All posts by Unique Homes Staff

Pick Your Penthouse

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

Castello di Casole, Bargagli Penthouse
Tuscany, Italy

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

Photo courtesy of Casali di Casole.

Photo courtesy of Ascent South Lake Union.

Ascent South Lake Union, Penthouse C08
Seattle, Washington

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

Timbers Kauai, The Kaiholo Penthouse 3202
Kauai, Hawaii

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

Photo courtesy of Timbers Kauai.

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Kiawah Sees First New Oceanfront Residential Development In 35 Years

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photos courtesy of Timbers Kiawah.

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Halstead Chairman & CEO Named Chairman of the Board for LeadingRE

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

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

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

 

Photo courtesy of Halstead.

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

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

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

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

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HushHush: ‘Amazon for Millionaires’

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A London-based online marketplace dubbed “Amazon for millionaires” has launched, offering the world’s super-rich the chance to buy the finest luxury items across all categories, all on a single website.

The site offers fine art, jewelry, watches, property and even yachts, all delivered to your door (or mooring) direct from the seller.

With a catalog of more than 200,000 luxury goods from all around the world, brought together in hand curated collections and categories, HushHush.com launches as the largest collection of luxury goods and services, all available in one trusted and secure place.

“We wanted to create the leading destination for millionaires and billionaires to buy the finest things in life, all conveniently on one website,” says founder and CEO Aaron Harpin.

A list of the most expensive items appearing on the site includes a £2 million jewel-encrusted Rubik’s Cube, a range of luxury superyachts, a selection of the most sought after hypercars, some of the world’s finest watches, fine art and more.

The most expensive item currently on sale on the marketplace is a £41.3 million Admiral Explorer yacht, but with a regularly updating catalogue of items, this is likely to change.

Offering the most exclusive luxury marketplaces and VIP concierge services to affluent buyers, HushHush.com helps customers from around the world access all the luxury products and services they want, all on one site.

HushHush.com aims to collate the best of the best available around the world and partners with sellers to reach their audience. With a VIP personal shopping concierge service, the discerning team promises to find anything for its buyers, at any hour of the day.

With a focus on customer service and delivering the best possible buyer experience, the site is targeting the world’s wealthiest consumers. HushHush claims the internet’s largest collection of luxury products and experiences, delivered with first class service and support, all in one place.

Photos courtesy of HushHush.

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Les Ilets de la Plage Adds New Le Studio to Resort’s Villa Collection

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Whether you’re planning your first vacation on Saint Barths or returning a second or third time to this idyllic Caribbean island, the eclectic, boutique family-owned Les Ilets de la Plage is the perfect hideaway for families, couples, friends and solo travelers.

The new “Le Studio” opened to guests in early December and is the most recent addition to the resort’s villa collection.

Le Studio is a 592 square-foot open-plan, bright and airy studio with its own balcony and gorgeous sea views. The one-bedroom, one-bathroom beautifully designed studio features a fully equipped kitchen, chic teak armchairs with footrests in the living area, teak table and chairs in the dining area, large flat screen smart TV, spectacular ocean view terrace with comfortable seating perfect for sunrise viewings, king size bed (or twins on request), fully air conditioned throughout and more. Based in Saint Barths, Xavier David handled the project with  the following team members: Beatrice David (Interior Designer), Antoine Morisetti (Architect) and Julius Gaume (Project Manager).

Les Ilets de la Plage offers 12 private villas with direct access to the white sand beach and azure sea. Secluded yet central, Les Ilets has been a well-kept secret for years, combining the privacy and serenity of a villa with a hotel concierge service at an affordable price.

Guests staying in Le Studio have access to all of the facilities and services including private beach, pool, concierge services, maid service, bakery delivery, grocery shopping service and more. Rates start from €215- €550 per night, depending on the season.

Guests can fill their days with daily yoga, aqua Pilates and /or island spa treatments.  Hike the beautiful surrounding hills, power walk along the beach at dawn, swim in the ocean or do laps in the resort pool. Enjoy healthy, delicious lunches or dinners using the freshest Caribbean ingredients supplied by Mayas-to-Go.

The remote Caribbean island  of Saint Barths has all the glamour of St. Tropez without all the pretentiousness that accompanies typical celebrity hotspots. Saint Barths is an utterly laid-back, hidden gem of an island, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It has fabulous beaches, nearly perfect weather and a steady parade of yachts and sailboats to entertain travelers.

There are plenty of posh hotels on the island, but for travelers seeking to escape to a bit of privacy and seclusion, a private villa offers the ultimate haven. Les Ilets has beach side and garden villas that offer the utmost in privacy with luxe accommodations and all the amenities found at a hotel.

Photos courtesy of Gerald Tessier.

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The Chatwal Lodge Commences Construction with Ceremonial Groundbreaking

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Developed by Dream Hotel Group and designed by Nunzio Marc DeSantis Architects, The Chatwal Lodge will be nestled among 26 acres along the wooded shores of the 1,000-acre Toronto Reservoir.

The five-star luxury retreat is expected to open in spring 2020 with 34 private villas and suite accommodations, refined rustic design and world-class, farm-to-table culinary experiences by DUCASSE Paris, founded by multi-Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse.

The groundbreaking ceremony for this exciting development took place in December, and featured New York State Assembly Member Aileen M. Gunther and Bethel Town Supervisor Dan Sturm as keynote speakers, leading members of the Dream Hotel Group team Chairman Sant Singh Chatwal, CEO Jay Stein, and Vice President of Operations, Luxury Division Ashish Verma, as well as Chapin Estate Developer Steve Dubrovsky, Architect Nunzio DeSantis, and Granite Associates Chairman & CEO Alan Gerry, among others.

Rustic and refined, The Chatwal Lodge offers an elegant and charming play of details literally carved straight out of the woods from which it stands. The luxurious hideaway features hand-hewn timbers, oversized stone fireplaces and mighty trunks of 40-foot white pine trees towering from floor to ceiling in the Main Lodge.

New York State Assembly Member Aileen M. Gunther:

“We’re grateful for Mr. Sant Chatwal and his Dream Hotel Group team bringing The Chatwal Lodge to the region. The caliber of this project is remarkable, and, once open, will become a world-class destination and an extraordinary addition to both New York State and Sullivan County.”

Luxurious meeting and event venues located at water’s edge are ideal for corporate retreats, social events and lavish destination weddings. Harmonizing with nature, its serene spa offerings will also include some of the most desirable wellness services.

The opening of The Chatwal Lodge is part of a larger economic development plan for the town of Bethel, New York. The Chatwal Lodge is located within The Chapin Estate along the shores of Sullivan Country’s two largest lakes.

Sullivan County has seen an increasing number of visitors due to its vast recreational activities, as well as growing arts and culture community. The Chatwal Lodge is expected to generate tax revenue and create new jobs, while also offering the growing residential and business communities a new reason to work and play in the countryside destination.

“The Chatwal Lodge is born from our signature New York City location and five-star luxury brand The Chatwal,” says Sant Singh Chatwal, Chairman of Dream Hotel Group. “Within this decadent and simply unprecedented country retreat, The Chatwal Lodge is a magical destination where luxury meets nature, and we are committed to embracing the natural resources of the area to create an enterprise that truly redefines the town and country luxury living experience.”

Photos courtesy of Dream Hotel Group & Chatwal Hotels.

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Chic High Rise Showcases Hawaiian Luxury

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The Residences at the Mandarin Oriental, Honolulu has unveiled a first look at the exquisite residences that are ushering in a new era of luxury in Hawaii.

Developed by Salem Partners and conceived by an acclaimed team of international designers from Meyer Davis and Dianna Wong to Hart Howerton and Fluidity Design, the collaboration has never before been seen and will likely never exist again.

The Mandarin Oriental, Honolulu will push the boundaries of design and innovation and raise the bar for luxury high-rise living in Honolulu. Located on of the most iconic street corners in the state, the 36-story tower will rank among the most lauded architecturally significant buildings in the world.

The tower will also house 125 chic and contemporary guest rooms and suites, designed to reflect the local culture while paying homage to Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s heritage. Starting from the 19th floor, 99 exclusive residences will represent the most distinguished residential offering available in the world, each conjuring a sense of effortless extravagance and timeless sophistication.

Located in the heart of the Ala Moana District, adjacent to the world-renowned Waikiki District and surrounded by the city’s most affluent neighborhoods, Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Residences, Honolulu is situated directly across the street from the Hawaii Convention Center and Ala Moana Center, the world’s largest open-air shopping destination. At the intersection of Kapiolani Boulevard and Atkinson Drive, the tower is the first project approved under the city’s newly adopted Ala Moana Transit Oriented Development Plan.

Residents will have access to a private resident-only amenity level that features a luxury pool, outdoor lounge space complete with cabanas and fire pits, as well as a karaoke room, and Dolby Theater along with privileged access to an array of top-notch amenities and services offered at Mandarin Oriental, Honolulu.

The architectural vision for the building is a vertical interpretation of the traditional Hawaiian lanai—a shaded porch or verandah affording the pleasures of indoor-outdoor living. The design uses dramatically carved terraces and balconies to provide deeply shaded areas and frame views from these lanais, integrating gardens into nearly every front-of-house experience.

Photos courtesy of The Residences at the Mandarin Oriental, Honolulu.

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Timeless Caribbean Interior Design Sets Stage for Luxurious Enclave on Antigua

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Replay Destinations, a fully integrated destination development company, has appointed Studio Piet Boon, an internationally renowned design studio, as lead designer for Half Moon Bay Antigua, the first new resort and real estate development of its kind in the Caribbean.

Acclaimed for award-winning luxury hotel and residential projects in Europe and the United States, the Amsterdam-based firm will lead the overall architectural and interior vision for the new Rosewood Half Moon Bay, set to take shape on 132 pristine acres surrounding one of the world’s most celebrated beaches. In collaboration with preeminent Caribbean architecture firm, OBMI which is handling architecture for the Rosewood Half Moon Bay, Studio Piet Boon will introduce a new understated contemporary design by layering the sensibilities of traditional Caribbean architecture with a modern and distinctly environmental aesthetic.

Established in 1983 by Dutch designer Piet Boon, the company’s distinctive design sensibility has also extended into custom furnishings, fixtures and many other interior related products.

Conceived and orchestrated by a masterful team of designers and rooted in Caribbean history, Half Moon Bay Antigua will redefine the Caribbean paradigm by introducing a new level of ultra-luxury that will resonate with our discerning international clientele.

William Anderson

CEO, Half Moon Bay Antigua

Set to open in 2021, Rosewood Half Moon Bay will feature 47 pavilion-style suites, including a three-bedroom presidential suite, and will be flanked by a collection of Rosewood Residences, each thoughtfully designed and architecturally stunning showcasing captivating views.

Amenities will cater to the desires of today’s global explorer, with unobstructed ocean views, private infinity plunge pools, hammocks, open-air baths and shower gardens with live orchid walls that blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors. Studio Piet Boon will employ a natural design palate that will flow seamlessly from the resort to the residences connecting each experience to one another and to nature.

Half Moon Bay presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create something enduring, and I am honored to help shape the future of this magnificent place.  It is an inspiring landscape that truly embodies all that is beautiful in the West Indies, from the crescent-shaped white sand beach and lush tropical plant life to the rocky bluffs and panoramic views. All of these natural elements allow us to provide experiences at Half Moon Bay Antigua that capture the island’s redefined effortless luxury as well as evoke a sense of timeless elegance.

Piet Boon

Founder, Studio Piet Boon

Half Moon Bay Antigua is currently comprised of 10 of the rarest and most exclusive land parcels available for sale in the Caribbean. With prices ranging from $10 million to $25 million, the 10 premier estate lots will afford a limited number of buyers the opportunity to customize a showcase home set just steps from the beach or perched on a seaside cliff.

The crown jewel of the estate lots is the Mellon Estate, a three-acre parcel situated on a dramatic bluff overlooking the turquoise water below, formerly owned by philanthropist Rachel “Bunny” Lambert Mellon.  Owners and resort guests will have exclusive access to the finest services and amenities, such as an on-site biodynamic farm, an iconic cliffside cocktail lounge and a Rosewood Spa, all just steps from one of the world’s most exquisite beaches.

The site of the new Half Moon Bay Antigua development was previously home to Half Moon Bay Resort, one of the finest hotels ever built on Antigua back in the 1950s. The resort was frequented by notable names like Audrey Hepburn and Elton John, helping to establish Half Moon Bay as a global celebrity hot spot. With 3,200 feet of coral sand, Half Moon Bay Antigua is internationally lauded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, offering an unparalleled setting for what will be the most sought-after resort and residential community in the Caribbean.

Photos courtesy of Half Moon Bay Antigua.

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The Ultimate Celebrity Home

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In the 1950s and 1960s, Hollywood celebrities flocked to this house like bees to honeysuckle. Frank Sinatra owned it for ten years, Marilyn Monroe was rumored to add its guest cottage to her affair locations with JFK, Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli renewed their vows there, the Rat Pack partied hearty there and guests included most of the big names in Hollywood, along with Sinatra’s politician friends. Considered to be California’s No. 1celebrity home, Byrdview, is on the market priced at $12.5 million.

In 1949, socialite Dora Hutchinson, heir to the Chase Manhattan Bank fortune, commissioned futuristic architect William Pereira to design her new home. Not only was Pereira one of the most famous and prolific architects of the time, he had also been a film set designer, director and producer for several 1940’s movies, winning an Oscar for his special effects photography work on Cecille B. De Mille’s Reap the Wild Wind in 1942. The perfect architect to pack a dramatic punch, he designed a show stopping mid-century-modern home that was ideal for Dora’s grand-scale entertaining and would be just as stylish in 2019 as it was in the 1950s.

As soon as it was completed, she wasted no time in gathering the Hollywood stars and California business leaders for her soirees, many times setting off fireworks from her Byrdview perch to signal the start of cocktail hour. It was when she decided to move back to New York City that she passed it to Frank Sinatra, which shifted the entertaining from mannerly socialites to Rat Pack style.

Byrdview is located on 4.3 acres in the Chatsworth neighborhood on a hilltop with 360-degree views over Los Angeles, mountains and the surrounding 3,000 acres of nature preserve. Gated and not visible from the road, the 6,661-square-foot, four-bedroom, six-bath 60 percent of the structure’s walls are sixteen-foot-tall glass, flooding it with light and capturing the views in all directions.

Also included is a bar, formal dining area, a den-office, large chef’s kitchen with island, breakfast nook with view and top-of-the-line appliances, a number of fireplaces, and endless entertainment areas both inside and out.

Byrdview has been the backdrop for numerous films, television shows and music videos. The house and grounds have been seen in films such as Swordfish, Dreamgirls, Transformers and Bewitched. It has also starred in television series Mad Men and Californication and music videos by Mariah Carey, Usher and Rihanna.

Byrdview, the home that has enjoyed its own celebrity status for 64 years, is for sale and priced at $12.5 million. The adjacent parcel of more than six acres also owned by the seller is negotiable separately. Co-listing agents are Craig Knizek and Barrie Livingstone of The Agency, Beverly Hills.

Used with permission from TopTenRealEstateDeals.com. Photos courtesy of The Agency.

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Speaker Selected for International Luxury Real Estate Symposium

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Giuseppe Tomasetti, a former international business lawyer and the founder of Tomasetti Family Winery, has been selected as the featured speaker for the 13th Annual Luxury Real Estate International Symposium. The esteemed event will take place January 16th through the 18th in Milan at The Westin Palace, where Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate members will convene to share with other leaders in the industry, network with top real estate professionals and build their global referral network.

Since 2015, Giuseppe Tomasetti has been a full-time farmer and wine producer at the Tomasetti Family Winery, a boutique winery he established with his family in Santa Croce di Polesine, in the Bassa Parma region of Italy, in 2006. Although prior to his vintner years, much of his life was spent in the U.S. He received his JD degree from George Washington University and served as legal counsel to US House and Senate politicians followed by his own practice emphasizing in area mergers and acquisitions as well as international corporate tax and finance.

Drawing on his years of experience in cross-border commercial agreements and acquisitions that sometimes required as many as five jurisdictions, Giuseppe Tomasetti will address the present state of the luxury real estate market from three perspectives. He will examine common errors Europeans and Americans tend to make outside their respective markets. Tomasetti will also discuss external influences, such as the profound effect the generational passage has already had on the market along with the matter of weather and how significant of a role it can play.

Photos courtesy of LuxuryRealEstate.com.

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