Vestige of the Historic Grand Estates of Chicago’s North Shore

In an exceptional lakefront location, with panoramic views of Lake Michigan, this incomparable French Regency residence, in Winnetka, Illinois, remains a vestige of the historic, grand estates of Chicago’s North Shore.

“It was built in 1913 and designed by notable Chicago architect Benjamin Marshall,” says Mary Ann Kollar and Betsy Burke of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago who are listing the property for 3.999999 million.

The current owners, in collaboration with prestigious architects and engineers, recently undertook a three-year restoration and preservation of the house, grounds, bluff and shoreline, creating both a wonderful family retreat and an exceptional venue for entertaining.

“The property combines historic significance, fine architectural details, impeccable updating and maintenance, and solid structural elements.” Say Kollar and Burke “It is for the buyer who enjoys the extraordinary in a treasured waterfront landscape.”

March 11, 2020 Leave a comment

Home Away from Home

with:Marlene Ridgway

PHOTO COURTESY OF VRBO

More travelers than ever seem to be eschewing traditional hotels and considering lavish vacation rentals for more authentic and comfortable experiences.

Vacation rentals, from cottages to castles, can elevate the overall experience of traveling while avoiding that unsettled feeling of being away from home. Travelers can relish in the privacy of their own space and choose a rental that offers the peace and downtime traveling requires, all the while taking advantage of the same amenities and luxuries offered at a hotel or resort.

“The best luxury rentals can offer fine architecture, artwork, and furnishings that can rival the decor of any 5-star hotel, but without the transient feeling of being in a hotel. It’s as if you’re living in a place that is meant to be lived in, which can emphasize the sense of a place,” says Carol Perehudoff, an award-winning travel writer based in Toronto for the travel site Wandering Carol.

Whether you’re staying for the weekend or a few weeks, skip hotel rooms that can feel secluded and away from the excitement and embrace the idea of your own schedule and space.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF VRBO

An Authentic Experience

Luxury travelers are looking for a more authentic adventure when they visit a new place. They want to experience profound architecture, personalized activities, and the overall culture in an area. “Travelers can have an all-inclusive resort-like experience with the added bonus of space and privacy to completely relax and spend quality time with their loved ones,” according to Alison Kwong, travel expert for Vrbo (Vacation Rental by Owner). Renting a vacation home immerses you in the surrounding culture to create your home away from home. “Oftentimes a vacation rental can be a better all-around experience. We use high-end vacation rentals as a base of operations for custom-built adventures,” says Dan Austin, the president of Austin Adventures.

Vacation rentals make authentic travel seamless. Visit hard-to-reach places or lesser-known destinations in a home rather than a hotel. Easily submerge yourself in a residential area rather than skim the surface of the commercialized options typically available for tourists. “You’re often staying in neighborhoods where residents live, rather than in tourist zones,” says Perehudoff. She describes one luxury vacation rental in Venice as being “as much of a cultural thrill as visiting a famous museum or palace.”

Space and Privacy

Space is a significant component to consider when vacationing with family and friends. There are endless rentals that sleep large groups comfortably, which means your party can stay together without feeling crowded or overwhelmed. “Vacation homes are ideal for traveling with family because they allow everyone to stay together under one roof,” says Kwong. Similarly, Austin says, “you can create a better “gather” type of environment … to create bonding moments.” He notes, “one of the biggest benefits is privacy.”

Lounge by the pool, fit in your morning workout, enjoy an afternoon snack, or take a midnight swim all in the privacy of your own space. Forget overcrowded hotel pools, spas, and restaurants when you have easy access to your own private pool, at-home theater, sauna, and other amenities.

Freedom with Amenities

Forget dining on a schedule or mid-morning interruptions. Renting a home offers the desired freedom on a vacation that runs on your own schedule, without sacrificing any of the luxuries. “Travelers can still enjoy special amenities, like private chefs, daily housekeeping and concierge services that organize itineraries full of activities personalized for guests and their families,” says Kwong. Everything from welcome baskets to day excursions and transportation are available.

The Right Choice

Vacation rentals can provide accommodations for groups without the financial strain of booking several hotel rooms. Family and friends can split the cost of a home with the added bonus of endless amenities at your fingertips. “Travelers are increasingly drawn to vacation homes instead of hotels or resorts when going on family or group trips because vacation homes provide the same value at a compelling rate. When renting an entire vacation home, travelers also have access to more space and privacy, better amenities, and the chance to stay in some truly unique properties that aren’t available just anywhere,” according to Kwong.

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / SHIRONOSOV

Vacation rentals are perfect for large parties who want to create gather experiences without feeling crowded.

Hotels can become a necessity rather than a welcome addition to your travels. Vacation rental companies have their own special niche, while the overall goal of each is to craft a unique, authentic experience for travelers.

Companies with a Purpose

Vrbo is based on the more traditional sense of a vacation rental. Families and friends are offered the privacy that large gatherings crave. Forget overloaded resorts and stuffy hotel lobbies. Instead, stretch out in front of your own fireplace with a book, make a cocktail in your private kitchen, and head out to the pool or spa where you and your guests can relax in privacy.

“Over the last 25 years, Vrbo has grown into a global community of homeowners and travelers with more than 2 million unique properties around the world, ranging from cabins to beach houses and every kind of space in between,” says Kwong. The site began in 1995 and has only expanded over the years, now offering easy-to-use technology to plan a dream vacation.

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / SHIRONOSOV

Rental sites offer the opportunity to stay in one-of-a-kind homes all over the world for a unique experience.

“One of the newest features Vrbo has added to the site are virtual tours, which pro-vide immersive, 360-degree views of vacation rental properties directly from the listing page,” according to Kwong. “Vrbo makes planning a trip together feel as effortless and enjoyable as being on one. Recently introduced, trip boards is a collaborative tool that allows multiple people to share, vote and collaborate about their favorite properties. That way, everyone is involved in the decision-making process and travelers feel confident that the vacation rental they choose is suitable for everyone.”

The trusted brand Airbnb is one of the more well-known services when renting a space, whether it’s for vacation or business. The luxury facet of the company, Airbnb Luxe, offers a trip designer for personalized activities that are specifically crafted for you and your guests. In tandem with activities and amenities, these ultra-luxury properties appeal to those with an interest in design and have been carefully chosen for that very reason.

PlansMatter is a platform that provides architecturally significant hotels and vacation homes for rent. For those with a special interest in spectacular architecture, travelers can choose from the likes of Pole House, a home in Australia that is suspended 40 meters above Fairhaven Beach; Vila Vals in Switzerland, which is built directly into the mountain scenery; the circular Solo House in Spain, and many more. “One of the highlights of a vacation rental is being able to get away from the crowds and enjoy more natural surroundings,” says Perehudoff. This is a component that can be overlooked when the simple convenience of a hotel is presented.

PlansMatter provides comprehensive information about architects and the properties that will boost the overall experience from the very start of a trip. Everything needed to decide, from photos and customer reviews to blueprints of the home, even a chance to read about the architects, is available.

Vacation rentals are growing in popularity today as a smarter way to travel for groups and for those searching for an authentic experience, but the concept has long attracted savvy and avid travelers. Founded in 1986, Windows on Italy carefully selects prestigious villas and apartments throughout Italy. From Florence to Rome, the countryside to the seaside, rentals with private pools, frescoed lofts, antiques and more will enchant travelers. The brand is another that focuses on one-of-a-kind, top-tier properties that heighten the overall travel experience.

©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / SHIRONOSOV

Experience profound architecture when staying in homes such as this gorgeous Scottsdale, Arizona property.

This editorial originally appeared in The High End Winter 2020.

March 9, 2020 Leave a comment

Elegance in Key Largo

with:Unique Homes Staff

This Florida Keys home is the perfect blend of serenity and luxury.

A perfect place to escape, relax, and unwind as a family away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this 4,870-square-foot, four-bedroom, five-full and two-half-bath home was designed in harmony with panoramic water views. The home was designed as a transitional space, dictated by the style and taste of the homeowner, from traditional to contemporary. The current homeowner has chosen a more contemporary decor so nothing detracts from his eclectic art collection or from the views.

From the moment you enter the home you are instantly transported to a serene, peaceful, and timeless space. The open floor plan includes a spacious living area, which flows seamlessly into the kitchen, dining, and bar area. The kitchen features Amazonite granite and quartz countertops, a circular dining room table, and a low-slung wet bar that’s angled out to optimize water views, all while perfectly placed underneath the vaulted barrel ceiling.

On the first floor, there are three beautiful bedrooms with en suite baths. A staircase leads down to an enclosed garage that offers multiple entertainment spaces for kids and family, and numerous doors that open to an intimate backyard and keystone fire pit. Upstairs, the master bedroom boasts a wall of windows that opens to panoramic water views and a wraparound balcony.

While the exterior of the two-story home is traditional yet sophisticated, Nury Feria, principal of Design Perceptions Inc., created interiors that are “minimal, modern, clean, and comfortable.” The owners did not want anything to detract from the views and the art. The living room and kitchen open onto a spacious patio with pocket sliding glass doors. A curvaceous infinity pool with glass walls, dual fire globes, and a 16-foot cascading waterfall overlook the ocean and Buccaneer Island — one of the favorite amenities among Ocean Reef Club’s members.

Nestled on 2,500 secluded, tropical acres on the northern-most tip of Key Largo in the Florida Keys, Ocean Reef Club is considered one of the U.S.’s most unique and comprehensive communities. Located within an hour of Miami International Airport and 1.5 hours from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, Ocean Reef Club is also serviced by its own 4,456-foot lighted runway. Offering 1,700 waterfront estates, private homes, condominiums, and boat slips. Ocean Reef Club also features an oceanfront Inn, a full-service spa and salon, and an array of dining and shopping options. Leisure amenities include a 175-slip marina, two 18-hole championship golf courses, world-class tennis and lawn sports, jogging/cycling paths, a cooking school, nature center, an art league, and more.

The blended elegance of one of the world’s most exclusive and private club’s paired with one of the Florida Keys most spectacular residential properties, makes 103 Andros the perfect place to call home. Eric Woodward and Molly Taylor of Ocean Reef Club Sotheby’s International Realty are representing the property. $22,000,000.

March 8, 2020 Leave a comment

Exquisite Seaside Villa

with:Unique Homes Staff

Through a long-winding and manicured driveway, off of the Old Highway on Plantation Key in Islamorada, FL, this villa sits on two acres facing the Atlantic Ocean. With 170 feet of shoreline with deep water dockage, a boat lift and a sandy beach, it is a rare find in the Florida Keys.

The home features 8,226 square feet of living space with three levels offering six bedrooms, four and one half baths and an additional one bedroom en suite on the ground level. It also showcases an imperial staircase, gourmet kitchen, private verandas, a custom-built living room entertainment center, sub-zero Viking appliances, Versace designed lighting, and a master suite with a grand balcony. “The chef’s kitchen is our favorite room because you can entertain friends, while looking out towards the beach and ocean — watching swimmers and beach volleyball players,” says Cynthia Hughes of Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty, who is listing the property for $6.995 million.

The distinctive features of this home consist of exquisite wood and marble floors, eight-foot high solid wood doors, ironwork fixture, imported stone from Mexico, architecturally designed ceilings, and custom crafted furnishings. Additionally, each bathroom is tiled in exotic marble and mosaics, and the walls are finished with Italian-inspired, hand-drawn paintings. No detail has been missed. “This home has an old world charm with a relaxed coastal feel,” says Hughes.

Outdoors, enjoy a heated infinity pool with adjacent spa and a grilling area for the perfect outdoor host.

“This home is perfect for anyone who wants to share their island living with family and friends,” says Hughes.

March 7, 2020 Leave a comment

Oceanfront Luxury in the Cayman Islands

with:Unique Homes Staff

This oceanfront suite, in the highly regarded Renaissance on Seven Mile Beach in the Cayman Islands, is a rare double unit comprising four bedrooms, four and one half baths and 3,652 square feet of living space. Features include two oceanfront master suites, a gourmet kitchen, private screened patio, and gorgeous views of the Caribbean.

“What we love best about this unit is the way it brings in natural light,” says Allen Bloomrosen of Coldwell Banker Cayman Islands Realty, who is listing the property for $5.749 million. “With 48 feet on the ocean, not only are you seeing the incredible breathtaking views of Seven Mile Beach at its best, but you also are enjoying it from one of the most elegant properties on Grand Cayman. And the sunsets — they are priceless.” Additional property amenities include an infinity-edge pool, heated spa, two spaces in the under-building parking garage and fitness center.

March 6, 2020 Leave a comment

Virtually New Condo in the Cayman Islands

with:Unique Homes Staff

This four-bedroom, four-bath condo, on Seven Mile Beach in the Cayman Islands, is one of only 12 condos in a well-established and beautifully maintained complex. This unit, on the top floor, features 3,400 square feet, a large screened patio, two beachfront master suites and a hidden office. Completely renovated and redesigned at the end of 2018, it is virtually new.

“With only twelve units, no rentals permitted and all the amenities, this is as close as you can get to owning a house on Seven Mile Beach,” says J.C. Calhoun of Coldwell Banker Cayman Islands Realty, who is listing the property for $4.295 million. Additional features include a covered carport, private garage and use of a beachfront pool, on-site gym and tennis court.

March 6, 2020 Leave a comment

Colonial Revival in Massachusetts

with:Unique Homes Staff

On 4.4 acres on a pristine hilltop in Beverly, Massachusetts, this stunning 6,000-square-foot Colonial revival is surrounded by manicured lawns, meadows, extensive gardens and stone patios.

The home features six bedrooms, three full and two half baths, four wood-burning fireplaces, and many Victorian-era architectural details, including detailed moldings and plaster ceiling medallions. Additionally, the wraparound covered porches are a perfect gathering spot overlooking the outdoor garden spaces

“This home is elegant, but not overly formal,” says Patricia White of Century 21 North East who is listing the property for $2.299 million. “It has a feel for a country estate with accessibility of a neighborhood home — perfect for a growing family.”

March 5, 2020 Leave a comment

On Location: Haig Point, Daufuskie Island, South Carolina

with:Marlene Ridgway

3 ocean watch photo courtesy of Haig Point; all others ©Dennis burnett photography

Daufuskie Island offers Southern charm and comfort that can only be found on an island with no bridges. Accessible by a 30-minute ferry ride, my journey to the Haig Point community began and ended with relaxation. Catching a glimpse of diving dolphins as I left the mainland behind was a warm welcome into the exclusive area. The sea island just off the coast of South Carolina, which is easily accessible from Savannah, is one that wholeheartedly embraces the easy pace of the Lowcountry.

“As soon as people step off the ferry they
typically fall in love with the island lifestyle,” says Lauren Hunt, the programming and communications manager at the private, member-owned Haig Point. “Their genuine commitment to the island is why they choose to build and live here.” Members welcomed me with open arms and shared the island’s charming attributes, all with similar stories of visiting and deciding to stay for the long haul.

If the 29-hole Rees Jones golf course, equestrian center, award-winning tennis facility, and beach club don’t entice you, the real estate will. It ranges in size and price, creating a diverse community with something to offer everyone. Haig Point goes beyond vacation and second homes. Permanent residents are enjoying the influx of younger residents. “More families under age 55 joined in the past three years than the previous 10 combined,” says Hunt. An island destination with no traffic — the island runs on electric golf carts — is an ideal opportunity for those hoping to enjoy a smaller, safer environment for their families.

Homesites for building your dream home and a collection of existing properties make up the variety of real estate within the current 270-home development. On the market for $2.995 million, 3 Ocean Watch in Haig Point was designed and built to the highest standards with stunning heart pine and woodwork soured from a 200-year-old house. Other properties range in price from the mid $300,000s to $3 million.

The island won’t be threatened by commercialization or overcrowding, due to building restrictions, according to Hunt. The community’s Architectural Review Board ensures the nature and integrity of the island remain intact alongside development. Across the water, Hilton Head Island is visible. “Hilton Head Island has 2 million visitors annually. That means easy accessibility to great restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. And with only an eight-minute commute, our hourly water taxi makes it easy to escape back to the solitude of Haig Point,” says Hunt.

3 Ocean Watch offers Calibogue Sound views.

Enjoy uncrowded, pristine beaches.

Haig Point offers a private Equestrian Center.

THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN THE GLOBAL 2019 ISSUE OF UNIQUE HOMES. TO SEE THE DIGITAL VERSION OF THIS STORY, CLICK HERE.

March 4, 2020 Leave a comment

Paradise Living in Panama

with:Unique Homes Staff

With a view of the beach and plenty of bedrooms, this Panama home is the oasis of your dreams.

On the idyllic island of Saboga, in the Las Perlas Archipelago in Panama, this three-level, five-bedroom, five-bath house is surrounded by tropical plants and trees and overlooks a gorgeous beach. “The islands that make up the archipelago are one of the very last undeveloped island chains in the world,” says listing agent Stephanie Villarreal of Your Panama Real Estate Connection.

Conveniently located, the island has a heliport, there is a daily ferry service to Isla Saboga from Panama City, and the neighboring island of Contadora has an airstrip.

The home, which comes fully furnished and is listed for $850,000 USD, was “custom built to provide the very best in island living,” says Villarreal.

The lower level of the house has two bedrooms, each of which are small studio apartments with full kitchens — and decks and patios overlook the beach just 26 steps below. “Perfectly situated, you can enjoy a perfect balance of indoor/outdoor living,” says Villarreal.

The main level has one master bedroom, kitchen and living room and a large open deck with a pergola overlooking the beach and ocean. From here, “you can enjoy the spectacular views of the beach and ocean,” says Villarreal. “Imagine waking up in the morning, sitting on the deck and enjoying coffee — listening to the birds.” Or at the end of the day, “enjoying a fresh coconut or cocktail —and watching the sun go down.”

The upper level of the house has two bedroom suites with a shared kitchen between them. Each upper bedroom suite has a deck overlooking the beach. “This beautiful house is a perfect fit for a family looking for a change or adventure — or is well suited for anyone wanting to start a sport-fishing lodge, as the area boasts some of the best sport-fishing and an abundance of marine life,” says Villarreal. “No matter where you are in the house or the property, there is no forgetting that you are on one of the most beautiful islands in Panama.”

For more information, visit the link here.

March 4, 2020 2 Comments

Perfecting the Imperfect

with:Kristen Ordonez

PHOTOS FROM WABI-SABI: FURTHER THOUGHTS BY LEONARD KOREN

The ancient Japanese design philosophy of Wabi-Sabi turns “the not-beautiful into the beautiful.”

What happens when a new design trend highlights the beauty of imperfections?

The aesthetic of wabi-sabi was originally related to the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, but has since been developed into a design style, highlighting all things “opposite of perfect.” Unique and striking by nature, this style derives from a deep understanding and respect for time and recognizing the beauty in the understated.

Author Leonard Koren describes this distinctive philosophy in multiple ways, from the “antithesis of the Classic Western aesthetic notion of beauty,” to the “beauty of things imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete; of things modest and humble; of things unconventional.” Before writing two books on wabi-sabi, Koren first learned the term during his youth in the 1960s. As he describes in his book Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers, to him the term initially seemed to be “a nature-based aesthetic paradigm … a perfect antidote to the pervasively slick … corporate style of beauty that I felt was desensitizing American society.”

Koren notes that when physically manifested, wabi-sabi is related to the “entropic processes that all living things are subject to,” meaning that it embraces the method of showing objects that are worn or time-weathered. Antiques, for example, are generally imbued with qualities of wabi-sabi, Koren says. “An 18th century Italian desk, for instance will have evidence of hundreds of years of human use and misuse — along with the discoloration and natural deterioration that comes with age.” Further, he reminds us that despite its appearance, the character and merit of the desk “is not diminished by these ‘imperfections.’”

Another aspect that Koren stresses is that wabi-sabi art or design pieces are often initially perceived as ugly. “It is the transmutation of the not-beautiful into the beautiful that is part of the magic of wabi-sabi,” he affirms. He adds that every person perceives this aesthetic in different ways and applies it where they think it best. Though not as well known as styles like Modern or Contemporary just yet, designers and artists are appreciating the freedom and creative liberties of wabi-sabi and are finding ways to apply it in various ways.

Passionate about Japanese culture for over 10 years, Ukranian designer Sergey Makhno calls himself a devotee of minimalism and wabi-sabi, calling it a “manifesto of nature and tradition, simplicity [and] tranquility.” Makhno, like Koren, relates the philosophy to the impermanence and imperfections of man, asking that if man is imperfect, why should the place he calls home be perfect? As the founder of Makhno Studio, Makhno works on a multitude of projects, but his first venture in applying wabi-sabi principles into a physical space was in his own home.

“I had to make sure that the design philosophy was practical,” he says, and from its first installation it was a success. The project, titled Wabi-Sabi Apartment, has won multiple interior design competitions and showcases qualities that Makhno chose to highlight: honoring nature, remembering history, loving art and showing courage.

From the moment you walk in, the Wabi-Sabi Apartment boasts a carefully designed interior that is in stark contrast with the concrete cityscape outside. The walls are finished with clay, in a technique seen in older Ukrainian homes, while the wooden beams that support the ceiling and doorways are left looking rough and rustic. Nature is also represented in bonsai trees and a small roof garden.

PHOTO FROM WABI-SABI: FOR ARTISTS, DESIGNERS, POETS & PHILOSOPHERS BY LEONARD KOREN

Much of the furniture and art also display the aesthetic in simple yet functional ways. For example, the metal lampshades hanging in the home help integrate a contemporary element to the overall earthy, natural interior. “Their own imperfections also demonstrate how the ancient philosophy of wabi-sabi can find new applications in contemporary design, making us appreciate the beauty of handmade objects through the use of natural materials,” according to Makhno Studio.

Makhno says wabi-sabi provides simple principles that anyone can follow. From the use of natural materials that show signs of wear, as well as colors that tie closely to the earth, to incorporating nature itself, Makhno stresses that “things live with and for the person; a person does not live for the sake of things.”

Another design choice Makhno mentions is the incorporation of kintsugi pieces, or kintsukuroi, which roughly translates into “golden joinery.” These pieces are created through the traditional Japanese practice that joins broken fragments of ceramics together with gold, which according to ceramic artist Tomomi Kamoshita is viewed almost as a reincarnation of the original object. “When cherished pieces are broken, we save them and transform them into keshiki (the restored piece),” she says, giving the ceramic a “new life.”

PHOTOS BY ANDREY AVDEENKO

Kamoshita agrees that kintsugi is similar to wabi-sabi, as both practices aesthetically represent imperfect beauty that prevails despite wear and time. “All things continue to change. Even ceramics,” she says. “Anything can break for any kind of reason. It’s sad, but you can revive it with your own hands,” giving it back a sense of adoration and cherishment. This new life further continues an object’s story and embodies beauty in simple things, which encompasses wabi-sabi. As Makhno himself notes, “the story is that things can be repaired, not thrown away.”

PHOTO BY ANDREY AVDEENKO

This editorial originally appeared in The High End Winter 2020.

February 29, 2020 Leave a comment

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