Which is the World’s Most Romantic City?

From a Parisian apartment with a view to a centuries-old Italian palazzo, there are places where romance lingers long after Valentine’s Day, writes Mandi Keighan Paris, France | Propriétés Parisiennes Sotheby’s International Realty Romance, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Ask any seasoned traveler—or hopeless romantic—about the world’s most enchanting city, and you’ll find yourself swept up in a passionate debate. Is it the streets of Paris where every boulevard seems to hold the promise of amour? The historic corners of London, which whisper of romances past? Or Verona, where tales of the heart were etched into stone centuries before Shakespeare mused on his star-crossed lovers? Verona, Italy | Italy Sotheby’s International Realty Few places wear romance as effortlessly as Paris, long mythologised as the city of love. And no coup de foudre is complete without a cameo from the Eiffel Tower. A beautiful light-filled fifth-floor apartment on the Champ de Mars offers rarely matched views of the engineering masterpiece from a private and leafy balustraded balcony. The property’s capacious living room opens up to the iconic view, while two bedrooms, bathroom, dressing suite and home office complete the offering. Not to mention dedicated cellar space, an elevator and the building’s traditional Parisian concierge, discreet to the very last. Knightsbridge, London | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty Across the Channel, London reveals a different but no less compelling definition of romance. Here, the past is always present, never more so than in Fonteyn House in Knightsbridge, the home once owned by the legendary Dame Margot Fonteyn during her years as a prima ballerina at the Royal Ballet and now looking for a new owner. The six-story, 15,000 square foot house is a celebration of a life devoted to beauty and performance. Rooms that once hosted the likes of Princess Margaret, Yves Saint Laurent, Peter Sellers and Rudolf Nureyev now sit alongside contemporary interiors, an expansive private spa and a walled garden. There’s a dining room with a Persian Palissandro Bluette marble bar and even a club room with a cinema and cocktail bar for cozy date nights. Verona, Italy| Italy Sotheby’s International Realty Verona, Italy is the setting to one of the most romantic stories of all time, of course: William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” Yet, long before its titular heroine gazed out from her balcony, this city was perfecting the language of love. In the heart of its historic centre is a palatial residence overlooking the storied Piazza delle Erbe that traces its history back to 1300. Set in the prestigious Case Mazzanti, the home boasts 16th-century frescos by master Alberto Cavalli, coffered ceilings, Venetian terrazzo flooring and a wine cellar with its original 14th-century stone floor. So, which of the three is the most romantic city? Each offers its own distinctive note in the grand symphony of love. The true magic lies in discovering the one that sets the scene for your own story. Which is the world’s most fashionable city? A seasoned style editor weighs in

Inside a Contemporary Haven in the Hollywood Hills

High above the sparkling city skyline, this new 6,000-square-foot residence honors architectural paradigms while forging new pathways of refinement and convenience. Of the numerous sought-after neighborhoods in and around Los Angeles, the Hollywood Hills is among the most fabled and fascinating. Once devoted to farmland, the area began its residential history in the 1920s, with the establishment of the Hollywoodland community—for which the iconic namesake sign was erected. In its early heyday, homes vaunted Mediterranean- and Spanish-inspired styles; ensuing decades brought an interest in the Arts and Crafts aesthetic; and the latter half of the 20th century marked a shift toward Modernist and contemporary architecture, with homes following the contours of the steep mountain terrain and oversized windows designed to make the most of the sweeping rarefied view. Los Angeles, California | Marc Noah | Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage This new residence—conceived of and constructed in 2025 by one of Southern California’s renowned design-driven teams—honors architectural paradigms, combining minimalist modernism with the occasional eye-catching nod to midcentury design, all the while forging new pathways of quality and convenience. Spanning some 6,000 square feet, it faces the Pacific, its western façade almost entirely composed of glass—an impressive collection of “disappearing” Fleetwood windows and doors that virtually erase the boundaries between indoor spaces, outdoor diversions, and the cinematic vistas that encompass the sparkling city skyline, the majestic ocean, and dramatic sunsets. Interior highlights include four serene bedrooms, a dedicated office, and a kitchen with a marble-wrapped island and a full complement of streamlined Miele appliances. Bridging the gap between the family room and a more formal living area is a wet bar with creative wine storage and refrigeration. Beyond, the living room exemplifies an uncommon level of thoughtfulness, with a floor-to-ceiling glass wall opening to the swimming pool and accompanying spa, a mere step from the threshold, raising the notion of “seamless living” to new heights. Baths are striking in style and spa-like in luxuries. Carefully chosen materials—such as warmly hued wide-plank walnut floors, surfaces of regal travertine, and chic fixtures and fittings—exemplify a superior level of refinement. Walls and thoughtfully positioned lighting seem destined to showcase an art collection. The outdoors play an essential part in the Southern California lifestyle, and this home ensures effortless alfresco activity. Just outside the kitchen and family room is a dining terrace with an enviable outdoor kitchen and a fire pit. High above it all is a private rooftop pickleball court. Completing the comforts and conveniences of this virtually turnkey experience are an elevator, a fully integrated smart home system, generous storage, a three-car garage, and a driveway that affords auxiliary parking. With its thoughtful design, commitment to refinement, coveted privacy, and postcard-worthy views, this residence is poised to carry on the tradition of stylish serenity in the Hollywood Hills. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com

Color Chart: The Joys of a Pink Home

Our monthly series asks: How do you bring color into luxury design? Pink can be both grounding and joyful, writes Jill Krasny Old Fort Bay, Bahamas | Bahamas Sotheby’s International Realty Ever notice how some homes captivate you while others don’t turn your head? The colors in the design scheme may be at play. Whereas white encourages feelings of calm and red gets people talking, pink, which our series on color in luxury design turns to next, can be quietly powerful. “It’s warm and soothing, but can also be joyful and energizing,” says Dane Austin, an interior designer based in Boston. “It softens architecture, and it warms cool light and creates a sense of welcome.” The color can easily be misunderstood, viewed as too “girly” or meant only for babies. But it’s surprisingly versatile, he stresses. Capri, Italy | Italy Sotheby’s International Realty Villa Belvedere, a clifftop Italian villa with breathtaking views of the port of Capri, looks like something out of a postcard, says Austin. “There’s something so charming about the way that it’s set in the landscape,” he says, and the pink exterior helps it stand out against the greenery and clear blue sky. For Austin, who painted his own New England guest room Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster (a dusty pink) with lavender trim, pink is a crowd pleaser. “There are just so many shades,” he says, “I feel like there’s something for everyone.” Newport, Rhode Island | Gustave White Sotheby’s International Realty In Newport, Rhode Island, where pink conjures images of faded hydrangeas in late summer, the walls of a bedroom in Stone House read more salmon in shade, while a deckside reception room features two coral pink sofas. “I love the touches of red,” says Austin, who finds the pink of the bedroom well balanced with the “warm wood furnishings and brass accents.” With these walls, he adds, “there can only be one real star of the show. Everything else takes a back seat.” Old Fort Bay, Bahamas | Bahamas Sotheby’s International Realty A beachfront mansion in Old Fort Bay—a gated community in the Bahamas—uses pink more sparingly, particularly in the bedroom, says Austin, where the richer, earthier tone is sophisticated. A paler shade is also used to great effect in a light-filled home office. “The ombrè effect behind the bedroom wall feels earthy and grounded,” notes Austin, and the draperies pull from that color to stunning effect. “The pink enhances that beautiful Caribbean blue, which almost looks like a gemstone.” Old Brookville, New York | Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty By contrast, a laundry room of a contemporary colonial in Brookville, on Long Island’s North Shore, uses a saturated pink to give an otherwise boring space rock‘n’roll edge. It’s in keeping with its owners’ playful approach to color throughout the property. “I appreciate the thought put into making a utility space somewhere that makes you smile,” Austin says. The laundry room is not a space for entertaining, after all. Harbour Island, Bahamas | Bahamas Sotheby’s International Realty Seafair, another oceanfront Bahamas estate—located, appropriately enough, on Harbour Island’s Pink Sands Beach—deploys pink in a more subdued way. The living room features a subtle pink stripe on the swivel chairs and a supersized pastel-pink sofa, while the rest of the space is kept tonal and neutral. That’s a good thing, says Austin, because “when you use a hue like pink, it’s often best served with a healthy dose of neutrals, which keeps it from feeling too saccharine.” Explore our Color Chart series, from crowd-pleasing blue to zingy orange, bold red and calming white

Spotlight on Doha: A Dizzying Array of Developments Sets the Pace

As Art Basel comes to town, the Qatari capital is maturing as both a cultural and luxury destination, writes Georgia Lewis The Pearl, Doha | Qatar Sotheby’s International Realty Doha, capital of Qatar, has been quietly and elegantly evolving. Its art scene is a case in point: previously driven by stalwarts such as the National Museum of Qatar, the Museum of Islamic Art and Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, from February 5-7 the debut Art Basel Qatar will bring international artists and galleries to town. The event aims to be “globally resonant and locally rooted,” says Vincenzo de Bellis, chief artistic officer and global director of Art Basel fairs. “The combination of world-class cultural institutions in development, expanding creative areas, such as the Doha Design District, and a growing emphasis on regional voices and experimentation all signal the city’s evolution as a major arts destination,” de Bellis says. Forthcoming cultural attractions include the Herzog & de Meuron-designed Lusail Museum, due to open on Al Maha Island in 2029, and the Art Mill Museum, which will show international modern and contemporary art in a former flour mill on Doha’s waterfront Corniche from 2030. Giardino Villas, The Pearl, Doha | Qatar Sotheby’s International Realty Meanwhile, smaller galleries and entrepreneurial local artists are bringing new ideas to life with exciting and challenging works. Abdulaziz Yousef is an artist who embodies this new spirit and whose nostalgia-themed street art can be seen across Doha, such as the emotive “Family Reunion” displayed at the Msheireb Metro Station. Yousef says his street art conveys his ideas on culture, family and community. “That’s very important, especially when only a few graffiti artists in Doha represent the visual identity of the country,” he says. As well as his street art, he has exhibited at independent galleries, such as Al Markhiya and Anima, which is located on The Pearl. This exclusive residential island is emblematic of Doha’s premium property market. Qatar’s permanent residency visa scheme, for those spending more than US$1M on real estate, is helping to fuel demand in prestigious neighborhoods. The Pearl, Doha | Qatar Sotheby’s International Realty An Arabesque-style nine-bedroom home overlooking the Arabian Gulf, known as a “Royal Palace,” epitomises Qatari opulence. Meanwhile, a six-bedroom villa with private gym, pool and in-house elevator offers more contemporary luxury. The city’s culinary landscape has developed alongside the cultural scene and residential offering. “I moved to Qatar in 2007, and it’s no exaggeration to say the dining scene has transformed in that period,” says Doha-based Australian food writer Rachel Morris. “Back then, there were a handful of high-end but nondescript hotel restaurants, some Arabic and Indian eateries and a few Italian places. Today, you can dine around the world in one day, reflecting the diversity of Qatar’s population and the visitors it now draws.” The Pearl, Doha | Qatar Sotheby’s International Realty Morris says Doha’s culinary turning point came in the mid-2000s, with the opening of Alain Ducasse’s IDAM, at the Museum of Islamic Art on the Corniche, and Nobu. “Both demonstrated you can sustain high-end cuisine in Qatar. I love IDAM for its creativity and Nobu for its location and consistency.” Rated newcomers include Koo Madame, which opened last year at the Rosewood Doha. “You will find impeccable interpretations of Cantonese classics and well-honed service,” says Morris. La Méditerranée, a signature Joël Robuchon restaurant, is among the premium amenities available at Four Seasons Private Residences located in The Pearl, where a three-bedroom apartment comes with staff accommodation and spacious ocean-front terraces. Meanwhile, a four-bedroom penthouse in the nearby St Regis Marsa Arabia development with expansive marina views offers minimalist elegance and resident access to 12 restaurants, as well as fitness and wellness facilities. The Pearl, Doha | Qatar Sotheby’s International Realty Back on the art scene, Yousef is optimistic. “The new generation has a different perspective of what art is, so maybe we’ll see some movement that is as big as postmodernism changing things—not removing or overwriting, but bringing new things to the art world, breaking the norms. I can’t wait to see how other artists surprise us.” Read more about Qatar and other global lifestyle destinations in our 2026 guide

Inside a Chic Russian Hill Aerie

High above the historic San Francisco neighborhood of Russian Hill, this chic contemporary residence is a nexus for sophisticated living and entertaining with nearly panoramic views of virtually every area landmark. At the crest of Russian Hill’s namesake peak—and the highest elevation in northeastern San Francisco—is a small park named for the city’s first poet laureate, Ina Coolbrith, where virtually every known landmark is within view. On the verge of the park’s refreshing greenery is a midcentury building known as the Royal Towers, which soars above its prestigious neighborhood like a sophisticated sentry, maximizing the stunning vistas. San Francisco, California | Gregg Lynn | Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage More than a dozen floors up in the Royal Towers is a chic 3,285-square-foot residence formerly owned by esteemed economist, educator, author, and Nobel laureate Milton Friedman, who championed free markets, limited government, and individual liberty. Here, walls of glass afford some 270 degrees of postcard-worthy views, from the Bay Bridge to the Golden Gate, with the dazzling city skyline and seemingly countless celebrated sights in between. Designed and built using the finest materials and applying impeccable attention to detail, the home is suffused with the rich warmth of deeply hued woods that clad floors, walls, and ceilings. Carefully positioned alcoves and lighting encourage the display of an inimitable art collection. Fixtures and finishes are artfully eye-catching. The nexus of cosmopolitan living and entertaining is a great room encompassing a living area wrapped in glass, a study or office with bookshelf-lined walls and a dynamic view, a dedicated dining area, and a remarkably streamlined kitchen with an island and counter seating. Glass panels give way to a balcony, where heights and views are breathtaking in the truest sense of the word. Hidden discreetly around a corner from the kitchen is an expertly outfitted scullery with two full-sized Sub-Zero wine chillers, two wall ovens, custom Wenge cabinetry, shelving for cookbooks, a sink, a dishwasher, an ice maker, and abundant counter and cabinet space. Perched on one high corner, the walnut-paneled owner’s suite is wrapped in windows on two sides and seems to float above the city and the water. Adjoining the bedroom are a private balcony; a lofty, luxurious Calacatta marble bath offering a soaking tub and a shower with a west-facing window; and a remarkable closet and dressing room with an impressive collection of built-ins. The spacious, secluded guest bedroom is also walled in nearly floor-to-ceiling glass and enjoys the privacy of an en suite bath and its own balcony. Fittingly, the discreet laundry room is also impressively equipped, with appliances from Miele. Residents of the Royal Towers enjoy a wide array of conveniences and amenities, including a 24-hour attended lobby, attentive staff, on-site management, a light-flooded fitness center with an inspiring view and a wind-swept terrace, an owners club with a bar whose mirrored backboard reflects the dramatic vista, a generous conference room, a library, and heated indoor swimming pool with a retractable roof. All of these luxuries seem apropos for a building that, as its name implies, crowns one of the city’s highest peaks, gazing regally over tourist destinations, the famously winding Lombard Street, charming cottages, vibrant gardens, and the iconic sights of San Francisco. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com

Now Is the Time to Sink into Statement Sofas

Luxury designers and homeowners are placing playful, bold and colorful seating at the heart of the home, writes Francesca Perry A luxurious purple sofa in the Zappa Nest guest house in the Hollywood Hills. Photograph: © Clemens Kois Of all the spaces in a home, the living room is a place for balancing practical needs with a carefully curated style: comfort and prestige in one. As interior designers and homeowners embrace more maximalist-infused visions—rich in color, craft and detail—so the humble couch is moving into the spotlight. Informed by design heritage, yet firmly rooted in the present, statement sofas are the perfect accent for luxury living, capturing attention while still accommodating the whole family. Traditionally, many homes have included both a formal salon for welcoming guests and a private lounge for the family. Today, reception rooms tend to bring both functions together, meaning the space has to work harder. A plain sectional that blends into the background might deliver on functionality, but can’t always provide the inspiration that many people seek from their home environment. The question is: can comfortable things be stylish? Contemporary furniture design certainly suggests it can. Showcased recently at the collectible design fair PAD in London, French studio Pradier-Jeauneau’s Waves sofa resembles an ancient monument, emerging elegantly yet powerfully from the ground. Jérémy Pradier-Jeauneau’s Waves sofa, which debuted at PAD, London. Photograph: Arthur Minot “Why settle for a boring sofa when you can have a jewel?” says studio founder Jérémy Pradier-Jeauneau. For him, it’s about “expressing personality”—as one might through a fashion accessory like a Chanel bag or a Cartier bracelet. “You don’t compose an interior without boldness any more than you build a look without a statement piece,” he continues. “The sculptural sofa is that chic manifesto: an artwork to live with, where comfort becomes an idea. It’s the piece that makes all the difference.” Rather than a furnishing afterthought, the right sofa can become a core part of the interior vision—with some designers creating bespoke pieces for clients’ homes. LA-based Another Human designs furniture and spaces that are colorful, creative and full of personality. For a bright and airy home in Los Feliz, California, the studio made a large curved blue sofa the focus for the double-height living room. Reflecting a serpentine fireplace of a similar hue, the sofa snakes across the room, enabling guests to face in different directions within the open-plan entertaining space. Another Human’s bespoke sofa design reflects the color and curves of the fireplace opposite in this Los Feliz home. Photograph: Lance Gerber “The sofa becomes a conversation starter,” says Leah Ring, Another Human’s designer and founder, “and the scale and bold style set the aesthetic tone for the room.” Every living space is different and every homeowner has their own needs, so modular seating—with its potential for different sizes and layouts—offers attractive flexibility. Modularity need not simply be a case of fitting furniture to the dimensions of space, however. Designers are finding exciting and playful solutions for a format more often associated with practicality. In Paris, an exuberant apartment by French architecture and interior design studio Uchronia features a wiggling pink modular sofa in the library—a 1969 design by Verner Panton. Offsetting the traditional wooden paneling and decorative fireplace, the sofa becomes an artistic gesture that makes the room sing. A 1969 Verner Panton sofa in a Paris apartment designed by Uchronia. Photograph: Félix Dol Maillot “A bold sofa immediately sets the emotional tone of a living space,” says Uchronia founder Julien Sebban. “It transforms the room from something purely functional into a place of expression and energy.” In turn, an exciting living space “doesn’t just look good,” he says. “It influences how you feel, how you interact and how you experience home as a vibrant, living environment, rather than a neutral backdrop.” Indeed, the embrace of statement sofas today—as a territory of creative possibility and expressive potential—has precedent in the time of designers like Panton. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, amid the rise of leisure time, the polite sofas of midcentury modernism became softer, more curvaceous and sculptural, often harnessing modularity in large pieces that dominated rooms. At times, the sofa became a landscape to climb on or sink into. It was this period of experimentation that gave us the sunken conversation pit of wraparound soft seating, as well as classics such as the ultra-relaxed, bed-like Ligne Roset Togo sofa (designed by Michel Ducaroy in 1973) and the expansive Dune ensemble (1969-1972) by Pierre Paulin. The latter’s four geometrically designed modules combine to create a topography of soft, dune-like seating. It looks as futuristic as it did when it debuted more than 50 years ago. A green Togo sofa in an Upper West Side apartment designed by Space Exploration and styled by Katja Greeff. Photograph: Nicole Franzen Kevin Greenberg, founder of Brooklyn-based interior design studio Space Exploration, gravitates to 1970s designs when he wants a sofa to steal the spotlight in a living space. “Maestros like Mario Bellini, Tobia and Afra Scarpa, Michel Ducaroy, Mario Marenco and Arne Norell helped pioneer a golden age of low-slung, formally daring (and often modular) seating collections that are sure to enliven any room,” he says. Greenberg recommends choosing sumptuous upholstery—particularly rich tones of velvet and suede—to “ensure your couch is as comfortable as it is commanding.” A statement sofa can achieve what its name indicates: communicating the power of design. But it also enriches the everyday. As Uchronia’s Julien Sebban sees it: “Living with expressive shapes, strong colors or unexpected materials stimulates creativity and joy on a daily basis.” Now you have your statement seating, here’s how to go bold with bedroom decor

Inside an Architectural Paradigm in Los Angeles

This grand Spanish Colonial Revival estate in L.A.’s Eagle Rock neighborhood is an enduring—and meticulously updated—tribute to its pioneering architect, Paul Revere Williams, and to the unique glamour of early-20th-century Southern California. During his celebrated career, pioneering American architect Paul Revere Williams designed more than 2,000 residences, developing a mastery of numerous architectural styles, a skill for which he became widely esteemed. This high regard attracted business magnates and Hollywood celebrities, who rushed to commission homes from him across Southern California. Beverly Hills, California| Nicole Plaxen | Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage Enjoying a prominent perch on a prestigious corner in the welcoming neighborhood of Eagle Rock, this grand 6,766-square-foot Spanish Colonial Revival estate stands as a fitting tribute to Williams and to the unique Southern California glamour of his age. Built in the 1930s, lovingly maintained, and painstakingly rejuvenated by Gary Mkrtichyan of Opus Builders, it showcases an iconic terra-cotta-tile roofline, graceful archways, elaborate ironwork, hand-carved woodwork, colorful tiles, vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, and hand-stenciled decorative panels. It is a rare, enduring landmark where Old World craftsmanship, scrupulous artistry, and contemporary comforts and conveniences unite. Suitable for both small, quiet gatherings and festive fêtes for a crowd, the heart of the home is a forward-thinking great room that encompasses a generous living area, an inviting kitchen, and a dedicated dining area. Folding French doors in the living area give way to a picturesque rose garden. Cooks of all skill levels will appreciate the kitchen’s spacious island, 12-burner La Cornue range, custom cabinetry, wood-paneled refrigerator, wine chiller, and discreet walk-in pantry. Nearby are a sophisticated study and a handsome wood-paneled office with a coffered ceiling. Hidden on the home’s lowest level, an enchanting space known familiarly as the Velvet Room is a Prohibition-era-style speakeasy offering spirited secret rooms—one of which easily serves as a generous wine cellar—a cocktail bar, a fireplace, and access to the idyllic backyard. Throughout the home, plentiful windows admit painterly natural light, while elegant chandeliers cast a golden glow, and warm wood and organic hues link the home with its natural surroundings. A cinematic staircase with vibrant tile accents and wrought-iron detailing leads to the uppermost level and the serene, soigné primary suite, which boasts its own fireplace, French doors opening to a wraparound balcony overlooking the grounds, and a lavish bath with dual showers and a gold-plated soaking tub. Visitors are accommodated in languid style thanks to three stylish guest bedrooms, two baths, and a private sundeck on the upper level as well as an auxiliary suite on the main level. A virtual private resort that recalls a lush destination of a bygone era, the home’s roughly three-quarter-acre grounds include a refreshing herringbone-tiled swimming pool and spa, flagstone terraces, impeccably manicured gardens threaded with winding paths, multiple sitting areas—one with a fire pit—expanses of emerald lawn, flourishing roses, a classical tiered fountain, a pavilion greenhouse, mature trees, and a playful sports court. While comprehensively updated for a sophisticated modern lifestyle, this residence is proud of its architectural legacy, maintaining an air of timelessness and whispering reminders of its early-20th-century beginnings. It is a place of priceless pedigree and an opportunity not to be missed. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com

Why the Multigenerational Home Is Luxury Living Defined

High-end buyers are increasingly seeking space for everyone under one roof, bringing family together—at home or on holiday Pescadaro, California | Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty “It’s where the family heartbeat is,” says Rodd Macklin, co-founder and managing director of Pennington Partners & Co, of the rise in multigenerational living, where grandparents, children and grandchildren share a home. The setup is emerging as a significant trend in luxury real estate, strengthening emotional connections, spreading caregiving duties and forging family legacies. “A home is often the anchor where families come together, making it a natural place for conversations about prosperity,” continues Macklin. “At the same time, it’s a major asset that must be structured thoughtfully if it’s going to last across generations.” And generational considerations matter. According to Macklin, Baby Boomers (born 1946-64) often downsize their daily living arrangements but keep a home for family gatherings, while Generation X (1965-80) increasingly house elderly parents and adult children. For Millennials (1981-96) and Gen Z (1997-2012), flexible living spaces beat large houses. “What’s the same across all generations is that their homes give a sense of belonging. It’s not just real estate,” Macklin says. Tokyo, Japan | List Sotheby’s International Realty Indeed, the pull of multigenerational living is being felt globally, especially in countries with a culture of honoring and valuing older family members. “In Japan, the idea of a family living together has profound roots,” says Kantaro Aoki of List Sotheby’s International Realty, Japan. “Historically, it was common for the grandparents, parents and children to live together in the same household, especially in rural areas. Although the nuclear family became more common in the postwar years, the trend toward multigenerational homes is re-emerging.” Suitable properties are shaped by location, purpose, architecture, land availability and cultural norms. “Thoughtful planning by an architect of how people want to live is the difference between successful intergenerational living and a big house,” says Bob Zuber, a partner at Morgante Wilson Architects in Chicago, Illinois. “Think rec rooms, sitting rooms, separate entry points if necessary, reading nooks and playrooms. Not everyone wants or needs to be surrounded by family members at all times.” São Paulo, Brasil | Bossa Nova Sotheby’s International Realty For Sandra Wendland of Legacy Sotheby’s International Realty in Portland, Maine, multigenerational housing comes in many forms. “Sometimes it’s a lakefront property, sometimes oceanfront or even island compounds, because it goes back to the family seeking meaningful time together.” One of Wendland’s recent transactions—a lakefront property near the base of a ski resort—included the buyer’s mother, who had grown up skiing there. “She was elated to be able to enjoy the mountain and lake with her grandchildren,” says Wendland. Just as space to come together is important, often so is real estate with space to be apart. “From the cultural aspect, I think the luxury end is really about unplugging,” says Margaret “Meg” Smith of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty in Bay Shore, New York. Southampton, New York | Sotheby’s International Realty – Southampton Brokerage Smith recently sold a multigenerational property on Fire Island, New York. It comprised three separate houses: one on the bay, one ocean-facing, and the third centered between them as an entertainment space. Two brothers thought it was perfect because each one could have their own home and they could bring their families together in the middle, Smith says. For affluent families, these purchases represent more than a lifestyle choice—they are strategic investments that address multiple financial objectives while creating space for the family to thrive across generations. Whether used for vacations with extended family or year-round living, multigenerational homes offer the chance to deepen family connections and create a lasting real estate legacy. As Macklin concludes, it’s about having “somewhere that ties everyone together.” This is an edited extract from Sotheby’s International Realty 2026 Luxury Outlook report. Read and download the full report at luxuryoutlook.com

Significant Sales: 2025 Highlights

From a €164M sale in Sardinia, Italy, to US$56M sale in Portola Valley, here are ten top sales represented by the Sotheby’s International Realty global network in 2025. Sardinia, Italy Lodovico Pignatti Morano | Italy Sotheby’s International Realty, €164M View properties in Sardinia, Italy Dubai, United Arab Emirates Regan Faulkner, Ioana Armeanu | Dubai Sotheby’s International Realty, AED 330M View properties in Dubai, United Arab Emirates Portola Valley, California Chris Iverson | Golden Gate International Realty, US$56M View properties in Portola Valley, California Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi Sotheby’s International Realty, AED$200M Del Mar, California 2920 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA " src="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/3-1-1-1024x686.jpg" alt="Home in Del Mar, California" class="wp-image-345952" srcset="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/3-1-1-1024x686.jpg 1024w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/3-1-1-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/3-1-1-768x514.jpg 768w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/3-1-1-1536x1029.jpg 1536w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/3-1-1-2048x1372.jpg 2048w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/3-1-1-1200x804.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" Rande Turner | Pacific International Realty, US$50M View properties in Del Mar, California Aspen, Colorado Mandy Welgos| Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty, US$45.55M View properties in Aspen, Colorado Palm Beach, Florida Architectural Photography/Renderings " src="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/REAR-1024x683.jpg" alt="Back yard and Pool in Palm Beach, Florida" class="wp-image-345955" srcset="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/REAR-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/REAR-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/REAR-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/REAR-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/REAR-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/REAR-1200x800.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" Tom Shaw | Sotheby’s International Realty – Palm Beach Brokerage, US$48.5M View properties in Palm Beach, Florida Point Piper, Australia Michael Pallier | Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty, AUD$55M View properties in Point Piper, Australia Zermatt, Switzerland Oliver Herweg| Stieger & Cie Sotheby’s International Realty, CHF 22M View properties in Zermatt, Switzerland Greenwich, Connecticut Joseph Barbieri, Helene Barre, Fran Ehrlich| Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage, US$23M View properties in Greenwich, Connecticut Discover previous editions of Significant Sales on the blog

Candlemania: The Art of Traditional Home Lighting 

Designers are creating a warm, intimate home atmosphere with candlelight and elevated accessories, writes Francesca Perry Ramona Albert’s Ramus candleholder subtly lights a bedroom. Photograph: Olivia Steuer In an electrified world, we may not need candles, but we certainly long for them, and in the dark days of winter, candlelight is almost impossible to resist. While elegant candleholders are a decor staple, the prominence of candles at home is only growing. More designers are creating artful holders, scented candle sales are booming, and the soft glow and traditional atmosphere that candles create are the perfect fit for today’s interiors. Candlelight creates a calming, intimate atmosphere—something that modern, stress-filled lifestyles often call for. The ritual of lighting candles at home can bring a sense of occasion or mark a moment of transition, such as from work to relaxation. Unlike electric lamps, candles feel connected to nature, making the art of lighting a more sensory one, and with their ancient origins, they bring a sense of timelessness to the home. It’s even been shown that the low light of candles can help improve mood and sleep. “I often start the day with a candle at breakfast, letting its glow set a quiet, mindful tone,” says designer Lola Lely, co-founder of London candlemakers Wax Atelier, which uses traditional methods and sustainable waxes in its products. “Candlelight softens a room, highlighting the warmth in colors, textures and objects, while the gentle play of shadows creates a beautiful atmosphere.” Start your day with a candle, says Lola Lely of Wax Atelier candlemakers. Photograph: Wax Atelier In the home, Lely recommends a candle on a dining table to bring warmth and enhance conversation; on a mantelpiece or coffee table to make the room feel inviting: and in the bathroom to create a “spa-like moment.” Interior stylist Colin King lights taper candles when he needs quiet or wants to make dinner feel “more cinematic.” “They are my shortcut to warmth, my go-to design therapy,” he writes in his popular newsletter, “The Last Layer.” Candles can be used in myriad ways, he explains—sconces, standalone tapers, chandeliers, candelabras—and the fact they are old-fashioned adds to their “magic.” Jamb, a brand specializing in antique furniture and fireplaces, launched its new Scipio candleholder in January. Inspired by the aesthetic of English country houses and ancient Roman artefacts, the candleholder is carved from precious marble fragments and is designed to become a conscious part of a curated home collection of art and antiques. Candles certainly lend themselves to this moment of peak collectible design. Inventive or sculptural holders created by contemporary designers are becoming covetable objects for the home: a focus for a dining table, a crafted accent in a living room or an eye-catching feature in a hallway. Jamb’s new Scipio candleholder mixes English and classical influences. Photograph: Christopher Horwood Mariah Nielson, director of the Blunk Space gallery in Northern California and daughter of American sculptor JB Blunk (1926-2002) has brought together contemporary designers from all over the world for the exhibition “100 Candleholders” (running until March 28). From small ceramic pieces to a chandelier decorated with shells, the 100 pieces on show demonstrate the creative potential of candle decor and its current design prominence. Big-name brands are also getting in on the action. Italian designer Osanna Visconti recently collaborated with Dior Maison to create a range of delicate bronze candleholders with floral motifs. Centering craftsmanship and elegance, the tall pieces are made using the lost wax technique, an ancient method of metal-casting used for jewelry and sculpture, befitting of the storied French fashion house. Sarah Sherman Samuel’s “bow” sconces flank a mirror. Photograph: Courtesy of Lulu and Georgia LA- and Michigan-based designer Sarah Sherman Samuel, celebrated for her luxuriously crafted interiors and furniture, has created a range of decorative sconces and candlesticks for interiors brand Lulu and Georgia. Characterized by ribbon-like bows, the metal pieces bring elegant charm to a room. “In a world saturated with digital glow and artificial light, candlelight restores something human,” she says. Flanking a mirror or piece of art with candles in sconces, she says, feels “considered, architectural, and timeless.” In 2025, New York-based architect and designer Ramona Albert designed a range of polished brass candleholders inspired by tree roots, presenting them in a spellbinding candlelit installation for the NYCxDesign festival. The Ramus collection, she explains, was crafted for “poetic” interiors. “They bring a quiet drama to the room—anchoring space with texture and shadow… The collective flicker of flames interacts with the diverg Ramona Albert’s Ramus candleholder range is modelled on tree roots. Photograph: Olivia Steuer At home, Albert recommends grouping candleholders into clusters to create “a visually dynamic arrangement” and varying the height of the pieces to build depth. “This deliberate layering of form and materiality transforms a space into a ritualized sanctuary,” she says Living with candles is special because it introduces a “rhythm of light” that grounds a space in a sense of peace, says Albert. Unlike electric lighting, candlelight creates a layering of lighting that “drapes a room like silk on skin.” What’s more, as candles can be moved and rearranged depending on mood, they become the ultimate flexible vehicle of elevated decor, creating the exact atmosphere and aesthetic in each room that is desired, whenever the flame of inspiration is ignited. On the scent: read more about the rise of fragrance in luxury interior design

Luxury Lens: Who is Buying Homes in the U.S.?

It’s a changing picture. Take first-time purchasers. The “2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers”, published by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) on November 4, reveals that married couples today account for just half of first-time buyer households, down from 58% in 2016 and far below the 1985 high of 75%. Taking a larger share of the first-time buyer market are unmarried couples (up from 0% in 1981 to 11% today) and single women, who now make up a quarter (25%) of first-time purchases. “Single women have homeownership as a top priority and they will find a way to obtain it,” says Jessica Lautz, deputy chief economist and vice president of research for NAR. Beyond first-time buyers, the share of all buyers with children under the age of 18 living at home has dropped to 24%—a historic low. “The median age of repeat buyers is now 62,” explains Lautz. “Being an empty nester may free up finances for these homebuyers.” Cover Property: Kailua, Hawaii

Spotlight on Park City: Where Mountain Living Is a Year-Round Pursuit 

Home to the Sundance Film Festival, the appeal of this alpine town stretches far beyond the red carpet, writes Aimee L. Cook Park City, Utah | Summit Sotheby’s International Realty Each January, Park City slips on its glitziest attire as the annual Sundance Film Festival sets it buzzing. The mountain town’s historic Main Street is lit with paparazzi flashbulbs, as famous directors duck into coffee shops and moviegoers chat in lines. As the festival banners come down and the streets settle, Park City’s year-round energy and charm take center stage. The rhythm of life in this northern Utah town shifts with the seasons. Winter mornings are crisp and quiet, soundtracked by the whoosh of skis on powder. And after a sunrise ride on the chairlift, many find themselves gathering in cozy cafés. Park City’s most exclusive homes embrace this extraordinary location. Among them is 217 White Pine Canyon Road, a 4.5-acre ski-in/ski-out estate which embodies mountain modernism. In winter, glass walls frame postcard scenes of snowfall dusting the pines, and evenings can be spent by one of several fires. As the snow melts, the same open living spaces flow effortlessly to outdoor terraces—perfect for alfresco entertaining surrounded by panoramic alpine greenery. As spring becomes summer, Park City remakes itself again—bike tires crunch along hundreds of miles of wildflower-edged trails, paddleboarders hit the local lakes and reservoirs, and outdoor concerts bring neighbors together on warm evenings. Park City, Utah | Summit Sotheby’s International Realty Golf and horseback riding are among the activities on offer at the private mountain community of Promontory, where 7841 N West Hill Trail, designed by local architect Clive Bridgwater, showcases the surrounding Wasatch Mountains. Park City’s prime real estate comes with an enviable lifestyle and community, confirms Julie Snyder, global real estate advisor for Summit Sotheby’s International Realty. “Buyers have so many choices here, whether they want views, an amenity package or to be part of a new community,” she says, adding that the convenience of Salt Lake City’s international airport, a 45-minute drive away, enhances the appeal. Park City, Utah | Summit Sotheby’s International Realty Dream Catcher Lodge is a more traditional chalet-style home where winter afternoons can be spent carving fresh lines on the private ski runs of The Colony gated community, and expansive decks provide front-row seats to mountain sunsets on summer evenings. “Designing for the Park City lifestyle means blending luxe materials with relaxed living while embracing the area’s natural beauty,” says Stephanie Hunt, owner of local lifestyle and design firm The Flair Hunter, who has lived and worked in the city for 17 years. Luxury homeowners in the region embrace nature and comfort in tandem, she says. “My approach emphasizes softer furniture curves, deeper sofas for post-adventure relaxation, and finishes like burnished brass and rich wood grains that enhance the stunning views. Thoughtful details, like well-placed mudrooms, ski storage and windows that maximize light and vistas, ensure every home is both functional and personal.” Park City, Utah | Summit Sotheby’s International Realty Exposed beams and vaulted ceilings feature in the warming wooden interiors of 7933 Bald Eagle Drive, which enjoys direct ski access to the Roamer Trail, which in turn offers peaceful, meditative hikes in spring. When the Sundance red carpets are rolled away for another year in February, Park City will continue to embrace a lifestyle where every season delivers something to anticipate: the rush of downhill runs, the peace of sun-drenched trails and the pleasure of sharing a meal as dusk settles over Main Street once again. Read more about mountain modernism in our guide to contemporary ranch style

Collecting Focus: Rare Drawings

Contemporary artists love to collect sketches and studies by their predecessors and they aren’t alone, writes Katie Armstrong Jean-Antoine Watteau, “A Man Playing the Guitar,” which will be auctioned in “Master Drawings from the Collection of Diane A. Nixon,” Sotheby’s New York, February 4, 2026. Photograph: Sotheby’s Old Master drawings—the sketches, studies, even doodles of European artists from the 15th to the early 20th century—can be windows into some of the most celebrated figures in art history. At Sotheby’s, the category begins where medieval manuscripts end, taking in everything from ink sketches by the Flemish court painter Sir Anthony van Dyck to preparatory charcoal marks by Victorian masters and watercolors by J.M.W. Turner. “You’re looking over the artist’s shoulder while they’re thinking out what they’re going to do,” says Gregory Rubinstein, senior director and head of the Old Master drawings department worldwide at Sotheby’s, of the intimacy and immediacy of rare drawings. “You see them try a figure in one position, try a figure in another position,” he adds. “You see all the stages.” In 2012, Rubinstein was involved in what is still the world record for the category, overseeing the £29.7m (US$47.9m at the time) sale at Sotheby’s London of “Head of a Young Apostle,” a preparatory sketch by Italian artist Raphael created in the early 16th century for his last great masterpiece, “The Transfiguration” (1516-1520). Two upcoming sales at Sotheby’s New York are a fresh opportunity to explore the breadth of this collecting category and take inspiration from one of its most enthusiastic participants. Raffaello Sanzio, called Raphael, “Head of a Young Apostle,” which sold for US$47.9m at Sotheby’s London in December 2012. Photograph: Sotheby’s Diane A. Nixon, whose collection goes under the hammer on February 4, was one of the most esteemed Old Master drawings collectors of the last century, amassing more than 200 works from all schools and periods. A keen advocate for the medium, she bequeathed works to institutions and remained a devoted supporter of drawing departments across the globe. The most coveted drawings at auction are often studies for works eventually painted on canvas. But they are also complete works of art in themselves and subject to the same scrutiny as any other lot. “We have far more surviving drawings by some artists. It’s very likely that many artists produced lots of drawings which never survived, that got thrown out or binned,” explains Rubinstein. “The relative rarity of the drawing matters.” Historical and current practices are more intertwined than ever. “There’s a real trend now for contemporary artists, such as Glenn Brown, to look back at older and older art,” Rubinstein says. “Some are collectors of Old Master drawings, which was definitely not the case when I started 35 years ago.” But artists aren’t the only enthusiasts. Drawings are often offered at lower price points than other lots in the Old Masters group—a chance to own work by the greats, often for just a few thousand dollars. The “Master Works on Paper from Five Centuries” exhibition at Sotheby’s London, July 2025. Photograph: Sotheby’s Rubinstein recommends visiting drawing exhibitions, viewing auction lots and talking to those in the know to hone your tastes. “It’s a case of trying to understand what it is that you personally find exciting and interesting,” he encourages. “Develop your understanding and you will end up in a position where you can make an informed decision, based on a combination of what appeals and your budget.” A major highlight of the upcoming New York sales is a Rembrandt study, “Young Lion Resting” from the late 1630s or early 1640s, with an estimate of US$15-20M. One of only six known lion studies by the Dutch Old Master, with the other five spread across institutions including the British Museum, the Louvre and Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum, it’s one of the most important Rembrandt works to come to the market in decades. “It’s also just a fantastic image. The most wonderful, powerful, engaging and exciting drawing,” confirms Rubinstein. Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn, “Young Lion Resting,” which will be auctioned at “Master Works on Paper from Five Centuries,” Sotheby’s New York on February 4, 2026. Photograph: Sotheby’s Also available will be a study of a merchant vessel by the 18th-century Venetian master Canaletto, another of a man playing guitar by French painter Jean-Antoine Watteau, and a spectacular depiction of the Annunciation from Tiepolo created in the late 1730s. The latter has particularly outstanding provenance, having been part of the sought-after collection of Russian prince Aleksey Orlov, which was sold after his death in 1920. New collectors might be concerned with how to handle such delicate works. While paper and vellum aren’t known for being particularly robust, many drawings have survived for hundreds of years and will survive for many more, as long as they are not displayed in bright sunlight or extreme climates. “A lot of people have fun with drawings because you can plaster the walls with them, which is much easier and more satisfying to do than it is with paintings,” says Rubinstein. “They have real potential as a feature in a decorative scheme.” Fra Bartolomeo’s “A Fortified Hill Town,” which will be auctioned at “Master Drawings from the Collection of Diane A. Nixon,” Sotheby’s New York, February 4, 2026. Photograph: Sotheby’s Then there is the connection to an artist, sometimes across centuries. An extraordinarily rare sketch by Renaissance painter Fra Bartolomeo is coming to auction in February: “A Fortified Hill Town,” which is thought to be a view of Lucca, dates from a series he created between 1500 and 1505. “These are some of the earliest complete, pure landscape drawings known in the history of Western art,” says Rubinstein. “It’s just so natural, delicate, atmospheric. Imagine him sitting out there more than 500 years ago, making this little sketch.” ”Master Drawings from the Collection of Diane A. Nixon” and “Master Works on Paper from Five Centuries” are at Sotheby’s New York on February 4. Our Collecting Focus series features expert advice on jewelry, watches, wine, rare whisky, historic books, music memorabilia, fashion history, natural history and modern and contemporary prints

Inside a Sophisticated Southwestern Compound in Santa Fe

Amid the rolling open terrain northwest of historic downtown Santa Fe, a 25.3-acre equestrian sanctuary known as the Dusty Boot combines the spirit of the Old West, contemporary luxury, effortless comfort, and consummate Southwestern style. At the base of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the small city of Santa Fe is known the world over for its natural beauty, relaxed lifestyle, easily accessible outdoor activities, thriving arts scene, and diverse cultural history that includes many of the legends of the American West. The striking open terrain northwest of the city affords a lifestyle that is both rural and sophisticated, often with panoramic views of multiple mountain ranges, badlands, and cinematic sunsets. Santa Fe, New Mexico| Ricky Allen – Tara Earley Group | Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe – Main Downtown Brokerage Among the expansive properties in the peaceful, prestigious area known as La Tierra Nueva is a 25.3-acre estate known as the Dusty Boot, where the spirit of the Old West persists in stylish harmony with contemporary luxury. A virtual Southwestern sanctuary recalling a Spanish hacienda, the compound features a 5,186-square-foot residence, a guest casita, a superior equestrian facility, and a variety of outdoor living areas and amusements. Throughout, Southwestern style—rugged stacked stone, sturdy vigas, accent latillas, and earthy stone tile—coexists with contemporary comforts and conveniences. Designed by esteemed area architect Steven Samuelson and built in 2007, the impressive main residence exemplifies the area’s singular aesthetic and offers two restful bedrooms and three baths. The heart of the home is a handsome great room with soaring ceilings, a majestic fireplace clad in stone and copper, and an inviting cook’s kitchen with warm wood cabinetry and top-tier appliances. Doors open to a breathtaking “infinity” patio that conjures an ethereal sensation of hovering above the piñon- and juniper-strewn high desert landscape—a perfect perch for reveling in vast views of mountains, dramatic clouds, and impossibly blue sky. Nearby, an alfresco kitchen with a wood-fired pizza oven and a built-in grill. Long- and short-term visitors will appreciate the comfort and privacy of the freestanding guesthouse, which offers one welcoming bedroom, two baths, and numerous striking stylistic flourishes and features. Horses are welcome on much of Santa Fe’s rolling land, and equestrian pursuits are a favorite pastime. The facilities at the Dusty Boot—conceived by lifelong rancher, horseman, and self-proclaimed vaquero Pedro Marquez—are a paradigm of Southwestern riding culture and equine well-being. Highlights include four oversized heated stalls with turnouts, automatic waterers, a tack and laundry room, a washing area, an arena, a round pen, and a walker. The stable complex also includes versatile, light-filled, and climate-controlled spaces—accompanied by a butler’s pantry, abundant storage, and a full bath—that can easily serve a number of purposes: a contemplative office, an art or recording studio, a peaceful place for yoga or meditation, or a well-outfitted gym. At the center of it all is a lush emerald courtyard with a waterfall trough, a sitting area with a focal fire pit, and an easily accessible powder room. Carefully chosen landscaping—including aspens, roses, and Russian sage—add colorful natural accents, while further afield are fenced orchards, raised garden beds, water features, a chicken coop, and a picnicking pergola. Combining these desirable outdoor amenities and diversions with a wealth of debonair indoor spaces, the Dusty Boot is an inimitable property, designed for living the consummate Southwestern lifestyle amid Santa Fe’s delightful four-season climate and enviable 300 yearly days of sunshine. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com

Color Chart: The Joys of a Bright White Home

Our monthly series asks: How do you use color in luxury design? White can be surprisingly warm and multi-toned, writes Jill Krasny Hollywood Hills, California | Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage Ever notice how some homes catch your eye while others fail to make an impression? The colors in the design scheme may be at play. Whereas dark blue feels relaxing and bright red gets people talking, white, which our series on color in luxury design turns to next, evokes subtler and more sophisticated feelings of calm. For decades, white has been the go-to for contemporary interiors in sunny climes. Now, “Cloud Dancer,” a subtle off-white shade with warmer undertones, has been named Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026. White is not without its design pitfalls, of course. “In a contemporary house with clean lines, the thought of doing white everywhere with teeny tiny pops of neutrals can get clinical really fast,” says Lisa Shaffer, chief executive and creative director of Lisa & Leroy, an interior design firm based in Washington, D.C. However, the clever layering of textures and materials is the best way to keep things approachable, she says. Hollywood Hills, California | Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage A secluded, sun-drenched retreat in the Hollywood Hills shows the power of choosing materials with similar undertones, says Shaffer. Though the home appears all-white at first glance, surface materials like poured concrete walls, porcelain floors and dark oak cabinetry add interest, warming things up with their slight color differences. Nor do the white walls come across as cold, says Shaffer, noting that the tree-covered mountains of Laurel Canyon, visible from the windows, may have informed the design scheme. There isn’t an ocean nearby, she says, so the bright paint creates contrast. Mykonos, Greece | Greece Sotheby’s International Realty In Greece, where the clifftops are dotted by traditionally whitewashed homes, the color reads cooler and brighter than that of the Hollywood residence. And that’s a good thing, says Shaffer, because it makes the water look bluer and turns it into the focal point. A contemporary subterranean villa in Melora, Mykonos, a five-minute drive from the island’s main town, shows how incorporating natural materials like teak—and little else, beyond well-chosen accessories—put the Cycladean views front and center. . Belgravia, London | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty Meanwhile, a 19th-century mansion in London’s exclusive Belgrave Square proves why Italianate “stucco” villas remain such a prominent feature of the capital’s most affluent neighborhoods, such as Mayfair, Belgravia, Kensington and Chelsea. Inside, white hallways serve as a “palette cleanser,” says Shaffer, playing up the bolder color choices of the reception rooms and bedrooms They also serve as a through line, giving a residence of this size and heritage a sense of continuity. “This house is such a good reminder that a home is designed to be cohesive—not match,” Shaffer says. Vero Beach, Florida | ONE Sotheby’s International Realty An oceanfront mansion in Ocean Pearl, a gated community in Vero Beach, Florida, combines the cohesive white of its exteriors and interiors with cozy detailing like wood ceilings and floors, Shaker-style cabinetry and crown molding. “This house you could pop anywhere, and convince me it belonged there,” says Shaffer. “A lot of it has to do with the architectural choices.” Such details have the power to evoke emotions, she adds, and “this is a house where a family can feel really comfortable.” Explore our Color Chart series, from crowd-pleasing blue to zingy orange and bright red

5 Stylish Home Resolutions for 2026

A new year invites a more meaningful approach to interior design, with personalized spaces that support your well-being and values, writes Emma Reynolds Austin, Texas | Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty Each new year invites reflection and renewal and much of that begins at home. Where we live is an extension of who we are and what we value. In 2026, luxury design is moving beyond fleeting trends and strict design rules, embracing more individualized interiors, richer color and texture, a lived-in ease and spaces that foster connection. New York-based interior designer Andrew Suvalsky says his clients are pivoting from minimalism to embrace a more personalized aesthetic. “People want homes that are layered, expressive and distinguished, rather than neutral or generic,” he says. The most compelling interiors aren’t static; they evolve with their owners over time. Consider these ideas a thoughtful roadmap for elevating your home and lifestyle. Think big with wallpaper Ontario, Canada | Sotheby’s International Realty Canada Blank white walls can be a creative canvas: an invitation to go bold with statement coverings. Wallpaper, once tied to dated living rooms and grand old hotels, has reemerged as a powerful design tool that can double up as artwork. It appears in non-traditional ways—on wrapped ceilings and in lined cabinetry—while transforming smaller spaces such as closets, powder rooms and offices into moments of surprise. Skilled artisans and heritage design houses such as de Gournay—as featured in this contemporary home in Ontario, Canada—create bespoke works from intricate hand-painted murals to luxurious tactile materials (silk, pearl appliqué, linen, grasscloth) that add beauty and depth to walls that could otherwise fall flat. Go wild with an orangery Portland, Oregon | Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty An orangery is a purpose-built garden room originally designed to shelter citrus trees through harsh European winters. Popularized in 17th-century England, it soon became a symbol of refinement, evolving into a sophisticated setting for entertaining guests. Today, the orangery feels newly relevant as homeowners embrace biophilic design, the philosophy of connecting people to nature through natural light, views and proximity to the outdoors to enhance well-being. Essentially, a more elevated take on the conservatory, orangeries are conceived as a true architectural extension of the home, with insulated masonry walls, oversized windows, and, ideally, a glazed lantern roof that lets the sun shine through all year. Have fun with color contrasts Austin, Texas | Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty Homeowners are growing ever more confident when it comes to experimenting with color as they realize that low-risk, low-maintenance, non-permanent tweaks using paint, textiles and accessories can easily transform a room without a full redesign. Whether bright and vibrant, or dark, earthy and moody, color is the most satisfying of upgrades. Methods like color drenching (painting walls, ceilings, trims and doors the same hue) or contrasting unexpected shades, through furniture, art and decor, can both work. This Mediterranean-style property in Austin, Texas is a lesson in tasteful yet daring color contrasting, featuring saturated red hues alongside shades of saffron and green. “There’s a desire to bring the richness of high fashion, as we see on runways and magazine editorial imagery, into the home through color, texture and materiality,” says Suvalsky. Create a sanctuary—inside or outside Jackson Hole, Wyoming |Jackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty New year’s resolutions often revolve around our health. Wellness-focused amenities in the comfort of your own home can help support these goals long-term. Saunas, gyms, cold plunges, spas and mediation rooms are among the most in-demand luxury residential features as a new wave of buyers prioritize longevity of lifestyle. A mountain home in Jackson Hole, Wyoming approaches the booming sauna culture in particular through a design-forward lens; its outdoor sauna is a sleek and contemporary structure tucked into the wild landscape. Some high-end homeowners and property developers are even installing hyperbaric oxygen chambers and IV drip stations. Though wellness means something different for everyone, the benefits of creating a calm, relaxing space for restorative rituals, whatever its size or scale, go a long way. Source locally whenever possible Queenstown, New Zealand | New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Sustainability is not a trend but a guiding principle for today’s homeowners and designers. Locally sourced materials ground a home in its surroundings and create a true sense of place, while reducing environmental impact and fostering community. It’s just as important to work with local artisans and craftspeople, who bring knowledge, tradition and nuance that can’t be imported or replicated. “With the flood of mass-produced furniture from global retailers, clients want something more customized and turn to finely crafted special-order furnishings built by hand,” says Suvalsky, who has curated a strong network of artisans and fabricators in his work. There’s no better display of how contemporary design can sit cohesively with expert craftsmanship and local materials than this hilltop manse in Queenstown, New Zealand. An architectural marvel overlooking Lake Wakatipu, it features locally sourced schist stone, slate flooring and reclaimed Kauri timber details that incorporate an organic feel. Artful touches, like a sculptural spiral staircase, make the home feel one-of-a-kind. Interested in the architecture and design trends set to define 2026? Read our guide

Inside an Architectural Heirloom in Coastal New York

A rare piece of architectural history, this six-bedroom residence on Shelter Island was one of famed Norman Jaffe’s early creations, exemplifying his style with its strong lines, generous use of stone and wood, and harmony with its serene seaside setting. A recent painstaking renovation by an esteemed designer has honored the original architecture while elevating the home as a bastion of luxurious modern living. After numerous sojourns on Long Island in the 1960s, young American architect Norman Jaffe quickly developed an affinity for designing beach houses. By the early 1970s, he had become the most prolific architect in the Hamptons, ultimately credited with pioneering the iconic rustic modernist aesthetic there. His legacy—an innovative use of natural materials, bold geometry, and an aim of integrating architecture with nature—has endured well into the 21st century. East Hampton, New York| Nick Brown | Sotheby’s International Realty – East Hampton Brokerage In the late 1960s, Meir and Eileen Osofsky commissioned Jaffe—then still in the early days of his career—to design a retreat on exclusive Shelter Island, on an estate site bookended by two other, smaller properties and elevated like a crown jewel above the water. So dedicated was Jaffe to the relationship between a home and its land, he is reported to have slept on the property until construction commenced. The resulting residence, built in 1971 and considered one of Jaffe’s finest, is a rare piece of architectural history, with strong lines, pervasive stone and wood, and a clear affection for geometry that exemplify Jaffe’s singular style. Its expanses of glass and distinctive cantilevered decks make it ideal for appreciating its coveted seaside setting, on the coast of Gardiners Bay, and sweeping ocean views. A 1981 Jaffe expansion, also commissioned by the Osofskys, added a guest wing that affords visitors consummate privacy as well as their own relaxed living area and space for dining. This wing connects seamlessly and feels at one with the original residence. Benjamin Brouham—senior creative director of Jonathan Adler and an esteemed design professional behind the restoration and modernization of the storied Grey Gardens—purchased the property in 2020 and, with the help of revered Shoshi Builders, embarked on a painstaking two-year renovation that added some 1,600 square feet to the floor plan. Simultaneously respecting and elevating the original architecture, this rejuvenation moved the cook’s kitchen to the lower level, where it opens to an alfresco dining area, and created a chic cocktail bar with a dumbwaiter on the main level. The attached garage was transformed into a well-outfitted theater. Today, the main level is dedicated to easy, luxurious living and sophisticated gatherings, with a fluid collection of dining and lounging spaces walled in stacked stone and uninterrupted glass. Six serene bedrooms with en suite baths allow for the comfortable accommodation of more than a dozen people, affording a rare combination of privacy and togetherness. The home also features a gym and an office with a balcony. No detail has been overlooked, and the quality of every fixture, furnishing, and finish is of the highest quality. Multiple decks and terraces encourage basking in fresh air, sunshine, and sea breezes. Festivities can continue outdoors thanks to a deep heated gunite pool and an alluring pergola—added during the most recent expansion—with an open-air kitchen, a fireplace, a living area, and dining space for up to 14. Further afield on the 1.7-acre grounds is a tennis and pickleball court. Landscaping by celebrated designer Vickie Cardaro added enchanting pollinator gardens and carefully chosen native coastal flora. This idyllic setting, which includes 175 feet of frontage of Gardiners Bay, helps the estate accomplish one of the core goals of modernism, beloved by Jaffe and discerning aficionados the world over: the creation of harmony, well-being, and sustainability by uniting a home with its environment. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com

Snow Homes in the Most Stunning Winter Landscapes

Why simply holiday in your favorite ski resort when you can embrace high-end mountain living and make it a home? Emma Reynolds reports Megève, France | Megève Sotheby’s International Realty With ski season officially underway for 2026, winter sports enthusiasts are scattering to mountain destinations across the globe for perfect pistes, picturesque views and an array of outdoor recreation options. Canada and the U.S., Japan, the European Alps and, increasingly, Eastern Europe, are just some of the regions where ski lovers will be making their snowy escapes. And while there are dozens of five-star hotels and chalets in which to spend a winter vacation, luxury buyers are increasingly discovering the benefits of purchasing property in a ski-focused locale. “Ultimate access to the outdoors is one of the most meaningful benefits of owning a home in these places,” says Austin DePree, co-founder of the architecture firm Northworks, with offices across the U.S, including Aspen, Colorado. “These homes become more than somewhere to rest,” DePree adds. “They’re places to gather, to bring friends and family into an experience, and to share a way of living that’s deeply tied to landscape. Owning a home removes the pressure of trying to maximize every moment during a short stay and allows you to be more present.” Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy | Italy Sotheby’s International Realty This year, the 2026 Winter Games will take place from February 6-22 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, which also hosted the event in 1956. Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Dolomites,” the Northern Italian resort of Cortina is part of the Dolomiti Superski area. Season after season, jet-setters descend on the town for its upscale lifestyle and nostalgic European glamor (think Slim Aarons photographs from the 1960s and 1970s). Known for its alpine-style chalets and midcentury-modern design, Cortina has flair in abundance. A 1950-built home in one of the area’s most exclusive pockets is situated in a large private park that contributes to its quiet and refined appeal. The property has 11 bedrooms and nine bathrooms, cozy yet refined interiors, a panoramic terrace, indoor pool, fitness room and large garage with a heated snow avenue. “We’re seeing an increased emphasis on comfort, durability and wellness-driven amenities,” says DePree of mountain-based builds. “Radiant heating throughout the home, including garages, mudrooms and primary bathrooms, has become nearly essential. Saunas, steam showers, cold plunge rooms and fitness spaces are increasingly common, reflecting how closely these homes are tied to active lifestyles.” Megève, France | Megève Sotheby’s International Realty Chalet Ischia, in the high-end ski spot of Megève in the French Alps, is a case in point. As well as its seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms, this traditional chalet home has a dedicated wellness area with a hammam, ample space for exercise equipment, and an indoor pool that opens to the outdoors with floor-to-ceiling windows maintaining the connection to nature. Megève, meanwhile, blends aristocratic heritage and an old-world feel with Michelin-starred restaurants and designer boutiques. Materiality plays a key role in today’s luxury ski properties, says DePree, with many clients gravitating toward natural, tactile materials inspired by a property’s location. At Chalet Ischia, exposed wood beams, reclaimed wooden flooring and walls, and custom stonework all contribute to the authentic aesthetic. Most importantly of all, the property is located right on the slopes of La Princesse with direct ski access. Donnelly, Idaho | Group One Sotheby’s International Realty Ski-in/ski-out properties are highly sought-after no matter the location, and in Donnelly, Idaho, an 8,000 sq ft estate delivers. The sprawling mountainside home within the resort of Tamarack is situated on a peak named Sugar Loaf with direct access to one of the area’s most challenging slopes. A contemporary five-bedroom house designed by award-winning architect Dale Jones-Evans, it includes an 800-bottle wine cellar, integrated sound system, sauna and outdoor fireplace. Such properties promote wellness beyond their luxury amenities, says DePree—they offer the opportunity to unplug from urban routines into a healthier, more intentional lifestyle. “These environments naturally encourage movement, time outside and a closer relationship with daylight, weather and seasonality,” he explains. “There’s a mental clarity that comes from living in places where the built environment feels secondary to the landscape. These homes serve as a retreat that supports both activity and rest.” From Milan to Mexico City, here’s where you’ll really want to be in 2026

Where You’ll Really Want to Be in 2026

From Milan to Mexico City, these are the luxury locations to head to this year, writes Francesca Perry Mexico City, Mexico | Mexico Sotheby’s International Realty Looking ahead, a number of exciting, high-profile events and openings will animate cultural hotspots around the globe in 2026—but where are the biggest draws? Whether you’re a fan of sports, contemporary art or collectible design, here are our picks of the places to set your sights on this year, each with its own real estate landscape, full of opportunities. Milan, Italy Milan, Italy | Italy Sotheby’s International Realty Forever a center of fashion and design, Milan will also co-host the Winter Olympics this February along with the Alpine ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo. Music icon Mariah Carey will reportedly perform at the opening ceremony in Milan on February 6, and the city is set to host the ice sport events. Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, an arena designed by David Chipperfield Architects for the event, will become a large-scale sports and entertainment venue after the Games conclude.In spring, the agenda-setting Salone del Mobile furniture fair returns (April 21‑26) with a new section dedicated to the very best of collectible design. Named Salone Raritas, the presentation reflects the growing culture of curated, crafted and unique design objects and furniture. Beyond the fair, the entire city comes to life for the week, dotted with exhibitions and installations showcasing the pinnacle of luxury and emerging design. Doha, Qatar Doha, Qatar | Qatar Sotheby’s International Realty Qatar’s capital, Doha, will welcome the inaugural edition of the Art Basel fair in the region on February 5, reflecting the city’s growing cultural prowess. Curated by artistic director Wael Shawky, Art Basel Qatar will present 87 world-leading galleries alongside a special projects program of large-scale, site-specific sculptures, installations and performances unfolding across the Msheireb Downtown Doha district. Shawky hopes that, under the curatorial banner of Becoming, the fair will be “a meditation on change.” In the Gulf region, he says, “oral traditions flow into digital networks and ancient trade routes return as new pathways of culture and exchange. Here, art is not only a witness to history but a force that shapes how we imagine and reimagine identity.”Two months later, the city will host the second edition of the Design Doha Biennale (April 12‑June 30), exploring the creativity of designers in the Middle East and beyond. American curator and writer Glenn Adamson, curatorial director of December’s Design Miami, is artistic director here, and aims to connect the Gulf’s design scene to a global audience. Mexico City, Mexico Mexico City, Mexico | Mexico Sotheby’s International Realty The 2026 Men’s Fifa World Cup has not one host nation but three—Mexico, Canada and the U.S.—with 104 games being held in 16 cities across the North American continent this summer. But when the action kicks off on June 11, the tournament’s opening ceremony and first game of the group stages will be held at the iconic Mexico City Stadium. Designed in 1966 by Mexican modernist architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez for the then upcoming 1968 Olympics, the 83,000 capacity, earthquake-resistant venue is said to have been inspired by London’s original Wembley Stadium and Milan’s San Siro, and has already hosted two World Cup finals—in 1970 and 1986 respectively.Several months before the soccer fans descend, CDMX will be welcoming gallerists, artists and collectors for the always buzzy Zona Maco (February 4-8). Latin America’s leading international art fair is actually four fairs in one, platforming contemporary art, design, photography and antiques from galleries across the region to the world. London, U.K. Notting Hill, London | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty Two major museums will arrive in London in 2026: V&A East and the London Museum. The former sees the expansion of the design and decorative arts-focused Victoria & Albert Museum, which already has three destinations in the U.K. capital, as well as one in the city of Stoke-on-Trent and one in Dundee, Scotland. Located in east London’s evolving Olympic Park, V&A East is designed by Dublin firm O’Donnell + Tuomey. After opening on April 18, it will host major exhibitions, as well as festivals, installations and live performances. The London Museum opens later in the year, in central London’s historic Smithfield Market, to a design by architects Asif Khan and Stanton Williams. A rebrand and relocation of the former Museum of London, this new destination will host exhibitions and events about the city, its culture and history. As ever, London is also home to some of the global cultural calendar’s key moments, from fashion weeks in February and September to the London Design Festival (September 12-20) and Frieze art fair (October 14-18). Seoul, South Korea Paris’ iconic modern art museum, Centre Pompidou, may be closed for renovations, but in May 2026, an outpost will open in the South Korean capital of Seoul. Named Centre Pompidou x Hanwha-Seoul, the gallery is located in Tower 63, a skyscraper in the financial district of Yeouido that is being transformed by leading French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. Exhibitions of the Pompidou’s modern and contemporary collections will be accompanied by an educational area for young visitors. Seoul, already a thriving capital city and hub of K-pop music, has been expanding its cultural offering over the past five years, becoming a leading Asian destination. The Photography Seoul Museum of Art opened its doors in May 2025. Frieze art fair, which made its Seoul debut in 2022, returns in 2026 for its fifth edition (September 2‑5) having recently opened its new permanent exhibition space in the city, Frieze House Seoul. Not far from that cultural hub, apartments at “La Terrasse” offer verdant terraces with panoramic views of the Han River—and plenty of wall space for an avid art collector. As fashion week season approaches again, which is the world’s most stylish city?

Inside the Palms House Estate

Award-winning architect Kevin Daly—an acolyte of the late Frank Gehry—composed this avant-garde compound in Venice, California, creating an enclave ideal for multigenerational living and today’s desirable work-from-home lifestyle. Over the last half decade, the concepts of multigenerational estates and a work-from-home lifestyle have emerged as significant real estate trends. Such arrangements—carefully considered and implemented—can reduce expenses, increase efficiency, balance privacy and togetherness, and allow for emotional connection, caregiving, and the creation of a lasting legacy. With these notions in mind, award-winning architect Kevin Daly—an acolyte of the late Frank Gehry—composed an avant-garde compound just a short walk from the shops, restaurants, famed canals, bohemian boardwalk, and sunny, sandy beach of Venice, California. Venice, California | Simon Beardmore | Sotheby’s International Realty – Brentwood Brokerage The primary residence—spanning 3,400 square feet—is composed of stalwart concrete pillars, a swath of glass, and architectural “screens” of warm wood. Highlights include four bedrooms, polished concrete floors, and a streamlined kitchen giving way to an inviting patio. The second home—a 2,200-square-foot three-bedroom stucco abode—features upper levels wrapped in folded origami-esque screens of perforated metal that filter sunlight and provide subtle privacy while framing views of trees and sky; three bedrooms, an open-plan living and dining area, a colorful kitchen opening to a courtyard with a living plant wall, and a primary bedroom with its own deck and a steamshower are among its hallmarks. The accompanying 510-square-foot pied-à-terre provides an additional bedroom and bath, a living area with a dual-sided fireplace, a deck with view from on high, and a private entrance. Soaring ceilings, fireplaces, and radiant in-floor heating are among the elements found throughout. The configuration of the three homes around a central courtyard garden can create a seamless work-life balance or allow the residents of each building to remain both independent and intimate, as desired. Beyond a swimming pool surrounded by Heath Ceramics tiles are an impossibly green lawn; vibrant landscaping; terrace spaces designed for gathering, conversation, and entertaining; three alfresco fireplaces; a sports court; and an open-air shower. The property has also been outfitted with state-of-the-art security systems—a prime example of Daly’s dedication to modernity, convenience, and pure peace of mind. The architect and his firm have established a global reputation for advancing the use of all things contemporary in everyday life, and clearly, they have accomplished this here, at this eye-catching enclave, a one-of-a-kind escape in one of California’s most colorful destinations and cultural meccas. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com

Inside a Harmonious, Holistic Wine Country Compound

With its refined living spaces, impressive outdoor areas, and desirable systems that allow for off-grid capability, this exceptional, sustainable estate near Yountville harmonizes architecture and interiors with the idyllic landscape. Visionary architect Holder Parlette has made a name for himself with a holistic approach to home design, dedicating his efforts to uniting architecture, interiors, and landscape while maintaining a focus on sustainability. One of Parlette’s most recent achievements, this exceptional sustainable residence on 6.7 acres just minutes from the enchanting wine country town of Yountville perfectly exemplifies those harmonious aims with its 8,600 square feet of refined living space—incluidng a two-bedroom guesthouse—impressive outdoor areas, and desirable systems that allow for off-grid capability. Every material and detail has been carefully considered, from artfully used stone in a variety of tones and textures to robust, highly secure Reynaers sliding doors and expansive walls of glass that create seamless transitions from home to landscape. Napa, California | Ginger Martin | Sotheby’s International Realty – St. Helena Brokerage The centerpiece is an open-plan great room that includes soigné living and dining areas bookended by a striking gas fireplace and a unique “wine wall” as well as a charming chef’s kitchen with an island, superior-caliber appliances, and ample counter and cabinet space. These often sleek, streamlined interiors are delightfully contrasted by the pastoral surroundings, and nearly every space—whether public or private—has an outdoor counterpart or complement in the form of a terrace or balcony. Views, openness, and light are paramount here. Among the six serene bedrooms, the compound cleverly includes two owner’s suites, one of which features an exceptionally spacious closet and dressing room and a bath with walls of glass that afford vistas—particularly from the sculptural soaking tub—of the idyllic setting and majestic mountains. Even the home gym and office enjoy outlooks that transform the surrounding greenery into dynamic, inspiring art. In a relaxed upper-level living area and a media and billiards room with a wet bar and wine chiller, glorious natural light floods in, and high ceilings further the sense of delightful airiness. Commercial-grade integrated smart home systems and a 12.5-kilowatt solar array ensure virtually uninterrupted comfort, convenience, and peace of mind. A variety of shaded and open-air alfresco living and dining areas—as well as bar seating and a well-equipped outdoor kitchen—accompany the main residence and guesthouse. Heaters, ceiling fans, fire pits, and fireplaces help maintain a pleasant temperature year-round. Beyond are an alluring swimming pool and a separate spa, garden beds, and—outside the four-car garage—a generous motor court offering abundant parking accented by a landscaped water feature. Some four acres of professionally farmed vineyards sit on the verge of the manicured grounds, creating a perimeter of emerald that draws the eye outward, toward the Mayacama and Vaca Mountains and the dreamy blue skies of California wine country. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com

The Design Trends to Look Forward to in 2026

From natural materials to climate-resilient architecture, the design trends shaping 2026 reflect a shift towards sensitive, responsive living, writes Mandi Keighran Byron Bay, Australia | Byron Bay Sotheby’s International Realty Looking back, 2025 will likely be remembered as a year of unease and acceleration. Environmental challenges became harder to ignore, cultural and political divisions deepened, and technology became ever more ingrained in our everyday life. Against this backdrop of a world in flux, the design trends emerging for 2026 feel refreshingly grounded. There is a clear shift toward homes that prioritize natural materials, crafted finishes and a sense of connection to landscape and how we live now. What unites each of the trends explored here is a growing desire for a more human response to this changing world. Natural materials Mexico City, Mexico | Mexico Sotheby’s International Realty One of the most dominant design shifts heading into 2026 is a renewed emphasis on natural materials. Stone and timber are being used to create richly tactile residences that feel connected to the land, and as they age, these materials only become more beautiful. AA315, in Mexico City’s Lomas de Chapultepec, is an impressive example. Designed by Bernardi + Peschard with interiors by Gloria Cortina, the residence is defined by a palette of stone, timber and metal. Think Swiss larch and Macassar ebony joinery and cladding, expansive marble surfaces, and a sculptural staircase crafted by local woodworker Simón Hamui. “Natural materials are an extension of ourselves—a reminder of where we came from,” says Cortina. “Favor them always.” Craftsmanship Byron Bay, Australia | Byron Bay Sotheby’s International Realty There is also a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship, particularly bespoke, place-specific work that reflects local skills and traditions. In a world where mass production has become the default, celebrating the human hand can lend homes a depth and individuality that cannot be replicated. Lo Scoglio, perched on a crest in Coopers Shoot near Byron Bay, Australia, exemplifies this approach. Conceived as a contemporary reinterpretation of a Sicilian masseria (rural estate), the main villa and guest house are united in their sensitive use of craft—from hand-chipped limestone walls, century-old hardwood floor and terracotta finishes to brass details sourced through Tigmi Trading. In a contemporary take on crafted luxury, the estate blends these artisanal details with modern systems, including solar power and rainwater harvesting. Future-proofing Calistoga, California | Sotheby’s International Realty – St. Helena Brokerage As climate volatility becomes an unavoidable reality, future-proofing has emerged as a core design consideration. In 2026, this increasingly means homes that incorporate resilient materials and construction techniques capable of withstanding environmental extremes. In some cases, that means looking to the past for solutions. At a modern sanctuary in Calistoga, California, designed by Signum Architecture, both shou sugi ban—an ancient Japanese timber-charring technique—and stained cedar have been used to create an exterior cladding that offers natural resistance to fire and insects. Combined with concrete and expansive glazing, the palette is a sophisticated balance of durability and material warmth. “This home occupies sensitive terrain that called for a design solution that is both sustainable and fire resistant,” says Jarrod Denton, partner at Signum. “Our approach was holistic.” Statement glazing Athens, Greece | Greece Sotheby’s International Realty As we move into 2026, glazing is taking on a more expressive role, moving beyond transparency to become a defining architectural feature used to frame landscapes, heighten spatial drama, and reinforce the relationship between inside and out. Orama, a private residence in Vouliagmeni on the Athens Riviera in Greece, is a dazzling showcase of glazing ingenuity. Designed by ISV Architects, the four-level home is wrapped in expansive glass facades that capture sweeping views of the Aegean. Inside, tall ceilings and full-height glass walls flood the interiors with light, making the coastal setting as much a design feature as the finishes and furniture. Energy passivity Bluffdale, Utah | Summit Sotheby’s International Realty Sustainability standards continue to rise, with energy passivity the benchmark rather than the exception in 2026. As a result, passive house principles, once associated with modest dwellings, are now being applied at an ambitious scale, nowhere more so than in a 15,000-square-foot home in Bluffdale, Utah built by Cross Construction. The sprawling home, which has earned recognition as the world’s largest certified single-family passive house, is powered by geothermal and solar energy. It also features triple-pane Alpen windows and continuous filtered fresh air. This mix of luxury living and ambitious design is a powerful blueprint for sustainability at any scale. “Passive homes matter today because they allow luxury to perform at a higher level,” says Alex Cross, CEO of Cross Construction. “When executed properly, they deliver a healthier, quieter, and more comfortable living experience, preserving the luxury you may never see, but always feel.” Rooted in the local Hudson Valley, New York | William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty Expect a renewed commitment in 2026 to homes that are deeply rooted in place, celebrating the unique attributes of a particular site and breaking away from a generic approach to the built form. A forthcoming residence in New York’s Hudson Valley by Kushner Studios—playfully titled Falling Rocks in a nod to Frank Lloyd Wright—embodies this ethos. Set in a landscape shaped by ancient glacial activity, the six-level home has a bold form inspired by these local geological forces. “Every foot of land is unique—sacred even—and thus worthy of consideration,” says Adam Kushner, president of Kushner Studios and owner of Falling Rocks. “It is the role of the architect to make the most of these opportunities, to create a narrative and propose a unique way of living.” In conversation with Kulapat Yantrasast, the art world’s go-to architect

Significant Sales: November 2025 Highlights

default " src="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195939_0918_D-1024x683.jpg" alt="Home in Osterville, Massachusetts" class="wp-image-345702" srcset="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195939_0918_D-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195939_0918_D-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195939_0918_D-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195939_0918_D-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195939_0918_D-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195939_0918_D-1200x800.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" From a US$56M sale in Portola Valley, California, to a CHF 22M sale in Zermatt, Switzerland, here are nine sales represented by the Sotheby’s International Realty global network in November. Portola Valley, California Chris Iverson | Golden Gate International Realty, US$56M View properties in Portola Valley, California Aspen, Colorado Mandy Welgos| Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty, US$45.55M View properties in Aspen, Colorado Zermatt, Switzerland Oliver Herweg| Stieger & Cie Sotheby’s International Realty, CHF 22M View properties in Zermatt, Switzerland Bronte, Australia James Ball, Edward Quince| Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty, AUD$18M View properties in Greater Sydney, Australia Cambridge, Massachusetts Lauren Holleran, George Ballantyne| Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty, US$18M View properties in Cambridge, Massachusetts Milan, Italy Barbara Legnani| Italy Sotheby’s International Realty, €11M View properties in Milan, Italy Coral Gables, Florida default " src="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Coral-Gables-1024x768.jpg" alt="Home in Coral Gables, Florida" class="wp-image-345701" srcset="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Coral-Gables-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Coral-Gables-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Coral-Gables-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Coral-Gables-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Coral-Gables-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Coral-Gables-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Coral-Gables-800x600.jpg 800w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Coral-Gables-600x450.jpg 600w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Coral-Gables-400x300.jpg 400w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Coral-Gables-200x150.jpg 200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" Sebastian Acosta, Banna Fakhoury | ONE Sotheby’s International Realty, US$11.225M View properties in Coral Gables, Florida Osterville, Massachusetts default " src="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195355_0905_D-1024x683.jpg" alt="Home in Osterville, Massachusetts" class="wp-image-345704" srcset="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195355_0905_D-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195355_0905_D-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195355_0905_D-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195355_0905_D-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195355_0905_D-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DJI_20250611195355_0905_D-1200x800.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" Gene Orloff | Sotheby’s International Realty – Osterville Brokerage, US$10.5M View properties in Osterville, Massachusetts Tokyo, Japan Sara Takano| List Sotheby’s International Realty, Japan, JPY1.6B View properties in Tokyo, Japan Discover previous editions of Significant Sales on the blog

Color Chart: The Joys of a Bright Red Home

Our monthly series asks: How do you bring color into a luxury home? With plenty of heritage, bold red gets people talking, writes Jill Krasny Canaan, New York | William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty Ever walk into a home and feel uplifted? Or more relaxed? It may be the colors in the design scheme at play. Whereas orange is energizing and blue feels soothing, bright red, which our series on color in luxury home design turns to next, elicits stronger emotions. “People fall into a love-or-hate camp with red more than any other color, even orange,” says Lisa Shaffer, chief executive and creative director of Lisa & Leroy, an interior design firm based in Washington, D.C. “It really is the most energetic of all the primary colors.” It also has deep cultural associations. Stockholm, Sweden | Sweden Sotheby’s International Realty In Sweden, where “Falun red” cabins trimmed in white dot the countryside, the paint—initially made in the 16th century using byproducts from copper mines—has come to symbolize the nation’s heritage. A former rectory, 20 minutes from downtown Stockholm, has lots of orange undertones in its warm red exterior, says Shaffer, which the terracotta roof helps draw out. The bright white millwork also makes the color striking, she says, while the blue of the nearby water helps set it off. “It almost acts like an accent,” she says of the red shade. Snowmass Village, Colorado | Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty Set on 102 picturesque acres between Aspen and Snowmass Village in Colorado, Brush Creek Ranch has a similarly red exterior, albeit in a bluer shade. Here, the navy shutters pick up the undertones of the color, Shaffer says, modernizing the home in a cheerful way. “It’s not a combination you see a lot,” she says, noting the unconventional choice of orange for the door and porch chairs. But the complementary navy of the shutters ties it all together, she adds. Canaan, New York | William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty Pierce Peak, a sleek “barndominium” property in Canaan, New York, that won architects Burr and McCallum the AIA award, turns the farmhouse archetype on its head. “Yes, it’s red,” Shaffer says, “but they asked: ‘How can we elevate this?’ and they chose a rust red, which I think is so pretty.” The clean lines—no porches or ornate gables here—and picture windows keep things modern. The warm color also appears in the covered porch and the barn, which can be seen through the windows. “You wouldn’t typically see a red floor in a large format,” says Shaffer, but paired with industrial lights and beams, here it just works. South Kensington, London | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty Red walls are commonplace in Victorian homes on both sides of the Atlantic, but the colorful reception room of this period apartment in South Kensington, London, exudes a contemporary charm. The furniture is kept relatively neutral to prevent the red from overwhelming, says Shaffer. And painting the ceiling “a nice fresh white” makes the space seem larger. “There’s a real misnomer out there that when you do a bolder color, the room feels smaller,” she says. “When you take a color that bold all the way up to the ceiling, it really makes the room feel expansive.” Also helpful? The large windows with blue shutters and casing. Explore more of our Color Chart series, from crowd-pleasing dark blue to zingy orange

Inside a Pedigreed Penthouse in San Francisco

Atop a 1920s building in prestigious Pacific Heights, this sophisticated penthouse endures as an impressive showcase for art collections and a private perch for appreciating unparalleled views of the city and the bay. In the 1940s, a family of prominent philanthropists and art collectors enlisted designers to customize the penthouse atop of the grand, classically detailed 1920s building at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Laguna Street. In the 1990s, an esteemed designer spearheaded a modernization for new owners, widening hallways and opening the public spaces, capitalizing on the views and increasing the airy, gallery-like qualities. More recently, Sean Bailey Design and FORMA Construction led a two-year rejuvenation, integrating handsome walnut paneling, hidden infrastructure, 11-foot ceilings, radiant in-floor heating, and thoughtfully positioned programmable lighting. San Francisco, California | Stacey Caen, Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage Although nearly a century has passed since the building and its penthouse were constructed, this 5,198-square-foot home has been expertly updated and transformed for consummate modern living. A luminous, urbane quality is paramount; vistas continue to impress; and an ambience of timeless elegance endures. Given that very few Pre-War penthouses of such grand scale and style remain in San Francisco, this residence represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of the city’s distinctive history. Today, most rooms in the home still benefit from walls ideal for the display of art and an unrivaled view that sweeps from the Golden Gate Bridge to the East Bay—with the Palace of Fine Arts and the city skyline in between. The captivating public spaces encourage sophisticated festivities: two alluring living areas—one with a gas fireplace—and a formal dining room with herringbone-patterned oak floors and brass bar with wine storage. Nearby, the eat-in kitchen, itself clad in rich woods, boasts a sizable marble-wrapped island, a glass-front refrigerator and cabinets, top-tier appliances, and a casual dining area with a postcard-worthy vista of the Palace of Fine Arts and the Golden Gate Bridge. Nearby is an enviable walk-in pantry with a wide variety of storage options and useful counter space. The private quarters—which include two peaceful guest suites and a fitness room—are secluded in a quiet wing. The inviting, light-filled primary suite features rich wood paneling, a contemporary gas fireplace, built-in bookshelves, and a cushioned window seat perfect for appreciating the scenery. While the open closet and dressing area offers considerable cabinet and drawer space and an island, the luxurious bath delights with a dual-sink vanity, a spacious glass- and marble-walled shower, heated marble floors, and two discreet water closets. The office has a professional air and outlook, gazing toward the skyline—including the Transamerica Pyramid—and the Bay Bridge. Other highlights include a wine room, a service elevator, a stylish powder room, a systems room, and a generous windowed laundry room with seating, shelving, and storage nooks. Enjoying such amenities as doorman service, parking, and secure storage along with a fashionable location near Lafayette Park and the shops and restaurants of Fillmore Street, this residence remains the jewel in the crown of one of San Francisco’s most significant addresses. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com

Sense and Sellability: Dreamy Jane Austen-Style Properties

The author’s 250th anniversary is the perfect time to celebrate the Regency era’s elegant design cues, writes Florence Hallett Worcestershire, England | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty “To sit in idleness over a good fire in a well-proportioned room is a luxurious sensation,” Jane Austen once wrote to her sister, perfectly encapsulating the combination of refinement, comfort and simplicity that gives Georgian architecture and interiors their timeless appeal. As fans of the novelist mark the 250th anniversary of her birth this December, enthusiasm for everything Austen shows no sign of slowing. Another much-anticipated adaptation of “Pride & Prejudice” comes to Netflix in the new year. Starring Jack Lowden as Mr Darcy and Emma Corrin as Elizabeth Bennet, it’s bound to set a new generation of bonnet ribbons fluttering.Pemberley, Mansfield Park, Donwell Abbey—cradled in the English countryside, the fictional backdrops to Austen’s masterful social satires are sparingly described, but as alluring as her heroines. “Stepping into a Jane Austen-style home is to enter a world of understated elegance and refined social theatre,” says Amy Boyington, architectural historian and author of “Hidden Patrons: Women and Architectural Patronage in Georgian Britain.” Worcestershire, England | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty Ombersley Court, Worcestershire, built for the first Lord Sandys in around 1730, has a storied Regency history to match the magnificent architecture of its galleried grand hall, oak paneling and library. The Duke of Wellington was a notable visitor, invited to recuperate here following the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, explains Andrew Barnes of United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty. “To mark this important moment in European history, the Duke’s bedroom on the first floor of the property has been left unchanged ever since,” Barnes adds. “It still has the same silk wall coverings and curtains that were installed for his stay.” Leinster, Ireland | Lisney Sotheby’s International Realty It’s a style that has consistently inspired contemporary architects and designers. Ashleigh House, built deep in the glorious countryside of County Kildare, Ireland, in 2002, combines the clean lines and perfect proportions of Georgian living with modern standards of comfort and convenience, including a home cinema, fitness centre and courtyard guest house.The neo-Georgian architecture of 550 Round Hill Road in Greenwich, Connecticut, similarly offers exactly the sort of “large, well-proportioned room, handsomely fitted up” that Elizabeth Bennet famously admires at Mr Darcy’s Pemberley. Combining cozy family spaces and more formal rooms, it brings the spirit of Regency England to a contemporary American home. In homes he has designed for collectors, Yantrasast carefully balances the needs of art with the owner’s lifestyle. “You don’t want to expose a priceless art collection to the salt air, but you also don’t want to live in a house where you cannot open a window,” he says. The art, he adds, shouldn’t “overwhelm the living.” Greenwich, Connecticut | Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage The expectation of regular hosting is key to all these design schemes, as it was in Austen’s time. “The interiors are sumptuous in their lightness and attention to detail, designed specifically for elegant entertaining,” says Boyington of a typical Georgian home. “Looking up, one will find soaring high ceilings often finished with delicate plasterwork and ornate cornices,” she adds. “The walls themselves are transformed into elegant backdrops, typically clothed in pale pastel colours, whether through carefully chosen, subtle wallpapers or rich, delicate silken fabrics. And the beautiful fireplaces, which act as a focal point for each room, are exquisitely decorated with classical motifs.” New York, New York | Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage Meanwhile, a true flight of fancy in the heart of Manhattan, 525 Park Avenue is a jewel of pre-war elegance with a dash of “Regencycore,” as it’s more recently become known. With 10-foot-high ceilings, crown moldings and raised doorways, the palatial interior of this 12-room condominium is opulent yet intimate, as suited to formal entertaining as to family life. What’s more, the aptly named Regency Hotel is to be found just across the street. “Neither gaudy nor uselessly fine”—to borrow Elizabeth’s words—it strikes just the right balance between splendor and elegance. Might even Lady Catherine de Bourgh approve? From Austen to Shakespeare: live out your bardian fantasy in these picturesque homes

Collecting Focus: Holiday Gifting

Find an expertly curated edit of one-off collectables with Sotheby’s Buy Now option, from watches and jewels to rare children’s books, writes Katie Armstrong A holiday bauble celebrating Sotheby’s new headquarters at the Breuer Building, New York. Photograph: Sotheby’s The holiday season is here, and with it, the joys and challenges of gift-buying. Choosing a thoughtful gift can come with a good deal of pressure, and finding a high-quality, considered option for the lover of finer things can feel overwhelming. Buy Now—Sotheby’s online curated collection—is the antidote to these holiday stresses. From handbags and jewelry to contemporary art and rare books, the platform has plenty to browse and, like any other sale, each selection is handpicked by Sotheby’s specialists. The difference: all items are offered at a fixed price, available immediately, taking away the uncertainty of the auction process. Perfect for those last-minute purchases. The 2004 F.P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance, available to purchase through Sotheby’s Buy Now. Photograph: Sotheby’s Watches can be a classic choice of gift for all ages and demographics. “There are great pieces that appeal to a variety of collectors,” says Maximilian Traber, assistant vice president, associate specialist and head of fine watches auctions at Sotheby’s New York. “Some people collect only Rolex or Patek Philippe and some only buy high-quality, complicated movements from independent brands. That’s what’s so fun about the size of the sales and our Buy Now offerings. We sell all sorts of watches to all sorts of collectors.” The 2025 festive facade of Sotheby’s London on New Bond Street, Mayfair. Photograph: Sotheby’s The prices of these timepieces range widely, from an elegant Cartier available at US$5,500 to an F. P. Journe Chronomètre à Résonance at just over half a million dollars. Despite the wealth of options and price points, choosing can still be a tricky decision. “People wear a watch every day so it’s inextricably linked to them, and there’s something quite sentimental about that,” says Traber. “They are often gifts for momentous occasions. Watches really travel with you in that sense and become an important part of your life.” A rare early edition of “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter. Photograph: Sotheby’s Watches are drawing an increasingly younger buyer base, he adds. “I think around a third of our collectors are millennials,” Traber says. “Watches run the age range, and over the past several years women have really come into the market as collectors too.” But if timepieces aren’t your gift of choice, Buy Now has no shortage of other options. A 1905 edition of The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter could be the perfect addition to a young relative’s bookshelf, especially coming in at under US$1,000. Or for the music lover in your life, a rare set of The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover photograph negatives is also available for immediate purchase. Buy Now also hosts a range of stunning high jewelry, perfect for the sparkly season. This platinum, gold, Burmese ruby and diamond necklace is sure to turn heads at a holiday party. A stunning platinum and gold necklace, with oval shaped Burmese rubies and accented by round brilliant cut diamonds. Photograph: Sotheby’s When all is said and done, the care and thought behind a gift is what ultimately matters this season, regardless of budget. Watches are the perfect case in point. “I know people who wear a Casio every day and people who wear perpetual calendars,” says Traber, “and both make them happy. That’s what’s special.” Our Collecting Focus series features expert advice on jewelry, watches, wine, rare whisky, historic books, music memorabilia, fashion history, natural history and modern prints

Inside a Getaway in Southampton’s Fordune Estate

Simultaneously relaxed and elegant, this 7,500-square-foot modern home—along with a 40-foot heated swimming pool, a spa, and a pool house—is one of a very few residences that today occupy the prestigious Fordune Estate, founded by a scion of American icon Henry Ford. For more than a century, Southampton has drawn prominent members of society as well as distinguished dynasties—one of the most notable being the family of Henry Ford II, grandson to the magnate and pioneer of the American automotive industry. Known familiarly as Hank the Deuce, Ford II established his family’s 250-acre oceanfront compound—today widely known as the Fordune Estate—in 1960, encompassing Channel Pond and other smaller inlets near Mecox Bay and the dunes and sandy shoreline of Flying Point Beach. Southampton, New York| Harald Grant, Sotheby’s International Realty – Southampton Brokerage Simultaneously relaxed and elegant, this distinctive 7,500-square-foot modern home—joined by a 40-foot heated gunite pool, a spa, and a pool house—is one of a very few residences that today occupy the prestigious compound, ideally sited on 3.9 acres of the original 250. Characterized by generous scale, minimalist modern hues, an airy openness, and water views in nearly every direction, it is a serene, sophisticated oasis in a setting that is both powerful and peaceful, inextricably linked with its coveted surroundings. A double-height foyer with a gracefully curving staircase introduces the stylish, light-flooded interiors, flowing to a great room with a marble-wrapped fireplace and three sets of French doors giving way to a full-length covered terrace. The adjoining family room is warmed by its own fireplace and also enjoys direct access to the outdoors. A formal dining room is steps from a generous, welcoming chef’s kitchen and breakfast area featuring stainless-steel appliances and deep blue-gray hues and hardwood floors that create an air of coziness and comfort. A guest suite on the main level opens through French doors to the pool terrace. The remaining private quarters are secluded on the upper level—among them a primary suite that offers a sitting area with a fireplace, dual walk-in closets, and two bright baths, one boasting a soaking tub, a spacious marble-and-glass shower, and French doors to a deck with a water vista. In addition to the three additional guest suites, a highly versatile loft above the three-car garage includes a central fireplace, a living area, and space for at least two beds—all facing the water and reveling in the picturesque view. As is perennially true in the Hamptons, the home encourages indoor-outdoor living. Facilitating alfresco activities are frontage on Channel Pond, a refreshing pool and spa, and a pool house with a covered porch, a changing room, and a full bath. Water, in fact, is within view in nearly every direction, shimmering in sun and star light, the distant waves of the Atlantic beach creating a soothing soundtrack. Contributing to the sense of peace and quietude is a distinct lack of street traffic, although the estate nonetheless benefits from effortless proximity to premier golf courses as well as the shops, restaurants, and cultural destinations of Southampton Village. The prospect of owning a historic property has an undying appeal, particularly for those who cherish unique architectural elements, a bond with a particular place, and a sense of provenance. The Fordune Estate represents just such a rare opportunity: this home and two neighboring residences may be acquired together, creating a compound of nearly nine acres, continuing on a more modest scale the Ford family’s tradition of a life lived in consummate privacy and convenience in one of the world’s most desirable locations. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com

Kulapat Yantrasast on Being the Art World’s Go-To Architect

Ahead of the opening of Dib Bangkok, its Thai-born architect    talks connection, comfort and concrete with Francesca Perry Dib Bangkok, Thailand’s first contemporary art museum, features a sawtooth roof and a cone-shaped gallery named “The Chapel.” Photograph: W Workspace. Courtesy of WHY Architecture In the world of top-tier art museums, Kulapat Yantrasast is a name on everyone’s lips. With his architecture firm, WHY, he designed the renovation of the Rockefeller Wing at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, which opened in May; and was selected by the Louvre in Paris to design the new Department of Byzantine and Eastern Christian Art, set to open in 2027. He is also lead architect for Thailand’s first contemporary art museum, Dib Bangkok, opening in December 2025. Such accolades build on a decades-long career. Thai-born Yantrasast learned his craft with Pritzker prize-winning Japanese architect Tadao Ando in Tokyo before moving to the U.S. and establishing WHY in 2004. The firm—now based between Los Angeles and New York—designs cultural and residential buildings, as well as landscape projects, but has earned a reputation for its museum work. “I always say that I’m the matchmaker between art and people,” explains Yantrasast. He loves museums as places of “empathy and understanding,” where people can learn about global culture. Whether for The Met or the Louvre, he designs spaces appropriate for the art and artifacts within, but instilled with a sense of place and comfort. “Most people feel intimidated by museums,” he says, “but I want people to feel confident to explore.” The first question Yantrasast asks potential clients is, “What makes you happy?” Photograph: Manfredi Gioacchini. Courtesy of WHY Architecture While working with storied New York and Paris institutions means innovating within set parameters, Yantrasast has enjoyed more free rein with Dib Bangkok. An initiative of the late Thai businessman Petch Osathanugrah, and featuring his vast collection, the museum aims to put contemporary art from Thailand and Southeast Asia “on the same level” as international art, says Yantrasast. The site is a 1980s warehouse in downtown Bangkok, reimagined by WHY as a space for art. Minimal, open and flexible, the cavernous structure balances precision and passion. “With new museums, I think it’s so important to have a sense of soul,” says Yantrasast. Nevertheless, he didn’t want the building to overpower its contents. “Artists don’t want to display their art within architecture that pretends to be sculpture,” he says. Yantrasast sees architecture’s greatest power in its ability to “host.” Flexibility and flow were priorities. “I love the feeling of togetherness and openness,” says Yantrasast. “I want people to be able to see each other.” This is an idea he returns to frequently: the architect—and architecture—as connector. Having lived and worked in Thailand and Japan, as well as the U.S., Yantrasast sees himself as a mixture between Japanese and Thai culture. “On one side, it’s extremely minimal, and on the Thai side, it’s very eclectic. I love both.” This Phuket home in Thailand, built in 2021, combines concrete and glass in harmonized contradictions. Photograph: SPACESHIFT STUDIO. Courtesy of WHY Architecture This blended approach comes alive most powerfully in his residential projects. “The first question I ask my potential clients is: ‘What makes you happy?’” Yantrasast says. “Designing someone’s house is, for me, like designing someone’s gown. It needs to reflect who they are. It has to be something they feel comfortable in.” Getting to know his clients is a vital part of crafting their ideal home. “When you design a house, you become a psychologist, because you have to,” he says. The kitchen, says Yantrasast, can often be the biggest challenge. Though some people want a showroom-style space, he gently pushes back. “I always ask: ‘Do you really want to live in a kitchen showroom?’ It looks nice but it doesn’t have life. Your kitchen has to reflect how you and your family relate to each other.” This personal focus is different to the way Yantrasast’s firm designs gallery spaces, despite the fact that many of WHY’s residential clients are collectors. “No one wants to live in a museum,” he says. “Everyone wants to live in a place that belongs to them.” In homes he has designed for collectors, Yantrasast carefully balances the needs of art with the owner’s lifestyle. “You don’t want to expose a priceless art collection to the salt air, but you also don’t want to live in a house where you cannot open a window,” he says. The art, he adds, shouldn’t “overwhelm the living.” Yantrasast is a great collector himself, and learned how to navigate display and livability when designing his own home in Venice Beach, California. Having undertaken a long search for the perfect house, he realized he needed to build it himself. “I developed a lot more empathy for my clients, because I know how difficult it is,” he says. “If you want to design your own house, there’s at least 1,000 decisions you have to make.” Yantrasast’s Venice Beach house, built in 2021, is inspired by the work of Japanese modernists, with elements of Thai playfulness. Photograph: Richard Powers. Courtesy of WHY Architecture The resulting home is a modernist-inspired concrete structure: clean lines and open-plan living, with a flow of space between inside and out, and plenty of nooks for displaying objects. “I started to think about what makes me happy,” he says, “and that’s flexible space—a place for me to host and socialize. I wanted a pool, a garden, a dog; the whole American dream in my own little version.” The house is concrete because Yantrasast “loves” the material—perhaps an inevitable preference, having worked with the master of concrete, Ando, for so long. “I like the raw honesty of it. Concrete tells you how it’s made. It’s like a pound cake: there’s no decoration, no whipped cream.” Nevertheless, he doesn’t “worship at the church of concrete” either, noting that for the material to work in a home, the presence of light and nature is crucial. “Without that, it’s a bunker,” he says. He turned to the material for a house in Phuket, as well as a Malibu residence, in collaboration with Ando. Looking at these structures, it is easy to conclude that Yantrasast is a minimalist. Does he identify as one? “I definitely understand and appreciate minimalism, but I see limitations in it,” he says. Instead, he would like to be known as “the soulful minimalist.” He returns to the Japanese and Thai styles that influence him—a mix of “sushi and Pad Thai,” he says, smiling—and reflects on how he moved from Japan to the U.S. to enjoy more “variety and diversity.” Embracing his heritage, Yantrasast imagined this Chiang Mai residence as a leaf sheltering its inhabitant. Photograph: SPACESHIFT STUDIO. Courtesy of Why Architecture. Certainly, this variety plays out in a house he designed in Chiang Mai, Thailand. While some exposed concrete structure is present, the house is characterized by a large sweeping roof, covered in clay tiles and referencing traditional Thai architecture. It is filled with teak floors and surfaces. “Growing up in Bangkok, wood is such a big part of what I like to do—there’s a sense of warmth to it,” he says. Much like the curators of the great art institutions he designs for, Yantrasast carefully considers context, setting and experience. For him, life—not just priceless works—is the art that architecture serves to host. Read our spotlight on Bangkok, as the Thai capital undergoes a cultural and luxury renaissance

Luxury Lens: Where in the World Does $1M Buy the Most Space?

Home in Mauritius " data-medium-file="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Mauritius-300x200.jpg" data-large-file="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Mauritius-1024x683.jpg" /> Size matters. Sometimes. At least when it comes to luxury real estate. “Where $1 Million Buys the Most Space,” published by Realtor.com® on October 27, 2025, reveals that existing high-end U.S. homes priced at US$1-2M range significantly in size nationwide. At one end of the scale is Urban Honolulu, where US$1-2M typically buys 1,651 square feet of prime property. Occupying the other end is the metro area of Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell in Georgia, where the same budget secures a median 4,530 square feet—more than twice as much living space. As Anthony Smith, senior economist for Realtor.com, highlights, both options offer value; the choice depends on an individual buyer’s priorities and preferences. “Luxury buyers are increasingly seeking value—and that doesn’t always mean a lower price tag, but rather more home for the money,” says Smith of areas with bigger homes in this range. “In markets like Honolulu or the Bay Area, buyers are paying for proximity, views and prestige—not square footage,” he adds. So how do existing homes in key international locations measure up? With luxury real estate offices in more than 80 countries and territories worldwide, the Sotheby’s International Realty brand can expand the picture. Data from Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates in five prime property hotspots across five different continents shows that Cape Town, South Africa, offers the most spacious living, with US$1-2M typically buying 4,844 square feet, exceeding Atlanta’s median footprint. This is followed by São Paulo, Brazil (3,850 square feet), Auckland, New Zealand (1,732 square feet), Madrid, Spain (1,346 square feet), and Singapore (a diminutive but valuable 977 square feet). With its unrivalled global network, Sotheby’s International Realty understands that what defines a luxury home is unique to each buyer, and its affiliated agents are ready to help identify opportunity, wherever in the world their clients want to live. As Anthony Smith, senior economist for Realtor.com, highlights, both options offer value; the choice depends on an individual buyer’s priorities and preferences. “Luxury buyers are increasingly seeking value—and that doesn’t always mean a lower price tag, but rather more home for the money,” says Smith of areas with bigger homes in this range. “In markets like Honolulu or the Bay Area, buyers are paying for proximity, views and prestige—not square footage,” he adds. So how do existing homes in key international locations measure up? With luxury real estate offices in more than 80 countries and territories worldwide, Sotheby’s International Realty can expand the picture. Data from Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates in five prime property hotspots across five different continents shows that Cape Town, South Africa, offers the most spacious living, with US$1-2M typically buying 4,844 square feet, exceeding Atlanta’s median footprint. This is followed by São Paulo, Brazil (3,850 square feet), Auckland, New Zealand (1,732 square feet), Madrid, Spain (1,346 square feet), and Singapore (a diminutive but valuable 977 square feet). With its unrivalled global network, Sotheby’s International Realty understands that what defines a luxury home is unique to each buyer, and its affiliated agents are ready to help identify opportunity, wherever in the world their clients want to live. So how do existing homes in key international locations measure up? With luxury real estate offices in more than 80 countries and territories worldwide, Sotheby’s International Realty can expand the picture. Data from Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates in five prime property hotspots across five different continents shows that Cape Town, South Africa, offers the most spacious living, with US$1-2M typically buying 4,844 square feet, exceeding Atlanta’s median footprint. This is followed by São Paulo, Brazil (3,850 square feet), Auckland, New Zealand (1,732 square feet), Madrid, Spain (1,346 square feet), and Singapore (a diminutive but valuable 977 square feet). Cover Property: Riviere Du Rempart, Mauritius

Spotlight on Bangkok: Home to a Cultural and Luxury Renaissance

Thailand’s capital is riding a creative and cultural wave, with the world-class real estate and lifestyle to match, writes Lisa Gries Khlong Tan, Bangkok | List Sotheby’s International Realty In the 2025 World’s 50 Best Hotels ranking, two of the top three—the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok and Capella Bangkok—are in Thailand’s capital. Set along the Chao Phraya river, known as the “River of Kings,” these establishments reflect the city’s evolving identity. The waterway that once nurtured Thailand’s earliest civilizations and ancient kingdoms has always been a place of reinvention. Today, luxury developments rise along its curves as Bangkok awakens to a cultural renaissance. Kit Bencharongkul, photographer and managing director of MOCA Bangkok (Museum of Contemporary Art) has observed this movement. “Bangkok feels like a living, breathing canvas that is shifting in a warm and human way,” he says. “A new wave of creators—designers, artists, musicians and chefs—is rising. They are blending heritage with modern storytelling, and that authenticity is rapidly becoming our identity.”This creative wave has inspired an exciting roster of openings. Among the most anticipated is Dib Bangkok, the city’s first dedicated international contemporary art museum, designed by Thai-American architect Kulapat Yantrasast of WHY Architecture. It follows a series of art-focused ventures reenergizing the city: the Bangkok Art Biennale, the Jim Thompson Art Centre, the BACC (Bangkok Art and Culture Center) and, further afield, the Khao Yai Art Forest by Kunsthalle Bangkok. Thonglor, Bangkok | List Sotheby’s International Realty Cultural momentum fuels real estate confidence, as Kenichi Tamamura from Sotheby’s International Realty, Thailand explains. “Bangkok’s appeal to international buyers boils down to a powerful mix of world-class lifestyle and compelling financial value,” he says. “The city offers a sophisticated, world-class lifestyle but at a fraction of the cost you’d find in regional hubs like Singapore or Hong Kong.” The surge in international interest is mirrored in the design-forward developments reshaping the city’s skyline, including a growing trend for branded residences. Soon to open is Bangkok’s Porsche Design Tower, located in the trendy Thonglor district. With a sleek facade inspired by sports-car engineering, the tower will feature spacious residences with private balconies, pools and sweeping skyline views.Even as it welcomes the future, Bangkok honors its past. “Craftsmanship is highly valued in Thailand, as it reflects dedication and detail,” says Jongsuwat Angsuvarnsiri, managing director and co-founder of SAC Gallery. “Today, you see heritage influencing design through colors, textures and architecture.” Khlong Tan, Bangkok | List Sotheby’s International Realty The Diplomat 39, located near the fashionable Em District, embodies this blend. The upscale condominium redefines modern living with a Palladian-meets-contemporary architectural style. Conceived as a “timeless treasure,” its meticulous workmanship is evident from the building’s elegant exterior to its marble-floored interiors. But this harmony of old and new is perhaps best expressed at the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. Awarded three Michelin Keys earlier this year and celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2026, the hotel has hosted royalty, world leaders, Hollywood icons and celebrated authors in its elegant, colonial-style rooms. Most recently, its 376-square-meter Oriental Suite appeared in HBO’s “The White Lotus.” Khlong Ton Sai, Bangkok | List Sotheby’s International Realty Nearby, The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok extend this heritage into contemporary luxury living. Operated by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and completed in 2023, these luxury homes have already become a prized investment tied to one of Asia’s most respected hospitality names. Through floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic views, the River of Kings glistens just beyond. There is a sense that the creatives who once lingered in the Mandarin Oriental’s storied lounge would admire the city of today, a place where tradition thrives alongside modernity. Its most opulent buildings are crafted with world-class amenities and design detail, but also with story and soul, positioning Thailand as a destination not only for exotic escapes but for meaningful, luxurious living. As Kit Bencharongkul notes: “Bangkok is transitioning from being ‘up-and-coming’ to becoming a true cultural reference point for the region.” Read our spotlight on Seoul, South Korea: cosmopolitan capital of calm luxury

Inside a Queen Anne Idyll in Greenwich

Daniel Milstein Photography " data-medium-file="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/6-300x200.jpg" data-large-file="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/6-1024x683.jpg" /> Near the water in a prestigious area of Greenwich, this 1890 estate—a picturesque main residence, a charming carriage house, a refreshing pool, and impossibly green gardens—is a paradigm of the fairytale Queen Anne aesthetic that incorporates contemporary comforts and conveniences. With their pitched rooflines, towers and turrets, breezy wraparound porches, stately columns, monumental chimneys, handsome wainscotting, intricate trim and spindlework, and timeless shingles, the Queen Anne homes of the United States are charmingly picturesque and enchanting to the point of feeling pulled from the pages of a storybook. This remarkable 1890 estate near the water in the prestigious Belle Haven Association of Greenwich—near the Belle Haven Club—is a paradigm of that fairytale aesthetic, yet it merges this enviable classicism with contemporary comforts and conveniences. Daniel Milstein Photography " data-medium-file="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/4-300x200.jpg" data-large-file="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/4-1024x683.jpg" src="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/4.jpg" alt="white living room with fireplace and bay window" class="wp-image-345523" srcset="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/4.jpg 1800w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/4-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/4-1200x800.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px" /> Greenwich, Connecticut| Joseph Barbieri, Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage Boasting an impressive 11,536 square feet, the main residence conjures the glamour of a bygone era with its French doors, refined decorative millwork, bay windows, four fireplaces, herringbone-patterned hardwood and black-and-white tile floors, striking chandeliers, and designer wall coverings. Markham Roberts, widely considered one of the most important interior designers of the last century, deftly applied his imaginative approach during the home’s painstaking renovation, breathing spirited modern life into a stalwart of vintage American tradition. Spaces throughout are bright and light-filled, many enjoying a view across the private, level yard and glimpses of the Long Island Sound. Daniel Milstein Photography " data-medium-file="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/9-300x200.jpg" data-large-file="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/9-1024x683.jpg" src="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/9-1024x683.jpg" alt="white kitchen with herringbone wood floors" class="wp-image-345529" srcset="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/9-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/9-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/9-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/9-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/9-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/9.jpg 1800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Among the highlights are an elegant formal living room with a fireplace and Ionic columns, a dining room with a marble-wrapped fireplace and an adjoining butler’s pantry, a colorful library, and eight tranquil bedrooms. The streamlined kitchen and breakfast room opens to a family room and a porch for outdoor dining. The kitchen features a waterfall island and superior appliances, including a La Cornue range. The lower level offers a family room and game room with a central fireplace, a wine cellar, and a windowed gym. Daniel Milstein Photography " data-medium-file="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/8-300x200.jpg" data-large-file="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/8-1024x683.jpg" src="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/8-1024x683.jpg" alt="white living room with water views" class="wp-image-345526" srcset="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/8-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/8-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/8-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/8-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/8-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/8.jpg 1800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Beyond the patios and porches that encourage an indoor-outdoor life of leisure, the exceedingly private 1.67-acre estate also includes a swimming pool surrounded by a terrace, flourishing flora, and a carriage house offering a covered patio with a kitchenette. Above is a three-bedroom apartment featuring a living room with a water vista and a kitchen equipped with stainless-steel appliances. The property also includes a three-car garage. The remainder of the grounds are dedicated to swathes of impossibly vibrant and lush lawn, copses of mature trees, and manicured hedges—the work of renowned U.K.-based landscape architect Paul Gazerwitz. All in all, the idyllic scene emphasizes—fittingly—the “green” in the name of the home’s coveted Connecticut community. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com

How to Design a Party-Perfect Interior

Whether you enjoy hosting cozy soirées or grand events, create a welcome haven for guests with luxurious materials, subtle lighting and clever, streamlined design, writes Claudia Baillie Bel Air, California | Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage Entertaining at home has become a defining part of contemporary luxury living, with high-end interiors often shaped around moments of celebration and connection. Today’s homes offer a considered blend of style and function that ensures both glamorous parties and more informal gatherings unfold with ease. From spaces that work equally for grand soirées and intimate get-togethers to cozy corners that encourage effortless conversation, the goal is to create environments that are characterful yet primed for hosting at a moment’s notice. In these scenarios, entertaining is not an afterthought, it’s at the very heart of the design. One of the most visible expressions of this trend is the rise of the home bar, with discerning clients requesting dedicated areas—sometimes entire rooms—that become stylish focal points. “These spaces are where friends and family can gather and enjoy elegant, decadent evenings,” says Felix Milns, founder of bespoke kitchen and joinery specialists Hux London. “Some people opt for a separate bar area complete with stools, but the majority choose a beautifully crafted cabinet that sits flush to a wall or a cupboard integrated into a longer run of joinery. When closed, it blends seamlessly into the room, but when open, it adds an instant sense of theatre.” A bespoke drinks cabinet by Hux London, with interior design by Owl Design. Photograph: Hux London Materials and finishes elevate these designs beyond mere utility. Luxurious timber, marble, reeded glass, and foxed or smoked mirrors, combined with adjustable LED lighting, create a subtle ambience or a more dramatic effect as desired. “Together, these elements elevate the simple act of serving a drink into an immersive experience,” says Milns. Functionality is equally important: shelves for glittering glassware, decanters and bottles are complemented by closed storage for items that are best hidden, while extra features might include ice makers, coffee machines, temperature-controlled refrigeration or even sinks for stress-free preparation and cleanup. Alongside bars, wine rooms are an increasingly sought-after luxury feature. “Unlike traditional cellars hidden away in basements, these spaces are meant to be showcased, sometimes with seating and a table for experiential tasting,” Milns reports. An automated, climate-controlled environment is essential, while glass frontage, ambient lighting and bespoke joinery show off the wine, and integrated smart apps help collectors manage inventories and access tasting notes. A walk-in wine room with bespoke lighting by Hux London. Photograph: Hux London Open-plan living and dining areas, too, are being reimagined for the way we live and entertain, and experts like Sophie Chapman, associate and interior designer at multi-award-winning design studio The Vawdrey House, emphasize adaptability. “A room that feels intimate for supper for two needs to expand gracefully to seat 10,” Chapman explains. “Designing for entertaining means designing for real life. We consider how the cook moves, how sociable the host wants to be during prep and whether guests should perch at the island or settle in the living area while the finishing touches happen.” Pantries and sculleries are invaluable for hiding the inevitable mess, she adds, so the kitchen remains calm as guests arrive, while strong extraction is essential for cooks who entertain often. Zoning is fundamental. Subtle changes in level, shifts in floor finishes and partial screening help create defined areas without interrupting the openness. Furniture should be positioned with plenty of breathing room, while lightweight freestanding pieces can be moved around as gatherings evolve. Residential / house photography " data-medium-file="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Party-Interiors_Vawdrey-House-Living-Area-300x200.jpg" data-large-file="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Party-Interiors_Vawdrey-House-Living-Area-1024x683.jpg" src="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Party-Interiors_Vawdrey-House-Living-Area-1024x683.jpg" alt="Zoning in an east London home by The Vawdrey House. Photograph: Siobhan Doran Photography" class="wp-image-345508" srcset="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Party-Interiors_Vawdrey-House-Living-Area-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Party-Interiors_Vawdrey-House-Living-Area-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Party-Interiors_Vawdrey-House-Living-Area-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Party-Interiors_Vawdrey-House-Living-Area-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Party-Interiors_Vawdrey-House-Living-Area-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Party-Interiors_Vawdrey-House-Living-Area-1200x800.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Zoning in an east London home by The Vawdrey House. Photograph: Siobhan Doran Photography “The dining area typically forms a gentle threshold between kitchen and living space,” says Chapman. “Extendable dining tables allow the room to flex for larger groups, while banquettes offer comfort, maximize seating and add softness through textiles. In living zones adjacent to dining areas, modular sofas provide a spot for guests to gather and lounge without feeling rigid or formal, but we always consider sight lines as no one wants to sit at sofa height staring at a busy worktop.” Layered, adjustable lighting can be used to create a sense of rhythm throughout the evening, as can sensory details such as candlelight, music and scent. While flexible, multifunctional spaces often form the core of modern interiors, Milns says there remains a distinct desire for the ceremony and ritual of a dedicated room. “A formal dining room provides a clear separation from the bustle of everyday life. It creates an atmosphere that feels elevated, deliberate and inherently glamorous,” he notes. Residential / house photography " data-medium-file="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Party-Interiors_Vawdrey-House-Bespoke-Bar-300x200.jpg" data-large-file="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Party-Interiors_Vawdrey-House-Bespoke-Bar-1024x683.jpg" src="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Party-Interiors_Vawdrey-House-Bespoke-Bar-1024x683.jpg" alt="A bespoke bar in The Vawdrey House’s east London project. " class="wp-image-345501" srcset="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Party-Interiors_Vawdrey-House-Bespoke-Bar-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Party-Interiors_Vawdrey-House-Bespoke-Bar-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Party-Interiors_Vawdrey-House-Bespoke-Bar-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Party-Interiors_Vawdrey-House-Bespoke-Bar-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Party-Interiors_Vawdrey-House-Bespoke-Bar-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Party-Interiors_Vawdrey-House-Bespoke-Bar-1200x800.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> A bespoke bar in The Vawdrey House’s east London project. Photograph: Siobhan Doran Photography Bespoke shelving or a beautifully crafted dresser allows for the display of ceramics, glassware or curated collections, while hidden storage ensures the room remains uncluttered, preserving its sense of occasion. In such spaces, the act of dining itself becomes ceremonial, and every detail contributes to a considered experience. Ultimately, the best examples of entertaining spaces don’t just accommodate guests; they invite them in while shaping the pace and mood of an event. The payoff of great design is not just in how the spaces look, but the way they make people feel: welcomed, engaged and with a feeling of warmth that lingers long after the evening ends. On the scent: read more about the rise of fragrance in contemporary luxury interiors

Live a Shakespearean Fantasy in These Picturesque Homes

As the playwright’s work renews its position in the cultural spotlight, we celebrate the most accessible architectural flourishes of the era, writes Florence Hallett Verona, Italy | Italy Sotheby’s International Realty The much-anticipated release of “Hamnet,” the big-screen adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel, is proof—if it were needed—that Shakespeare never grows old. Starring Paul Mescal as William and Jessie Buckley as Agnes, Chloé Zhao’s film reimagines the intimate family history behind Shakespeare’s tragedy “Hamlet.” From speculative fiction to the most commonplace phrases, the playwright’s influence is woven into the fabric of the English-speaking world. And that includes its architecture: whether original Tudor and Elizabethan period pieces or the arts and crafts style of the late 19th century, many of the coziest, most glorious homes nod to the time of Shakespeare. Plymouth, England | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty The Grade II* listed Langdon Court, an Elizabethan manor house hidden deep in the Devon countryside of southwest England, was built c.1577, within Shakespeare’s lifetime. Today, authentic hand-carved fireplaces and wooden floors, a lake and a formal walled garden offer the perfect retreat into old England, with updated facilities—including a professional-standard kitchen—bringing modern-day comfort and convenience. It’s no coincidence that Shakespeare’s England has such enduring design appeal, says architectural historian Oliver Gerrish. “It was a time when the country was really flourishing,” he explains. “These houses were often built by great merchants, and there was an element of showing off, with beautiful lead work in the windows and very ornate plastering.” Berkshire, England | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty Tucked away on a private island, on a secluded stretch of the River Thames in Cookham Dean, Berkshire, The Islands is just the place to catch a glimpse of Titania, fairy queen of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Flashes of river can be seen from its gardens, which include croquet lawns, orchards, a paddock and flower meadow, evoking Oberon’s “bank where the wild thyme blows, / Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows.” Built in the arts and crafts style, the house imagines a return to a world unspoiled by industrialisation, its oak detailing and exposed beams, stained glass and open fires all key elements of the aesthetic. It’s a look that’s “really about paneled rooms, deep fireplaces, crisp white decorative plaster, ornamental ceilings, armorial glass heraldry, wooden floors and tapestries,” says Gerrish. East Hampton, New York | Sotheby’s International Realty – Bridgehampton Brokerage Meanwhile, for buyers with a taste for high drama, 64 Huntting Lane, in East Hampton, New York, is also a trip back in time. Designed by architect Francis Burrall Hoffman Jr., and built in 1916, its 75-foot-long half-timbered salon is a stunning recreation of the great halls of Elizabethan England. The house has a theatrical pedigree of its own, becoming known as the “Playhouse” because of the performances that were regularly staged there. Verona, Italy | Italy Sotheby’s International Realty Shakespeare is unlikely to have traveled abroad but in his writing he ventured far and wide. Of his three plays set in Verona, “Romeo and Juliet” is surely the best known and loved, and it is beautifully evoked in the balconies of this art nouveau villa on the banks of the Adige river, right in the heart of the city. With its loggia and balcony, marble columns and fireplaces, it is a tribute to Shakespeare’s contemporary, the great Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio. As Celia in “As You Like It” says of the forest of Arden: “I like this place, and willingly could waste my time in it.” Live like Downton Abbey: an ode to English country house style

Inside a Serene, Sophisticated Montecito Retreat

Moments from the storied San Ysidro Ranch and Butterfly Beach, this halcyon three-bedroom home, its tranquil two-bedroom guesthouse, and its impressive grounds, terraces, and pools amounts to a personal private resort of serenity and style. In the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains, the storied San Ysidro Ranch has drawn discriminating travelers to its tranquil environs for more than a century, its vine-covered cottages, warming fireplaces, private patios, peaceful pools and spas, lush gardens, proximity to trails, and inspiring views singing a siren song. Minutes from that legendary locale on gated grounds of just under one acre, this halcyon home echoes the refrain of organic opulence and subtle sophistication, serving in effect a personal private resort to enjoy in serene solitude. Montecito, California| Maureen McDermut, Sotheby’s International Realty – Montecito – Coast Village Road Brokerage Filled with lovely light, the 3,611-square-foot main residence exudes airiness, ease, and understated classical style thanks to a soothing minimalist palette, astutely utilized natural materials, vaulted ceilings, paneled walls and doors, richly hued hardwood floors, bespoke fixtures and finishings, well-placed windows and French doors, and an effortless flow from one room to the next. The living room is a generous, welcoming space with a fireplace, a mirrored cocktail bar, built-in shelving, a window into the kitchen that offers seating for two, and French doors giving way to a relaxing terrace. Adjoining is a chic dining room with an eye-catching light fixture and its own set of French doors accessing the outdoors. Accented with quartz and alabaster, the chef’s kitchen features abundant counter and cabinet space and superior-caliber appliances. The three restful bedrooms and three baths—among them a primary suite with a generous soaking tub and a walk-in closet—possess a luxury that withstands the tests of trends and time. Each overlooks or opens to the grounds. The abiding aesthetic—including herringbone-patterned parquetry and marble surfaces—continues in the guesthouse, which offers two quiet bedrooms, one stylish bath, and a living area with a fireplace, a wet bar, and room for a billiards table. Further afield, a charming studio encourages creative pursuits or calm contemplation. The grounds cultivate the notion of the property as a restful retreat—or a desirable destination for festive fêtes—with emerald lawns, manicured shrubs and gardens, an alluring swimming pool and spa with waterfalls, a variety of terraces, a warming fire table, a stone-clad gas fireplace, a pair of outdoor kitchens, a reflecting pool with dulcet fountains, an idyllic lily pond, and an envelope of flourishing trees, among them majestic oaks. In addition to its proximity to the San Ysidro Ranch, the estate is moments from the Birnam Wood Golf Club and Butterfly Beach, famed for its cinematic sunsets. Nestled between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the village of Montecito is an enchanting enclave where distant sea breezes and tree-dotted alpine slopes combine to create a climate and character rarely matched elsewhere in the world. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com

Significant Sales: October 2025 Highlights

From a US$50M sale in Del Mar, California, to a US$22M sale in Tokyo, Japan, here are five sales represented by the Sotheby’s International Realty global network in October. Del Mar, California 2920 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA " data-medium-file="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3-1-300x201.jpg" data-large-file="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3-1-1024x686.jpg" src="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3-1-1024x686.jpg" alt="2920 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA" class="wp-image-345444" srcset="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3-1-1024x686.jpg 1024w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3-1-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3-1-768x514.jpg 768w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3-1-1536x1029.jpg 1536w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3-1-2048x1372.jpg 2048w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/3-1-1200x804.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Rande Turner | Pacific International Realty, US$50M View properties in Del Mar, California Greenwich, Connecticut Daniel Milstein Photography " data-medium-file="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/7EKFXH-24-Conyers-Farm-Drive2-300x200.jpg" data-large-file="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/7EKFXH-24-Conyers-Farm-Drive2-1024x683.jpg" src="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/7EKFXH-24-Conyers-Farm-Drive2-1024x683.jpg" alt="Conyers Farm Drive, Greenwich, Connecticut" class="wp-image-345445" srcset="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/7EKFXH-24-Conyers-Farm-Drive2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/7EKFXH-24-Conyers-Farm-Drive2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/7EKFXH-24-Conyers-Farm-Drive2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/7EKFXH-24-Conyers-Farm-Drive2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/7EKFXH-24-Conyers-Farm-Drive2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/7EKFXH-24-Conyers-Farm-Drive2-1200x800.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /> Joseph Barbieri, Helene Barre, Fran Ehrlich| Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage, US$23M View properties in Greenwich, Connecticut Tokyo, Japan Chinami Nakanishi| List Sotheby’s International Realty, Japan, US$22M View properties in Tokyo, Japan New York, New York The Field Team| Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage, US$22M View properties in New York, New York Henderson, Nevada Natalia Harris| Las Vegas Sotheby’s International Realty, US$13.4M View properties in Henderson, Nevada Discover previous editions of Significant Sales on the blog

Color Chart: The Joys of a Dark Blue Home

Our monthly series asks: How do you bring color into a luxury home? Dark blue is a crowd-pleaser—and complements almost any shade, writes Jill Krasny Brooklyn, New York | Sotheby’s International Realty – Downtown Manhattan Brokerage Ever notice how some homes energize you while others make you more relaxed? The colors in a design scheme may be a factor. Whereas citrus shades tend to jolt you awake, blue can help soothe the mind and the body, and may even lower the heart rate. The next installment of our series on color in luxury home design takes a closer look at a perennial favorite: cool and calming dark blue.  “Blue is a crowd-pleaser,” says Lisa Shaffer, the chief executive and creative director of Lisa & Leroy, an interior design firm based in Washington, D.C. “If you ask clients to name their favorite colors, blue always hits the top three, every time.” For one thing, it evokes the wonders of nature, like a clear blue sky hanging above San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. Pacific Heights, San Francisco | Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage A thoughtfully rebuilt Victorian in the city’s Pacific Heights neighborhood conjures similar images with its moody blue exterior. The surrounding homes are subdued enough to make this one the star attraction, says Shaffer, “but it’s the crowd-pleaser because it’s interesting.” The external paintwork easily accommodates the contrasting red of its front door, she says, not to mention the bright flowers in planters. It could even support a boldly painted garage. “The color is very easy to add a punch to, especially in this tone,” she says. Pacific Heights, San Francisco | Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage A spacious kitchen in a three-storied condominium, also in the Pacific Heights area, features a classic but contemporary blue and white color scheme. Going all white might have felt too sterile in such an open space, Shaffer says, and the dark navy makes a crisp statement under the marble countertops and higher cabinetry without being overwhelming. And where the kitchen feels pleasingly light and bright, the property’s color-drenched master bedroom is enveloping and warm, thanks to the green-toned blue of its walls. “By painting the ceiling, they have brought it down a bit and created a backdrop for the cream-white furniture,” says Shaffer of this jewel-box effect. “It’s making the room a lot cozier.” London, England | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty A contemporary mews house in the heart of Marylebone, central London, manages to feel both period appropriate and fresh thanks to its gray-blue exterior. “This is just a great example of paying attention to a color wheel and how shades either complement or contrast with each other,” says Shaffer, who finds the contrast with the orange brickwork appealing. “I also love that everything is painted in the same color,” she adds. “It makes it feel like a larger space, but also just really sophisticated and new.” This is helped by the spiky green palms in the window boxes, which keep things modern. Ocean Hills, Bermuda | Rego Sotheby’s International Realty Blue is a common color in coastal properties, but rarely used to such bold effect as in this standalone condominium in the Ocean Hills neighborhood of Bermuda. It almost blends in with the sky, while subtly contrasting with the turquoise of the sea beyond. Though the color lends itself to this beachside setting, it also plays well with the porch and railings, and the orange-toned teak inside. “It’s not just about the architecture of the house,” Shaffer says, noting the inspired selection, “but how it sits with all these natural elements.” Color Chart: Why zingy orange is a palette cleanser—and works well with greenery

Inside Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch in Texas 

This personal private riverside retreat on the banks of the Brazos River comprises some 91 acres of pastures and woodland with a welcoming Texas-sized residence and stylish equestrian facilities at its heart. The meandering 1,280 miles of the regal Brazos River has long played a role in the history of and life in Texas and the United States, and it remains a desirable destination for outdoor relaxation and recreation, from canoeing and fishing to camping, picnicking, and wildlife watching. This magnificent estate on the Brazos’s banks—and within the historic Stephen F. Austin land grant, which the “Father of Texas” obtained in the early 1800s—is tantamount to a personal private riverside retreat, spanning some 91 acres of pastures and woodland with a welcoming Texas-sized residence at its heart. Sealy, Texas| Walter Bering, Linda Plant, Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty Rustic charm meets modern luxury at the 6,777-square-foot home, which features a timeless, inviting design and has been completed with masterful craftsmanship, including superior masonry and woodworking. The handsome living room features a soaring beamed ceiling, an oversized fireplace, and banks of windows overlooking and giving way to outdoor attractions. Nearby is a regal formal dining room. The cook’s kitchen encourages gatherings large and small with its generous scale, warm wood surfaces, oversized marble-topped island, butler’s pantry, bar with wine storage, and spacious dining banquette set in a windowed alcove. The primary suite features a wall of lighted built-ins, river views, a gym and sauna, a roomy spa-like bath with a glass-walled shower and a soaking tub, a screened porch, and an enviable walk-in closet. The serene guest suite includes a kitchenette. Dual offices will please industrious professionals. Outdoor living and entertaining hold equal sway here thanks to a magnificent covered patio with living and dining areas; a kitchen boasting a grill, bar seating, double ovens, and a gas cooktop; fire features; and a vast sun-washed terrace surrounding an award-winning infinity-edge swimming pool and spa. Any Texas estate worth its salt accommodates horseback riding, and this ranch is no exception, offering an eight-stall barn that includes a comfortable, well-equipped two-bedroom apartment and a 3,200-square-foot equipment shop. The grounds also afford space for caretakers and staff in three apartments. Estancia Pueblo Viejo Ranch is truly a rare oasis, a haven abounding with picturesque views, flourishing wildlife, and utter seclusion. A gated drive, a large paved motor court, garaging for four cars, a powerful generator, and a private well ensure convenience, self-sufficiency, and perhaps the rarest of luxuries, peace of mind. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com

Inside a Quintessential Brooklyn Townhouse

This handsome 1901 townhouse in Park Slope has been witness to more than a century of its neighborhood’s evolution while itself becoming—through painstaking maintenance and renovation—a bastion of stylish contemporary living. For decade upon decade in the 17th and 18th centuries, the area of Brooklyn known as Park Slope remained a flourishing forest and farmland. Flashing forward, though, and its thoroughfares, row houses, and brownstone manors have become what is now widely considered one of the most popular, desirable locales in the five boroughs—if not the United States. Continue reading Inside a Quintessential Brooklyn Townhouse at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

The September Issue: Which is the World’s Most Fashionable City?

Fashion Week month is here and Mandi Keighran finds the spirit of Paris, Milan, London and New York is expressed not only on the runway, but in their most stylish luxury homes London, England | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty Twice a year, the fashion industry elite pack their bags and embark on a four-city tour of runway shows across the globe. From New York to London, Milan to Paris, the “Big Four” fashion weeks set the agenda for the season ahead—this September, it’s Spring/Summer 2026—and each city has its own story to tell, both on the catwalk and on the streets. Continue reading The September Issue: Which is the World’s Most Fashionable City? at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Luxury Real Estate Headlines: First Week in September, 2025

Homes in the News Southampton, New York | Sotheby’s International Realty – Southampton Brokerage The Week Blooming Homes for Gardeners A curated selection of homes ideal for gardening enthusiasts includes properties in New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, New Mexico, Colorado, and Michigan. These homes feature greenhouses, raised garden beds, landscaped grounds, and outdoor living spaces. Each residence offers unique architectural charm and amenities tailored to nature lovers, from riverfront compounds to historic estates with formal gardens. Continue reading Luxury Real Estate Headlines: First Week in September, 2025 at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Luxury Lens: Are Overseas Buyers in the Market for Luxury U.S. Homes?

Are overseas buyers in the market for luxury U.S. homes? In short: yes. Overseas buyers bought homes priced at least US$1M at more than twice the rate of U.S. buyers in the year to March 2025, according to analysis by the National Association of REALTORS(NAR). NAR’s 2025 International Transactions in U.S. Residential Real Estate report plus data supplied directly to Sotheby’s International Realty by NAR found that almost one in five (18%) international purchases fell into this luxury bracket compared with just 8% of overall existing-home sales. Continue reading Luxury Lens: Are Overseas Buyers in the Market for Luxury U.S. Homes? at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

How To Design the Perfect Luxury Study

Contemporary work spaces in the home should be calm, clutter-free and come with plenty of personality, writes Kate Youde One of two studies by designer Charu Gandhi for a home in Regent’s Park, London. Photograph: Nick Smith For many of us, this time of year marks a return to work, whether that’s the start of a new academic semester or back to the office after a summer vacation. But since the pandemic shift in working patterns, this does not necessarily mean leaving home, so it is perhaps unsurprising that interior designers have seen an uptick in requests for beautiful yet practical studies in recent years. Continue reading How To Design the Perfect Luxury Study at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Inside a Modern Oasis in Southern California

Balancing a love of nature and a dedication to luxury, this sophisticated 5,385-square-foot residence on a palm-tree-lined street exemplifies the Southern California home designed for indoor-outdoor living. Thanks to an almost perennially pleasant climate, the land and rolling hills around Los Angeles allow for outdoor living, dining, and entertaining well after the patio umbrellas and cushioned chaises have been stowed for the winter elsewhere. With such a premium placed on time spent alfresco, area architects and designers eagerly create residential spaces that virtually eliminate the boundary between indoors and out. Continue reading Inside a Modern Oasis in Southern California at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Spotlight on São Paulo: Center of Tropical Modernism

A rich modernist legacy and vibrant cultural calendar make Brazil’s biggest city an indisputable destination for art, design and luxury São Paulo, Brazil | Bossa Nova Sotheby’s International Realty Urban São Paulo might once have sat in the shadow of its coastal neighbor Rio de Janeiro, but what it lacks in beach beauty, it more than makes up for in energy, swagger and style. Brazilians from every corner of the continental-sized country call São Paulo home, while, over the decades, waves of international arrivals—from Japan and Italy to Syria and Lebanon—have all made their mark on the city’s past and present, drawn by the opportunity to create or do business in a city where anything seems possible. Continue reading Spotlight on São Paulo: Center of Tropical Modernism at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Final Week in August, 2025

Homes in the News Germantown, New York | Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty Wall Street Journal House of the Week: A Gothic Revival Style Home in the Hudson Valley A historic Gothic Revival home in New York’s Hudson Valley underwent a $2 million renovation to expand its kitchen and primary suite. The property blends architectural charm with modern luxury. Architectural Digest How Quality Time Left Is Driving Design Decisions for an Aging Clientele Designers are rethinking home layouts and features for aging clients by focusing on ‘Quality Time Left’—a concept that prioritizes comfort, accessibility, and emotional well-being in what may be their final residence. Continue reading Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Final Week in August, 2025 at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Inside Mount Sharon: A Legacy Estate in Orange, Virginia

Mount Sharon is a rare estate where architecture, lush gardens, and Virginia’s natural beauty come together For Charles H. “Charlie” Seilheimer Jr., the founder of Sotheby’s International Realty, Mount Sharon held a singular allure. Over the course of his career, he encountered many of the world’s most beautiful properties, yet this was the one he chose for himself. Among all the extraordinary homes he experienced, Mount Sharon resonated in a way that was unmatched, becoming not just a residence but a personal legacy. Continue reading Inside Mount Sharon: A Legacy Estate in Orange, Virginia at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Inside a Quintessential Hamptons Oasis

Paying homage to the timeless tradition of the Shingle-style home with glorious gardens, this seven-bedroom residence combines a classic façade and silhouette with generous modern interiors and a dazzling pool and spa at the heart of colorful grounds. With its iconic wood shingles, plentiful dormer windows, eye-catching gambrel rooflines, and patio space making the most of prevailing sea breezes, the Shingle style of architecture has become nearly synonymous with the Hamptons. This 8,000-square-foot three-level residence and its charming pool house have a timeless traditional air that pays homage to the first homes of their kind—designed in the late 19th century by prestigious architects—while being resolutely modern, with generous public and private spaces replete with comforts and conveniences. Continue reading Inside a Quintessential Hamptons Oasis at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Life as Art: When Luxury Homes Are Living Sculptures

Extraordinary residences blur the line between art and architecture when daring design meets everyday life, writes Riya Patel Tulum, Mexico | Riviera Maya Sotheby’s International Realty While there are many extraordinary private homes worldwide, only a distinct few can be described as “living sculptures.” Closer to art than architecture, these residences have a purity of form, material, or visual language. Like the greatest sculptures or experimental pavilions, they play spatial tricks to elicit emotion when moving through them. Continue reading Life as Art: When Luxury Homes Are Living Sculptures at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Significant Sales: July, 2025 Highlights

From a US$18.4M sale in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to a AUD$26M sale in Robertson, Australia, here are five sales represented by the Sotheby’s International Realty® global network in July. Robertson, Australia Samuel Lindsay, Lisa-Marie Cauchois | Drew Lindsay Sotheby’s International Realty, AUD$26M View properties in Robertson, Australia Jackson Hole, Wyoming Collin Vaughn | Jackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty – Palm Beach Brokerage, US$18.4M View properties in Jackson Hole, Wyoming Greenwich, Connecticut Leslie McElwreath | Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage, US$14M View properties in Greenwich, Connecticut Annapolis, Maryland Brad Kappel | TTR Sotheby’s International Realty, US$10.25M View properties in Annapolis, Maryland Evergreen, Colorado Josh Behr, Linda Behr | LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, US$10M View properties in Evergreen, Colorado Discover previous editions of Significant Sales on the blog Continue reading Significant Sales: July, 2025 Highlights at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Fourth Week in August, 2025

Homes in the News Avon, Colorado | LIV Sotheby’s International Realty Mansion Global Energy Exec’s Luxury Log Cabin in Colorado’s Beaver Creek Resort Hits the Market for $24.9 Million A luxury log cabin in Beaver Creek Resort, owned by an energy executive, features grand rustic architecture, ski-in/ski-out access, and high-end finishes, listed at $24.9 million. Mansion Global Newly Built Colonial in Connecticut’s Affluent Old Greenwich Enclave Sells for a Record $21M A newly constructed Colonial-style home in Old Greenwich, Connecticut, has sold for $21 million, setting a record for the affluent enclave. Continue reading Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Fourth Week in August, 2025 at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

What Is a Perfect Home for a Virgo?

Our monthly series asks: What decor best suits each star sign? Organized Virgo likes a crisp, clean aesthetic—with plenty of natural accents, writes Jill Krasny Napa, California | Sotheby’s International Realty – St. Helena Brokerage Ever notice how some homes tick all your boxes while others leave you unstirred? Your star sign may have something to do with it. Light-seeking Leo needs room to roam, while Gemini wants a house to keep up with their ever-changing interests, and Virgo loves a clean, unfussy home. Continue reading What Is a Perfect Home for a Virgo? at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Inside an Incomparable Pebble Beach Estate

Suffused with an Old World elegance, this remarkable 11,223-square-foot residence—one of the most magnificent in Pebble Beach—is just steps from the area’s famed resort lodge and enjoys truly breathtaking views. While Pebble Beach is known the world over for luxurious resorts and celebrated golf courses, its scenic stretch of rocky coves, stately forest groves, and enchanting beaches have rightly earned renown of their own. This 11,223-square-foot residence—one of the most spectacular in the area—maximizes all of these virtues with its location just steps from the famed Lodge at Pebble Beach and a rare 2.24-acre estate site that stretches from street to sea, affording breathtaking views of the coastline—including Stillwater Cove, Carmel Beach, and Point Lobos—majestic waves, and the mountains on the far shore. Continue reading Inside an Incomparable Pebble Beach Estate at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Collecting Focus: Contemporary Art

Sotheby’s New York is inviting first-time buyers to explore art at auction with its upcoming Open House, writes Katie Armstrong David Hockney’s “Terrace Hollywood Hills House with Banana Tree,” 1982 at the Contemporary Day Auction on 16 May 2025 at Sotheby’s New York. Photograph: Sotheby’s Buying contemporary art and collectables at auction— especially at the world’s most prestigious auction houses—can seem an intimidating process to the uninitiated. But Sotheby’s New York’s upcoming Open House weekend aims to demystify the auction experience through an array of events targeted at new collectors. Continue reading Collecting Focus: Contemporary Art at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Third Week in August, 2025

Homes in the News Pebble Beach, California | Sotheby’s International Realty – Carmel Brokerage Robb Report An Oceanfront Estate in Pebble Beach Priced at $57.5M Is Poised to Shatter a Sales Record A sprawling oceanfront estate in Pebble Beach, California, has hit the market for $57.5 million, potentially setting a new sales record for the area. The property features expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, luxurious interiors, and extensive outdoor living spaces. Continue reading Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Third Week in August, 2025 at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Seventies Style Is Back in Luxury Interiors

From a sunken lounge in Byron Bay to a bold London pied-à-terre, designers are embracing the laid-back glamour, tactile textures and warm tones of a defining decade, writes Kate Youde A 1970s-inspired interior in Byron Bay, Australia by YSG Studio. Photograph: Prue Ruscoe Even if you didn’t live through the 1970s, you won’t have escaped the decade’s aesthetic. In recent years, the period’s influence has been seen from the catwalk to the big screen, not to mention our homes where warm, earthy tones, rattan furniture and rich velvets are enjoying renewed popularity. Continue reading Seventies Style Is Back in Luxury Interiors at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Inside a Neoclassical Ocean-View Estate

Perched amid vibrant flora in the hills of Montecito, this residence combines classical elegance with contemporary flair, creating a perfect modern perch for basking in views of mountains, islands, and ocean. In the latter half of the 19th century, Italian settlers arrived in the area known today as Montecito and swiftly ensconced themselves amid the rugged rolling hills, canyons, oak groves, and seaside flora that echoed the beloved landscapes of their homeland. They then set about establishing farms and gardens similar to those they had left behind, and in the ensuing century, a Mediterranean-influenced style came to pervade much of Montecito’s architectural landscape. Continue reading Inside a Neoclassical Ocean-View Estate at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

These Luxury Living Hotspots Are All Experiencing a Renaissance

From Saudi Arabia to San Francisco, a variety of locales around the globe are proving centers for high-end lifestyles Park City, Utah | Summit Sotheby’s International Realty The shift toward “experiential luxury” is an evolving consumer trait that has also become prominent in real estate, particularly at premium price points. “What’s driving today’s high-end market is the feeling a home delivers as much as its address,” says Tammy Fahmi, senior vice president of global servicing and strategy at Sotheby’s International Realty. Continue reading These Luxury Living Hotspots Are All Experiencing a Renaissance at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Luxury Lens: Is the U.S. a Buyer’s or Seller’s Market?

Is the U.S. a buyer’s or seller’s market? This is the question everyone wants answered. In the U.S., sellers have enjoyed the upper hand for most of the past decade. “We’ve been in a seller’s market pretty consistently since 2016,” says Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com. But is the market finally moving to favor U.S. buyers again? Three key market indicators, tracked by Realtor.com data, suggest it could be on the turn. Continue reading Luxury Lens: Is the U.S. a Buyer’s or Seller’s Market? at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Second Week in August, 2025

Homes in the News Mercer Island, Washington | Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty Robb Report Tom Kundig’s Mercer Island Home Hits the Market Architect Tom Kundig’s striking steel-and-glass residence on Mercer Island is listed for sale. The home features expansive views, industrial design elements, and a seamless connection to nature through its open layout and lush surroundings. Bloomberg Big Sur Architectural Marvel Lists for $5.5M A striking home in Big Sur designed by architect Mickey Muennig is now listed for $5.5 million. Continue reading Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Second Week in August, 2025 at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Inside the Rutherford House in Beverly Hills

Part of both the history and the future of Hollywood, this meticulously maintained and renovated 1938 residence was once home to the mayor of Beverly Hills as well as actress Ann Rutherford and her producer husband, William Dozier. Today it is a five-bedroom haven that harmonizes the glamor of a bygone era with modern luxuries and comforts. Among the tree-lined lanes, chic contemporary compounds, and rolling crests of Beverly Hills, this meticulously maintained and painstakingly renovated 1938 home is a stylish souvenir of the bygone glamour of Hollywood’s golden age. Continue reading Inside the Rutherford House in Beverly Hills at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Seaside Chic: How to Style a Luxury Beach House

The charm of the shoreline inspires coastal retreats with an elegant, soothing aesthetic, writes Jessica Klingelfuss Long Bay, Providenciales | Turks and Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty Shell decor and nautical knots may have once defined beachfront interiors, but today’s coastal retreats take a more elevated approach, blending the barefoot charm of the shoreline with a finely tuned sense of sophistication. From the turquoise shallows of the Caribbean to the untamed coastlines of the Indian Ocean, these luxury locations are embracing an aesthetic that’s effortlessly elegant, deeply connected to the environment and designed to soothe. Continue reading Seaside Chic: How to Style a Luxury Beach House at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Fourth Week in July, 2025

Homes in the News Cotswolds, England | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty Wall Street Journal Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi Sell Their English Country Home Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have listed their Cotswolds estate in England for $30 million. The 43-acre property features a renovated 18th-century farmhouse, guest cottages, and equestrian facilities. The couple purchased and restored the estate to blend historic charm with modern luxury, including a gym, indoor pool, and entertainment spaces. Continue reading Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Fourth Week in July, 2025 at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

What Is a Perfect Home for a Leo?

Our monthly series asks: What decor best suits each star sign? Risk-taking Leo needs a dramatic space with plenty of room for scene-stealing features, writes Jill Krasny Potomac, Maryland | TTR Sotheby’s International Realty Ever notice that some houses seem to tug at your heart while others leave you feeling unmoved? Your star sign may have something to do with it. Soft-hearted Cancer should have a home that feels like a cocoon, while busy Gemini needs a place that keeps up with their ever-changing interests, and risk-taking Leo wants a space to make them feel like a star. Continue reading What Is a Perfect Home for a Leo? at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Inside a Luxuriously Rustic Sanctuary in Southern California

With its rustic natural materials, airy open floor plans, and plentiful windows creating a connection with the landscape, this postcard-worthy property in Malibu Valley Estates gives a nod to the pastoral provenance of rolling fertile hills that surround it. Far beyond the bounds of California, Malibu and its environs are known for luxurious homes, sunny beaches, and high-profile residents. But the history of the area is threaded with stories of agriculture and ranching, and today the area continues to support a vibrant scene that includes farms large and small. Continue reading Inside a Luxuriously Rustic Sanctuary in Southern California at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Significant Sales: June 2025 Highlights

From a AUD$55M sale in Point Piper, Australia, to a US$12M sale in Sea Island, Georgia, here are five sales represented by the Sotheby’s International Realty® global network in June. Point Piper, Australia Michael Pallier | Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty, AUD$55M View properties in Sydney, Australia Palm Beach, Florida Kourtney Pulitzer | Sotheby’s International Realty – Palm Beach Brokerage, US$23.75M View properties in Palm Beach, Florida Rock Hall, Maryland Carol Snyder | Monument Sotheby’s International Realty, US$13.5M View properties in Rock Hall, Maryland Sea Island, Georgia Micki Carter | DeLoach Sotheby’s International Realty, S$9.45M View properties in Sea Island, Georgia Milan, Italy Francesca Loi | Italy Sotheby’s International Realty, €9.2M View properties in Milan, Italy Discover previous editions of Significant Sales on the blog Continue reading Significant Sales: June 2025 Highlights at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Third Week in July, 2025

Homes in the News Montecito, California | Sotheby’s International Realty – Montecito – 1290 Coast Village Road Brokerage The Wall Street Journal Former HBO President Simon Sutton Asks $24.995M for His Montecito Home Simon Sutton, former president of HBO, is listing his Montecito estate for nearly $25 million. The property features ocean views, a pool, and a guesthouse, combining Mediterranean architecture with modern luxury in one of California’s most exclusive enclaves. Continue reading Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Third Week in July, 2025 at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Where The World’s Wealthiest Are Holidaying In Summer 2025

From Martha’s Vineyard to Mykonos, the finest luxury summer rentals feel like a home-away-from-home, writes Lauren Beale Corsica, France | Corsica Sotheby’s International Realty From sea-view villas to finely appointed mansions, luxury summer rentals are meeting a growing demand from affluent travelers for high-end, personalized accommodation. The U.S. short-term vacation rental market was estimated at US$68.64 billion in 2024, according to Grand View Research, which also suggests the steady expansion of the sector since 2020 is expected to continue for at least the next five years. Continue reading Where The World’s Wealthiest Are Holidaying In Summer 2025 at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Luxury Lens: Who Are the Most Motivated Homebuyers Right Now?

Reports that the U.S. property market has half a million more sellers than buyers grabbed recent headlines but did not tell the full story. Research¹ published by Realtor.com at the end of May found at least one key demographic is actually more motivated to buy in 2025. And that’s millennials. A quarter (23%) of millennials surveyed for Realtor.com® said they were planning to buy a home in the next six months—up from 15% in September 2024—despite the ongoing “lock in effect” of current mortgage rates. Continue reading Luxury Lens: Who Are the Most Motivated Homebuyers Right Now? at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Inside a Quintessential Cape Cod Escape

On the breezy shores of Nantucket Sound, this new Osterville residence and guesthouse carry on the timeless characteristics of Cape Cod, paying homage to the beloved Shingle style while imparting creative contemporary sensibilities. In many circles of thought, the homes of Cape Cod epitomize the classic American architectural aesthetic. Adopted by notable architectural firms of the 19th century, Shingle style gained popularity through commissions for seaside cottages in prestigious locations along the East Coast. Unlike the 17th-century Cape Cod homes, residences designed in this relatively newer fashion are known for their intriguing asymmetry, expansive floor plans, eye-catching rooflines, prominent porches, rounded towers, bay windows, and—naturally—an abundant use of shingles. Continue reading Inside a Quintessential Cape Cod Escape at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Here’s Why You Need a Biodiverse Home

Biodiversity is more than a buzzword. It’s an opportunity to nurture the planet—and your own place in it, writes Riya Patel Byron Bay, Australia | Byron Bay Sotheby’s International Realty Owning a home with large acreage has long been associated with prestige and privilege. Now, as the global climate crisis intensifies, any sizable estate comes with an increasing responsibility to foster biodiversity on its land. Between 1970 and 2020, the average decline in monitored wildlife populations was 73%, according to The Living Planet Index. Continue reading Here’s Why You Need a Biodiverse Home at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Second Week in July, 2025

Homes in the News Beverly Hills, California | Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage Mansion Global ‘Gone with the Wind’ Star’s Former 1930s Estate in L.A. Asks $42M A Los Angeles estate once owned by a star of ‘Gone with the Wind’ is listed for $42 million. The 1930s property features classic Hollywood architecture, manicured gardens, and luxurious interiors that reflect the glamour of its era. Continue reading Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Second Week in July, 2025 at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Collecting Focus: Natural History

There are rare collectables—and then there are dinosaurs and rocks from Mars, writes Katie Armstrong A mounted juvenile Ceratosaurus skeleton, one of only four in the world, to be offered in Geek Week 2025. Photograph: Courtesy of Sotheby’s Ancient and classical sculpture will always be collectable, but some of the most intriguing sculptural objects that come to auction at Sotheby’s are many thousands or millions of years older, from awe-inspiring fossils and dinosaurs to crystals, minerals and meteorites. Continue reading Collecting Focus: Natural History at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Inside a Chic Contemporary Getaway in Wine Country

This contemporary jewel in the desirable destination of Sonoma Valley includes a light- and view-flooded residence, a guest casita, a pool house, and 65-foot saltwater swimming pool and spa accompanied by numerous verandas, a sun-washed terrace, an outdoor kitchen, and a wisteria-draped pergola At the picturesque northern end of the Sonoma Valley, the scenic town of Kenwood boasts majestic views of the Mayacamas Mountains and some of the area’s oldest and finest wineries—among them one sharing the town’s name. Continue reading Inside a Chic Contemporary Getaway in Wine Country at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

The Captivating Elegance of Metal

Decorative metalwork still elevates design, bringing luxe 1920s-style sophistication to architecture and interiors, says Elizabeth Fazzare The Whiteley, London, U.K. | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty A century ago, Art Deco was born. More than 16 million designers, design aficionados and curious visitors from around the world flocked to Paris’s “Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes,” where the style was first showcased in architecture, furnishings and all manner of decorative arts. Continue reading The Captivating Elegance of Metal at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Luxury Real Estate Headlines: First Week in July, 2025

Homes in the News Los Angeles, California | Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage Robb Report Heidi Klum Can Be Your Neighbor at This $25 Million Ultra-Modern L.A. Estate A sleek, contemporary estate in Los Angeles has hit the market for $25 million, offering panoramic views, cutting-edge architecture, and proximity to celebrity neighbors like Heidi Klum. The home features expansive glass walls, a resort-style pool, and luxurious finishes throughout. Continue reading Luxury Real Estate Headlines: First Week in July, 2025 at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Spotlight on the Hamptons: Where Coastal Beauty Meets Creative Legacy

Artists’ enclave or hotspot for the elite? You can choose your own adventure in the beautiful Hamptons, hears Caitlin Gunther East Hampton, New York | Sotheby’s International Realty – East Hampton Brokerage On the eastern tip of New York’s Long Island, the Hamptons have long drawn bohemian souls, from painters such as Lee Krasner and Jackson Pollock to the charmingly eccentric Bouvier family, including its most famous daughter, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. With beachgrass swaying on windswept dunes, the landscape is captivating in a distinctly Northeastern way. Continue reading Spotlight on the Hamptons: Where Coastal Beauty Meets Creative Legacy at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Inside a Historic Brownstone in Gramercy Park

Eye-catching vintage details harmonize with contemporary comforts and conveniences in this townhome—which dates to the 1850s and opens to an idyllic backyard garden terrace—in the enchanting environs of Gramercy Park Known for idyllic streets dotted with brownstones and historic landmarks, New York’s Gramercy Park neighborhood is a verdant, peaceful, and prestigious village-like oasis in the heart of the city. This 8,500-square-foot 28-foot-wide townhouse, which dates to the 1850s, seems right at home in these enchanting environs, steps from and overlooking Stuyvesant Square Park and displaying the telltale signs of enduring, ever-desirable 19th-century refinement. Continue reading Inside a Historic Brownstone in Gramercy Park at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Significant Sales: May 2025 Highlights

From a US$48.5M sale in Palm Beach, Florida, to an US$33 sale in Aspen Colorado, here are five sales represented by the Sotheby’s International Realty® global network in May. Palm Beach, Florida Tom Shaw | Sotheby’s International Realty – Palm Beach Brokerage, US$48.5M View properties in Palm Beach, Florida Aspen, Colorado Eric Cohen | Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty, US$33M View properties in Aspen, Colorado Purchase, New York Wendy Alper | Julia B. Continue reading Significant Sales: May 2025 Highlights at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Fourth Week in June, 2025

Homes in the News Germantown, New York | Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty Mansion Global Actor’s Barn-Like Rebuild in Upstate New York Lists for $4.6 Million An actor’s upstate New York home, designed to resemble a barn, is on the market. The property features reclaimed wood, soaring ceilings, and a blend of rustic and contemporary elements on a wooded lot. Checkout This House A Renovated Georgetown Townhouse A Georgetown townhouse has been meticulously renovated with a focus on preserving historic details while introducing modern luxury. Continue reading Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Fourth Week in June, 2025 at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

What Is a Perfect Home for a Gemini?

Our monthly series asks: What decor best suits each star sign? Busy Gemini needs a home to keep up with their ever-changing interests, writes Jill Krasny San Francisco, California | Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage – Marina Ever notice that some homes catch your eye while others wind up going unnoticed? Your star sign may be the culprit. Homebody Taurus craves comfort and ease, while artsy Pisces needs an unfussy floor plan and visionary Aquarius likes eclecticism—and a room with a view. Continue reading What Is a Perfect Home for a Gemini? at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Inside a Transformed Early-20th-Century Residence in San Francisco

Nearly a century after its design and construction, this 9,390-square-foot, eight-bedroom residence has been comprehensively updated, adding soigné contemporary style to elegant classical elements Early in the 20th century, Scottish-born Thomas Paterson Ross—the eccentric and prolific architect who designed the eye-catching Sing Fat and Sing Chong buildings in San Francisco’s Chinatown—took on a commission from a wealthy widow to design a Tudor Revival residence in Pacific Heights. Nearly a century later, a new owner undertook a painstaking renovation with the intention of honoring the building’s period aesthetics while imbuing each of the five levels with the utmost in contemporary comforts and conveniences. Continue reading Inside a Transformed Early-20th-Century Residence in San Francisco at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Third week in May, 2025

Homes in the News Sausalito, California | Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty Forbes Granddaughter of Clarins Founder Lists London Home for $7.9 Million Claire Courtin-Clarins, granddaughter of the Clarins skincare founder, has listed her personally designed London townhouse for $7.9 million. Located near Portobello Road, the home blends Provençal and Scandinavian influences with antique European elements like 18th-century tiles from Lisbon and Provence, reflecting her artistic flair and heritage. Continue reading Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Third week in May, 2025 at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Art Deco at 100: What It Teaches Us About Luxury Living Today

The progressive design movement of the 1920s and 1930s continues to influence architecture and interiors a century on Dallas, Texas | Briggs Freeman, Sotheby’s International Realty In 2025, Art Deco is set to celebrate its official centenary in signature style. The influential decorative movement that flourished throughout Europe and the United States in the 1920s and early 1930s took its name from the “Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriel,” an exhibition held in Paris in 1925, which showcased the latest innovations in architecture, fashion and industrial design.  Continue reading Art Deco at 100: What It Teaches Us About Luxury Living Today at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Inside an Architectural Landmark in Santa Barbara

Designed by architect Wallace Neff, the father of California style, this six-bedroom clifftop hacienda in the exclusive private community of Hope Ranch is a stylish oasis for a life lived indoors and out. Born in 1895 in La Mirada, California, Wallace Neff spent much of his youth in the luxurious, easygoing neighborhoods of Southern California—often at his grandparents’ hillside home, reportedly a Queen Anne Victorian manor that enjoyed a cascading view of the ocean. This early immersion surely contributed to his ultimate renown for merging Spanish, Tuscan, Mediterranean, Islamic, and other aesthetic elements into what today is known as California style. Continue reading Inside an Architectural Landmark in Santa Barbara at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Collecting Focus: High Jewelry

The world of high and fine jewelry collecting is attracting a new generation of luxury gem hunters, writes Victoria Gomelskypot for sunshine seekers and lovers of luxury living, writes Caitlin Gunther The 55.22-carat ‘Estrela de Fura’ Ruby at Sotheby’s New York, which sold at auction for US$34.8 million in June 2023. Photograph: © Sotheby’s Not long after Catharine Becket joined the jewelry department at Sotheby’s in 2005, she and her colleagues faced some big questions about the future of jewelry. Continue reading Collecting Focus: High Jewelry at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Luxury Real Estate Headlines, Second Week in May, 2025

Homes in the News San Francisco, California | Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage Mansion Global San Francisco’s Decorator Showcase House Lists for $19.5M In San Francisco’s Pacific Heights, a historic five-level townhouse has been transformed into a design marvel for the annual Decorator Showcase. Featuring eclectic spaces like a Moroccan-inspired red tented dining room and a 1970s-style rooftop lounge, the 123-year-old home blends bold palettes with curated artistry. Continue reading Luxury Real Estate Headlines, Second Week in May, 2025 at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Spotlight on Cannes: The French Riviera’s Revitalized Gem

Best known for its star-studded film festival, Cannes is also a year-round spot for sunshine seekers and lovers of luxury living, writes Caitlin Gunther Cannes, France | Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty Cannes has long been a place to hit reset. In the 1920s, it became a sun-soaked playground for the cultural elite—F. Scott Fitzgerald, Pablo Picasso and other Riviera regulars sought inspiration and escape along its palm-lined boulevards. Today, the city is most famously tied to its star-studded film festival in May, when yachts crowd the harbor and red-carpet glamor spills into the streets. Continue reading Spotlight on Cannes: The French Riviera’s Revitalized Gem at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Inside an Elegant Georgian Residence in a Coveted Historic Enclave

The Turtle Bay Gardens enclave—which has lured such luminaries as Stephen Sondheim, Katharine Hepburn, E. B. White, Mary Tyler Moore, and Bob Dylan—is a collection of a few rarely available 19th-century residences, including this Georgian hideaway that combines period detailing with contemporary conveniences. Long ago, the East River flowed into a cove on the coast of Manhattan that became known as Turtle Bay. The neighborhood that grew up around that inlet in the 19th century, between East 48th and 49th Streets at Second and Third Avenues, is today an exclusive enclave known as Turtle Bay Gardens that serves as a reminder of Manhattan’s more pastoral days. Continue reading Inside an Elegant Georgian Residence in a Coveted Historic Enclave at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Inside The Homes Of Artists Today

Creatives can’t help but inhabit eclectic art-filled homes that reflect their life, work and travels around the globe, writes Laura May Todd Artist William Kentridge’s dining room displays many of his works, including a drawing of a fish for one of his daughters. Photograph: © Jean-François Jaussaud. All artworks by William Kentdrige, courtesy of the artist. Artists’ homes are often an extension of, and an insight into, their creative practice. What do they keep on their mantelpiece? Continue reading Inside The Homes Of Artists Today at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Luxury Real Estate Headlines: First Week in May, 2025

Homes in the News Highlands, North Carolina | Cashiers Sotheby’s International Realty Mansion Global North Carolina’s Priciest Home Returns to MarketA 10-bedroom estate atop a mountain in western North Carolina is listed once again, this time for $32 million. Known for its sweeping views, extensive amenities, and remote location, the property stands as the state’s highest-priced residential listing. The New York Times Coastal Homes in Croatia Attract Foreign BuyersCroatia’s scenic coastline is drawing international interest as foreigners explore the country’s relatively affordable real estate market. Continue reading Luxury Real Estate Headlines: First Week in May, 2025 at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Perfecting a Southern-Style Home

Cozy colorful rooms, luxurious outdoor entertaining and acres of space are perfect for welcoming guests and connecting with nature, writes Elizabeth Fazzare Lexington, Kentucky | Bluegrass Sotheby’s International Realty Each year, on the first Saturday in May, horse-racing enthusiasts don frocks, seersucker suits, and chapeaus of all kinds to attend the Kentucky Derby. Many who travel to the Churchill Downs track in Louisville, Kentucky, come from the surrounding area, where their homes are just as indicative of the region as their outfits. Continue reading Perfecting a Southern-Style Home at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Inside a Timeless Waterfront Estate in Greenwich

This custom-built home is replete with the august details of a bygone era—including columns, archways, wainscoting, ceiling tracery, and chevron-patterned parquetry—yet is unquestionably inviting and basks in expansive views across the dazzling water. If the decades-long success of “This Old House” is any indication, scores of homeowners are interested in—if not dedicated to—the concepts of residential renovation, restoration, and preservation. This may be especially true in settings such as Greenwich, Connecticut, known for its prevalence of vintage homes in Colonial, Tudor, Victorian, Greek Revival, and other classic architectural styles. Continue reading Inside a Timeless Waterfront Estate in Greenwich at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Significant Sales: March 2025 Highlights

From a €164M sale in Sardinia, Italy, to a US$31M sale in Palm Beach, Florida, here are five sales represented by the Sotheby’s International Realty global network in March. Sardinia, Italy Lodovico Pignatti Morano | Italy Sotheby’s International Realty, €164M View properties in Sardinia, Italy Palm Beach, Florida Judge Moss, Jay Dewing | Sotheby’s International Realty – Palm Beach Brokerage, US$31M View properties in Palm Beach, Florida Newport Beach, California John Cain | Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty, US$19.8M View properties in Newport Beach, California Charleston, South Carolina Middleton Rutledge | Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International Realty, US$15.2M View properties in Charleston, South Carolina  Anderson, Texas Cari Goeke | Southern District Sotheby’s International Realty, US$11.5M View properties in Anderson, Texas Discover previous editions of Significant Sales on the blog Continue reading Significant Sales: March 2025 Highlights at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Fourth Week in April 2025

Homes in the News East Hampton, New York | Sotheby’s International Realty – East Hampton Brokerage This $27M Hamptons Home Just Listed for the First Time in 55 Years – The New York Post A historic Hamptons home, valued at $27 million, has been listed for the first time in 55 years A sprawling Hamptons estate has hit the market for the first time in more than half a century, offering buyers a rare opportunity to own a piece of East Hampton history. Continue reading Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Fourth Week in April 2025 at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

How To Live in a Castle in 2025

Make like a king or queen with panoramic views from the turrets, luxe interiors, swimming pools – and even the odd moat, writes Aimee Dawson Perugia, Italy | Italy Sotheby’s International Realty They say an Englishman’s home is his castle. Certainly that has been the case for the Howard family who’ve called Castle Howard in North Yorkshire, England, home for more than 300 years. The 17th-century country house—set in 8,800 acres of parkland, woods and farmland—took more than 100 years to complete, spanning the lifetimes of three earls. Continue reading How To Live in a Castle in 2025 at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Inside a Stylish Firehouse-Turned-Townhouse in the Manhattan

Old World charm meets streamlined contemporary panache in this fashionably transformed 19th-century firehouse, which offers a generous collection of spaces for living and entertaining, enviable outdoor areas, and a finished four-car garage in the heart of New York City’s West Village. Since at least the late 20th century, “reduce, reuse, recycle” has been a familiar refrain when discussing best practices for the use of resources, and while it most commonly applies to household goods and clothing, in the most rarefied cases—particularly in historic locales such as Manhattan’s West Village—it can pertain to buildings as well. Continue reading Inside a Stylish Firehouse-Turned-Townhouse in the Manhattan at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

What is a Perfect Home for a Taurus?

Our monthly series asks: What decor best suits each zodiac sign? Homebody Taurus craves comfort and ease—and a sizable closet, writes Jill Krasny Wellington, New Zealand | New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Ever wonder why some homes seem to captivate you, while others leave you feeling ho-hum? Your star sign may have something to do with it. Whereas Aries are known for their bold design choices, artsy Pisces are drawn to homes by the water and visionary Aquarians prize light-filled spaces that maximize indoor/outdoor living. Continue reading What is a Perfect Home for a Taurus? at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Third Week in April, 2025

Homes in the News Darien, Connecticut | Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage A Wealthy Family Owned a Private Island for Over 100 Years. Now They’re Moving South and Selling it for $35 Million. – Business Insider The Ziegler family is selling their private island in Connecticut, which they have owned for over a century, for $35 million. The island features an 8,684-square-foot New England colonial-style main house, a two-bedroom guest house, an infinity-edge pool, and two beaches. Continue reading Luxury Real Estate Headlines: Third Week in April, 2025 at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.

Collecting Focus: Latin American Art

From Mexican modernism to Brazilian sculpture, this thrilling collecting category is rapidly growing in prominence—and now is the perfect time to invest, writes Florence Hallett Frida Kahlo’s 1949 painting “Diego y yo”, exhibited at Sotheby’s prior to its record-breaking US$34.9 million sale. Photograph: Sotheby’s From the surrealist dreamworlds of Remedios Varo to the shifting colorscapes of Carlos Cruz-Diez’s “Physichromies,” Latin American art has something to suit every sensibility. It’s this diversity of styles—across painting, sculpture, prints and more—that makes the category so exciting. Continue reading Collecting Focus: Latin American Art at Sotheby´s International Realty | Blog.