5 Reasons Why You Should Buy Land

0 Stony Point Pass, Kewsick, VA

Unique opportunity to obtain a private 34-acre building site in the Southwest Mountain Range in Keswick, Virginia.

1. Land is scarce

This may seem like an obvious reason, however, it is an important one! Empty lands are only becoming more and more limited as time goes on. Being a land owner is being an owner of something that is finite, so take advantage of this.

2. Cheaper expenses

Investing in land is great for those who are looking for the lowest maintenance possible. Owning vacant land has the lowest expenses in real estate investments. Avoid utilities, pay fewer taxes and fewer mortgages considering that you purchased an empty piece of land!

3. Build your dream home

Location, location, location. Instead of searching for the perfect home in the perfect neighborhood, why not build you dream home on a property you love? This is a larger undertaking, of course, but for those looking to make a home truly theirs, this is a great solution.

4. Versatility

Land can be used for a variety of options that will suit anyone’s needs and ambitions, whether it be for building a home or commercial building, farming, or livestock. You can typically rent, sell or even develop the land depending on your financial expectations and ability.

5. No depreciation

Vacant land can’t have a depreciation value because it cannot be destroyed, moved or affected negatively under any circumstances, natural or unnatural. So when investing in land, an investor is able to rely solely on appreciation, worst-case scenario!


Stony Point Pass is listed by Murdoch Matheson.

Frank Hardy Sotheby’s International Realty

ON THE MARKET: Charlottesville January 2021 Real Estate Listings

Green Plains - 1599 Chapel Neck Road North, Virginia
Green Plains – 1599 Chapel Neck Road North, Virginia

In our first real estate roundup of the year, all of our offerings have a common theme: space. Whether it be a bucolic build site in Keswick, ready to be made your own, or a stately countryside home set in the rolling hills of Barborsville, we are loving the idea of finding more space to breathe and make our own as we settle into 2021.

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871 Club Drive // Keswick, VA // Contact: Yates McCallum, Frank Hardy Sotheby’s International Realty, 415.994.2464
The details: 3 acres
What we love: This wooded lot, located only minutes from Downtown Charlottesville and Keswick Hall, provides an unparalleled site for your dream home. If you are looking for space and tranquility, this picturesque property could be it for you. A bonus for golf-lovers, this build-site fronts the 2nd Fairway of Pete Dye golf course in Keswick Estate.

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0 Stony Point Pass // Keswick, VA // Contact: Murdoch Matheson, Frank Hardy Sotheby’s International Realty, 434.981.7439
The details: 34 acres
What we love: 34 acres of pastoral beauty and privacy offered in the much sought-after Keswick community. This expansive land parcel is the ideal site to build your forever home or weekend country retreat.

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Green Plains – 1599 Chapel Neck Road // North, VA // Contact: Frank Hardy, Frank Hardy Sotheby’s International Realty, 434.296.0134
The details: 6 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, 2 partial bathrooms, 9,904 square feet, 617 acres
What we love: This storied property sits on over 2 miles of serene Chesapeake Bay coastline. The main home is an elegant Georgian-style brick estate, with stunning views throughout. Also located on the property are 3 equestrian barns, 5 Cape Cod-style cottages, a pier, pool house and in-ground swimming pool.

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White Hart – 5785 Stony Point Road // Barboursville, VA // Contact: Frank Hardy Sotheby’s International Realty, 434.296.0134
The details: 4 bedrooms, 4 full bathrooms, 2 partial bathrooms, 8,146 square feet, 353 acres
What we love: Tucked into the countryside of Northern Albemarle County, this charming English Country Manor is set on 353 acres of rolling pastures, woods, ponds and mountain views. If the outside wasn’t impressive enough, the warm interior offers a gourmet kitchen, a custom library and plenty of space for entertaining.

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Gardner Farm – 792 Old Mountain Road // Mineral, VA // Contact: Murdoch Matheson, Frank Hardy Sotheby’s International Realty, 434.981.7439
The details: 3 bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, 1 partial bathroom, 1,296 square feet, 1,563 acres
What we love: This expansive piece of land is the perfect quiet escape from the city. With miles of trails, access to the South Anna River, 4 ponds, and a 30-acre lake, this property is an incredibly rare find. While the land is already home to a colonial-style house and equipment shop, there are numerous other potential building sites to offer endless possibilities to create your own sanctuary.

Significant Sales | 2020 Highlights – Sotheby’s International Realty

From the sale of the highest-priced home in the history of Vail, Colorado, to that of an architectural masterpiece in Las Lomas, Mexico, highlighted here are 10 Significant Sales from 2020 represented by the Sotheby’s International Realty® global network.

Vail, Colorado

Sold for $57,250,000 | Tye Stockton, LIV Sotheby’s International Realty

East Hampton, New York

Sold for $45,000,000 | Frank Newbold and Valerie Smith, Sotheby’s International Realty – East Hampton Brokerage

McLean, Virginia

Sold for $45,000,000 | Russell Firestone and Mark Lowham, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty 

East Flanders, Belgium

Sold for €18,000,000 | Talia Werner, Belgium Sotheby’s International Realty 

Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Sold for $38,00,000 | Lexi Cerretti, Sierra Sotheby’s International Realty 

New York, New York

Sold for $35,140,000 | Stan Ponte, Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage

Sydney, South Australia

Sold for $24,600,000 AUD | Michael Pallier, Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty

Montecito, California

Sold for $32,250,000 | Dusty BakerEric Lavey, and Michael Dreyfus, Sotheby’s International Realty – Montecito – Coast Village Road Brokerage

Aspen, Colorado

Sold for $32,00,00 | Craig Morris, Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty

Las Lomas, Mexico

Sold for $4,750,000 | Jessica Potts and Laura de la Torre, Mexico Sotheby’s International Realty 

Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty

Global Getaways: Luxury Rental Market Spotlight On Italy

We recently explored why a luxury rental might be your next real estate investment; now let’s take a closer look at a country with a thriving luxury rental market and hear directly from our local area experts there.

Italy

Italy is a mix of culture, diverse landscapes, history, cities and places that have no equal in any country in the world. Renting a Villa in one of the most beautiful locations in Italy does not only mean staying in a beautiful property, but it is also the context in which they are located that makes spending a holiday or a long rental in Italy so special. From the north to the south, including the big and tiny islands, Italy has many different destinations to offer, each of them considered unique of its kind. We are joined by Lodovico Pignatti Morano, who along with his brother Clemente, are the managing partners of Italy Sotheby’s International Realty.

Sotheby’s International Realty (SIR): What are the benefits of owning a rental property in your country?

Lodovico Pignatti Morano (LPM): The benefits are actually many. [Rental] owners have the opportunity to stay at and rent these amazing properties, so that they are not only a wonderful place to enjoy a vacation, but also an important source of income that allows them to maintain the villas at high-quality standards, along with an effective gain in terms of liquidity, but that is not all. Keeping the properties in such excellent condition maintains their value over time and increases the profit linked to the villas and any future sales.

SIRWhat trends are you seeing in your rental market?

LPM: Due to the global pandemic, the requests from international clients have decreased –– as we expected –– but many villas have nevertheless been rented by Italian customers.This means that when the quality [of the rental] is high, the investment always pays off. In fact, the demand for a short / medium term rentals have seen an exponential increase compared to the same period of 2019. This year, Italian customers make up nearly 85% [of renters], but there are also a few international clients: mostly Dutch, Swiss and Americans, all united by their keen interest in Italy.

SIR: How does the rental market drive business for your company? 

LPM: The business of luxury rentals is not only linked to the possibility of earnings; many potential customers can evaluate the homes before buying them or making an offer [by renting first], and the market trend for the future is growing. We have really good expectations for 2021, as we are receiving a lot of requests for next year. There will probably be a slowdown, but after that they will rise again, as they did this year. Luxury rentals and the commercial network around it have an increasingly important value.

Browse luxury rental properties in Italy on sothebysrealty.com

For Your Dream Estate: An Albemarle County Mansion

2408 Old Lynchburg Road, Charlottesville, VA

This dream estate in the heart of Albemarle County is on the market for the first time! A 12,000+sf transitional style mansion seamlessly blends a traditional design with a contemporary feel. 

A serene sanctuary set on 21 acres of land, this estate is perfectly private. Enjoy the feeling of being completely protected, fronting on the Hardware River.

Immaculately landscaped, the grounds include a relaxing waterfall, dipping pool, raised garden beds, and a play ground. 

This property is surrounded by luxurious amenities. You’ll adore its unique sauna room, wine cellar, dog grooming room, and spacious home gym.

To call the interior inviting would be an understatement. Between the natural light that engulfs every room, to the unmatched craftsmanship, to its dreamy bath experience, this home’s creators spared no expense in perfecting every detail.

In addition to the main residence, this marvelous property features a roomy guesthouse, spacious barn and greenhouse. Here, your living, leisure, and entertaining opportunities are endless.

Listed by Ann Hay Hardy (202) 297-0228

Frank Hardy Sotheby’s International Realty

For Your Dream Estate: An Albemarle County Mansion

2408 Old Lynchburg Road, Charlottesville, VA

This dream estate in the heart of Albemarle County is on the market for the first time! A 12,000+sf transitional style mansion seamlessly blends a traditional design with a contemporary feel. 

A serene sanctuary set on 21 acres of land, this estate is perfectly private. Enjoy the feeling of being completely protected, fronting on the Hardware River.

Immaculately landscaped, the grounds include a relaxing waterfall, dipping pool, raised garden beds, and a play ground. 

This property is surrounded by luxurious amenities. You’ll adore its unique sauna room, wine cellar, dog grooming room, and spacious home gym.

To call the interior inviting would be an understatement. Between the natural light that engulfs every room, to the unmatched craftsmanship, to its dreamy bath experience, this home’s creators spared no expense in perfecting every detail.

In addition to the main residence, this marvelous property features a roomy guesthouse, spacious barn and greenhouse. Here, your living, leisure, and entertaining opportunities are endless.

Listed by Ann Hay Hardy (202) 297-0228

Frank Hardy Sotheby’s International Realty

For Your Modern Classic: A Sophisticated Contemporary Residence in McLean, Virginia

1139 Crest Lane, McLean, VA
Presented by Wetherly Barker Hemeon of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty.

Your home is more than a building or an address. It’s where you experience life, connection, and growth.

And in McLean, Virginia, access to the world-class cultural amenities of Washington, D.C. and the natural beauty of nearby parks and recreation in Great Falls, Virginia are within reach.

Explore luxury real estate and homes for sale in McLean, Virginia »

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Nestled on the banks of the Potomac River in McLean, Virginia, this extraordinary contemporary residence inspires at every turn.

Built in 2017, this exquisite property offers the very finest in modern finishes, while delivering world-class water views and natural surroundings.

Learn more about 1139 Crest Lane, McLean, Virginia »

Inside, five bedrooms and seven bathrooms and a stunning rooftop terrace deliver an ideal environment for at-home entertaining.

Outside, multi-tiered decks, an infinity pool, and dramatic 180-degree river views offer a rare and enviable opportunity to experience the great outdoors at a moment’s notice.

1139 Crest Lane, McLean, Virginia is presented by Wetherly Barker Hemeon of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty.


TTR Sotheby’s International Realty is a licensed real estate brokerage in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

For Your Lake House Dream: The Point

721 Gobbler Ridge Lane, Huddleston, VA

Situated on a 21-acre peninsula on Virginia’s renowned Smith Mountain Lake, this exquisite 12,000 square foot home took artisans 4 years to complete.

Things we love about The Point…

Thoughtful Interior Details

This remarkable home features countless thoughtful details, most specifically in its interior. From the special-ordered Italian travertine tile, walnut, cherry and ash flooring throughout, to the antique fir living room beams, designers payed careful attention to this home’s unique nature. Bronze hardware and various antique stained glass pieces make this home a very special one.

Unique Amenities

The Point offers a glorious home theater with a wet bar at terrace level, a completely outfitted fitness room, an all-season porch, and impressive wine cellar.

Luxury Lakefront Lifestyle

Indulge in the luxury lakefront life by taking advantage of the 3-lift 3,000-ft boathouse, sweeping stone patio, fully-furnished carriage house, and walking trails on the property.

The Point is listed by Frank Hardy.

Frank Hardy Sotheby’s International Realty

Three Virginia Estates With Divine Exteriors

White Hart

5785 Stony Point Rd, Barboursville, Virginia
4 Bd | 4/2 Ba | 8,146 Sq Ft | $4,500,000

This English Country Manor Estate is hidden amidst 353 acres of rolling countryside in Northern Albemarle County.

The exterior is comprised of antiqued brick with a beautiful slate roof. The property consists of 200 acres of rolling pasture, 153 acres of hardwoods, 2 large ponds, a year round creek and panoramic mountain views.

The interior features beautiful pine floors, woodwork and paneling throughout, state-of-the-art kitchen with a Viking stove, subzero refrigerator and freezer, granite counter tops, 4 sinks, and stainless steel vent hood.

White Hart is listed by Murdoch Matheson.


Arcourt

4969 Barn Field Drive, Keswick, Virginia
4 Bd | 4/1 Ba | 9,133 Sq Ft | $2,290,000

Nestled away on 22 private acres in Keswick Hunt Country, this French-inspired equestrian estate is built with quarried natural stone and superb quality construction.

Featuring prime Blue Ridge Mountain views, this property comes completely fenced for horses, including an equally stunning carriage house with 3 stall barn, 1,100 s.f. apartment, and 6 car garage below.

The interior of the residence features an open floor plan with spacious rooms, high ceilings, large windows, & heated stone floors throughout. The main level includes a master suite, a second bedroom/study with two more bedrooms and two baths on the second level.

Arcourt is listed by Conor Muray.


Cobham Creek Farm

1093 St John Rd, Keswick, Virginia
3 Bd | 3/1 Ba | 4,088 Sq Ft | $1,495,000

This thoughtfully designed 26 acre equestrian farmstead set among large estates is located just 20 minutes from Charlottesville. A small, stocked pond borders the front lawn and long driveway, and numerous paddocks encompass the farm.

The traditional center aisle barn features 5 stalls, a tack room, a wash rack and attached hay storage. A recently built and truly comfortable one bedroom cottage sits across from the barn, perfect for guests or a groom. Just beyond is a riding arena.

The main residence, once a barn, was restored and expanded by noted contractor Ralph Dammann. Common spaces include a formal living room with heart-pine flooring and an intricate period mantled fireplace, a large conservatory, and a sunroom opening to a sweeping flagstone terrace replete with a Koi pool and surrounding landscape features.

Cobham Creek Farm is listed by Frank Hardy, Katherine Leddington, and Rob Nelson.

Inside a Wine Country Equestrian Estate

Sonoma may be best known for its production of exceptional wine and its array of superior restaurants, but its architecture and singular style—which marry indoor-outdoor living, rustic materials, soothing palettes, relaxed but chic furnishings, and plentiful light—are equally loved and emulated. The residence at the heart of Sutton Place Farm, a 9.15-acre wine country idyll located on one of Sonoma’s premier thoroughfares, is a paradigm of that distinctive and desirable aesthetic.

Sonoma, California | Gina Clyde & Daniel CasabonneSotheby’s International Realty – Wine Country – First Street Brokerage

The heart of the home is a great room with a soaring pitched ceiling, an outsize wood-burning fireplace, and stylish space for sophisticated living and dining. The dining area flows to a light-flooded kitchen with a lofty ceiling, a generous marble-topped island with counter seating, and a double Wolf range with a pot filler. Nearby is a convenient butler’s pantry and wet bar with an auxiliary refrigerator and, naturally, a full-size wine chiller. In the family room, two sets of French doors fold open to the grounds, creating a sense of unity between indoors and out. The serene bedrooms feature walls of windows and glass doors that admit glorious sunlight and fresh breezes. A luxurious owner’s bath with dual vanities and a soaking tub conjures an ambience of glamorous days gone by.

Throughout the home, the hues are calming, neutral, and organic thanks to such carefully chosen materials as Belgian limestone and reclaimed wood. Imported and antique details and accents such as a Provence plaster finish signal a reverence for tradition. The view from nearly every window resembles a plein air painting of mountains, sunrises, sunsets, stalwart trees, and thriving vineyards.

Further off lie a swath of vineyard and superior equestrian facilities that will please any horse lover. They include a 16-stall stable with hot and cold water, a lounge, a tack room, a bath, and a top-tier covered arena with Pinnacle footing. These facilities could easily be repurposed to serve a variety of functions or could be removed and replaced with additional grapevines. Storage buildings are also plentiful, and the property is threaded with walking trails and maintained by two wells, a new 30-kilowatt solar power system, and a backup generator.

The estate’s location is steps from the Sonoma’s historic plaza—as well as those restaurants, wineries, and tasting rooms that have made this region such a desirable destination—whether for a weekend or a lifetime.

Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com

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