An impressive sporting calendar, a thriving design scene and an irrepressible cultural energy mean Melbourne consistently exceeds expectations, writes Mandi Keighran Southbank, Melbourne | Peninsula Sotheby’s International Realty Melbourne has long been known as Australia’s cultural capital, but that’s not the only side to the city—its sporting credentials are just as strong. Every year, headline events such as the Australian Open, the Spring Racing Carnival and the upcoming Australian Grand Prix, which kicks off a new Formula One season on March 8, draw global attention. While people might visit for the sporting spectacle, they tend to stay for everything else, from laneway galleries and hidden cocktail bars to blockbuster exhibitions and luxury boutiques. Oh, and the world-beating coffee. “Melbourne is known as one of the world’s most liveable cities,” says Max Ruttner, managing director of Melbourne Sotheby’s International Realty. “It offers an exceptional lifestyle alongside an incredible cultural and entertainment scene.” “I see Melbourne as the cultural heart of Australia’s creative industries,” agrees Alice Blackwood, a Melbourne-based design editor and strategic storyteller. “Creativity here never exists in isolation, nor does any discipline remain confined to its own practice. The cross-pollination between art, theatre, music, design, architecture and our world-class hospitality scene, too, generates a steady exchange of ideas and new experiences.” Southbank is the heart of Melbourne’s arts precinct, home not only to the National Gallery of Victoria—currently hosting the world premiere of landmark fashion exhibition “Westwood | Kawakubo”—but also the Arts Centre Melbourne and the Melbourne Theatre Company. Joining them will be The Fox: NGV Contemporary, which is set to open in 2028. Southbank, Melbourne | Peninsula Sotheby’s International Realty Rising above it all, on the banks of the Yarra River, is Eureka Tower, and at its summit, a penthouse occupying the entire 82nd floor. This is the ideal home for a Melburnian who thrives on city living. Full-height glazing frames dramatic 360-degree views of the skyline, while the building’s features include a 25-meter pool, gymnasium, sauna and cinema. “The penthouse is ideally located on the edge of the Melbourne CBD [Central Business District], with the city’s best restaurants at your doorstep,” says Ruttner. “It’s also only 100 meters from world-class lifestyle amenities.” However, with a dining area for 20 guests, chef’s kitchen, cigar lounge and 1,358-bottle wine cellar, residents might be tempted to stay in. There’s also the Alessi spa bath that looks over the water through the 24-carat-gold-plated windows that adorn the top 10 floors of the building. Malvern East, Melbourne | Melbourne Sotheby’s International Realty A different dimension unfolds in Melbourne’s suburbs. In leafy Malvern East, The Gables offers luxury of an earlier era—and the opportunity to own this property, says Ruttner, is “a rare and generational offering.” Designed in 1902 by Beverley Ussher and Henry Kemp, pioneers of Australia’s Federation architecture style, and set within gardens laid out by William Guilfoyle of Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens fame, this Queen Anne mansion sits across three street frontages. Himalayan cedars planted more than 120 years ago still shade the grounds while four grand reception rooms—including a ballroom—evoke its storied history. In the early 20th century, during prohibition, it was used as a speakeasy by notorious Melbourne gangster Joseph “Squizzy” Taylor, and it went on to host weddings for celebrities and sports stars. Toorak, Melbourne | Melbourne Sotheby’s International Realty That sense of scale continues in Toorak, one of Melbourne’s most prestigious suburbs. Here, a 1920 Mediterranean Revival mansion on a coveted boulevard has recently come onto the market after being held by a single family for more than half a century. The home features formal and informal entertaining spaces that recall the glamour of its original decade, as well as a Hollywood Hills-style pool set in manicured gardens. If these homes represent Melbourne’s architectural past, a reimagined Victorian residence in the vibrant inner-city suburb of Prahran captures how the city weaves together old and new. Renovated by Corr Projects with LSA Architects and designer Nick Kelly, the property retains its period bones—think four-meter-high ceilings and double-fronted proportions—while a boldly geometric rear pavilion gives it distinctive contemporary character. Prahran, Melbourne | Melbourne Sotheby’s International Realty The style of each of these homes is unique, but the ambition and focus on the good life in all its guises is a constant, which, in many ways, is the most Melbourne quality of all. From its sports calendar and restaurant scene to its galleries and coffee, whatever Melbourne turns its hand to, it does so with world-class style. You’ve read about Melbourne. Now explore Brisbane, another blossoming cultural hub
There’s wealth, and then there’s investable wealth. Liquid and transferable, investable wealth is easily deployed into new assets—like luxury real estate. There are 16 million people worldwide who hold at least US$1M each in investable wealth, according to “Investable Assets of the Global Wealthy,” a report published on December 9, 2025 by research firm Altrata. Collectively these assets total US$67.3TN. The global footprint of the Sotheby’s International Realty® brand closely mirrors this wealth distribution, with a strong presence of affiliated offices and agents in markets where investable wealth is most concentrated. Take North America, where 7.4 million people have at least US$1M ready to invest, totalling US$29.3TN, according to Altrata. Most of this—US$26.2TN—is held in the U.S. by 6.8 million individuals. North America is also home to 745 Sotheby’s International Realty affiliated offices and 22,508 affiliated sales associates. In Asia, US$8.1TN is held by 4.2 million people, and in Europe, 3.1 million people hold US$13.8TN. Japan—which ranks third for total investable wealth after the U.S. and China–is home to 10 Sotheby’s International Realty affiliated offices and 160 affiliated sales associates, while there are 182 affiliated offices and 1,237 affiliated associates in Europe. Cover Property: San Luis Obispo, California
This unparalleled estate represents a pinnacle of the notion of home: a European-inspired manor, built in 1900 and spanning some 15,900 square feet, that stands sentinel over nearly 270 acres of sylvan land that unfurls along the border of Connecticut and New York. In the northern reaches of Stamford, Connecticut, the unparalleled estate known as Hillandale stands sentinel over more than 268 acres of sylvan land that unfurls along the border of Connecticut and New York. This European-inspired manor, built in 1900 and spanning more than 15,900 square feet, was once owned by the Sulzbergers, a prominent media family that has owned The New York Times since 1896. The compound encompasses formal gardens, a private lake, and four staff or guest residences in addition to the main house. Daniel Milstein Photography " src="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/11.jpg" alt="indoor Olympic-sized pool with ornate mosaics and large french doors " class="wp-image-346250" srcset="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/11.jpg 1800w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/11-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/11-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/11-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/11-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/11-1200x800.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px" Stamford, Connecticut | Leslie McElwreath, Joseph Barbieri | Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage Lovingly maintained and masterfully rejuvenated and expanded over the decades, the manor house is grand in scale, boasting exquisite formal rooms. The pièce de résistance is the spectacular mosaic-clad natatorium, which houses an Olympic-sized indoor swimming pool and spa. Among the eight bedrooms and 10 baths is a majestic owner’s suite featuring antique French paneling, a marble fireplace, two dressing rooms, two lavish baths, and a private balcony overlooking the grounds and the lake. Daniel Milstein Photography " src="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/12-1024x683.jpg" alt="ornate living room with marble fireplace" class="wp-image-346251" srcset="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/12-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/12-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/12-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/12-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/12-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/12.jpg 1800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" The living room, with its ornate millwork and marble fireplace, brings to mind a French salon. The dining room features an eye-catching tracery ceiling and hand-carved antique English pine paneling. The kitchen will impress both cooks and gourmands with its Calacatta countertops; generous island; and appliances from Miele, Bosch, Viking, Sub-Zero, Dacor, and Thermador. An adjoining breakfast and family room has a French limestone fireplace, and the butler’s pantry offers an additional refrigerator, a dumbwaiter, and wine storage. The library has a fireplace, a bay window, and paneling dating to the 1750s, while the foyer showcases a Tiffany stained-glass accent. A lounge with a bar also has a stately stone fireplace as well as a coffered ceiling and a retractable projector screen. Contemporary comforts include two elevators, a security system, 11 fireplaces, and a generator. A handsome slate-tiled roof, a façade of stalwart granite, and ornate iron entry gates exemplify the undeniable Old World classicism and convey the enduring nature of the estate. An attached two-car garage and a detached four-car garage with an apartment above complete the estate. The delights continue outdoors, from a terrace overlooking five-acre Lake Susan and formal gardens that include a hedge maze and parterres to a greenhouse, a cutting garden, a stone chapel garden folly, and a fenced vegetable garden with a peafowl coop. Entertainment abounds thanks to a swimming pool with a pool house, a lighted Australian-style-surface tennis court, and an outdoor chess set. In addition to woodland trails, more than five miles of private roads wind through the property, affording easy access to four additional residences for guests and/or staff on the property. Much like the historic European estates after which it was modeled, Hillandale surpasses the mere notion of “home.” Whether destined to continue its legacy as a peaceful private hideaway with an impressive pedigree, a nexus for fabulous festive fêtes, or a generational retreat, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not to be missed. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
The Sotheby’s International Realty® brand today announced that its 2025 U.S. sales volume increased 9.3% year over year—more than triple the National Association of REALTORS® reported overall market growth of 2.6%.1 Globally, the brand achieved US$182.4 billion in sales volume in 2025, up from US$157 billion in 2024, representing nearly 16% year-over-year growth. This performance marks the brand’s second-strongest year on record and its highest annual sales volume since the pandemic-era surge. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Sotheby’s International Realty further solidified its position as a global premier luxury real estate network, now comprising more than 1,100 offices across 86 countries and territories. The milestone underscores the strength of the brand’s global footprint, the caliber of its agent network, and its continued resonance with discerning buyers and sellers worldwide. “For five decades, Sotheby’s International Realty affiliated agents have been the trusted advisors for clients navigating the luxury real estate market at the highest level,” said Philip White, President and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty. “The brand’s sustained growth is the result of a deliberate global strategy—expanding into key markets, strengthening the connections within our network, and delivering exceptional referral opportunities that drive meaningful results. Coupled with our industry-leading marketing platform that showcases extraordinary properties to a truly global audience, we empower our affiliated sales professionals to connect discerning buyers and sellers across borders. As we celebrate 50 years of the brand, our success reflects the power of collaboration, innovation, and expertise that continue to define Sotheby’s International Realty worldwide.” An Unrivaled Platform for Global Success In 2025, Sotheby’s International Realty continued to elevate its position as a premier global network for real estate professionals, empowering them to serve clients seamlessly anywhere in the world and expand their business beyond local markets. The brand’s network generated nearly US$7 billion in global referrals—high-quality, relationship-driven leads that translate into meaningful, incremental revenue opportunities for affiliated agents. Strengthening its international presence with new affiliates in Hungary and the Philippines, Sotheby’s International Realty now offers even greater access to key global markets, reinforcing its role as a trusted connector for high-net-worth buyers and sellers worldwide. “Our global network empowers Sotheby’s International Realty affiliated agents to seamlessly serve clients anywhere in the world,” said Tammy Fahmi, Senior Vice President of Global Servicing and Strategy for Sotheby’s International Realty. “By facilitating high-quality, trust-based referrals across markets, we’re not only expanding opportunities for our network but driving meaningful results for their clients—turning global connections into measurable growth.” With nearly 26,000 sales associates across its network, Sotheby’s International Realty delivers an unparalleled level of collaboration, uniting top professionals who provide exceptional service, expert local insight, and access to a truly global client base. Unmatched Media Visibility and Digital Reach Sotheby’s International Realty reached a new benchmark in its digital growth strategy, closing the year with 1.38 million followers across social media—making it the most-followed luxury real estate brand for the first time. This achievement highlights the brand’s dynamic storytelling and its ability to engage discerning audiences worldwide through visually compelling, aspirational content. The brand’s digital presence remained a cornerstone of its success, with sothebysrealty.com attracting approximately 42 million visits in 2025. The site continues to serve as a global showcase for extraordinary properties, providing an elevated user experience that connects clients to the world’s most desirable homes and leading real estate professionals. Sotheby’s International Realty remained the #1 most profiled luxury real estate brand in the news2 underscoring its authority and influence within the global real estate conversation. This prominence was amplified through engagements and media collaborations with some of the world’s most respected and influential brands, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Financial Times, Architectural Digest, and Sotheby’s Auction House. Together, these alignments reinforce the brand’s unmatched connection to the worlds of art, culture, design, and international luxury. “Our ability to consistently reach and engage a global audience speaks to the strength of our marketing, storytelling, and digital strategy,” said Bradley Nelson, Chief Marketing Officer, Sotheby’s International Realty. “We continue to invest in platforms and content that helps elevate agents, showcase extraordinary properties, and connect with today’s globally minded luxury consumer.” A Global Brand Built for the Modern Luxury Homebuyer and Home Seller As luxury buyers increasingly operate across borders, Sotheby’s International Realty continues to set the standard for global real estate advisory services, combining deep local expertise with unmatched international scale. The brand’s award-winning Luxury Outlook® Report and related thought leadership program further reinforces its authority in the high-end property market, delivering proprietary insights and forward-looking analysis to affluent consumers and media worldwide. With continued expansion, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to excellence, the Sotheby’s International Realty brand enters 2026 positioned for sustained growth and long-term leadership in the global luxury real estate market. Cover Property: British Columbia, Canada Photos: Sean Yoro, Eibner Saliba, unsplash.com
A new survey of Nordic architecture showcases bold innovation alongside a deep commitment to rest and retreat, writes Riya Patel Fleinvær Refugium (2017) by Rintala Eggertsson & Tyin Tegnestue, Fleinvær, Norway. Photograph: © 2026 Richard Powers The standout homes in “The Iconic Nordic House”—the latest compendium of a series on striking residential architecture—are designed to protect from wild and rugged landscapes. They offer spectacular views of nature from a safe and warm place. Even in urban examples, there’s a sense of interior space as a retreat from the outer world. That domestic coziness has been construed into a number of popular lifestyle trends, notably the Danish concept of hygge. Yet as this new survey shows, there is much more to the Nordic sensibility. Binding these extraordinary homes from the past 125 years is the luxury of tranquility and a deep philosophy of quality, craft and care. “There’s real sensitivity to the landscape that you see in both contemporary Nordic architecture and the past,” says author Dominic Bradbury, whose research took him to far-flung islands and archipelagos as well as the Scandinavian mainland. “There’s use of organic material and natural textures, even if the forms and composition are very modern.” Villa Mairea (1939) by Alvar Aalto, Noormarkku, Finland. Photograph: © 2026 Richard Powers The timber-panelled ceiling and forest-like columns of Alvar Aalto’s Villa Mairea (1939) in Ahlström Noormarkku, Finland, exemplify a softer, more layered type of modernism. The house’s design cleverly adapts the usual language of pristine white forms with local materials and reverence to the Finnish landscape. Although mid-century style has become associated with the Nordics, the book shows regional variations in constant play with multiple ideas and aesthetics. “I think that there is a real spirit of innovation in Nordic architecture,” says Bradbury. “These architects were at the vanguard of a lot of different styles and movements.” The experimental prefab plastic Futuro House (1968) by architect-designer Matti Suuronen is a stark departure from the typically spare Nordic look. The cliffside creative atelier Nurmesniemi House (1975) on Kulosaari island is another Finnish outlier. Its generous double-height spaces and exposed steel structure make it more akin to the famously inventive Eames Case Study House in California. Villa Birkedal (2016) by Jan Henrik Jansen, Møn, Denmark. © 2026 Richard Powers More recent homes manifest a quest for innovation in their mastery of sustainable technologies. Blending with the birches on the Danish island of Møn is Villa Birkedal (2016) by Copenhagen-based architect Jan Henrik Jansen. A cluster of cylindrical volumes is clad in rough tree trunks, making the lustrous brass kitchen island inside all the more surprising. For the cubist Villa Sagalid (2023) on the Stockholm archipelago, architects Sandell Sandberg chose bespoke ceramic cladding to withstand water and rain, but also to catch the light so the building shimmers. The sheer number of sea cabins, summer houses, coastal escapes, mountain retreats and treehouses show how architecture integrates with a commitment to leisure and family time. In Norway, PAN Tretopphytter (2018), a trio of A-frames on stilts by Espen Surnevik, immerse guests among the trees of a farm in Gjesåsen, while Snorre Stinessen’s timber-lined Manshausen Cabins (2023), built on a private island in the Steigen archipelago, feel gloriously isolated in the dramatic fjords. Manshausen Sea Cabins (2015) by Snorre Stinessen, Manhausen Island, Norway. Photograph: © 2026 Richard Powers Although some are too remote or compact to be permanent homes, these treasured holiday spots can be kept in families for generations and returned to year after year. “The craft and quality is often quite extraordinary,” says Bradbury. “I think there’s a luxurious element in the way these buildings are designed and then put together.” Time, space and immersion in nature unite this most enviable collection of Nordic architecture. Wherever in the world we live, there are plenty of lessons to take home on the art of living well. “The Iconic Nordic House: Modern Masterworks Since 1900” is published by Thames & Hudson These epic rural homes around the world bring “Wuthering Heights”-style drama
From a US$50.7M sale in New York, New York, to a €13.5M sale in Nice, France, here are five sales represented by the Sotheby’s International Realty global network in January. New York, New York Elizabeth L. Sample, Brenda Powers | Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage, US$50.7M View properties in New York, New York Byron Bay, Australia Will Phillips| Byron Bay Sotheby’s International Realty, AUD$17.5M View properties in Byron Bay, Australia Nice, France Peter Illovsky| Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty, €13.5M View properties in Nice, France Water Mill, New York Beate V. Moore, Vanessa Moore| Sotheby’s International Realty – Bridgehampton Brokerage, US$13.3M View properties in Water Mill, New York Cernobbio, Italy Eugenia Monti Crivelli Visconti| Italy Sotheby’s International Realty, €9.5M View properties in Cernobbio, Italy Discover previous editions of Significant Sales on the blog
This 40.66-acre estate boasts a 8,500-square-foot home, two guesthouses, an infinity-edge pool and spa, a lap pool, an acre of cabernet vines, mature gardens, multiple alfresco entertaining areas, tennis and bocce courts, and an enviable vista of Lake Hennessey. With its stately pitched rooflines, gently curving eaves, august ironwork, ivy-draped walls, charmingly distressed and white-washed woodwork, and lovely cream-toned stucco, this timelessly elegant residence could, at first blush, be mistaken for an enchanting escape in the French countryside. Rather, the location is some 40 acres in the St. Helena foothills, one of the area’s most idyllic, picturesque communities. The property boasts a 8,500-square-foot home, two guesthouses of roughly 1,000 square feet each, an infinity-edge pool and spa, a 60-foot lap pool, an acre of Pritchard Hill cabernet vines, mature gardens, multiple alfresco entertaining areas, a tennis court, and a bocce court—culminating in a truly inimitable wine country compound. St. Helena, California | Ginger Martin | Sotheby’s International Realty – St. Helena Brokerage A paver courtyard with a fountain, flourishing green vines, and a gracefully arched entry introduce the main residence, which was recently remodeled to blend classical influences with contemporary conveniences and an impossibly placid view. Pervasive sophisticated touches—Venetian plaster walls, Chinkapin oak pocket doors, custom ironwork, and floors of walnut and French limestone—begin in the home’s centerpiece, an airy, fluid formal living and dining space with vaulted beamed ceilings. The adjoining cook’s kitchen features top-caliber appliances, abundant counter and cabinet space, and a casual dining area with built-in semicircular banquette. Completing the enviable picture are four peaceful bedrooms—including a primary suite with a luxurious bath and a private covered terrace—two offices, a family room, a gym, a solarium, a capacious wine cellar with Old World flair, and a thoughtful catering kitchen. Throughout, the light is soothingly gentle, and the palette is serenely subdued. Multiple sets of regal glass doors give way to the idyllic main terrace, where organic lines, thriving mature trees, and colorful landscaping draw the eye toward the mesmerizing pool and spa, which, in a trompe l’oeil effect, appears to flow directly into the distant water. Nearby is a vine-draped dining pergola with an Old World–inspired fireplace. Beyond, the land cascades down the hill toward the lake, with terracing creating quiet spots for rest, contemplation, and appreciation of the spectacular setting. The view—rolling hills enveloping a refreshing lake—is a rare and unexpected boon for a wine country estate. Further afield on the acreage are the two guesthouses, each of which echoes the soigné style of the main residence. Visitors will appreciate the ability to relax and unwind in these refined settings and to take advantage of the sparkling lap pool. An adjacent 60-acre buildable parcel with a prolific well is also available for purchase, affording the opportunity to create an expansive, exclusive compound and the consummate wine country escape. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
From traditional Finnish design to high-end finishes and tech, saunas are a sanctuary in the home, writes Emma Reynolds Varsinais Suomi, Finland | Finland Sotheby’s International Realty Forget a wine cellar or car showroom; saunas are the ultimate status-defining amenity in today’s luxury home. While neither new nor novel—the ancient Finnish tradition dates back millennia—in recent years, saunas have skyrocketed into mainstream wellness culture, propelled by mounting scientific evidence linking traditional sauna use to muscle recovery and cardiovascular benefits and reduced inflammation. The current sauna revival extends beyond health benefits alone. It’s reshaping how people socialize, relax and live together. In major cities such as London and New York, urban bathhouses are emerging as social gathering spaces among screen-fatigued, health-conscious young professionals seeking community. Meanwhile, biohacking trends and the interest in preventative health and longevity are an increasing influence on at-home amenities, like the sauna, among homebuyers across generations. Luxury buyers are commissioning custom saunas for their homes as essential design features, with some installations even commanding six-figure budgets. Ilene Chase, a Chicago-based interior designer, says her high-net-worth clients are prioritizing wellness suites in both their primary and vacation properties. North Holland, Netherlands | Netherlands Sotheby’s International Realty “Our homes dictate the lives we lead,” Chase says. “When we bridge extraordinary design with high-level wellness, we’re sculpting a spiritual sanctuary. There is something deeply personal about recovery in the privacy of your own home. You have the luxury of being completely unobserved. This is where the real work happens.” If traditional Finnish saunas are the design blueprint, today’s high-end versions are the architectural evolution. Standard saunas generally follow a Finnish design template, incorporating wood cladding (usually pine or spruce), a central stone stove, tiered benches and airtight insulation. Where design-focused commissions diverge is in materials and intention. Luxury installations may swap or integrate softwoods for cedar or thermally modified hardwoods; incorporate floor-to-ceiling glass walls, ergonomic seating and integrated artwork; or include tech-driven features, such as red light panels, chromotherapy lighting, aromatherapy, or savvy speaker systems Uusimaa Finland | Finland Sotheby’s International Realty Finland is the sauna capital of the world, where the habit is inscribed into the list of UNESCO Intangible Culture Heritage. So it comes as no surprise that this remote contemporary residence on the secluded island of Sorpo in southwest Finland is outfitted with two spacious and modern saunas, one in the main residence and another overlooking the Archipelago Sea. Between sessions, residents can take a dip in the water to reap the benefits of hot and cold contrast therapy. Jasper Pääkkönen, founder of Helsinki’s renowned Löyly eco-sauna and AITO, which crafts authentic Finnish saunas, emphasizes outdoor positioning whenever possible. “Saunas are used far more when placed outdoors in a garden or by a pool,” Pääkkönen says. “It’s a completely different experience when you’re overlooking nature—the calming and relaxing effect is much stronger. Having said that, if your home doesn’t have the outdoor space for a sauna, a bathroom sauna is better than no sauna at all.” Riga, Latvia | Latvia Sotheby’s International Realty The historic 19th-century Manor Zēluste is just 30 minutes from Latvia’s capital Riga, yet feels worlds away. The nine-acre property set along Lake Jugla has been thoughtfully renovated with modern amenities, while retaining its original architectural features. The property also has two saunas: a glass-walled space overlooking an indoor pool and a rustic wooden-barrel sauna outside beside a tranquil pond. They are also a must for high-end ski properties. This 6.5 acre Aspen estate sits within the gated Starwood community, in a prime position overlooking Ajax and Mount Sopris. The modern mountain home has just about every amenity, but the wellness offering particularly shines. A luxe home spa rivals five-star resorts with an infrared sauna, cold plunge, steam room and gym. Aspen, Colorado | Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty Meanwhile, a designer-done residence in the Netherlands pairs traditional architecture with modern, warm and textural interiors. The highlight of the lower-level wellness wing is a luxury sauna with soothing ambient lighting and decorative mosaic tiling that brings an artistic element to any relaxation routine. For Pääkkönen, and most Finns, saunas are designed above all for connection. “The most beautiful moments in a sauna are social, shared either with my wife and children or with good friends,” he says. “There is something magical about sweating it out in a hot room with others. It creates very honest, sincere and authentic human connections.” Read our guide to the ultimate wellness features to install in your luxury home
A striking Santa Fe estate once owned by legendary actor Gene Hackman has sold in record time, capturing a buyer after just one month on the market. Set within the gated Santa Fe Summit and surrounded by more than 53 acres of pristine high‑desert landscape, a remarkable estate once owned by acclaimed actor Gene Hackman has changed hands after only one month on the market. The property went into contract in just eight days, with Tara Earley and Ricky Allen of Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe Brokerage representing the seller, and Chris Pearson Kramer of Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe Brokerage representing the buyer. Its swift sale speaks to the rare blend of design, setting, and serenity that defines this singular property. Santa Fe, New Mexico | Ricky Allen, Tara Earley, Chris Pearson Kramer Tucked just 15 minutes from the Plaza yet worlds away in atmosphere, the residence was conceived by architect Ed Boniface and built by Doug McDowell. Glass, stone, and steel create a quiet, sculptural presence that settles naturally into its hillside. Inside, the materials continue the dialogue with the outdoors. Floor-to-ceiling windows pull vast views—from the Jemez Mountains to the distant edge of Colorado—directly into the living spaces, giving the home a shifting, cinematic quality as light moves across the terrain. The main residence unfolds through a series of spacious, fluid rooms designed for both reflection and gathering. A grand living room anchors the core of the home, accompanied by a generous dining area and a warm, wood-lined library. The primary suite forms its own retreat with a sitting area, office, dual closets, and spa-like baths that open to the landscape. Below, a gym, game room, and media room provide additional layers of livability while maintaining the home’s understated aesthetic. Across the property, two additional structures extend its versatility. A three-bedroom guest house offers privacy and comfort for visitors, while a large studio stands ready for art, music, yoga, or other creative pursuits. Thoughtfully positioned outdoor spaces encourage time spent in the open air: a pool suited for early swims, terraces placed for taking in the changing sky, a secluded putting green bordered by native plantings, and an enclosed hot tub where city lights shimmer in the distance. Garages with room for six vehicles complete the compound. As the estate begins its next chapter, its sale underscores the continued appeal of thoughtfully designed homes that offer both a strong connection to the landscape and access to the cultural centers. Properties that strike this balance remain highly sought after, and this residence stands as a clear example of how architecture, setting, and livability can come together in a way that continues to resonate across the market. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
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