dams, a pond and a creek that runs through the property, which abuts the Victoria Park Nature Reserve National Park and acts as its boundary. Over the years Newton-John planted over 5,000 additional trees expanding the prolific wildlife habitat. Grounds include the main residence of three bedrooms and two baths and attached four-room guest quarters, two-car garage and tennis court. The home, positioned on a hill to maximize the views, was renovated in 2002 in the French rustic style.

It includes pine floors, textured entry walls with shells and pebbles from local beaches, and a large eat-in kitchen designed as a gathering spot for friends and family. Multiple outdoor porches and terraces, including a wide dock on the pond, invite outdoor living and sunset views. The attached, but completely private guest suite, has a large living room, a kitchenette, bedroom, bath and additional conversation nook, making a total of four bedrooms and three baths.

With more than 100 million albums sold, Olivia has won four Grammys, numerous Aria, Country Music, American Music and People’s Choice Awards, an Emmy Award plus ten #1 hit songs.

Olivia Newton-John is selling her much-loved Australian farm originally purchased nearly four decades ago during the era of her hit single, Physical. Seeking offers in excess of $5.5 million AU ($3.9 million US), the listing agent is also Newton-John’s lifelong friend Jillian McGrath with McGrath Estate Agents, Northern Beaches Office Australia.

Photos courtesy of  McGrath. Source: TopTenRealEstateDeals.com.

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Privacy and Seclusion in Spain

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“Cap Blanc Ibiza” is in one of Spain’s most desired locations on the island — Cap Martinet, Talamanca.

The exclusive private residence of nine luxury villas was designed so each home ensures the privacy and seclusion of its owners.

“It is just a short drive to the world’s best nightlife, and some of the most spectacular white-sand beaches you can imagine,” says Richard Lacey of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Blue Moon who is representing the property. “Ibiza is one of the most beautiful islands in the world.”

The home showcases stunning architecture inspired by contemporary, Brazilian design — a work of a team of leading Dutch and Spanish architects that create these properties where outdoors and indoors merge and flow.

Notable features include floor-to-ceiling windows and large doors that provide unobstructed views of the sea and the island of Formentera. “The lounge for me is the best spot, high ceilings with lots of light, ideal for entertaining,” says Lacey.  

Listed for 3.75 million euros, the home also features 600 square meters of living space over three floors, five en-suite bedrooms, open-space fully equipped kitchen, incredible sea views, private garden with spacious swimming pool, private garage, state-of-the-art security, additional service kitchen, fitness room and sauna, and a wine cellar. There is also an optional private movie theater and separate accommodation for staff. The nine residences that make up Cap Blanc Ibiza offer unparalleled amenities and facilities for those seeking a place to relax in comfortable luxury. 

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Introducing Barbados’ Luxury Real Estate

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Barbados’ most luxurious harbor-front and beachfront resort and luxury real estate properties, Port Ferdinand and Saint Peter’s Bay offer prime real estate and accommodation on the Platinum Coast, the West Coast of the island, which is not only renowned for its calm and clear waters, but also the exclusive selection of restaurants and resorts. Located outside of the hurricane belt, where the West Indies meets the Caribbean sits Barbados – a diverse island, full of rich British history, delicious rums, and of course, white sand beaches along a blue-green sea.

Photo courtesy of Saint Peter’s Bay Oceanfront Residences.

Port Ferdinand Yacht & Beach Club Residence:

Starting at $2.1 million with a collection of two to five-bedroom luxury harbor-front villas, Port Ferdinand Yacht & Beach Club Residences offers homeowners luxury living in a full-service marina and yachting community. Providing a wealth of amenities including 60’ yacht slips, 100’ dockside storage room for each residence, waterfront eateries and bars, expansive Sandbox Tree spa and fitness center and 1.4 acres of pristine beachfront, the resort is perfect for anyone seeking a truly unique and luxurious Caribbean getaway. A new stylish bistro by Barbados’ finest chef, Larry Rogers, Dockside at 13˚/59˚, has also recently opened at Port Ferdinand, offering high quality meals using fresh quality ingredients in a relaxed dockside setting. Port Ferdinand is also home to the newest Nikki Beach Club!

Saint Peter’s Bay Oceanfront Residences:

Located a mere 3km away is Port Ferdinand’s sister resort, Saint Peter’s Bay. Consisting of a unique collection of three- and five-bedroom beachfront homes and penthouses for homeownership and rental, St. Peter’s Bay Resort & Residences boasts a private and discreet environment for all its esteemed guests. With residences starting at $1.6 million, the luxurious, but deeply relaxed beachfront resort, offers villa-style homes spread over 150 ft of pristine beach with crystal clear water – encapsulating Barbados’ appeal in one of its most exclusive settings.  

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Modern Retro Made Luxury

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Trends and styles traditionally fade out of the limelight only to resurface a few generations later, usually with a few twists and fresh perspectives. But retro themes and designs remain popular and are now making an appearance in the realm of luxury.

Photo courtesy of DelightFULL

Photo courtesy of Essential Home

Incorporate Brass

Overall, brass contributes to a classical ambiance and can complete the vintage look you’ve been searching for.

A vintage floor lamp will fit perfectly in your mid-century modern living room or vintage retro design hallway. With a structure made in polished Estremoz marble and with multiple lampshades made in brass and aluminum, this floor light is a modern lamp full of grace and charm.

The Monocles Screen is a refined room divider. The folding brass structure holds three walnut panels with brass holes that let you glimpse into the other side. Stylish and functional like no other.

Photo courtesy of The French Bedroom Co

Photo courtesy of Smithers of Stamford

Rattan and Recycled is Retro

This Retro Rattan Console blends craftsmanship and texture with a little bit of artisan vintage into your space. Cane wickerwork and teak framework work perfectly together to reinvent the 70’s furniture trend into a more refined, elegant shape, styled more for modern homes.

Made from solid recycled boat hardwood, the satin hand-painted finish has been added to bring out the beauty of this retro speedway range. It’s retro, unique and a lifetime buy that will never go out of fashion.

Photo courtesy of Yellow Octopus

Photo courtesy of Lights4fun

Props that aren’t Played Out

The GPO 200 classic, British Rotary Telephone is a one-stop communication portal for all your conversation needs. Touch base with friends and family, then buzz, dial and connect with a classic design of modern technology. Bring a piece of iconic phone technology right back into the present.

Retro Cinema Lightbox is the perfect opportunity to customize your decor. Create a fun message that suits your mood and enjoy the classic element that will elevate your space.

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Polo is a Coveted Component of Equestrian Estates

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The regal sport of polo is enjoying broader acceptance throughout America, but still thrives on its exclusivity.

The game of polo appears to date back to 600 B.C. in Persia, but the modern era began at clubs established by British officers in 19th century colonial India. The game earned a following amongst equestrian communities throughout the nation and has since become a coveted component of equestrian estates around the country.

Nestled in Santa Barbara Wine Country is Montecito paradise — a 20-acre estate featuring manicured landscaping, a Polo field with state of the art irrigation, and 17-stall horse stables with full amenities. Equestrian estates are being elevated with the inclusion of polo fields that give the homes an exclusive touch and endless entertaining opportunities.

The game is an undeniable social event with fashionable attire, delicious food, and plenty of opportunities to engage while enjoying the game. This $65 million Bella Vista Polo Ranch is ideal for entertainers that want to enjoy the game from the comfort of their own home and share the experience with their guests.

The home also boasts Santa Barabara’s largest private residential wine cellar and tasting room, top-of-the-line finishes, full spa and gym, and speakeasy-esque ballroom that adds to the estate’s refined and classic atmosphere. The Polo Ranch exudes the luxury that Nest Seeker International’s — a full-service residential and commercial luxury real estate brokerage firm — clientele has come to expect.  

For more information, and to view a full list of the home’s features and amenities, visit: https://www.nestseekers.com/1099490/single-family-summerland-los-angeles-ca.

Playing Polo

Field: Polo is played on a field measuring 160 yards wide and 300 yards long (approximately 10 acres), with eight-yard- wide goals at each end.

Field: Polo is played on a field measuring 160 yards wide and 300 yards long (approximately 10 acres), with eight-yard- wide goals at each end.

Field: Polo is played on a field measuring 160 yards wide and 300 yards long (approximately 10 acres), with eight-yard- wide goals at each end.

Game Duration: A game typically consists of six seven-minute “chukkers” separated by three-minute breaks, and a 15-minute halftime. Fresh polo ponies — despite the name, they are full-size horses — are constantly rotated into the game.

Game Duration: A game typically consists of six seven-minute “chukkers” separated by three-minute breaks, and a 15-minute halftime. Fresh polo ponies — despite the name, they are full-size horses — are constantly rotated into the game.

Game Duration: A game typically consists of six seven-minute “chukkers” separated by three-minute breaks, and a 15-minute halftime. Fresh polo ponies — despite the name, they are full-size horses — are constantly rotated into the game.

Line of the Ball: Established for orderly play and safety, the path of the ball may not be impeded and the player who last hit the ball has the right of way.

Line of the Ball: Established for orderly play and safety, the path of the ball may not be impeded and the player who last hit the ball has the right of way.

RESOURCES

Empire Polo Club, www.empirepolo.com International Polo Club Palm Beach, www.ipc.coth.com Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, www.sbpolo.com United States Polo Association, www.uspolo.org

Photos by Dmitriy Hanuka – Three D Media

Roger Grody contributed to this story

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Yacht Club de Monaco and Torqeedo Team Up to Eliminate Fossil Fuels

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The Yacht Club de Monaco has thrown down the gauntlet for the sixth annual Monaco Solar & Energy Boat Challenge, banning all fossil fuels and asking competitors and the Monegasque community to strive for zero emissions during the 5-day event. Torqeedo has partnered with Yacht Club de Monaco to ensure that all boats involved in the organisation of the event are 100% electric and will serve as the event’s Technical Sponsor.

“It’s essential that the yachting sector embrace clean energy sources to cut greenhouse gas emissions,” stated Bernard d’ Alessandri, Yacht Club de Monaco General Secretary. The Monaco Solar & Energy Boat Challenge aims to inspire technical innovation by matching the creativity of young engineers with experienced manufacturers to design, develop and race emission-free boats. The excitement of racing is balanced with key players tackling issues such as how the yachting community can effect change on environmental challenges in the marine environment, sustainability and energy efficiency during a concurrent series of lectures and open forums.

Co-founder of Solar Impulse and Solar Class sponsor Bertrand Piccard said, “We need to demonstrate where the latest technology is leading us: it’s taking us a long way – in the right direction.”

“The Yacht Club de Monaco is, once again, demonstrating that it is a nerve centre of the green yachting movement,” said Dr. Christoph Ballin, co-founder and CEO of Torqeedo. “We’re proud to support the continued efforts of the Yacht Club de Monaco and its members to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and encourage the development of sustainable boating technology.”

Teams from around world will gather at the Yacht Club de Monaco to participate in the Challenge from July 2 through July 6, 2019. The event is hosted in partnership with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the International Powerboating Federation.

Photos courtesy of Torqeedo.

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Phenomenal Estate in Ireland

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Restored and refurbished, this immaculate residence in Dublin, Ireland spans over 492 square meters. 

“The attention to detail is phenomenal,” says listing agent Karen Mulvaney of Coldwell Banker Ireland. “There are pictured buttons on the light panels that represent scenes and moods. The current owners have thought of everything.”

Features of the home include a cinema, wine room, bar, gym, playroom, office and formal drawing room. “The drawing room is magnificent and made for a family Christmas,” says Mulvaney. “And, the large open plan kitchen/dining/living room is truly the heart of this home.”

The home, listed for 3.25 million euros, also offers a master suite with walk-in wardrobes and an en suite bath, and a garden that is landscaped to allow sunlight into different areas throughout the day.

“This is the perfect period home, without the maintenance, as it’s been future-proofed with technology, even though it was built sometime after 1780,” says Mulvaney.

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