The HGTV 2012 Dream Home is ready…for a winner

by Rob Murphy on January 22, 2012

HGTV's 16th Annual Dream Home Giveaway

The 16th annual HGTV Dream Home - An Island in the Prairie

The 16th annual HGTV Dream Home is located on the banks of the Provo River near Park City, Utah. It’s a modern, rustic ranch home with almost 4,000 square feet of space, including four bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms.

You can enter to win twice daily through 2/17/12, once on HGTV.com, and once on FrontDoor.com. The Winner also drives away a 2012 GMC® Terrain and pockets $500,000. HGTV.com

The plot of land is actually two homesites, and the views were expertly woven into the architecture.
The entire home is elevated on a 2-foot-high perch to maximize 2nd floor river views and to elevate the home above the flood plain.

As you enter the front door on the north side, you pass below one of my favorite features – a sitting area that cantilevers over the front porch with its own Juliet-style balcony. The master has a 2nd private balcony with breathtaking views to the south.

The Douglas fir trusses are stained grey, and joined by mortis and tenon. At the very top of the photo below, you can see the trusses are braced with stainless steel collar ties, a modern-day structural requirement. Plenty of Utah limestone compliments the rustic timber. It’s a 2-inch veneer found on both interior and exterior walls, fireplace surrounds, and the base of structural pillars.

Last year’s Vermont Dream Home had 76 million entries. This includes multiple entries per person…so the odds of winning this $2 million plus package are not too bad. Good Luck!

Great Room

Master-Bedroom-with-Private-Porch

Master Bedroom with private balcony & breathtaking views to the south

Outdoor Living Room

Photos Courtesy of HGTV.com

Tagged as: Douglas Fir Trusses, Ethan Allen Furniture, Frontdoor.com, HGTV Dream Home 2012, New Construction, Park City Utah, Provo River, Utah Luxury Homes, Vermont Dream Home

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Hawaii Luxury Real Estate :: aina Malu

by Mark Knowles on September 14, 2011

Recently on the market on the beach at Diamond Head, is this stunning property that was once owned by Liza Minelli and David Gest. Two beds, 2 1/2 baths and some pretty spectacular views make this an extremely unusual opportunity to obtain some of Hawaii’s best real estate at a silly price. The home sits in a small, gated community of just ten homes and was recently renovated.

The view from aina Malu

Balcony over looking the sea

The home is offered at a tad under $6 million, and the brokerage is Prudential Locations – diamond head real estate.

According to Prudential Locations,

Diamond Head is often called the “Gold Coast” because the real estate is so precious. Homes here are nestled in between Diamond Head Crater (now extinct) and the gorgeous deep blue ocean. The result: dramatic scenic views in almost every direction. There is public access to a beautiful beach along the coast, and this spot is very popular with surfers, windsurfers and sunbathers.

And certainly these photos show a beautiful spot. Relatively speaking, the Oahu real estate market is one of the more robust US markets. I am not saying it is impervious to the financial crisis, – just that is is holding up better than most and the fact that Diamond Head is a state park will always help to maintain the value of real estate along this stretch of the coastline.

Diamond Head Crater National Park

Image source

The property is listed here – hawaii luxury real estate

Prudential is one of the largest locally owned real estate companies in Hawaii and is strong in the luxury sector. They can be found here – Prudential Locations Real Estate

Tagged as: diamond head crater, diamond head real estate, hawaii luxury, hawaii luxury real estate, hawaii real estate, kahala real estate, liza minelli, oahu real estate, prudential locations

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A New Luxury Real Estate Website Design for Glenwood NYC

by Austin Scott Brooks on June 29, 2011

Glenwood, established luxury Manhattan real estate developer, owner and manager launched their new website. The entire real estate website design radiates luxury style, with its seamless mix of photographs and information. The best part about this website redesign – it sweeps you up and takes you away on a tour of any of the Glenwood apartment rentals in New York City you wish to view.

Glenwood NYC Properties Homepage

The homepage for Glenwood NYC Luxury Real Estate & Rentals

[click to continue…]

Tagged as: Glenwood New York City, Glenwood NYC, High End Real Estate, Luxury Real Estate, Luxury Real Estate Website, new york luxury real estate, Real Estate Website, Real Estate Website Design, Website Redesign

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Rent Frank Sinatra’s House

by Mark Knowles on May 12, 2011

Stay at Franks Sinatra's House in Palm Springs

This is good. Fancy staying in Frank Sinatra’s Palm Springs Home? Now is your chance.

The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights is teaming up with luxury online charity auction site charitybuzz for its fifth annual spring auction, featuring everything from a weekend in Haiti with Donna Karan and Ben Stiller to tickets to the MTV Video Music Awards. There are more than 100 incredible experiences on the auction block at www.charitybuzz.com/RFK2011, but the getaway that might catch your eye is a two-night stay in the ultra-luxurious, history-filled hideaway of Frank Sinatra in Palm Springs, complete with concierge service, for up to 12 people. The lavish vacation is up for auction now through May 16th at: http://www.charitybuzz.com/auctions/RFK2011/catalog_items/256482

Designed by E. Stewart Williams in 1947 for Frank Sinatra and his first wife, Nancy Barbato, Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms Estate is a spectacular example of mid-century architecture in the heart of Palm Springs. This estate boasts both mid-century style luxury and historical significance with modern amenities. This architectural gem features exquisite period furnishings and infamous piano-shaped swimming pool.

The legendary residence was host to some of the valley’s most glamorous parties with Hollywood’s brightest stars of the day. The twin palm trees located poolside, appropriately name the infamous estate. Frank Sinatra often hoisted his Jack Daniels emblem flag on the flag pole once positioned between the twin palms, which indicated an invite to his Movie Colony neighborhood cronies that revelry and cocktails were in order. The home was also witness to some of Sinatra’s most memorable bouts. One of the most outrageous was when Frank threw then-wife Ava Gardner’s possessions onto the driveway after she appeared at the house in an attempt to catch him with Lana Turner. You can still see the chip in the sink where Frank threw a bottle in a rage. The residence has been completely restored with vintage designer furnishings throughout the residence and includes the original sound and recording system installed by Valentino Electronics in Hollywood.

More details on the residence can be found at: http://www.charitybuzz.com/auctions/RFK2011/catalog_items/256482

The proceeds for this item benefit The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, a 42-year-old nonprofit organization dedicated to providing an ongoing base of support to human rights defenders around the world.

Charitybuzz raises funds for nonprofits around the globe through incredible online auctions, giving its bidders exclusive opportunities to make a difference. For images or more info, please contact Glenda Luft at gluft@charitybuzz.com or (646) 998-6177.

Just remember – It is Frank Sinatra’s World – we just live in it. This is the house:

Tagged as: celebrity homes, frank sinatras house, luxury real estate in palm springs, mtv video music, mtv video music awards, nancy barbato, twin palm, twin palms, video music awards

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a la mode releases popular DaVinci app on the Android platform

by Mark Knowles on April 25, 2011

a la mode today released its popular DaVinci appraisal app in the Android Market.

The free labs release of DaVinci for Android follows in the footsteps of a long line of time-saving data gathering and sketching products in the DaVinci family, including DaVinci for iPad, DaVinci for iPhone, DaVinci for Desktop and DaVinci for Tablet PC.

“DaVinci has really made a splash on iOS devices, reaching more than 100,000 users this month, and we wanted to give more appraisers the opportunity to easily gather data in the field,” said Product Manager Dale Spoonemore. “Since releasing DaVinci for iPad a year ago, we’ve received a ton of requests from appraisers using Android devices, so we’ve designed a version of DaVinci that uses some of Android’s more popular features like talk-to-type text input.”

Like others in the DaVinci family, DaVinci for Android was born from a la mode labs – a research and development environment designed for collaboration on new applications. By releasing new technology through the labs, a la mode gives appraisers a chance to try its newest releases and provide feedback on tools which are critical to their business.

DaVinci for Android works on any Smartphone or tablet device running Android 2.1 or later. Like its mobile predecessors, DaVinci for Android offers appraisers all the fields they need to gather property data on site, create QuickLists that speed data entry by eliminating repetitive retyping, take voice and text notes, and add photos.

“DaVinci for Android speeds up appraisers’ turn times on home inspections. They can fill out an entire 1004 form by simply tapping on the screen,” Spoonemore said. “And, we’ll save them even more time when we release the sketcher in an update later this year.”

DaVinci for Android can now be downloaded in the Android Market. For more information, visit www.alamode.com/Labs/projects/DaVinciForAndroid.

Tagged as: 1004 form, davinci for android, free labs, iphone, line of time, real estate android, real estate apps, sketcher, speed data entry

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President Obama Missing Out on Spectacular Brazilian Luxury Mountain Estate

by Mark Knowles on March 18, 2011

Beautiful Mountain Estate in Brazil

The news may be focused on President Barack Obama’s visit to Brazil this weekend, but we have just had a stunning Brazilian property added to our database of luxury real estate for sale. I feel sure Mr. Obaba is unaware he is missing out on visiting a spectacular piece of property. Obama is visiting the Rio de Janeiro, to meet with President Dilma Roussef – as Brazil has become a major international player over the last few years.

There is a good argument that Brazil is the most exciting investment market in the world today. It is currently the world’s 9th largest economy and accounts for over 40% of South America’s total GDP. After achieving Investment Grade in 2008, Brazil is widely predicted to be amongst the economic leaders of the future, along with Russia, India and China.

Manufacturing industries in Brazil are thriving and the latest oil and gas discoveries, combined with the fact that Brazil is already the leading producer of ethanol in the world, has firmly catapulted the country to energy self-sufficiency.

Interest rates are at an all-time low and inflation is stable. The private sector is thriving and investment is flooding in.

With this rapid pace of development in the Brazilian economy there is a growing national housing shortage. It is estimated that there is a current deficit of 8 million units, and Brazil’s growing middle classes (expected to increase by 64% by 2015) are further pushing up demand.

Couple this with the increasing availability of mortgage products, which is opening up the market to millions of Brazilians who have previously been unable to get onto the property ladder and you have a remarkably strong onward sales market with the potential for great capital gain.

In addition to all of this Brazil has been selected to host the 2014 Football World Cup and the 2016 Olympic games which will have a direct, positive impact on the country’s and host cities’ infrastructure, tax base, tourism stream and hospitality revenues. Brazil’s GDP will not only experience substantial gains in 2014, but will also show gains in the following years, due to the pay off of public and private investment in facilities and infrastructure.

Not only does Brazil have staggering amounts of natural resources – and is in fact the 10th largest oil producer, she has become much more politically active over the last 2 years or so and has not always seen eye to eye with US policies.

Regardless – the meat of this story is this Mountain Estate in Brazil, only 2 hours drive from the airport – although I am sure Mr. Obama could commandeer a helicopter if he chose to. Set in what is perhaps the most beautiful scenery in the world and with 360 degree views of the mountains, this has got to be one of the most impressive properties on the South American continent.

This estate is a splendid piece of the Atlantic rainforest surrounded by green mountains leading all the way to the ocean, and has been described as a “paradise of biodiversity”, by the UN. There are also four preservation areas and State Parks such as the” Three Peaks” and “Macaé de Cima”. Rivers and waterfalls flow everywhere and the climate is very pleasant year round.

The region is very fertile and produces of a vast range of vegetables fruits and flowers. There are eco-tourism islands, such as St. Pedro, Lumiar, Galdinópolis, Rio Bonito, and the Serramar road.

Beyond its unique natural beauty, the region draws upon its old European roots (mostly Swiss) and includes a vast array of cultural centers: A beautiful theater, various art ateliers, two centennial orchestras of an international level, three universities and dozens of gastronomical geniuses. More fun and beauty are available within a short drive in the world class beaches of Buzius, Angra and Rio.

I understand the seller is “well motivated,” if the right buyer were interested.

Brazil Mountain Estate

For more details and photos go here – Brazil luxury real estate

Tagged as: beautiful scenery, brazil luxury real estate, brazil mountain estate, luxury estate in brazil, luxury mountain, luxury property in Brazil, obaba, south american continent, spectacular piece, staggering amounts

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Upper East Side Manhattan Real Estate: Everything You Need

by Austin Scott Brooks on March 4, 2011

Renting an apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan has some wonderful perks. You’re surrounded by the best options for everything you need to enjoy life to its fullest. Below are some of the highlights of living in real estate in one of the greatest neighborhoods in Manhattan:

Interior of a Glenwood luxury apartment lobby with patterned furniture and rugs and a view to the Upper East Side

Lobby at the Fairmont, Glenwood's Luxury Apartment on the Upper East Side

The luxury is evident from the moment you enter the extraordinary Glenwood Upper East Side Manhattan real estate residences. This is prime real estate at its finest, from the 24-hour doorman to the modern, fully-equipped fitness center and custom-designed children’s playroom; the amenities abound even before you reach your spacious apartment. Once there, you’ll notice the granite countertops in the modern kitchen, the spacious layout of the rooms and the abundance of both light and storage space. You’ll immediately feel right at home.

A young girl in a white dress holds on as she slides of the bed on display at the Whitney Museum of Art in NYC

"Hopper and His Time" on display at the Whitney Museum Photo Credit: Whitney Museum of American Art

If you’re in the mood for the arts, try a visit to the Whitney Museum of American Art. Like the Guggenheim, the Whitney is an amazing example of Upper East Side Manhattan real estate, with its amazing and beautiful architecture. The Whitney was built in 1966 and was designed by architect Marcel Breuer. Its striking granite presence at the southwest corner of Madison and 75th Street was considered somber, heavy and even brutal back in 1966 but is now recognized as daring, strong and innovative. So much so that it has won prized-landmark status and is now celebrated with the Whitney’s unrestrained approach to twentieth-century art.

An excellent shopping experience is as close as The Galleria, located between Park and Lexington Avenues on East 59th Street. With its concrete-framed, Post-Modernism design by architects David Kenneth Specter and Philip Birnbaum, you won’t find yourself walking past this Upper East Side Manhattan real estate building without being aware of it. Here you’ll find Bloomingdales, as well as Swarovski, Pottery Barn and many more.

Exterior view of the St. Regis Hotel in NYC at twillight

Exterior view of the St. Regis Hotel in NYC at twillight Photo Credit: St. Regis Hotel

For a dining experience you’ll not soon forget, consider heading over to the St. Regis. This legendary Upper East Side Manhattan real estate landmark, located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and 55th Street was built in 1902. Astor Court is a serene and refined bistro, serving exceptional cuisine and features impeccable service. Serving international dishes, the menu offers fare such as buffalo steak tartare and sheepsmilk ricotta ravioli.

Exterior view of the sprawling Asphalt Green Sports & Arts Center with regulation soccer court leading to the dome structure

Exterior view of the sprawling Asphalt Green Sports & Arts Center Photo Credit: The City Review

The Asphalt Green Sports & Arts Center is one of Manhattan’s major landmarks with its distinctive arch structure, originally designed by Kahn & Jacobs and erected in 1944. Located at 1970 York Avenue between 90th and 92nd Street, it’s been described as a “sensuous post-modern construction in undulating brick, glass block and bright green sash”.

No matter which option you choose for shopping, dining or entertainment near your new digs, life in your New York neighborhood of Manhattan’s Upper East Side is sure to provide you with some amazing opportunities for play, dining and living life to the fullest…taking full advantage of all this incredible city has to offer.

Tagged as: Manhattan Upper East Side apartment rentals, Upper East Side Manhattan real estate

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Luxurious Caribbean Vacation Homes

by Mark Knowles on February 9, 2011

Caribbean vacation homes on South Caicos Island in the Turks and Caicos provide tax free property investment and barefoot luxury real estate. Ocean view home sites start at just $79,900 USD.

Sales are underway for Caribbean vacation homes and home sites in Phase II of Sailrock, a 2,400-acre master-planned development on South Caicos Island in the Turks and Caicos, by Sailrock Development Limited.

The Peninsula is the second of four planned neighborhoods at Sailrock. It encompasses 770 acres and features eight miles of shoreline and two miles of pristine white-sand beach on the northern Peninsula of South Caicos. This previously untouched land will eventually include 310 villa homes, 445 condominiums, a private beach club and a resort hotel.

Phase II features a number of oceanfront and ocean view home sites, as well as special developer incentives that make property ownership in this island paradise easy for foreign buyers of Caribbean vacation homes. Offerings include:

Peninsula Bluffs

• 17 Oceanfront home sites with .4 acre to 1 acre, 140 feet to 258 feet of ocean frontage and views of the Columbus Passage

• 15 Ridgetop home sites with .6 acre to 1.3 acres and 360-degree ocean views

Peninsula Passage

• 19 Oceanfront home sites with .7 acre to 1.9 acres and 140 feet to 184 feet of ocean frontage

• 20 Overlook home sites featuring .4 acre to 1.2 acres

• 19 Ridgetop home sites with .9 acre to 1.4 acres

Special introductory pricing starts at $79,900 USD for ocean view sites and $199,900 USD for oceanfront sites.

Buyers who elect to build a furnished villa through the developer can take advantage of special seller incentives. Seller financing is also available.

“Early buyers can benefit from a program that essentially reduces the home site purchase price with the construction of a villa,” said Ted Weldon, co-principal of Sailrock Development Limited.

Buyers can choose from a variety of two-, three- and four-bedroom villas offering approximately 1,250 square feet to over 2,900 square feet of air-conditioned space. These turnkey, Caribbean vacation homes also include a parking pad, outdoor lanai, covered porch and swimming pool.

Base prices range from $599,000 USD for two-bedroom, two-bath villas up to $1.2 million USD for four-bedroom, four-bath Oceanfront villas.

“This is a ground-floor opportunity to secure a piece of virgin, oceanfront property in one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful and rapidly emerging destinations,” said John Goldsworthy of @properties, the exclusive sales and marketing agent for Sailrock.

In addition to the natural beauty found on South Caicos Island, Turks and Caicos offers other important advantages for vacation-home buyers seeking a tax-free property investment. As a non-sovereign British Overseas Territory, there are no property taxes, income tax on property revenue, or capital gains tax on property transfers. There is also no estate tax, inheritance tax, corporate tax or exchange controls.

Government consent is not required in registering title, and title can be held personally, in a local corporation or in a trust. And because the British Crown guarantees absolute title, no title insurance is required.

That leaves little to think about besides enjoying the endless recreation and relaxation found in this Out Island paradise. South Caicos Island is home to the third largest coral reef system in the world and the only deep water harbor in the Turks and Caicos island chain. The island is one of the world’s premier destinations for scuba diving and bone fishing. Other popular activities include sailing, yachting, whale watching, hiking and sea-kayaking the shallow backwater bays of the Caicos Bank.

The Master Plan contemplates a variety of proposed amenities. Plans call for a boutique hotel, 18-hole championship golf course designed by Tom Doak, a yacht club with a full-service marina and a promenade featuring shops and restaurants.

In addition to the Caribbean vacation homes and home sites in the Peninsula neighborhood, Sailrock Development Limited is also selling home sites from only $29,000 USD in Bell Sound Estates. This 289-acre neighborhood overlooks the waters of the Bell Sound Nature Preserve and Caicos Bank, and is currently more than 60 percent sold.

Turks and Caicos is located 543 miles south of Miami, Fla. Direct flights reach Providenciales International Airport in 3.5 hours from Toronto and New York, and 1.5 hours from Miami. South Caicos Island is just 20 minutes from Providenciales by plane.

For information on the Caribbean vacation homes and home sites at Sailrock on South Caicos Island, and to schedule a private tour of the development, visit http://www.sailrocksouthcaicos.com, or call toll free: 1-800-975-8808.

Tagged as: barefoot luxury, caribbean vacation homes, degree ocean views, Luxury Real Estate, luxury real estate caribbean, luxury vacation home, northern peninsula, ocean frontage, press releases, private beach club, south caicos island, tax free property investment, white sand beach

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Ultimate Luxury Manhattan Apartment Living: Exploring the Comforts of Home

by Austin Scott Brooks on February 3, 2011

Why Winter Makes You Appreciate the Ultimate Luxury Lifestyle

Winter in the northeast can mean bundling up and fighting bitter cold temperatures and the hazards of ice and snow whenever you set foot outside. For those who have chosen the ultimate luxury lifestyle though, your indoor home environment offers some remarkable and enjoyable options without ever having to set foot outside.

Glenwood Emerald Green Lobby Mural by David Braly

Glenwood Emerald Green Lobby Mural by David Braly Photo Credit: Glenwood

At Emerald Green, one of Glenwood’s luxury New York City apartments in Midtown muralist David Braly has transformed the walls of their traditional lobby space into something extraordinary. Harkening back to the look and feel of New York’s original Penn Station built in 1910, artist Braly has converted what was already a luxurious space into a three-dimensional rendering with the look and feel of a bygone era. With a decided Roman influence in this majestic mural, it’s easy to get lost in the thick, lush greenery depicted throughout the scene and one can almost forget that the weather outside is frightful. The fact that Emerald Green apartments are one of only a handful of New York City residential real estate towers that are LEED-certified “green” seems only fitting. The warmth and beauty of this tranquil setting encourages all who enter to relax and drink in the view. You’ll be honored to call this place home.

Glenwood Emerald Green Apartments Indoor Pool is the ultimate luxury lifestyle perk

Glenwood Emerald Green Apartments Indoor Pool Photo Credit: Glenwood

Being able to swim indoors is the ultimate luxury to have in a Manhattan rental in the cold winter months. Being able to swim in your own building’s private pool is the epitome of indulgence. The benefits of water-related exercise are well-documented, with swimming being a low-impact and valuable cardiovascular workout. It’s also a great way to socialize and play.

The ultimate luxury Manhattan lifestyle in Glenwood apartments also features an on-site media room, where your family and friends can gather and enjoy the latest releases, all within the warmth and comfort of your own building.

When it’s too cold to go outside, what could be better than letting your children socialize and play in their very own fully-equipped indoor kids luxury playroom?  It’s all the advantages of a public play area with none of the crowds, all the while staying warm, dry and safe.

Luxury Manhattan Apartments with the Ultimate View

Chelsea Enclave Condop features luxury penthouse amenities that offer truly spectacular floor-to-ceiling, wraparound windows to maximize the natural light and showcase the view from every room. Natural, polished stone and rich wood finishes showcase each apartment’s exceptional refinement. You’ll feel like you’re floating in the clouds as you drink in the view, whether you’re entertaining or relaxing.

Luxury Manhattan apartment Chelsea Enclave Condop penthouse view from exterior

Chelsea Enclave Condop Penthouse Photo Credit: Chelsea Enclave

Gym memberships will be a thing of the past with indoor fitness centers like this one located at Linden 78. Residents can work out any time of day and it’s just steps from the front door of your apartment. With floor-to-ceiling windows and state-of-the-art equipment, you can break a sweat while you watch the snow and sleet falling outside your window.

A man and women close-up of legs running on a treadmill Linden78 fitness Center's luxury Manhattan lifestyle

Living in the ultimate luxury lifestyle means never having to brave the inclement winter weather if you choose not to. It’s one of many advantages to that luxury Manhattan apartment’s address.

Tagged as: Luxury Manhattan apartment, Luxury Manhattan lifestyle, Luxury Manhattan rental, Luxury NYC apartment, Ultimate luxury lifestyle

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51.9-acre Equestrian Estate Goes To Auction

by Mark Knowles on February 2, 2011

An equestrian’s dream home boasting 51.9 acres, a six-stall custom barn and a more than 9,000-square-foot luxury mansion known as the Vezelay Estate will sell at auction on May 10, Concierge Auctions has announced. The sale is being conducted in cooperation with Brett Jones and Karen Nader of Brandywine Fine Properties Sotheby’s International Realty.

“Vezelay is a true escape, offering rural relaxation, panoramic views, a custom barn and direct access to the Laurels Preserve, a permanently protected natural area,” Nader stated. “This property is not just a residence, it’s a lifestyle. We look forward to working with Concierge Auctions to find its new owners.”

“Our clients are interested in pursuing other opportunities and simply want to move on, which the auction process will allow them to do,” Jones added. “This is a rare chance for buyers in search of a unique, rural estate in Pennsylvania to name their price. Interested agents and buyers should take notice and can contact us for a private preview any time.”

Originally listed for $6,969,000, Vezelay features a main home of more than 9,000 square feet that capitalizes on bucolic pastoral views, the protected Brandywine Conservatory and vast, open skies. Located on 51.9 acres in the middle of Cheshire Hunt Country in Unionville, PA, only one hour west of Philadelphia, the investment property contains five bedrooms, five full baths and three half-baths. The main home features open, cathedral ceilings that punctuate the entrance and makes way to the living room’s massive, wood-burning fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer picture-perfect views of the Laurels Preserve. Also on the first floor, the chef’s kitchen offers arguably some of the best views of the property, and the master bedroom suite is complete with a sitting room with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a fireplace. On the second floor of the main home, two bedrooms each offer convenient en-suite bathrooms for guests and unique views of the countryside below.

Downstairs, on the lower level, is an expansive media room that looks out to a large heated pool. Additionally there is another bedroom suite, complete with a large living space, walk-in closet and a full bath; a systems room; exercise room; and storage.

Expanded in 2007 to enlarge its functional spaces, the home includes a two-story addition with unique additional rooms and amenities. Accessible from the courtyard and the garage or from the main home’s interior sunroom and nearby hallway, is the mud room. Also a part of the first-floor addition is an office and an assistant’s office. Accessible from the interior or via a separate entrance from the outdoors, the office is equipped with two desks and has direct access to a half bathroom between it and a 400-square-foot studio space, which features cathedral ceilings and ample storage below. The second floor of the addition includes a kitchenette, two additional bedrooms and a full bathroom, ideal for an au pair, private guest or in-law suite. Two unique additional spaces include a dollhouse room and a Breyer horse room for children to play.

Outdoor enjoyment can be found with the pool and Jacuzzi spa, seemingly never-ending fields and a spacious six-stall custom barn, ideal for enabling ease of riding in the Laurels Preserve or along one of the many nearby trails. Designed by resident Charlotte du Pont Donaldson D’Arcy, the barn features modern and artfully-appointed details. A large tack room, feed room, heated wash stall, main level hay storage, workshop and three oversized garage bays are laid out for easy flow and manageability. The second level of the barn is home to fun and games, featuring an air-conditioned and heated squash court and a small basketball court.

“In 2010, we achieved great success with the sale of another Pennsylvania country estate located in Wawa, and many other auctions in the Northeast. We’re excited to be back in the area with the opportunity to represent this exquisite estate,” stated George Graham, CEO of Concierge Auctions.

The “live” auction of the Vezelay Estate will be held on May 10. Bidders will be able to participate in person or via phone or Internet. A 2.0% commission is offered to the buyer’s broker. See Auction Terms and Conditions for full details. The property is available for preview daily by appointment. For more information call 866-822-0874 or visit www.VezelayAuction.com.

Tagged as: auction house, cathedral ceilings, cheshire hunt, Luxury Real Estate, master bedroom suite, pastoral views, real estate auctions, Sotheby's International Realty, unionville pa, wood burning fireplace

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UK Government Policy Likely To Increase Bank Repossessions

by HUD foreclosures on January 27, 2011

Over the last three months we have heard nothing but bad news concerning the UK recession and with the conservative/lib dem government’s economic blinkers firmly in position, it’s anticipated that there will be a much higher rate of bank repossessions in the future as we nose-dive into an almost certain double dip recession. Today’s reports testify to their utter failure on economic policy. Mervyn King, governor of the Bank of England is reported as saying that, “One has to go back to the 1920s to find a time when real wages fell over a period of six years”. Wages are stuck in a rut (that’s if you have a job) and the cost of living is rising sharply, which means that in real terms our income is decreasing.

The harsh austerity measures put into motion by the coalition government are displaying precisely what the labour government warned against and tried to avert. Ed Balls, Labours Shadow Chancellor, was recently quoted as saying, “The government inherited an economy that was strengthening, with growth of 1.1% in the second quarter, thanks to decisions we took to support jobs and get the economy moving. It also meant last year’s deficit came in £20bn lower than previously forecast.

“Now we are seeing the first signs of what the Conservative-led government’s decisions are having on the economy. The fact is cuts which go too far and too fast will damage our economy. And shrinking growth and rising unemployment is not only bad news for families, but will actually make it more difficult to get the deficit down. It is not too late – George Osborne and the Treasury must urgently rethink their reckless plan to cut the deficit.”

Evidence for this stance comes from reports over the last month from the UK Statistics Office which shows a 0.5% increase in inflation and a 0.5 % contraction in GDP. Couple these figures with the increase in VAT, job losses in the public and private sectors and an almost certain interest rate hike in the coming months and the consequence will be more mortgage holders finding it impossible to manage mortgage repayments.

Without doubt, the most destructive result of the government’s recent actions will be an increase in the number of house repossessions. While some sectors such as industry are showing a little growth, many, including construction, are contracting, and as we move into the first financial quarter in April and the results of public sector job losses begin to be felt, there is little to stave off the impending repossession crisis.

Results from research released last month by Shelter, a UK homelessness organisation, offered some very grim news. One question in their research asked people how often they had used their credit card for their mortgage payments over the last year and the astonishing figure was over 2,000,000 times. This can only mean more bank repossessions in the coming year.

Low interest rates over the last few years have undoubtedly contributed to keeping bank repossessions comparatively low for a country in recession, but as interest rates are almost guaranteed to rise in order to combat rising inflation and more workers find themselves out of a job, the number of house repossessions can only intensify.

Tagged as: credit crunch, foreclosure, house repossessions, real estate news, real estate trends

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Luxury Condominium Community Defines New Urbanism With High Style

by Austin Scott Brooks on January 14, 2011

Everyone loves the convenience that urban living affords us. Walking only a few blocks to pick up your dry cleaning, or knowing that you don’t need to retrieve your car to pick up that necessary gallon of milk are definite advantages in this time-crunched society.

The downside (because you know there is one) is the hefty price tag for not only the living space for your family but also the rental space on your car.   So, how do you marry the best of both worlds? And, how about throwing in some country ambience for good measure?

Rendering of Monarch at Ridge Hill, a new urbanism center of condos, shopping and entertainment in Westchester, NY

A New Mixed-Use Development with Style & Flair

Monarch at Ridge Hill, sprawling with 81 acres of rolling hills and picturesque views, is a luxury condo community located in Westchester County, New York. The location alone is remarkable enough…with Manhattan and most major highways a mere ten miles away…but that’s only part of what makes this mixed-use development property shine. It was built on the concept that you shouldn’t have to choose between location, luxury and breaking the bank. Why not have it all? Ensure the location is close enough to Manhattan to allow for a quick commute…whether on public transportation or by car: Check. Monarch at Ridge Hill provides top-of-the-line materials in all of their one and two-bedroom units, including renewable bamboo floors, Kohler fixtures and CaesarStone counter tops. Building amenities include both indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, a two-story state-of-the-art fitness center with spa, a cinema room, wine cellar and much more. Provide residential amenities to rival any luxury condo location: Check.

Rending of living room with picture window view of the Hudson Valley at Monarch at Ridge Hill a luxury condo community

New Urbanism:  City Convenience, Country Atmosphere, Luxurious Amenities

What truly makes this location unique is their New Urbanism approach of seamlessly incorporating shopping, entertainment and dining into the overall premise…creating an astonishing blend of luxury and urban convenience without the urban price tag. Imagine being able to arrive home from work, change into your favorite casual attire and walk a block to pick up some coffee and your dry cleaning. (Or, better yet, let the concierge pick up that cleaning for you.) Imagine having friends visit and catching dinner and a movie…all a casual stroll away, in your own self-contained luxury condo community neighborhood. Parking is on-premise in an enclosed parking structure for those times that you may choose to venture outside of your own perfect little world.

Monarch at Ridge Hill is the perfect marriage of convenience and luxury, providing well-deserved New Urbanism in a much-applauded mixed-use development…and it’s all located in a beautiful suburb of Westchester County, NY.

Rendering of pool amenity at Monarch at Ridge Hill a mixed use development in Westchester

Tagged as: condo community, condominium community, luxury condo, luxury condominium community, mixed-use development, new urbanism, new york luxury condo, Westchester condo

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Searching for Answers in the UK Property Market

by Mark Knowles on January 12, 2011

At the end of 2010, property market commentators must feel more scrutinised than ever before. Twinned with the uncertainty that has surrounded the market over previous years there are now added risks from the Eurozone to contend with. The bond repayment problems in Ireland, Portugal and more recently (and worryingly) Spain are not likely to disappear quickly and are something that economists will keep a close eye on. Although it must be noted that Britain has remained resilient to the worst of these problems to date, and therefore the Office for Budget Responsibility has been forced to raise anticipated performance of GDP in 2010.

Adam Challis, Head of Research in a leading letting agency, has forecast sales prices will remain consistent in the South of England over 2011. London fares slightly better in their predictions with a small increase of three percent. These estimations are based on the economic factors and the low level of lending during 2010. The Council of Mortgage Lenders reported that gross October lending remained unchanged from September at £12.4 billion. In comparison to the same period in 2009, it is nine percent down and only at 40 percent of peak (mid 2007) levels.

This data and the previous predictions that the UK sales market will enter its usual lethargic state at the end of the year mean that the early months of 2011 are unlikely to show any real improvement. The figures from the Land Registry show a 28% decline in English transactions from the same period 5 years ago. Although a decline of any type is not usually good news, this does show an improvement as in Q1 of 2009 it was at -61%.

At the other end of the research spectrum, the rental market is booming. Well, it’s booming for landlords who continue to receive high rents during 2010. As the sales market has slowed, many prospective home owners are choosing to rent and/or may not be able to get the right mortgage product for them. There has also been a massive lack of supply in all areas of the rental market, whether that is for four bedroom houses in Hove or studios in central London. These demand levels have pushed up rents during 2010 and more recently has meant there has been renewed interest in buy to let options. However, if rents break through affordability boundaries then levels are likely to slow during the first two quarters of 2011 but will continue to be a key variable in the housing market during the course of the year.

Looking forward to 2011, no one has a crystal ball but the evidence suggests that there are plenty of factors to keep an eye on. The lending volumes, pricing index and rental increases give us slight inclinations of which way the property market will go in the New Year.

Tagged as: challis head, council of mortgage lenders, english transactions, letting agency, market commentators, mortgage product, mortgages, prospective home owners, rental market, studios in central london

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RE/MAX Brand Expands

by Mark Knowles on December 22, 2010

RE/MAX Brand Expands in a Contracting Market with Second Keller-Williams Conversion in a 12-month Period

RE/MAX Achievers to serve West Roxbury/Greater Boston Natick, MA – December 21, 2010 – A four-member Keller-Williams team in West Roxbury has recently converted to a RE/MAX office, marking the second such conversion in a 12-month period and boosting RE/MAX’s overall position in the local marketplace from number four to number one.

Broker/Owner Diane Capodilupo was previously a top producing RE/MAX agent for 18 years before leaving the network for Keller-Williams to pursue an ownership position in the company. She has recently returned to the RE/MAX brand, purchasing the former RE/MAX Real Estate Center in West Roxbury – now RE/MAX Achievers – because of the network’s presence, tools, education, technology and support.

“I am thrilled to be back with RE/MAX,” said Capodilupo. “After working in the real estate industry for more than 20 years and being a top producer no matter where I hung my hat, it’s clear that being part of the RE/MAX network offers more benefits than any other real estate brand and I am grateful to be working with experienced agents once again.”

RE/MAX of New England’s Executive Vice President and Regional Director, Jay Hummer, anticipates a strong showing from the new franchise, “Diane was one of our top-producers for many years. She really understands the industry, providing the necessary level of experience to navigate the complexities of today’s real estate market. I am confident that RE/MAX Achievers will excel in the marketplace,” said Hummer.

Capodilupo brings three former Keller-Williams agents to RE/MAX Achievers, who along with an additional 11 agents from the former RE/MAX Real Estate Center, will service the West Roxbury/Greater Boston area, offering a level of expertise and experience not found in other area real estate companies.

“Being a top-producing agent for so many years gives me great insight into what agents want and need to be successful,” continued Capodilupo. “RE/MAX provides incredible educational, networking, referral and technology tools. It’s my goal to grow my new office by attracting top, experienced agents and helping them to excel with all of the tools at my disposal.”

RE/MAX Achievers is located at 66 Brook Farm Road in West Roxbury, MA. For more information contact Diane Capodilupo at 617-323-5050.

Tagged as: Diane Capodilupo, keller-williams, local marketplace, max brand, max real estate, RE/MAX, real estate agents, real estate marketing, s real estate, west roxbury

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Lack of Lending may Hold Back the 2011 Property Market

by Mark Knowles on December 18, 2010

What is likely to happen in the property market in 2011? Well, after this year of unpredictability it will be a brave analyst who makes firm claims. One thing is for certain and that is the availability of mortgages will be the linchpin of recovery for the market place. According to the Council of Mortgage Lenders, overall lending volumes are now at their lowest level since 2000. This means that many first time buyers, who a vital for a healthy market are blocked from entering the sales arena.

Adam Challis, Head of Research for Hamptons International estate agents, claims that they are “very keen to see responsible lending, but it must become more readily accessible.” This sentiment is often echoed throughout the media, that the British people are prepared to face up to the level of debt that they have to repay, but that improved levels of lending is vital to keep the property market buoyant in this time of austerity. These government proposals, although severe in some aspects of the public sector should enhance the UK economy for a stronger future in the global market.

There has been a surge in cash buyers over the last year with Grenville Turner, CEO of Countrywide claiming that “the proportion of cash buyers is now at 62 percent.” This is in comparison to the usual 25 percent across the UK and 40 percent in Central London markets. The exchange rate will also add to the higher number of international cash buyers arriving on British shores to capitalise on favourable rates. Buyers using dollars or dollar-pegged currencies often experience a twenty percent discount compared with those using sterling.

This may have also contributed to the 2.5 percent growth in pricing for UK properties since the beginning of the year. London and the South East fared even better as traditionally they are better placed to deal with economic instability. They grew 5.4 and 4.3 percent respectively. These figures point to a small increase in house prices for next year.

Although the full year predictions for 2011 won’t be out for another month, there is some positive news regarding rates and GDP. Major lenders have made some rate reductions; these include Northern Rock, Woolwich and Abbey and GDP was up by 0.8 percent in the third quarter. Admittedly the Bank of England’s ‘October Trends in Lending’ report hints that it is unlikely that lending requirements will be relaxed in the short term. But many global markets have responded positively to the UK’s outlined plans for the economy. This approval twinned with the upgrade from the financial research company Standard & Poor of the UK’s status from ‘negative’ to ‘stable’ certainly injects some hope into the housing market.

Tagged as: 2011 property market, challis head, council of mortgage lenders, favourable rates, first time buyers, government proposals, hamptons international, hamptons international estate agents, luxury property in London, property prices UK, UK housing market, UK luxury property, UK properties

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