Homes
Key Biscayne Villa
August 17, 2010 by OceanHome · Leave a Comment
Why check into a five-star resort when you could come home to one at night? For those who want to enjoy resort-syle living in the comfort of their own home, this Key Biscayne estate, situated on 118 feet of bayfront land and featuring direct views of the water, provides the ultimate in luxury.
Built in 1996 directly on Biscayne Bay with breathtaking unobstructed views of the downtown Miami skyline, this two-story Mediterranean villa is the total package: outstanding views, a private library, a rooftop tennis court, a three-car garage, a pool, an office, and formal living and dining rooms are among its many amenities. And with seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms, you’ll have ample space to entertain plenty of your very own guests.
The Details: $9,900,000, Audrey Ross, Miami Real Estate, 305-775-5053, miamirealestate.com.—Anna Perocchi
Paradise Found
August 16, 2010 by OceanHome · Leave a Comment
A triumvirate of home-design experts turns one owner’s wish for a winter escape into a modern marvel on the sun-drenched shores of the South Florida coast. By Anna Kasabian, photographs by IBI Designs.
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Paradise in Maui
June 21, 2010 by OceanHome · Leave a Comment
When you get two creative forces together, it’s not uncommon to have a fireworks display of ideas light up a room. At least it’s a pretty common occurrence for the husband-and-wife architectural team of Jim and Karen LeCron of Arr/LeCron Architects, Inc. in Santa Barbara, who share a passion for creating dreamy getaways from California to Hawaii.
Their current project, a mere four months on the drawing board, took them to Maui, where they decided to build a home that mirrors all the details of a resort. The difference? This is your own private beachfront resort, and once you are here, you can choose to cocoon yourself in your suite and meet your friends by the pool only after you’ve melted your stress away.
The idea for this particular home came to them several years ago when the couple was vacationing in Maui. While they loved the island, they had grown tired of staying in hotel rooms and condominiums that felt confining and cramped after a few days, and it occurred to them that they were not alone.
“We have a vacation home on Lake Tahoe, and we have friends and family come there,” Jim says. “So we thought how much fun it would be to build a vacation home in Hawaii, but with a resort-theme twist.” In fact, while attending the University of California at Berkeley, Karen wrote her thesis on resort design at Lake Tahoe’s Squaw Valley Ski Resort and learned first-hand from countless interviews what it is that people look for in a destination resort.
Together with a few other couples, they ended up purchasing this magnificent slice of Maui oceanfront property, with views of Molokai and Lanai, and decided this would be the perfect site for their mini-resort.
The home sits in the neighborhood known as the Jewel of Kahana and is minutes from Kapalua Bay, known as the home to one of the world’s best beaches. “It’s a place we have been coming to for years and years. It’s a good destination for families; it’s very kid friendly, and there are fabulous restaurants and lots of amenities,” Karen says.
The couple laid out the design plans for the home by thinking about all those details that create the resort experience— from the private rooms to the common spaces in resorts and how they all function. Then they thought about how to translate those experiences into the scale of a home. “We imagined ourselves in the space and visualized in three dimensions what the experience would be like. Part of that process was the dream or fantasy aspect,” Karen explains.
And just as you’d find at a resort, the home boasts individual suites. These have been designed with pocket doors that disappear when fully opened, providing seamless transition to outside rooms, and each suite has its own wet bar, stunning designer bathroom, flat-screen television, and endless water views. There is a common area for entering and exiting, which functions much like a hotel lobby where you can make plans to meet poolside or at the bar (adjacent to the kitchen) and be on your way. The kitchen is open, informal, and welcoming. Whether the homeowner is cooking for family or guests or if a guest chef comes in for a demo and dinner party, the kitchen is a place laid out for socializing.
“We designed the house for entertaining, but also so anyone staying here can be pampered. There’s the main kitchen, and then there is a second kitchen that is accessible to caterers. We’ve had private chefs come in and put on private luaus.They get to work behind the scenes and hide the dishes,”she says, noting that the home’s design could also serve well as a company retreat. The second floor, complete with a pool table and big-screen television, has the open feeling of a mezzanineand game room.
The overall feeling here is contemporary and clean with lots of glass, native Kapalua blue rock that was quarried out of the site, and travertine stone, which moves from inside to outside with no demarcation. Brazilian cherry and Sappelli woods add warm accents. As you move throughout the house, you will find a palette comprised of ocean colors, whether it be walls, fabric stone, or tile. It is also deemed a “smart house,” as all mechanics and lighting can be controlled from certain locations within the house, as well as remotely by computer. And there are some other interesting, practical touches, like the automated translucent blinds that disappear into the ceiling once the hot daytime sun sets.
The swimming pool, complete with waterfalls and a spa, comes up to the house and is designed to look like a tropical lagoon. It’s so close to the house that you can be in the pool and still converse with people who are in the dining room. The main house is 9,800 square feet in size, and there is also a two-story guesthouse or ohana to accommodate even more guests. The ohana is as luxurious as the main house and has its own kitchen, patio, and sleeping loft.
Rows of palm trees shelter the 400-foot-wide, 200-footlong parcel of land from the road, and a carpet of emerald green lawn rolls to the ocean’s edge. The property is being sold furnished, and bathrooms come with bathrobes, shampoo, massage oil, and all the necessities to start a vacation. $14,900,000, Mary Anne Fitch, Maui Estates International, 808-250-1583, soldmaui.com.
By Anna Kasabian
Oceanfront Estate at Highland Beach, FL
June 17, 2010 by OceanHome · Leave a Comment
This furnished oceanfront estate is in one of the few guard-gated communities in all of Southeast Florida. Ocean Place Estates is a dramatic three-story property featuring a ground level with two bedrooms, a secondary kitchen, and a six-car garage.
The second floor and main level comprises a spectacular living room and private dining room with a grand staircase, off of which are a billiards area, media room, and pub-style bar. A bedroom off of the utility room also has access to a full bathroom. The third level, accessible by elevator, features a master suite with adjacent library and exercise room, plus three full additional en suite bedrooms.
The Details: $5,850,000, Mark Nestler, Nestler Poletto Sotheby’s International Realty, 561-212-1517, mark@npsir.com, npsir.com.
By Melissa Gillespie
Interior Designer Ron Dayan Gets it Done Well- and Fast
June 17, 2010 by OceanHome · Leave a Comment
Ron Dayan is known for contriving some of the most exquisite and extravagant homes in the nation, often far ahead of schedule. From a house on Newport Beach to a Mediterranean-style estate in Rancho Santa Fe, California-based Dayan illuminates his creations through self-taught design and global inspirations.
“I’ve been known to do projects in recordbreaking time, even across the country,” Dayan explains. “Once a house is built, I am able to gather every element: hand-carved and hand-finished furniture, carpeting, upholstery, and accessories included, and transport them from the West Coast to the East Coast in three weeks.”
The avant-garde designer gathers inspiration from his international travels through some of the most architecturally stunning countries in the world, including Italy and England. After almost three decades in the design business, Dayan has decorated homes ranging from 4,000 to 40,000 square feet. His clientele includes Motown legend Smokey Robinson, LA Lakers star Kareem Abdul-Jabaar, Barry Gibb of The Bee-Gees, Academy Award winner Louis Gossett, Jr., and many more.
“My clients always get something unique,” Dayan explains. “If a resource is unavailable, I don’t buy it. I don’t wait for anything.”
Not only does Dayan deliver extraordinary results, but he also keeps his clients’ best interest as his top priority. He believes that with today’s real estate market, a home is no longer merely a place where one lives; it’s the most expensive possession a person will ever own. For the last few years, Dayan has been taking a few steps further with his designs and elaborating on the bones of the various properties to increase the value, he explains.
“I design homes the way they should be designed, not to reflect the owner’s personality,” Dayan says. “It’s the art and accessories that reflect the owner, not the home itself.” piccadillydesigns.com.
—By Terri Ogan
Christopher Wheat’s Custom Home Paintings
June 17, 2010 by OceanHome · Leave a Comment
Selecting that ideal painting for your oceanfront home can be a daunting task. But sometimes the best idea is the one staring you right in the face. Why not have your own home or yacht framed in all its glory right there in your living room?
New England-based artist Christopher Wheat has been painting custom home portraits for over 20 years and has worked with over 500 clients. He works with you in determining the subject matter of the painting from the arrangement of the gardens in the foreground to the amount of sea chop in the background. Based on where you decide to hang it as well as its overall size, Wheat then paints your ideal oceanfront portrait. 585-329-8997,
2765 Kolepa Place, Kaanapali
May 13, 2010 by Mary Ann Fitch · Leave a Comment
Offering West Maui’s finest ocean, island, resort, and golf course frontage views, this 2-story home offers 3 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and a business room (complete with custom-built mahogany desk & shelving). It is spread across 4,071 square feet of living area and features several lanai areas that encourage endless hours of relaxation and sunset views.
Each bedroom is distinctive in character. Maximizing the strengths of the parcel size (17,781) and its location (end of a cul de sac), the home was custom built for those that embrace the indoor/outdoor lifestyle and relish the exclusive privacy and intimacy that comes from living in the Royal Kaanapali Estates neighborhood. Reinforcement of the indoor/outdoor island lifestyle is evidenced in the seamless design elements. The wood ceiling extends from the indoor to the dining lanai. The Saltillo tile transitions to a similar outdoor color flagstone. Sliding lanai doors and large windows are a constant invitation to be one with Nature. Large walk-in closets, vaulted bedroom ceilings, grand stairway, private swimming pool, built-in bench/shoe closet and deep soaking master bathroom tub; these are simply a few of the many design attributes that create this causal island living decor. Top brands are found throughout the home including SieMatic cabinetry, Kitchen Aid microwave, Thermador oven, Miele dishwasher, Sub-Zero refrigerator and Bosch washer & dryer. The property is complete with mature landscaping with a variety of rare vegetation including Blue jade vine on arbor, Prince Kuio vine and Lipstick palm. The architect of the property was Rick Ryniak and Dixon Homes was the builder. The 2001 interior design was completed by Kathy Merrill (then with Philpotts & Associates).
Royal Kaanapali Estates is a subdivision of 16 properties nestled between the 11th and 14th fairways of the Royal Kaanapali Course (North Course). Located at the base of Kaanapali Hillside, this neighborhood is within walking distance of West Maui’s sandy beaches and the amenities of Whalers Village. The property is being sold furnished with exclusions to be provided. There is no monthly association expense.
Contact Information:
Maui Estates International
cell: 808-250-1583
email: sold@maui.net
web: www.soldmaui.com
272 South Ulukoa, Kaanapali
May 13, 2010 by Mary Ann Fitch · Leave a Comment
Designed by renowned architect Rick Ryniak, with space, functionality and flow in mind, this spectacular contemporary Mediterranean 4,200 sq. ft.+ residence is located on the 9th tee of the Kaanapali Kai Golf Course and offers beautiful panoramic ocean and islands views from every room!
The great room on the main level is accessed through a 27ft cathedral ceiling entry and opens through Fleetwood pocket doors onto a large lanai that hosts the main barbecue. The great room features Ligne Roset furnishings, a grand Bösendorfer CS 200 piano, and Adriana Hoyos dining set that includes a square dining table suitable for eight.
The spacious kitchen has been appointed with Leicht cabinetry and high end appliances including Miele Master Chef Dual Ovens, GE Monogram refrigerator, Sub-Zero wine cabinet and warming drawer. Numerous windows, opening to the ocean and the mountains, provide inspiration to the chef.
The expansive Master Suite, on the same level, offers spectacular ocean views through a panoramic window. The large walk-in closet opens to both the large Master Bathroom and the Master Bedroom. Two suites have been located on the lower level for privacy. Separated by a large family room, they have direct access to the pool/spa and to the deck that includes a second barbecue.
An office of approximately 500 sq. ft. is located on a completely separate level. It also provides fantastic views of the ocean, Molokai and the West Maui Mountains. Completed with a wet bar, it can be used as a gym, game or media room.
The house has been designed for the future and is entirely wired with Cat 6. High speed Internet is available in every room and high definition broadcasting throughout the home can be simply achieved. A Lutron Homeworks system controls the lighting. Flooring includes Travertine marble and Brazilian Jojoba hardwood floor.
This home is the primary residence of Mary Anne Fitch and Nam L. Le Viet. It epitomizes the Maui Life style at its best: close proximity to the ocean, big ocean views, front line golf location, in a fully developed section of Kaanapali Golf Estates. Offered Furnished.
Contact Information:
Maui Estates International
cell: 808-250-1583
email: sold@maui.net
web: www.soldmaui.com
35 Papaua Place, Napili
May 13, 2010 by Mary Ann Fitch · Leave a Comment
Situated on a rocky shoreline, this property offers views that include sunsets, crashing waves and dolphins, turtles and whales playing in Alaeloa Bay and Molokai Channel.
The fabulous floorplan includes five bedrooms and five baths. The master suite is located on the second floor with phenomenal ocean views. The home features rare woods including koa, cherry cabinetry, eucalyptus flooring, mahogany bookshelves and mango master headboard. In excellent condition.
Contact Information:
Maui Estates International
cell: 808-250-1583
email: sold@maui.net
web: www.soldmaui.com
Jewel of Kahana, 4809 Lower Honoapiilai Rd
May 13, 2010 by Mary Ann Fitch · Leave a Comment
Jewel of Kahana rests on approximately 1/2 acre of prime oceanfront land in West Maui. Perfectly located between Kaanapali and Kapalua, this oceanfront estate has no equal in the islands of Hawaii.
Completed in late 2009, this spectacular home of approximately 9,000 sq. Ft. Epitomizes pacific rim architecture. Walls of glass disappear, sliding into rock walls bordering the spacious greatroom which includes a grand living & dining area as well as a fabulous open kitchen with separate enclosed butler’s kitchen. A floating mezzanine soars above the great room featuring a phenomenal sports bar with pool & game tables. The house floats in an ocean front pool complete with spa and waterfalls.
There are seven oceanfront master suites, each with a luxurious bath and wet bar as well as an attached oceanfront ohana. Every room is oceanfront with sweeping views of the neighboring island of lanai and glimpses of Molokai.
Contact Information:
Maui Estates International
cell: 808-250-1583
email: sold@maui.net
web: www.soldmaui.com
218 Plantation Club Drive, Kapalua
May 13, 2010 by Mary Ann Fitch · Leave a Comment
Impeccably appointed with exquisite designer finishes by Roy Sklarin, this trophy property enjoys a south-westerly exposure with sweeping views of the coastline, Molokai, sunsets and the West Maui mountains. Located on the 18th fairway of the world renowned Kapalua Plantation Course, this estate is the preferred choice of the developers of the Plantation Golf Course and Plantation Estates. A must see for the discerning buyer.
Superb craftsmanship and the highest quality materials are evidenced throughout this estate, featuring an extensive great room with high 25 Ft. ceiling, a sumptuous dining area, a gourmet kitchen with large walk-in pantry, a fully equipped wine cellar that can host hundreds bottles, a large media center and an office. The palatial Master Bedroom and the guest suites are on the second level offers great oceanviews. And with a state of the art outdoor grill area strategically located by the pool, this residence is perfectly designed to provide enjoyement to your family and friends.
Other features include granite, travertine and inlaid marble/ceramic flooring and counter tops, natural cherry wood designer cabinetry, stainless steel commercial grade kitchen appliances. The property is fully equipped with home technologies including Lutron Homeworks and a wireless network.
Contact Information:
Maui Estates International
cell: 808-250-1583
email: sold@maui.net
web: www.soldmaui.com
231 Plantation Club Drive, Kapalua
May 13, 2010 by Mary Ann Fitch · Leave a Comment
A LEGACY PROPERTY with access to all of Kapalua’s luxury amenities including the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua, fine restaurants, sandy beaches, whale watching in season, tennis, golf and world-class spa. A unique once-in-a lifetime offering.
METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED, built with the highest quality, this exquisite 12,000-square-foot property is comprised of a wonderfully appointed single-level main residence, attached cottage with private entrance and a second two-story structure with separate guest and entertainment quarters featuring a total of 8 bedrooms, 7 baths, private offices, exercise and game area, tennis court and two garages to host up to 5 cars and a golf cart.
DESIGNED TO MAXIMIZE VIEWS and accommodate an indoor/outdoor lifestyle, the main home opens to unobstructed views of the ocean, sunset, golf course and neighbor island of Molokai. Lush landscaping frames the magnificent setting and surrounds the infinity pool, with a slide to a second lower pool, spa and spacious stone deck.
602 Honokohau Street, Plantation Estates
May 13, 2010 by Mary Ann Fitch · Leave a Comment
Inspired by the 19th Century Craftsman style Hawaiian homes, this wondrous estate of impeccable quality and attention to detail throughout expertly merges the history and artistry of a bygone era with all the valued amenities of a modern domain. This extraordinary home, located along the entire length of the 16th fairway of the Kapalua Plantation Golf Course, offers breathtaking panoramic ocean and outer island views with exclusive privacy.
With its extensive use of glass pocket doors, this modern Asian infusion style home, along with its tiki’s, fireballs and “Polynesian” palapas offers an ultmiate open-air character, yet Hawaiian.
Finest material and craftsmanship throughout, including Travertine floors in all interior/exterior areas; 12 foot ceiling plates; imperial plaster walls; custom made mahogany cabinets in all rooms including closets; custom made solid mahogany doors, windows and baseboards; mahogany and clear cedar vaulted ceilings in all rooms and exterior lanais; and fully integrated computer controlled lighting, music, security, surveillance, pool and spa, heating & air, irrigation controllers; and motorized doors and shades.
“Vantage” integrated lighting system controlled via wall touch panels or “Home Logic” system. Fully programmable to owner’s needs and lifestyle. State of the Art integrated audio/video system throughout the home and exterior. Individual multi-function touch panels in each room or remote “Home Logic” system. Four separate zones with both heat and air conditioning constantly monitored by “Home Logic” system for even temperature throughout the home. Fully monitored security system, including video surveillance system throughout the exterior and common interior rooms of the home. All shades throughout the home are motorized and can be controlled throughout the “Home Logic” system or wall touch panels. Custom made in African mahogany inside and out. All doors in all areas including bedroom suites are motorized and can be controlled through the “Home Logic” system or wall touch panel.
Home is being offered fully furnished, which includes custom made furnishings; numerous antiques; and Tibetan custom hand made area rugs exclusively designed for the home. Adjacent 2-acre lot available for sale for $2,000,000.
Contact Information:
Maui Estates International
cell: 808-250-1583
email: sold@maui.net
web: www.soldmaui.com
600 Beachview Dr, #2 North
May 13, 2010 by Matilde_Sorensen · Leave a Comment
Former Model featuring stunning ocean views with large covered veranda & private steps to the beach. 3 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom with Epicurean kitchen, expansive living/dining room & Master suite, marble floors & mahogany built-ins. The Carlton luxury gated community offers 24 hours concierge service, 2 car a/c garage, Clubhouse with fitness center & spa, tennis courts & pool.
Phone: 772-532-0010
Website: sorensenrealestate.com
Beautifully appointed oceanfront condominium unit with southeastern balcony in Vero Beach, FL
April 26, 2010 by Dale_Sorensen · Leave a Comment
Beautifully appointed oceanfront condominium unit with southeastern balcony. 2 Bedroom, 3.5 Baths. Impact glass. Elevator from garage under building almost directly to entry of unit. Oceanside pool and cabana, tennis, manned security gate. Tax records reflect incorrect sq. footage. Sizes approx. & subject to error
5680 Hwy A1A, Unit # 110, The Victoria
April 20, 2010 by Matilde_Sorensen · Leave a Comment
Beautifully appointed oceanfront condominium unit with southeastern balcony. 2 Bedroom, 3.5 Baths. Impact glass. Elevator from garage under building almost directly to entry of unit. Oceanside pool and cabana, tennis, manned security gate.
Contact: Matilde G. Sorensen
Sorensen Real Estate
Phone: 772-532-0010
Email: Msorensen@SorensenRealEstate.com
Website: sorensenrealestate.com
8702 54th Avenue W. #20
March 23, 2010 by Teri_Sax · Leave a Comment
Magnificent second story end unit featuring cathedral ceilings, wood burning fireplac, 2/3 bedrooms, expansive baths, walk-in closets, eat-in kitchen, screened balcony overlooking canal and nature preserve and a deeded boat slip. Welcome to paradise!
For More Information Contact:
Teri Sax
Prudential Palms Realty
2 Avenue of the Flowers
Longboat Key, FL 34228
941-228-5578 (cell)
terisax@prudentialpalmsrealty.com
4525 Gulf of Mexico Drive #103
March 23, 2010 by Teri_Sax · Leave a Comment
Sweeping gulf views are yours in this handsomely appointed beach front condo. Situated in one of Longboat Key’s most popular complexes this 2 bedroom/2 bath residence has it all. Beautifully furnished and equipped for immediate occupancy. This pet friendly community also features a heated pool & spa, tennis, under building parking, extra storage space and one of Longboat Key’s longest and most enchanting beaches.
For More Information Contact:
Teri Sax
Prudential Palms Realty
2 Avenue of the Flowers
Longboat Key, FL 34228
941-228-5578 (cell)
terisax@prudentialpalmsrealty.com
600 Beachview #3S, Vero Beach, FL
February 26, 2010 by Matilde_Sorensen · Leave a Comment
Inviting 3BR/3BA & office, kitchen w/ granite countertops & new appliances, formal living & dining room; breakfast area opens to family rm. Features impact windows in front, hurricane shutters, private pool w/ southern exposure & oversized screened area. Gated community w/ granted beach access, path to river & close to St. Ed’s School. Sizes are approx. & subject to error.
Phone: 772-532-0010
Website: sorensenrealestate.com
Islands of Old Fort, Old Fort Bay, Bahamas
February 26, 2010 by Greg_Graham · Leave a Comment
Exceptionally priced canal front lot in the luxurious “Old Fort Bay” community nestled along the Northern shoreline of New Providence Island just east of The Lyford Cay Club. Anchored by the 
historic Old Fort mansion a magnificently restored late 1700’s estate that has been passionately restored as the center of community life, Old Fort Bay combines Classic Bahamian architecture with the latest in community planning and design featuring a beach club, marina, canal system, parks and playgrounds. Be a part of this dynamic development and purchase this lovely 10,813 sq. ft. home site number 13, Charleston Island, Old Fort Bay.
Website: www.grahamrealestate.com
Email: gpgraham@grahamrealeste.com
