honolulu Archives - Luxury Homes – Luxury Real Estate

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It’s time to discover these 10 extraordinarily refined places, each with distinctly different waterfront experiences.

Birmingham, Michigan

What’s tucked inside a Great Lakes luxury property? The better question is, what’s not? Aside from fantastic lakefront views, plenty of room for entertaining, and a spot for any water toys you may fancy, the area itself is famously well-known. Janine Grillo, a Keller Williams Domain Associate Broker, tells Unique Homes that the Great Lakes region is the
No. 1 freshwater boating destination in the U.S.

“The sheer size of this territory affords boaters a whole world of fun and a number of diverse places to explore on the water,” she says, noting that every day here feels like a vacation. “This summer, we are finding buyers are looking to enjoy life more, relax (and work) from home. The updated, roomy waterfront properties sell fast,” Grillo says.

Lake Tahoe, Nevada & California

“The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine. Bracing and delicious. And why shouldn’t it be? It is the same the angels breathe,” said Mark Twain in describing Lake Tahoe. Chase International President and CEO Shari Chase characterizes it in the same way, recounting this quote from where she calls home, on the Nevada side of the iconic area.

“Lake Tahoe is a real treasure,” Chase says in painting a picture of the 22-mile-long, 12-mile-wide body of water, which is majestically surrounded by mountains. “Everything has a very spiritual essence to it here. The water is beautifully pure, with blues and crystalized greens,” she continues. The land boasts an outdoor lifestyle, where residents can easily take in treasured hiking trails, ski lodges, boating, beaches, art and more. Within one hour of the space are gems such as Virginia City, Genoa, and Jackson, California, which all are filled with wonderful recreation.

Prices here range from $3.75 million to $48 million, with most buyers prioritizing a spacious pier when considering their search.

Chase International Broker Trinkie Watson says that diversity of year-round outdoor activities, alongside good restaurants, art galleries and unique shopping are a huge draw to the area, as well as convenience to Sacramento and the Bay Area. Residents can easily take in treasured hiking trails, ski lodges, boating and beaches. “Whether it’s at the lake or on a beautiful trail in the mountains, it’s all gorgeous,” Watson says.

Londonderry, New Hampshire

The New England waterfront is known for its variety of seasonal landscapes throughout the year. Residents are able to experience the full extent of floral springs, fluttering snowflakes, peaceful waters, and crisp autumn leaves. And right now, in the summertime, the sights could not be better, says Morgan Smith, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty.

“We have hundreds of clean lakes with 360 degrees of spectacular scenery. Owners love to watch the loons, fish off the dock, kayak and waterski, and lazily soak in the clear, fresh water warmed by the sun,” she says. Coastal properties in New England feature properties with rocky ledges, crashing waves, and beaches that can be strolled for miles and miles.

With regard to how the market is faring, lower-than-average inventories are leaving very few properties for sale at a time. Prices of waterfront properties range from $1 million to $25 million, with buyers privy to direct access to the water, spacious frontage, and plenty of room for a watercraft, Smith says. She enjoys her daily life in the area, and wishes to share the elegance with new buyers. “I love spending time in Cape Elizabeth,” she says. “If I can be on a boat (or a hammock), and smell fresh air next to a body of water, I’m happy.”

Coronado, San Diego, California

The California oceanfront is star-studded with luxury at every turn. Coronado, San Diego is absolutely no exception. Broker Associate Scott Aurich of Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty has lived in 17 different houses throughout the town and loved every second of it. To get away from it all, Aurich enjoys his early mornings more than anything else; he spends it surfing in tranquil waters, golfing through immaculate links, or entranced by friendly creatures at the stables. He stressed that Coronado camaraderie cannot be replicated anywhere else he’s seen.

Whether it’s the unique amenities the town has to offer, the community center with a gym, or the iconic $34 million Crown Manor estate he is representing, Coronado is truly special. But his favorite piece of home, he says, is the people. “The best thing is the people; it’s hard to describe,” Aurich mentioned. He finds that the kindness of his neighbors is where he feels the most pride. It’s not just Aurich that has noticed the grandeur; the temperature of real estate in Coronado is booming, to say the least. The demand is so high that at press time, only 54 houses were for sale. “The market is white hot,” Aurich said, explaining that the value of homes has gone up exponentially in the last 20 years.

Egg Harbor, Wisconsin

Door County, Wisconsin, is a gorgeous peninsula with 250 miles of coastline — it’s surrounded by the waters of Lake Michigan on the eastern side, and Green Bay on the western side. For weekenders or vacationers, the area boasts incredible opportunities for sailing, water sports, fishing, boutiques, restaurants and quaint villages that dot the shoreline, explains Jamie Sanger, a managing broker with Coldwell Banker Realty.

The county of Door has fantastic experiences in the arts, theater, and golf courses, but most of all, it is best known for its natural scenic beauty, she tells Unique Homes. With even multimillion-dollar homes and estates selling like hotcakes, any inventory that is available is selling for well over asking price. Sanger feels that her area and the lifestyles awaiting there are in particularly high demand: “I feel the pandemic has fueled our market, in that folks want to be able to ‘get away’ from the urban areas to enjoy a more peaceful, private, and healthy lifestyle,” she continues. This is what she sees in her own hometown as well, Ellison Bay, which she says has stayed tranquil and untouched by development in recent years.

Sarasota, Florida

Over in Sarasota, Candy Swick, president and broker at Candy Swick & Company, is dazzled by the diversity of people she meets every single day. “One minute you are having a conversation with an astronaut, a rocket scientist, an author, or an international ballet virtuoso from Russia,” she says.

Swick describes the water in Sarasota as “Carribean blue,” alongside a breeze that drifts in soft and cooling. Residents can enjoy multitudes of water sports, a world-class ice skating rink where Olympic figure skaters have trained, and ballet and opera performances.

As for the price tag, luxury homes are running from $2 million to
$20 million. Houses are frequently selling the day they enter the market, at list price or often in a situation with multiple offers. A typical bayfront home in Sarasota starts at $2.5 million, where buyers can view the magic, nightlife, and restaurants outlining the entire city. “We know that if an individual desired to enjoy a new restaurant for lunch and another for dinner, it would take more than a year to explore them all,” Swick said.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

“Think of a place that has beautiful beaches, with crystal-clear water and clean, silky-smooth sand; a place that is known as the yacht capital of the world, with spectacular vessels cruising in daily through the port,” says Shai Mashiach, a Coldwell Banker Realty agent, in painting a picture of his beloved home.

He notes that in the bustling housing market, several waterfront neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale are in high demand; particularly Las Olas and Harbor Beach, where prices start in the millions. Mashiach noted the convenience of the area as well; it’s only a one-hour boat ride to the Bahamas, a 30-minute drive south to Miami or north to Palm Beach, and one hour to the Florida Keys. “It’s a place that has the best restaurants, great nightlife, and magnificent people from around the globe,” he continued.

As far as his personal favorite to-dos, Mashiach and his family enjoy quality time on the water, fishing, or docking at a favorite restaurant on the Intracoastal for a spectacular meal. “From yoga on the beach to amazing deep-water fishing, Fort Lauderdale has a wonderful ambiance and everything you need to enjoy life,” he says.

Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel, Mexico is known as one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world. A hundred-plus feet of visibility in the pristine, cobalt water is perfect for a deep dive, whether you’re a novice or expert. “The clarity of the water is just extraordinary,” says Cindy Case, a Realtor with Douglas Elliman. The island takes pride in differentiating itself from the mainland; as opposed to cities like Cancun, Cozumel boasts a private, more intimate community.

“It’s a unique, small island with a very relaxed vibe,” Case says. Yet, this does not eliminate the availability of ample restaurants, shopping, and hospital care. There are many properties available for sale along the water, and well-priced at that. Case notes the affordability of property on such a prime Caribbean island. When recalling her favorites, Case enjoys beach hopping along the backside of the island; she treasures the chain of beautiful, wide, white-sand beaches with restaurants and bars.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Picture year-round warm weather and sunshine, vast cultural diversity and delicacies, and a fabulous cosmopolitan lifestyle when thinking of residential life in Honolulu, Hawaii, says Tracy Allen of Coldwell Banker Realty.

“Breathtaking hikes along the Ko’olau mountain ranges and scenic coastal trails offer incredible vistas second to none. Visitors and residents love the vast cultural foods found in Hawaii, and come to the island to enjoy many different dining experiences,” Allen describes.

For purchases on the water, prices start at around $6 million, and can range from $8 million to $20 million as well. Allen says that waterfront homes in the area have generally been built within the last 10 years, and include modern touches such as lighter wood tones, smart technology, gyms, home offices, and large, professional kitchens.

Surfing, paddle boarding, kite surfing, jet skiing, and canoe paddling are just a few activities keeping residents entertained. Allen wants buyers to know: if you’re looking for a diverse experience, Hawaii is for you. And when asked her perfect way to spend a day, her answer is simple; “The beach! You can never go wrong with our turquoise crystal-clear waters!”

Kaua’i, Hawaii

In another part of the islands, luxury on Kaua’i translates to “soulful” according to Hawaii Life broker Neal Norman. It is that very soul and heart that keeps residents smiling in the sunshine, just as Norman found himself when he moved in 25 years ago.

“We’re seeing purposeful buyers who want to live the lifestyle: that luxury, soulful living that Kaua’i provides,” Norman says. In the North Shore region where he is located, buyers and sellers are connected on the ocean view at a variety of prices, ranging from $3 million to $50 million. Dream homes are purchased on the daily in this blue-sky paradise, where residents can spend quality time with loved ones and friends.

Offering numerous outdoor endeavors, hiking, surfing, sailing, snorkeling, swimming, beach combing and biking are just a few of the fantastic opportunities in Kaua’i. “Buyers are finding solitude and serenity on this little island in the Pacific Sea,” Norman says. “Kaua’i is a rare and special place.”

THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN THE UH Summer ’21 ISSUE OF UNIQUE HOMES. TO SEE THE DIGITAL VERSION OF THIS STORY, CLICK HERE.

All photos courtesy of The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Honolulu.

Have you ever wondered what it’d look like to combine the luxury of Italian design and natural beauty of Honolulu? Now you don’t have to imagine.

Mana’olana Partners unveiled The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Honolulu’s new kitchen and bathroom designs in collaboration with renowned Milan-based designer, Molteni&C|Dada. This marks the Italian designer’s debut on the Hawaiian islands.

“As one of the world’s most influential tastemakers, Molteni&C|Dada is synonymous with sophistication and class and stands for everything that the Mandarin Oriental brand represents,” said James Ratkovich, co-managing partner of Mana’olana Partners, in a press release. “We are elated to welcome our future Residents to the Residence Gallery to experience the true-to-life Molteni spaces.”

Designed by Dianna Wong Architecture and fabricated by Molteni&C|Dada, the 99 exclusive residences will feature custom Italian bathrooms with a selection of two dramatic color palettes.

The Daybreak Palette will include Dada light oak wood cabinetry, Dada pewter metal trim, Dada Maxxigloss white lacquer cabinetry, White Carrara marble Kitchen counter and backsplash, and ADM White European Oak wood flooring.

The Nightfall Palette will have Rhone camel stained Oak wood flooring, Dada Eucalyptus wood kitchen cabinetry, Dada Titan metal trim and Grigio Lido Opaco Marble counter and backsplash.

Residents will have premier access to a private amenity level comprised of a luxury pool and lounge area with sun cabanas, a chef’s kitchen with a dining room, state-of-the-art theater and more.

Residents and hotel guests alike will be able to shop in the Retail Salon, which holds the finest merchandise from couture fashion and accessories to jewelry and luxury timepieces.

Prospective owners can virtually experience the building through the Residence Gallery, which features an interactive touchscreen, in which users can explore floor plans, renderings, views and fly-through videos as well as tour vignettes of the Dada-designed kitchens and bathrooms.

Select residences are available in the low $2 millions and up to $35 million, which includes the most expensive penthouse on the market in Honolulu.

The Residences at the Mandarin Oriental, Honolulu has unveiled a first look at the exquisite residences that are ushering in a new era of luxury in Hawaii.

Developed by Salem Partners and conceived by an acclaimed team of international designers from Meyer Davis and Dianna Wong to Hart Howerton and Fluidity Design, the collaboration has never before been seen and will likely never exist again.

The Mandarin Oriental, Honolulu will push the boundaries of design and innovation and raise the bar for luxury high-rise living in Honolulu. Located on of the most iconic street corners in the state, the 36-story tower will rank among the most lauded architecturally significant buildings in the world.

The tower will also house 125 chic and contemporary guest rooms and suites, designed to reflect the local culture while paying homage to Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s heritage. Starting from the 19th floor, 99 exclusive residences will represent the most distinguished residential offering available in the world, each conjuring a sense of effortless extravagance and timeless sophistication.

Located in the heart of the Ala Moana District, adjacent to the world-renowned Waikiki District and surrounded by the city’s most affluent neighborhoods, Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Residences, Honolulu is situated directly across the street from the Hawaii Convention Center and Ala Moana Center, the world’s largest open-air shopping destination. At the intersection of Kapiolani Boulevard and Atkinson Drive, the tower is the first project approved under the city’s newly adopted Ala Moana Transit Oriented Development Plan.

Residents will have access to a private resident-only amenity level that features a luxury pool, outdoor lounge space complete with cabanas and fire pits, as well as a karaoke room, and Dolby Theater along with privileged access to an array of top-notch amenities and services offered at Mandarin Oriental, Honolulu.

The architectural vision for the building is a vertical interpretation of the traditional Hawaiian lanai—a shaded porch or verandah affording the pleasures of indoor-outdoor living. The design uses dramatically carved terraces and balconies to provide deeply shaded areas and frame views from these lanais, integrating gardens into nearly every front-of-house experience.

Photos courtesy of The Residences at the Mandarin Oriental, Honolulu.

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.