High design meets functionality as this traditional space evolves into the most sought-after feature of a waterside home, writes Emma Reynolds Wolfeboro, New Hampshire | Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty The boathouse is one of the oldest of residential amenities, a once utilitarian shelter for boats, fishing supplies and assorted craft, built partially over the water or set just back from it. And it has retained this core purpose and footprint for centuries. What has changed is how architects, designers and homeowners now envision the space. Waterfront living appeals for more than the views. It’s about how your lifestyle engages with the shoreline, lakeside or riverbank. Tackle boxes and fishing poles might still be stored within a boathouse, but features such as panoramic sun decks, wine racks, mood lighting and guest suites are increasingly common, helping to turn a day by the water into a night of entertaining, long after the boat has docked. “The boathouses we design are basically lakeshore clubhouses with enough amenities in them to utilize the space throughout an entire day,” says Wade Weissmann, founder of Wade Weissmann Architecture, whose projects span waterside homes in both California and New York and their Great Lakes base in Wisconsin. Austin, Texas | Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty Lakeside structures can err towards the nostalgic, bringing to mind summer-camp style. A creative approach takes more contemporary form on Lake Austin in Texas, where a new-build residence by architect Evan Fisher includes plans for an elevated glass pavilion positioned over the water, complete with a large minimalist living area and spacious sun deck above covered storage for boats and water toys. For Jennifer Schuppie of Milwaukee-based interior design studio Peabody’s, it’s the boathouses with guest suites that she finds clients fighting over in properties on the shores of Lake Michigan. “[The boathouse] acts as another residential space, just one that happens to be above the water,” says Schuppie. Ultimately, she adds, a boathouse should both reflect nature and act as an extension of its built surroundings. Windemere, England | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty At Ridding Bay, a 10-acre property in England’s Lake District, there is no need to choose between amenities and privacy. Along 900 feet of Lake Windermere’s natural lakefront, this recently refurbished 16,500 square foot estate features an indoor pool, movie theater and wellness suite, surrounded by landscaped gardens, woodland and rolling hills. But the main gathering area is the newly built boathouse, with a living room, open terrace, kitchenette, shower room and proximity to the water all day long. No longer an afterthought, boathouses have evolved into miniature destinations within a property, a focal point for hosting or relaxation. Many of Weissmann’s clients approach them with the same care and consideration as parts of the primary home. “They are investing time and money into boathouse design,” he reports, “especially regarding material and craftsmanship.” Wolfeboro, New Hampshire | Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty On Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, the three-acre Woodland Cove estate fronts 310 feet of sandy shoreline. This hilltop home has enough bedrooms to host a large family and then some. Down along the water is a beautiful extended boathouse crafted from mahogany and fieldstone with a sheltered boat garage and lift, detailed masonry and plenty of storage space. “This boathouse is unique because it blends into the natural surroundings and has the capacity to house a 50-foot boat,” says Brian Neidhardt, global real estate advisor for the New Hampshire Lakes Region at Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty. “Boathouses on Lake Winnipesaukee are extremely desirable and can add up to 30% to the value of the property. Designs have become more extravagant and in many cases mirror the level of finish of the main home,” he adds. This growth is reflected in other waterfront markets, too. “A lot of my clients are trying to create a multigenerational family presence, so they’re thinking generations ahead,” says Wade Weismann. “Every single project we’re working on seems to be a legacy project.” Loosdrecht, North Holland | Netherlands Sotheby’s International Realty Few properties set up that multigenerational structure better than a Lac McGale estate in Quebec’s Upper Laurentians. Its 1,205 forested acres encompass three lakes and a private island, plus a traditional white clapboard boathouse that sits beside a timber dock. Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, life on the water takes a more practical form. This contemporary property sits at the end of a private peninsula on the Loosdrechtse Plassen, a system of five interconnected lakes within easy reach of Amsterdam. Just steps from the main house and gardens is a low double boathouse from which to speed away easily. Its restrained design reflects a place where boats are part of everyday transportation and recreation. Because no matter a boathouse’s appearance and add-ons, it retains one core function: bringing its owner closer to the water. Take design inspiration for indoor-outdoor spaces that work with the changing seasons
Photo: Tron Le Sotheby’s International Realty today announced the opening of Vietnam Sotheby’s International Realty, marking the brand’s 18th office in Asia and further expanding its footprint across the continent. Headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City, one of the country’s principal luxury residential markets, Vietnam Sotheby’s International Realty will serve clients and represent carefully selected luxury residential properties and developments nationwide, from established urban centers and resort destinations to emerging markets. The company is led by Chloe Dang, co-founder and chief executive officer, who will oversee the firm’s vision, strategy, client experience, and day-to-day operations. Dang brings a distinct depth of experience, with nearly two decades in media and 15 years in real estate, most notably as head of the real estate segment and a television anchor for a leading national financial and business news channel. Dang is joined by James Miles-Lambert, co-founder and chairman. With extensive management expertise at one of Vietnam’s leading retail groups, Miles-Lambert provides strategic oversight across corporate governance, long-term growth planning, and organizational development. “Vietnam’s luxury residential market has decisively evolved from an emerging frontier into a sophisticated, globally competitive investment destination, driven by rising domestic wealth, significant infrastructure investment, and increasing international visibility,” said Philip White, president and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty. “The country offers a compelling mix of dynamic global cities, culturally rich heritage centers, and world-class coastal destinations.” Photo: Marina Lobato “The vision of Vietnam Sotheby’s International Realty is to elevate the standard of luxury residential real estate in Vietnam through disciplined curation, absolute discretion, service excellence, and unrivaled global connectivity,” said Dang. “Our role is to serve as a trusted bridge between Vietnam and the world, connecting Vietnamese clients with premier real estate opportunities both within Vietnam and across key international markets, while showcasing select luxury residential properties in Vietnam to a global audience through the Sotheby’s International Realty network. We are seeing strong momentum across the market, with domestic demand led by buyers from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi and cross-border interest growing in both directions: affluent Vietnamese families are increasingly seeking international real estate for wealth diversification, global education opportunities, and lifestyle mobility, while qualified international buyers are showing growing interest in luxury residential opportunities in Vietnam.” “Vietnam’s luxury residential sector is entering a more sophisticated phase, and our priority is to combine international standards with deep local understanding,” said Miles-Lambert. “At the heart of our approach is a clear set of values: reputation comes first, integrity and discretion are non-negotiable, client service is bespoke, advice is grounded in evidence, and the strength of one team is amplified by a global network.” Photos: Sean Yoro, Eibner Saliba, unsplash.com
default " This charismatic 6,852-square-foot home in a coveted private waterfront community offers a rare opportunity to live amid a picture-perfect coastal tableau, with some 2,000 square feet of patios and balconies encouraging appreciation of sunsets, sunrises, and views of Long Island Sound. The scene feels pulled from the pages of a storybook: a peaceful coastal lane lined with manicured hedges and stalwart trees winds away from a sandy private beach and dock on the waters of Greenwich Cove. Along the way, a clandestine arch cut carefully and discreetly into the privet lures the eye toward a swath of lush lawn, flourishing flower and vegetable gardens, and vibrant hydrangeas. Just beyond sits a quintessential New England residence with handsome cedar shingles, eye-catching wood trim, stone chimneys, and multiple covered porches designed to capture ocean views and breezes. default " src="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/10-2.jpg" alt="upper-level patio of Greenwich home " class="wp-image-347608" srcset="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/10-2.jpg 2880w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/10-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/10-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/10-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/10-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/10-2-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/10-2-1200x675.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 2880px) 100vw, 2880px" Old Greenwich, Connecticut| Tracey Koorbusch, Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage This charismatic 6,852-square-foot home, designed by award-winning architect Steven Mueller in the coveted private waterfront association of Lucas Point in Old Greenwich, offers a rare opportunity to live amid this picture-perfect tableau. Some 2,000 square feet of outdoor living spaces on multiple levels encourages appreciation of dramatic sunsets and serene sunrises over Long Island Sound. French doors run nearly the full length of the front and back of the residence, admitting floods of glorious natural light. A stately porte cochere creates a fittingly grand introduction, which begins with an impressive foyer whose ceiling soars to the height of three levels. All of the home’s inviting areas flow from this central space: a living room with a striking coffered ceiling, an elegant formal dining room with a verdant view, a welcoming study with a fireplace and custom built-ins, an open-concept chef’s kitchen with an island and top-caliber appliances, and an adjoining family room. The lower level—a rarity in this historic waterfront locale—offers a media room, a gym, a secluded bedroom suite, a storage room with shelving, and a versatile space ideal for use as an office, a yoga studio, or a recreation room. One of five restful bedrooms, the luxurious primary suite gazes out toward the water from its private balcony and includes two walk-in closets and a grand marble-appointed bath with Waterworks vanities and fixtures. This oasis shares its level with three guest bedrooms with distinct aesthetics and custom built-ins. The uppermost level, which overlooks the foyer below, gives way to a remarkable porch, an ideal spot for watching boats as they sail by on the sound, the sun as it rises over the water, or stars as they sparkle at night. default " src="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/4-5-1024x576.jpg" alt="backyard of Greenwich home with vegetable garden" class="wp-image-347606" srcset="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/4-5-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/4-5-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/4-5-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/4-5-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/4-5-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/4-5-1200x675.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" The main level’s banks of French doors allow for an effortless flow between the stylish interiors and the professionally landscaped grounds. Creating a veil of privacy, mature privet hedges and colorful hydrangeas frame an expanse of emerald grass that affords ample room for established vegetable and flower gardens as well as the future addition of a swimming pool. The estate’s enviable position, on one of the neighborhood’s largest properties and atop one of the highest spots in Lucas Point, well above the flood line, makes this an elevated retreat in both the literal and the figurative sense of the word. All the delightful diversions of nearby Tod’s Point—miles of waterfront trails and beaches—are mere minutes away. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
From an CAD19.8M sale in Mont-Tremblant, Canada, to a US$10.8M in Honolulu, Hawaii, here are five sales represented by the Sotheby’s International Realty global network in June. Mont-Tremblant, Canada Hall Cassie Marshall Group | Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, CAD19.8M View properties in Mont-Tremblant, Canada Harbour Island, The Bahamas Colleen Carey|Bahamas Sotheby’s International Realty, US$15.45M View properties in Harbour Island, The Bahamas Sonoma, California Caroline Sebastiani | Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty – Sonoma Brokerage, US$13M View properties in Sonoma, California Auckland, New Zealand Paul Sissons | New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty, NZD12.5M View properties in Auckland, New Zealand Honolulu, Hawaii Seiko Ono, Aileen Rodriguez-Chizer | List Sotheby’s International Realty, US$10.8M View properties in Honolulu, Hawaii
This well-heeled neighborhood sits at the heart of history, but its streets exude all the charm of now, writes Andrew Sessa A Beacon Hill home remodeled by local interior designer Nina Farmer. Photograph: Jared Kuzia As America celebrates its milestone 250th anniversary, the revolutionary spirit that has long defined Boston revs up. The coastal New England city played an outsized role in the young nation’s fight for freedom, and today that independent streak lives on. Boston’s postcard-perfect neighborhoods may seem trapped in amber, but innovation thrives on centuries-old streets. Nowhere better captures this time-hopping magic than Beacon Hill, one of downtown Boston’s oldest and most affluent areas. “It’s a museum in its own right,” says longtime resident Thomas Kershaw, owner of Beacon Hill’s historic Hampshire House and its subterranean English-style pub, which inspired the television series “Cheers.” Kershaw also sits on the board of Sail Boston, which organized the harbor regatta of tall ships in early July as part of the America 250 celebrations. “Walking down the street, you feel it’s 200 years ago.” At the same time, Beacon Hill is no relic of the past. Independent womenswear store December Thieves, founded in 2013. Photograph: Somerby Jones Lana Barakat—whose womenswear boutique December Thieves curates a selection of bespoke makers—points to an “influx of innovative stores and restaurants” boosting the area’s diversity and appeal. Architect and interior designer Lisa Miao, meanwhile, who lives on one of the neighborhood’s most picturesque squares, says: “It was the original heart of the city in many ways,” and, she adds, remains “a true sweet little village unto itself.” This village-within-a-village rises between the Charles River and two adjacent green spaces: Boston Common, which is the country’s oldest public park, and the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Public Garden, where visitors flock to ride swan-shaped boats on the pond and see bronze sculptures inspired by classic U.S. children’s book “Make Way for Ducklings.” The Common is an ideal starting point for walking the Freedom Trail, a redbrick route connecting prominent revolutionary-era sites, and the city’s history of public and political action continues there in a recently unveiled monument, “The Embrace,” by Hank Willis Thomas. It honors Martin Luther King Jr., who led a 1965 civil rights march that concluded with a speech delivered to 20,000 at the Common’s bandstand. The gleaming dome of the Massachusetts State House. Photograph: Aubrey Odom Much of the Beacon Hill we see today dates from the end of the 18th century. That’s when prominent Bostonians began commissioning Federal and Greek Revival mansions west of the just-completed gold-domed State House. This uppermost crust of local society came to be known as “Boston Brahmins,” thanks to humorist Oliver Wendell Holmes, an “old money” stereotype that persists, bolstered by the area’s high property values—and the preppy appearance of its residents. While many of these aristocratic abodes remain private homes—sensitively remodeled by architects and designers for contemporary living—several live on as immersive museums. William Hickling Prescott House reveals the lives of three families of wealthy residents, while the Nichols House Museum focuses on suffragist, pacifist and noted garden designer Rose Standish Nichols. Gilded Age socialite and collector Isabella Stewart Gardner built her eponymous must-visit museum a couple of miles west, but she was a loyal parishioner at Beacon Hill’s Church of the Advent, to which she donated an intricately carved limestone altarpiece that impresses churchgoers to this day. Isabella Stewart Gardner’s famed museum courtyard in neighboring Fenway. Photograph: Troy Wade Across the street from the State House, the neoclassical edifice of the 220-year-old Boston Athenaeum houses some 700,000-plus literary, historical and artistic wonders, including volumes from George Washington’s personal library that figure in its current America 250 exhibition, “Imagined Nation.” On the north slope of the hill, the Museum of African American History comprises the Abiel Smith School and African Meeting House. Both played pivotal roles in the lives of Boston’s Black communities and their fight for freedom. “National calls to action around abolition and human rights for African Americans are embedded in our buildings,” says Noelle Trent, museum president and CEO. “Every visitor has the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of history.” “Beacon Hill is steeped in history and politics,” agrees Claire Cronin, a former U.S. ambassador to Ireland who spent 10 years in the State House as a Massachusetts state representative. While politicos can readily be found at nearby watering holes such as Emmets, Roxanne’s and the aptly named 21st Amendment, Cronin suggests the family-owned Capital Coffee House to start the day, and a pint of Guinness at The Dubliner to finish it. ”You feel it’s 200 years ago.” The classic red brick of Beacon Hill’s townhouses. Photograph: Supplied Heading west, marvel at Louisburg Square’s oval of picturesque brick townhouses and browse the beautiful blooms at Rouvalis Flowers & Gardens. The nearby and impossibly narrow Acorn Street may well be the most photographed in Boston. A couple of blocks west lies Charles Street, Beacon Hill’s main thoroughfare, though you’ll find very few big brands here. Instead, it has “the sort of scaled-down feel that makes places feel human,” says interior designer Margaret Nubuor, a relatively recent Beacon Hill arrival. She’s enthusiastic about the new generation of affluent, family-minded owners who have come to the neighborhood. “It’s definitely gotten younger and more varied. I see more strollers these days!” Genteel decor and inviting shelves at Beacon Hill Books & Cafe. Photograph: Beacon Hill Books & Cafe On Charles Street, the small storefronts of boutiques such as French + Italian and Dress Boston occupy rowhouses. Recent menswear arrival Keezer’s specializes in vintage high-end pieces and expert tailoring, while Beacon Hill Books & Cafe combines carefully curated volumes and a quirky aesthetic of pale-blue prints and patterns—you’ll often find a line out the door. The same is true of Tatte, a Parisian-meets-Levantine cafe whose pastries, tartines, shakshukas and pitas take the proverbial cake. In the evenings, even the most sophisticated don’t mind stopping for a beer and hotdog at The Sevens pub. For more formal fare, well-heeled locals love the old-world setting and Tuscan-focused dishes of long-standing trattoria Toscano. Newcomer Zurito, meanwhile, has brought Basque-style pintxos to Beacon Hill. Its star sommelier, Nader Asgari-Tari, couldn’t imagine a better spot, noting: “There’s a spark to this neighborhood that’s difficult to replicate.” Luxury clothing store French + Italian, one of several luxury boutiques on Charles Street. Photograph: French + Italian As for hotels, the 65 stylish rooms of the Michelin-approved Whitney opened in 2019, spanning a 1909 brick building and contemporary addition. The hotel sits mere yards from the Charles River and its wide esplanade of parks and pathways, plus beer gardens, boat rental and a bandshell where the Boston Pops orchestra plays a free alfresco concert every Fourth of July. And a few blocks down from the Whitney, the art-filled 14-room Beacon Hill Hotel—which unveiled a top-to-bottom redo as recently as 2023—is currently undergoing further upgrades, including a reimagined restaurant and bar. That sort of frequent reinvention is exactly what defines Boston, and especially Beacon Hill, today. “Every year [it] seems to get better and better,” concludes December Thieves founder Barakat. “Everyone here is doing something unique and different.” Here’s what luxury living looks like in five Soccer World Cup host cities
This seven-bedroom contemporary residence—which boasts an extremely rare second level—has its roots in the early days of the Trousdale Estates enclave while offering a remarkable blend of prestigious location, beguiling design, modern technology, and spellbinding views. From the days of its groundbreaking, the Trousdale Estates enclave of Beverly Hills promised “life above it all.” Construction began in the middle of the 20th century, when such esteemed architects as A. Quincy Jones, Paul R. Williams, Richard Dorman, and Wallace Neff were commissioned to create homes there. With geometric bones dating to the 1960s, this striking contemporary residence has its roots in that period but has been thoroughly updated with a beguiling design that added a rare, irreplicable second level along with wellness amenities, modern technology, and truly spellbinding views, all in a prestigious location. Beverly Hills, California| Ernie Carswell, Spencer Daley, Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage As the 7,915-square-foot home unfurls across its half-acre hillside vantage, it conjures a soothing sense of ease and openness that feels perfectly apropos for its storied Southern California setting, and the design’s chic modern simplicity furthers that feel. Perhaps its most distinctive quality, however, is its possession of a second level—an exceedingly rare element for this view-defined neighborhood—which solidifies its identity as one of the most extraordinary, desirable estates in the area. Southern California’s “indoor-outdoor living” mandate is taken nearly literally here, with full walls of glass disappearing to erase the boundary between the interiors and the open air. Sophisticated public spaces are seemingly at one with the expansive sun-washed terrace and its swimming pool, spa, fire feature, and built-in grill, fashioning a milieu ideal for easy, breezy relaxing and gathering. A double-sided modern fireplace anchors the versatile main living and dining area, while a state-of-the-art floor projector creates a private screening room in the nearby lounge. Cooks and entertainers alike will appreciate the kitchen, with its impressive 15-foot marble-wrapped island and a hidden scullery or catering kitchen that is outfitted with Gaggenau and Wolf appliances and allows for discreet prepping and plating. Perhaps the most captivating element is the spectacular sculptural staircase, which is a highlight in its own right but also affords access to the covetable second floor. Chief among the seven bedrooms, the primary suite is perched here, where it basks in sweeping city views and enjoys the luxury of a sleek gas fireplace, a truly stunning spa-inspired bath clad in eye-catching marble, and generous boutique-worthy closets. Just on the other side of virtually invisible glass walls is an enviable balcony whose transparent railing ensures that the vista remains dazzling and uninterrupted. A guest guest suite and lounge share in the seclusion and vistas. Additional private quarters include a suite for staff and an attached guesthouse—accessible independently via the entry gates—that offers a kitchenette, a living area, and one restful bedroom. The property also features an array of contemporary amenities: a custom podcast studio; a wellness center that includes a gym, a sauna, a cold plunge, and a bottle-filling station with filtered water; and estate-wide integrated smart home technology. This dedication to the singular nature of 21st-century living ensures that the residence will endure as a bastion of style and substance for decades to come. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
Quite possibly. More and more buyers want homes they can live in for life—especially at the top end of the market. 38% of US$10M+ real estate professionals worldwide say homebuyers increasingly want to “age in place,” according to the 2026 Mid-Year Luxury Outlook® agent survey, published by Sotheby’s International Realty, June 15, 2026. U.S. buyers meanwhile pay 22% more per square foot for “multigenerational” homes, configured to let residents enjoy the property throughout their lives, reports “Under the Same Roof: Multigenerational Living in the U.S.” by Realtor.com, May 5, 2026. On top of this, almost one in five U.S. homes purchased by 46-60-year-olds between July 2024 and June 2025 was a multigenerational residence, according to the “2026 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report” by the National Association of REALTORSⓇ, April 15, 2026. Even 27-35 year-olds are in on the trend, with multigenerational homes they can age into making up 9% of their purchases, the same study shows. Cover Property: Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty
From Homer to Hollywood, Greece’s luxury credentials are set to soar as Christopher Nolan’s epic hits the screen, writes Katie Silcox Lefkada, Greece | Greece Sotheby’s International Realty An ancient Greek epic has inspired Hollywood’s latest blockbuster. Homer’s enduring mythological tale of “The Odyssey” follows its hero as he makes his 10-year journey home after the Trojan War. Now, Christopher Nolan’s star-studded movie adaptation, featuring Matt Damon as Odysseus, alongside Zendaya, Tom Holland, Lupita Nyong’o, Anne Hathaway and Robert Pattinson, is set to give Greece an equally high billing. Beyond the screen, ancient traditions live on across this Mediterranean country and its 200 or so inhabited islands, several of which lay claim to being locations in Homer’s original story. Clustered in a few distinct groups, these islands contain multitudes, from the lush greenery of the Ionian islands off the west mainland coast to the whitewashed villages of the Cyclades in the central Aegean; the historical Dodecanese towards Turkey; the quieter islands of the north Aegean; and the Saronic islands nearest Athens. Then there are Greece’s two biggest isles, Crete and Evia. Mykonos, Greece | Greece Sotheby’s International Realty “Landscape is often one of the first things buyers fall in love with,” says Despina Laou, head of private office at Greece Sotheby’s International Realty, which lists high-end homes across the Greek mainland and islands. Every homeowner will be drawn to something different: one person’s Crete or Kos is another’s Corfu or Kefalonia. And Greece’s charm extends beyond summer, through its varied seasons and culture. Celebrated Greek fashion designer Mary Katrantzou agrees with Laou. In Greece, landscape “naturally shapes the way people build, create and live,” says the Athens native, who lives and works in London but returns regularly to her homeland. Katrantzou held her own wedding and son’s christening on the Saronic island of Spetses—in the same cathedral where her parents married and she was baptized. For Katrantzou, Greece’s islands represent “a sense of freedom, beauty and belonging.” From a design perspective, too, they have a look that’s distinct from the mainland. “The Greek islands often favor a more restrained aesthetic, defined by natural materials, light and an openness to the surrounding environment,” she says. Corfu, Greece | Greece Sotheby’s International Realty Linamia on Corfu’s fashionable northeast coast is an “exceptional example of how the landscape becomes a home’s defining feature,” says Laou. Surrounded by cypress trees, traditional design typifies this villa: blue-shuttered windows on warm terracotta walls open to an infinity pool with extended views of the sparkling Ionian sea—where Odysseus is believed to have been shipwrecked. “The sea is deeply woven into our history, culture and daily life,” says Laou of its central place in Greek identity. At Villa Gabbiano, a stylish contemporary home on Lefkada—the Ionian island often said to be the home of Odysseus—outdoor terraces track the shoreline and floor-to-ceiling glass doors prioritize ocean panoramas. It’s all complemented by organic design: natural stone, terracotta tiling and timber frames. Lefkada, Greece | Greece Sotheby’s International Realty The villa faces Kefalonia, the Greek island with some of the strongest ties to Homer’s epic. Here, another villa, Aurelis, offers a cool respite from the Grecian sun. While modern in design—with sleek lines, polished surfaces and statement lighting—there are nods to traditional Greek architecture, too: shaded pergolas, tiled roofs and a cubist style more commonly found in the Cyclades. “Traditional Greek architecture continues to influence contemporary design,” says Laou. “This balance is one of the strengths of Greek architecture.” The country’s history touches “every creative discipline,” agrees Katrantzou, whose couture collections have often explored a dialogue between the ancient and contemporary. “Storytelling has always been central to Greek design and mythology is one of its richest sources.” Crete, Greece | Greece Sotheby’s International Realty At Aerope, a restored townhouse in Crete—the island Odysseus claimed as his homeland while trying to conceal his identity—tradition takes center stage. Overlooking the old town of the picturesque coastal city of Rethymno, the home showcases authentic Cretan design with stone archways, inner courtyards and a tapered fireplace, while maintaining a sense of quiet luxury through contemporary finishes. “Luxury in Greece is rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship and a connection to place,” Katrantzou explains. “Even on the islands most accustomed to excess, traditions hold strong.” Mykonos, Greece | Greece Sotheby’s International Realty This also rings true at Villa Filia on the Cycladic island of Mykonos. More widely known for its party scene, the island is quieter on the east coast. Here, bougainvillea trails the stone walls that blend seamlessly into the cliffside. Sage-green shuttered windows overlook terraces with views across pool and sea. This is a home that stays true to the local vernacular, offering a deeper sense of place beyond the island’s beach clubs. “The Greek islands offer far more than sun and sea,” Katrantzou concludes. “Their history, mythology and living traditions create a unique richness, where every landscape carries a story. It’s this depth and authenticity that gives each island its own character and makes Greece such an enduring destination.” From one European idyll to another: explore Tuscany, Italy’s historic heartland
Exemplifying the timeless Shingle-style aesthetic of the Hamptons, this refined residence on a lush two-acre perch feels destined to encourage relaxation and recreation for generations. Virtually synonymous with the Hamptons, Shingle-style architecture is an iconic American aesthetic with roots dating back to the late 19th century, when notable firms began designing seaside cottages as summer getaways along the East Coast. Echoing the timeless style of those vintage homes—handsome wood shingles, pitched rooflines, dormer windows, and generous patio spaces—the refined residence at the heart of this magnificent 1.94-acre Southampton compound offers a rare, coveted combination of the classic and the contemporary. Southampton, New York | Ginger Thoerner, Debby Koster, Sotheby’s International Realty – Bridgehampton Brokerage A tranquil lane in one of the village’s most desirable locations serves as the idyllic setting for the home, which dates to 2001 and has been painstakingly maintained and thoughtfully updated in the intervening decades. Interiors—which measure more than 10,000 square feet on three levels—run the gamut from comfortable and casual to expansive and formal, affording options for both quiet private moments and grand festive gatherings. Living and dining rooms and a peaceful den are anchored by a cook’s kitchen clad in elegant white marble and adjoined by an inviting family room. The welcoming billiards room on this level could easily serve as an additional bedroom, if desired. The primary suite is secluded on the serene uppermost floor and features a spa-like bath with a shower and a soaking tub, a dramatic two-story walk-in closet, and a sitting room or office. Each of the five generous guest suites benefits from a distinctive palette and design scheme along with access to two balconies that overlook the lush grounds. The home’s lowest level is dedicated to the elements of a more leisurely lifestyle, offering a media room, a recreation room with a wet bar, a game room, a wine cellar, a fitness center, and two baths. The carefully planned and maintained grounds are postcard-perfect, encompassing sweeping swaths of emerald lawn, flourishing colorful flowering plants, pathways, privacy hedges, and mature specimen trees. Just off the living spaces of the home is a terrace designed for lounging and dining. Beyond, the alluring swimming pool and spa are surrounded by another sun-washed terrace, with a breezy wisteria-draped pergola with a fireplace nearby. Further afield, the sunken tennis and pickleball court is enveloped by stately evergreen hedges. Surely this enchanting estate has seen many an alfresco celebration over the decades, and with beguiling ocean beaches and celebrated shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions mere moments away, it feels destined to encourage relaxation and recreation for generations to come. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
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