As the only new luxury waterfront development rising in Coconut Grove, The Fairchild Coconut Grove offers a private enclave in the heart of this vibrant community with the feel of a single family home within a boutique waterfront development. The exceptional property features 26 exclusive 2- to 4-bedroom residences, which range in size from 1,714 to 4,114 square feet.
The Fairchild Coconut Grove is a tropical modern sanctuary nestled in a quiet historic residential neighborhood, offering curated waterfront living amid peaceful and beautiful surroundings. Residents will enjoy the ultimate in distinctive amenities such as private boat slips, rooftop pool with private cabanas, holistic wellness spa, high-tech training gym, rooftop sunset deck, private on-site dog park, 24-hour security and valet, and full-time concierge and butler services.
Expansive residences feature natural stone floors and walls, private outdoor showers, lanais with views of Biscayne Bay and verdant neighborhood landscapes, unique gourmet chef-inspired kitchens, spa-inspired bathrooms and spacious living areas.
Lush landscaping complete with serenity gardens, bay walk and jungle rainforest path offer consummate outdoor experiences that include a bayside lounge, sunset deck outdoor cinema, full-time porter for inside and outside entertaining, resident bicycles, a floating dock with resident paddleboards, and kayak storage.
Renderings by Spine 3D
The Residences at The Sawyer has announced the six total penthouse residences are completely sold — bringing the project past the 70 percent sold mark.
The Residences at The Sawyer, Sacramento’s most significant real estate project in decades, proves luxury, amenity-rich, condominium living is an enticing draw in the revitalized downtown center of Sacramento. The success of the residences is a true testament to the renaissance underway in Downtown Sacramento. Buyers have the chance to live within moments of the cutting-edge arena, new shopping, dining and entertainment attractions debuting at Downtown Commons, a thriving farm-to-fork culinary scene, creative coffee hubs and nearby parks.
The Sawyer
The collection of 45 contemporary homes is nearing completion, perched atop The Sawyer, A Kimpton Hotel, now open at Downtown Commons. The residences offer a host of residential and hotel amenities, as well as exclusive access to the neighboring Golden 1 Center.
Luxury Amenities
Residents enjoy private amenities and services, such as a residential doorman, valet, concierge and lounge. Residents will also have access to the amenities available at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, which include an outdoor pool and lounge, fitness studio and ȧ la carte services. Also a perk of ownership, residents enjoy VIP access, preferred rates and priority ticket options at the neighboring Golden 1 Center, home of the beloved Sacramento Kings.
Last Chance to Own
A limited collection of two-bedroom homes remains, featuring open-plan great rooms, private master suites, expansive windows, curated finishes and 1,368 to 2,069 square feet of living space. Among those available are two end view residences, which encompass the entire width of their floor and capture sweeping, 270° views of Downtown Commons, Golden 1 Center, California State Capitol, Sacramento River and Tower Bridge.
Strong Market
The overwhelming success in the pre-sales phase shows just how strong the market is in Sacramento for high-end, highly amenitized product in the bustling downtown core. The news comes on the heels of another milestone announced in September, when the residences surpassed the 50 percent sold mark, with all one-bedroom inventory under contract.
Photos courtesy of The Agency
Redefining “resort-style living,” these luxury real estate communities are taking it one step further by offering unique and unexpected amenities that buyers didn’t know they needed:
Maravilla
Los Cabos, MX
A private oceanfront residential community, Maravilla Los Cabos stretches across 260 acres overlooking the sparkling Sea of Cortez. Prospective buyers can choose between villas, townhomes, or opt for custom homes and home sites that embrace the natural environment and history of the area. Amenities run the gamut at Maravilla.
Hidden Campsite.
Built on the edge of a canyon where two arroyos meet, the hidden campsite is two miles from Maravilla and offers residents the opportunity to experience the Baja desert uninterrupted. The campsite features a main palapa with a kitchen. The luxury camping tents feature one bedroom with a separate living area and outdoor shower. Residents also have access to picnic packages or chef service for dining. A camping butler is on hand for overnight stays as well. Activities include world-class hiking and mountain biking with plans for archery and ax-throwing sites.
Splash Pad and Park.
Perfect for family frolicking, The Park features badminton and basketball courts, and fields for soccer, Frisbee golf, croquet and horseshoes. Parents can sit back and relax while the kids enjoy the jungle gym, splash pad and playground area.
The Club.
Not only is the 60,000-square-foot clubhouse the community centerpiece and social hub, it has several standout features including a 3-level infinity pool with a water slide, lap and plunge pools, a full-service spa, fitness center and 2-story climbing wall, lawn sports courts, an outdoor amphitheater and indoor theater, as well as fully-equipped kids’ activity center.
Palmetto Bluff
Palmetto Bluff, SC
Situated in the heart of South Carolina Lowcountry between Charleston and Savannah, Palmetto Bluff is surrounded by rich history, stunning beauty and cultural heritage. The largest remaining waterfront property on the East Coast, this 20,000-acre development is surrounded by 32 miles of riverfront and features extensive nature trails and a vibrant Village center. Palmetto Bluff also offers a new approach to a beloved camping delight with a s’mores cart for residents and guests.
S’More Situation.
The cart is custom-designed with six bins, offering a variety of flavored and classic marshmallows, a tray of graham crackers, bins for roasting sticks and a mini refrigerator to keep house-made milk and dark chocolates perfectly crisp. After a day of biking along the property’s many trails, kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding along the May River or golfing on the May River Golf Course, unwind by “s’moring” which begins at 7 p.m. each night.
The Cliffs
The Carolinas, SC–NC
Situated in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This collection of residential communities is set among a million acres of protected national forest reaching north to Asheville, North Carolina and south to Greenville. Homeowners can choose between three distinct community settings — Mountain, Lake and Asheville — and enjoy every clubhouse, golf course, wellness center, hiking trail, tennis court, marina and restaurant across all seven communities. Plus, it offers a unique, exclusive wine club.
A Wine Club.
Dubbed “uncorked!” The Cliffs Wine Consortium is a monthly wine club led by The Cliffs Beverage Director, Eric Cooperman, a certified sommelier and wine specialist. Exclusively offered to more than 6,000 Cliffs members, the program offers unbeatable wine deals up to 40% off retail price. The subscription-based program encourages members to enjoy different wines, including an array of varietals and regions. The Cliffs offers tastings on a weekly basis and hosts wine pairing dinners.
Four Seasons Resort & Private Residences Napa Valley
Calistoga, CA
Four Seasons Resort & Private Residences Napa Valley is the brand’s first Napa Valley property and slated to open early 2019. Initial site work has begun on the hotel and 20 residences under the management and direction of Bald Mountain Development. When open, owners and guests will have access to the Resort’s impressive amenities, including an exclusive, experiential and world-class on-site winery in the heart of the renowned Calistoga AVA, which will be led by renowned winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown.
Your Own Family Wine Label.
Led by renowned winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, this winery and vineyard is one of the most unique offerings available to residents. Residence owners can collaborate with Brown in the winemaking process and coordinate sessions with him to partake in harvesting, fermentation, blending and bottling. They can also store their wines in the Residence Owners’ Private Wine Library until the perfect occasion arrives.
Photos courtesy of Four Seasons Resort & Private Residences Napa Valley, Maravilla Los Cabos, and The Cliffs
These luxury homes offer beautiful, private tennis courts to their residents.
Following the U.S. Open’s kick off last week, we have located a few luxury spaces that feature private tennis courts. Boasting beautiful scenery and waterfront views, these homes will allow residents to practice their backhand in style.
Coral Gables (282 Carabela Ct)
Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac, this Mediterranean style 2-story home boasts a yacht dock, observation tower and private tennis court.
Price: $6.9 Million
Agent: Saddy Delgado of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
Photo courtesy of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
Miami Beach (5011 Pine Tree Dr)
Sitting on 2 acres, this 3-story Mediterranean estate offers a private tennis court with beautiful waterfront views.
Price: $24.9 Million
Agent: Ralph Arias of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
Photo courtesy of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
Privé at Island Estates
These 16-story boutique luxury towers offer resort-style amenities, including a lighted tennis court with ocean views.
Price: Starting at $1.2 million.
Photo courtesy of Prive at Island Estates
The Grand at SkyView Parc
This property offers a range of amenities to keep residents entertained, including two on-site, full-sized tennis courts.
Photo courtesy of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
Oceana Bal Harbour
This property offers its residents an active lifestyle with access to pro-like training facilities, including two championship clay tennis courts. Residents can enjoy friendly matches and sea breezes at the courts. Prices: From $3 to 30 million.
Photo courtesy of Oceana Bal Harbour
MIAMI BEACH (5185 NORTH BAY ROAD)
One of the largest waterfront properties in Miami Beach is this beautiful Spanish style gated-compound. Nestled on 4-oversized parcels, the property expands from Prestigious North Bay Road to Alton Road and offers an expansive tennis court.
Price: $6.99 Million
Agent: George M. Burns of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
Photo courtesy of ONE Sotheby’s International Realty
This luxury property merges traditional design with state-of-the-art amenities.
Imperial Companies, in partnership with the Shorenstein family, announced in June the official start of leasing at Henry Hall, an ultra-hip and posh rental property in the heart of Hudson Yards. The building will offer a residential option that merges New York’s nightlife and boutique hotel experience with luxury residential living.
Henry Hall will debut Delicious Hospitality’s new food and beverage restaurant. The restaurant, bar and lounges will be spread over the building’s first and second floors, merging with common spaces — such as the second-floor bar, drawing room and wine room.
“Every space, however unique, public or private, is considered an essential part of the Henry Hall story. They become a defining element of the residential experience,” said Eric Birnbaum, co-founder and partner at Imperial Companies. “So many people would love to live in their favorite hotel or have the City’s newest restaurant be just downstairs — Henry Hall makes that a reality.”
Located at 515 West 38th Street, the 33-story building offers 225 studios made up of 1- and 2-bedroom residences. In contrast to the glass towers dominating the Hudson Yards neighborhood, Henry Hall gives a thoughtful nod to ‘Old New York’ with its brick and steel façade.
The signature style continues throughout the building’s interior, courtesy of Interior Designer Ken Fulk.
“We styled the lobby, restaurant and bars after the kind of places where you feel good just being there. It’s high style amped up for a new generation with vibrant colors and patterns, but the focus is on art, music, food and drinks,” said Fulk. “Nothing is too precious, nothing is too pristine, it is beautiful yet it feels like home. The apartments were outfitted as a modern take on traditional grand hotels and in keeping with that theme the amenity spaces — were all created to extend the holistic experience of a boutique hotel to those lucky enough to live here.”
In addition to the restaurant and second floor lounge, Henry Hall residents will have access to an array of amenities, including a “jam room,” resident’s club room, private dining rooms and wine room, roof deck, training center and more.
Hudson Yard is also within close proximity to major transportation hubs and the city’s finest shopping, dining, entertainment and cultural venues.
Photos courtesy of Binyan
If your concept of amenities at a planned community is still fairways, greens and the required pool, then think again.
By Camilla McLaughlin
Planned communities used to be about houses; today the story is all about amenities. Communities now offer a huge range of activities, extensive programming and perhaps a canine ambassador or two. Ice skating rinks (even in Florida), recording studios, climbing walls, competitive biking centers, and museums with artifacts unearthed on site are only a few over-the-top features you’ll discover in master planned communities (MPCs) today. Still looking for more? Try zip lines, tree houses, trails, on-site farms, gun and polo clubs, children’s camps and activity directors.
“Amenities are changing. Some things are becoming more important and others less important,” says Ed McMahon, senior resident fellow at the Urban Land Institute. “If you look at communities over the years, you can see the evolution. You have a 60s version, a 70s version, right up to the present day. They are all different.”
Gaining momentum is what McMahon describes as an “ongoing shift in infrastructure amenities, from hard infrastructure to soft infrastructure.” Classes, concerts, gardening sessions, cooking events, farmers’ markets, and walking to school buses are becoming some of the most desired amenities.
Another fast-growing “must have” are outdoor amphitheaters for performances and concerts. “Programming has become a differentiator for communities,” says Scott Jones, senior vice president for master developer Newland Communities, which has piloted more than 40 master planned communities nationwide. The growing number of splashy extras might seem like a marketing ploy, but experts say it’s more than an elaborate game of one upmanship. Instead, whether potential homeowners are millennials or downsizers, it’s all about lifestyle.
Community, wellness, the arts and sustainability all matter to consumers today. “It’s not a marketing exercise to put in a clubhouse and a pool, because that’s what people want nearby. It’s what people are looking for and how they want to live their lives,” says Jones.
Quite often, too, depending on the climate, the modest resort pool has morphed into a large landscape of water features and multiple pools, some with beach entries, designed to meet varied needs.
More than anything else, a desire for connection is shaping MPCs, and creating opportunities for interaction determines every aspect, from building and landscape design to the inclusion of retail spaces and town centers. “The recurring theme is people are longing to connect more socially. That’s what people want,” says Scott Adams, a senior principal with Bassenian Lagoni Architects, whose portfolio includes a global roster of community designs.
“Amenities in general are a catalyst for the social element in the community. Whether that be a trail, clubhouse or a coffee shop, the purpose is to bring people together,” says Jones.
Photos Courtesy of Hualalai Resort
Photos courtesy of SteelBlue
The traditional clubhouse and amenity center remain a mainstay, but the design is more intentional, so the building itself creates places and opportunities for residents to connect. “It has to have a social dynamic. People are clamoring for stuff where they can socialize and engage,” says Adams.
Along with extensive workout spaces and a gym, large demonstration kitchens, private dining rooms, often a restaurant, bar and coffee shop are part of the picture today. Even the traditional information center is evolving from a place to make a pitch to a place to engage, as more new communities incorporate a coffee shop, some with a barista, in lieu of the traditional sales office. And cafes in general are part and parcel of new community designs offering informal places to hang out or just grab a latte.
In urban centers, new large projects, such as Hyde Park Midtown in Miami and Lumina in San Francisco, increasingly appear as an iteration of the master planned concept. Here, the amenity wars are definitely on. Comparisons from building to building and project to project often are made, but still, Ben Hutchens, a landscape architect and vice president with Miami design firm ArquitectonicaGEO, says, “It’s not just about the initial sale; it’s got to have long term value.” What designers are trying to create, he says, “are spaces that bring people together and encourage socializing in a variety of programs, and they are scaled to meet the needs of different demographics in one living space.”
Along with the expected pools and spa, outdoor amenities for condos also might include putting greens, gardens, outdoor living rooms, outdoor kitchens, food and herb gardens. Even ice skating rinks are not uncommon in Florida. On the rise, too, are old school favorites like bocce ball. And typically, they complement a more extensive suite of shared spaces inside the building.
A comment Adams hears quite often from consumers is: “Look, I understand the actual house I am living in, but if you create community-based amenities, you’ve got my attention. This is the kind of stuff that makes me feel good about why I am living here.”
It’s rare to see a new community today without a well-developed trail system for walking, jogging and biking. According to research from John Burns Consulting and also RCLCO Real Estate Advisors, trails, paved and unpaved, are the top amenity in new communities. Not only does this align with consumer preferences, but it’s also evidence of the new cost versus value proposition. Golf courses are costlier to build and maintain. Typically, today’s MPCs occupy a smaller land area than those created in the ’60s and ’70s. Plus, McMahon points out, millennials show little inclination toward golf because of the cost and time factors.
Parks and trails also reflect a growing focus on wellness. “We are seeing trends toward healthy living that can be anything, from fitness to bike trails to parks and paths,” says Kelly Mangold, vice president of RCLCO.
Creating connections also extends to park design. Newland’s newest communities include amenities geared toward specific age groups — teens, children and adults. Teens might have a skateboard park and even walls for graffiti, while kids might pedal on a tot-sized version of the skate park.
Photos courtesy of AG Photography and Bushnell Photography
Photos courtesy of Tom Lussier and The Related Group
Connecting with the land continues to be important, and green space in all shapes and forms is desired. Some communities keep as much as half their acreage (or more) as open space. Some, such as Willowsford in Virginia or Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina, also have a conservancy to manage the land. This removes the burden on homeowners but also engages the broader community.
Willowsford has about half its land — 2,000 acres — preserved as open space, and even designates areas for camping with pads for tenting and firewood included. Also, part of the conservancy is a 300-acre farm. And here, as in other communities, just having a farm is only the beginning of connections being forged with the land. Classes in gardening, farm programs and pop-up events for kids and adults spark engagement. Everywhere, urban or rural, gardens are part of the landscape.
McMahon says the highest grossing real estate in the U.S. is in urban food markets. So, it’s no surprise cooking is becoming an important touchstone for communities. Farms and gardens allow adults and children to participate in every stage of farm-to-table. Cooking classes for adults and also for children are no longer an exception, along with showcase kitchens and visits by notable chefs.
The MPC story would not be complete without a mention of sustainability and technology. It’s not uncommon for a community to have its own story of sustainability, as does Serenbe, a new community outside of Atlanta, where preservation of the land was a founding goal. Sustainability is part of the vision here, as is wellness. The community includes a 25-acre organic farm and the focus for one hamlet was wellness. Newland’s commitment to green and sustainable development has been recognized by Green Builder Magazine.
Also moving quickly from “wow” to “it better be there” is technology, and Jones says consumers are beginning to expect WiFi in public spaces. More often than not, those public areas include some type of retail space and a town center.
Lastly, another big change in planned communities, according to McMahon, is the way they are composed, and today’s mix of demographics is considered a desirable attribute. “Many master planned communities initially were mixed use in the large sense but not at the fine grain scale,” he says. Today, in addition to or instead of neighborhoods clustered by price or property type, there is a mix of properties sometimes on the same block, and with residential above retail.
Another change is in age-restricted communities. Rather than being an island unto themselves, they increasingly are part of a larger community. They might be in a separate neighborhood with its own amenities, but those residents are also part of a larger community and enjoy a broader range of amenities, and – most importantly — engagement with the community. “That hybrid allows for interaction,” and brings age and income diversity, adds Jones. “That old model of a retirement community 20 miles outside the city is not what folks are looking for.”
Photos courtesy of Tom Lussier