October 2018 - Beacon Sotheby's International Realty

Field Notes | 5 Beautiful Lots You Could Own

It goes without saying that when it comes to real estate, location is everything. Whether it’s a neighborhood, suburb, or arrondissement, many of us place a premium on location and search carefully for the perfect home in just the right place. But there is another solution: why not build around your ideal lifestyle? A raw plot of land presents the ultimate blank slate on which to craft the home of your passions, whether they include making wine, rearing cattle, or enjoying leisurely solitude by the sea. Below, these five plots present striking possibilities for building your dream home from the ground up.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Tom Evans, Valerie Conger, & Melinda S Day, J ackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty

If you find your days interrupted by thoughts of fresh, crisp air, wide open spaces, and sweeping mountain ranges, look no further than the 105 acres at this Jackson Hole lot. Sprawling across the Bar BC Ranch, a swath of rangeland known for its spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, and blue ribbon fishing, this vast plot is perfect for homeowners who dream of running their own ranch. A generous plot size provides plenty of space for cattle or horses to roam, while avid or aspiring ranchers can see for themselves what shaped the cowboy culture prevalent in this pocket of the country. One of the least populous states in the U.S., privacy is guaranteed, which also makes for some of the best air quality in the country and ideal conditions for nighttime stargazing.

Chile

Javier Contreras, Chile Sotheby’s International Realty

Coastal charm rule this stately Chilean plot situated on the threshold of Patagonia. Its varied grounds combine native forest, four miles of beach shore, and 27 miles of riverbank, with a total lot size of 32 acres rich with possibility. The region’s unique geography—bolstered by the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west—provide viable conditions for grape-growing, while its fertile grounds are also suitable to host sheep and other livestock. In addition, its coastal location makes this lot ideal for enjoying all the trappings of a coastal lifestyle, from kayaking and fishing to sighting dolphins and whales.

Turks and Caicos

Nina Siegenthaler & Joe Zahm, Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

For a lot that lends itself to a life of leisure and privacy, a private island in Turks and Caicos can’t be outmatched. Nestled into the west coast of Parrot Cay, this 3.3-acre beachfront parcel presents a rare opportunity to own prime beachfront real estate on the island. Its 330-feet stretch of pristine white sand and jewel-toned waters is shared only with the guests of neighboring luxury resort COMO Parrot Cay. An ideal destination for homeowners looking to develop a low-maintenance vacation or income property, COMO Parrot Cay provides estate management service, meaning your property is in good hands wherever in the world you may be.

Paradise Valley, Arizona

Cliff Davis, Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty

When looking to escape cloudy days and snowy weather, the American West looks particularly bright. Whether it’s horseback riding, mountain biking, or off-roading you enjoy, an arid-climate abode is suitable for a life built around the outdoors. Swap snowy weather for sunny days on these appealing Arizona acres, located in the sought-after seclusion of Paradise Valley. Comprised of four five-acre, contiguous lots, this listing occupies nearly 20 unspoiled acres in a picturesque western setting—perfect for constructing your own desert oasis. Its ideal position on the north side of Mummy Mountain is level enough for building while still at the right elevation for expansive mountain views.

Queensland

Michael Vettoretto, Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty

Those tempted by the tropical life can take their ease at this Q ueensland estate, tucked inside a peaceful cove on Australia’s Magnetic Island. Comprised of three blocks of land on two titles, this lot totals almost an acre and is conveniently located near unspoiled beaches with fringing reefs along Alma Bay. Appropriate for aquatic enthusiasts looking to be active in a laid-back setting, this popular holiday destination presents a fantastic investment opportunity for developing an income property, with its waterfront location and close proximity to popular tourist attractions.

When it comes to vacant land, the possibilities truly are endless—all it takes is a little digging to unearth their true potential.

Looking for your dream vacant lot? We can help.

Featured Listing | Private Custom-Built Lakeside Cottage

Pairing peaceful surroundings with the excitement of life on the water, this lakeside home debuting to the market is a stunning retreat. Look further into this custom-built home.

1733 Forest Cove Trail, Allegan, MI| $1,350,000

Crafted to the highest standard by Mike Schaap Builders with the accompanying custom millwork of Benchmark Wood Studio, this sophisticated cottage welcomes visitors down a private drive to this exclusive property. Nestled on all sports Lake Allegan, water enthusiasts will take full advantage of the dock with hydraulic boat lift and enjoying wakeboarding, skiing, tubing and more on the refreshing waters.

Step inside to an expansive living room, boasting flooring, an ultra-grand ceiling comprised of Alder, complimenting the home’s rustic yet luxurious design. Light a fire in the gas-started wood burning fireplace, as the hues flicker off of the real stonework. Settle into a good book or simply relax and soak up the waterfront views out of the floor-to-ceiling windows, as the surrounding landscape of towering evergreens and mature hardwoods nod to the year-round enjoyment.

Your culinary creations will come to life in the intricately-designed kitchen, featuring granite countertops, Cherry island top, and solid Cherry doors. Elevated with three dishwasher drawers, Limestone flooring, and professional series appliances, even the most experienced chef has the proper tools at their disposal. Everyone will have a seat in the dining room, while smaller meals can be enjoyed at the kitchen’s savvy custom built banquette.

The convenient bar makes entertaining a breeze with its ice maker and two refrigerated drawers, while surround sound throughout the great room, master suite, and kitchen, as well as the screened in hot tub porch, presents the utmost opportunity for relaxation.

Host overnight guests in the multiple main floor en-suites all boasting custom-built bedroom furniture or downstairs in the bunk room featuring 10 beds. The finished basement offers extra space for all your guests’ recreational and gaming desires while you retire to your peaceful main level master suite.

An oversized three-stall garage hosts custom storage cabinetry to stow belongings away. Give your beloved family and friends their own private retreat in the garage’s fully-finished upstairs guest apartment, boasting two bedrooms and baths, a full kitchen, and laundry.

An incomparable escape from the every day, this tranquil retreat is designed for those seeking an inspired lifestyle. Built with regards to privacy, luxury, and comfort, this waterfront cottage serves as a year-round home or charming getaway, harboring your memories for years to come.

Eager to see this beauty in person? Contact us for a tour today.

Luxury Real Estate Headlines: October 2018

Highlights from this week’s top news stories on luxury and global real estate, art, collectibles and home.

Savannah, Georgia | Staci Donegan, Celia Dunn Sotheby’s International Realty

Constructed in 1908 by prominent Atlanta banker Mills B. Lane, the home has been a distinguished site in the city’s Historic Landmark District for over a century.”

Design Trends | How Texture Transforms Home Décor

Can’t decide what’s missing from your latest design project? Chances are, it’s texture. The texture is an all-important—and sometimes overlooked—element in transforming a space from flat to multidimensional, adding layers of depth and richness. Be it via countertops or flooring, creating the right atmosphere is all about choosing the right surfaces. Below, we feature nine trending surface textures and where to use them.

Concrete

Yolanda Tejeda, Chile Sotheby’s International Realty

Industrial charm doesn’t have to be reserved for the factory-turned-loft space. Concrete is a low-maintenance (and economical) way to pour on some industrial chic when it comes to your space. Flooring is a particularly savvy use of the material, as concrete tends to require minimal upkeep, and any dings, dents, and chips will only add character.

Quartz

Monty Roberts, Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty

Quartz is quickly gaining popularity as a low-maintenance alternative to sought-after surfaces like marble or soapstone. As a non-porous and stain-resistant material, quartz is ideal for kitchen countertops that see lots of entertaining. Comprised of parts of natural minerals bonded together with resin, it’s also one of the more environmentally sound options on the market, taking a greater-than-the-sum-of-its-parts approach to delivering a beautiful end product.

Marble

Peter Illovsky, Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty

With extraordinary, one-of-a-kind natural veining, marble in any space creates a striking, elegant effect. While the exterior of this surface is undoubtedly strong and beautiful, it’s important to keep in mind that marble has a soft side. A porous material, it’s possible for marble surfaces to be stained from acidic liquids (white wine, lemon), meaning a degree of maintenance is required. For those who love the look without the worry, consider using the material for bathroom countertops and flooring where acidic liquids are less likely to be used.

Parquet

Dali Shoval, Austria Sotheby’s International Realty

The 1950s and 60s were a heyday for parquet flooring, but the origins of this mosaic method of arranging wooden planks in a geometric pattern dates back to the 16th century. Nowadays, parquet flooring is synonymous with elegant European interiors and Haussmann-era Parisian buildings. The more traditional parquet floors are usually arranged in chevron and herringbone patterns, cut in a range of different types of wood from oak to walnut. Despite its luxe look, parquet often surprises with its manageable options for installation and moderate price point.

Carpet

Poland Sotheby’s International Realty

Carpets are an easy way to add a layer of warmth to your home, particularly in the bedroom where it can be comforting to wake up to something soft underfoot. Unlike their predecessors, the best modern carpets are stain, dirt, and water-resistant, thanks to new advancements in manufacturing. When selecting the right carpet for your space, be sure to take traffic into account: plush, high-pile textures tend to work better in lower-traffic areas, while close-cut piles are hardier and easier to keep clean.

Wood Paneling

Nina Siegenthaler & Joe Zahm, Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty

When it comes to textures in the home, why should walls be neglected? Wood paneling may have gotten a poor reputation during the mid-century era, when it covered everything from basements to bathroom walls; today, it’s the purposeful approach that makes a statement. Go all out with floor-to-ceiling paneling and tons of natural light to create a warm, modern effect, or play with thinner wooden planks in smaller proportions for geometric visual interest.

Slate

Faisal Halum, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

It’s important to consider strength, crack-resistance, and temperature-retaining properties when selecting natural stone as flooring. One of the strongest natural stone options available, slate is an ideal choice underfoot as it is durable enough to go decades without needing to be replaced, providing proper maintenance is given. While this natural beauty is great at transmitting heat and cold, it is not so good at retaining it, making it ideal for homes in warmer climates or with radiant floor heating.

Moroccan Tile

Joan Eleazer, Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

Whether for backsplash or flooring, tiles are a fashionable way to elevate and add luxury to a space. Some of the most well-crafted options emanate from Morocco, where the art of zellige—a process of fabrication using individual geometric pieces—is still employed today. These pops of pattern are surfacing in homes as a vibrant alternative to neutral tiles and floors.

Ledgestone

Bea Jarzynska, Sotheby’s International Realty Canada

For a rustic environment full of cozy charm, consider using ledgestone. This technique of stacking stone to showcase its edge as opposed to its face creates loads of rough texture, establishing a gritty focal point that works particularly well for a statement wall, backsplash, or fireplace treatment. The variating tones and raw edging of ledgestone adds stacks of visual interest to even the most minimalist modern of spaces.

When it comes to great design, it’s all about what’s on the surface. From glossy countertops to cozy fireplaces, inspired surroundings start with the right textures.

3D Printing and Augmented Reality | A New Path to Home Ownership

Thanks to modern advancements in augmented reality and 3D printing, redesigning a space or building a new home has never been more futuristic. We are living in an era of unprecedented innovation, where homes can be assembled from scratch in just under 24 hours, and living spaces designed from a few taps on a smartphone. More than just passing trends, these technological leaps represent a disruption of the home and design industry. Here, we examine two of the most promising advancements in home construction and retail, and why they’re catching the world’s attention.

Laying Out the Benefits of Augmented Reality

Augmented reality (AR) offers a whole new way to see the world. It’s one of today’s fastest growing industries, with experts predicting the mobile AR market will reach a value of 70 billion USD by 2023. Augmented reality sees the real, observable world overlaid with digital data or images: we’re accustomed to AR cropping up on our screens—the yellow line marker projected in live football games being one prominent example—and on our phones, as whimsical filters adorn our photographs in real time. But how does AR stand to impact our homes?

Up until fairly recently, the use of AR in the interior design space was beset by growing pains, but a combination of savvy developers and strategic partnerships is finally allowing the market to flourish. What if you could reimagine a room in a myriad of configurations without the need for hauling furniture around? Retailers of luxury furnishings and high-end décor are permitting customers to bring their products home and try them out—digitally. Curate by Sotheby’s International Realty℠ makes it possible to conceptualize your rooms in the palm of your hands, providing a long-awaited tool for interior design enthusiasts and more casual browsers alike.

Curate by Sotheby’s International Realty is the firs t real-estate branded AR app available for Apple iOS-enabled and Google’s Android-enabled devices. Utilizing the power of the Google ARCore platform in tandem with online luxury furniture marketplace V iyet, the app enables users to scan their environs with their phone and then place, rotate, and adjust furniture as they see fit. Customers can test individual pieces or select from a wide range of preset looks, ranging in style from mid-century modern to traditional contemporary.

With simple features and real-time results, designers aren’t the only ones enjoying Curate by Sotheby’s International Realty’seasy user experience. By allowing prospective homebuyers to preview any house in their personal taste and style, the app is a powerful tool for sellers and real estate agents looking to increase buyer confidence in the purchasing decision. Whether you’re decorating your own home or someone else’s, it’s not hard to see how augmented reality opens new doors for visualizing any space.

3D Printing and the Future of Housing Fabrication

Another advancement taking the home and design world by storm is 3D printing. When it comes to framing and raising a new build, what once required hours of labor and a hefty budget can now be accomplished in less than a day for a sliver of the cost.

Photo courtesy of New Story Charity

In 2017, the Sotheby’s International Realty brand partnered with non-profit N ew Story in their mission to provide homes for under-housed families in Haiti, Mexico, El Salvador, and Bolivia. Pairing technological advancements from Austin-based startup ICON with donations from partners like the Sotheby’s International Realty network, New Story has created a 3D printer capable of creating a home in just 12–24 hours for the low cost of $4,000 USD.

Programmed to create the foundation and walls of the structure via a concrete-extruding printing apparatus, The Vulcan 3D printer produces single-story, 650-square-foot structures that represent a breakthrough in housing relief efforts worldwide. ICON co-founder Jason Ballard says 3D printing is something of a “unicorn technology” for the construction industry, singular in enabling faster, better, and cheaper projects to be completed with new creativity.

While many families in have already begun their lives in new, traditionally constructed homes made possible by New Story, more will soon receive a home in the world’s first ever 3D-printed community in El Salvador, and the Sotheby’s International Realty brand is proud to play a part in such a life-changing initiative.

What does 3D printing mean for higher-end homes? Flexibility. Liberated from the confines of traditional building materials, architects planning the 3D-printed homes of the future have a wider palette of shapes to choose from: according to New Story, “nearly any 2D floor plan imaginable can be printed”. Eco-consciousness is another factor that may drive luxury buyers to seek out cement homes, as the process creates very little waste, and the double-layer insulated walls are well designed for energy efficiency with a continuous thermal envelope. For those looking for a visionary, unique method of building, 3D printing may offer a path towards fresh, responsible design.

Far from fleeting trends, these modern innovations in the home and design space may very well become the norm. With the increased efficiency, convenience, and potential to transform lives made available by these recent breakthroughs, a technological revolution has never looked so bright.

We invite you to join Sotheby’s International Realty in supporting New Story’s efforts to build relief housing in Haiti, Mexico, El Salvador, and Bolivia. With tomorrow’s technology, we can create a future where everyone has a safe place to call home.

3 Fantastic Real Estate Listing Videos

In a competitive real estate market, especially that of 2018, your marketing needs to be top-notch to ensure your listing stands out. That requires high-quality photography, exceptional listing comments, and yes, videos.

Many real estate agents and their sellers are investing in listing videos to showcase the key features of the property. Video draws emotion in a way that photos alone simply cannot.

While there are all different styles of real estate videos, the challenge is creating intrigue with a high production value. These types of videos can engage your audience in a visually compelling way.

Here are three of our favorite real estate listing videos that add a crucial component to the homes they represent.

A Waterfront Home

From the luxury car pulling into the garage to family movie night, this real estate video highlights all of the home’s best features, while adding a unique storyline.

An Exclusive and Inspiring Estate

This home boasts incredible amenities on 40-acres of property – and the video is sure to express all of its unique nooks and crannies in a way photography just can’t. (P.S. did you see that garage!?)

Simple Waterfront Cottage

Just because your property is listing for a lower price doesn’t mean your marketing should reflect that. Property videos add an extra element of emotion to any listing, regardless of price point.

Experience full-service luxury marketing with your real estate services. Call us today.

Sotheby’s Gets “Banksy’ed” at Contemporary Art Auction in London

Sotheby’s recent auctions have been making headlines for many years – and quite often recently. Much like the record-breaking sale of a 1962 Ferrari GTO in August at Monterrey, the evening auction in London last week ended with unexpected results at the hands of famed street-artist, Banksy.

In a moment that caught the art world by surprise, Banksy’s Girl with Balloon self-destructed just as the final hammer signaled the end of an evening of auctions in London. The work sold for £1,042,000 ($1.4 million), tying the artist’s record in pounds at auction previously achieved in 2008.

Banksy’s Girl With Red Balloon Mysteriously Shreds Following Its Sale At Sotheby’s London. Image Courtesy Of Casterline Goodman Gallery

The framed work, spray paint and acrylic on canvas, mounted on board depicted a girl reaching out toward a bright red, heart-shaped balloon – one of Banksy’s most iconic images – began to pass through a shredder hidden in the frame.

“It appears we just got Banksy-ed.” Alex Branczik, Senior Director and Head of Contemporary Art, Europe London.

The unexpected incident became instant art world history and certainly marks the first time in auction history that a work of art automatically shredded itself after coming under the hammer.

Led by Jenny Saville’s monumental work Propped, which established a new auction record for a living female artist, the evening of Contemporary Art auctions brought a combined total of £68.7 million. The 25 artworks offered from the collection of the late David Teiger, the visionary collector, patron, and museum trustee, were 100% sold for an overall total of £35.9 million.

New & Notable Luxury Properties for Sale | October 2018

From an elegant stone residence in Quebec to an exclusive penthouse in Seattle that inspired a cultural phenomenon, these are this month’s four featured notable properties for sale.

Liza Kaufman, Sotheby’s International Realty Quebec

This elegant stone residence is nestled into the mountain in one of the city’s most prestigious enclaves. The imposing façade is representative of the rich architectural heritage of Montreal’s Golden Square Mile. A veritable cultural icon, this stunning mansion was exquisitely reimagined and masterfully renovated by one of North America’s most exclusive interior designers.

Michael Pallier, Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty

A home of true international caliber, featuring globally sourced materials and world-class vistas, this architectural triumph completed in 2017 showcases an unparalleled aesthetic of contemporary grandeur and sophistication over multiple levels. Almost every aspect luxuriates in panoramic harbor district and city skyline views, including the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, while the finest of finishes in every room heighten the sense of indulgence throughout.

Lee Koffman, United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty

This incredible double-fronted detached residence situated in this most sought after road in Hampstead offers nearly 8,000-square-feet of living space. The property benefits from off street parking for four cars, an integral double garage and a beautiful west-facing garden. Oakhill Avenue is situated just off Redington Road, within easy reach of the shops and transports facilities of Hampstead Village.

Scott Wasner, Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty

Live life elevated in the penthouse that inspired Fifty Shades of Grey – one of Seattle’s most iconic novel and film series. Walls of windows and a wraparound deck frame glimmering city views. Perched above it all, living spaces afford all one needs for a complete in-city experience. The home includes a media room, chef’s kitchen, sitting area, and a sumptuous master suite. Escala’s suite of amenities includes 24-hour concierge, spa, lap pool, gym, yoga studio, theatre, catering kitchen, and private dining.

Discover more real estate blog posts here.

Significant Sales | Volume II – Issue IX

From a record-setting sale in South Africa to a remarkable bayside home in the Hamptons, this edition of Significant Sales also showcases homes from the United States and Malta.

Seeking your next real estate transaction? Let’s connect.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Chile

Turks and Caicos

Paradise Valley, Arizona

Queensland

Mansion Global

Wall Street Journal

Bloomberg

Sotheby’s International Realty

Curbed

Dwell

The New York Times

Denver Business Journal

The Week

Elle Decor

Architectural Digest