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Sound Structure: Hints of Colonial Revival style are present throughout the home

A couple razes a Nantucket Sound house and builds a new one, creating a home that celebrates the island’s views and simple lifestyle. By Anna Kasabian

When the owners of this three-acre site on Nantucket Sound decided to take down the original home here and build anew, they looked to Boston architect Thomas P. Catalano to create the ultimate seaside escape. The client’s goal was an uncomplicated one: to create a home that takes full advantage of the stunning views and ultimately comes together in a style that blends grand architectural moments with comfortable, casual space. It was to be a home that would serve as a summer retreat for the businessman, his wife, and two daughters and be a place that could accommodate large gatherings.

With a sweeping, direct southern exposure on the Sound and expansive grounds, Catalano succeeded in building a signature Shingle-style home that looks as though it’s been here for generations. Located at the end of a long drive, bordered by magnificent rhododendrons, it presents at the very end as a traditional island home that honors the architectural legacy of the island. The double-height windowed entry that frames sea and sky fulfills the owners’ desire for a grand, catch-your-breath space.

As Catalano explains, “This is a living hall, a social space with furniture meant to recall the entries you would find in original Shingle-style homes.”

The entry also serves as the axis from which all other rooms branch east and west. One wing houses the owners’ office suite; the other is devoted to the dining and living rooms and the open kitchen, breakfast, and family room.

The second floor houses the master bedroom and bath, and the third floor is devoted to the girls’ bedrooms, which are separated by a shared sitting room. The lower level bears an entertainment room with a bar, billiard room, and bowling alley. A guest suite above the garage has a private staircase leading to the pool house and patio below. The unique layout allows all rooms to take full advantage of the light and views.

“I would term this a lightened-up version Colonial Revival,” Catalano says. “Wherever possible, we implemented details of the period.”

Interior design by Boston’s Bierly Drake dovetailed perfectly with Catalano’s work in catching the spirit of casual elegance. Supporting design details include white oak floors stained chocolate, bathroom floors and walls of mosaic marble, and kitchen countertops of non-fussy slate.

Of the home’s neutral palette, Catalano says, “[It] allows the millwork detailing to shine through.”

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3rd Home Offers Unique Travel Opportunities

Cabo Time: A swimming pool at Villas Las Palmas

Multi-homeownership is made easier, thanks to an innovative Internet-based company. By Scott Kauffman

Over the years, Kansas City, Missouri, residents Laura Welch and her husband Lantz have loved visiting the Hawaiian Islands, regularly spending as much as six weeks at a time in Maui’s Kihei area. The avid travelers equally enjoy going to Costa Rica. So when it came time for the couple to decide on a vacation home, they were “very torn,” Laura recalls.

“We almost bought [a vacation house] in Costa Rica,” she adds, “but we were staying in Hawaii quite a bit, so we were really torn about where to purchase.” As it turned out, Laura and Lantz, both lovers of the outdoors, went in a completely different direction and chose Aspen instead. They were drawn to the majestic Colorado Rockies and the wonderful mountain lifestyle it provides. That was in 1990. Ten years later, the couple acquired an even larger 6,200-square-foot Aspen vacation home: a luxurious $10 million property on Red Mountain.

Laura says that proximity to their main Kansas City residence was the deciding factor in purchasing their first Aspen home, rather than buying a dream vacation home in balmier Costa Rica and Hawaii. “What specifically led us to the [Aspen] mountains is that it’s three hours from our primary home, so it was very easy for us to get there,” Laura says. “We do love to ski and hike, and I love to climb mountains.”

Yet Laura, who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro last year and is about to visit Kashmir this year, has always had a soft spot for sandy beaches. She even concedes that she came close to purchasing a third vacation home in Costa Rica several years ago but decided against it due to the time-consuming burdens associated with maintaining and managing rarely used vacation homes.

Now, Laura and others faced with similar vacation home dilemmas never have to make these difficult decisions again. That’s because Welch has vacation homes in Costa Rica, Hawaii, and Brazil that she and Lantz can enjoy without the costs of fully owning them, thanks to a new travel/vacation home club called 3rd Home. And these were just three of the places Laura and Lantz visited in the previous 12 months alone.

If more people like Laura and Lantz Welch latch onto 3rd Home, this upstart Internet-based company has the potential to revolutionize how people view vacation homes in the future. Basically, for a mere $495 membership fee, 3rd Home allows vacation-home owners to trade their luxurious homes in exchange for visiting other multi-million-dollar vacation homes all around the world for a weekly rental fee of just $495.

After launching its business less than three years ago, 3rd Home now numbers 932 vacation homes in 57 countries, according to company founder/chairman Wade Shealy. The average price of the network’s homes is approximately $2.2 million. The homes range in value from $500,000 to more than $25 million, featuring everything from a penthouse villa in the French Riviera to an exquisite 43,000-square-foot oceanfront mansion in Costa Rica and a fabulous 7,000-square-foot coastal home in Florianapolis, Brazil, that has hosted actors George Clooney and Robert Downey Jr., and, most recently, the Welches this January.

“It’s just a great way to vacation,” says Laura, a business development/strategic planning consultant focused on social change. “You’re spending all this money on vacations anyway, why not trade [using 3rd Home]? I love the fact that 3rd Home is global, very easy to use, and flexible, and the staff and service is unbelievable. We’ve [never had] one person who I’m exchanging info with not say, ‘We will take great care of your home.’”

That wasn’t always the case when Laura began renting out her Aspen home prior to joining 3rd Home a couple of years ago. “Now we’ve got a better chance of having a good [rental] outcome,” she says. “It’s a win-win. You have these incredible opportunities to travel and stay at these wonderful homes around the world and know the fact someone is going to be taking care of your home at the same time. What 3rd Home has really given us is that beach home we always wanted. And I’m sure people who have beach homes feel the same way. In the summer they might say, ‘You know what, let’s go to the mountains,” or they might want to go skiing for a week. Whether you want to be in the mountains or whether you want to be at the beach, 3rd Home gives you the option of having it all.” Not the least of which are a lot fewer vacation home-ownership headaches.

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“Most people today consider the ownership of a second home as the most underutilized asset that they own,” says Shealy, who’s nearing 30 years as a resort real estate specialist. “What we want to do is change people’s attitudes [so that] people start to consider ownership of a second home as a very valuable asset they own, because it allows them to travel to other places with their families as well.”

Shealy feels that membership in something like 3rd Home will eventually go hand in hand with multi-home ownership. “I really think 10 years from no, nobody would even consider purchasing a second home without a service or component like 3rd Home or something like the company that they can tie into,” he says. “Just like nobody today would consider buying a timeshare without an exchange component available to them as well.”

To be sure, 3rd Home isn’t the only group servicing the country’s 7.9 million seasonal or year-round vacation homeowners. However, most of the competitors operate as “direct, yours-for-mine exchange services.” Of the estimated 50,000 families throughout the world that trade mostly primary residences every year, many of them find this process of finding not just the right place, but also the right time to be very labor-intensive and time-consuming, even with the help of a third party.

Poolside patio at Las Arenas 103 at Punta Ballena Community

The beauty of 3rd Home, according to Laura, is that it’s an indirect transaction, meaning members of the network aren’t limited to staying at vacation homes of only those people who happen to find the member’s place desirable. Thus, 3rd Home is extremely flexible.

The way 3rd Home works is that members “deposit” into the network however many weeks they’d like to make available in their home. Then, depending on the value of their home, members receive a “key” they can use to “buy” weeks elsewhere. If a house is worth $1 million or less, the owner gets one key. A residence worth $1 million to $2 million receives two keys; $2 million to $3 million homes warrant three keys, and so on up to five keys maximum for every $4 million-plus property. Once keys are received, they can be used instantly in any combination of homes in the 3rd Home network. Owners don’t have to wait until another member reserves their vacation home to use keys, and there’s even a “Watch This Property” feature that alerts members when weeks have been deposited into the network at highly coveted destinations.

One of the more attractive aspects of 3rd Home, Laura says, is the endless amount of vacation choices. For example, she points out that maybe it’s just she and her husband who are going to Buenos Aires for a quick trip, so they don’t need a lot of space. Yet, they still want something really nice to stay in.

“We might use a little place that’s either an apartment or condo, but it’s only two keys, so we don’t use up all of our keys,” adds Laura, who has a trip planned for Hawaii next year. “Or maybe we want to take some family or we’re going with friends to Costa Rica, and we can stay in a five-key pad with 10 bedrooms.”

Regardless of size and style of accommodation, Laura wants to know that wherever she stays in a 3rd Home, it’s a “good place and is being taken care of.” It’s this latter element that is paramount for affluent property owners like the Welches.

When asked about the future of his company’s growth, Shealy says. “The major criterion for us is service. We really want to give unbelievable service to every single one of our members and deliver more than they ever dreamed possible as far as the vacation experience [goes].”

In the end, regardless of how big it gets, 3rd Home wants to be the finest luxury second-home exchange program in the world that has the highest standards in the industry. So far, if you ask Laura, the company is already achieving its goal.

“Here’s a company that’s managing quality of homes and the people that are going to be accessing them, so I trust and know beyond a shadow of doubt that 3rd Home is going to take care of me,” Laura says. “When I show up at that beach home, I know that [it] is going to be at the quality of where I want to stay and any questions I have, there’s a great staff I can go to [for help]. And I know that while I’m gone, if somebody is staying at my home, it’s going to be well taken care of. To me, that’s why I say it’s a win-win.”

In many respects, for Laura and Lantz Welch, when it comes to vacation homes, the third time really is a charm.

The James Royal Palm

Scheduled to open in Miami in late 2012, The James Royal Palm is the reincarnation of the historic and much-beloved Royal Palm Hotel. It will feature 179 guest rooms and 211 studios and suites, the majority of which have ocean views. Located just steps from the beach, Ocean Drive, and Collins Avenue, the hotel will also boast two swimming pools, a beachfront restaurant, a poolside bar, a lobby lounge, a full-service spa, and over 10,000 square feet of meeting/event space. Poised to be a top luxury hotel in South Beach, Florida, The James Royal Palm will incorporate many of the original property’s elements—such as the wall paneling and terrazzo flooring in the entry foyer—as well as pay homage to the property’s Art Deco history. jameshotels.com.

Dubai Presents the Underwater Hotel

Water Discus Hotel

Dubai likes outlandish ideas and has the will and the capacity to turn them into reality. From a trading outpost in the gulf the emirate has transformed itself into a financial hub between Hong Kong and London and the most important city in the region. It has developed the financial muscle to back projects that do not seem feasible. If the idea appeals to them they are even willing to overlook the financial viability of the project. They built Burj Khalifa to be the tallest building in the world. Earth was also a unique project that is a cluster of man made islands just off the coastline in the shape of different continents. The latest concept that is being pursued seriously in Dubai is a half submerged hotel, complete with underwater rooms. The architects have taken up the challenge to create the hotel with views of life below the surface of the sea.

The concept of the underwater hotel is being called the ‘Water Discus Hotel’. The final design developed for the futuristic hotel is of a building in the shape of a spaceship. The building seems to be perched on the water on three legs. It appears to be a villain’s lair from a James Bond movie. The concept is believed to be a novel idea that will have a wide appeal; hence several such hotels are planned across the region as it has the potential to attract the growing number of tourists in the region. Deep Ocean Technology (DOT) who have designed the hotel are confident that the vacationers on the beach and the sea will simply love it as it gives them the opportunity to explore the depths of the oceans. All the off shore exploration for oil has helped develop new cutting edge technology that makes it possible to create luxurious settings in the heart of the ocean. This new technology is coming in handy to make this project a reality confirmed a spokesperson for BIG InvestConsult, a Swiss company behind the development.

The design of the hotel building consists of two main discs, one above water and one below. Both the disc like structures are connected by three legs. All the stairways and lifts are placed in these legs to take the guests down in the water or take them up to the disc above. The underwater structure of the hotel is placed up to ten meters deep in the ocean and features 21 rooms for guests along with a submerged dive center and a bar. To improve the visibility outside the rooms a special lighting system will be installed.

It will illuminate the flora and fauna and the guests will have access to macro photography in their rooms that will enable them to zoom in and take a closer look at even the tiniest creatures. DOT, the designers of the hotel have taken all precautions to make the structure completely safe. The top disc, or the over water portion of the hotel is high enough to withstand a tsunami or any other flooding. The underwater disc is also designed to surface automatically in case of any danger. You need not worry even if you do not know swimming and can’t go scuba diving. You can simply check in to Water Discus Hotel and enjoy the deep sea marine life from up close.

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Barbara Jacobs of Silk Road Weaves

The perfect style: a custom rug by Silk Road Weaves

There are many characteristics that make up a luxury home. Size, number of rooms, high end amenities, and design are only a few. With space and freedom to craft your home into whatever you desire, it is important to not overlook the simple details. Simple, yet necessary details that will take your home from high end to show stopping. Barabara Jacobs of Silk Road Weaves can get you to that level.

“Supportive color is beautiful color,” according to Barbara Jacobs, architectural color consultant and rug designer. Barbara’s philosophy that carries through all her design projects—including her rug designs—is that “color” should have a function as well as just be beautiful on its own. As a color consultant for over 20 years and a rug designer for more than 6 years, Barbara has creative expertise encompassing more than just the floor. Special education in applied color psychology is just a small part of what she brings to any project.

Barbara’s original designs for Silk Road Weaves – vision + artistry in fine Tibetan rugs—offer a wide variety of colors and design styles. A fine artist at heart and in practice, in developing her rug designs she creates each piece as a work of art on its own. That’s why you don’t see simply “color-1, color-2, color-3” for each design.

However, each design is completely customizable

Color and fiber
Size and shape
Special requests and bespoke designs
Do you need more than one rug, having related designs but made in varied—even unusual— shapes?
If you want to omit the silk and make a rug all wool (or, the other way around), that’s possible as well.

Barbara Jacobs

Fibers used: Long-fiber Himalayan wool, silk, allo (giant Himalayan nettle), and other plant fibers. Barbara resides in Massachusetts and has design clients nationwide.

Contact
Barbara Jacobs
tel: 508-472-8105

Silk Road Weaves
www.silkroadweaves.com – bjacobs@silkroadweaves.com

Barbara Jacobs Color and Design
www.integralcolor.com – bjacobs@integralcolor.com

Concierge Auctions to Sell Exclusive Kuki’o Residence

Kukio Clubhouse

Following four other successful Kuki’o auctions in the past two years, Concierge Auctions will be back at the ultra-exclusive Kuki’o Golf and Beach Club May 24 to sell a 9,277-square-foot residence in cooperation with Kuki’o Properties.

Kuki’o, a private oceanfront club and residential community developed by Discovery Land Company, is adjacent to the highly acclaimed Four Seasons Hualalai Resort and features some of the most expensive real estate in Hawaii. Since its inception, Kukio attracted numerous well-known member residents such as computer mogul Michael Dell and former Yahoo CEO Carol Ann Bartz.

The upcoming sale of the 9,277-square-foot, furnished estate was originally listed for $9.75 million. Bidding will begin at $3.995 million, or the property can be purchased prior to auction for a Buy-It-Now price of $8.195 million.

“Every detail of this home celebrates its location, facilitating outdoor living and the relaxed, informal lifestyle the Islands are known for,” said Carrie Nicholson, Principal Broker at Kuki’o Properties. “Everywhere you turn, there is an effortless transition between the interior and exterior living spaces.”Real estate is all about location, and it doesn’t get any better than Kuki’o. We’re pleased to work with the Concierge team again and look forward to what will be our fifth successful sale together and to introducing a new owner to the community.”

Todd Moen of The Moen Group, a personal representative of the seller, understands the seller’s motivations and believes the Concierge Auctions process is a great fit.

“I became familiar with Concierge over a year ago and have watched their skill at matching buyers and sellers of some of the most sought-after properties in the nation,” Moen said. “The Concierge team will only consider assignments where the owner is committed to accepting the market value as identified by the bidders on auction day, and as a result buyers and agents trust that their inventory presents the best opportunities. No doubt this is one of them.”

Lot 57, also known as 72-119 Kahawaliwali Place, is a prime site on Kuki’o's 10-hole Tom Fazio-designed golf course. Located on a 29,359-square-foot lot, its exterior features include a stucco finish with Cedar shake roof and Honduran mahogany detailing. There is an outdoor dining area with a BBQ, a wet bar, an infinity-edge swimming pool and spa and an outdoor shower.

Indoors, the stunning master suite features Tigerwood flooring, a mahogany ceiling and its own covered lanai. Additionally there are four guest suites – all with private entrances – five bathrooms, a powder room, a gourmet kitchen and plenty of expansive spaces for entertaining.

“Our success record in Kuki’o is 100 percent, as we have sold every property we’ve represented in the community,” said Laura Brady, Vice President of Marketing for Concierge Auctions. “It’s no wonder why. Envisioned by the prestigious Discovery Land Company, whose roster also includes The Estancia Club in Scottsdale, Arizona; El Dorado in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; and Iron Horse in Whitefish, Montana, among many others, Kuki’o is without question one of the most private and refined oceanfront clubs in the world. Those who purchase here are not only buying exquisite real estate but also an unparalleled lifestyle. The opportunity to name the price at auction only sweetens the deal.”

Scott Kauffman, OceanHome writer

The 2012 Top 25 Coastal Homes For Sale in the U.S.

Ocean Home Magazine, a leading luxury publication for developers, owners, agents, and designers of ocean homes, is compiling our list for the 5th annual “Top 25 Coastal Homes For Sale in the U.S.” issue. This editorial feature and the final selections will be conducted based on our seasoned editorial and publishing staff’s experience and the insight of our real estate experts. We are looking for your help to finalize our selections and would like your suggestions on locations and current properties for sale. A “top” oceanfront home does not simply equate to the most expensive homes; though price is certainly a factor. Rather, our top homes are those with a uniqueness that makes them high-end, desirable – both in location and amenities, and somewhere our readers want to call home.

If you have a property, or know of a substantial estate that meets the criteria below, please fill out the below form including a brief description, a link to the online property listing (if available) with images of the interior and exterior features, and your contact information to us and we will review all of the properties. Properties must be submitted by May 18^th 2012. Need a refresher on past “Top 25″ homes? View last years winners here or click the cover image to the right!

This is an editorial feature. Homes will be selected based on our editorial team’s unbiased opinion from our selection of thousands of unique homes to find the top 25 most amazing homes for sale in the U.S.. To advertise in this special edition you may contact our publisher.

Contact: Lindsay Lambert, Editor, lindsay@rmsmg.com

Pelican Hill

The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach is an extraordinary southern California destination. With Palladian-inspired architecture from Northern Italy, the resort offers 204 bungalow guest rooms and 128 villas that give guests the feeling of a home away from home. The resort’s natural beauty is matched by its stunning accommodations and top-notch amenities, including several ocean-view and al fresco dining options, two Fazio-designed golf courses, and two large pools with well-appointed cabanas. – pelicanhill.com

Room to relax: Room to relax

OceanHome

The spacious Bungalows at Pelican Hill showcase fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs, and gorgeous views. Read More
Ah, Spa!: Ah, Spa!

OceanHome

Unwind at the Women’s Acqua Colonnade at Pelican Hill’s spa. Read More
Spa Treatment: Spa Treatment

OceanHome

A look inside a spa treatment room at Pelican Hill. Read More
Dine at Andrea’s: Dine at Andrea’s

OceanHome

Reserve a prime spot on the heated terrace. Read More
What a view: What a view

OceanHome

Ocean views from every vantage point. Read More
Fore!: Fore!

OceanHome

Tom Fazio designed Pelican Hill’s 54 holes of golf, including the 36 championship holes on its Ocean… Read More
All around beauty: All around beauty

OceanHome

Inspired by Rome's magnificent namesake, The Coliseum pool at Pelican Hill features terraced seatin… Read More
Cabana Time: Cabana Time

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Reserve a private cabana at Pelican Hill for the ultimate in service and poolside relaxation. Read More
Nighttime delight: Nighttime delight

OceanHome

View of the Coliseum pool after dark. Read More

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Photos courtesy of The Resort at Pelican Hill

Barry Manilow Relists Malibu Home

Barry Manilow relists Malibu home, but with a price cut

Not bad for the spike-haired crooner whose stellar concert performances have produced a loyal following with decades of hit-making music.

The man who made “Mandy” — a love song about a dog — an indelible part of pop music has re-listed his contemporary-style home in Malibu for $6.950 million. That’s a pretty steep drop from the $10.9 million Manilow first listed the beachfront compound back in 2009. But after a few years, four price drops and — most startling, and a health scare earlier this year — perhaps the fan-favorite singer is more eager to finalize a sale.

The property contains a main house with four bedrooms and walls of glass overlooking the Pacific Ocean. There is also a guest house across a private courtyard that offers additional living space. Manilow’s retreat has been noted for its high fences, assuring privacy, and its location on the uber-desirable Malibu Road.

It’s not the Copa Cabana, but it’s a pretty sweet spot — now at a pretty reasonable price.

Source: Forbes

Deep Glow Technologies Lights Up Your Dock

The world’s premier manufacturer of underwater dock lights, Deep Glow Technologies lights up your dock, seawall, pier, bridge or marina. It’s the perfect touch to bring the sea to life.

Light it Up: bring your dock to life with Deep Glow

Founded in 2006 in St. Petersburg, Florida, Deep Glow Technologies is made up of a design team that has years of experience in underwater lighting and other marine-related businesses with the intention to build the finest light available. The company invested heavily in research and product design, spending over a year rigorously testing prototypes before going to market with the current design. Deep Glow has emerged as the premier manufacturer of next generation, durable, innovative underwater lighting systems. The company is addressing the growing demand for quality lighting products for use at residential and commercial waterfront properties internationally, including primary and secondary homes, hotels, restaurants, yacht clubs, parks and entertainment venues.

Deep Glow Underwater Lights dramatically improve the enjoyment of all waterfront properties. These high quality, patented underwater lights illuminate the waterways at night and are excellent at attracting fish as underwater green fishing lights or as dock lighting for beauty. Deep Glow underwater lighting creates a family-friendly setting to enrich the night view with a glowing light that goes beyond the water’s edge creating a virtual aquarium that everyone can appreciate. “It’s like having the Discovery Channel in your back yard!”

Simple to install, they can be thrown, dropped or placed in the water and will automatically right themselves on the bottom facing the water’s surface. When the sun goes down the fun starts as the Deep Glow lights illuminate fish and marine life. This unique positioning can be useful for a smooth entry while returning from boating or fishing at night, while also providing an extra level of security after hours. The lights operate automatically with a timer or photocell, making them conveniently easy to use and enjoy. Additionally, Deep Glow lights are environmentally friendly using less power and providing more illumination than traditional above water dock lights.

Patented Deep Glow lights were specially designed for both residential and commercial use and they perform under various settings. From harsh saltwater locations and rough water environments to calm lakes and decorative ponds, our lights consistently provide satisfaction for our customers around all over the world. Deep Glow lights are virtually maintenance free producing heat to combat marine growth and are easy to pull out of the water and clean, if necessary. Deep Glow Lights are available in four great colors: Deep Green – recommended for murkier waters such as bays and inlets. Bahamas Blue – recommended for clear waters like those in the Bahamas. • Pink – for holidays and specialty commercial applications. Crystal Clear – recommended for all other water types.

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Deep Glow is truly “Lighting the World’s Waters” now in over 30 US States, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, Dubai, Bahrain, Switzerland, Germany, Grand Cayman and the Bahamas. 888-871-3334

Meg Ryan’s Bel-Air Mansion

Third time is a charm? Meg Ryan puts her Bel-Air home on the market for the third time since she bought the residence in 2000.

Best known for her roles in “When Harry Met Sally,” “Sleepless in Seattle” and “You’ve Got Mail,” Ryan purchased the home for $8.5 million. She first listed the home for sale in October 2008 for $19.5 million, but took it down in February, only to relist it again in October 2009 for a decreased price of $14.2 million.

Located in the hills of Bel-Air surrounded by other gracious and private estates, Ryan’s home is described as a “museum quality” restoration with stenciled and painted wood ceilings and tiles as well as wrought-iron work details and archways. Like the other homes in the neighborhood, the estate is extremely private, set back from the road behind walls and thick hedges. The home sits on just under three quarters of an acre and includes a pool, guest house and several outdoor living spaces.

The 6-bedroom, 7-bath home has 6,877-square-feet of living space, two family rooms, a film-screening room, separate bar off the kitchen and enormous master suite.

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2012 America’s Cup World Series

This year the America’s Cup World Series will be in Newport, RI, June 23-July 1, offering a great travel opportunity for New Englanders. The America’s Cup takes place in San Francisco in 2013, but there’s a series of exhibition races called the AC World Series leading up to the main event. Next up in the U.S. is Newport, marking the first time the brand new AC45 catamarans will be raced on the East Coast of the U.S.

As part of the Newport World Series, the city will unveil the waterfront America’s Cup Village for fans at Fort Adams. The new format of America’s Cup racing allows East Coast fans the first chance to get up-close-and-personal with the world’s best sailors on the fastest boats. The AC Village will offer a host of activities for fans, including a Moët & Chandon Champagne bar, a Napa Valley Vineyards wine garden, in addition to a selection of locally sourced food and beverage concessions that reflect Rhode Island’s abundance of farm-fresh cuisine.

Background: Nearly 160 years old, the America’s Cup is the oldest trophy in international sport. The America’s Cup has evolved into one of the world’s leading sporting competitions – featuring the best sailors on the world’s fastest boats, the newly unveiled wing-sailed AC45 and AC72 catamarans. Newport has a long history with the America’s Cup and has hosted the event twelve times, beginning in 1930. This summer marks the return of an America’s Cup event to Newport, as the city hasn’t hosted since 1983.

Traveling to Newport: Easily accessible from New England, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. via car, train, or plane, Newport is an ideal coastal destination for summer travel. Newport offers a blend of hotels, inns, motels, and bed and breakfasts. Aside from watching the America’s Cup sailing, Newport offers a wide variety of activities for visitors, including tours of the famed Newport Mansions and more.

Upcoming America’s Cup Events:
April 7 – 15, 2012: (Naples, Italy) America’s Cup World Series
May 12 – 20: (Venice, Italy) America’s Cup World Series
June 26 – July 1, 2012: (Newport, RI) America’s Cup World Series
August 21 – 26, 2012: (San Francisco OR New York) America’s Cup World Series
October 4 – 7, 2012: (San Francisco) America’s Cup World Series
April 16 – 21, 2013: (Venice, Italy) America’s Cup World Series
May 14 – 19, 2013: (Naples, Italy) America’s Cup World Series
July 4 – September 1, 2013: (San Francisco) Louis Vuitton Cup (America’s Cup Challenger Series, determines who faces ORACLE Racing in the finals)
September 7 – 22, 2013: (San Francisco) America’s Cup Finals (ORACLE Racing vs. the winner of the Louis Vuitton Cup)

About the America’s Cup World Series: The America’s Cup World Series is an extreme experience – cutting edge wing-sailed catamarans flying at speeds over 30 miles per hour; short, sharp, intense races on courses squeezed into the Bay to ensure close action; and a mix of fleet and match racing, to test the abilities of the best sailing teams in the world. While the World Series has no bearing on the America’s Cup, it’s a fun way to create on-the-water excitement for both the teams and the fans – kind of like the Spring Training of sailing! The World Series continues in Newport, Rhode Island this June/July and in San Francisco in August.

About the America’s Cup: Nearly 160 years old, the America’s Cup is the oldest trophy in international sport. The America’s Cup has evolved into one of the world’s leading sporting competitions – featuring the best sailors on the world’s fastest boats, the wing-sailed AC45 and AC72 catamarans. The new America’s Cup World Series begins its inaugural season August 2011. In the summer of 2013, the 34th America’s Cup begins with the Louis Vuitton Cup July 4-September 1, followed by the America’s Cup Finals September 7-22. For more information, visit www.americascup.com.

Ocean Front Magnificence on the South Carolina Coast

Exterior view

Designed to maximize the ocean views, capture the breezes and encourage outdoor living, this gorgeous Italian Renaissance style home is located in DeBordieu Colony, just north of Charleston, South Carolina. Inspired by Addison Mizner’s distinctive South Florida architecture, the home showcases remarkable attention to detail in both design and construction.

The excellent floor plan offers a wonderful flow through the spacious rooms which open to outdoor loggias and porches,offering elegant entertainment spaces inside and out, and spectacular views of the Atlantic.

Consisting of 5,700 heated square feet, this home features European stone, tile and hardwood floors, four bedrooms, each with private baths, two living rooms, a study/library, two half-baths, and dining and morning rooms off the gourmet kitchen. Decorative wall and ceiling finishes adorn the unique interior.

Designed by Pawleys Island architect Dwayne Vernon, the construction of the home is poured concrete, with 8” thick walls, a terra-cotta tile roof, hard coat stucco exterior, and stone/ceramic tile terraces – a combination which ensures a minimum of exterior maintenance and maximum structural strength.

The location, beauty, and integrity of this home make it one of the finest properties at DeBordieu. It is currently offered at $2,999,500.

DeBordieu Colony is an oceanfront community located just south of Pawleys Island, South Carolina featuring private golf and tennis, saltwater creek access to the ocean, a manned security gate, and luxury homes and villas surrounded by thousands of acres of wildlife and nature preserves.

For more information, contact Troi Kaz, 843-455-4523, or TroiKaz@DeBordieu.com.

Marco Beach Resort Voted 2012 Best Weddings

Marco Beach Ocean Resort has received the West Coast Florida 2012 “Best of Weddings” Award from The Knot. The award selection process was done by voting brides. Each year brides have the opportunity to vote on a variety of categories from photographers and videographers to wedding destinations.

“We are honored to have been selected especially since the votes are coming from the brides. The resort is a perfect place for a romantic beach wedding,” said Robert Fesik, General Manager.

About Marco Beach Ocean Resort The all suite Marco Beach Ocean Resort overlooking the Gulf of Mexico brings stellar service, lodging and dining to Marco Island, one of the fabled Ten Thousand Islands located between Naples and the Florida Everglades, on Southwest Florida’s beautiful Gulf coast. Marco Beach Ocean Resort features a variety of dining options including the Beachfront Bar & Grill and authentic Italian cuisine at the award winning Sale e Pepe restaurant, a spa and fitness center, amenities, a sparkling pool, white sand beach and nearby golf perfect for a getaway, wedding or meeting. The resort’s Concierge and the highly-trained international service staff accommodates personal tastes and regularly exceeds expectations.

Marco Beach Ocean Resort is enjoyed by resort guests, locals and is also part of The Tarpon Club, offering homeowners of Fiddler’s Creek the opportunity to enjoy a beach and boating lifestyle so precious to those who live in the Naples/Marco Island area. Fiddler’s Creek residents also enjoy The Club & Spa amenities and have the opportunity to join The Golf Club, ranked in Golfweek’s 100 Best Residential Golf Courses in the country for the seventh consecutive year.

Fiddler’s Creek community is located off of Collier Boulevard on your way to Marco Island. For information, please call (239) 732-9300 or visit http://www.fiddlerscreek.com. For more information, or to make a reservation at Marco Beach Ocean Resort, please visit www.marcoresort.com or phone 239-393-1400; 800-715-8517.

16th Annual Nantucket Wine Festival

Over the past 15 years, the Nantucket Wine Festival has become one of the country’s most celebrated and prestigious wine and food events. Situated in the heart of downtown Nantucket and attended by world-renowned winemakers, chefs and celebrities, the 16^th Annual Nantucket Wine Festival takes place May 16-20, 2012. Highlights include:

· An unusual and enlightening seminar, “The Greatest Chef You Never Heard Of.” Hailed by Thomas Keller of French Laundry fame as one of America’s greatest culinary talents, Damon Baehrel has created a cuisine that uses native and home-grown ingredients to create an amazing array of dishes defying traditional concepts. His style is independently derived and is unlike any other that we’ve encountered. His restaurant, the Basement Bistro in Earlton, New York, has a two-year waiting list. Guests will have an unforgettable opportunity to savor Damon’s food without waiting! Winery TBA.

· Former CBS newsman Bill Kurtis has found a new passion—the virtues of Tallgrass Beef, why it is healthier, tastier, more environmentally responsible, and more humanely raised than any grass-fed beef available anywhere. He will present a seminar explaining the reasons for the superiority of grass-fed beef in general and Tallgrass Beef in particular. He is a charismatic speaker and a passionate advocate. Chef and winery TBA.

· Back by popular demand, Veuve Clicquot will once again offer its world-class Champagne during the Festival. Winemakers from the celebrated Champagne house will also conduct special seminars throughout the weekend.

· Famous for its array of distinguished winemakers and luminaries, the Nantucket Wine Festival’s 2012 lineup includes: Ray Coursen of Elyse Vineyards, David Hirsch of Hirsch Vineyards, Tim Mondavi of Continuum Estate, Robert and Maria Sinskey of Sinskey Vineyards, Amaury Devillard of Domaines Devillard, Alex Gambal of Alex Gambal, Christopher Howell of Cain Vineyard & Winery, David Miner of Miner Family Vineyards, Larry Stone of Rubicon Estates, Chris Hall of Long Meadow Ranch Winery, Joe Donelan of Donelan Family Wines, Paul Chevalier of Château d’Esclans, David Guffy of Hess Collection, Manuel Louzada of Numanthia, Laurent Drouhin of Maison Joseph Drouhin, David Grieve of Grieve Family Wines, Ernst Loosen of Weingut Dr. Loosen, Janet Myers of Franciscan Estate and Mt. Veeder, Wendy Stuckey of Château Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Merry Edwards of Merry Edwards Winery, Tom Eddy of Tom Eddy Wines, Don Ross of Shibumi Knoll Vineyards and many others.

· The Festival’s popular symposia, the equivalent of a graduate course in advanced wine philosophy, feature hour-long tastings and discussions followed by lunch paired with the wines produced by participating vignerons.

· The Festival’s signature event, The Grand Tasting, will be held at the historic Nantucket Yacht Club (1 South Beach Street, Nantucket). We are pleased to announce that Island Creek Oysters will be returning to this event, after a year’s hiatus, to shuck their glorious oysters for one and all. Over 200 wineries will participate in the invitation-only event, so you can be sure that the quality level will be superb.

· The annual Nantucket Historical Association auction dinner will be held at the famed White Elephant Hotel.

WHERE: White Elephant Hotel (50 Easton Street, Nantucket)

The White Elephant Hotel, a Nantucket “grande dame,” serves as the Festival’s home base and hosts many of the Festival’s events, including The Harbor Gala, the Celebrity Chef and Winemaker Auction Dinners and the majority of the wine & food seminars. Events are also held at locations throughout the island, including restaurants and private homes.

WHEN: May 16-20, 2012

BACKGROUND: The Festival is attended by over 200 global wineries, each typically represented by the winemaker or vineyard owner. Celebrity chefs from Boston, Nantucket, Providence, Newport, New Jersey and New York lead seminars in wine and food pairings, perform cooking demonstrations and mingle with attendees. The Nantucket Historical Association, Nantucket Combined Charities and the Nantucket New School are the Festival’s charity partners.

TO REGISTER: For a complete description of all events, logistics, lodging pricing, contact the Nantucket Wine Festival at winefete@comcast.net or (508) 228-1128, or visit www.nantucketwinefestival.com.

Terry Lewis Sells Malibu Estate

Terry Lewis's Malibu Estate

Music producer Terry Lewis and wife, Indira, have listed their Malibu estate for sale at $4.5 million. The couple bought the property in 2002 for $3.4 million.

The Spanish-style house sits on one-acre and features open and covered patios, a sports court, a swimming pool with a spa and gardens. The 6,710-square-foot open-plan home, which was built in 2001, includes a media room, five bedrooms and 51/2 bathrooms. The ocean-view master suite features a sitting area and two walk-in closets.

Lewis is part of a songwriting and production team with Jimmy Jam. The Grammy-winning Jam and Lewis have produced hits for singers including Janet Jackson, Boyz II Men and Mariah Carey.

The Lewises, who own another house, are selling this home to move closer to their children’s schools and activities.

Susan Monus of Coldwell Banker’s Malibu West office is the listing agent.

Pat Riley Sells Biscayne Bay Waterfront

Pat Riley, the former NBA coach, and current president for the Miami Heat, has recently sold his Biscayne Bay waterfront house for $16.75M according to the South Florida Business Journal.

Riley’s huge Gables Estates house was built in 1991 and features 12,856 sq-ft with 5 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. The massive Mediterranean style home is perched on 80,150 sq-ft waterfront lot that overlooks Biscayne Bay and is surrounded by water on 3 sides, making it one of the most coveted peninsular-like bay front locations around. The home also features a library with fireplace, wine cellar, an elevator, sauna, spa, intercom system throughout, an onsite guard, upstairs Master Suite, and a theater room. Outside Riley’s estate you can take in the serenity of the Bahamas while enjoying the private sandy beach, manicured gardens, rolling lawns, protected boat dockage, and a resort style pool with waterfalls and aqua bar.

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Listing information and images courtesy of Audrey Ross andmiamirealestate.com

3 Transactions Closed at One Thousand Ocean

One Thousand Ocean

One Thousand Ocean, the iconic Ocean-to-Intracoastal condominium at the Boca Raton Inlet, continues its notable success by closing three transactions for just over $11.5 million in the past three weeks. Two were new residences for just over $8 million. Additionally, the third transaction, a Signature Penthouse resale, sold for more than its original purchase price.

Over the past year, One Thousand Ocean has sold and closed 10 new residences totaling nearly $50 million, averaging almost one sale per month.

Jamie Telchin, president of development for LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels, reports that the 52-unit building is just over 80% sold out since it opened in February 2010, representing just under $190 million in total new sales volume. “This leaves only 10 new residential opportunities to own in this trophy location,” he said.

“Contributing to One Thousand Ocean’s desirability among high-net-worth purchasers is its prime, irreplaceable location on the tip of a private peninsula surrounded by water on three sides, along with expansive floor plans, oversized terraces and stunning panoramas. Furthermore, the building is adjacent to the Boca Raton Resort’s Beach Club, providing residents who are, or who elect to become private members of the world-class resort, a privileged lifestyle,” he added.

“We are very optimistic that One Thousand Ocean’s sales momentum will continue,” Stephann Cotton, LXR Realty, LLC’s broker, pointed out. “Just like last year at this time, we’re again seeing a lot of interest and activity, with buyers closing within a few weeks or sooner.”

Cotton said that one of the recent buyers is a couple from Canada. “They looked all over South Florida for a second home, starting in South Beach, and made their way up to One Thousand Ocean. They fell in love with one of our premier units and finalized a contract within 48 hours. This certainly continues to validate that One Thousand Ocean is something very special. It combines an enviable location with an award-winning resort lifestyle.”

Commenting further, he said, “Prospective purchasers who were interested in the two residences that recently sold are coming back to us and are refocusing on other units because they want to live in the building. They realize that the time to buy is now.”

Of the 10 residences yet to be sold, seven are finished and ready for occupancy, while three Penthouses can be customized to carry out an owner’s grand vision. Prices are from approximately $3 million to $15 million and most residences include private elevator entries, fireplaces, expansive walls of glass, terraces with an outdoor kitchen and private, heated, jetted plunge pool, and a private two-car garage.

For those looking to move in immediately, one of the available residences is a model designed by Venus Williams’ V*Starr Interiors. Additionally, there is a residence furnished by Roche Bobois, a global leader in the design and distribution of home furnishings. Plus, Roche Bobois is in the process of furnishing a second residence.

Among luxuries residents encounter in the exclusive Ocean Club amenities areas are a fitness center with aerobics, yoga and Pilates rooms, cardio/free-weight and training area, spa treatment suite, hot soaking tub, and steam and sauna rooms. Also offered are a lakefront lounge with catering kitchen, conference room, multi-purpose playroom, oceanfront pool and sun deck, pool butler, and private cabanas. In addition, the building has onsite management, a 24-hour desk attendant, concierge, valet parking, and patrol services.

The Boca Raton Resort & Club, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, offers conveniences, amenities and services of the highest order next door to One Thousand Ocean at the Boca Beach Club, and at the resort’s main location, just a short stroll, cruise or drive across the Intracoastal Waterway. These include golf, tennis, marina, water sports, spa, fitness centers, croquet, pools, varied dining venues and member social activities.

For further information, visit www.onethousandocean.com, or call the One Thousand Ocean Sales & Design Center at (561) 869-5000 to arrange a private showing.

PTW Announces Series of Luxury Villas

Private Trade Winds, Inc. Announces the Unveiling of a Series of Classic Luxury Villas in France and Italy

As the company celebrates its Five Year Anniversary, new luxury villas along with highly sought after destinations will be released over the next several weeks, offering clients a fresh portfolio when traveling abroad.

At the company’s benchmark anniversary a decision was made by Irene Aviles, Founder and President of Private Trade Winds to revitalize their portfolio by offering new villa product in the most sought after destinations, beginning with France and Italy. “Each villa has its own story to tell, which makes every trip to Europe authentic and unique,” said Aviles. “Although the previous villas we represented were top-notch, we realized that in order to keep a vacation experience exciting and new, we would need to present a variety of options.”

This week Private Trade Winds unveils two new villas in Italy; a dramatic 9,000 square foot 7-bedroom estate on Lake Como complete with boat and captain, as well as a classic 6-bedroom villa in the countryside of Tuscany with an optional 3-bedroom annex. Each villa is vetted to the highest standards, and boasts the Five-Star service and amenities the company has become known for. Private Trade Winds is eager to reveal additional villas over the coming weeks, and promises to announce new regions within France and Italy, as well.

Private Trade Winds is located in Newport Beach, California and is an innovator in the Travel Industry, positioned as the low cost alternative to high priced destination clubs. With a global portfolio of villas, both Classic and Modern, discerning travelers have embraced the ‘hybrid club concept’ and are traveling more frequently due to substantial savings and exceptional personal service. The company continues to grow in membership, and are credited within the travel industry as defining villa travel for both travel agents as well as consumers. To learn more about Private Trade Winds memberships email Andra Minnehan

Largest Residential Estate to be Auctioned

Auction.com, the nation’s leading online real estate marketplace, will auction an exceptional Italianate villa occupying the largest private estate in Newport Beach on April 26.

Once listed at $87 million and currently listed for $37 million, the estate is one of the most exquisite properties in the area. It includes a 16,600-square-foot main residence in the final stages of construction, along with a 7,000-square-foot 17-car garage and a variety of other luxury amenities.

The one-day auction will be held at The Resort at Pelican Hill, which is near to the property located at 1 Pelican Hill Road. Online bids via a webcast will also be accepted through Auction.com’s innovative platform that allows sellers and buyers of luxury homes to meet in a transparent auction process. The auction is a bankruptcy court mandated auction and there is no opening bid on the property. There is a 2 percent broker co-op available for agents who pre-register a successful buyer.

“The vast size of the property and the elegance of the improvements are attributes that are rarely found in the luxury market, especially in Southern California,” said Robert Friedman, Auction.com’s chairman and a founding principal. “When you also consider that the home must be sold, and there is no opening bid, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for bidders.”

The singular acreage includes vast expanses of mature gardens, a private lake, tennis court, a wine cave, a horse stable and riding area. The luxurious main residence has seven bedrooms and 13 bathrooms, which comprise a private compound that rivals any other real estate property in the region.

Terraced waterfalls, canyon, city light and distant ocean views all contribute to the majestic aura. Enhancement opportunities are virtually limitless and include the ability to add guest and accessory buildings thereby creating a personal compound unlike anything else in Newport Beach. A one-bedroom gate house also sits on the property.

“By delivering a high volume of qualified buyers to each property, we help each seller achieve the home’s true market value,” Friedman added. “At the same time, the buyer for this luxury property will be able to purchase it through an efficient system that brings transparency to the bidders. As a result, it’s a win-win for both sides.”

Auction.com’s marketing efforts have already attracted 700 open-house attendees with an additional open house scheduled on April 22 from noon-4 p.m. Bidders must pre-register online at www.auction.com/luxury.

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