Currently owned by legendary Dale Earnhardt Jr, the property is in the heart of Old Town, Key West, Florida. “This truly is a unique property steeped in rich and mysterious history,” says listing agent Bob Cardenas of Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty. “One of the highlights of the home is, undoubtedly, its secret hatch door in the parlor, which has been a part of the house since its inception.”
This five-bedroom, three-full- and 1-half bath home, listed for $3.7 million, was built in 1863 during the Civil War era, and it retains most of its original architecture that was lovingly maintained. It has one of the deepest and largest pools in Key West, reportedly being about 13 to 14 feet deep. A gate from the second-floor porch opens allowing daring (or crazy) individuals to jump off the second floor into the pool.
The kitchen was artfully designed by Earnhardt to resemble the inside of a pirate ship, including a large ships wheel at the end of the bar, bringing in a taste of another era of Key West history. A legal guest house at the other side of the huge lot is currently one huge bedroom, however the owner had planned to turn it into two bedrooms and one bath. His local contractor has the plans and estimated costs ready for construction. This house must be seen to be appreciated.
This is your chance to buy a bit of Key West history, along with a unique house with serious celebrity status!
Photos by Andre van Rensburg.
Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate Members Recognized More Than 150 Times in REAL Trends 500
REAL Trends recently published their 33rd Annual REAL Trends 500, a leading report ranking the performance of the top residential real estate firms in the United States.
The list ranks the Top 500 firms ranked by both closed transactions sides as well as closed sales volume throughout 2019. Additionally, they acknowledged firms that closed at least one billion dollars’ worth of residential real estate in the surveyed year.
This year, Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate members were recognized more than 150 times in the REAL Trends 500. Many members were included more than once and ranked among the top ten in their respective categories!
Congratulations to all Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate members who made this prestigious list!
Residential real estate leaders have been looking to REAL Trends for more than 30 years for timely and trusted information and analysis through their monthly newsletter, conferences and publications. They provide vital data and insight into market trends that are imperative to the luxury real estate community, and inclusion in the REAL Trends 500 is a high honor.
Please visit REAL Trends 500 to view the entire report; keep an eye out for our latest LRE® promotion on page 3.
Photo at left provided by Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate.
Featured photo by Luan Oosthuizen.
A desire for a serene coastal experience continues to fuel the luxury market in Orange County.
Orange County, California used to be defined by citrus groves and theme parks, but has evolved into one of the nation’s premier luxury residential markets. While some prices have begun to soften, several of the region’s top agents see strength moving into 2020.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties’ Mariann Cordova reports luxury sales activity eased in 2019, but submits low interest rates and a fundamentally strong economy provide a counterbalance to negative sentiment generated by political uncertainty. “When people are making money, they’re spending money,” insists Cordova, who reports coastal areas like Laguna Beach and Newport Coast hold value best, followed by prestigious inland gated communities like Shady Canyon and Coto de Caza. The agent currently lists a 9,400-square-foot Mediterranean estate — the seller is former hockey superstar Teemu Selänne — in Coto de Caza for $6.9 million.
“The luxury market has suffered more than any other sector,” maintains Surterre Properties’ Chris Valli, who notes the trend began at least two years ago. He suggests the Orange County market has been impacted by the new tax laws, which effectively penalize high-value/high-tax states like California, but also reminds clients the market is experiencing a natural cycle.
“For over five years we went straight up and buyers began thinking prices were getting too high,” says Valli, who expects activity to rebound in the second half of 2020. He believes buyers waiting on the sidelines will soon enter the market and reports election years are historically active. The agent currently offers a sleek 6,500-square-foot ocean-bluff home in Laguna Beach — the charming beach town is becoming a showplace for modern residential architecture — at $13.5 million.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SMITH GROUP
Newport Beach, a perennially fashionable community where yacht slips are as important as driveways, remains a strong market. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s Tim Smith set the record last year for the most expensive sale on Newport Harbor, which he believes represents the quintessential luxury Orange County lifestyle — even more so than the region’s signature coastal bluffs. “There’s a connection to the ocean you experience when you live on the harbor that you can’t get anywhere else,” insists Smith, dubbing the area “Billionaires’ Bay.”
Characterizing the market as fragmented, Smith explains, “For new construction in great locations, we’re still setting records,” but acknowledges price pressures on less pristine properties. Smith currently offers a 9,609-square-foot, design-forward home in the oceanfront community of Corona del Mar for $24.995 million.
Jacqueline Thompson of Surterre Properties reports 2019 was among her best years and knows of many clients waiting to buy in 2020. “The number of international buyers, especially from China, has declined, but local money is very viable and results in many all-cash offers,” she says. Thompson concedes luxury purchasers still gravitate to the coast, and currently lists a two-estate compound on Newport Coast’s Pelican Point for $19.5 million. However, the agent closed two $11 million-plus cash transactions in Irvine’s amenity-rich Shady Canyon last year.
Orange County offers a wide range of properties, from glass-ensconced beach houses to palatial Mediterranean estates like La Casa Pacifica, listed by Compass’ Rob Giem for $57.5 million. While Thompson’s all-cash offers are illustrative, some agents insist that even super-affluent buyers can be motivated by low interest rates, choosing to put their own funds to work elsewhere. The cumulative effect of recent interest rate cuts, according to Coldwell Banker’s Smith, results in a 12-15 percent increase in purchasing power.
This editorial originally appeared in Unique Homes Winter 2020.
The finest property in Portugal, in the most prestigious location in the country, has been put on the market – and it could be yours!
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Portugal offers Quinta de Lago, one of the most exciting and exclusive resorts in Europe, boasting some of the most spectacular and beautiful villas in the Algarve. Founded in 1972, this 800-acre residential estate borders miles of golden coast along the Atlantic Ocean, with views of sprawling pine forests and some of the world’s top golf courses. You can rest assured this area will remain pristine, with a strict 8 percent building restriction as part of the UNESCO Ria Formosa bird sanctuary, ensuring your investment will prosper for years to come.
On over 44,000 square feet of land, with over 16,000 square feet of living space, this 8 bedroom villa includes high-quality kitchens with full equipment, a 4-level glass electric elevator, and full fitness equipment. Enjoy a movie with friends and family in the 12-person theater with 4 Control system touchpanels, and Lutron light switches and thermostats. A wine gallery freezer in the basement is stocked with top Portugeuese wines and champagne, and drinks can be enjoyed in the basement bar lounge.
.Six indoor and outdoor gas fireplaces provide ambience, and the villa is decorated with top indoor and outdoor furnishings. Enjoy the luxurious outdoors with 3 heated pools and an outside lounge, and top garden Quinta landscaping. With spectacular views, amazing amenities and dazzling details, this luxurious villa is sure to impress. €20,000,000
Photos courtesy of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Portugal.
Designed by Hugh Newell Jacobsen, this estate in Meadowbrook, Pennsylvania, sits on a sloping hillside, nearly invisible from the road.
The main home is grand without being grandiose, a quiet elegance that offers multiple experiences. Features within include two entertainment patios, a two-story library, four bedrooms, three full and 1 half baths, and a private office in the master suite. There are many fine details throughout, including five wood-burning fireplaces, a circular staircase, a custom light tower in the foyer. granite countertops and a kitchen island.
As one turns down a pea-gravel drive past a series of perfectly placed pines and hemlocks, a sharp 120-degree turn to the west reveals a remarkable village-like cluster of five buildings on the left with the barn across the drive. From the moment you turn down the drive, there is a sense of calm discovery. “Good architecture doesn’t really over-power its surroundings, it makes the site look better,” said Jacobsen.
The property is listed by J. Scott Laughlin of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox and Roach for $1.295 million.
This editorial originally appeared in the Spring 2020 edition of
Unique Homes Magazine. Click here to see more.
A star property itself, this private estate offers incredible attention to detail and elegant interiors that exude sophistication.
Patrick Fogarty of Hilton & Hyland represented the buyers, German national Ekkehart Hassels-Weiler and his new husband Omar Romero, who were eager to acquire this unique home. Fogarty says the home was on the market for less than a month and bought in under four.
Externally, the home is almost mysterious at first glance, as the long driveway affords complete privacy from the street. That mystery transitions into pure awe once the house is in full view, as Fogarty says the home’s proportions and classic design give it a grand feel that enhances with every meticulous detail. “The style is timeless rather than of the moment,” he says, adding that the overall aesthetic is tasteful yet opulent.
Built and developed by the seller, British property developers Ian and Richard Livingston, the estate greets visitors with a graceful motor court that features both trees and fountains. The front doors open to a striking grand entry with 30-foot ceilings and walls of marble, all opening up to a grand staircase and detailed floor plan. A strong yet beautiful harmony is felt in every room, from the dramatic kitchen to the tasteful master bedroom and baths. Interestingly, Fogarty notes that though “the home is grand in scale, [it] still manages to feel like a home.” Other features of this estate include a master wing, gym, theater, guesthouse, staff quarters and bocce court. The expansive backyard also boasts an ozone pool that highlights the perfect California indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
Only approximately five minutes from Rodeo Drive, the 8-bedroom, 11-bath home remarkably reflects a sense of tranquility and serenity, allowing the new owners to relax with complete privacy. The blend of rich landscaping and natural materials, such as stones, wood, steel, and brass, also enrich its character and depth, making it a true sanctuary.
Photos by Berlyn Photography 2019.
THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN THE GLOBAL 2019 ISSUE OF UNIQUE HOMES. TO SEE THE DIGITAL VERSION OF THIS STORY, CLICK HERE.
Maroon Bells ASPEN / COLORADO
Photo: Vkoulampet / wikimedia commons
Originally named for the abundance of aspen trees in the area, Aspen’s abundance has grown exponentially in terms of luxury, from fine restaurants and world-renowned ski resorts to some of the most artistic and culturally stimulating experiences. These aspects and more are appealing to buyers and continue to shape Aspen’s diverse, high-end lifestyle.
Though the market is plentiful with a large inventory of luxury property options, the Aspen market is finite due to local and state development rules that restrict building in certain areas of the town, according to Craig Morris of Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty. “Supply and demand are always in favor of our sellers,” he says, but adds that what people want is nearly always achievable. These demands result in an interesting balance of both classic, historic homes with original architecture, and newer construction primarily built on “teardown” properties.
This interweaving of old and new structures is special to Aspen, says Carrie Wells of Coldwell Banker Mason Morse Real Estate, as it further adds to the character of the town and continues to bring in affluent buyers seeking luxury amenities. She notes that particularly in downtown Aspen, the “core,” new residential developments are not permitted and current properties have become more valuable. Wells, and other agents like Robert Ritchie of Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty, say buyers have grown to cultivate lifestyles in Aspen to fit their own needs. Bespoke estates are either renovated internally, increasing their worth, or new homes are being built more beautiful and upscale than the last. Though Aspen seems to be constantly changing, Ritchie says changes help “shine it up” and ultimately makes the town look good.
And truly, “looking good” is an understatement when considering the luxury and culture that exist in every corner of the city. From an exclusive G650 club and top-rated restaurants to a variety of world-class ski resorts and outdoor amenities, Aspen’s elite can find their true home in a place like this. Whether you hit the slopes or visit the Aspen Music Festival every year, Aspen is a place that can fit any lifestyle, which to buyers is often a priority. “We live in our own little fantasy world and people often suggest that living here is not ‘the real world,’” Morris says. “It’s the ‘real world’ to those that decide to put living and lifestyle at the top of their list, and when they do, they never look back.”
Colorado
Carrie Wells
Coldwell Banker Mason Morse Real Estate
970.948.6750
carrie@carriewells.com
Page 54 & H&E 161
Colorado
Craig Morris
Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty
970.379.9795
craig.morris@sothebysrealty.com
Pages 52-53
Colorado
Robert Ritchie
Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty
970.379.1500
Robert.Ritchie@sothebysrealty.com
THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN THE GLOBAL 2019 ISSUE OF UNIQUE HOMES. TO SEE THE DIGITAL VERSION OF THIS STORY, CLICK HERE.
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.
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.
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.”