Award-winning design-build firm SBP HOMES is bringing life to a six-residence development on private Dublin Hill Drive in a bucolic and convenient section of mid-country Greenwich.
SBP HOMES (who has created more than 100 significant homes in Greenwich, Southampton, New York City and South-Florida) partnered with six of the most dynamic architecture firms working in Greenwich today, to create this oasis of six, one-of-a-kind homes. “With Dublin Hill, we wanted to create timeless homes that added to the storyline of Greenwich, bringing together the top minds in the design industry,” says Doron Sabag, Co-Founder of SBP HOMES. The architecture firms involved include Robert Cardello Architects, Austin Patterson Disston, Laura Kaehler Architects, Tanner White Architects, Workshop APD, and Shope Reno Wharton.
For this development, each home is distinct, custom finished and situated on at least three acres of land — taking full advantage of the unique setting. The properties range from five to seven bedrooms, with clean transitional interiors and each include a shimmering pool with automatic cover and generous outdoor porches and terraces.
“In these unprecedented times — where city residents, in particular, are looking for an escape — Dublin Hill has everything a luxury homeowner would want in the most coveted area of Greater New York,” said Lyn Black of Houlihan Lawrence, who is also collaborating on the development.
Neighboring the new Greenwich Country Day Upper School Campus and close to town and other Greenwich private and public schools, Dublin Hill is a unique country sanctuary.
To learn more about available listings, visit: https://www.sbphomes.com/listings/
Doron was featured in the 2020 Editon of Unique Homes Ultimate. Click here to check out this year’s issue!
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.
On tablescapes, in kitchens and baths, garden and great rooms, green seems to be having a moment.
Photo courtesy of marvin Windows and Doors
Extensive windows and doors link to greenery outside and bring nature inside.
©istockphoto.com / martinwimmer
Photo JORDAN STEAD / Amazon
Not too long ago, it was difficult to spy even a vestige of green in a room. Today, it’s almost impossible to find new interior scheme without a spark of green. “We’re seeing emerald green used on everything from walls to cabinetry to tile and even lighting,” observes Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams.
Green hues, especially deep vibrant shades, seem to be everywhere along with living greenery and plants. But rather than a fleeting color preference, the passion for green might also be the first sprouts, indications of a more transformative movement — biophilic design — edging into residential design and architecture.
Biophilia, according to consultants Terrapin Bright Green, refers to humankind’s innate biological connection with nature. Although social psychologist Eric Fromm first coined the phrase “biophilia,” the concept wasn’t popularized until the 1980s when biologist Edward O. Wilson took up the mantle. Biophilic design introduces natural elements, organic forms, light and water into the built environment. Research shows integrating natural elements increases productivity, enhances creativity and improves mental health. “We’re getting evidence-based design, especially in the healthcare industry, that just by having a view of the outside a patient recovers quicker and requires less medication and attention after surgery,” observes Miami designer B. Pila.
“The use of green in home interiors is picking up steam,” explains Stephanie Pierce, director of design for MasterBrand Cabinets. “There are a variety of shades cropping up today, particularly in the kitchen and bath from deep emeralds to soft sages and dark ivies. Deep, moody hues are making a bold impact on these spaces. The effect is as cozy as a warm blanket.”
“Touches of rich, verdant green can make it feel as though you’ve escaped to the outdoors and are soaking up the invigorating effects of nature — without even leaving your home,” shares Wadden.
“With the growing interest in wellbeing in all aspects of our lives, including the home, people are using nature-inspired lush greens to bring comfort into spaces,” explains Christine Marvin, director of corporate strategy and design at Marvin Windows and Doors. “Emerald green is a bold color that perfectly balances glamour with calmness, evoking a sense of relaxation and inspiration.”
Three spherical conservatories forested with more than 40,000 plants and trees allow Amazon employees to work while surrounded by nature.
Photo courtesy of sherwin-williams
Green, whether an accent or main course, is a mainstay on design menus.
Until recently, biophilic principles were utilized primarily in commercial structures, and the inclusion of nature — living plants, park-like oases, organic forms, natural materials including wood and stone, water and light — is revamping corporate settings including Amazon, Apple and Google. Last year, Amazon’s long-awaited biophilic project, The Spheres, opened on the site of its original headquarters. The three glass and steel domes are forested with more than 40,000 plants. Along with plants and a four-story-tall green wall, there are waterfalls, a river, walkways and meeting spaces. Hotels and other commercial spaces are implementing biophilic design practices but with more modest expressions.
For residential buildings, the addition of natural elements and connections with the outside has been an ongoing evolution, partially in response to consumer attitudes rather than a dedication to biophilia. Designers are just catching on. “Consumers are more educated in wanting healthier lifestyle choices,” says Angela Harris, creative director and principal of TRIO, an award-winning interior design firm in Denver.
Current residential design merges indoors and out, organic and humanmade, using visual and real connections. The integration of outdoor spaces is a response to consumer lifestyle demands, but the end result potentially delivers the cognitive, psychological and physiological benefits biophilia advocates tout.
“We’ve noticed an increase in demand for bigger windows over the past five years, as more people want to feel connected to the world around us while we’re indoors,” comments Marvin. “In a world that’s become fast paced and where our living and workspaces are merging, letting light in allows us to feel alive and connected to space outside our homes. Incorporating large windows into the home plays a significant role in achieving this ‘outdoors in’ feel and connecting to nature. We’re also seeing a pull towards large window walls, or many windows that are mulled together to create a wall of light that heightens the experience of light in a home.”
It may seem biophilia is just another quick moving fad, but more than one organization is promoting the concept and actively formulating certifications for buildings under the auspices of groups such as the International Living Future Institute, a Seattle-based nonprofit that encourages sustainable practices and wellness. In 2016, a cadre of architects, builders and researchers formed the Biophilic Design Initiative to further the movement. Biophilia is also part of the U.S. Green Building Council’s WELL Building Standard.
Whether or not biophilia will exert a long-term influence on design remains to be seen, but there is a good chance wellness and nature will be an important aspect of design’s new normal.
Give your home a new spring in its step with colorful windows and doors that will draw the eye and boost curb appeal.
Replacing white window frames with colored ones, and a matching or contrasting door can make your home stand out from the crowd and give the impression that you have specifically chosen them to suit your property, rather than just sticking with what is currently in situ.
All of Evolution’s timber alternative windows and doors are highly energy-efficient and virtually maintenance-free.
Follow these tips if you are upgrading your windows or doors.
Color matching
Evolution offers 10 standard, timber-effect finishes (including white, black and three shades of gray) to complement traditional and contemporary properties. Alongside these colors, Evolution offers a bespoke color-matching service with over 200 RAL colors to choose from. Aside from the current trend for gray, homeowners often choose pale green or cream to give country cottages a classic look.
Fifty shades of gray
Gray doors and windows are leading the way in the popularity stakes and the trend doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of waning. There are infinite shades of gray, but Evolution’s most popular choices are olive-gray, agate gray and anthracite gray. The lighter olive and agate grays add an elegant feel to character properties, while anthracite creates a more contemporary finish.
Black or white?
Whilst white gives a clean, contemporary finish, black window frames are becoming more popular. Often thought a contemporary choice, black window frames can also enhance traditional properties, particularly those with leaded windows, such as Tudor-style homes.
Timber colors
Timber colors are still a popular choice for doors and windows. Timber colors, such as oak, natural wood or rosewood, can enhance traditional properties, but also look fabulous on contemporary homes.
Inside out
One of the advantages of Evolution’s timber alternative doors and windows is that you can choose to have a different color on the inside. While many love the idea of having colored frames or doors to enhance a property’s exterior, white is still the most popular choice internally to avoid clashing with interior décor.
Photos courtesy of Evolution Windows
It’s time to start thinking about resolutions. The new year is the perfect time to make changes and create a fresh perspective. Follow these 3 tips from Rebecca Snowden, Interior Style Advisor at Furniture Choice, for more mindful living in the new year.
Everything is fast, easy and digital, yet natural instinct pushes us to disconnect and slow down to regain our sense and quality of life.
1. Start with a clean and calm neutral palette
Begin the year refreshed and rejuvenated with the help of a home environment that focuses on living well.
Start by introducing a quality of softness into the home, coupled with interior design that’s comforting and inviting. “Let the intention of creating a clean and soothing ambiance guide your design decisions,” advises Rebecca. “Ultimately, the goal is to create a personal haven you’ll love going home to relax in.”
Make it a priority to get plenty of good quality sleep. In the bedroom, an oatmeal fabric bed presents the perfect starting point in a space meant for restful slumber. Introduce neutrals in varying tones for interest and depth. Safe, perennial hues to try to include white, soft grey and the recently popular greige.
Select comfortable bedding with minimal prints to focus on creating an uncluttered, restful environment. Where possible, go with furniture that features curves and organic lines instead of sharp, straight edges.
2. Nature is nurturing
Nothing relaxes the mind more than being surrounded by nature; particularly, plants. Start the year on a green note by maximizing on the benefits of having indoor plants. Choose a mix of large and small greenery and varieties that help clean the air. Leafy, trailing plants also inject a little wildness to create a tropical-inspired ambiance.
Besides making the air fresher, their lush green color is soothing on the eyes after a long day of working with screens.
To continue the natural theme, pick furnishings made with materials like wood, rattan, or clay. “The warmth and rawness of their surfaces contribute to a design that has a soothing, back to nature vibe,” says Rebecca.
3. Dedicate a corner for conscious relaxation
As a reminder to make wellbeing a priority for the year ahead, allocate a corner that’s dedicated to relaxation. “A little nook will do; you’ll only need enough space to practice your preferred stretches,” says Rebecca. For meditation and stretching exercises, fit it out with a yoga mat or thick rug. “And if you have a work desk at home, it’s a good idea to carve out a zen zone within the same room for quick stretch breaks.”
Maintaining the same neutral palette, style the space in light hues, and include plenty of plants. Another factor to consider is the accessibility of natural daylight, as it can help reset a confused circadian rhythm. A wellness-inspired space that embraces disconnecting and being present will likely become a favorite spot in the home.
Photos courtesy of Furniture Choice Ltd
Kathie Robidou
Coldwell Banker Advantage One Properties
333 Village Main Street, Suite 670, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
1500 Valley River Drive, Suite 370, Eugene, OR 97401
541.484.2625 | kathie@kathiesells.com | www.eugene-oregon-homes.com | www.kathiesells.com
Kathie’s high energy level and her enthusiasm for helping people have propelled her to the top of her field in the real estate industry! A Coldwell Banker franchise owner and a top agent specializing in upper end and luxury homes, her expert marketing and promotional techniques are second to none and her knowledge in all aspects of real estate sales have made her one of the most successful and respected agents in Eugene-Springfield. Kathie has consistently been the No. 1 Listing Agent and Production Agent on a Team and is in the top 4 percent of agents globally. Kathie is affectionately known throughout Lane County as “KathieSells” and her team sales have well exceeded $200 million in just the past decade!
Listing by Kathie Robidou
Eugene, Oregon
32810 Sisters Loop | 3 BD | 2 BA | 2,054 SQFT
Custom-built home on 20.2 acres with views, gated entry and privacy! Flexible floor plan with 3rd bedroom as den/office. Main-floor living except bonus room and unfinished room used for storage. Fully applianced kitchen offers an island, eating bar and breakfast nook. Wraparound covered deck!
Kathie Robidou originally appeared as an Elite agent in the Unique Homes Spring ’19: Elite edition. See her page here.
Pantone Color of the Year was announced as PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue. According to Pantone, this color represents a dependable foundation to move forward to a new era. It brings calmness, confidence, and connection.
Photo courtesy of DelightFULL
‘We are living in a time that requires trust and faith. It is this kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed by Pantone 19-405 Classic Blue, a solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on,” says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute.
Think traditional, soothing and strong.
Photo courtesy of Garden Trading
It is also versatile which means it is going to be a popular choice. You can pair it with saffron yellow, soft pink and even rich forest green.
Instilling calm, confidence, and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a stable cross into the threshold of a new era. Suggestive of the sky at dusk, the reassuring qualities of the thought-provoking PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue highlight our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.
Photo courtesy of KOKET
Incorporate classic blue into your life for a sense of calm that will last throughout the year. Whether you decide to paint a whole wall classic blue or there’s a hint of it in your scarf, the color works well in endless combinations.
Photo courtesy of Lola & Mawu
Combinations to try:
- Classic blue pairs nicely with orange for a lively mix of dark and light.
- The pairing of classic blue and white is crisp, clean and will never go out of style.
- Soft pastel tones really pop against a classic blue.
Photo courtesy of Lola & Mawu
Featured Property: Anini Vista Estates, North Shore Kauai
A stunning showplace of architecture and craftsmanship, this sprawling estate offers an elevated living experience in Kauai’s most desirable enclave, “Anini Vista.” Featuring incredible views: epic ocean, white water, Anini Reef, Hanalei mountain range and Bali Hai sunsets.
Double gated entries insure complete privacy as you enter the circular drive. The meandering marble walkway bridges over an immense koi and waterlily pond. The entry gazebo gives a sense of enchantment and tranquility. Enter the main residence to an elegant living area designed after the iconic Princeville hotel with extensive lanais overlooking the ocean, mountain views and pools. The formal dining area features a wall of curved glass, with sweeping views of Anini Reef.
The main gourmet kitchen is complete with top-of-the-line appliances. An eat-in bar is ideal for entertaining. The adjacent breakfast “round room” built just above the koi pond welcomes the day with sunrise views. Each huge bedroom suite offers privacy, featuring individual lanais with ever-changing views from sunrise to sunset. The master suite is its own romantic paradise with views galore, a fireplace and magnificent “his and hers” baths. Guest wing is a Hawaiian-inspired mother-in-law suite with its own private kitchen and bath. Two large office suites could also serve as additional bedroom suites.
Take the graceful staircase or elevator to the lower level and discover the luxurious Hollywood-style theater with velvet recliner seats, surround-sound and large screen. Wine cellar, indoor pool with fitness center and a spacious den for family fun. The outdoor living features an infinity pool with unobstructed ocean views and glorious sunsets. Unwind in the sand-bottom hot tub with a Mai Tai. Enjoy the outdoor kitchen with gourmet grill and pizza oven. Lagoon-style sandy beach is perfect for children. The detached 5,000sqft showroom is a car collector’s dream, built with the same exceptional quality.
BEDROOMS 6 BEDROOM+ POTENTIAL, BATHROOMS 7, SQUARE FEET OVER 11,000 on 1.24 ACRES OFFERED AT $19,995,000
DANETTE ANDREWS,
Realtor (S), License RS-60907
Oceanfront Sotheby’s International Realty
Cell 808.635.7019
Danette@KauaiLuxuryLiving.com
www.KauaiLuxuryLiving.com
Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist
Kauai Top Producer 2002-2019 Hawaii Top 100
Sisi Takaki, RB-21987
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Hawai’i Realty
46 Hoo’lai Street, #D, Kailua, HI 96734
Cell: 808.753.7151 | SisiT@bhhshawaii.com
Sisi Takaki, Realtor is nationally recognized in the Top 2% of Sales for 2015-2017. She is a seasoned Luxury Specialist with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and was awarded into the President’s Circle in 2017. Sisi understands every facet of home ownership, from the emotional aspect of buying or selling your primary residence to the complexity of a profitable investment property. Sisi understands and values knowing each client’s goals and aligns herself to the needs of each unique situation. Selling your home can be one of the hardest things to do, but Sisi Takaki and her Team will guide you through the process. From Skyline to Shoreline, let Sisi Takaki, R and the STR Team help you with all of your real estate needs.
Listings by Sisi Takaki
Honolulu, Hawaii
1837 KALAKAUA AVE #2608
Enjoy the Allure of Waikiki with this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath unit with calming mountain and city views. The unit offers high-end finishes and a cutting-edge open kitchen. The building offers a modern design set in a tropical landscape with open green areas. Close to Waikiki businesses, Kakaako restaurants and shopping.
Offered at 1,158,880.
Sisi Takaki originally appeared as an Elite agent in the Unique Homes Spring ’19: Elite edition. See her page here.
Property by Myra Nourmand
310-888-3333
Live amongst the captivating properties of Beverly Glen with its beautiful tree-lined canopies and expansive flat lots. This beautifully appointed home is absolutely breathtaking! The entire property opens to the enormous yard, which is totally private and quiet, embracing the ideal of indoor-outdoor living. Soaring ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and an open floor plan, the home has a light and airy feel. Flexible layout features 4 bedrooms upstairs, one large bedroom suite downstairs, office and attached 2-room guest house. Top-of-the-line appliances such as Miele, Viking, Sub-Zero, Fleetwood, and NeoRest. Perfect for outdoor entertaining with the cozy loggia and fireplace, built-in BBQ and saltwater swiming pool and spa. Even solar, making this 7,000-plus-square-foot property almost off the grid! Enjoy the 3-car garage, spectacular 500-plus-bottle wine cellar, Crestron, fully secure, elevator-ready. A fantastic opportunity for an exceptional home in most desirable Warner Elementary school location.
