Homes & Estates
LUXURY L IVING WORLDWIDE
TRAVELING THE WORLD IN SEARCH OF GREAT ART
FROM PARIS TO HONG KONG, HOTELS HOST HAUTE CUISINE
THE FLAGSHIP PUBLICATION OF
G O O D TA S T E I S C U LT I VAT E D
C O L DW E L L B A N K E R L U X U R Y . C OM / B L O G A Look Into Luxury Home & Style
E XECUT I VE NOTES
H O M E S & E S TAT E S M A G A Z I N E
Charlie Young
C E O
T he Coldwell Banker ® brand is recognized around the world for leadership and delivering premium experiences. The luxury market is no exception. Affluent clients identify Coldwell Banker by name as a top real estate brand. And it is no wonder, with our rich heritage and unmatched track record of selling some of the world’s most iconic homes and celebrity estates. As a world leader and renowned premium brand, we have a responsibility to consistently deliver performance year after year. Our relevance in luxury has endured because we always observe and anticipate the changing needs and desires of the modern-day affluent client. With an eye to the future, the luxury team recently embarked on a journey to reinvent the luxury
marketing offerings under the Coldwell Banker banner. Welcome to the modern expression of luxury: Coldwell Banker Global Luxury sm . Our new name is simple, memorable and reflects the core essence of who we are — leaders, trailblazers and masters in the real estate profession. In fact, our entire luxury real estate marketing program has been enhanced this year in order to serve you, our most discerning clients. With an appreciation for what it takes to consistently exceed expectations, I am proud to share our new program with you in this very special issue of Homes & Estates. You can read more about the story behind our evolution on page 10. I say this with great pride: we are ready to usher in the next generation of luxury.
Craig Hogan
V I C E P R E S I D E N T O F L U X U R Y
A new expression of luxury has arrived. After nearly two years in the making, the new Coldwell Banker Global Luxury SM program is live. While our logo and mark are new and represent the power of the Coldwell Banker ® name, which is synonymous with luxury to consumers around the globe, our evolution is much deeper. We have an international certification course that assures the affluent consumer that those who carry the flag for Coldwell Banker Global Luxury are the best in the business. We have a global syndication platform that puts our sellers’ listings in front of every major market in the world. We have an all-new luxury site — coldwellbankerluxury.com — that gives sophisticated homebuyers and sellers the online experience they expect, while giving our associates direct access to not only our Property Specialists in more than 49 countries and territories, but to more than 750,000 agents from all luxury brands across the globe. Our Wealth Engine program gives us direct
access to the most affluent in the United States for target marketing at the highest level. And this very magazine, Homes & Estates, features many of our finest listings from all over the world in a visually inspiring format distributed directly to 60,000 of the wealthiest U.S. residents. Accessing our partnership with Unique Homes, this magazine is seen in over 80 countries! If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to read the story behind the making of the beautiful $75 million beachfront estate in Mexico that graces our cover. It’s just one example of many that reflect the talent, strength and international allure of our re-envisioned Coldwell Banker Global Luxury platform. With a track record like ours — 3,000 offices and nearly 90,000 agents worldwide selling over $129 million each day in $1 million+ property sales — we could offer nothing less. After so many years in the No. 1 position, expectations are high. All eyes are on us. And I say it’s our time to shine!
ColdwellBankerLuxury.com | 3
I NS I DE 2017 ED I T I ON 2
H O M E S & E S TAT E S M A G A Z I N E
90 P R E T T Y I N P E R M A N E N C E
102 R A D I A N T R E V I V A L Villa René Lalique dazzles as a hotel and epicurean destination embodying French art de vivre and savoir faire.
Acclaimed designer Sandra Nunnerley masters the art of creating timeless interiors through her modern interpretation of the classics.
94 D I N I N G D OW N S TA I R S Long stigmatized as staid, unimaginative restaurants exploiting a captive clientele, hotel dining rooms are suddenly among the most acclaimed in the world.
105 S U M P T U O U S S U R F A C E S
The luxury wall coverings cloaking today’s high- end homes are adopting classic themes, modern interpretations and everything in between.
216 T H E L A S T WO R D I N . . . H A U T E C YC L I N G
98 H A N D M E E T S M A C H I N E
94
With price tags rivaling those of Italian sports cars, buyers of super-luxury timepieces are paying for the labor of skilled artisans.
Representing a resurgent luxury bicycle market is Maison Tamboite, a legendary brand with a commitment to artisanal production.
98
105
10 C O L DW E L L B A N K E R ® U N V E I L S N E W I D E N T I T Y The iconic brand remakes its luxury marketing program as agents utilize powerful CBx tools.
14 D E S I G N 2 0 17 Harbingers of fashion and design, affluent consumers have become virtual arbiters of what’s in and what’s out.
85 ART WORTH TRAVEL I NG FOR With major art events, exhibitions and museum openings planned across the globe, 2017 is shaping up to be an important year for art.
ColdwellBankerLuxury.com | 5
PROPERT Y I NDE X
H O M E S & E S TAT E S M A G A Z I N E
8
8 C O V E R P R O P E R T Y PA R A D I S E F O U N D
A 420-acre beachfront compound in Costalegre, Mexico, enchants with nature preservation and an authentic hacienda experience.
18 A H E A D O F T H E C U R V E
22 C H AT E A U D U G R A N D - L U C É This Timothy Corrigan-designed chateau in France’s Loire Valley is a rejuvenation of an 18th century masterpiece.
25 S E A S O N S I N T H E S K Y The beautifully bespoke Four Seasons Private Residences Bangalore at Embassy ONE prepares for its debut later this year.
The Corniche offers a bold vision for the future with three towers set along central London’s Albert Embankment of the River Thames.
18
22
25
34 WO N D R O U S O N T H E WAT E R Kahala oceanfront estate offers exceptional Hawaiian privacy, frontage.
56 B E V E R LY H I L L S ’ F R E N C H C H AT E A U Maison 613 sets a new standard of luxury and elegance in the Golden Flats.
62 T H E A R T O F L I V I N G W E L L A look behind the first Delos luxury new- construction, single-family detached home, in Beverly Hills — and the wellness trend that could shape the future of luxury real estate.
6 | Homes & Estates
PROPERT Y I NDE X
H O M E S & E S TAT E S M A G A Z I N E
INTERNAT IONAL British Virgin Islands
31
Cayman Islands
28-30
France
22-23
Great Britain
18-19
India
25-26
Italy
20-21
Jamaica
27
Mexico
8-9, 33
Spain
24
The Bahamas
32
108
UNI TED STATES A rizona
74
Califor nia
43-73
Colorado
42, 79-84
Connecticut
149-158
80 P U R E P R E S E R V AT I O N
108 S U B U R B A N S A N C T U A R Y Luxury on a grand scale in St. Louis’ premier location.
District of Columbia
174-176
Florida
184-212
Georgia
181-183
A rare Queen Anne masterfully marries the charm of Aspen’s history with the design aesthetic of the Hamptons.
Hawaii
34-37
Idaho
42-43
Illinois
116-121
Indiana
121
Maine
146
Mar yland
177-179
Massachuset ts
126-145
Michigan
121-123
Minnesota
112-114
Missouri
108-111
New Hampshire
147-148
New Jersey
164-169
126
174
New Yor k
159-163, 173
Ohio
124-125
Oregon
41
Pennsylvania
170-173
Rhode Island
148
126 WO O D L A N D M A N O R
174 A N E M B A S S Y R OW G E M Prominent palatial residence brings capital cachet in Washington, D.C.
South Carolina
180
Texas
213-215
Utah
75-78
Five miles from central Boston, this remarkable emerald island offers a $90 million estate and an extraordinary landscape for quiet repose.
Virginia
179-180
Washington
38-40
Wisconsin
115-116
ColdwellBankerLuxury.com | 7
COVER SPOTLIGHT
PARADISE FOUND BY ALYSON PITARRE
A 420-ACRE PRIVATE BEACHFRONT COMPOUND IN COSTALEGRE, MEXICO, ENCHANTS WITH NATURE PRESERVATION AND AN AUTHENTIC HACIENDA EXPERIENCE.
S ome properties cast an instantaneous spell over their owners. This was the case for a California attorney when, in 2005, he and his wife first encountered 420 acres of undeveloped land in Costalegre, Mexico, set along 1.25 miles of pristine beachfront coastline in the heart of the Bahía de Chamela. The two of them were immediately captivated by the property’s raw beauty and unspoiled white sandy beaches. While watching the first sunset together off Playa Rosadas, all the burdens and pressures from back home immediately melted away. “It was like taking a weight off my shoulders,” he describes. That same feeling is what he hopes to pass along to the next owner of Las Rosadas, the luxury vacation compound he and his family have enjoyed for many years.
8 | Homes & Estates
The prior owners had attempted to build a densely populated community on the large parcel of land. However, a better way presented itself to con- nect to the natural surroundings and to highlight the panoramas of the pristine bay dotted with islands. “One-third of the property already had infra- structure,” he recalls. “We thought, ‘Why wouldn’t we, as a family, strike a balance and protect the areas that haven’t been disturbed?’ We kept two-thirds of Las Rosadas as open space to allow the wildlife to flour- ish around us.” He set out to do just that, succeeding in spec- tacular form. He turned to San Francisco architects Juan Diego Perez-Vargas and Santiago Carral to cre- ate a 12,000-square-foot coastal hacienda master- piece on an expansive beachfront bluff overlooking the Bahía de Chamela. Its unique position — built into the side of the hill in a natural forest — captures unobstructed 180-degree views that encompass the Cocinas and Pajarera Islands, miles of white sand beach and tranquil bay waters. “Instead of tearing the trees down, we built the house as part of the forest,” says the proud property owner. “At certain times of year, it is a dry tropical environment, and at other times of year, it is green and lush — so even when you go by the property by boat in the bay, the property is hidden from view. It’s completely private.” He commissioned designer Kathy Nidermaier from Punta Mita to create an interior design concept
that blended with the stunning outdoor surround- ings. Kathy’s decades of experience in Mexico, including with high-end resorts, brought the spirit of an authentic hacienda to the residence with Spanish tile roofs, thick plaster walls and natural stones. A sense of permanence and openness permeate the residence. Indoor spaces flow seamlessly to outdoor spaces. Sculptures, paintings, textiles and pottery blend with the architecture and the surrounding environment to create carefully crafted tableaus that stimulate the senses. Six bedroom suites with private terraces offer enough space for large gatherings of families and friends — an important feature for the homeowner, who often invited his children and grandchildren to join him at Las Rosadas. Public entertaining spaces are defined by fireplaces, and wall-to-wall, open-air views of the bay punctuate the state-of-the-art open kitchen and living room. Outside, a horizon pool soothes with head-on views of the sea and nature preserve below. Take a stroll to the beachfront palapas for an unparal- leled living and dining experience that offers a resort- like lifestyle. “You are in this very private part of Mexico, which is so quiet and tranquil, and relaxing in this luxurious and environmentally sensitive home,” says the homeowner. “There is nothing else like it.” Beyond the residence itself, there is a sea turtle sanctuary for eggs and hatchlings, a nursery of local plants and trees for a reforesting program and pro- tected space for the threatened iguanas that inhabit
Western Mexico. A location south of the Tropic of Cancer on Mexico’s Pacific Coast further adds to the enchantment of Las Rosadas. The property is sur- rounded by natural wonders that inspire all kinds of leisure, from boating and golfing to whale watching and hiking. A vibrant arts culture can also be found in Jalisco’s Costalegre. “Two words that immediately come to my mind when describing Las Rosadas are ‘alluring’ and ‘hypnotic,’” proclaims Joyce Rey of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Beverly Hills, who represents the prized listing. “This unique and private beachfront retreat offers an unmatched vacation lifestyle and a one-of-a-kind investment opportunity.” As the current owner and many of his guests have discovered, Las Rosadas casts a spell that few ever wish to be broken.
Las Rosadas Costalegre, Mexico
6 bedrooms, 7 and 1 half baths $75,000,000
Represented by: Joyce Rey Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 310.285.7529 Joyce@JoyceRey.com
ColdwellBankerLuxury.com | 9
A MODERN EXPRESSION OF LUXURY
BY ALYSON PITARRE
WITH AN EYE TOWARD THE FUTURE, ONE OF REAL ESTATE’S MOST ICONIC BRANDS BOLDLY REMAKES ITS LUXURY MARKETING PROGRAM AND UNVEILS A BRAND-NEW IDENTITY.
V ersace. Aston Martin. Tiffany. The com- mon thread between all of these brands? Staying power. They have all dared to adapt, to refine the picture of who they are and to lead by continually raising the bar for future generations. Leadership in luxury real estate does not come easy. Globalization and new technologies have continued to challenge the status quo at the highest price points, while competition has grown even fiercer as the luxury residential sector led the recovery from the Great Recession. In the battle for market share, where new players are entering the picture and existing competitors are continually jockeying for position, a leader always has the most to lose. The Coldwell Banker ® brand legacy in luxury has followed a long path of evolution. What began as a real estate startup in San Francisco’s Financial District in 1906 has become a globally recognized brand, with over 3,000 offices in 49 countries and territories. Leadership in the high-end sector led to the 1980 acquisition of the Previews ® program — a prestigious luxury real estate marketing platform with a tradition dating back to 1933. The program evolved once again this month, becoming known as the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury sm program. “The bottom line is, our network is a leader in luxury real estate sales,” says Charlie Young, president and CEO of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “The reason we have stayed at the top of our game for so
long is because we have agility. We are constantly observing and anticipating the changing desires of the modern-day affluent client — so we can respond and adapt quickly.”
His belief was reinforced by a consumer study the brand conducted in June 2014. Surveying 665 high-net-worth consumers, the study found that they identified Coldwell Banker by name as a top luxury real estate brand. “We weren’t surprised,” says Blankenship. “The question was, how do we build on the intrinsic strengths of our brand — which have already sus- tained us for over a century — and create a modern expression of luxury real estate?” The answer would take Blankenship and his marketing team on an ambitious two-year journey to reinvent the Previews platform. They commissioned a San Francisco-based branding agency to begin developing concepts. They created four focus groups, made up of over 20 key stakeholders around the world. For nearly eight months, they tested logos and names with these groups, working backwards from the brand’s core values — trust, innovation, collaboration, consumer focus and business acumen. Finally, in July 2016, they settled on a new identity —Coldwell Banker Global Luxury — and proudly presented it to over 50 top brokers at the annual Chairman’s Circle event in Park City, Utah. “The name is simple, memorable and tells affluent consumers everything they need to know about our brand,” says Hogan. “It communicates the power and strength of the Coldwell Banker Journey to a 360° Marketing Approach
Searching for the Future
In 2014, the Coldwell Banker brand reached a pivotal point with the Previews program. Designated to represent the top 10 percent of every market, the elite program had a unique pedigree and an 80-year tradition of catering to a high-net-worth audience, thanks to an entrepreneur who revolutionized real estate marketing to capture prized estates on film. The program’s success was well documented, associated with the marketing and sale of history’s most iconic homes, including Ronald Reagan’s estate, Versace Manor, Spelling Manor, the Playboy Mansion and Aspen’s Jigsaw Ranch — but consumers were not connecting the program with the Coldwell Banker name. The brand’s leadership — which included Sean Blankenship, chief marketing officer of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, and Craig Hogan, vice president of luxury — viewed all of these dynamics as an opportunity to evolve and stay true to the brand’s pioneering spirit. “We needed to unite under one name and tell one story with one image, all rooted in the brand’s history of looking toward the future,” explains Blankenship. “We also wanted to make a powerful global statement that people understood.”
10 | Homes & Estates
Coldwell Banker-affiliated agents and teams handle more than $129.6 million in luxury home sales each day.*
message. We create innovative real estate solutions and exceptional experiences for high-net-worth clients. We’ve been doing it for over 100 years, and we plan to keep on doing it for 100 more.” The new name and visual identity system for the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury sm program was unveiled to the public in April, following a pre-launch rollout to agents and brokers in key luxury markets. A modern and elegant black-and-white logo has begun appearing on signage, business cards and collateral materials in most luxury markets. The revamped program also includes an enhanced and immersive certification course, a new international website, coldwellbankerluxury.com, and a renewed focus on delivering content through a blog, social media and Homes & Estates magazine. Hogan calls this “a 360-degree approach to marketing.” “Because the target demographic for luxury real estate is a smaller niche and traditionally not bounded by international borders, it puts the onus on the luxury real estate professional to be almost omnipresent — in advertising, in media, in personal networking,” he explains. Embraced by Agents, Beloved by Brokers Many of the brand’s top sales associates and brokers have happily embraced the enhancements, believing they will reinvigorate their own marketing campaigns and give them a competitive edge when it comes to telling the brand story. Carrie Wells, a
leading agent affiliated with Coldwell Banker Mason Morse in Aspen, who works with affluent clients spanning the United States from the Northeast to the Midwest and West Coast, has been particularly excited about the rollout. “I think it’s really important to tell a cohesive story,” says Wells. “The new identity system has made it much easier for agents and the public to visually connect the longstanding history of Coldwell Banker with the story of our global luxury
experience. But more importantly — when I can tell my clients that we sell a lot of $1 million-plus homes globally, that’s a pretty impactful statement. My clients understand instantly that being associated with a well- known brand like Coldwell Banker means a high level of service.” Judging by Wells’ and other agents’ early response to the new branding, the future looks bright for the enhanced Coldwell Banker Global Luxury program. The ability to progress has led the Coldwell Banker ® brand to this very moment. Like Versace,
like Aston Martin, like Tiffany and all others who have achieved icon status — to endure means to evolve. “We hope to create a lasting program that’s going to inspire the next generation of luxury real estate agents,” says Blankenship. “Not everyone can be a Property Specialist with the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury program, and that makes it very special.”
* Data based on closed and recorded transaction sides of homes sold for $1 million or more as reported by the U.S. Coldwell Banker ® franchise.
ColdwellBankerLuxury.com | 11
COMPETITIV E D G E
A PROPRIETARY DIGITAL APPLICATION CALLED “CB x ” BRINGS BIG DATA TO THE LUXURY LISTING EXPERIENCE.
BY ALYSON PITARRE
“W ho is going to buy my home, and do you know how to reach them?” the affluent seller asked Marie Young. The seasoned real estate veteran affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, sat poised at the seller’s exquisite kitchen table. She was just about to start her listing presentation. “I’mglad you asked,” she said, pulling out her iPad. She slid her index finger across the screen and lightly tapped it, launching a proprietary application
called CBx. A heat map, peppered with animated green and yellow buyer profiles from Princeton to Hoboken, flashed onto the tablet. “The seller was amazed that I could tell himwhere buyers are likely to come from,” remembers Young, who won the listing that day. “ Coldwell Banker ® found a way to take people’s home searches and match them to where they are currently living and where they are looking — it’s amazing. Total game changer.” Launched in February 2015, CBx allows affiliated sales associates like Young to visualize big data that can show sellers the profile of their home’s potential buyer,
the three target markets where buyers are most likely to currently live, and other market dynamics based on data and trend analysis. Other tools help the agent build a story for sellers about what is happening in their neigh- borhood and how that may affect their home and sale. There’s also a behind-the-scenes tool for how and why a particular listing price is ideal, based on its unique neigh- borhood details and amenities. The third generation of the application is due to launch this month. “Originally, we wanted to turn the listing pre- sentation into an experience for the seller,” explains Jimmy Hammel, manager of digital marketing for
12 | Homes & Estates
“Our affluent sellers are very interested in the buyer profile,” says Danny Hertzberg, a sales associate affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate in Miami. “They always want to know, ‘Where is the buyer coming from?’ They often have a profile in their mind already, but the data from CBx may not support that point of view. Some sellers in Miami, for example, might assume their buyer is going to be coming from Brazil or Russia — but that’s not so much the case anymore. We have more buyers coming from New York and California. For our market, age demographics are particularly helpful. Maybe sellers are going to do a renovation, and they’re wondering if they should incorporate a wide-open floor plan to appeal to a younger buyer? Or should they keep their existing traditional floor plan because their potential buyer may be older? Are they going to stage their home for millennials or the older generations?” Within CBx, buyers are divided into 67 segments that help agents and sellers understand the lifestyle of the potential buyer. For example, “Top Tier” is the wealthiest tapestry of residents in the system, who earn more than three times the U.S. household income — which represents the majority of buyers in Walker’s market area. “Laptops and Lattes” are predominantly single, well-educated professionals in business, finance, legal, computer and entertainment occupa- tions — a segment that is highly attracted to areas like Chicago’s Gold Coast and Lincoln Park. “Urban Chic” is a category of professionals who lead a sophisticated, exclusive lifestyle. And “Silver & Gold” is the most afflu- ent senior market segment — a majority group seeking residency in Miami’s highly sought-after Fisher Island.
Already, agents are using the data to improve the targeting of their marketing initiatives. Young uses the unique buyer profiles to target Facebook ads for her million-dollar listings. For each listing, she plugs in the home’s information and a buyer profile is created, listed by town. “For one $1.8 million listing in Basking Ridge, for example, one of the towns — Edison, New Jersey — was a 63.89-percent match and a highly visited demographic on Facebook,” explains Young. “Based upon this fact, I ran a campaign using Edison, New Brunswick, Westfield and a few other targeted towns, so Facebook ads would appear in people’s news feeds who live in those towns. In just over one week, the ads were shown to 38,000 pages, and 2,244 peo- ple actually clicked to visit the pages on my website.” Traffic to her website increased by 25 percent during the ad campaign. Facebook was also refer- enced by people at the open house and by those agents who made calls on behalf of their clients. “My closed sales volume increased by 20 per- cent over the last year,” reveals Young. “Buyers and sellers are calling me after seeing the Facebook ads, but CBx is the wheel behind it.” The brand has no plans to stop at the agent level, either. In fact, the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury program is already preparing to use the information generated from CBx to power its latest Luxury Market Report, expected to release later this spring. “The real power of CBx comes from the fusion of big data with the expertise of the affiliated agent,” says Craig Hogan, vice president of luxury. “When these two forces are combined, it’s unbeatable.”
Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. “The whole idea behind CBx is to help the agent confidently explain the story behind the marketing and selling of a home in a visual way. We don’t just give them the raw data. When I conduct agent and broker education courses, I always tell them, ‘It’s humanizing big data.’ It’s a conversation piece for the agent and seller as they sit around the kitchen table.” Notes Sean Blankenship, chief marketing officer, who spearheaded its creation: “CBx gives our sales associates and brokers a competitive edge — especially at the high-end, where no two properties are alike. It’s yet another experience that no other luxury real estate brand today provides.” A luxury real estate agent can now easily cus- tomize a marketing strategy, using CBx. They can quantify a home’s unique features — such as an updated kitchen or custom pool — to generate a mar- ket price estimate and target the right buyers in the right places. Even those who list homes in the ultra- high-end segment will have the ability to add custom comps such as a recent sale or a recently leased property. Real estate professionals affiliated with the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury sm program from Miami to Malibu recognize the power that big data provides them, especially as more of their sophisti- cated clients want and expect a targeted approach to marketing to a smaller pool of buyers. “Our marketing is very customized and costly,” says Wendy Walker, a sales associate affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Paradise Valley. “It provides a more strategic approach to find- ing qualified buyers.”
SNAPSHOT: “WHO IS GOING TO BUY MY HOME?” A look at who’s acquiring real estate in three top affluent markets.
CHICAGO ZIP Code: 60614 Neighborhoods: North Side and Lincoln Park Median Age: 34 Average Education: Bachelor’s degree Average Commute: 30 minutes Average Home Value: Just under $700,000 Average Sale Price in Top 10%: $2,331,000 Trends: Last year, about 27% of homes changed ownership Profile of Homeowners: 45.77% Laptops & Lattes, 42.21% Metro Renters, 4.42% Dorms to Diplomas
SCOTTSDALE ZIP Code: 85253 Neighborhoods: Paradise Valley Median Age: 52.6 Average Education: Bachelor’s degree Average Commute: 20 minutes Average Home Value: $1,400,000
MIAMI ZIP Code: 33109 Neighborhoods: Fisher Island Median Age: 60
Average Education: Graduate degree Average Home Value: $3,150,000 Average Sale Price in Top 10%: $15,024,775 Trends: Only 4% of homes change hands each year Profile of Homeowners: 100% Silver & Gold
Average Sale Price in Top 10%: $3,954,257 Largest Employer with Open Jobs: Nextiva Profile of Homeowners: 78.19% Top Tier, 9.24% Urban Chic
ColdwellBankerLuxury.com | 13
COURTESY JAMIE DRAKE, DRAKE/ANDERSON
customers are way more educated than they ever have been. I think they’re more aware of design, more aware DESIGN 2017 BY CAMILLA MCLAUGHLIN of what’s out there,” says New York City’s Shawn D Henderson, who is one of the Architectural Digest’s 100 top designers. “The high end usually wants to be on to the next big thing. It goes back to wanting something different and not feeling like they are walking into every friend’s house,” observes Beverly Hills designer Christopher Grubb, who frequently speaks at design events. Today, white and gray continue to reign as preferred neutrals. Mid-century Modern is emerging as a touchstone for architecture, and contemporary’s sway extends beyond the coasts and the Sunbelt. Neutral palettes unify open concept plans, but high- end dwellings that appear as simple streamlined white boxes don’t tell today’s design story. Comments from notable designers as well as insights gleaned at Design and Construction Week reveal a narrative, especially for luxury homes, more
HARBINGERS OF FASHION AND DESIGN, AFFLUENT CONSUMERS HAVE BECOME VIRTUAL ARBITERS OF WHAT’S IN AND WHAT’S OUT. “My
nuanced than simply white, gray and contemporary. “The most sophisticated interiors today are contemporary , have a lightness about them, and feature intriguing artisanal furniture, lighting and accessories. Even more traditional rooms are devoid of pattern and rely more on texture and color to keep them current and today. No one wants to live in grandma’s dusty attic,” shares Jamie Drake, principal of Drake/Anderson in New York City. “To me it’s getting those layers in there and those pieces that speak to each other and play off of each other. To me that’s what it’s all about,” explains Henderson. Color is also part of schemes, but used judi- ciously with restraint. “Colors may still be vibrant, yet used with thoughtful place and discipline for maxi- mum effect. We utilize strikingly hued pillows, chairs, accessories and occasional pieces to accent more neutral schemes. Colors that are especially trending are aquas, citrines, peridot greens, purples, plums and coral pinks,” says Drake. No facet of Design and Construction Week gives better insights into what’s ahead, particularly for
14 | Homes & Estates
white and gray
©NICK NOVELLI, COURTESY OF DONNA MONDI INTERIOR DESIGN
ColdwellBankerLuxury.com | 15
upscale homes, than The New American Home (TNAH), designed and constructed each year in con- junction with the International Builders’ Show to show- case the latest in architecture, building science and design. Phil Kean, whose Winter Park, Florida, firm has a track record of award-winning, high-performing residences that are simply stunning, orchestrated this year’s TNAH. His inspiration came from a trip to Palm Springs and the lifestyle personified by Sinatra’s Rat Pack. Ties to Mid-century Modern are evident through- out, but the overall architecture is progressive, reflect- ing what is recognized as international contem- porary aesthetic . A large cube form comprised of stone, flanked by modern arrangements of wood and glass , anchors the exterior and elevates the entry. Inside, one arrives at an interior courtyard configured as a putting green. One goal for the plan was a home that could be considered a self-contained resort. Disappear- ing walls and doors open main living areas to this central open-air space on one side and pool, patio and lake views on the other, making the lush green Florida landscape part of the experience. For upscale homes, from estates to high-rises in all climates, an indoor-outdoor synergy is an expected feature, and rather than simply an amenity, an orientation to the outside is integral to the DNA of new homes. Designed for ultimate flexibility with pods that can be shut down when not in use, TNAH is suited for multiple generations , frequent visitors or even a group of friends or family who pool resources and purchase the home together. From the sleek kitchen with modern gloss and glass cabinets to a master suite with a private courtyard and massage space to dark framing that highlights doors and windows as design elements, forward-looking features are on display. High-gloss cabinets are an emerging trend, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Associa- tion’s (NKBA) annual design survey. Clean lines, built- ins and simple door styles define kitchens today. Contemporary outpaces traditional as the second- most-popular style. Transitional remains most preferred, but even this look appears more refined and streamlined every year. Also, gaining interest are industrial and Mid-century Modern. Boomers find Mid- century familiar, almost nostalgic, while for younger consumers it is new and fresh. Preferences for white and gray show no signs of slowing down, but a stroll through the show floor reveals a kaleidoscope of future possibilities — pops of colors, large geometric patterns, reclaimed wood and mixed metals . More than a few blue hues, often with gray undertones, were in evidence, particularly for cabinets. Black is another color gain- ing prominence, often with a soft brushed finish. “Black is a great classic, whether it’s a matte with graining or high-gloss lacquer,” says Chicago designer Donna Mondi, who sees natural wood tones as part of the transition away from a strictly neutral palette.
DESIGNER: DEDRA HINANO NAHINU, CKD; CO-DESIGNER: J.R. LUDLOW,AKBD PHOTO BY AUGIE SALBOSA ©JEFFREY A. DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY, INC.,THE NEW AMERICAN HOME ©JEFFREY A. DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY, INC.,THE NEW AMERICAN HOME
an orientation to the outside in The New American Home
high-gloss cabinets
DESIGNER ROBIN R. FISHER, CMKBD, CAPS; ©DALE LANG
large geometric patterns in The New American Home
disappearing walls and doors
16 | Homes & Estates
Last year, the show revealed hints of metallic finishes; this year warm metals from brushed brass to satin bronze were on display. “ Gold tones are starting to stand out more and more” at the show, says Grubb. “We have done brushed nickel and chrome for so many years. People who appreciate design are ready for a change. Gold is more polished and elegant, and that’s part of the appeal.” From brushed brass to satin bronze, metals are showing up in unexpected places, as part of a composition in a backspace to inlays in cabinets. On the other hand, oil rubbed bronze, copper and rose gold are fading. “Hardware is also getting more decorative. Knobs and pulls are becoming like pieces of jewelry unto themselves,” says Grubb. Today, what’s inside a cabinet is as important as the outside. “Clients take the time to go through every possible fitting. For sure, convenience and storage is a priority,” says Grubb. In luxury homes, a freestanding sculptural tub in the master bath has almost become a must- have. Approximately 60 percent of NKBA members surveyed expect to specify more freestanding tubs in 2017. Requests for vessel sinks are waning, while trough sinks are emerging. The show also tapped into a growing penchant for fewer rooms , possibly even less square footage, with a higher level of finishes. Overall home sizes are on the decline after a decade of increases. Size pref- erences do go up as income levels increase, but, in- creasingly, even high-end consumers are a showing a move toward less square footage. “No matter what the income, buyers overwhelmingly prefer a smaller house with more features and amenities over sheer size. More than two-thirds are willing to trade size for high-quality products and features,” explained Rose Quint, NAHB assistant vice president for survey results. “It’s more about really functional spaces and higher quality finishes,” says Mondi. Our request has been more that they don’t want these rooms that they don’t use. Some people don’t want a living room. They’d rather have it be a home office or really beau- tiful study or library.” Looking ahead, most experts see contempo- rary evolving, becoming softer and more eclectic . “We are going to start to see lots more rounded edges, softer, curvier pieces,” says Henderson. “I would like to see a greater mix of more classic American antiques or even Shaker, that simpler American furniture mixed European influenced pieces. Something more eclectic, less mid-century American, I think that mid-century European and Scandinavian pieces are going to be even more and more popular.” The gray and white saga isn’t over yet, but color from art, pillows and accessories will continue to be an essential element. “I do think that we’re going to start to see more color, like splashes of color. I don’t think things are going to be predominately super color- ful,” says Henderson.
pillows and accessories
a freestanding sculptural tub softer and more eclectic ©MARCO RICCA; COURTESY JAMIE DRAKE, DRAKE/ANDERSON DESIGNER: MOLLY HUSTOFT; PHOTO BY MOLLY HUSTOFT COURTESY JAMIE DRAKE, DRAKE/ANDERSON
“In kitchens, we are seeing more color in cabi- netry, backsplashes and surfaces. Back-painted glass, leather wrapped doors and lacquer are hot, and add original notes of distinction,” shares Drake. Manufacturers enhanced existing technology, but the biggest news for appliances was column refrigerators and freezers that can be finished however a consumer wishes. A slim profile makes them easy
to integrate and also allows unlimited possibilities for configuration. Microwave drawers are preferred over free-standing or built-in units. For several years, manufacturers have been searching for an alternative to stainless . This year’s solution is a matte finish called black stainless. Premier appliance brands used to be desired status symbols, but Grubb is finding the cachet waning for some consumers.
ColdwellBankerLuxury.com | 17
GREAT BRITAIN SPOTLIGHT
AHEAD OF THE CURVE BY DRESDEN SCOTT
THE CORNICHE OFFERS A BOLD VISION FOR THE FUTURE WITH THREE TOWERS SET ALONG CENTRAL LONDON’S ALBERT EMBANKMENT OF THE RIVER THAMES.
F rom the curved arc of a window, you catch a glimpse of the mesmerizing city below. London’s skyline stretches out before you, like a tapestry. Your gaze traces the Houses of Parliament, the round pods of the London Eye, the Tate Britain and the financial districts of Canary Wharf and the City, with the River Thames gracefully ribboning through buildings and historic monuments. Below, a slender path winds toward the South Bank, world famous for its vibrant arts and culture. You feel as if you are floating in your penthouse in the sky,
and yet you feel one with your surroundings as your apartment’s walls of glass mirror the sea of curves from the river below. The promise of such an experience is part of the allure of The Corniche, a new landmark mixed-use development envisioned by world-renowned archi- tects Foster + Partners and St. James, a member of the Berkeley Group. Represented by Coldwell Banker Southbank, The Corniche encompasses three striking towers ranging in height from 15 to 27 stories and pro- viding 253 apartments, along with offices, landscaped
gardens, riverside restaurants and cafes, and private residents’ facilities, including a Skyline Club Lounge and roof terrace gym, pool and spa. The groundbreak- ing project has first completions from winter 2017. “From its central location on the Albert Embankment, The Corniche is perfectly positioned to capture the unique beauty and personality of London,” notes Bernadette Teuma, director of Coldwell Banker Southbank. “It unites everything that has made London one of the most fascinating cosmopolitan cities on the global luxury stage: groundbreaking
18 | Homes & Estates
architecture, art traditions, world-class restaurants and nightlife.” The elliptical character of the architecture was born out of a conscientious desire to maximize every inch of the towers and orient them around the breath- taking views of the capital city. The apartments were “designed from the inside-out,” according to Foster + Partners, “as the residential units define the propor- tions and slender volumes of each building, and the generous living spaces extend into the deep bays that give the scheme its distinctive character.” Celebrated interior design practice Goddard Littlefair sought to seamlessly connect the interiors with the exterior’s free-flowing design by integrating curved forms and uninterrupted floor-to-ceiling glazing throughout. The remaining seven luxury apartments, including two penthouses, range in size from 1,936 square feet (181 square meters) to 5,520 square feet (512 square meters), comprising three en suite bed- rooms, as well as an open-plan kitchen and living area. As Teuma explains: “Traditional window designs, with their flat profile, make it hard to enjoy a whole vista without being close to the glass. By giving the bays a curved shape, the designers created a three-dimensional frame that enhances the ‘cinematic’ quality of the views from within.” Another benefit of The Corniche’s shape and orientation: natural light pours in from every direction, giving each apartment a rare sense of space and depth. The balconies, too, have been oriented in such a way as to frame the panoramic views of the city. Instead of box-like enclosures, the balconies at The Corniche are curved gardens in the sky that allow for wide, CinemaScope
perspectives of the river and Parliament with reflective, metallic detailing, designed to catch the sunlight. Texture, grandeur and space define the interiors, which marry Art Deco heritage with sleek, modern sensibility. A soft, neutral color palette uplifts the mood, while a collection of refined materials creates an abundance of comfort and ease: engineered timber flooring throughout, natural stone walls and floors in baths, Miele kitchen appliances, Dornbacht and Hansgrohe brassware, freestanding baths, a combination of Villeroy & Boch and Kaldewei sanitaryware, and state-of-the-art electronics and lighting technologies for seamless living. Beyond the interiors, there are a wealth of luxury amenities at The Corniche, including an infinity pool, vitality rooms and the 19th-floor Skyline Club lounge with terrace, plus 24-hour concierge service. Secure basement parking is also provided, as well as access to a range of facilities in the neighboring development, The Dumont, including a cinema, and games room with pool table and 10-pin bowling. The ultimate cosmopolitan lifestyle awaits at The Corniche. The property is situated on the Albert Embankment, regarded as central London’s last river- side regeneration area and where South Bank’s thriv- ing art and cultural scene unfolds to Battersea. Nearby Albert Embankment Plaza provides a thriving urban oasis of office, retail and restaurants. Convenient tran- sit is a mere seven-minute walk away via the Vauxhall Station, which offers quick north-south travel on the Victoria Line, along with mainline rail services. Teuma’s final words ring true: “The Corniche presents a bold and confident vision of the future.”
The Corniche 21 Albert Embankment London SE1 7TJ
Three-bedroom apartments start at: £3.60 million ($4.168 million USD)
Represented by: Coldwell Banker Southbank Unit 3 Cedar Court, 1 Royal Oak Yard London SE1 3GA United Kingdom T: 020 3600 1906 Bernadette.Teuma@coldwellbanker.co.uk coldwellbankerluxury.com
ColdwellBankerLuxury.com | 19
Italy
Rome, Italy This magnificent property, known as Villa Balestra, enjoys a unique position atop the Parioli Hill with an incomparable location and views. Its enormous private garden represents an oasis in the center of Rome and is an ideal space for private receptions and garden parties.
12 bedrooms, 15 baths | Price Upon Request Represented by: Valentina Bodini | M. +39.393.926.1930 O. +39.06.85.30.00.44 | coldwellbanker.it/bodinibarbera Coldwell Banker Bodini Barbera International Real Estate
Rome, Italy This fascinating apartment is located in the enchanting setting of Piazzale delle Belle Arti, in one of the most exclusive buildings of the city. The entirely restored property is on 170 square meters, plus a terrace of 25 square meters, with elegance and vicinity to the historical center. 2 bedrooms, 3 baths | €1,690,000 Represented by: Valentina Bodini | M. +39.393.926.1930 O. +39.06.85.30.00.44 | coldwellbanker.it/bodinibarbera Coldwell Banker Bodini Barbera International Real Estate
Rome, Italy This penthouse in the heart of the Eternal City is walking distance from one of the most representative fountains of Rome, Fontana di Trevi. It offers a private, postcard, panoramic view from its wonderful terraces overlooking Roman roofs and the Saint Peter’s Cathedral. It is a unique residence for location, internal and external spaces, and comfort. 5 bedrooms, 6 baths | €11,000,000 Represented by: Coldwell Banker Bodini Barbera International Real Estate O. +39.06.85.30.00.44 | coldwellbanker.it/bodinibarbera
20 | Homes & Estates
Italy
Rome, Italy Entirely restored villa of 2,700 square meters surrounded by a 5,000-square-meter park enjoys a stunning panoramic view of Rome. The property stands out thanks to its incredible architectural assets, charm and high-quality materials, techniques and devices used for renovation. €9,900,000 Represented by: Valentina Bodini | M. +39.393.926.1930 O. +39.06.85.30.00.44 | coldwellbanker.it/bodinibarbera Coldwell Banker Bodini Barbera International Real Estate
Viareggio, Italy Villa Blanc is without a doubt the most prestigious residential property along the northern coast of Tuscany. Built in 1930 as a summer residence for Baron Albert Blanc, this unique estate placed in Viareggio’s waterfront, with it’s 2,100 square meters spanning over 4 floors, benefits from the most panoramic and exclusive position. 15 bedrooms, 10 baths | €15,000,000 Represented by: Coldwell Banker Bodini Barbera International Real Estate | O. +39.06.85.30.00.44 | coldwellbanker.it/bodinibarbera
Apulia-Lecce-Nardò, Italy A great representation property just 15 kilometers from Gallipoli seaside, composed of a main villa of 350 square meters and a park of 8,000 square meters with splendid plants and double swimming pools. The residence is refined and cared for in even the smallest details. 5 bedrooms, 4 baths | €1,200,000 Represented by: Valentina Bodini | M. +39.393.926.1930 O. +39.06.85.30.00.44 | coldwellbanker.it/bodinibarbera Coldwell Banker Bodini Barbera International Real Estate
Ostuni, Italy Magnificent complex of trulli in Ostuni (Apulia) in the historic and magical area of the Itria Valley. The structure includes all comforts, surrounded by 2 hectares of Mediterranean countryside with 150 olive trees, to enjoy all unique features of Apulia. 10 bedrooms, 4 baths | €1,070,000 Represented by: Valentina Bodini | M. +39.393.926.1930 O. +39.06.85.30.00.44 | coldwellbanker.it/bodinibarbera Coldwell Banker Bodini Barbera International Real Estate
ColdwellBankerLuxury.com | 21
FRANCE SPOTLIGHT
Chateau du
Grand-Lucé
THIS TIMOTHY CORRIGAN-DESIGNED CHATEAU IS A REJUVENATION OF AN 18TH CENTURY MASTERPIECE.
BY SAMANTHA MYERS
22 | Homes & Estates
C onsidered to be one of the most excep- tional examples of 18th-century French neoclassical architecture in the world, Chateau du Grand-Lucé is a sumptu- ous 40,000-square-foot, 16-bedroom, fully restored French chateau. Occupying 80 acres of exquisite gardens and woodlands, the chateau is in the Loire Valley, a region of landscape known for its cultural monuments and great beauty that evokes the sense of a “once-upon-a-time” fairytale. The chateau is owned by award-winning Ameri- can designer Timothy Corrigan, who acquired private ownership of the property in 2005 and chronicled its thorough restoration and design process in his 2013 book “An Invitation to Chateau du Grand-Lucé.” Built between 1760 and 1764, Chateau du Grand-Lucé indubitably has a rich and fascinating history, and thus is protected as a French National Landmark. Former visitors to the chateau include luminaries from the Enlightenment period such as Voltaire, Rousseau and Diderot, and, during his time there, Corrigan has shared the space with many friends and family members. “I purposely made each bedroom totally different, so that each one would reflect a different type of person, or personality,” says Corrigan.
“Some of the rooms are feminine, some are masculine, one looks like an Army general’s room from the 19th century and other ones look more flowery. They reflect both guests who have stayed and people now that may have different styles.” With multiple chateau restorations under his belt, Corrigan was perfect for the task of rejuvenating the property. “It was daunting, but it had all the original paneling, original wood parquet floors and fireplaces. There was so much that was a great beauty, and great values, so it wasn’t like you were starting from scratch,” says Corrigan. “There were virtually no bathrooms and the kitchens were located outside the chateau, so I had to put things in like that, but it’s what I do for a living.” Of the 29 rooms, Corrigan’s favorite is the Chinese Salon (Salon de Chinois), with canvas walls originally painted by 18th-century master Jean- Baptiste Pillement, one of Marie Antoinette’s court painters. Only two rooms in the world exist that he fully painted. “A small painting of Pillement’s will go for hundreds of thousands of dollars, so having a whole room is absolutely priceless,” says Corrigan. Even the gardens offer “rooms” of their own. As you step out of the limestone walls of the chateau the formal gardens (parterre) begin, with “green rooms”
drawn in a maze of boxwood and garnished with as- sorted sculptures and a glistening antique waterfall. Descend a level to find a section of exotic gardens that offer unexpected tropical plants, followed by kitchen gardens, replete with squares of planted fruits and veg- etables. Past the gardens, the enchanted landscape unfolds into an ungroomed, natural terrain with a lake and a 42-acre wooded park. The chateau is its own private sanctuary, but nestled up against the property on one side, just outside its main gates, is a small village — a common occurrence given the economic abutment of wealth a grand estate brings. “My favorite thing about the chateau is you can walk outside the gates and get a baguette or a croissant at the bakery,” says Corrigan. “On the property, it’s like your little country, but then outside you have this wonderful village. You get the best of both worlds. It’s definitely one of the best selling points.” With symmetrical, classical French architecture that achieves an ideal “peak standard of beauty,” and an interior that Corrigan describes as a “comfortable” signature touch in an otherwise formally planned home, Chateau du Grand-Lucé is ready for its next owner and subsequent part of history.
Chateau du Grand-Lucé Loire Valley, France
$14,200,000 (furnished)
Represented by Ron de Salvo Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage O: 310.777.6200 | C: 310.560.9388 rcdesalvo@gmail.com
ColdwellBankerLuxury.com | 23
Made with FlippingBook