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The Southwestern Spirit

Photo courtesy of Troon North Golf Club

With art museums, golf courses and luxury architecture, Scottsdale, Arizona is more than just a desert town. 

Known as The West’s Most Western Town, Scottsdale, Arizona, is certainly more than just a desert town as it is annually rated among the nation’s most desirable communities to live in, visit and conduct business. Three focuses in particular are art, golf and architecture, each a key draw for the luxury sector and ones that have shaped the culture of the city. 

Among Scottsdale’s 80 art galleries are museums that not only showcase fantastic creations from artists, but also provide an insight to the city’s past. One in particular is Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, located in Old Town, which offers high-quality exhibitions reflecting the arts and dynamic cultural exchanges in the city’s history. Dr. Tricia Loscher, assistant director of collections, exhibitions and research at Western Spirit, says that the Scottsdale art scene started at the Arizona Craftsmen Center in the 1940s, where skilled artisans could work and collaborate together, and customers could watch art being created in front of their eyes. These artists in turn helped to elevate Scottsdale’s cultural standing by showing and selling their unique creations. 

 

Photo courtesy of © Loren Anderson 2018

Museum of the West

Today, artists are continually drawn to Scottsdale, a place that is recognized worldwide as a destination for art collectors and enthusiasts. The diversity of the city’s artistic community, says Loscher, leaves visitors remarking on how much there is to see, and that it cannot all be viewed in one trip. “You’ll want to come back again and again because you can’t possibly do justice to what Scottsdale has to offer.”

Photo courtesy of © Jill Richards Photography

Taliesin West

The distinctive landscape of Arizona, punctuated by giant granite boulders strewn across the rugged Sonoran Desert, is the perfect playground for those who live and breathe the golf lifestyle. There are several key points as to why Scottsdale is such a popular golf destination, according to Mike Friend, director of sales at Troon North Golf Club, from wonderful weather to the beautiful desert itself. “The unique desert layouts are so different from typical tree-lined golf [courses],” he notes, adding that players love how the green grass contrasts from the desert browns. 

This culture began in the 1990s as many courses over the last 30 years were built around luxury residential developments and communities, which also stimulated the growth of resorts and travel interest overall. “The growth of this type of traveler created a need for more golf,” Friend says. The travel fever has not stopped since, and from the variety of activities and sights, Scottsdale is bound to experience growth and diversity for years to come.

Also nestled in the desert, along the foothills of the McDowell Mountains, is an architectural mecca — Taliesin West, known to historians as Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert laboratory in Arizona. Taliesin West was Wright’s beloved winter home and the headquarters of the Taliesin Fellowship, an architectural marvel that has since become a National Historic Landmark, as well as the home of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and the School of Architecture at Taliesin. 

“[Wright] found the site in 1937 and with his apprentices began experimenting with new materials and building techniques to create a desert camp that embodied his principles of organic architecture,” according to Foundation president and CEO Stuart Graff. The Foundation works to preserve the site and Wright’s legacy through programs that bring more than 110,000 visitors to Scottsdale. Here Wright’s experimental camp is open to the world as a living expression of his ideal vision for how he wanted humanity to live in harmony with the world around us.

Photo courtesy of © 2016 Andrew Pielage

Taliesin West

     

This editorial originally appeared in Unique Homes Winter 2020.

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The Perfect Balance

The perfect home finds a balance between style and substance.

Style or substance? The perfect home finds a balance between both of these concepts, and this newly built mountain residence is no exception. 1548 Explorer Peak Drive, located inside the Red Ledges residential development in Heber City, Utah, was carefully sited on a dynamic hillside to optimize unobstructed views of Mt. Timpanogos. Its architectural design pairs with hand-selected materials and luxury finishes, perfect for retreat seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. 

Every detail of this home creates a seamless transition from indoors to out. Abundant natural light is cast through the home’s soaring windows, while the vast outdoor living areas are situated to connect the home to nature’s beauty. The expansive indoor/outdoor living spaces, featuring a custom spa, fire pit, fireplace, and more, make this home perfect for both entertaining and relaxing, with stunning mountain views as the ideal backdrop. Interior features that capture attention as much as the surrounding beauty include French oak flooring, a gourmet kitchen with a waterfall quartz island, and a large main-floor master suite.

With its coveted location in the Heber Valley in the heart of Utah’s Wasatch Back mountain recreation mecca, Red Ledges offers an active outdoor lifestyle, according to Mitchel Burns, Red Ledges chief operating officer. “Members come together and immerse themselves in some of the most beautiful — and accessible — natural habitats in the world.” Red Ledges offers such outdoor attractions as world championship mountain biking, world-class fly fishing, boating, hiking trails and more. 

Management at Red Ledges agrees that those who find a place at Red Ledges not only share in the coveted mountain lifestyle, they also form close kinships with their neighbors. “Lifelong friendships develop as members laugh and play together and create the real personal connection for which Red Ledges is known,” says John “JJ” Johnson, Red Ledges Club general manager. For $3.595 million, one can find peace of mind at this contemporary mountain haven with enough style and substance for all. 

     

 

This editorial originally appeared in Unique Homes Winter 2020.

 

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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.”

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Home Away from Home

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.

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Elegance in Key Largo

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.

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Exquisite Seaside Villa

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.

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Oceanfront Luxury in the Cayman Islands

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.

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Virtually New Condo in the Cayman Islands

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.

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Colonial Revival in Massachusetts

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.”

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On Location: Haig Point, Daufuskie Island, South Carolina

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.

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