From a £30M sale in London, England, to a US$24M in Seagrove Beach, Florida, here are significant sales represented by the Sotheby’s International Realty global network in July. London, England Sarah Peck | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, £30M View properties in London, England Seagrove Beach, Florida Lauren Boger|Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty, US$24M View properties in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida North Hampton, New Hampshire Tony Jalbert, Dana Mitchell| Tate & Foss Sotheby’s International Realty, US$24M View properties in North Hampton, New Hampshire Newport Beach, California K. Ann Brizolis | Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty, US$13.75M View properties in Newport Beach, California Mellons Bay, New Zealand Greg Dennerly | New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty, NZD7.38M View properties in Auckland, New Zealand
A dedicated drinking den is a luxury must-have. From a ‘vampire speakeasy’ to an incognito cabinet, the best designs maintain an element of surprise, finds Elizabeth Fazzare A cocktail bar by Chad Dorsey Design with custom branding, menu and drinks, all in the comfort of a private Dallas residence. Photo: Stephen Karlisch Sometimes staying in really is just as fun as going out. For proof, look no further than the rising popularity of the home bar, now one of the most sought-after elements of a high-end residence. Homeowners are dedicating entire rooms, feature niches and hidden-in-plain-sight cabinets to this hosting staple. However, rather than taking cues from the sleek luxury of their counterparts in hospitality projects, home-bar designs are going full-out, putting personality on display alongside an owner’s libations of choice. Today, a home bar is just as much “about having people come over to experience it as to look at it,” says interior designer Devin Hines, the founder of Los Angeles and New York City studio Hines Collective. Homeowners “want it to be a conversation starter and very much a visual surprise,” he says. In a recent loft project in New York City’s upmarket Tribeca neighborhood, Hines carved a gilded apse into the red lacquered media room and set a wet bar within it. Its sink is outfitted with a swan-shaped faucet, while a custom metallic plaster finish looks like aged, hammered metal, dramatically juxtaposing the deep oxblood walls and ceiling. Financial District NYC Interior Design: Devin Hines " src="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Hines-Collective_Tribeca_Photographer-Joshua-McHugh-683x1024.jpg" alt="gold wet bar in Tribeca by Hines Collective with statement coffee table and grey couch in the foreground" class="wp-image-347942" srcset="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Hines-Collective_Tribeca_Photographer-Joshua-McHugh-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Hines-Collective_Tribeca_Photographer-Joshua-McHugh-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Hines-Collective_Tribeca_Photographer-Joshua-McHugh-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Hines-Collective_Tribeca_Photographer-Joshua-McHugh-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Hines-Collective_Tribeca_Photographer-Joshua-McHugh-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Hines-Collective_Tribeca_Photographer-Joshua-McHugh-1200x1800.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" Hines Collective added a gilded wet-bar to this atmospheric Tribeca space. Photo: Joshua McHugh Recessing the bar—kitted out with a beverage station, glassware storage and stocked snack drawers for the movie-loving homeowner—leaves floor space free and clear for a sinuous statement sofa. The client’s brief for the room was “a vampire speakeasy,” says Hines, who is currently designing bars in all his high-end New York home projects. “It was up to us to execute that elegantly.” Texan interior designer Chad Dorsey is fielding an increasing number of requests for another kind of specialized space, the listening bar. In Dallas, the owner-founder of Chad Dorsey Design reinterpreted one home’s narrow and underutilized screened-in porch around how its owners actually spend an evening. At one end, a fireplace is flanked by a turntable and media cabinet full of classic rock records; on the other, a cocktail bar with custom branding, menu and drinks. A Dallas porch becomes a wall-to-wall listening bar by Chad Dorsey Design. Photo: Stephen Karlisch With a great sound system, a variety of seating, and forgiving materials such as lacquer, velvet and brick—“nothing so perfectly coordinated that a little wear or a spilled cocktail is going to throw it off”—this full-room bar is a “destination inside the house, not an afterthought,” according to the designer. Keeping the scheme relaxed and lived-in is crucial to its appeal, he maintains. “Nobody wants a bar that feels off-limits.” Nor do clients want a “generic bar cart in the corner,” says Dorsey. “They want a place with a point of view.” In current projects, Dorsey is “incorporating things like granita machines and a favorite beer, or even sparkling water, on tap. Those details make the bar feel original and personal.” Where possible, dedicating an entire room to a bar allows space to get specific. Adam Kamens, CEO of custom furniture company Amuneal, which supplies many bespoke bar and speakeasy projects, notes there is “definitely an increase, not just in the number of bars we’re designing, but in the footprint dedicated to them.” Just how much square footage depends at which phase the home bar is incorporated into the overall vision. “When a bar is being added to an existing home, we’re often designing units that fit into what’s already there: on counters, floating off walls, hanging from ceilings, sometimes claiming previously underutilized or awkward spaces,” Kamens says. “But when a bar is considered early in the design process, it tends to be more personal, larger in footprint, and much more driven by the experience our client wants to create for themselves or their guests.” Amuneal fabricated bar, built-in, outdoor railing and light fixture. " src="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Jagr-Projects_Philadelphia-Penthouse_Amuneal_Photographer-Ty-Cole-851x1024.jpg" alt="curved mesh bar by Amuneal in a Philadelphia penthouse" class="wp-image-347945" srcset="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Jagr-Projects_Philadelphia-Penthouse_Amuneal_Photographer-Ty-Cole-851x1024.jpg 851w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Jagr-Projects_Philadelphia-Penthouse_Amuneal_Photographer-Ty-Cole-249x300.jpg 249w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Jagr-Projects_Philadelphia-Penthouse_Amuneal_Photographer-Ty-Cole-768x924.jpg 768w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Jagr-Projects_Philadelphia-Penthouse_Amuneal_Photographer-Ty-Cole-1277x1536.jpg 1277w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Jagr-Projects_Philadelphia-Penthouse_Amuneal_Photographer-Ty-Cole-1702x2048.jpg 1702w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Jagr-Projects_Philadelphia-Penthouse_Amuneal_Photographer-Ty-Cole-1200x1444.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 851px) 100vw, 851px" A curved mesh bar by Amuneal in a Jagr Projects designed Philadelphia penthouse. Photo: Ty Cole However, even a small space offers an opportunity for a design surprise. In the living room of an Aspen, Colorado home, local designer Karen White has concealed a built-in oak-and-leather bar behind floor-to-ceiling blue lacquered doors with a patinated bronze inlay. It’s a pop of color that takes the space from day to night, and a growing trend. “Concealment has become one of the more interesting design problems we get to solve,” says Kamens. “It lets the bar exist on the client’s terms, revealed only when they choose.” While a home bar behind paneled pocket doors might seem a bit quiet in this revived era of entertaining, it can create a “wow” moment for guests, and taps into the prevailing demand for flexible interior spaces. Plus, says Hines, “a bar is one of the few design elements that can be vertically focused. It’s a nice opportunity to balance a room.” Behind closed doors: the bespoke Amuneal bar in Karen White’s Aspen scheme. Photo: Dallas & Harris Whether hidden, showstopping or specialized, home bars allow designers a bit of space to play. “Because of the social nature of the home bar, clients seem to be willing to have a little more fun and be riskier in their design choices,” says Hines, who notes that metallic, glass and luster finishes are currently top preferences. “We’re presenting bolder things and they’re going with it.” The ultimate goal, according to Dorsey, is “a spot in the house that feels like [you’re] going out, without leaving home.” Here’s how to design a party-perfect interior, whatever the season
Whether used to saturate or merely accent, this spectacularly versatile—and surprisingly ancient—finish is always polished, discovers Kate Youde Gloss-finish coffee table by Peter Mikic. Photograph: The Lacquer Company With its high-gloss sheen, lacquer is an eye-catching finish. And it has caught the attention of contemporary designers, who appreciate the freedom it allows them with color. “The finish is rather spectacular if it’s done correctly, and it could end up being the star of the show,” says Peter Mikic, a UK-based interior designer, adding that lacquer comes in “any color” and offers “a different accent for any interior.” Its versatility was on show during Milan Design Week 2026 in April, when luxury interiors brands launched a spectrum of lacquered objects, from sideboards to bathroom vanities, coffee tables to cupboards. Most strikingly it even appeared on seating. Tacchini, for example, introduced 11 matt and gloss lacquer finishes to padded chairs, including a reedition of Italian designer Tobia Scarpa’s celebrated Pigreco design from 1959. Tacchini’s lacquered reedition of the Pigreco chair. Photograph: © Giuseppe Dinnella Lacquer “gives a very interesting edge to form [and] to shape, especially when it is combined with upholstery and fabric and padding,” says Gordon Guillaumier. The Milan-based designer is behind the new three-legged Fosca beechwood dining armchair launched by Frigerio at Milan in 10 glossy lacquered colors. He also designed the Italian brand’s Dao Soft sectional sofa, which can be broken up by small, curved lacquered tables. Fosca armchair in green, by Gordon Guillaumier. Photograph: Frigerio The tactile finish of lacquer can “neutralise a shape” in a white, neutral or beige hue, he says, but “create a very strong character” when applied in a “more decisive color” such as red or black. “It is a kind of vintage approach, dare I say, which gives a very special richness and contrast, because you’ve got a shiny, smooth lacquer on one [hand] and the [matte] upholstery on the other. It creates a very nice balance in design,” adds Guillaumier, whose inspiration includes the use of lacquer in Italian design of the 1960s and 1970s. The current popularity of lacquer—also bringing high shine to home accessories, surfaces, walls and ceilings—is only its most recent revival. While today the term can also refer to a specially applied synthetic spray or paint finish, the use of traditional Asian lacquer, a resin made from tree sap, dates back a couple of thousand years. Its association with glamorous Western interiors was cemented in the early 20th-century art deco period, when designers were inspired by motifs, materials and craftsmanship from countries including Japan and China. The Lacquer Company, which has showrooms in London and New York, works with skilled craftspeople in Saigon on its furniture and home accessories. They use son mai, a traditional Vietnamese lacquer technique that involves applying by hand multiple layers of substances, which are sanded and polished to a glossy finish. Dao Soft sectional sofa with lacquered insert, by Gordon Guillaumier. Photograph: Frigerio Peter Mikic, who collaborated with the company on a collection that includes trays and tables, says using lacquer on furniture conceals the makings of the piece. Instead it “looks like it’s one piece of color”—resulting in a “quite sculptural” effect. This seamlessness makes lacquer excellently suited to luxury interiors, according to Charu Gandhi, founder of London-based studio Elicyon. “Especially when you use it in a color drench or [on a] larger scale, it’s quite immersive,” she says. “It feels like something that’s been poured into a space. It feels very tailored… and that glossiness does speak to a feeling of luxury. It’s that piano key feel, isn’t it? It’s very smart, very clean, very complete.” Saturated yellow lacquer dining room by Peter Mikic. Photograph: Peter Mikic Mikic’s self-titled studio used a red spray lacquer on a staircase in a Gstaad chalet to create a “glamorous impact.” Meanwhile a special yellow lacquer paint—a contemporary take on traditional Japanning lacquer, which imitates traditional Asian techniques—on the walls and ceiling of a London dining room produces a “calming feeling” when the lights are dimmed. He is currently using the same effect, in cream, on the kitchen and breakfast-room ceilings of another London home to give a sheen that contrasts with matt wood-paneled walls. Lacquer bounces light and allows, says Mikic, the “opportunity to play with reflection.” This mirror-like quality appealed to Hugo Vince, co-founder of the Parisian architecture and design studio Atelier HA, when he and his wife, artist Caroline Derveaux, chose yellow and turquoise high-gloss lacquered fronts for the kitchen cabinets in their vibrant Saint-Ouen apartment. “It’s a bit poetic to have lacquer because you see in the doors the life of the room,” says Vince. Hugo Vince’s high-gloss kitchen cabinets. Photograph: © Amaury Laparra He finds lacquer “joyful” and liberating. A recent Parisian loft apartment project by Atelier HA features a bespoke red lacquer stepped platform for a bed, designed “to put the sleeping moment on the main stage,” and red-and-white bookshelves with a coordinating library ladder. Lacquer does, though, require caution. Gandhi warns that applying it to a surface exaggerates any imperfections. Since it reflects everything, the finish can be “quite unforgiving,” not to mention challenging to light. It can also chip. But Vince has found his kitchen robust, despite his three children climbing on the cabinetry and creating a mess with chocolate. “You just have to clean a little bit,” he says. “Don’t be afraid, go for the lacquer!” Seeking further inspiration? Consider setting your fitted kitchen free
The regal residence known as Four Oaks, sited on three lush, versatile acres in the storied enclave of Hope Ranch, has a timeless style befitting a prestigious provenance that includes Fess Parker and Julia Child. Strewn with swaying palms and grandfather oaks, the exclusive Southern California community of Hope Ranch brims with the mythos of the illustrious region’s early days. Named for Irishman Thomas Hope, who moved to the Santa Barbara area in 1849, acquired the land for sheep ranching, and built a home on the property in 1875. By the 1920s, the acreage had taken on a new purpose, as sites for private villas. Santa Barbara, California| Dusty Baker, Greg Moss, Dusty Baker Group, Sotheby’s International Realty – Montecito – Coast Village Road Brokerage The regal residence known as Four Oaks, sited on three versatile acres in that storied enclave, has an appropriately prestigious provenance. In 1934, a prominent Chicago banking family commissioned the home from Edwards and Plunkett, esteemed practitioners of the Spanish Colonial Revival style and architects of the famed Arlington Theatre. Decades later, lauded vintner Fess Parker—also celebrated for his portrayals of Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone on television—called the estate home. Fans of culinary icon Julia Child might recognize the footprint of the living and dining areas as well as the kitchen from her 1980s PBS series “Dinner at Julia’s,” which was filmed here. A recent remodel updated the residence with contemporary comforts and conveniences while respecting its period character and charm. The elegance of a bygone era persists in eye-catching dentil moldings, august hardwood floors, decorative ironwork, surfaces of stately marble, and finely finished millwork. The heart of the home is a light-flooded living room that gives way to a refreshing covered patio and overlooks the expansive grounds. Once the domain—on television, at least—of Ms. Child, the bright, exciting cook’s kitchen features, fittingly, two islands and professional-caliber appliances and flows effortlessly to a family room and a trellised dining patio. Steps away are a formal dining room and a thoughtful butler’s pantry. The handsome wood-paneled library encourages quiet contemplation while offering an idyllic view for inspiration. Throughout the home, French doors blur the indoor-outdoor boundary in delightful fashion. Secluded in a private wing are four inviting bedrooms and baths accompanied by a media room and a fitness room. The tranquil primary suite serves as a true private oasis on the upper level. In addition to a vast restful bedroom, it encompasses a peaceful sitting room, two boutique-caliber walk-in closets, a lavish bath dual vanities and doors to a breezy balcony, and a sheltered deck that gazes out over the colorful property. Short- and long-term visitors will appreciate the style and serenity of the freestanding guesthouse. Practically de rigueur for a Southern California compound are the refreshing swimming pool with deck jets, a compelling tennis court, and a pergola with a fire pit. Enveloping it all are impossibly lush lawn, vibrant rose gardens, and an allée of citrus trees. Also standing stalwart here are the oaks for which the estate was named, enduring reminders of the home’s history and that of its legendary locale. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
Helsinki Design Week is a clear highlight, but the Finnish capital is a year-round destination for the creatively curious, writes Paula Hotti Helsinki, Finland | Snellman Sotheby’s International Realty Architects Alvar and Aino Aalto, design houses Marimekko and Iittala and, of course, the Moomins have made Finnish design famous around the world. Yet Helsinki is not content to rest on its 20th-century icons. In Finland’s capital, architecture, interiors, food and public spaces are constantly evolving, while the Baltic Sea, parks and more than 300 islands keep nature remarkably close to urban life. That combination comes alive at the end of summer for Helsinki Design Week. Running August 28 to September 6, the 2026 program brings together architecture, interiors, fashion, digital design and urban planning in the largest Nordic showcase of its kind. One of this year’s highlights, according to founder and CEO Kari Korkman, is the new Futuro house at Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden. Designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen in the 1960s, the UFO-shaped Futuro is a classic of experimental architecture. Led by architectural heritage expert Jan van Dijs and created in collaboration with Helsinki Design Week and Marimekko, the project marks the first brand-new Futuro in Finland for 60 years. Helsinki, Finland | Snellman Sotheby’s International Realty Yet, for Helsinki-based Korkman, the city’s creative character extends far beyond the festival. “Helsinki’s restaurant scene provides endless new finds. And they’re ‘design’ too, if you think of the interior architecture and the service concepts. Not to mention the ‘lippakioski’,” he adds, referring to the functionalist-style kiosks dotted around the city, open throughout summer in guises ranging from champagne bars to ice cream parlors. The relationship between city and sea is equally distinctive, Korkman continues, as ferries to the archipelago are part of Helsinki’s public transport system. In fact, Korkman describes the archipelago’s accessibility as one of the city’s great luxuries: “If you fly into Helsinki, within an hour you can be on a ferry to an island, eating well or going sailing.” On the island of Lauttasaari, a 2,150 sq ft residence will soon span the entire top floor of a new-build development. “It comes with views south, west and north, guaranteeing glorious sunsets all year round,” says Soile Goodall, senior broker at Snellman Sotheby’s International Realty. Scheduled for completion in August 2027, “the most compelling aspect is the opportunity to create a genuinely bespoke home from the outset,” she adds. Helsinki, Finland | Snellman Sotheby’s International Realty Helsinki’s cultural appeal is growing. Five of its Aalto-designed buildings were named as Unesco World Heritage sites in July; in spring 2027, the National Museum of Finland will reopen with a new extension; and in 2030, a new Museum of Architecture and Design is due to open, adding another major cultural destination to the waterfront. For residents, this is the essence of Helsinki: a city where sophisticated urban life, world-class design and the freedom of the sea exist within easy reach of one another. Helsinki, Finland | Snellman Sotheby’s International Realty The former Red Cross-owned building in Ullanlinna, dating from 1935, sits close to the shoreline. Within it, a loft apartment with five-metre high ceilings combines industrial rawness with contemporary comfort. “The result is a home with the scale and character of a New York or London loft, but with a distinctly Finnish restraint and attention to detail,” says Goodall. Among its signature Finnish features is a luxurious sauna. In the same neighborhood, a three-bedroom apartment in a 1906 building by celebrated Finnish architect Karl August Wrede has two balconies facing east and west. Residents of the Art Nouveau block also have access to impressive sauna facilities and a private gym. Espoo, Finland | Snellman Sotheby’s International Realty Meanwhile in Helsinki’s neighboring city of Espoo, Villa Snow White showcases architect Pekka Helin’s talent and was nominated for a World Architecture Festival award in 2011. “The house has been designed around its setting rather than simply placed on the plot,” says Goodall. “This is a particularly Finnish approach to luxury—private and closely connected to nature, with quality expressed through architecture, materials and craftsmanship rather than ornament.” Nordic by nature: here’s what sets the best Scandinavian homes apart
Along with a swimming pool, a guesthouse, and a rustic garage barn with a live-work loft, this unique three-bedroom residence—inspired by those built in South Africa’s wine country in the 17th century—anchors an approximately 16-acre estate of gently rolling land strewn with stalwart oaks and suffused with character. Amid orderly rows of grapevines and grasses and oaks carpeting hills and sweeping valleys, this distinctive Cape Dutch–style home could easily be mistaken for a haven from a bygone era and a world away. Recalling the vineyard homesteads of South Africa, the ornately gabled residence was inspired by those built by settlers of that land’s western cape in the 17th century, but that design belies a location in California’s wine region, in the historic town of Glen Ellen. Along with a swimming pool, a guesthouse, and a rustic garage barn with a live-work loft, it anchors an approximately 16-acre estate of gently rolling land strewn with stalwart trees and suffused with character. Glen Ellen, California| Tina Shone, Sotheby’s International Realty – Wine Country – Sonoma Brokerage Designer Patrick Printy—widely regarded for his work with such brands as Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, and Restoration Hardware—and his partner assembled the acreage over a span of years and worked to fashion a home there that manifested their vision. “I’ve always wanted to live in a house that feels as though it has been around forever,” Printy told “Elle Décor,” and to that end, he referenced the symmetrical rectangular floor plans typical of Cape Dutch style. And while the eye-catching exterior is clad in stucco and slate, flooring, beams, fixtures, doors, hardware, and cabinetry were reclaimed from the American Midwest, lending a rich provenance, an elegant weathered patina, and a sense of quality and craftsmanship that practically transcends time. The luminous interiors of the main residence feature a lofty, fluid great room; a cook’s kitchen with handcrafted cabinetry by Johannes Vanmourik and Dutch “witjes” tile; a dedicated office; a climate-controlled wine cellar; a fitness studio; and three bedrooms and baths. Nearly every wall is white, highlighting the warmth and hewing of the woodwork and making the most of the natural light and views. Throughout, picture windows frame trees, sky, and clouds as though they are art, come to life. Terraces are scattered across the grounds, accompanying a refreshing swimming pool, an outdoor fireplace lounge, and a placid water feature. In addition to two peaceful bedrooms and a full bath, the guesthouse offers a sunny open-concept living area with French doors giving way directly to the pool and gardens. Echoing its 18th-century Shaker predecessors, the cupola-crowned barn includes a three-car garage and, above, a bright, airy space that can easily accommodate work, rest, and play. Despite a reverence for Cape Dutch style and a dedication to the organic, timeworn quality of reclaimed materials, the property is unquestionably suited for 21st-century living. Contemporary amenities include high-speed internet, Starlink backup, an estate-wide generator, Control4 home automation, hard-wired speakers, integrated swimming pool management, and extensive infrastructure to accommodate expansion. The property is maintained by a private well, and while swaths of wild grasses preserve an air of unspoiled pastoral plains, solar panels forge a path toward the future. The vast acreage—occupying a total of three parcels—offers a rare opportunity to create a true compound destined to endure for generations to come. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
Sainte-Maxime, France | Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty From the sun-drenched shores of the French Riviera and the Hamptons to the waterfront enclaves of Cyprus and South Florida, this curated collection of exceptional residences showcases luxury real estate at its most compelling. Whether defined by historic provenance, architectural innovation, world-class amenities, or breathtaking natural surroundings, each property offers a distinct expression of elevated living and an opportunity to experience some of the world’s most coveted destinations. Santa Barbara, California Santa Barbara, California | Sotheby’s International Realty – Montecito – Coast Village Road Brokerage Known as Four Oaks, this landmark Hope Ranch estate spans nearly three acres of level grounds and combines architectural pedigree with a celebrated Santa Barbara legacy. Originally designed by renowned firm Edwards & Plunkett and recently reimagined for contemporary living, the six-bedroom residence is complemented by a guest house, tennis court, pool, rose gardens, citrus allée, and expansive lawns, creating an exceptional private retreat in one of California’s most prestigious communities. London, England London, England | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty Located within the prestigious Chelsea Barracks development, this exceptional six-bedroom townhouse reinterprets classic London elegance through a contemporary lens. Spanning more than 13,000 square feet across six levels, the residence includes formal and informal entertaining spaces, a private spa with swimming pool, gym, cinema, wine room, landscaped garden, and roof terrace, all within one of London’s most secure and sought-after residential enclaves. Sainte-Maxime, France Sainte-Maxime, France | Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty Ideally positioned in the coveted La Croisette district of Sainte-Maxime, this historic Côte d’Azur estate blends timeless character with exceptional convenience, just moments from the town center and beaches. Set on landscaped grounds, the property encompasses a grand main residence, guest accommodations, swimming pool, terraces, gardens, and sea-view bedrooms, offering a rare opportunity to enjoy Riviera living in a home rich with architectural heritage and provenance. Sagaponack, New York Sagaponack, New York | Sotheby’s International Realty – Bridgehampton Brokerage Located on a quiet oceanfront lane in coveted Sagaponack, New York, this contemporary beach house offers direct access to one of the Hamptons’ most beautiful stretches of shoreline. Designed to maximize its extraordinary setting, the three-bedroom residence features panoramic Atlantic Ocean views from nearly every room, light-filled living spaces that open to wraparound decks, and a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle centered on the sound and scenery of the sea. Limassol, Cyprus Limassol, Cyprus | Cyprus Sotheby’s International Realty Set on a private island within Limassol Marina, this elegant waterfront apartment delivers a lifestyle defined by panoramic views of the Mediterranean, marina, and city skyline. The four-bedroom residence features expansive living spaces, premium finishes, a modern chef’s kitchen, and access to a world-class marina community with luxury dining, shopping, leisure amenities, and direct proximity to the beach. Liberty Lake, Washington Liberty Lake, Washington | Tomlinson Sotheby’s International Realty Perched on nearly 34 private acres in the Inland Northwest, this visionary estate offers a remarkable balance of privacy, craftsmanship, and accessibility. Conceived as a landmark residence, the 7,500-square-foot home is surrounded by sweeping territorial and water views while remaining just minutes from Liberty Lake’s golf courses, recreation, and amenities, establishing a new benchmark for luxury mountain living in the region. Kanagawa, Japan Kanagawa, Japan | List Sotheby’s International Realty, Japan Overlooking the waters of Yoshihama in Yugawara Town, this ocean-view residence offers a rare combination of privacy, natural beauty, and contemporary comfort. Situated on more than 2,200 square meters of land, the home features expansive gardens and sweeping vistas that encompass the coastline, creating a tranquil retreat within easy reach of the Tokyo metropolitan area. Itacaré, Brazil Bahia, Brazil| Bossa Nova Sotheby’s International Realty Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean from a dramatic position within the Barracuda Hotel & Villas community, this contemporary residence embraces the natural beauty of Bahia’s coastline. Crafted entirely from certified timber and surrounded by preserved Atlantic Forest, the nine-suite home features expansive indoor-outdoor living areas, an infinity-edge pool, ocean-facing accommodations, and access to resort-style amenities including tennis and padel courts, concierge services, and a helipad. Coral Gables, Florida Coral Gables, Florida | ONE Sotheby’s International Realty Situated within the exclusive gated enclave of Gables Estates, this newly completed tropical-modern waterfront masterpiece represents the pinnacle of South Florida luxury living. Designed by architect Cesar Molina and set on 1.26 acres with more than 260 feet of waterfront frontage, the residence features eight bedroom suites, private dockage, a wellness spa, theater, entertainment spaces, resort-style pool, and seamless indoor-outdoor living designed for both relaxation and grand-scale entertaining. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
Standout luxury properties have what it takes to be star of the show, writes Nancy Groves Santa Fe, New Mexico | Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe – 326 Grant Avenue Brokerage The real estate mantra “location, location, location” acquires higher meaning for some luxury homes on the market. While any property that isn’t brand new has a history—sometimes across generations of ownership—it’s a rare private home that can lay claim to being a filming location for the large or smaller screen. Location is “the biggest background player of them all, hiding in plain sight,” writes journalist Rebecca Liu in a deep dive on the art of location scouting. But especially in this golden era of television, key locations are immortalized not just on an hour or two of movie celluloid but often across multiple seasons of long-running shows. “Any actual home is far more evocative than a stage,” says veteran location manager Harriet Lawrence. “It has the patina, the texture of a real building, lived in by real people over time.” Some homes become star attractions themselves, while owning a piece of cultural heritage can be a strong draw for buyers. Here are five properties with filming backstories. Rancho Alegre, New Mexico Santa Fe, New Mexico | Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe – 326 Grant Avenue Brokerage When a 178-acre adobe compound in New Mexico came to market this summer, coverage oscillated between its standout aesthetics and its brief but significant cameo in HBO’s “Succession.” It starred as the remote ranch of Logan Roy’s eldest son Connor, where the family gathers for their infamous group therapy session. Of course, the two are connected. “The setting is expansive and the main house exudes the uber-desirable feel of the west or southwest U.S.,” says Neil Lyon of Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe Brokerage. Lyon says the home possesses “incredible scale with no possible way to miss it” and “a level of quality that could only be associated with great wealth and taste,” assuring its popularity with scouts. The 20,000 sq ft property has also featured in Adam Sandler’s “The Ridiculous 6,” sci-fi teen drama series “Roswell” and the murdery mystery series “Dark Winds.” Twilight Moon Ranch, Utah Oakley, Utah | Summit Sotheby’s International Realty – Park City Another ranch property, another state, but no less an illustrious television credit: for Paramount’s neo-Western drama “Yellowstone,” starring Kevin Costner. Utah’s Twilight Moon Ranch, built in 2014 on eight acres just a short drive from Park City, takes inspiration from the surrounding mountains for its architecture and interiors. While the “Yellowstone” filming focused mainly on its huge, light-filled kitchen, with seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms it makes a generous family home or rental. The home is being sold with all its contents—give or take a stuffed animal or two. Belain Farm, Ontario Caledon, Ontario | Sotheby’s International Realty Canada L.M. Montgomery’s beloved book “Anne of Green Gables” is set in the fictional town of Avonlea on the very real Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province. But when scouts for the recent Netflix adaption “Anne with an E” were hunting for suitable locations, they landed some 1,000 miles west in Ontario. Belain Farm is a picturesque property that stands in for the family home of Anne’s best friend, Diana Barry. The central farmhouse exudes all the necessary charm, while its pond makes the perfect “Lake of Shining Waters,” as Anne herself calls it. 453 West 24th Street, New York New York, New York | Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Brokerage As any “Sex in the City” fan will tell you, no tour of Carrie Bradshaw’s fictional life is complete without a photo op on a classic Manhattan stoop. While the listing for this 1849 red brick townhouse in West Chelsea keeps schtum on its exact screen credits, it epitomizes New York’s history and romance and frequently features on television. Maybe it’s the tree-lined street, elegant railings and floor-to-ceiling parlor windows. Or the private garden and balcony out back. Four main floors of living space are contained within, while hiding at basement level is a 5,000-bottle wine cellar. Spencer Hills House, California Mendocino, California | Mendo Sotheby’s International Realty The Californian coastal town of Mendocino has a rich cinematic history, thanks to its elegant architecture, cliffside setting and abundant greenery. But arguably it is best known as the West Coast stand-in for the East Coast town of Cabot Cove in the long-running TV series “Murder She Wrote,” now with a cult following. Spencer Hills House, home to the show’s Dr. Seth Hazlitt, is among the town’s finest properties. Built in 1855, it has all the design hallmarks of a Mendocino Victorian, from its custom trim to the wraparound veranda—star of many a dramatic scene. A luxury property’s filming history “solidifies its place and associations with intriguing events and people,” says Lyon. Practically, the exposure can lead to an audience of many millions. Emotionally, a sizable chunk of those viewers will be “blown away by its beauty and what it represents.” You’ve watched “The Odyssey.” Now visit the islands where Homer’s story is set
Serene and sophisticated, this 8,000-square-foot Hamptons residence—along with its heated pool, sun-washed terraces, and glorious grounds and gardens—is one of a very few homes in the prestigious Fordune Estate, founded by a scion of American icon Henry Ford. For more than a century, the Hamptons have drawn prominent members of society and distinguished dynasties. One of the most notable of these was the family of Henry Ford II, grandson of the automotive industry pioneer, who established his family’s 250-acre oceanfront compound in 1960, encompassing Channel Pond and other inlets near Mecox Bay as well as the dunes and sandy shoreline of Flying Point Beach. That property has since been transformed into a highly coveted gated community known as the Fordune Estate. Water Mill, New York| Michaela Keszler, Paulina Keszler, Sotheby’s International Realty – Southampton Brokerage Serene and sophisticated, this meticulously maintained and updated 8,000-square-foot home is one of a very few residences ensconced within that prestigious compound. Generous in scale and suffused by a bright, airy, open quality, it is a true oasis in a setting that is inextricably linked with its enviable prestigious surroundings. Designed in 1999 by architect Michael Goldman and reimagined in 2023 by esteemed Scottsdale-based designer Mathew Boland, the residence blends timeless style with distinctive contemporary flair, creating an ambience that is both urbane and inviting. The ideally proportioned living and entertaining spaces include formal living and dining rooms with soaring beamed ceilings and a library or den with a fireplace and built-in bookshelves. The cook’s kitchen boasts an island, custom cabinetry, a walk-in pantry, top-caliber appliances, and an office alcove; a light-filled family room with an outsize bay window adjoins. Opportunities for relaxing and gathering continue on the lower level, which offers a media room, a massage room, and generous storage, including a cedar-lined closet. The luxurious primary suite enjoys a convenient location on the main level; a truly restful retreat, it includes two walk-in closets and dressing rooms as well as an elegant marble-clad bath. Accompanied by a thoughtful coffee bar, three chic guest suites benefit from the privacy and treetop views of the uppermost level, while additional accommodations—for visitors or staff—are secluded on the lowest level. On the upper floor, a versatile unfinished wing of roughly 2,600 square feet could be adapted to serve as a studio, fitness or meditation space, or additional bedrooms. The landscapes of southern France serve as inspiration for the glorious 2.5-acre grounds and gardens. Beyond the vast, breezy screened porch are a heated gunite swimming pool with deck jets, sun-washed stone terraces, a walled garden with a classical fountain, a gazebo, a potting shed, swaths of impossibly lush lawn affording space for a tennis court, mature trees, and an array of vibrant flourishing flora. The adjoining protected reserve helps maintain an uninterrupted pastoral view and the sense of serene privacy. Fordune’s exclusive sandy ocean beach is minutes away, allowing a discerning new owner the opportunity to continue the Ford family’s tradition of a life of consummate seclusion and convenience in one of the most desirable seaside locales. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
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