Unique Homes Blog

By Kaitlin MacRae

Vacation. The word brings about images of lounging on sandy beaches and relaxation — a true break from the monotony of the everyday. These five destinations, however, are exciting departures from the typical tropical getaway. Rather, these adventure vacation options cater to both adventure junkies and tourists alike, offering unique opportunities within these idyllic and unusual havens. Cycling Along the Coasts of Lofoten Island Cyclists spend seven days traveling 200 miles of gorgeous coastline on this Norwegian Island. Four different trips, offered by Ciclismo Classico, allow cyclists of varying abilities to experience all the island has to offer. Lauren Hefferon, founder and director of Ciclismo Classico, considers Lofoten to be one of the most gorgeous places she’s ever been. “Lofoten is an incredible place,” she said. “Its green, sculpted, soaring mountains surround you as you cycle rolling roads along the crystal blue North Sea. Tiny fishing hamlets, abundant museums, winding roads, the serenading sea birds and 24 hours of light have rooted themselves in my heart." Norwegian adventurer Sandro Della Mea will lead the tour. From scenic views to actually crossing the Arctic Circle, tourists can relish in guided bike tours, food and wine tastings and museum visits. Groups, which...Read more

By Kimberly Turner Visitors and residents just can’t help but enjoy the crystal blue waters, the warm and tantalizing aroma, and the lush tropical forest of St. Maarten. This is why the current trend of this peaceful Caribbean Island is that visitors and families are vacationing, returning and eventually buying homes in this region, according to Arun Jagtiani, a Realtor with Island Real Estate Team. “The quality of life is fantastic here,” said Jagtiani. “People just decide they want to spend more time here because of a combination of things; the beaches, the nightlife, the great tax benefits and the Caribbean feel.” Specializing in the sale of residential properties, Jagtiani and The Island Real Estate Team, which has been working in St. Maarten since 2008, emphasizes discovering clients’ needs and wants in their quest to purchase homes. “Our entire focus is to represent clients in this region with integrity and overall professionalism, making the process as easy as possible,” said Jagtiani. Within this process, Jagtiani, who has been in the Real Estate business since 2002, expects the current market in St. Maarten to continue to remain very steady with no appreciation or depreciation of prices — a stark contrast to other housing markets. “In St. Maarten...Read more

A 3,000-acre ecologically sound ranch is being sold in 100-acre plots.

By Kimberly Turner The importance of quality time with family and improved health and wellness, which has been a focus for many second-home buyers, according to a recent study, has been at the core of living among the bubbling streams and stunning views of the Maytag Mountain Ranch. Located in Hillside, Colorado, at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this 3,000-acre ranch, owned by Russ Maytag, is now for sale in 100-acre plots for $895,000. Homesteaders can be part of a unique ranch experience that includes eco-friendly and sustainable practices, plenty of activities for the family, and even become owners of a grass-fed 300-head herd of Hereford and Red Angus cattle. “We wanted to share the ranch and let people enjoy a lifestyle they have dreamed about and not have to do all the work,” said Maytag. “People can operate their businesses and lives and then come to the ranch.” Maytag Mountain Ranch is full of activities for children and grandchildren and families to enjoy. Homeowners can enjoy hiking or biking in the Saguache Range, the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area and the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range, fly-fish in the Ranch’s...Read more

Looking for a unique travel experience? These amazing bike tours provide riders with incomparable experiences throughout the world.

By Kimberly Turner

An active bicycling excursion can turn into an experience of cultural treasures that reveal the variety and scenic beauty of an area. From Europe to South America to the Pacific, vacationers can participate in a variety of tours by Ciclismo Classico, with specifically tailored itineraries that give a taste of the region, creating a lively and unique vacation. With a mission to make each trip full of learning, excitement, and freedom, Ciclismo Classico thoroughly researches, scouts, and continually upgrades each itinerary, offering the most authentic aspects of each region. “I think there really is something about the sensory experience of a bicycle tour that really gets people engaged mentally,” said Lauren Hefferon, CEO of Ciclismo Classico. Four new tours in very different locations have just been added for 2010; a Greece to Italy tour, the Ciclismo Colavita Olive Harvest tour, a La Bella Puglia tour and Norway Classic Fjords tour. The Greece to Italy trip is an expert level trip covering nearly 500 miles in 13 days. Participants will roll into classical ruin sites and pause in the villages that are rich in their...Read more

By Roger Grody

Movie stars show off their glamorous mansions in Beverly Hills and Malibu, but many of the Golden State’s most opulent residences are in the San Francisco Bay Area. A diverse housing inventory—elegant townhomes in cosmopolitan neighborhoods, magnificent waterfront estates, and splendid wine country villas—accommodates a wide range of lifestyles. At press time, there were approximately 600 homes priced at more than $3 million in the Bay Area (including Napa Valley, but excluding San Jose). 52 properties were priced in excess of $10 million, including a 20,600-square foot villa in San Francisco’s exclusive Pacific Heights neighborhood, listed at $65 million. TRI Coldwell Banker’s Malin Giddings, who specializes in the tony San Francisco neighborhoods of Pacific Heights, Presidio Heights and Russian Hill, acknowledges significant price declines, but reports the entry point for a single-family home with no views and some required maintenance is still about $3.5 million. “For a recently renovated home in a beautiful location, you should expect to spend $6-8 million,” she says, noting those properties offer at least 6,000 square feet, but still no views. Showcasing spectacular Golden Gate vistas, however, is a full-floor co-op listed at $8.5 million, which Giddings considers the finest on the West Coast....Read more

Things are heating up in New York City as one luxury condominium sells out and another development, an environmentally friendly two-unit townhouse, launches sales. The 505 IN HELL’S KITCHEN, designed by architect Thomas O’Hara, being 95 percent sold out has two remaining penthouses left, fully wired for a hot tub and barbeque. Situated in two buildings, with108 residences, it surrounds a garden courtyard that makes up half an acre of land. The 505 condominium features a furnished massive two-tiered rooftop terrace, private gardens, and balconies.  It flaunts a dazzling Times Square skyline, making it the perfect outdoor living and dining oasis. On the flip side in Boerum, Brooklyn, 93 NEVINS and 453 PACIFIC STREET, a two-unit converted townhouse, announced the opening of sales. Co-developed by R & E Brooklyn Inc. and Green Depot, as an eco-friendly and energy-efficient, it features rooftop solar panels, recycled electricity and green roof and planted terraces, providing better air quality and alternate electricity. The town houses at 453 Pacific, 3,059 square feet, and 93 Nevins, 3079 square feet, include three bedrooms, two and a half baths, and private garages. Priced at $2,595,000 each, the surrounding neighborhood of tree-lined streets and bluestone sidewalks make an eclectic mix of old...Read more

Two and one-half years ago, Unique Homes traveled to Mexico's gated, master-planned Punta Mita development to tour the 1,500-acre project's numerous real estate offerings including bay- and oceanfront lots, hillside villas, a variety of condominiums, townhomes, the existing Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course and Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, and the future location of the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort. In 2007, Punta Mita enjoyed a very successful $113 million in sales, says Gary Pepin, Vice President of Sales for Punta Mita Properties. Today, those at the forefront of the project, including owner/developer DINE, are determinedly moving forward with their plans amidst an economic downturn that has forced similar developments to halt in their tracks. "When something this dramatic happens in the economy, you can't just sit and wait for the market to come back to you, you can slash prices or you can start doing things," says Pepin. "We've been very aggressive about designing and creating new product that addresses the changing needs and desires of different buyers." Iyari, a new portion of Punta Mita being offered starting this fall, has been created in direct response to current market conditions. Primarily offering raw land, Iyari, which means heart, is right...Read more

PRINCETON, N.J. — A helipad, private vineyard, two bowling alleys, 341,175 square feet, 123 bedrooms, 146 bathrooms, 80-plus horse stalls and a traditional Turkish spa. This is just a sampling of what you would get if you purchased each of the 11 most expensive homes for sale in the U.S., according to Ultimate Homes, an annual publication that ranks the country’s priciest residential real estate offerings. The 2009 Ultimate Homes list begins with the $150 million Spelling estate in Holmby Hills, Calif. The prestigious “Top 10” list includes 11 properties this year because of a tie at “the bottom,” with four properties listed at $75 million. It would take more than $1 billion to buy each of the 11 top offerings at list price. “The homes at the Ultimate level are not subject to normal market fluctuations,” said Publisher Rick Goodwin. “This is our fifth edition of Ultimate Homes — in 2005, $75 million topped the list. This year, there are seven properties more expensive than that.” Ultimate Homes will be available on June 23. It is published within the June/July issue of Unique Homes magazine. Editors identified 314 homes for sale in the U.S. for $20 million or more. These are...Read more

Patrick Knowles has never designed two yachts that were exactly alike, and he hopes to keep the trend going.

By Jennifer Martin

As unique as they are successful, his clients bring one-of-a-kind requests to the table. From Hollywood glam backdrops to airport-style skylounges, Patrick Knowles, an award-winning yacht and aviation designer, has taken on a wide palette of projects. In everything, he tries to stay true to his clients’ vision. “A yacht is one of the few ways they have to express themselves,” he says. “Like a home, it’s highly individual for the client. It should reflect an identity that is all their own.” While he has designed interiors on a range of boats, Knowles specializes in the megayacht and currently is engaged in projects involving yachts ranging from 161 to 190 feet. In one project, he infused an Asian theme throughout the salons and sitting rooms, with accents such as dragon embroideries, geisha sculptures and black lacquered tables side by side with comfortable lounges for entertaining guests or business clients. In another recent endeavor, he designed a yacht interior with a European spa theme. Beige, cream, ivory and sand tones were used to complement materials such as travertine stone, river rock...Read more