The LIAIGRE Penthouse at Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach

At over 7.5 acres, The Ritz-Carlton, Residences Miami Beach is the community’s largest residential project. Created by Italian architect Piero Lissoni, the development has just unveiled its newest unit, a spectacular $5,995,000 penthouse designed by LIAIGRE.

The super chic 3 bedroom penthouse boasts almost 4,000 square feet of luxurious living space with 3,431 square feet of interior space and a 420 square foot balcony. The elegant, yet entirely livable space includes ample room sizes with a minimalist chic vibe. LIAIGRE is credited with assembling the unit’s interior design such as tables, chairs, and lamps, which were selected for their timeless aesthetic. The extensive use of wood and marble are defining elements of the space along with expansive views of the ocean and Miami skyline.

The development is made up of a collection of 111 condos and more than a dozen standalone villas. Unique amenities at the Ritz Carlton Residences, Miami Beach include a navigable marine helipad, spa, state of the art fitness center, and “a first-of-its-kind Art Studio.” Available units at the Ritz Carlton Residences, Miami Beach are being represented by Douglas Elliman..

Images courtesy of Quinn PR

Resorts & Member’s Only Clubs Inspire Luxury Home Sales

As Luxury Real Estate sales continue to surge, resorts and exclusive Private Member’s Only clubs are inspiring second home investments around the world. Resorts and Clubs, such as Grace Bay Club in the Turks & Caicos, Exclusive Resorts spread across the globe, and Mint House in the U.S., are enjoying increased popularity despite extensive travel restrictions as a result of the pandemic. Some of these organizations are even enjoying occupancy rates of over 95% this season. One reason for the increased demand seems to stem from the ability of individuals to work remotely and enjoy residing in their very own paradise away from high-priced urban settings. In a recent interview with Mansion Global, Stephen Moroukian, head of product and proposition for Barclays Private Bank, shared “We see more of our clients looking at the French Riviera and thinking about long term requirements, being able to work remotely.”

Image Credit: Grace Bay Resorts

In the Caribbean Island nation of the Turks & Caicos, some frequent visitors of the five-star Grace Bay Club have acquired residences at the incredibly luxurious Rock House resort to meet the needs of their regular visits to the island. According to Grace Bay Resorts, American and Canadian buyers were attracted to the island by “sunny weather, direct flights from the U.S. and Canada, and pristine beaches.” Highlights of the Rock House residences include panoramic ocean views, 600 feet of ocean frontage, and high-end construction materials that highlight the property’s understated design aesthetic.

With 75 locations around the globe, Exclusive Resorts is renowned for their vast array of sophisticated offerings of both residences and experiences in places like Kyoto, Marrakech, and St Barth’s. As a particularly noteworthy example of this second home buying trend, since 2017 Exclusive Resorts has witnessed five members acquire second homes in close proximity to club locations in “Cabo, Mexico; Scottsdale, AZ; Telluride, CO; Lake Tahoe, CA and Real del Mar, Mexico.” A similar phenomenon has been occurring in both California as well as the French Riviera, where members of exclusive golf clubs and yacht clubs have been seeking to establish permanent foot holds in places like Pebble Beach and Cannes by buying up prime properties.

Image Credit: Mint House

Whereas Exclusive Resorts’ focus is on showcasing unique and exotic locales through multi-million dollar homes, Mint House is renowned for their collection of residential apartment complexes. A stay at Mint House boasts the amenities of a hotel combined with the conveniences of a home away from home. For those who travel to Miami, Philadelphia, or Nashville for work and stay for extended periods, Mint House is a great solution before you’re ready to commit to your next urban property purchase. Flexible lease structures, multiple bedrooms, and work spaces make Mint House a perfect temporary home for the business traveler.

For those who seek to find the perfect locale for their second, third, or fourth home, few options compare to investing in a multi-location private club membership to be introduced to and become intimately acquainted with a particular destination. Although products like VistaJet’s Private World and Richard Branson’s collection of luxury properties offer similar travel opportunities, few compare in convenience, depth and breadth of the offering by Exclusive Resorts. The vast majority of residences in the Exclusive Resort collection is owned by the club and seeks to maintain an atmosphere that combines the best of private luxury property rental and five-star hotel services. Most of all, with 90% of members having been invited by an existing member to join, Exclusive Resorts has fostered a community of like-minded individuals to create the ultimate club atmosphere.

Image Credit: Exclusive Resorts

Unique to many of these clubs are services like The Club app, a mobile application developed by Exclusive Resorts in partnership with Bottle Rocket, a pioneer in digital experiences. Through products like this application members can connect with “service teams, plan future vacations, and enter personal travel preferences so every trip can be uniquely tailored to the Member.” Despite the challenges in travel due to the ongoing pandemic, there have been few better times to join an exclusive travel network and seek out the next gem in your luxury real estate portfolio.

Featured Image Courtesy of: Exclusive Resorts

Despite Covid 19 Turks & Caicos Real Estate Enjoys Increased Popularity

Although many of us would expect Covid 19 to trigger a reduction in second home demand, nothing could be further from the truth on the Caribbean Island of Turks & Caicos. The Sotheby’s Turks and Caicos office reportedly closed $70M in sales during the month of June. Some speculate that the high sales are the result of the reduced stamp duty on the islands, but is there something more significant driving these high sales volumes?

We caught up with Nina Siegenthaler, a Vice President at Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty to learn more, “We are finding purchasers are looking for the high-quality real estate and amenities that resorts like Grace Bay’s new Rock House Resort on the Islands of Turks & Caicos have to offer. Buyers are also attracted to the islands’ low-density nature and relative ease of access from main hubs across the [United States].”

Ms. Siegenthaler went on to add that her office’s buyers have been looking to secure properties for long-term stays rather than more typical short term stays that they’ve seen in the past. At The Extravagant we’ve taken into consideration the limitations placed on US citizens traveling abroad. Whereas Americans are facing serious limitations on European travel, this has not been the case for Americans visiting many Caribbean nations like the Turks & Caicos. With relative ease of access for both Americans and many other nationalities, Siegenthaler stated “These buyers are looking for commensurate high-end management teams with seasoned experience and the right set of residential amenities to provide security for their ownership and own enjoyment. With kids potentially schooling from home and adults opening up their work-from-home options, we foresee that personal usage of owners’ vacation homes in Turks and Caicos will increase above the averages of the past decade.” 

Citing specifics from the The Agency Turks and Caicos‘s Q2 market report, we can learn that not only are sales up by 23% compared to Q2 of 2019, but the seemingly largest increase is the higher level of demand for luxury condominiums (priced over $1M), a 25% increase in number of sales compared to Q2 2019.

With choices ranging from brand new condos, to beachfront villas, and 30+ acre beach front parcels, the Turks & Caicos offer the variety necessary to please the most discerning of vacation home buyers. At the Rock House resort, one can choose from a selection of floorplans, including single family homes starting at 1,261 square feet. Homes on the resort’s 14 acres even enjoy private pools facing the resort’s 600 feet of ocean frontage.

If you’re seeking greater privacy and more living space than a luxury condo can provide, Cascade Villa, a six bedroom six and a half bath beachfront home, eagerly awaits its next buyer. This 9,800 square foot villa located on a half acre lot on Blue Mountain on the central north coast of Providenciales is hard to beat. The stunning white villa, which was built in 2015, is currently being offered for sale by Christie’s International Real Estate for $7,500,000 USD. Amenities include 100 feet of beachfront, six master bedrooms, outdoor showers and baths, as well as panoramic views of the ocean.

But for the buyer who truly requires nothing short of the best of the best, this 36+ acre undeveloped lot situated along Cotton Bay, Grace Bay Beach may be just the spot to develop a private compound or tourism project. This parcels six separately titled lots encompass over 1300 feet of pristine white-sand beach frontage. Offered at $65 million USD by Christie’s International Real Estate, the property offers close proximity to Blue Haven Marina, a harbor which can accommodate super yachts of up to 220 feet in length.

With seemingly endless stretches of stunningly beautiful white, sandy beaches, the Turks & Caicos certainly do offer an interesting appeal to a wide range of foreign second home buyers and investors.

Images Courtesy of: Rockhouse provided via Quinn PR

Looking for an Escape? Try this Gilded Age Mansion in Tuxedo Park

Tuxedo Park is as close as one gets to Lake Como in America. The three square mile guard gated community just 40 miles from Manhattan, was founded by Pierre Lorilland IV in 1885. Lorilland had grown tired of vacationing in Newport, and craved a community where he and other members of America’s elite could enjoy the best of hunting and fishing. What developed from a humble hunting retreat, soon grew into a gilded age paradise that gave its first name to the most common iteration of formal menswear.

Among the community’s many gilded age mansions, is Chastellux a 24,000 square foot spread constructed in 1929 to a design by McKim Mead and White. The 16 fireplace mansion was built for Ruth Hill Beard Lorillard Heideseck. The home, which sits prominently on 8.2 acres above Tuxedo Lake, is the ideal weekend retreat for a New York City based family with 9 family bedrooms and 4+ staff bedrooms along with 11.5 bathrooms. Interiors of the residence were designed by renowned American interior decoration firm, McMillen.

For sale for the very first time in decades, this 10.9 million dollar mansion, which was recently listed for sale by Tuxedo Hudson Realty represents some of the finest value in American classical real estate. Chatellux’s landscape design was carried out by none other than the Olmsted Brothers, and takes perfect advantage of the estate’s glorious position overlooking the lake. Inside the home, gilded age details transport you back in time within a residence that is both classical and fresh.

Chastellux offers its owner the ability to enjoy grand scale living, as well as hiking, swimming, golfing, and boating surrounded by over 70,000 acres of forest and parkland. With both the Ramapo Mountains and the Hudson River to the west, there are few comparable spaces to enjoy the best of New York’s natural beauty. Tuxedo Park’s prestigious members only club offers ‘golf, tennis, sailing, rowing, racquet sports and sunset dining overlooking the lake.’

For more information on Chastellux, please visit: Tuxedo Hudson Realty

Images courtesy of Francine Liza of Tuxedo Hudson Realty

An Idyllic East Hampton Escape Brought to Life by Mojo Stumer

One of design firm Mojo Stumer’s latest projects is this idyllic getaway in East Hampton. Designed in a traditional shingle style and paired with modern interiors typical of Long Island, Stumer’s team created an airy atmosphere perfect for weekend or summer getaways.

Located in Georgica Pond, East Hampton, this particular residence boasts a massive living room, ample natural lighting, and an outdoor entertaining area that rivals nearby resorts. By stepping into the 1,000+ square foot living room, visitors are greeted by a high ceiling and a surrounding balcony, the room’s design is complimented by 3 Hervé Van Der Straeten chandeliers, which add a touch of splendor. “It was important to our clients that we created a space with a clean, modern design but also [for it to] be a comfortable space for the family to sit around. Our team further enhanced the design by selecting exquisite furnishings, contemporary yet modern and added a “pop of color” to the final design.” A custom wool area rug, Bassano table, and DDC chairs complete the space.

Some of the residence’s most stunning aspects are the outdoor entertaining spaces made up of a stone porch, pool area, and elegant gardens. Crafted of mahogany angled ceiling Tongue & Groove boards, the porch is understated and inviting. The area, partially enclosed by a myriad collection of windows provides a space that is warm and flooded in natural light. Here a Plexi Tate Bench by Hudson Furniture is the perfect space to catch up on reading.

Finally, the home’s study and master bedroom are characterized by warm tones and modern furnishings. In the study, walls of custom cerused oak shelving are complimented by a white painted backsplash. A Herman Miller Collection desk chair and coffee table, end tables, and a desk from Dennis Miller Associates’ French Series complete the space. In the master bedroom high ceilings are a particular highlight, here a seating nook and subtle color palette allows for the furniture collection to take center stage. The bed, dresser, bench, night stands, and Ecume chair by Christian Liaigre pair beautifully with the Ralph Pucci chandelier and Viola Table Lamp by Fuse.

For more information on Mojo Stumer’s design work, please visit: mojostumer.com

Image credit: Mark Stumer, provided courtesy of Quinn PR

Too Many Cars and Not Enough Space? Gordon McCall has the Perfect Solution!

Do you suffer from the all too common problem of having too many cars and not enough garage space? We’ll, a garage condo at Gordon McCall’s 90,000 square foot Monterey Motorsport Park might be just the solution for you. Whether you own a residence on the coveted Monterey Peninsula or are an annual car week pilgrim, there are few comparable options to store your prized exotic cars, vintage automobiles, or cherished motorcycles than your very own garage condo steps from the Monterey Airport and Jet Center.

Not only does Central California pay host to the annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the area also offers enthusiasts one of the world’s most spectacular stretches of coastal roads. With units at the complex ranging in size from nearly 18 by 30 to 50 by 64 feet, space is generous to say the least. Aside from easy access to a joy ride down to Big Sur, Monterey Motorsports Park offers “24-Hour Gated Entry, Proactive Remote Guarding, Easy Drive-In or Walk-In Access, Wall and Roof Insulation, and Unique Mezzanines [perfect for entertaining.]”

Speaking on the subject of Monterey Motorsport Park, one of the developments’ partners Gordon McCall told The Extravagant “Every unit has a mezzanine in it, so every [space] has the ability to have a getaway office, a satellite office, home office, whatever you want to call it. We have been approved [for] multiple business uses. For instance, wholesale and retail dealer licenses have been approved by the State, which is a big deal. [The units] range [in size] from 600 square feet up to about 2700 square feet. It’s a great opportunity, it really is. So many people around [the Monterey Peninsula] have storage units tucked away. They’ve got Wifi, they’ve got their car collection, but they’re in a storage unit. It’s like ‘you pay your rent, you go month to month and there you are.’ Well, here’s your chance to own a place and actually have a nice address that goes along with it.”

Roll-up truck doors of 14′ x 14’ or 12’ x 14’, 26 foot high ceiling, and mezzanines along with the potential to install a private restroom and kitchen make units entirely unique and luxurious. With well over 75% of the 86 unit complexes’ condos already spoken for, it’s the perfect time to invest in that extra space for your cherished automobiles. 686 square foot units are priced from $242,000 USD.

Image Credit: Chase Woodward (CodyCreek), images provided courtesy of: Monterey Motorsport Park

Apartment 3304 | A World Class Residence at The Pierre

Manhattan’s legendary “The Pierre” now has room with a view, ready and waiting for its next lucky resident. Built in 1930, The Schultze and Weaver designed Pierre is one of New York City’s defining Art Deco masterpieces along with the famed Waldorf Astoria and the Park Lane Hotel.

The Pierre was transformed from solely hotel use into a mixed use co-op and hotel in 1959, which brings us to the subject of Apartment 3304. The 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath co-op that recently hit the market at $14.95 million USD is owned by philanthropist and former chairman/CEO of First Data, Corp Ric Duques and his wife Dawn. The Duques transformed their 3,000 square-foot residence during a recent renovation in which the couple expanded the kitchen, refinished floors, and enlarged closets. Particular highlights of the Fifth Avenue facing home include direct views of Central Park, a corner master suite, formal dinning room, and two guest bedrooms currently configured as a library and reception room.

With discreet access via a semi-private elevator landing, guests enter Apartment 3304 through a “a gracious vestibule that opens to a marble gallery and corner living room with oversized windows.” In addition to the residence’s unobstructed Central Park vistas, the Hudson River, George Washington Bridge and Midtown Manhattan are all within sight.

Boasting the most spectacular of 5 star hotel services, residents of the Pierre enjoy “full access to all hotel services, including 24-hour concierge, twice-daily maid service, spa and fitness center, conference room, business center and beauty salon.” Room service is also available from the hotel’s dinning facilities, which include Perrine, a new French/American restaurant, along with Two E Bar/Lounge and the famed Rotunda.

Chris Fry and Shea Mena of Elegran hold the listing.

For more information please visit: Apartment 3304 

Image credit: Elegran, provided courtesy of Quinn PR

Mojo Stumer’s Latest Project | 700 Park Avenue

A two bedroom apartment along New York’s coveted upper east side is the latest work of Mojo Stumer Associates. The firm, which is well known for their modern yet warm interior design work, brought to life 2,300 square feet of living space at 700 Park Avenue.

The team at Mojo Stumer was hired by a Manhattan couple, who were looking to downsize from a larger residence. The end result of their collaboration was the complete transformation of this residence into a chic, open, and all around spacious NYC pied-à-terre.

A key aspect of the residence’s design is the flowing nature of the floorplan; large spaces consisting of the living room, dinning room, and kitchen freely flow into one another via a central hall. Evoking a design reminiscent of a modern art gallery, the residence features materials such as rift cut oak flooring, walnut and lacquer cabinetry, as well as Pentalquartz and Thassos stone in the kitchen.

When guests enter the residence, they are immediately greeted by “a floating lacquer ceiling accented with ultra-thin linear lights, with walls on both sides clad in plain sliced walnut panels.” Geometric design is a fundamental element of the entry with a full wall length mirror and ample artwork, which leads to a living space with white walls complemented by dark accents. Furniture in this area is soft, simple and refined; thereby creating a supremely elegant atmosphere that is uncluttered. The living room also benefits from oak wood plank floors and “a functional media unit with storage and bar seating.”

Across from the living room is the dinning room, this space is similarly designed employing the use of white walls and simple yet creative shelving with glass inserts. Beside the dinning room is the apartment’s open layout gourmet kitchen, featuring a clean modern design language. The kitchen’s cabinets are uniquely finished in a polished white polyester and complimented by white quartz counter-tops. The white back painted glass back-splash is a unique touch especially when viewed in contrast to the room’s stainless steel elements.

Image credit: Mark Stumer, courtesy of Quinn PR

A 12 Million Dollar Hawaiian Masterpiece

Ever considered acquiring a stunning retreat on Hawaii’s biggest island? Atop a hill on the island of Kailua Kona is one of Hawaii’s most exceptional residences. The 5 bedroom, 6 bathroom, 7,000+ square foot home is situated on a private street in Kukio, a community often refereed to as the “Billioniare Getaway.” According to Forbes, several prominent businessmen have acquired homes in the community, including Michael Dell, who owns a nearly 20,000 square foot residence in the Kukio.

Kukio, a gated community with 24 hour security, offers peace of mind to the security conscious buyer. Aside from safety and security, one of the most significant highlights of the property is the ability to apply for membership at the prestigious Kukio Golf & Beach Club. The club is well regarded for its 18 hole course designed by Tom Fazio, sports center and spa.

When entering through the property’s gates you are immediately greeted by mature landscaping and a courtyard framed by the main residence along with not one, but two guest houses. An immense auto court features a two and one car garage. With panoramic ocean views in mind, the house was meant to take full advantage of the property’s excellent high position. The main home’s design, which is best described as island chic, boasts gracious living areas, a sumptuous kitchen that opens up via a set of lanai doors to an elegant 25 yard lap pool and an adjacent outdoor bar. A media and game room offer a space to unwind after a long day of enjoying Hawaii’s stunning natural beauty. The absolutely quintessential porch that swings just beside the front door completes this resort like property.

72-199 Lae Kikaua Mauka was recently reduced from an asking price of $17.9 million USD to a guide price of $10.9M to $12.9M USD. Whereas one of the adjoining 3+ acre lots with Ocean and Volcano views is considering offers between $3.3M to $3.9M USD. Interested parties are invited to submit their offers through Spark Offer; the company’s unique platform “allows sellers to dictate pricing, set terms, and review all offers in a simple dashboard that will reveal the true market value of their home.”

Images courtesy of Quinn PR

Miami Condos Reach New Heights at Reach Residence at Brickell City Centre

Located in the Financial District of Miami Florida is a cutting-edge, mixed-use project at Brickell City Centre developed by Swire Properties Inc. The two towers, appropriately named Reach & Rise, have become a quintessential part of Miami’s ever expanding skyline.

Within the Reach Tower is a very special condominium unit indeed; designed by Addison House, a three-bedroom, four and a half bathroom penthouse awaits its forthcoming owner. Currently on the market for $4.2 million, the nearly 2,700 square foot Penthouse benefits from a service quarter, stunning views of the ocean and city, 500+ square feet of terraces, and an abundance of original artwork custom made for the residence by local artist, Lara Gallardo. Addison worked closely with Gallardo to develop works “including the As Above So Below and Modern Balance,” so that every piece of art was born with Miami’s natural and constructed environment in mind, which of-course include aspects of water and city life.

The 4202-4302 Reach Residence at Brickell City Centre unit’s interior design is characterized by minimal and elegant wallpaper, warm woods, neutral tones, bold textures of color and reflective surfaces to mirror the development’s focus on urban lifestyle, fashion and luxury. Communal amenities at Reach Tower include a concierge 7 days a week, fitness center, hammam spa, pool, library, and entertainment suite with living room, dining room, kitchen combination.

Standing 43 floors high, the development provides residents extraordinary private living combined with the latest in convenience. The $1 Billion dollar Brickell City Centre’s most exciting feature is the development’s 500,000 square feet of retail and restaurant spaces, which include businesses such as, Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, Suit Supply, Stitched and Pinko.

Images courtesy of Quinn PR