Unique Homes Blog

At the Saturday morning farmer’s market in Sandpoint, Idaho, craftsmen and farmers gather around Farmin Park with a dual purpose—to catch up with friends and to offer customers fresh produce and homemade goods (huckleberry barbecue sauce, anyone?). The casual, good-natured vibe found at the bustling market also permeates Sandpoint’s luxury second-home communities.

At Seasons at Sandpoint, a condo and townhome development prominently situated along 1,800 feet of Lake Pend Oreille’s northwest shore, the light level of staffing and low HRA fees make sure everything flows, while still giving the project a decidedly unpretentious feel, according to Chris Chambers, director of sales. Just a short walk across the footbridge from Sandpoint’s artsy, community-oriented downtown, chockablock with historic buildings that look like they belong in an old Western, each residence enjoys larger-than-life views of the astoundingly uncrowded lake. The debt-free development’s prices range from $490,000 to $1.8 million.

Where there’s an accolade-laden lake (Pend Oreille is the state’s largest and deepest), a pristine golf course is sure to follow. Enter The Idaho Club, home to Idaho’s only Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf

Course. Just 10 minutes from Sandpoint, the 900-acre development offers approximately 250 homesites with prices beginning at $550,000. With several of the project’s 28 completed lodge-style homes tucked away in the peacefully quiet woods, it’s easy to imagine a family of moose strolling through your backyard at any moment. A new future clubhouse, as well as a pool and tennis center, will contribute to an active, family-oriented lifestyle, says Brad Arnold, director of sales.

Next to crystal-clear Lake Coeur d’Alene, about an hour south of Sandpoint, the towering Coeur d’Alene Golf and Spa Resort casts a shadow over Coeur d’Alene, with several blocks of shops and eateries creating a hub of activity. A smooth five-minute boat ride from the resort’s marina leads to The Terraces, the resort’s luxury residential component of 30 privately owned condos. Units have outdoor terraces of 120 feet to an unbelievable 165 feet in length, from which owners can watch golfers test their luck against the world’s only floating green or observe their boats being prepared by concierge staff for a spin around the lake. The Terraces is one of the country’s most ambitious luxury condo projects, says Mike Delong, director of sales, and with features such as fingerprinted residence entries, it is hard to disagree. Available residences start at $3.5 million.

—Sarah Binder

Going Global

A blend of intrinsic characteristics—including plants, animals, and dazzling topography—married with an exclusive commercial center complete with a private marina and world-class restaurants makes for a truly unparalleled lifestyle at Isla Saboga.

A pearl of its own, Isla Saboga, located in the Las Perlas Archipelago off the coast of Panama City, is an $18 million development by Grupo Del Sol and the Mexican architectural firm GVA and Associates. Spanning more than 755 acres, this masterpiece is an exquisite green community that preserves the integrity and natural surroundings, with homes being built in harmony with the environment.

“We have assembled an expert team to gently develop Isla Saboga in the most sensitive and unobtrusive way,” says Armel Gonzalez, president of Grupo Del Sol.

The Island’s first phase, El Encanto Bay, already 40-percent sold, is among tropical hardwoods and rolling hills by a shimmering ocean, and has inspired five oceanfront estates and 33 beach treehouse villas. They are set for completion in mid-2010. Prices start at $560,000.

“Our promise is to preserve the natural beauty, charm and history of the island, while creating a world-class resort community and fostering an upscale modern lifestyle for our residents and visitors,” says Gonzalez.

All of the homes, which anticipate reaching Platinum LEED certification, will feature spacious kitchens with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances, open great rooms and beautiful pergola-covered decks that allow for spectacular views. You will never miss a sunset again.

—Kim Turner

Fabulous Finds

A 240-foot vessel can be tough to dock. Yachters and their luxury boats are put at ease, though, when they glide into the spacious state-of-the-art floating concrete dock system at the luxury resort community Albany in the Bahamas.
As part of the resort, the marina also has high-tech communication systems at each slip and one-touch dialing for access to resort amenities and services.

Bordering the southwest end of New Providence, the 600-acre seaside community, developed by Tavistock Group and golf legends Tiger Woods and Ernie Els, is still under construction and is set to be complete this summer. Once finished, the resort will sport a 7,400-yard Els-designed golf course complete with windswept dunes, grass hollows and traditional sand bunkers.

The exquisite haven, an ultimate family retreat, also will include a luxury boutique hotel, an elegant beach club, full-service fitness center, spa, adult pool and lounge, an equestrian center, lighted Har-Tru tennis courts, a water park and a kids’ clubhouse.

Thirty cottages reside amongst the world-class amenities, all in various phases of construction. Comprising three to five bedrooms, the homes offer charming outdoor living space, including private pools and gardens. Once complete, Albany will offer 350 residences in all, accommodating any lifestyle and starting at $4 million. Lots will start at $1.5 million.

This Bahamian beauty is just five miles and seven minutes from Lyden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, an easy reach from most U.S. and European cities.

— Kim Turner

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