All posts by Unique Homes Staff

This Floating Home Can Withstand a Category 4 Hurricane

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While man grapples with the fear of the unknown such as stronger hurricanes and solution to rising seas that they worry will eventually turn inland cities such as Orlando and Philadelphia into beachfront property, a Florida company has found a solution for the very wealthy: the houseboat of the future. Equipped to run on shore power or the sun, Arkup’s “first electrical livable yacht” combines a luxury yacht, waterfront villa and self-sustainability into a glamorous floating-motoring home. Able to run completely off grid via 2,300 square feet of rooftop solar panels, the boat has four spuds that can lift it above the water on its automated hydraulic pilings. It can withstand a Category Four hurricane and provide a grand lifestyle off the grid almost anywhere there is water. With no yard work or property taxes.

Measuring 75 feet in length with a 32-foot beam, the Arkup has 4,350 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space divided between the main and upper decks. It can cruise to new locations, tie up at a dock or hydraulically rise and stand above the water. Cutting-edge contemporary design with open floor plan and floor-to-ceiling glass walls bring in unobstructed ocean, bay, lake or river views and extend out to five terraces with glass railings. The main deck contains the main living area and fully equipped Miele kitchen. There is also a two-berth crew cabin that can be used as an office, a bathroom, laundry room with washer and dryer, trash room with compactor, outdoor kitchen and helm station. The upper deck has four ensuite, king-size bedrooms. The master suite has a walk-in closet, balcony and free-standing Jacuzzi.

Whether one’s intent is to contribute to a light footprint on the planet or to assuage fear of getting their foundation wet from the melting ice cap, Arkup offers several options. Charter before making the decision to buy at $6,000 a night for eight guests or purchase starting at $5.5 million up to $12 million. The existing floating villa on offer is priced at $5.9 million completely furnished and decorated. Arkup is co-brokered by Marius Koller of MK Miami Real Estate and Antonio Maldonado, Advantaged Yacht Charters, both located in Miami.

Source: TopTenRealEstateDeals.com.

Photo courtesy of Craig Denis.

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Spring Giving

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In May and June, we take time to show love to Mom and Dad. Thousands of items are marketed to appeal to parents, but for the more impressive, indulgent gifts that go beyond your typical jewelry set or spiffy tie clip, check out these finds!

Picnic Perfect

 

French brand Les Jardins de la Comtesse combines tradition and exoticism in its successful collection of picnic baskets, called Bel Air.

 

Designed in natural honey-colored wicker, these baskets are sold completely with tropical-style plates, stemware, wood-effect cutlery and accessories, salt and pepper shakers, a corkscrew/bottle opener and an additional waterproof bag.

 

With chip/break-resistant dishes, adjustable straps, and a large insulated compartments with inner tabs, this modern take on a classic lunch accessory is ideal for outdoor meals — a perfect addition to any Mother’s Day brunch outside.

Photo courtesy Les Jardins de la Comtesse.

Green Thumbs Up

 

For the parent who loves to cook or grow his/her own produce, Plantui is a futuristic tool that allows you to have a hydroponic garden directly in your home.

 

Plantui revolutionizes the idea of agricultural self-production, synthesizing all that is needed in a handful of square centimeters and in a design object, capable of simultaneously growing up to 12 plants with its patented system that works year round.

 

The growth process, combined with an intelligent irrigation system with nutrients, reproduces the light spectrum of photosynthesis, giving plants the right amount and quality of light necessary for optimal development.

 

The light and the automatic irrigation system are regulated by Plantui Smart Garden during the different stages of growth from the plant, creating the conditions for obtaining healthy, fresh and tasty herbs and salads.

Plantui Smart Garden 6. Photo courtesy Plantui.

Sets to Impress

 

Farrar & Tanner’s collection of personalized gifts let you show Mom or Dad how much they mean to you. The brand’s selection includes premium gins and sparkling wines in personalized wood gifts boxes, beautiful gardening tools and stylish coffee accessories.

 

For Dad – Gins

JJ Whitley have been family distillers for eight generations and still craft their gin in copper pots giving you a smooth and complex flavor. Blended with eight botanicals and hints of juniper, pepper and parma violets this gin is sure to impress any palette. This is the perfect choice for enjoying over ice or with tonic.

For a sweeter palette, Gordon’s delivers a premium gin using all natural flavorings. The sweetness of strawberries and raspberries is balanced with the natural tang of redcurrant for a truly refreshing taste. Gordon’s has produced an exceptional pink gin with an eye-catching color which is delicious served with tonic and fresh strawberries.

For Mom – Gardening

 

Handcrafted in the UK by Burgon & Ball, this gift set is ideal for aspiring and avid gardeners. The centerpiece of this collection is a traditionally shaped, folding pruning blade, delicately treated for superior edge retention. The subtle curvature of the pronounced hook ensures a fine cut is completed in one swift movement. The robust, wooden handle has a rustic finish to suit larger hands. A miniature sharpening steel is included to keep the blade in superb condition. Endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society and packaged in a unique presentation box, this is a charming, practical gift to inspire green thumbs.

 

This stunning copper set by Haws has a lustrous finish which is beautiful both in use and on display. The premium watering can is a piece of British gardening history based on the original 100-year-old design. Ideal for watering small plants and pots throughout the home, this lightweight design comes with a brass rose making it suitable for a variety of watering locations. The elegant mist sprayer adds moisture in dry environments which is perfect for helping orchids and succulents to flourish.

 

Featuring a splendid bronze blade, the Musca Trowel is the perfect way to add a lavish touch to the gardening experience. Practical for working with loose sandy soil or compost, the signature PKS bronze handle glides through the earth with its scoop design and sharp, resilient edge.

Photos courtesy Farrar & Tanner.

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Susurros Del Corazón Breaks Ground in Punta De Mita

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Susurros del Corazón, the latest addition to the Auberge Resorts Collection portfolio, has broken ground as Punta de Mita’s newest luxury boutique resort, and has commenced sales for a limited number of the 30 beachfront residences.

Located on 33 lush, rolling acres overlooking the Bay of Banderas on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, the community will celebrate the boho-chic culture of Mexico’s quaint coastal surf towns while having an attractive contemporary design and providing the highest comforts and upscale services.

Translated as ‘whispers of the heart,’ Susurros del Corazón is perched on a bluff surrounded by tropical jungle and extends down to the pristine white sand beach below, offering Punta de Mita buyers a rare opportunity to own a beachfront residence with direct access to the water. Each of the 30 homes — ranging from three-bedroom Beach Casitas with 5,580 square feet of interior and exterior living space to a six-bedroom Presidential Villa with over 19,000 total interior and exterior square feet — will be perfectly poised at the water’s edge with floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize the epic views. Offering a clean, contemporary design, the residences will also give a nod to Mexican heritage through handcrafted finishes, artisanal wall coverings, and local artwork.

Open, airy living spaces will seamlessly extend from the indoors out, creating an environment that exists in perfect harmony with its natural, untouched surroundings. Featuring custom finishes and the finest fixtures, residences will have Wolf® and Sub-Zero® appliances, beautiful bathrooms with freestanding tubs and double shower heads, and expansive outdoor living spaces with bars, private pools and Jacuzzi® hot tubs.

“Punta de Mita is such a special place. We wanted to bring something totally unique to this area and the new Auberge Resort hotel suites and stunning oceanfront villas deliver on our vision,” says Mark Cooley a partner at SV Capital Partners, developers of the resort and residences. “It is very important for us to preserve the natural beauty of the land, and we are being conscious in the development to create a community that is in harmony with its surroundings. The entire ethos of this property is to combine a rustic simplicity that feels very authentic with the world-class amenities you’d expect from an Auberge resort.”

Upon opening in late 2020, Susurros del Corazón will comprise 59 hotel guest suites, four distinct culinary concepts, a 3,000-square-foot fitness center and yoga studio, kids’ club with daily activities and 4,600-square-feet of event space, including an outdoor patio and a spacious event lawn, offering an idyllic setting for picturesque gatherings. Tucked among lush gardens, an Auberge Spa will feature 11 treatment rooms and a variety of treatments inspired by the rich heritage and healing properties of the surrounding Riviera Nayarit region.

Dining at Susurros will further establish Auberge Resorts Collection’s reputation for award-winning culinary offerings. The resort’s signature restaurant will connect interior and exterior spaces and capitalize on the breathtaking ocean views, while guests enjoy locally-sourced meals utilizing traditional, seasonal ingredients and sip expertly crafted artisan cocktails. Outdoors, a casual open-air venue will invite guests and owners, day and night, to gather under large shade trees and a sun-punched trellis for a jungle-inspired dining experience.

The resort is centered around three scallop-shaped pools that will cascade down to the beach, where clear blue waters invite surfing, snorkeling and fishing against the backdrop of the volcanic Marietas Islands, a protected wildlife refuge. The resort’s private beach spans 1,850 linear feet of pristine sand, perfect for swimming and paddle boarding.

“Susurros del Corazón will be an entirely new experience in Punta de Mita; one that embraces a laid-back beach spirit and perfectly balances luxury and approachability,” says Craig Reid, chief executive officer of Auberge Resorts Collection. “We could not be happier to partner with SV Capital on another exceptional resort and residence project. The groundbreaking is an exciting milestone moment in the journey of bringing this vision to life.”

Photos courtesy of Susurros del Corazón.

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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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