Unique Places
ON LOCATION
Vail: Four Seasons Resort & Residences
By Camilla McLaughlin
What’s old is new in Vail, where a lengthy revamp has reinvigorated this Colorado ski Mecca founded almost 50 years ago by veterans of the legendary 10th Mountain Division. Adding even more international luster is the new Four Seasons Resort & Residences. Completed little more than a year ago, this resort has already chalked up a noteworthy number of accolades.
Just like the décor, which includes more than 1,500 art works individually selected just for this property, nothing here is generic, a surprise for a resort under the banner of a well known luxury icon. The ambiance is distinctly European, refreshed by a generous measure of American panache.
Spend time here and chances are you’ll run into Hans Willimann, the resort’s engaging general manager. Chat for only a few moments and you understand why every staff member is so personable and genuinely anxious to please, taking the Four Seasons well known attention to guests to an even higher standard.
Equally distinctive is the food. The menus at Flame Restaurant are geared to the seasons. A recent fall dinner featured rabbit bruschetta, Colorado lamb and an indulgent chocolate soufflé with crème anglaise. Another day, lobster salad with truffle oil was on tap for lunch. Executive Chef Jason Harrison says he puts a lot of effort into sourcing ingredients locally. He makes as many things on site as possible, and even cans his own tomatoes.
Top honors also go to the residences, a particular distinction in a location with a surfeit of upscale homes. Thoughtfully designed, the 16 individually owned homes are refreshingly inventive, offering diverse layouts. Beautifully appointed, the 19 fractionally owned residences range from two to five bedrooms and are outfitted with all of luxury’s must haves. The residences are tucked into a private wing, have a dedicated 24-hour concierge and offer access to all of the delights of the resort, including the ski concierge.
GOING GLOBAL
Italian Tuscan Villa
By Susmita BaralIt’s not often a property can offer a piece of history and be modern, but that’s exactly what you get with the Tenuta di Petriolo — a 15th century estate and vineyard in the heart of Tuscany, Italy.
Listed exclusively by Keller Williams NYC for $53 million, this 46,260-square-foot vintage estate offers six bedrooms, five bathrooms and has been upgraded with modern amenities.
“The painstaking restoration of the villa makes it the perfect home away from home,” says Richard Tayar, the exclusive agent for Tenuta di Petriolo.
The estate is surrounded by 6 acres with a park and woodland and comes with an additional 74 acres for wine and olive oil production. An added perk: The vineyard comes with equipment for wine production, aging and bottling.
FABULOUS FINDS
The Ritz Hosts Chicago’s First Interior Design Showcase
By Susmita Baral
Ultra-luxurious interior designs will be appearing in the city of Chicago this April with “Simply Magnificent: A Showcase of Homes” at the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Chicago, Magnificent Mile.
Hosted by Prism Development Company and Traditional Home magazine, the showcase will feature five diverse internationally renowned designers from around the globe: Frank Ponterio of Frank Ponterio Interior Design, Doug Atherly of Kinari Design, Samantha Todhunter from London, and two other world-class designers.
The showcase will debut on April 19 with an exclusive invitation-only charity gala for 200 members of Chicago’s philanthropic community, and will then be open for public viewing for three weeks (tickets can be purchased online for $35 or at the door for $40).
Viewers will be able to browse different styles of interiors — 1920s/1930s European interiors, Contemporary, Transitional and Modern — and have the chance to purchase showcase furnishings, art and accessories.
All proceeds from the gala, public tickets and sales of furnishings will be donated to The Auxiliary Board of The Art Institute of Chicago.
