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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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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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Classic Pinball Machines are Collector’s Items

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In an era of virtual reality and high-tech video games that immerse players into incredibly realistic battlefields or Formula One racetracks, one might think the classic pinball machine is hopelessly antiquated. But with new generations of admirers, the silver ball rolls on while vintage machines are enduringly hot collectibles.

Jon Chad, an illustrator and educator who uses an engaging comic book style to enlighten readers, is author of Pinball: A Graphic History of the Silver Ball, an account of the pinball machine’s unique role in American culture. In his book, Chad describes a 1942 ban on pinball machines in New York City (a prohibition that lasted 30 years), with Mayor Fiorello La Guardia destroying more than 11,000 machines, dumping many into the Hudson River. Despite the largely unfounded hysteria, the author reports, “In the American subconscious, there are still images of gambling and the criminal world associated with pinball.”

 

The machines that dominated arcades in the 20th century (when not prohibited) were inspired by bagatelle, a modification of billiards that emerged in 18th century France. “Pinball may be derived from bagatelle, but the game we see today is almost entirely a product of American invention and ingenuity,” reports Chad. The coin-operated games that drained the pockets of American youth debuted in the 1930s and their electromechanical (EM) technology — featuring wired switches, relays and lights — presented a dynamic experience accompanied by the game’s quintessential chimes and bells.

The player-controlled flippers that revolutionized pinball were introduced by Gottlieb, a venerable manufacturer, in a 1947 Humpty Dumpty-themed machine. In the 1950s, machines were referred to as “wood rails” because of their distinctive wood side rails, and many presented the eye-popping illustrations of the great pinball artist Roy Parker. The microprocessors of early computers were integrated into “solid- state” pinball machines in the 1970s and more advanced digital technology was introduced in the 1990s. But with competition from portable video game devices like PlayStation, America’s love affair with the addictive pinball machine was severely challenged.

 

However, pinball machines have experienced another renaissance in the last decade, with machines offering special effects that never could have been imagined in prior eras. Advanced technologies and contemporary themes have attracted a new generation of players accustomed to digital gaming. Meanwhile, the nostalgic value of the garishly appointed machines continues to fuel a massive market for collectors.

What makes pinball machines so beloved by collectors are the colorful pop culture themes that essentially time-stamp them to an era, reinforcing their sentimental value. Machines with art depicting Evel Knievel, the rock band Kiss or Playboy magazine resonate with those who came of age in the 1970s, while the superhero Flash Gordon and horror personality Elvira adorned machines released in the 1980s.

 

Insisting the game is very much alive, Chad states, “In-person pinball scratches a different itch than video games,” and suggests the quirky variables of brick-and-mortar settings, such as the floor the machine sits on, enhance the experience. “It plays differently every single time, something you can’t get from a video game,” he says. While Chad appreciates the distinctive sounds of the EM era, the author favors the more expressive storytelling that emerged in machines during the 1990s.

Stern Pinball, a business whose lineage dates to the early 1930s, is the world’s largest pinball machine manufacturer, based in the recognized capital of the game, Chicago. Stern’s titles reflect both pop culture icons (e.g., Star Wars, Elvis, James Bond) and contemporary themes (e.g., The Mandalorian, Foo Fighters). “At Stern Pinball, our machines are always evolving and improving, inspiring a lifetime love of games for folks all over the world,” says Seth Davis, the company’s CEO.

 

While some collectors are enamored with nostalgic machines from the last century, Davis reports, “Without question, this current era of pinball machines is my favorite.” Referencing a new platform that connects the entire universe of Stern Pinball machines, he adds, “What we’ve been able to accomplish with Insider Connected is just the tip of the iceberg, evolving the entire pinball gaming experience for gamers around the world.”

Addressing the challenge of balancing tradition and new technology, Davis states, “Stern Pinball is always working to create a better experience for players, by changing the landscape of the gaming industry while still honoring classic, iconic pinball designs.” Emphasizing the game’s international appeal — Stern Pinball machines are distributed in 50 different countries — Davis adds, “Through technology such as Insider Connected, we’re connecting players globally, which helps the game prosper outside of the U.S.”

 

Residing outside Richmond, Virginia, Taylor Reese is a respected pinball machine collector, restoration specialist, competitive player, and pinball podcaster. “Some people really love the classic machines, drawn by their nostalgic themes, artwork and layout of the games, but I love the modern machines,” reports Reese. The pinball enthusiast reports that Attack from Mars (released in the 1990s) and Godzilla, a contemporary machine that also happens to be a personal favorite of Davis, are among the most prized machines in his own impressively decorated game room. Suggesting the physicality and unpredictability of pinball has an enduring appeal in the digital age, Reese states, “Every time I step up to play, I have no idea how the game’s going to end.” He adds, “Unlike video games, pinball feels more like an event, and people are looking for ways to socialize after spending so much time staring into screens.”

Roger Grody

A native of Upstate New York but longtime Southern California resident, Roger is an award-winning lifestyle journalist specializing in food/wine, architecture/design and travel. A former city planner, he has a passion for writing about cities and the evolution of neighborhoods, documenting Los Angeles and other California destinations in Fodors, Gayot and DK travel guides. In addition to Unique Homes and its sister publications, Roger’s work has appeared in California Homes, Westways, Sunset, Hemispheres, as well as other lifestyle publications or websites. A resident of Pasadena, California, Roger holds a J.D. degree from Arizona State and M.A. from The University of Chicago.

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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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Exploring the Legendary Maurice White’s Former Bel Air Ridge Home

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Step into the realm of music history with the unveiling of Maurice White’s former abode in the coveted Bel Air Ridge neighborhood of Los Angeles. Once home to the visionary behind Earth, Wind & Fire, this residence at 10122 Baywood Ct. is now open for discerning buyers, offering a glimpse into the legendary artist’s inner sanctuary.

White’s influence on the music industry is undeniable. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame says, “Few groups were as innovative yet beloved by critics and audiences.” As the founder, leader, and chief producer of Earth, Wind & Fire, he sculpted a sound that was enjoyed throughout generations, earning the band a permanent place in music history. With seven GRAMMY awards and over 50 Gold and Platinum albums, White’s legacy resonates far beyond his Baywood estate.

The Setting

Nestled on a tranquil cul-de-sac overlooking the beauty of Beverly Glen Park, this meticulously crafted Tudor-inspired residence is a timeless demonstration of elegance. Boasting 4,165 square feet of meticulously designed living space, the home seamlessly merges elements of traditional architecture with contemporary luxury.

A Look Inside

Step inside to discover a primary suite fit for royalty, complete with a dual-sided fireplace, a spacious seating area, and a sun-drenched terrace offering breathtaking canyon, city, and ocean vistas. The true heart of the home lies in its chef’s kitchen, featuring top-of-the-line appliances, expansive counter space, and floor-to-ceiling cabinetry.

Outdoor Escapades

Entertain guests in style with a wet bar and dining area that opens onto a private backyard oasis. Here, an outdoor kitchen awaits, complete with a gas grill and custom marble cooking station, perfect for al fresco dining and entertaining against the backdrop of the Bel Air Ridge landscape.

For those captivated by the allure of music history and timeless luxury, 10122 Baywood Ct. presents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Maurice White’s legacy. Contact agents Jill Epstein of Nourmand & Associates, Daniel R. Banchick, or Amy Dantzler of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties for more information on this iconic property.

Images by credit Jeff Ong.

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Katarina Barakovska

Modern Design, Legacy Designer

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Katarina Barakovska has married traditional elements of her clients’ cultures with modern interior design to build her stunning portfolio of work.

Katarina Barakovska is an international interior designer who has gained notoriety for her fusion of modern design techniques with the heritage of her clients, to create stunning interiors in a number of different kinds of structures all around the world.

A Legacy Heritage Designer

Barakovska is the founder and creative director of Moda Interiors, as well as her own personal brand, and has worked with major brands such as Miele, BMW, and Vogue. Notably, she has worked for over two decades as a “legacy heritage designer.” She says that while she always wanted to work in this field, she “wasn’t looking for it … it found me.” According to Barakovska, a legacy heritage designer is “one who really digs to understand people and their past and their culture … one that really takes care to understand the point of difference in a client and their home. Someone who really knows how to amalgamate the present and the past.”

 

Barakovska also believes that a legacy heritage designer must have “the ability to get to know the client better than they know themselves.” She states that working with so many clients from all around the world greatly influenced her and she always works to make sure that a prominent cultural element is present when working on designing interiors for them. She goes on to say “one of the things that surprises me the most when I analyze why I do what I do, is that beyond my lifelong passion for interior design, it’s really the opportunity to work with people in this way and space. You really get to be creative and interpret people and emotions.”

Requests & Mistakes

Barakovska often finds that her clients want her to help them completely transform their entire interior space. As Barakovska explains, most of her clients say, “Help me create a lifestyle” and she begins her work from there. She goes on to take a look at relevant cultural photos, literature, art, furniture and more when formulating her designs for her clients. This is especially helpful when designing “cultural or religious spaces within homes,” she explains, “such as prayer rooms, to connect people to their faith and family.”

 

In her years as a legacy heritage designer, Barakovska says that “the most common mistake I see is that people fail to engage an interior designer on time, or not engage our services before the builder.” She goes on to say that “the interior designer really focuses on livability and understanding the clients in depth.” She posits that there is more room for flexibility with the interior designer compared to the builders themselves, and quick design or layout changes and fluctuating budgets are less of an issue. Barakovska describes this by saying: “We always work from the inside out, rather than the outside in, to ensure that we don’t miss anything, and that the end outcome is the owner’s most desired destination.”

Diverse Destinations

While she is of Macedonian-descent, Barakovska is currently based in Perth, Australia. Her perspective allows her to better empathize with her clients’ desire to maintain a sense of culture while living in another part of the world. She is not only versatile and meticulous, but also easily adapts her work to any potential location.

 

Barakovska finds that “the biggest factor to residential interiors is that there are a lot of emotions.” The interior space is the most personal and shows the personality and lives of the inhabitants at their most open. One of the best examples that Barakovska recalls comes from her own home. She says, “we converted our cinema room to a multi-purpose room that facilitated a space for my husband’s service uniforms to be centerpieces.” Later on, when she moved to a new property, she put in her dining room “a double-sided mirror” which became “a see- through visual merchandise window when the lights are turned on behind the glass. Once you turn the lights off, it becomes an oversized dining room mirror. Within it, we merchandised all of my husband’s uniforms to really merge the past and present and bring our family’s story in our home.”

The Ever-Evolving Future

Barakovska’s work in interior design is already revolutionary, but she still sees plenty of room for change within the industry. “I see people focusing more on quality over quantity,” she says, “spaces will become more storytelling experiences, rather than just voluminous spaces and empty rooms.” Additionally, she believes that the advancement of technology will continue to incorporate itself within the home. “There will be even less human contact,” she says, “and a lot of things will be computerized, however, it’s a generational thing to consider too.” While certain groups still prefer tactile materials, technological integration is inevitable in Barakovska’s perspective. She states that technology creates “opportunities for access and creativity in different forums.”

 

As for her own future endeavors, Barakovska is extremely optimistic. Despite only working on two to four major projects in a given year, she looks forward to working closely with them on their designs and going on a journey with them through their personal histories. She looks at “working around the world as if the world had no borders” and hopes to continue to “experience different cultures and how they live.”

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Giving the Gift of Global Travel: A Luxurious Escape for the Person Who Has It All

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Selecting the ideal gift for the person who appears to have everything can be a formidable challenge. At Unique Homes Media, Inc., we’re delving into the gift of one-of-a-kind experiences.

 

When conventional ideas fall a bit flat, it compels us to seek something genuinely memorable and unique. Enter the gift of global travel—a transcendent offering that melds adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, creating experiences and memories that endure a lifetime. Here are four exceptional destinations that guarantee an unforgettable escape for your cherished one.

Calabash Cove Resort and Spa, Saint Lucia

Nestled in the pristine beauty of Saint Lucia, Calabash Cove Resort and Spa offers the epitome of luxury and tranquility with its “Unconditional All Inclusive” package. This adults-only boutique hotel features 26 exquisite villas that blend old Caribbean charm with modern resort amenities, ensuring a serene and sophisticated retreat for all those who visit.

The package encompasses meals, beverages, and room service, allowing guests to indulge without stress. Each villa provides a private sanctuary with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, lush gardens, and an infinity pool that seamlessly blends into the horizon. For the ultimate relaxation, the Ti Spa offers rejuvenating treatments inspired by local traditions. Whether it’s lounging by the pool, exploring the vibrant marine life, or savoring gourmet cuisine, Calabash Cove ensures a romantic and revitalizing escape.

Las Catalinas, Costa Rica

For those who crave adventure and natural beauty, Las Catalinas in Costa Rica is an idyllic destination. Located along the country’s Gold Coast, this enchanting beach town is designed around the principles of New Urbanism, promoting walkability and a close-knit community atmosphere.

Spanning nearly 1,000 acres, Las Catalinas is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with extensive hiking and biking trails winding through protected tropical dry forests. Guests can spend their days exploring the vibrant biodiversity, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, or simply relaxing on the sun-kissed beaches. The town itself offers a variety of upscale accommodations, charming eateries, and wellness centers, making it a perfect blend of adventure and luxury. Gifting a trip to Las Catalinas promises an immersive experience that celebrates the beauty of nature and the spirit of exploration.

Ananda in the Himalayas, India

For a transformative wellness retreat, Ananda in India is unparalleled. Located in the serene foothills of the Himalayas, this luxury resort is the birthplace of India’s ancient practices of yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda. Ananda offers a holistic experience designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.

Guests can partake in personalized wellness programs that include yoga sessions, Ayurvedic treatments, and guided meditation, all set against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayan mountains. The resort’s opulent accommodations, coupled with gourmet organic cuisine, provide a tranquil environment for relaxation and self-discovery. A stay at Ananda is more than just a vacation; it’s a journey toward wellness and inner peace.

Hotel Belmar, Costa Rica

When gifting global travel, choose a destination that combines luxury with ethical dining. Hotel Belmar in Monteverde, Costa Rica, exemplifies authentic experiences through sustainability and hyper-local cuisine.

Hotel Belmar, an award-winning, carbon-neutral hotel, has redefined dining in 2024. Under Chef Alvaro Rodríguez, the new menu at Restaurante Celajes and other dining venues focuses on organic produce from the Hotel’s  garden and Finca Madre Tierra. By reducing meat and dairy usage by 20%, and embracing plant-based and sustainable seafood, the hotel minimizes its carbon footprint. Chef Rodríguez states, “Travelers come to experience all of Costa Rica, and that means serving up the region’s bounty and flavors in every dish we prepare.”

Gifting experiences such as these, offer the chance to explore new horizons, embrace different cultures, and create lasting memories. Whether it’s the romantic allure of Calabash Cove in Saint Lucia, the adventurous spirit of Las Catalinas in Costa Rica, or the serene wellness retreat at Ananda in the Himalayas, each destination promises a unique and lavish escape. 

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Words of Wisdom with Dona Federico

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Meet the founder of The Dona Frank Team, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Blake

In 2017 Dona created The Dona Frank Team which brings over 30 years of combined sales and marketing experience. Dona and her team focus on sales in the Capital Region areas, vacation sales, and second home purchase markets and she keeps her eyes and hands on every transaction and listing.

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from and how long have you been working in New York? 

A: I am originally from California but have been back east since 1983, and in Saratoga Springs since 1988.  

 

Q: Why did you choose the real estate industry as a career path? 

A: I have always loved working with people and working in sales or motivating and managing sales, so in 2008 I was moved to get my license and try it as a part-time job. That soon became a full-time career and I have no regrets. 

 

“I have passion and knowledge and great clients and referrals, that makes it all so fun and worthwhile.”

Q: What about the industry drew you in? 

A: I was ready to work on my terms, my hours, and my location. That was back when working from home was frowned upon and I was driving to downtown Albany in heavy snow or rain. I hated the commute, but now I can schedule things that work for my clients AND work for me.

 

Q: What do you enjoy most about your role in luxury real estate? 

A: All of it! I love the homes I sell and see, the decor, the custom features, the hardscapes, everything. Luxury is a lifestyle more than a property for sale. You really get to enjoy things you have sometimes never seen before, such as underground heated garages for 10 cars on a rotating platform, indoor/outdoor swimming pools, lush gardens, horses, and so much more!

Q: What are some of the challenges? 

A: Some property locations don’t line up with the luxury homes and that means we need to market better with a focus on the features and lifestyles. Some are expensive luxury home but they’re dated. That can be tough, and for that, we market to location and land or special features. It is all about marketing.

Q: What are some important skills to have in this field of work? 

A: Mutual respect, good communication, great listening skills, follow through, keeping to your word, and my most important one, full transparency, at all times.

 

Q: What is a valuable lesson you’ve learned in this industry that you’d like to share?

A: To be honest. Sometimes I come across agents or sellers who want to bend the truth on a property fault or even avoid transparency. Believe me, in the end, it matters and it comes up. It can destroy an otherwise great transaction. It is called being ethical and we pride ourselves on that fact.

 

Q: Do any previous listings stand out in your memory and why? 

A: Many. A few in particular, 60 Scutt Rd is one, in Feura Bush, NY. It wasn’t the most expensive, although it was a luxury price point, but it was the most interesting. They built the custom home and office on a 9-acre lake on a 140-acre parcel of land with hiking trails and more. It was amazing and the buyers fell in love instantly. Also, the Quadgraphics estates in downtown Saratoga Springs. They were so well-appointed and lovely, and the aviary was awesome! I could go on and on as I do love them all, like children! You spend a lot of time preparing a listing like this and attention to detail is imperative. So you get to know the property really well, the owners or caretakers, and the relationships really do last.

Connect with founder, Dona Federico

  1. 518.421.6753

The Dona Frank Team

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson since 2006

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Luxury Collection Specialist

Top 10% In Sales in Cap Region MLS

Top 1% in BHHS Network 2018-2023

Women’s Council Of Realtors Award/ Chairman’s Club Award

www.thedonafrankteam.com

 

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A Word From Allan Dalton: the Former CEO of Realtor.com

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At Unique Homes Media, Inc. we aim to stay apprised of the latest trends and developments in luxury real estate. Today, we are excited to share insights from Allan Dalton, the former CEO of Realtor.com and now a published author. His new book, “Buyer Agent Be Aware: What Every Buyer Agent Must Know & Do in a Post-Disrupted Real Estate World,” offers valuable guidance for buyer agents navigating the evolving real estate landscape.

Luxury Buyer Agents Must Be More than a Luxury

According to the Oxford Dictionary, the word BUY is defined as “in exchange for payment” or “to accept the truth of something.” Commencing August 17th and in a post-disrupted real estate world, luxury real estate buyers will have to resolve both definitions of the term… Buy. Specifically, luxury real estate buyers will be forced to contemplate whether a buyer agent is essential, and what should be the negotiated compensation paid to the buyer agent.

Does anyone really expect the world’s most affluent shoppers, simply because they value vaguely defined “white glove service” and professional panache, will automatically accept paying tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars for a luxury buyer agent, merely because such agents are self-defined as luxury agents? Or is it more probable that luxury buyers, like all buyers, will become more deliberative and demanding while assessing exactly why and how much they are to pay directly to their luxury buyer agent?

Buyer agents when negotiating fees with prospective buyer clients, and perhaps for the first time will have to respond to new challenges to their purported buyer agent value. For example, when a prospective buyer client asks: “Why do I have to pay ten times as much in fees if I buy a five-million-dollar home than a five-hundred-thousand-dollar home?,” will all buyer agents be prepared to intelligently and convincingly respond to such buyer side value questions and challenges? Moreover, will luxury buyers become as accepting of negotiated fees, as luxury home sellers have been for decades, especially considering the evolution of luxury marketing? For example, it is clear that the advancement of luxury marketing in the form of upscale brands, divisions, marketing plans, elegant language, sophisticated staging, and exquisite marketing materials appear to be exponentially more remarkable and possess more refined infrastructural systems than the individual workings or merits of the solitary “luxury buyer agent.”

"How many luxury marketing agents have described an estate’s view as “views and vistas that even Ernest Hemingway could not adequately describe” or other “unique homes” caliber prose?"

I ask, how much more time has been devoted within the luxury real estate realm regarding “My luxury marketing plan” versus “My luxury buyer plan?” How much more specificity has been devoted to how luxury property is presented to the market by a luxury marketing agent than how a property is shown by a luxury buyer agent to luxury buyers? For example, how many luxury marketing agents have described an estate’s view as “Views and vistas that even Ernest Hemingway could not adequately describe” or other “Unique Homes” caliber prose? Conversely, a buyer agent when showing the same property, is more likely to underwhelmingly and generically comment “What a beautiful view.” I have heard many so-called luxury buyer agents describe ALL “Unique Homes,” regardless of how distinct or transcendent they are from each other, with suspiciously similar and repetitive terminology. Perhaps you too have heard some of these trite adjectives that are being used by your limited-vocabulary competitors… “Your home is

beautiful, charming, gracious, spacious, and elegant.”

Unlike these pedestrian property descriptions, (which are also routinely used by pizza deliverers seeking higher tips), world-class marketing luxury agents, painstakingly with or without chatGPT, treat each of their vaunted properties as though they were describing works of art being honored at the Louvre. Although less mature in their level of preparation within the industry, ironically buyer agent value presentations will actually need to rapidly become superior to so-called listing presentations.

This is because home sellers for fifty years or more have met so-called listing agents with universal expectations. Specifically, they would be agreeing to a negotiated fee, in advance of the home marketing process. These favorable expectations are not equally “embedded or accepted” in advance of buyer-client to buyer-agent presentations.

I say so-called “listing agents” as in my view, unless the real estate industry completely and forever purges the value-killing term “listing agent,” in favor of “seller agent,” then this calcified and non-representational sounding cliche will undermine the value of buyer agents. It will do so as it will deprive real estate transactions of critical representational symmetry. The term “listing agent” sounds too welcoming to buyers and comes across as non-oppositional. Regrettably, this outdated legacy term continues to be observed in a widespread fashion. Unfortunately, this value-undermining term exists at a time when more buyers than ever post August 17th, will be considering going directly to the very “helpful” listing agent. There could not be a more inviting term to entice buyers to bypass buyer agents than the words “listing agent.” The word listing agent suggests that they are prepared to help the buyer in the same way as the car salesperson is prepared to help a car buyer, even though they are representing the dealership. The weakening of buyer agent value will only lead to the weakening of “listing agent” value.

Regarding the need to convey immediately appreciated and irreplaceable value, which I believe luxury buyer agents provide, I respectively invite you to examine the book Buyer Agent Be Aware. Within this 28-module buyer agent one-of-a-kind resource, there is also a masterful and convincing method of presenting buyer agent value to prospective buyer clients. Also included are case studies of agents who individually produce 150 to 250 million dollars in sales volume in luxury markets each year, with 50% of their value coming from the buying side.

Although the common refrain amongst many top producers for years has been “listings are the name of the game,” and “if you don’t list you don’t last,” a case can be made that buyer agents may very well have more value than seller agents. Knowledgeable, real estate trusted advising buyer agents not only must develop prospecting, lead gen, CRM, and social media strategies, as do seller agents but also must possess an even deeper knowledge of neighborhoods, homes on and off the market, local schools, services and must go beyond the staging expertise of the seller agent and provide merchandising advice to their buyer that they might maximize their investment after acquisition. Moreover, they also must be skillful at negotiating, networking, and acting as an emotional buffer throughout the stress of transactions. During the transaction, they have greater responsibility and value in terms of facilitating the mortgage, title, insurance, inspection, and either escrow or attorney services. And of course, there is no comparison regarding after-the-sale value between a seller agent and a buyer agent. Luxury buyer agents should never be viewed as a “luxury”… but rather as essential… because you are!

Thank you for your kind attention.

Allan Dalton

“Marketing Real Estate At The Highest Level”

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