Frank Hardy Sotheby's International Realty

Uniting thoughtful sustainability with stylish modern design, these homes prove that actually, it is easy being green.

Elegant Alexander Valley Estate

Kevin McDonald | Sotheby’s International Realty – Sonoma Brokerage

Enveloped by the rolling hills of the Alexander Valley, this recently constructed three-bedroom residence and two-bedroom guest barn are thoughtfully sited on 77 pastoral acres. The outdoor living spaces include an open-air kitchen, a built-in grill, a pizza oven, a heated loggia, a built-in fire feature, a pool and spa, garden beds, and a bocce court. Further afield are hiking trails and an olive orchard. The property is supported by a well, a water-filtration system, grid-tied solar panels, and an electric-vehicle charger.

Light-Filled Luxury in the Hollywood Hills

Neyshia Go  | Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage

This lofty light-filled contemporary residence in the Hollywood Hills enjoys views of dazzling city lights, the iconic Hollywood sign, the Griffith Observatory, the ocean, and enchanting mountains from numerous vantage points inside and out. The motor court can accommodate up to 10 cars, and the grounds encourage outdoor relaxation and festivities with its grassy lawn, pool and spa, fire pit, and HD movie projector for alfresco screenings. The 4,492-square-foot home is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and is solar powered and ecologically friendly.

Sophisticated Santa Fe Style

Darlene Streit | Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe Brokerage

Just minutes from the historic Santa Fe Plaza, this sophisticated four-bedroom contemporary home enjoys easy access to the golf courses, fitness center, tennis courts, and other amenities of Las Campanas. It is surrounded by a 1,200-square-foot covered and heated patio with a gas fire pit, a custom outdoor kitchen, and awe-inspiring Sangre de Cristo Mountain views. The property is impressively ecologically friendly, boasting a rooftop solar array, Tesla Powerwalls, and an electric car charger, all ensuring an uninterrupted power supply.

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From a 1920s villa in Santa Barbara to one of the largest private landholdings in Greenwich, these homes are surrounded by lush landscapes that extend their interior opulence to the outdoors.

Mediterranean-Style Sanctuary

Joe McCorkell | Sotheby’s International Realty – Montecito Coast Village Road Brokerage

Blending 1920s elegance with contemporary comforts and conveniences, this Mediterranean-inspired home atop a gentle knoll in Santa Barbara offers lovely living and entertaining spaces, a cook’s kitchen, six restful bedrooms, four stylish baths, a deck, a balcony, and a freestanding garage. Nearly every room enjoys a view of mountains, the ocean, and neighboring rooftops. The picturesque grounds comprise impressively lush gardens of tropical foliage and a swath of green backyard grass ringed with mature privacy hedges.

Old World–Inspired Château in Houston

Rachel Solar  | Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

This 15,033-square-foot manor adjoining one of the River Oaks Country Club’s emerald golf courses dazzles with its refined living and dining spaces and luxurious bedrooms and baths. Other highlights include a gym with a wet bar and built-in speakers, an office, game and garden rooms, a Savant smart home system, and a generator. The majestic 1.5-acre grounds boast a koi pond, two vine-draped pergolas, and a pool and enveloped crape myrtles, weeping willows, oaks, and magnolias.

Connecticut’s Creamer Hill Farm

Leslie McElwreath, Joseph Barbieri | Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage

This estate is one of the largest private landholdings in Greenwich. Two discreet gated drives lead to an extraordinary 14,296-square-foot residence, which is filled with light and shares its 81.45-acre wooded expanse with a bright modern three-bedroom guest cottage, a baseball field, a tennis court, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a hot tub, and a workshop or barn. Oversized windows and decks provide panoramic views that stretch out toward the enveloping trees, ponds, streams, and the Byram River.

Montecito Gem

Mark MacGillvray | Sotheby’s International Realty – Montecito – Coast Village Road Brokerage

Impeccably renovated, this idyllic villa on one of Montecito’s most prestigious streets marries Mediterranean and modern styles and features three bedrooms and baths, an office, living and dining areas, a well-outfitted kitchen, wine storage, and a two-car garage. The distinctive natural setting recalls the Mediterranean countryside, and a dense ring of mature trees creates an oasis of privacy for the emerald yard and a sun-washed resort-like terrace with a fireplace, vine-draped pergolas, and a pool and spa.

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Plentiful windows, striking skylights, and walls of glass maximize natural light in these bright, beautiful homes, making the most of their singular settings.

Bright, Inviting Wine Country Getaway

Gina Clyde | Sotheby’s International Realty – Sonoma Brokerage

On 5.5 acres adjoining the land surrounding picturesque Haraszthy Falls, this 2,596-square-foot wine country getaway is suffused with lovely light and sophisticated farmhouse-inspired style. Highlights include three serene bedrooms; a great room with soaring 24-foot ceilings; a well-equipped gourmet kitchen; and wide-plank white oak flooring, disappearing glass walls, and smart home technology throughout. The generous grounds offer a refreshing swimming pool along with space for horses or expansion. The location is minutes from the Sonoma Plaza and as well as vineyards and wineries.

Light-Filled Santa Fe Contemporary

Ricky Allen, Cathy Griffith, Tara Earley  | Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe Brokerage

This contemporary gem on an elevated 1.27-acre perch in the Sangre de Cristo foothills enjoys some of the most breathtaking views in the Santa Fe area. Both stylish and comfortable, the home’s effortless 3,070-square-foot floor plan includes three restful bedrooms, three baths and luxurious open living and entertaining spaces with abundant windows and glass walls admitting floods of glorious light. Motorized blinds and shades are among the numerous modern amenities.

Contemporary Coastal Chic

Ellen Valentgas | Sotheby’s International Realty – Osterville Brokerage

On the verge of a private sandy beach on Nantucket Sound, this delightful 4,254 coastal oasis is awash in the seaside’s rarefied glow and basks in sweeping water views thanks to plentiful windows and a wall of glass spanning its entire length. Adding to the appreciation of the outdoors are a spacious deck, a balcony, and an alluring gunite pool. The 1.56-acre property also features a freestanding garage and a charming two-bedroom guest cottage.

Lofty Tribeca Penthouse

The Stein Team | Sotheby’s International Realty – Downtown Manhattan Brokerage

This rare penthouse loft in atop a late-19th-century Tribeca condominium building features open living and entertaining areas with original prewar details—including exposed brick and wood beams—three bedrooms and baths, and an enviable 1,100-square-foot terrace with views of the neighborhood skyline and the Hudson River. Southern and western exposures, dramatic skylights, and more than 20 wood-framed windows help create a chic collection of light-filled spaces. Among the many modern luxuries are central air conditioning, a Sonos sound system, radiant-heated floors, and Nest thermostats.

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Melina is a seasoned real estate professional with a diverse background and a passion for Charlottesville. Since graduating from the University of Virginia in 2003 with a degree in East Asian studies, specializing in Japanese language and culture, Melina has been deeply rooted in the local community. Her journey began in property management and transitioned seamlessly into sales in 2012, while concurrently working a full-time career with the US government, which took her to six different countries in Asia, including a two-year stint in Japan. 

Melina’s investment in real estate started in 2006 with the purchase of a historic townhome in downtown Richmond, Virginia, followed by the acquisition of a 1950s brick rancher in the Locust Grove neighborhood of downtown Charlottesville in 2017. Through meticulous renovation and management, she has successfully ventured into the short-term rental market.

With decades of experience serving homeowners, investors, and prospective tenants alike, Melina possesses invaluable knowledge of the local real estate landscape, spanning both short- and long-term rentals and sales. Her dedication to her clients is matched only by her enthusiasm for Charlottesville, evident in her active engagement with the community, from enjoying hot yoga and live music to exploring local restaurants and hiking trails.

Melina’s commitment to excellence has found a fitting home under the umbrella of Frank Hardy Sotheby’s International Realty, renowned for its strong local and international presence, and exceptional reputation built over 30 years. With her expertise and genuine passion for Charlottesville, Melina is poised to guide clients through their real estate journey with confidence and professionalism.

Simultaneously fabulous and functional, these quiet, contemplative home offices are private retreats designed to increase productivity and inspire new ideas.

Victorian Inspiration in Sonoma

Ginger Martin | Sotheby’s International Realty – St. Helena Brokerage

In the prestigious Armstrong Estates neighborhood of Sonoma, just blocks from the vibrant town Plaza, this renovated 2000 Victorian-style home pays homage to architectural history with its abundant period-inspired details. In addition to four bedrooms and baths, it features multiple patios and balconies, a cook’s kitchen, formal and casual living and dining spaces, a wine cellar, a refreshing pool, a three-car garage with a charming one-bedroom apartment on the upper level, and office with an array of warm wood built-ins and eye-catching accents.

Glass House in the Sky

Nikki Field | Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage

On the 70th floor of the Deutsche Bank Center’s South Tower, this chic 3,920-square-foot home was designed for sophisticated living and entertaining with sweeping vistas of Central Park, the Hudson River, and the city skyline. Highlights include an expansive corner living room with a cocktail bar, a sunset-view dining room, and a chef’s kitchen with a breakfast area. The six-room primary suite features nearly 100 feet of windows, two spa-like baths, two custom-outfitted dressing rooms, and an office with walls of bookshelves and windows.

Wine Country Idyll

Ginger Martin | Sotheby’s International Realty – St. Helena Brokerage

On the outskirts of the charming town of Yountville, this consummate 6,027-square-foot wine country retreat includes a home, a guesthouse, a swimming pool and spa, a loggia with an outdoor kitchen, gardens, a three-car garage, and an acre of vineyards. The main residence features a magnificent great room with a wet bar and wine room, a relaxed media room, and a secluded, stylish office with a serene view of shady trees and verdant hillsides.

Light-Filled Riverfront Oasis

Christian Bindel | Sotheby’s International Realty – Downtown Manhattan Brokerage

Designed by celebrated architect Peter Marino, this distinguished riverfront condominium enjoys exceptional vistas of the East River, Carl Schurz Park, and a dazzling expanse of the city skyline. The living, dining, and family rooms benefit from dramatic views; the chef’s kitchen is outfitted with appliances from Sub-Zero, Miele, and Wolf; and each of the three bedroom suites is a restful retreat. One of the bedrooms easily serves as a light-filled office that gazes at the river through a wall of windows.

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There’s the statement wall, where one side of the room sports a patterned wallpaper or signature paint. There’s statement furniture, which lends character and serves as a conversation starter. And of course, there’s the statement work of art that speaks volumes without saying a word.

But the statement rug is unique in its function. Its tone and texture forms the foundation that underlies the whole area, and adorning it can be transformative. Here are six instances of statement rugs masterfully used to augment the story of various spaces.

A Subtle Insinuation

Despina Laou – Greece Sotheby’s International Realty 

Statements can be soft; a gentle whisper carrying great meaning. This is certainly true when selecting a statement rug, as evidenced by this beautiful beachfront villa in Mykonos. The rug intentionally complements the neutral color scheme of the minimalist interiors—but through intelligent moments of contrasting geometry, it infuses the vitality necessary to truly bring the room to life.

A Bold Proclamation

Janelle Friendman – Sotheby’s International Realty – Pacific Palisades Brokerage 

Artwork can be the “statement” piece that pulls focus in a room, but the rug can contextualize it so it doesn’t feel out of place. In the formal dining room of this verdant Los Angeles residence, the central painting would seem isolated if it didn’t have anything to dialogue with. However, the rug is so resonant that the reverberations of blue and gold throughout the rest of the space create a gorgeous harmony.

A Witty Observation

Becky Fatemi – United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty 

 Sometimes, a room’s disparate details only come fully into view when there’s a rug that cleverly calls them out. In this vivacious London apartment, it’s immediately clear that various components were made to match. The rug plays off the wall to help connect these pieces together, making this maximalist space both sophisticated and satisfying.

A Joyful Celebration

Olga Merino – Madrid Sotheby’s International Realty 

A neutral space decked in whites, browns, and beiges doesn’t have to dictate what motif you select for the floor. As demonstrated by this magnificent Madrid condo, the right statement rug can lift the subdued mood by serving as the singular source of jubilant, brilliant color. Reds and pinks are invigorating shades that animate the panoramic living room, making it as loud and festive as the city it’s situated in.

A Smart Articulation

Olga Merino – Madrid Sotheby’s International Realty 

Also located in Madrid, this elegant, maximalist property employs a statement rug in its sitting room to clever effect. It emphasizes each element on display; the olive couch, ochre cushions, terracotta cabinet, and azure throws are echoes that radiate from the exclamation point in the center of the room.

A Creative Narration

​​Roberta Golubock – Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage

In this resplendent penthouse on New York City’s Upper East Side, statement rugs are used to delineate and emphasize distinct areas within one room. Though they share similar sinuous motifs depicting celestial, cloud-dwelling dragons—an apt allusion to this year’s Chinese zodiac animal—their differing sizes and compositions serve unique purposes and set unique moods, depending on where in the space you are.

All interior decor tells a story. But nothing sets a theme—in ambience, aesthetic, palette, and presence—quite like a statement rug. By positioning one in the right place in the right space, the other features around it can be as boisterous or reserved as you wish, because it will always convey precisely what you want the room to say.

Looking for other ways to animate a living space? Discover how to anchor rooms around statement art pieces.

Introduced to St. Patrick’s Day festivities in the 18th century, when the shamrock became a national symbol of Ireland, green is a soothing, refreshing hue that brings to mind rolling meadows, leafy groves, and idyllic forests. A welcome reminder of the long, warmer days ahead, it provides any home with a sense of cheer and optimism.

Handsome Houston Heights Home

David Atkins | Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

Custom-designed and constructed with the finest materials and finishes, this four-bedroom, 4,484-square-foot residence in historic Houston Heights exudes warmth and charm at every turn, beginning with a covered front porch and a wood-paneled façade in a natural evergreen hue. The heart of the home is a great room that includes a dining area, a kitchen with handsome green cabinetry and an island, and a family room opening to a covered patio with an outdoor kitchen, verdant walls, and a view of the lush backyard.

Noe Valley Charmer

Julie Peisner | Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage

This colorful Noe Valley duplex has been cherished, maintained, and updated by the same family for nearly four decades. The lower level is dedicated to a full-floor pied-à-terre with living and dining rooms, an eat-in kitchen, and a bright bedroom overlooking the south-facing garden. The two upper levels feature living and dining rooms whose walls echo the greenery of the surrounding magnolias and other thriving trees, an updated eat-in kitchen, three bright bedrooms, and a sunny private patio affording picturesque views.

Modern Comfort and Style

The Karp Group | Sotheby’s International Realty – Westlake Village Brokerage

The classically charming streetside presence of this single-level three-bedroom residence belies its open, airy, light-filled modern interiors. A dining area and multiple living spaces accompany the recently remodeled chef’s kitchen, which boasts custom cabinets, quartz countertops, a farm sink, wine storage, and a large island finished in an invigorating green hue fitting for this leafy, tree-strewn setting. The backyard is a peaceful retreat for outdoor relaxation and entertaining or gathering harvests from fruit trees.

Santa Fe Gem

Ricky Allen, Cathy Griffith, Tara Earley | Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe Brokerage

Painstakingly remodeled, this bright, elegant 2,552-square-foot condominium residence is a delightful getaway just steps from Santa Fe’s historic downtown Plaza. Cooks of all skill levels will appreciate the kitchen’s top-caliber appliances, and the primary bedroom, the two guest bedrooms, and a bunk room with an adjoining recreation room can accommodate 10 or more residents and guests. Exterior accents and details in the open-plan living and dining area recalls the leaves of the trees that envelope the home and its private patio.

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Gardens and green spaces can be like rooms; expansions of the home that serve as lively entertainment spaces or comfortably cloistered retreats. With gazebos set amid shady groves, orangeries overlooking quiet copses, or pavilions sporting sunny pools, there’s no end to the built features that can factor into a property’s natural environment.

So with the spring season around the corner, here is inspiration on how best to turn a home’s vegetation into its most enjoyable and enviable areas, and create verdant living spaces that are genuinely alive.

Greenery From Ground to Sky

Michael Pallier and Clint Ballard – Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty 

An overhead trellis for climbing plants is a beautiful way to accentuate an external seating or dining area, as there’s no better canopy than a canopy of leaves. For a perfect example, look at the al fresco patio at this resort-like residence, where vines help form a lush and vibrant bower for outdoor relaxation.

Placing Planters and Pergolas

Despina Laou – Greece Sotheby’s International Realty 

Covering part of a terrace with a sumptuously overgrown pergola is a great way to create a truly immersive green space, as demonstrated by this epic estate poised above the Sea of Crete. It extends from the home to create continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces, while lending visual dynamism and character.

Perfecting the Art of the Arbor

Mariano Iacono – Italy Sotheby’s International Realty 

While pergolas tend to extend directly from the home, free-standing arbors support plants across their latticed structures to serve as picturesque archways. It can be quite majestic, as attested by this 19th-century mansion. The landscaping here is second to none, with flowerbeds that flourish in the Mediterranean warmth, ancient trees that have stood guard over the grounds for centuries, and a stately glass veranda with views of the water.

A Bounteous Botanical Garden

Shawn Perez and Mary Rose Perez – Atlanta Fine Home Sotheby’s International Realty

Nothing combines interior and exterior design quite like a greenhouse, where a fully enclosed space is dedicated entirely to the flora that defines its colors, textures, layout, and decor. Just look at how effortlessly this idyllic property has added climate-controlled conservatories to its yard, which is contiguous with a miles’ worth of walking and riding trails. Spread across the nearly nine acres of pristine nature, there are also 10 serene gardens, three tranquil ponds, and four fabulous waterfalls.

Greenery brings so many benefits to a home, from its calming hues and soothing fragrance to the way it freshens the air and serves as a natural buffer against heat and noise. And springtime is the best time to nurture new growth—so take advantage of the changing seasons and breathe new life into your surroundings.

Looking for ways to complement the splendor of your greenery? Browse some outdoor living spaces with bespoke wood features.

Waking up on the wrong side of the bed is practically impossible in a dreamy bedroom with a picturesque vista of city lights, mountains, vineyards, sunsets, or the sea.

Classic Style, Golden Gate Views

Carrie B. Goodman | Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage

This handsome 5,580-square-foot residence in prestigious Pacific Heights offers four levels of inviting living and entertaining spaces. Highlights include living and dining rooms opening to an expansive deck, a kitchen and family room overlooking verdant gardens, a two-car garage, a media room with a kitchenette, a pentroom with wine storage, and space for a roof deck. One of five restful bedrooms, the owner’s suite enjoys a cinematic view across neighboring rooftops toward the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands.

Chic Southwestern Contemporary

Tara Earley, Ricky Allen, Cathy Griffith | Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe Brokerage

This distinctive home and freestanding casita in Santa Fe’s coveted Las Campanas community overlooks a lake and the 18th fairways of two Jack Nicklaus Signature golf courses. It features clean modern style, an open-concept floor plan, floor-to-ceiling retractable glass doors, outdoor spaces with golf course views, and a landscaped interior courtyard with grape vines, lush grass, a fire pit, and a tranquil water feature. One of three bedrooms, the luxurious owner’s suite boasts a fireplace, a private portal, and a picturesque vista.

Hawksreach

Jennifer Powers | Sotheby’s International Realty – Sonoma Brokerage

Exemplifying warm, welcoming living in the George Ranch community of Northern California’s wine country, this five-bedroom, 5,423-square foot home shares its 4.07 acres with a swimming pool, a pool house, a tennis court, and detached a three-car garage. In addition to a den, a family room, a temperature-controlled wine cellar, a kitchen with a walk-in pantry, a great room with a wet bar, and numerous decks, it offers a primary suite with views of rolling hills, thriving trees, and blue skies.

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