10 Million Dollar Condo at NYC’s Plaza Hotel

Two bedrooms, two and a half baths, and 55 feet of stunning park views, that’s what $9.995M USD will get you at New York City’s iconic Plaza Hotel. If you’re chasing stunning views of Central Park and would like to join the ranks of past residents like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Tommy Hilfiger; few residences can compare to this nearly 2,500 square foot condominium.

“1 Central Park S, Apt 401 is located in New York City’s Plaza Hotel, a 100+ year-old historic building that boasts luxury, hotel-style amenities,” says Nick Agostinelli of NYC residential brokerage Elegran. Daniel Toder of Elegran added, “The two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom residence also features oversized windows that showcase 55-feet of stunning Central Park and New York City views.”

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Represented by Nick Agostinelli and Daniel Toder of NYC residential brokerage Elegran, apartment 401’s 13 foot high ceilings, custom cabinetry, and office space set the residence among NYCs best available pied et tierres. The unit boasts a ‘gracious entry foyer with a half bath for guests’ and two bedroom suites with plush marble bathrooms. Unique services at the Plaza include access to butler service that offers in-room dining and twice-daily housekeeping, 24-hour Concierge, and the Warren Tricomi Salon among convenient use of the hotel’s celebrated restaurants and ballroom.

Images courtesy of: Elegran via Quinn PR

A Coach Built Masterpiece | The Rolls Royce ‘Boat Tail’

Unveiled just a few days ago, is the ‘Boat Tail’, a nod to Rolls Royce’s coach building past. This all-new one of one commission is a tribute to a time when discerning clients would personalize almost every detail of their bespoke Rolls Royce. Although custom commissions like ‘Boat Tail’ are few and far between, Rolls Royce sees the “Coachbuild” program as a permanent fixture within the brand’s future portfolio.

Speaking on the program, Rolls Royce Head of Coachbuild Design, Alex Innes states: “Coachbuild provides freedom to move beyond the usual constraints. Normally, there is a natural ceiling to Rolls-Royce Bespoke by way of the canvas. At Rolls-Royce Coachbuild we break through that ceiling, embracing the freedom of expression afforded by coachbuilding to shape a concept directly with our commissioning patrons.” Adding “With Boat Tail we have achieved this. We have created a trio of exceptional cars which, although they share a common body style, are each imbued with the unique, highly personal imprint of the commissioning patron, thereby telling differing stories. Boat Tail is unprecedented. Boat Tail is a distinct counterpoint to industrialised luxury.” 

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Despite being entirely unique, the ‘Boat Tail’ instantly reminds Rolls Royce aficionados of the 2017 Sweptail, a Coachbuild example that won the manufacturer much praise. The design of the sweptail was often compared to a J Class sailing yacht, a defining highlight of early 20^th century design. An element of vintage inspiration in the design of the ‘Boat Tail’ was taken from BOVET, the Swiss watchmaking house born in 1822. Following years of close collaboration, Rolls Royce and Bovet were able to integrate a mechanical dashboard clock like never before. A passionate collector of BOVET timepieces, the commissioner of ‘Boat Tail’ was pleased to reimagine the dashboard with two fine reversible timepieces for him and his wife. According to Rolls Royce, the watches have been designed to be “worn on the wrist, or, placed front and [center] within Boat Tail’s fascia as the motor car’s clock.”

Speaking on behalf of the collaboration, Pascal Raffy, owner, BOVET 1822, commented, “I am so proud of the BOVET 1822 team, who worked in tandem with the elite design team at Rolls-Royce to produce something spectacular. These two pieces, and the mounting system, are completely unique and unlike anything we have ever done before.”

Like its older sister, the ‘Boat Tail’ contains a myriad collection of discreet features executed to the highest standard. A defining highlight, in our humble opinion is the picnic chest, perfectly equipped for a luxurious al fresco dining experience. Half of the chest is devoted to aperitifs, whereas the other half is cuisine focused. The latter half has a pleasant surprise, a set of Christofle flatware engraved with the name ‘Boat Tail’. But you may ask yourselves ‘what meal is complete without a bottle of champagne?’ Well for this, you need not worry, as Rolls Royce has equipped the ‘Boat Tail’ with a refrigeration unit complete with color matched polished surrounds to accompany your favorite vintage of Armand de Brignac. An exacting requirement of the Boat Tail’s wine enthusiast commissioner was that the refrigeration unit must have the ability to rapidly cool champagne to 6 degrees centigrade. Finally cocktail tables open on either side of the ‘Boat Tail’ and are complemented by blue leather stools, which match the interior hide. Developed through a collaboration of Rolls Royce and celebrated Italian furniture maker Promemoria, the slim-line interlocking stools can be discreetly stored.

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As opposed to most Rolls Royce models, which anticipate England’s rainy forecast, the ‘Boat Tail” is optimistic for sunshine. For this reason, a parasol can be effortlessly deployed from underneath the rear centerline via a telescopic movement. With this in mind, we’ll hope to see the ‘Boat Tail’ along the French Riviera this summer season.

All images courtesy of: Rolls Royce Motor Cars

From DRC to Petrus – Sotherby’s is Set to Auction a Remarkable Single Cellar Collection

An impressive collection of European wines are set to be auctioned at Sotheby’s Hong Kong on May 28^th of this year. The 970 lot auction, which is estimated to fetch a total of between $7.7 and $10.6 million USD, are the contents of a single cellar assembled through decades of visionary collecting. Rare and impressive labels span three centuries, and include Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Lafite Rothschild, and Yquem, among others. Through the development of personal relationships with premiere producers and a passion for academic collecting, a devoted connoisseur amassed this enviable cellar.

“It is a great privilege for us to be entrusted with the sale of such an extraordinary cellar, one of the most historic collections to come to market in recent memory. Both in terms of scale and provenance, this collection is a glorious testament to a visionary collector. But as so often happens, that passion can lead to cellar overcrowding, resulting in a truly wonderful opportunity for wine lovers from across the world to appreciate and nurture these spectacular bottles,” said Adam Bilbey, Head of Sotheby’s Wine & Spirits, Asia and Europe.

This auction presents a unique opportunity for aficionados and devoted collectors to season their cellars with some of the most brilliant wine from the best French producers. The Bordeaux collection boasts 63 lots of Petrus, which span nearly one century and include the ultra coveted 1945 and 1947 vintages; not to mention a brilliant collection of 83 lots of God’s golden nectar, Chateau Yquem, with vintages dating back to 1865. Additional noteworthy lots include two bottles of 1898 Chateau Lafite Rothschild and a host of vintages by Mouton Rothschild that are available in a wide variety of formats.

An exceptional collection of Burgundies includes 75 lots of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti span seven decades and are estimated to fetch over $900,000 USD. The DRC lots include a 12 bottle case of La Tâche 1985 and a single bottle of Romanée Conti 1990 in its original wooden case. On the other hand, devoted followers of Henri Jayer will be pleased to see 75 unique lots by the maker (estimated in excess of $3.8 million USD). The Henri Jayer lots include 29 lots of Vosne-Romanée Cros Parantoux, including a 1978 in magnum, 1990 in magnum, and 1999 in original carton.

Alsacian collectors will take note of the one dozen lots Trimbach spread across 40 years and include 10 lots of Trimbach Clos Ste Hune. All said, this truly remarkable auction is one of the most impressive offerings of elite French wines in recent history.

Images Courtesy of: Sotherby’s

Talking Art with Trevor Martin of Post Gallery

When we imagine a great cultural exhibition, rarely does our mind transport us to a resort art gallery, but Post Gallery is no ordinary gallery, nor is Post Ranch Inn an ordinary resort.  The Post Gallery which is situated near the center of the 100 acre property that is Post Ranch Inn is an exciting cultural oasis in the no man’s land of Big Sur, California. Post Ranch, seated prominently on a ridge that is 2,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean enjoys the surrounding of nature’s bounty. The Post Gallery’s Director, Trevor Martin describes the environment of his gallery as being “surrounded by coniferous forests and meadows, with a multitude of resident species including deer, raptors, turkeys and the occasional bobcat.” The gallery has some rather interesting neighbors too, being just adjacent to the resort’s furniture workshop and a garden for Sierra Mar, Big Sur’s premiere dining destination.

Trevor Martin, previously of FIFTY24SF Gallery in San Francisco, takes a unifying approach of transcendence and love to his exhibitions at Post Gallery. Martin, whose passion is immediately apparent when describing the space, is quick to credit the Gallery and neighboring garden as the “soul, or spiritual center, of Post Ranch Inn.” The Gallery which is filled with unique fine jewelry, photography, and sculpture is curated through a collaborative approach that Martin shares with Post Ranch Inn Founder, Mike Freed, Buyer, Stacy Lauer, and local artist Trevor Meeker. Together the team selects what Martin calls “exquisitely hand-crafted products and objets d’art that are synonymous with the experience we create for our guests here at Post Ranch.”

To learn more about Trevor Martin and his unique approach to the Post Gallery, read our Q&A below.

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Do you employ any particular philosophy when selecting new pieces?

“While we represent artists across a wide range of styles, universal criteria that we employ when selecting new pieces include: excellence in execution, unequivocally representative of the artist’s unique voice, and restraint. As far as exhibitions are concerned, we look for continuity, character development, rich storytelling, and a cohesive narrative that takes the viewer on a mini-journey within their experience here at Post Ranch.”

What special step do you take to ensure an exhibit, or piece truly connects with the environment at Big Sur?

“Our visionary founder, Mike Freed, laid the groundwork for what Post Ranch has become today back in the 80s. Having worked with renowned architect Mickey Muennig to create a unique design language throughout the property, we rely on the framework of the environment and buildings themselves to inform the artwork selected. Our goal is that each exhibit or piece be intrinsically connected to the original vision and current spirit of the environment at Post Ranch.”

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With the reality of most resort galleries being rather mundane, to what specific element do you credit your unique inventiveness?

“We are lucky to have local artists and friends of Post Ranch who are incredibly creative individuals. We feel a responsibility to honor the incredible beauty, both natural and man-made, that surrounds us here, challenging us to select works of art befitting of this special place. One artist that exemplifies this is Trevor Meeker, who also happens to be the Curator of the entire property. He has worked as a fine artist locally for the last 20 years, creating collages of recycled metal, and producing truly incredible work. He creates vibrantly colorful, painstakingly crafted works of art from discarded metal that would otherwise have been melted down or ended up in a dump.”

One specific element that truly sparkles, is your collection of fine jewelry by artist Sasha Samuels. Can you tell us about some of your favorite pieces from the collection?

“My favorite thing about Sasha’s work is its connection to the artist, herself. I asked her one day, “How do you even do that?” To which she answered, “Just 40 years of hard work, is all.” I am humbled by the opportunity to represent an artist with the uncommon ability to master ancient techniques, such as Etruscan-style 22k gold granulation. Her expertise and artistry was recognized with “The Contemporary Etruscan Jewel” award from the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, located in Pontecagnano, Salerno, Italy.

The amazing thing about Sasha is that she has achieved an extremely high level of specialization while still managing to produce exceptionally well-executed work across a wide spectrum of styles, ranging from art nouveau, to art deco, to avant garde. Unlike many artists who tend to stick to one discipline, she is always challenging herself and seeking new inspiration; you never know what kind of work she’s going to surprise you with next. Her eye is unparalleled and her technique unrivaled.

I am particularly fond of the Tanzanite Wave Ring that features a superb trillion-cut tanzanite stone. The contrast of the deep violet with the 22-carat granulated gold bezel is scintillating. However, the Watermelon Tourmaline Shard Suite really takes the prize. Just the pure audacity required of someone to even consider attempting such a creation is hard to fathom. In this suite, Sasha has beautifully brought together a set of hand-fabricated, geometric, gold-linked earrings and matching bracelet with a jaw dropping shard necklace. The bracelet hooks into the necklace modularly to extend it if desired, and the cohesive design language throughout makes for a one-of-a-kind treasure. “Cosmic high-priestess” comes to mind when attempting to describe this beauty.”

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In addition to jewelry and sculpture, the gallery also showcases black and white photography, with that said; can you walk us through your latest exhibit by Robert Knight?

“Robert is one of our most talented local artists who has a fine art photography gallery located in Carmel. Not only is he full of positivity and love for his craft, he’s truly a joy to work with. In the current exhibition entitled “Spiritus,” Robert takes us on a spiritual exploration of his journies to Bhutan and Myanmar during some of their more peaceful times. Robert’s artist statement says it best:”

“I see my work as opportunities in mindfulness. Each photograph is a meditation. The work on display is from journeys to Myanmar and Bhutan.  The prints are celebrations of the people and icons of these countries, honoring their devotion to Buddhism. The prints are expressions of this connection and moments on the path to enlightenment.” 

“I hope the photographs provide a peaceful emotional response when viewing them. For me they feel like an opportunity to take a deep breath and remember the importance of awareness and compassion.”

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One piece that visitors find difficult not to be infatuated by, is a drawing of a dystopian scene of Paris, titled MORIAPOLIS by Octave Marsal and Theo De Gueltzl. How do you believe this specific piece fits into the collection at Post?

“Yes, these two young artists are on-fire at the moment, having recently completed some very impressive product collaborations with the French luxury designer, Hermés. We are truly lucky to have had the opportunity to collaborate with Theo and Octave on exhibiting this piece, entitled MORIAPOLIS, which is a “4 handed” pen & ink drawing (they happen to be ambidextrous) that took over a year to complete. This massive and mind-bendingly complex drawing fits squarely into our sustainability ethos which has been part of Post Ranch Inn since its inception. It’s a foreboding warning against global-warming, outlining the aftermath of a mysterious cataclysmic event in 2106 that left the human race with only fragments of nature, preserved within giant glass terraria. The inspiration for this piece came from the phantasmagorical novels of Thomas More and Yevgeny Zamyatin.”

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What’s next for the Gallery?

“We are just finishing the installation around 20 large-scale bronze sculptures throughout the property by a group of Bay Area based artists including Jud Bergeron, Mars-1, Wayne Shaffer, Albert Dicruttalo and Grant Irish. The work ranges from cubic/geometric, to industrial, to wildly psychedelic, to dystopian hyper-futuristic. We can’t wait to share it with our guests our ongoing guided art tours , every Friday and Saturday at 1:30pm.

Where can we follow you?

IG @PostGalleryBigSur / Postranchinn.com

Images Courtesy of: The Extravagant & Post Ranch

8 Must Try Dishes in Miami

As Covid 19 vaccines are dispersed, travel is continuing to increase and with it, culinary destinations such as Miami have prepared for a surge in visitors, expecting no less than a gastronomical wonderland. In this list, which spans Mila Miami to MR CHOW; we have assembled a guide to 8 of Miami’s most exciting dishes this Spring Summer season!

Lobster Ravioli at Ambersweet at the Confidante Miami Beach

Located within the Confidante Miami Beach, is Ambersweet, a fusion restaurant boasting a retro glamour atmosphere and exceptional culinary creations, such as the Lobster Ravioli: a delicacy crafted from ingredients the like of buttermilk, a carrot reduction, burnt orange and chervil. Ambersweet is named after the superfluous Ambersweet Orange, a hybrid of grapefruit, tangerine and sweet orange. Nearly every dish at the restaurant includes a citrus element.

Tempura Beech Mushroom at Buya Izakaya + Yakitori

Buya, which means small fire in Japanese, was founded by Chef Michael Lewis and Steven Haigh of KYU; with Buya, the pair partnered with Michael Sponaugle to create a new concept. Modeled after an Izakaya (an informal Japanese bar), the restaurant serves high quality street style dishes as well as inventive cocktails, such as a Sake Juice Box. One menu item that is a particular stand out is the Tempura Beech Mushroom, reminiscent of a “bloomin onion” the dish is a mix of crispy and crunchy, featuring an umami beech mushroom bomb at the center covered in an Asian twisted ranch. According to Buya, the dish lands on almost every table.

The Swag Burger at BurgerFi Miami

The third dish on our list, may appear to be a simple burger, yet is anything but. BurgerFi’s super spicy SWAG Burger is available for just a few more weeks. The limited time burger, ground from Wagyu-Brisket, is beloved by Martha Stewart and is said to pack heat without being painfully spicy. Candied ghost pepper bacon is the not so secret ingredient.

Lobster Crudo at MILA Miami

The all new “MediterrAsian” menu at ultra-chic MILA Miami is filled with incredible highlights. The all-star culinary team brought life to a selection of fusion cuisine with rich flavors and inventive presentations. One particular stunner at this rooftop restaurant is the Lobster Crudo, marinated in citrus juice and crafted through a traditional Japanese “Konbu-jime” technique, the Lobster is cured in seaweed and served Ceviche style to share.

Baklava French Toast at Estiatorio Ornos a Michael Mina Restaurant

Yes, you read that right, Baklava French Toast. Estiatorio Ornos a Michael Mina Restaurant’s Executive Chef, Nikolaos Georgousis has developed a fantasy worthy treat. This classic eastern Mediterranean dessert has been reinvented as a brunch favorite. Notes of cinnamon, honey, and Florida citrus awaits.

Wagyu Gunkan at Zuma Miami

Now over one decade old, the chic Miami eatery, Zuma, is defined as a modern destination and favorite among Miamians. The restaurant’s remarkable view of the Miami River offers a renowned selection of contemporary Japanese delicacies right in downtown Miami. Our favorite among the menu’s many highlights is the Gunkan, which translates to “War Boat” in English. Small boat shaped cylinders of Japanese rice are wrapped in seaweed and topped with Wagyu beef. The design is a brilliant nod to the yachts which fill Miami’s many waterways nearby.

MR CHOW NOODLES at MR CHOW Miami

Magical noodles simmer in anticipation at the renowned MR CHOW Miami. The show worthy experience at MR CHOW’s Miami establishment is truly epicurean theatre. All of the noodles at this eatery are hand pulled towards the tableside to allow guests to watch the noodle making process from beginning to end. The experience allows guests to develop an intimate connection between themselves and the cuisine. Whether Flambéing Bananas Foster or pulling Bejing-style noodles, the art of table side service has steadily, yet unfortunately declined in fine dining. This is why you should support MR CHOW’s commitment to handcrafted excellence; the experience is truly remarkable and entirely entertaining.

Watermelon Salad at Mila Miami

Last, but certainly not least, we end this list of gastronomical splendor with a familiar name. Back at Mila Miami another highlight, albeit lighter than the Lobster Crudo, is the refreshing Watermelon Salad. The refreshing summer dish is sweet and savory with the combination of watermelon and organic tomatoes. Mila Miami’s culinary team uses “modern techniques and sauces to fuse the ingredients.”

Featured Image credit: MR CHOW

_{All images provided via Quinn PR}

Four Most Magnificent East Coast Mansions For Sale

Are you in search of American Splendor? If so, you’re in luck, as we’ve assembled a list of four remarkable super luxurious North Eastern estates. From the 50,000 square foot Darlington Mansion in New Jersey to Maryland’s Fairview estate, this list encompasses some of the most impressive properties currently for sale in the United States.

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Stonewall Farm – Westchester County, New York

Situated on 740 acres in Westchester County, Stonewall Farm is an estate with immense poise. Listed at $100 million USD, the property delivers nearly everything a passionate equestrian could desire. Just one hour from Manhattan, Stonewall Farm enjoys sweeping views of rolling hills, apple orchards, generations old stone walls, woodlands, parklands, and ponds. Situated on 18 deeded parcels, the estate is the largest deeded property in Westchester County according to Christies International Real Estate.

For the past forty years the estate has been the passionate home of owners with a deep admiration for world class equestrian activities. Stonewall has sporting amenities, which include a turf racetrack, riding trails, a 40-stall yearling barn, two 24-stall broodmare barns, round pens, and 4board-fenced paddocks and pastures with run-in sheds. Despite the immense list of equestrian facilities, Stonewall still saves something special to accommodate its owners too, a 24,000 square foot colonial manor. The home, which was designed by Rebecca Rasmussen, contains an elegant interior decorated by Kelly Hoppen. Inside a wine cellar, game room, pub, and elevator ensure a welcoming environment to return to after a day of riding. The manor house benefits from an elegant landscape by Edmund D. Hollander made up of French gardens and formal grounds. Stonewalls immense grounds also host an impressive amount of auxiliary structures such as guest house, caretakers home, eight staff residences, and a 4,000 square pavilion style pool house with a 60-foot swimming pool, spa, gym and attached kitchen.

Stonewall Farm is represented by Kathleen Coumou of Christie’s International Real Estate and David Sanders and Gabriel Pasquale of Christie’s International Real Estate Westchester | Hudson Valley.

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Fairview Estate – Easton, Maryland

The Fairview Estate is a grand timeless compound located in the heart of Chesapeake Bay’s storied Eastern Shore and steeped in American history. Set among the great estates of Talbott County, Fairview is located at the end of a peninsula on the Miles River, a 12.9-mile-long tributary of Chesapeake Bay. The 74 acre estate with two main residences dates back to the 1,600s. Today a renovated 18^th century manor house and contemporary 20^th mansion offer the best of entertaining options. 19^th Century formal gardens, a tidal pond with pier, entertaining barn, and 2,100 feet of shoreline with a private beach are spectacular highlights. However, best of all is the fact that Fairview is bordered by thousands of acres of conservation land. The Fairview Estate consists of 14 bedrooms, 14 full bathrooms, and 8 eight partial baths spread across over 30,000 square feet of interior space, including staff residences and apartments. The estate is located an average of just 80 minutes from Washington D.C.

Fairview is listed for sale with an asking price available upon request. The property  is represented by Cornelia C. Heckenbach and Kornelia Stuphan of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., an Affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate.

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Darlington – Mahwah, New Jersey

Set on twelve acres just 25 miles from New York City, Darlington is an American Gilded Age masterpiece. The estate, originally constructed between 1901 and 1907, boasts close to 50,000 square feet of luxurious living space. A meticulous seven year renovation has returned Darlington and its 58 rooms to their original glory while incorporating a host of modern amenities. Unique additions include a new wine cellar with tasting room, cigar room, beauty salon, cinema, game room, and a massive spa with a steam room, sauna, gym, massage room, and lap pool. Despite the extensive modern amenities, Darlington has maintained a firm grasp on its classic design elements. Principal living spaces are immense and feature highlights such as a rare 1906 Aeolian Player Pipe Organ in the Great Hall, which boasts 30 foot high ceilings. The library’s 15 foot high ceiling is adorned by a mural that was painted by James Wall Finn, who is well respected for his work at the New York Public Library. A tea room, formal dining room, restaurant style kitchen, and double master wing are some final stand out amenities within the main residence.

Darlington’s landscape is splendid with a tennis court, two impressive fountains, and stunning views of the Ramapo Mountains. The grounds of the estate are completed by an eight car garage, gate house, and staff quarters with five suites. Darlington is listed by Sonja Cullaro of Christie’s International Real Estate Northern New Jersey.

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High Point – Middletown, New Jersey

Also located in the great state of New Jersey is High Point on the Navesink River. The property, spanning 15 acres, is complimented by an 18,000 square foot residence of stucco and limestone. Just one hour outside of NYC, the French inspired estate enjoys particularly stunning views of Navesink River. The Robert AM Stern designed home was constructed in 1999 and contains 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and 2 partial baths. Immaculately manicured grounds frame the Chateau style home in a park like setting. A massive entrance driveway delivers guests to brick courtyards, elegant gardens, and a home with tall chimneys, slate roofs, and French balconies.

Stepping inside the house at highpoint is an experience; masterfully painted spaces by Pierre Finkelstein complement the architecture with 18^th and 19^th century patinas. Real wood graining, gold gilding, and plaster finishing work is both understated and elegant. The most impressive space, you may ask, well that is most certainly the first and second floor foyers with their Venetian Plaster walls. It’s difficult to describe Highpoint’s living spaces as anything less than grand. The fifty foot long living room has 12 foot high ceilings and a fireplace complemented by elegant plasterwork and parquet flooring. Adjacent to the living room is a bar with stunning river views. When the owners finalized the design brief or the formal dining room they included a round table for 18 and an exquisitely painted massive French mirror, thus allowing every dinner guest to enjoy the views. Final highlights include 750 feet of river frontage and grounds originally landscaped by the Olmsted Brothers.

Highpoint is represented by Kathleen Coumou of Christie’s International Real Estate. The asking price is available upon request.

Oceanco & Pininfarina Team Up To Create KAIROS

A new yacht concept dubbed KAIROS is the product of a unique collaboration between Dutch custom yacht builder OCEANCO and famed Italian automotive design studio, Pininfarina. This new superyacht concept has been designed around a sustainable ideology and design brief. KAIROS has been developed with an E-Hybrid propulsion concept with a primary source of power being generated from batteries. The KAIROS concept is designed to delight potential customers imaginations by showcasing a design with few conventional boundaries.

“KAIROS is a remarkable vision shared by three passionate, forward-thinking partners: Pininfarina, Lateral and Oceanco,” commented Marcel Onkenhout, Oceanco’s CEO. “When Owners see the Oceanco NXT endorsement on a yacht’s design, they know they can expect elevated standards of life onboard that are in tune with new perspectives on sustainability and lifestyle.”

The KAIROS concept was developed in line with OCEANCO’s NXT initiative, a companywide philosophy to deliver sustainability through innovation. This particular project, which benefited from technical design work and engineering by Lateral Naval Architects, will help pave the way and offer insight into how current technology will serve as a foundation for a sustainable future among superyachts.

“Our passion as designers is to imagine new concepts of space that are capable of bringing enchantment to every moment of the yachting experience,” comments Paolo Pininfarina, Chairman of the Group.

Although details on KAIROS are brief now, we expect more information to be released by OCEANCO in the coming months. Ironically, the name KAIROS is taken from the ancient Greek word for ‘time’.

Image & Video courtesy of: OCEANCO

‘Art In Resonance’ At The Peninsula Bangkok

An impressive collection of embroidered works crafted by Narissara Pianwimungsa are now on display at the Peninsula Bangkok. The exhibit, which is on display until March 31^st 2021, was commissioned by The Peninsula Hotels’ global art programme that focuses on collaborations with local artists to deliver a unique, artistic experience. Through this program, the Peninsula hosts artists in residence that are able to utilize the hotel’s studio and interact with guests and visitors regularly.

Currently on display in the lobby and studio, Pianwimungsa’s ‘Gravity of Thoughts’ series is comprised of 3 works of sculptural embroidery completed by the artist during her stay at The Peninsula Bangkok. The Thai born artist brought together all of her passions, such as “poetry, drawings and paintings.” The resilence of nature and the fragility of human life were also central concepts explored by the artist. Another avenue of inspiration was the artist’s routine travels across Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River.

“During these rides I could feel the constant flow of nature, which endures no matter how many changes affect human life,” Ms. Pianwimungsa said. “Sometimes the flow appears gentle; other times it seems harsh. But there is a balance to it, and to life. This balance is what ‘Gravity of Thoughts‘ explores.”

Two works hang in the hotel lobby and bring forth a clear representation of nature’s infallibility and the fragility of human life. The most significant piece in the series is a fabric sculpture, which is located in the hotel’s artist studio. The work, being weighted to ensure precise balance, hangs from the ceiling. The embroidery depicts open eyes and reminds one of something akin to a flying carpet.

Speaking on the subject of the exhibition, The Peninsula Bangkok’s General Manager explains how the series exemplifies a thought provoking dialogue. “Art programmes such as this allow us to fulfil an important mission,” Mr Sampermans said. “As well as providing artistic enrichment to our visitors with exhibits, artist talks, and studio visits, we are also supporting local working artists – and ensuring the health of the cultural ecosystem in our home city.”

To arrange an Artist Studio Tour at the hotel personally guided by Ms. Pianwimungsa, you can contact The Peninsula Bangkok at +66 2020 2888 or email: pbk@peninsula.com.

Image credit: The Peninsula Hotels

Talking Luxury Real Estate Auctions with Trayor Lesnock of Platinum Luxury Auctions

This week, The Extravagant connected with Trayor Lesnock of Platinum Luxury Auctions to explore the world of luxury real estate auctions. Lesnock’s firm has handled some rather impressive non-distressed properties, such as this Fifth Avenue condo we covered back in February. Aside from the unique properties often offered by Platinum, there are many benefits to purchasing luxury real estate at auction; to learn about these enticing advantages to purchasing a property from Platinum or another luxury auction, read on.

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For those of us who are not already familiar with Platinum Luxury Auctions, can you tell us about your firm and the types of properties you represent?

“Founded in 2010, Platinum Luxury Auctions is a firm that specializes in what is broadly called the “non-distressed” auction sale of multimillion-dollar residential properties throughout the US, and occasionally abroad. The “non-distressed” nature of our sales means that our clients are generally affluent sellers who don’t need to sell their property (that is, there is no financial pressure motivating them to do so) but want to sell. Typically, they have also become frustrated at the inability to sell their property using the traditional brokerage process. While this sounds competitive to the brokerage industry, we actually conduct 95% of our sales in cooperation with the given listing brokerage/agent, protecting their commissions in the process. As such, much of our time is spent educating and informing the luxury real estate industry about our service platform. Most of our properties are in the $2- to $20-million range, and our team recently reached $1 billion in closed sales experience. We also developed the term “luxury auction” as it applies to this method of non-distressed auction sales, and we own the federal trademark rights to the term. It is now widely used in reference to high-end property auctions.”  

Aside from generally transparent market based pricing, what are some other benefits to buying luxury real estate at an auction as opposed to a conventional sale?

“For a buyer, there are several benefits such as: 1) Simple, “brass tacks” terms of sale with no surprises; 2) Rather than dealing with the daunting nature of high-end property negotiations between a buyer and seller, an auction buyer instead gets to compete against other real buyers in that ever-important “transparent market” forum; and 3) A seller offering their property at auction is generally a serious seller, and buyers love to deal with serious sellers as opposed to those who are simply “testing the market” or are unrealistic as to pricing.” 

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Can you share with us some of your stand out auctions? What made them special in your opinion?

“This is a tough one for me, as many auctions stand out for various reasons beyond hitting a record price. For example, we just had a terrific, 8-figure auction sale on Feb. 19 for a condo on 5th Avenue in NYC facing Central Park- a previously unheard-of occurrence for such an asset in the Big Apple. While the price made us happy, what really stood out was having 14 registered bidders- all of an impressive caliber- participate in the sale. Another one of my favorite auctions occurred in Florida in February 2013. After learning the sales price from the auction (an equestrian estate that sat on the market for 3 years before we arrived), the seller arrived back on site and literally ran over to me and jumped into my arms, happily screaming about the price as we hugged and twirled around. It was just like out of a movie and I always wish I had that captured on film! Then she popped champagne for everyone on our team.”

What do you believe sets Platinum Luxury Auctions apart from your competitors?

“We pay meaningful attention to the rest of our industry – it’s an important part of staying competitive and relevant for any business. Thick layers of self-reporting and publicity are commonly used to frame the public’s perception of a success or failure in the real estate auction industry, so one has to look beyond that to assess real performance. By analyzing the real data (metrics such actual-vs-expected pricing, sales-vs-list-price, actual-vs-reported closings, etc.) and then measuring it against that within our track record, we consistently find that Platinum’s sales generate higher pricing on a pound-for-pound basis. We might not hold the highest auction sales price or the greatest volume of sales, but Platinum achieves the most pennies on the dollar on a per-property basis. That is our main differentiator, and our operating model is designed to achieve this result.”

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Where do you see the future of luxury real estate auctions heading?

“This is always a popular topic of discussion. Presently, so much of the answer depends on how the traditional brokerage industry continues to change. For example, while Platinum works openly with all luxury brokerages and agents, it currently has more formalized service contracts to provide luxury auction services to 3 major brokerages: Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Engel & Volkers, U.S.A. This type of formalized, B-to-B relationship was relatively unheard of when I first entered the auction industry, as the luxury brokerage and auction worlds were simply too far apart at that time. While I expect to see continued and increasing harmony between the brokerage and auction worlds in the future, there is a lot to be said about luxury property auctions not being a “one-size-fits-all” process. They should be used when the right conditions are met, rather than universally. So, while I embrace growth and progress within our space, I remain slightly cautious as to the process being over-applied.”

What’s next for Platinum Luxury Auctions? Any special upcoming sales we should follow this spring/summer?

“We just capped two great sales- one in NYC and one in Miami- and are approaching our next round of offerings to close out Q1 this year. A couple of properties that we strategically held back last year due to COVID (such as a Fijian island that was inaccessible for nearly all of 2020 due to travel restrictions) should also see their campaigns launch this year. Plus, we’re in the midst of a brand refresh, recently hired a new public relations team, hired a new copywriter and are trying some new concepts on both the marketing and service model sides of our business. It’s a busy time indeed!”

The Louvre Museum Adapts to Extended Closures in Paris

After closing in March 2020, reopening in July 2020, and closing again at the end of October, the famous Louvre Museum remains closed. One of the sectors that has been taking a major hit during COVID-19 is the museum world, due to large gatherings being banned and a lack of travel and tourists. However, the Louvre Museum has launched a series of virtual tours to open up its galleries to patrons from all around the globe.

The virtual museum visits resemble Google Maps Street View and your computer screen places you in the gallery itself. Rather than simply showing the pieces on your screen, the Louvre’s virtual tours let you click to walk down the halls and imagine yourself strolling through the galleries as if you had the entire museum to yourself. This innovative approach is more engaging to the audience than a simple slideshow.

Some of the highlights include a stroll in the Petite Galerie with works by French Romantic Painter Eugène Delacroix and Dutch master Rembrandt. Another highlight in this collection is Self Portrait with Her Daughter, Julie (Madame Vigée Le Brun et sa fille) a portrait by French portrait painter Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun. This work, characteristic of the Rococo period, is an intimate self portrait of Le Brun and her daughter, encircled in an embrace.

Another virtual visit takes victors to the world-famous Sully Wing to view the Louvre’s extensive Egyptian Antiquities collection. The museum even offers a visit of the Louvre itself—a virtual tour of the original fortress built by French king Philippe Auguste, which is now in the basement of the museum.

While virtual visits are no substitute for the in person experience, the Louvre’s detail oriented and interactive virtual tours are a great way to get up close to some of the Louvre’s most famous pieces without the crowds.

Source: https://www.louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne

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