Unique Properties
AUTHENTIC HAWAII
Dream ranch sells for $28 million
Picture an oceanfront valley with expansive grounds, a waterfall, lush tropical landscaping and a breathtaking residence. One might think of this dream property as an experience that couldn’t be bought.
Except someone just did.
The Papaa Estate, located on Kauai, Hawaii’s oldest and arguably most beautiful island, recently sold for $28 million. Hannah Sirois of Kauai Heritage Properties says the current owners fell in love with the 175-acre estate.
“You do not find acre upon acre on a white sand cove. The home is really a one-of-a-kind opportunity. Kauai is very exotic and very lush, but it has more white sand beaches than all of the other islands combined,” she says.
The Papaa Estate was listed for $46.5 million a few years back, but Sirois explains the slower market allowed her to showcase this home.
“[It is] a highly desirable canvas to work with, which allowed [the former owner] to bring forth the architectural and interior design elements that are authentically Hawaii,” she says.
The 18,000-square-foot main house is a testament to that authenticity. One of the most important features is its covered lanai, Sirois says.
“The use of the lanai evolves through the day. You use it to have breakfast; it might become your office later; you may read there; you will have dinner there. The interior of the home almost becomes irrelevant,” she says.
Wide-plank wooden floors and open doorways and windows further lend to the Hawaiian feel. Outdoors, native plants and 2,000 coconut trees are spread across the ranch. The estate has numerous outbuildings, including a yoga house, two identical guest cottages and a barn.
“Easily 80 percent of the property is a working ranch for horses; the owners intend to continue to make the ranch more sustainable,” Sirois says.
—Jessica Decina
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PRESIDENTIAL PANACHE
Lake Tahoe home features interiors by noted White House designer
A wrought-iron gated drive winds into impressive exterior granite stonework, concluding with a striking view of Lake Tahoe. This lead-in helps StoneGate fuse intricate attention to detail and a low-key luxury sensibility.
The 10,000-square-foot home was created by Obama White House designer Michael S. Smith, who is also known for his work with Hollywood celebrities. “The attention-to-detail and craftsmanship is unmatched on Lake Tahoe,” he says. “It can hold its own with the most beautiful homes in the world.”
The five-bedroom, 10-bath estate, listed by Shari Chase and Kerry Donovan of Chase International for $19.95 million, features a grand living room, formal dining room, gourmet kitchen and a master wing.
A winding stone staircase leads to the second floor, which has three guest suites and a family room with French doors opening to the backyard. The third level has an exercise room, a wine cellar and an executive office. Plus, there’s room for Tahoe recreational gear.
—Kimberly Turner
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