Offering 100 feet of private beach frontage on Lake Michigan in Norton Shores, this two-bedroom, two-bath cottage showcases three miles of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline.

“The property is contiguous to the P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, so no one can build to the left of the property — and you can enjoy private walks along the beach, miles of hiking and skiing trails and kayaking in the summer,” says Bradley Wisk of Keller Williams Harbortown who is listing the property for $1.5 million.

The home has been recently restored and features include a teak deck leading to the beach, an open floor plan, a chef’s kitchen with luxury appliances, a bath with a large walk-in shower and jetted bathtub, and a lower level with two bedrooms, a full-bath, and  laundry room. 

Photos courtesy of Bradley Wisk.

1309 Vista Drive in Sarasota, Florida, is a gated French Country private estate located right on the bay. It was built in 2015 on the 1.5-acre-plus property.

Located in one of Sarasota’s most coveted neighborhoods, Harbor Acres, the property is just as close to the bay as it is to the bustling downtown district filled with restaurants and retail stores. The perfect blend of old-world charm and modern Florida luxury.

The interior of the home includes a La Cornue gourmet kitchen, imported French stone floors and cabinetry. But the quality doesn’t end inside — with over 244 feet of direct bayfront on the property, you can enjoy the water every day of the year.

1309 Vista Drive in Harbor Acres, being a perfect blend of French charm and modern style, is the quintessential home of the neighborhood and surrounding area.

Photos courtesy of 1309 Vista Drive.

Combining island chic and luxury beachfront living in San Salvador, Bahamas, this ultra-private, 35,000-square-foot property boasts 400 feet of private white-sand beach. 

“This home, feels like a private get away,” says listing agent Margaret Glynatsis of Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty.

“From the keyless entree pads, remote-controlled air conditioner and lighting system and the positioning of the home — with slight elevations allowing for most rooms to look out into the horizon — no thought or detailed was overlooked.” 

With 3,200 square feet of living space, this home features an open-concept floor plan with 12-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, two beds, two baths and a master bedroom with a floating bathtub, shower, double vanity, walk-in closet, office space and balcony looking out into the turquoise ocean. 

“My favorite room of the home is the master bedroom as it includes 1,500 square feet dedicated to pure luxury and comfort,” says Glynatsis. “The really unique and stunning feature here is the stand alone tub in the center of the room with views of the never-ending ocean.” The home, listed for $1.499 million, is complete with a wrap around deck just steps away from the beach. “This beachfront oasis is perfect for someone looking to live off the grid, but still have access to every day modern amenities,” says Glynatsis. “San Salvador itself is a hidden gem that most people have yet to discover — the land is full of undulating hills, beautiful beaches, numerous salt water lakes, and amazing reefs that surround the greater part of the island.”

“Cap Blanc Ibiza” is in one of Spain’s most desired locations on the island — Cap Martinet, Talamanca.

Notable features include floor-to-ceiling windows and large doors that provide unobstructed views of the sea and the island of Formentera. “The lounge for me is the best spot, high ceilings with lots of light, ideal for entertaining,” says Lacey.  

Listed for 3.75 million euros, the home also features 600 square meters of living space over three floors, five en-suite bedrooms, open-space fully equipped kitchen, incredible sea views, private garden with spacious swimming pool, private garage, state-of-the-art security, additional service kitchen, fitness room and sauna, and a wine cellar. There is also an optional private movie theater and separate accommodation for staff. The nine residences that make up Cap Blanc Ibiza offer unparalleled amenities and facilities for those seeking a place to relax in comfortable luxury. 

Gencom — an international luxury hospitality and residential real estate investment and development firm and developer of Peninsula Papagayo — has made it a goal to honor the local culture and foster a true sense of community. “With our newly introduced amenities, only-here experiences and eco-luxurious real estate offerings, we are nurturing a strong and cohesive community rooted in wellness and sustainability,” says Donald McGregor, Gencom’s senior vice president of development and managing director for the Latin America region.

Photos courtesy of Peninsula Papagayo.

This story was previously featured in the Global 2018 edition of Unique Homes Magazine.

Awakening the coast of Hawaii’s oldest island, Kaua’i, is the brand-new Timbers Kaua’i — Ocean Club & Residences at Hokuala, a 450-acre slice of paradise offering an 18-hole ocean course, 47 luxury residences and soon-to-be-completed clubhouse, dining and retail spots.

“On one of the most coveted sites in all of Hawaii, Hokuala is a natural oceanfront amphitheater at the entrance to the tranquil waters of Kalapaki Beach along the Pacific,” says Gary Moore, managing director of Timbers Kaua’i.

Due to its proximity to the cliff-sides, Timbers Kaua’i has been deemed the “last-of-its-kind” as construction regulations require new properties be at least 500 feet away from escarpments. “Timbers Kaua’i was grandfathered in due to the timing of its approval process…. Therefore, the residences are the last property to be built on the island with closer than close proximity to the ocean,” says Moore.

The residences at Timbers Kaua’i are offered in fractional and whole ownership opportunities, with prices ranging from $300,000 to $7.5 million. A $9.5 million penthouse also will be listed in the future. Overall completion of the property is aimed for June 2018.

While the property offers wonderful amenities such as oceanfront infinity-edge pools, an “ohana” pool with waterfalls and a grill, personalized services for families through the Keiki Club and island adventure guides, the standout amenity is “the wonder of the views,” says Moore. — Samantha Myers

photo courtesy Timbers Kaua’i

THIS STORY WAS FEATURED IN OUR WINTER 2018 ISSUE.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL DIGITAL VERSION.

Situated on the west end of Bermuda in Southampton and Sandys Parishes, The Ritz-Carlton Reserve at Caroline Bay is the largest development to come to the island in over 40 years. 

By Alyssa Gautieri

renderings courtesy the ritz-carlton

Embracing Bermuda’s iconic pink sand and crystal clear beaches, this luxury residence is also the first five-star resort on the island. “(The Development) will have a tremendous impact on Bermuda as we welcome a new breed of visitors who have been seeking an amenity-rich, luxury experience,” says Sandra Christensen, the sales and marketing manager at Coldwell Banker Caroline Bay.

In addition to striking views, the island offers a range of luxury amenities from exclusive access to the Caroline Bay Marina to spa treatments at the world-class spa. “The Ritz-Carlton Reserve brand provides a new level of luxury through immersive, transformative and unique experiences, which is the cornerstone of the brand,” Christensen says.

The first phase of development includes the construction of The Cove, a 35-home development. The first residential buildings are slated for occupancy between July and August. Prices will range between $2.5 million and $3.9 million. 

For more information, visit BermudaLuxuryResidences.com

THIS STORY WAS FEATURED IN OUR WINTER 2018 ISSUE.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL DIGITAL VERSION.

Set high alongside the championship Hapuna Golf Course and offering dramatic Kohala Coast views, MaunaKeaLiving.com and Hapuna Realty have introduced a new limited release of homesites at Mauna Kea Resort.
Along with the one-of-a-kind Hapuna Beach Villa and 60 Hapuna Beach Residences, the homesites present a rare opportunity to own one of Hawaii’s most spectacular properties, just steps from two of Hawaii’s most celebrated beaches.
The first release of Hapuna Estates includes 11 of the largest homesites. The sites, ranging from half-acre to over 1-acre lots, sit privately along the 7th and 8th fairways of the Arnold Palmer-designed championship golf course.
The higher elevation of the homesites affords cool breezes along with the reward of panoramic 360° vistas. Prices start at $795,000.

“The most favored sites at Mauna Kea Resort will soon become the mauka properties — those on the mountain with the highest elevations with sweeping ocean views in a milder climate,” says Tomo Matsumoto, owner of Hapuna Realty, the dedicated brokerage representing the property portfolio of MaunaKeaLiving.com. “In their short time on the market we’ve seen incredible interest in the Hapuna Estates, with three already reserved.”
Future releases include a collection of individual estate homesites and 17- and 10-acre site parcels, all enjoying golf-front locations. Also coming soon are Hapuna Beach Residences and Hapuna Beach Villa. Limited to just 60 owners, the residences will feature unobstructed views from each of the four distinctive floor plans. The Villa will be a spectacular 4-bedroom, 10,600-square-foot oceanfront estate. Both offerings sit directly on Hapuna Beach, widely considered to be one of the best in Hawaii.
The Residences are currently taking reservations and public sales will commence later in 2017. The Villa is expected to come to market in late 2017.

“The wide-range of living options offered through MaunaKeaLiving.com are among the most special in all of Hawaii. The singular beachfront location is unparalleled and unlikely to be duplicated for years to come,” Matsumoto said. “It’s a place that’s perfectly envisioned for creating a legacy home that will remain beloved through generations.”
The new real estate offerings are part of an expansive refresh of the iconic resort, first envisioned by venture capitalist Laurance S. Rockefeller in the ’60s. Now more than 50 years later, the Mauna Kea Resort is being reimagined for the next generation, while keeping in spirit with its storied legacy.
At the centerpiece of the excitement is the new Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, a dramatic $46 million renovation debuting in early 2018. Owners can easily access the hotel’s amenities, as well as those at the neighboring Mauna Kea — the original hotel where Rockefeller’s dream of timeless island luxury was born.

Photos courtesy of Hapuna Beach Residences

The U.S.’s 50th state is far from last when it comes to luxury real estate. As part of this waterfront edition of Unique Homes, we researched the 25 most expensive listings in The Aloha State. Although the country’s eighth smallest state, Hawaii offers the fourth longest coastline (behind just Alaska, Florida and California). From acreage to penthouses, from organic farms to rooftop lanais, our snapshot of Hawaii’s priciest offerings is as diverse as the archipelago’s environment.

$22,000,000
69-2014 Nani Paniau Dr., Kohala Coast
On 7.45 acres, this is one of the largest, privately owned oceanfront estates on the island of Hawaii.
Robert Chancer & Steve Hurwitz, Mauna Kea Realty

$21,500,000
4469-W N. Waiakalua Rd., Kilauea
This is one of the most profitable certified organic farms on Kauai and comes with a Hawaiian-Japanese-style home.
Neal Norman, Hawai’i Life Real Estate Brokers

$20,000,000
73-2230 Ala Kohanaiki, Kailua-Kona
The Moana Residence, on the best lot at Kohanaiki, is a 5-bedroom, 5.5-bath home of approximately 7,000 square feet under roof.
Joni Metzler, Metzler Realty

$20,000,000
1133 Ikena Circle, Honolulu
With unparalleled attention to detail, this elegant property is designed in the 19th-century French style rarely seen today.
Sachi Hawaii, Pacific Century Properties

$20,000,000
5403 Kalanianaole Hwy., Honolulu
Sophisticated and modern 1.43-acre oceanfront estate with 185 linear feet of beach frontage, a tennis pavilion, sparkling pool, Jacuzzi and pool pavilion.
Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties

$20,000,000
59-367 Ke Nui Rd., Haleiwa
Comprised of 2 properties. Here you can sit on your porch and have a front-row seat to view the world-famous surf spot called Pipeline.
List Sotheby’s International Realty

$19,900,000
3 Kapalua Pl., #3, Lahaina
A rare opportunity to own a stunning Island Contemporary architectural masterpiece by award-winning Hawaii architect Jeffrey Long.
Keller Williams Island Living

$19,500,000
600 Stable Rd., Paia
On approximately 500 linear feet of white-sand beach, this home offers world-class panoramic views of the ocean and the West Maui Mountains.
Wailea Realty Corp.

$18,000,000
2332 Makiki Heights Dr., Honolulu
One of the largest estates in metro Honolulu, this hillside property features a main house and guesthouse on beautifully landscaped grounds.
Patricia Choi, Choi International

$18,000,000
4383 Royal Pl., Honolulu
This island treasure, designed by Frank Roberts, AIA, has been home to the Doheny family for 50-plus years and offers the rarity of 165 linear feet of beach frontage.
Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties

$17,800,000
5949 Kalanianaole Hwy., Apt D, Honolulu
One-of-a-kind setting surrounded by water — a private lagoon on one side, a bird sanctuary on the other that opens out to the ocean.
Dolores Bediones & Takako Friend, Locations Hawaii

$17,750,000
280 Poipu Dr., Honolulu
One of the nicest oceanview homes on Oahu, situated for the trade winds, with the pool area offering perfect breezes to ensure comfort.
OahuRE.com

This story originally appeared in Unique Homes Summer 2017. 

Click here to see the digital version.

By Camilla McLaughlin

Rarely is exceptional architecture paired with a remarkable location, but in the residence featured on our cover those two circumstances converge in an ideal synergy, very much aligned with Hawaii’s timeless connection between people, nature and architecture.

After you the pass through the African sapele wood gates and 10-foot custom wood and glass entry, what is most striking about this property is the incredible flow between indoors and outdoors. A spacious courtyard shimmers with tropical vegetation. The crescent-shaped infinity pool complements the linear composition of the structure and directs attention through the home to the ocean and miles of sandy beach beyond. Walls disappear via pocketing sliding glass doors and steel construction to merge interiors with the spectacular setting, 90 feet on one of the most pristine beaches in Oahu. Not only do main rooms open on both sides, but others, such as the master bedroom, which includes an outdoor shower and private deck, do as well. All the bedrooms have ocean views.

The sense of flow continues between interior spaces. “No matter where you are, you always feel connected to others on the property,” says Annie Kwock, owner and principal broker of Trinity Hawaii on Oahu, who is marketing the property. “It is designed to give everyone a view of the ocean. Even the guesthouse has views.” The inland side captures the changing panorama and colors of the mountains.

In addition to three bedrooms, the main house also includes an office, which is ingeniously situated to open to extensive entertaining spaces and the pool. “It is a very intimate and engaging house,” says Kwock.

As private as the setting feels, it is within walking distance to a quaint town that is a bedroom community for Honolulu. The airport is only 20 minutes away.

The architecture and landscape are exquisite, but what really makes this house remarkable is the setting — two-thirds of an acre and 90 feet of oceanfront located on more than two miles of unsullied oceanfront. The list price is $15.9 million.    

This story originally appeared in Unique Homes Summer 2017. 

Click here to see the digital version.