Frank Hardy Sotheby's International Realty

From strikingly stately to warm and wood-clad, these four libraries are ideal for displaying and enjoying a collection of treasured tomes.

Elegant Upper East Side Townhouse

Serena Boardman | Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage

This light-filled six-level townhouse on one of the Upper East Side’s most desirable blocks unites classic inspiration with modern comfort and convenience. Highlights include formal living and dining rooms, a kitchen and breakfast room, seven peaceful bedrooms, a gym, a 28-foot indoor swimming pool, gardens, three landscaped terraces—one on the rooftop—a sunroom, a wet bar, an office, a den, and an august library with a fireplace, built-in bookshelves, and a window seat.

Mount Veeder Contemporary

Arthur Goodrich, Federico Parlagreco | Sotheby’s International Realty – St. Helena Brokerage

Amid some 130 rolling acres on Mount Veeder that afford breathtaking expansive views of the Napa Valley, this residence combines Modernist, Art Deco, and Deconstructionist architectural styles to create a truly one-of-a-kind home. Among the alluring spaces are four serene bedrooms, dining and entertaining spaces, a gym, and a bookshelf-lined library. The property also hosts a work by sculptor Fletcher Benton, a guest tower with a rooftop lookout, flourishing Cabernet vineyards, and a swimming pool.

Historic Hollywood Charm

 JoAnna Hennessy | Sotheby’s International Realty – Brentwood Brokerage

On a corner lot at the foot of the Hollywood Hills, this five-bedroom residence pays homage to the early 20th century with its abundant vintage details. A careful renovation and expansion provided superior appliances, museum-quality lighting, and stylishly modern baths. Part of the lavish primary suite, the library features walnut bookshelves and floors and opens to a resort-caliber pool area. The grounds also boast a brick patio with a grill and a fire pit, mature fruit trees, garden beds, and a detached guesthouse.

Palladian Finery in Houston

 Mary Elizabeth Hahnfeld | Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

This refined 10,818-square-foot Houston villa is surrounded by glorious gardens and lawns and managed by a Crestron smart home system. An elevator links all levels of the interiors, which offer four bedrooms, a chic living room, a dining room with a coffered trompe l’oeil ceiling, a climate-controlled wine vault, a dramatic kitchen with an adjoining family room, a handsome wet bar, and a striking library with a black granite floor, 18th-century doors, and floor-to-ceiling bookcases. Inviting loggias and terraces overlook the classical swimming pool.

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Collins is a Virginia native and has been a lifelong horseman. His last professional rodeo was Hampton Roads Colosseum and he started his polo playing with the Muldoon family at Potomac Polo Club.

Collins worked in the farm improvement business for a number of years as a contractor and worked for many of the top equestrians in Virginia, building fences and barns, grading riding rings, farm roads and planting pastures. Collins is knowledgeable of many agricultural endeavors from horses and cattle to vineyards and timber – part of his experience includes wildlife habitat creation and was the first private contractor in the state to specialize in the establishment of warm season grasses, while working with the lead agronomist for Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

Collins entered the land business as part of his deep affection for Virginia farmland conservation and he has personal relationships with many agricultural consultants and contractors that can help turn your Virginia farming dream into reality.

Kenneth, born in Fairfax, VA, brings a fresh and dynamic perspective to the world of real estate. Currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in commerce with a minor in real estate at the University of Virginia, he is working diligently to become a prominent name in the industry.

Throughout his academic journey, Kenneth has been dedicated to enhancing his understanding of the real estate landscape. He actively engages with the UVA Center for Real Estate, leveraging interactions with seasoned professionals to broaden his knowledge in both residential and commercial sectors. This continuous pursuit of expertise has positioned him as a forward-thinker who stays ahead of the evolving market trends.

From the outset of his high school years, Kenneth has immersed himself in the realm of real estate. His passion and determination have led him to gradually adopt the knowledge and lifestyle of a seasoned professional, setting the stage for a remarkable career. Guided by the values of professionalism, unwavering commitment, and effective communication, Kenneth places these principles at the forefront of his business interactions. With an acute understanding of the significance of these qualities, he ensures that his clients’ interests are not only safeguarded but also advanced in every transaction.

Alongside his father, his Filipino mother played a culturally significant role in shaping his ideals and beliefs. This rich cultural tapestry informs his approach; he values the essence of family, belonging, and trust between his clients and looks out for their best interests. During moments when he is not primarily focused on his studies or real estate ventures, he can be found playing golf with his father at the various golf courses Charlottesville has to offer. This blend of cultural heritage and leisure pursuits enrich his ability to connect with clients on a profound level, creating a holistic and well-rounded real estate experience.

Mike Schneider was born in Ohio but has called central Virginia home for 40+ years. Mike attended St. Anne’s-Belfield School and lived in Free Union before moving to Richmond after high school. He graduated from Appalachian State University in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Walker College of Business. Mike returned to Charlottesville in 2005 to begin his career and start a family.

Mike spent the beginning of his professional career working with local businesses, in and around Charlottesville/Albemarle. He has a strong background in business development and more than 20 years of strategic sales and marketing on a local, regional, and national level. His two decades of expertise in sales, marketing, and advertising, across a variety of industries, will enable you to sell your home quickly while, at the same time, effectively guiding home buyers through the purchasing process. Having grown up in the area, he has a strong read on the real estate climate and extensive knowledge of the area and surrounding counties.

Mike lives in Ivy with his wife and two children. He volunteers as a coach for youth football and enjoys fly fishing in Mexico with his family, hiking and camping in the Charlottesville area, and is active in a local exercise group. He also enjoys gardening, attending UVA sporting events, and participating in local charity footraces.

Both practical and alluring, these unique wine storage solutions go beyond mere function, incorporating eye-catching details or distinctive design.

Waterfront Oasis

The Greg Forest Team | Sotheby’s International Realty – Palm Beach Brokerage

In the coveted Riverbend neighborhood of Palm City, this spacious five-bedroom estate allows for the consummate Florida lifestyle, with a sun-washed terrace, a pool and spa, and a fire pit along with access to the ocean via a community dock. Its 5,616 square feet of stylish, light-filled living space encompasses five bedrooms, a chef’s kitchen with a breakfast area and a walk-in pantry, an inviting family room, a loft with a balcony, and a formal dining room with a dramatic wine display wall.

Upper East Side Refinement

Serena Boardman | Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage

Occupying three floors of a stately historic Upper East Side townhouse, this handsome three-bedroom residence has been meticulously renovated while retaining elegant vintage details. Highlights include a gallery with a gas fireplace boasting its original black marble mantel, a living room with soaring ceilings and a wood-burning fireplace, a dining room with original paneling and a period stained-glass window, a kitchen with superior appliances, a library with a wet bar and garden access, and a wine-tasting room with a 1,356-bottle capacity.

High Style in Houston

 Jay Monroe | Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

This chic Houston home encourages alfresco living and entertaining with terraces on three levels, an outdoor kitchen, a pool and spa, a fire pit, and a putting green. Indoor entertaining is equally effortless thanks to a game room with a wet bar and a beverage refrigerator and an open-plan great room that includes a sleek kitchen, a living area with a gas fireplace and a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the pool, and a dining area with a handsome wall of built-in storage and full-size wine chillers.

Luxurious Southern California Living

 Maurice Frazier | Sotheby’s International Realty – Sherman Oaks Brokerage

This modern Porter Ranch residence was designed for sophisticated Southern California festivities. The heart of the five-bedroom home is a collection of diverting spaces that includes a chef’s kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, a dedicated home theater, a wet bar, and a wine room ideal for showcasing and sampling from a prized collection. The backyard is a sybaritic delight featuring swings suspended over a swimming pool, a spa, a waterfall, a fire pit, and a sunken outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill and a pizza oven.

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Whether they utilize rich hues, bursts of color, or intriguing patterns, accent walls become focal points, infusing a space with style and creating an ideal backdrop for art.

Cinematic Style and Views

Kristine Miller | Sotheby’s International Realty – Brentwood Brokerage

Boasting the finest contemporary design, materials, and finishes, this striking gated Sunset Strip estate has an easy, generously scaled floor plan perfect for stylish living and entertaining. Steps above the living room, the formal dining room is anchored by an eye-catching stone wall ideal for the display of art. Disappearing walls of glass on both levels reveal fittingly cinematic views and open to the pool, spa, and terrace. Other highlights include an entertainment room with a bar, a theater or screening room, and a gym. 

Chic Houston Bungalow

William Finnorn | Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

A recent renovation of this timeless 1,646-square-foot bungalow in Houston’s vibrant Montrose neighborhood honors the classic aesthetic of its 1930s architecture while exuding unique modern flair. Distinctive design elements—vintage windows, antique doors, period hardware, hand-painted trim, bespoke masonry, and decorative wainscoting—distinguish the interiors. In a creative turn, closets and a media cabinet in the sunroom-like living room are lined in colorful wall coverings that capture the eye. Popular restaurants and shops are minutes away. 

Light-Filled Flatiron Loft

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

Designed by esteemed architect West Chin, this sleek, chic three-bedroom loft brings contemporary flourishes to a 1905 Beaux Arts building in the Flatiron district. It features a light-filled great room with an accent wall that creates a fitting backdrop for a unique sculptural light fixture, anchors the great room with a cool organic hue, and creates a sophisticated contrast with the minimalist walls, floors, and décor. Other highlights include a chef’s kitchen with oak cabinets and superior appliances, an office, a media room, and a gym.

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Private compounds—in many ways the epitome of consummate custom exclusivity—are rare in any market or locale, ideally affording dazzling scenery, superior amenities, and spaces for everyone to relax, unwind, and enjoy resort-caliber luxuries. Known as Journey Napa Valley, this 56.95-acre compound in the epicenter of California’s famed wine country is just such an escape. It allows for quiet, intimate moments indoors; cheerful afternoons spent awash in sunshine and fresh air; strolls on hiking trails or amid rows of flourishing grape vines and fruit and flower gardens; and festive fêtes attended by local and international friends.

Napa, California | Hillary Ryan, Sotheby’s International Realty – St. Helena Brokerage

The centerpiece of the estate is an airy main residence—an oasis of timeless elegance enjoying breathtaking valley, mountain, and vineyard views. The home in turn is anchored by a fluid open great room with high beamed ceilings, richly hued wide-plank pecan flooring, a warming wood-burning fireplace, and French doors giving way to an expansive covered ipe deck affording a 180-degree vista fit for a postcard. Other highlights include a club room with a full bar, a wine chiller, an ice maker, and a built-in audiovisual system; a vineyard-view kitchen with Dacor, Viking, and Sub-Zero appliances and a walk-in pantry; a practically requisite temperature-controlled wine cellar; and an owner’s suite with a spa-like bath that includes a jetted tub and a steamshower. Throughout, varied materials and textures create visual interest, while a soothing minimalist palette allows collectible pieces from around the globe to take center stage. Steps from the residence are a pergola with a fireplace and a sun-washed terrace enveloping a refreshing heated swimming pool and spa accompanied by an outdoor shower.

In addition to the home’s three comfortable bedrooms, the property provides four additional sleeping spaces in two guest residences. The enviable 5,000-square-foot event barn is a breezy, welcoming venue for life’s large-scale celebrations—it has hosted well-known local vintner events and would also be ideal for displaying a car collection. For more pragmatic moments, an interior loft offers space for discreet wine-related work and storage. An adjoining two-bedroom apartment features a full kitchen, living and dining areas, laundry facilities, and storage.

The estate sits on the brink of Oak Knoll District American Viticultural Area—known for its consistent moderate temperatures—making it an ideal milieu for 9.28 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grape vines producing “balanced, expressive, and healthy fruit” grown utilizing sustainable practices. Careful vineyard management results in an impeccable wine replete with the characteristics of the area’s singular terroir. More than grapes can thrive here, too—the grounds also sustain a 100-tree olive orchard, raised garden beds, and fig, peach, wild plum, pear, lime, and Meyer lemon trees.

Journey Napa Valley has a unique ability to make every moment memorable. Landmark events can be accommodated in singular style in the barn, on terraces, or beside the pool. While the living rooms are sure to be the scene of many a relaxed evening, the charming kitchens encourage gathering around the islands or tables for significant meals or midnight snacks, and many hours of restful repose will pass in each of the peaceful bedrooms. Equally apropos for momentous occasions and every regular day in between, the property serves as a stylish reminder that life is indeed a wonderful, colorful, varying journey.

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As with spice in a recipe, a little color goes a long way toward infusing a kitchen with vibrancy. In these three homes, colorful kitchen accents add zest to their surroundings.

Stylish East Bay Villa

Anthony Riggins | Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage

American charm and Mediterranean flair combine to create a singularly inviting ambience in this delightful Oakland villa, which features a welcoming living area, four spacious bedrooms, and a lower-level suite with its own open-plan living area, a well-appointed kitchenette, and a full bath. Cabinets in a calming natural olive hue create an organic contrast with the striking tile backsplash, marble-wrapped island, and warm hardwood floors and mirrors the foliage of the alfresco living, dining, and garden areas just outside.

San Francisco Sophistication

 Rebecca Schumacher | Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage

This chic four-bedroom San Francisco home enjoys sweeping uninterrupted views and an enviable location across from the emerald Marina Green and the bay beyond. An ideal setting for sophisticated entertaining, it offers a living and dining room with a dynamic “front row” view and multiple alluring outdoor spaces. The kitchen’s island cabinetry and banquette present a serene hue that mirrors the deep blue of the bay waters—a tone that continues in the adjoining butler’s pantry, which includes a coffee bar and wine storage.

Texas Château

 Bennett Finger | Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty

In Houston’s desirable Afton Oaks neighborhood, this four-bedroom residence brings to mind a timeless French country château. The main level is dedicated to a living room with a gas fireplace and French doors opening to the backyard and summer kitchen, a study and formal dining room sharing a two-sided fireplace, and a custom 1,500-bottle wine room. The inviting chef’s kitchen features granite countertops, Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, handsome parquetry, Old World–inspired millwork, and an island with cabinetry in a soothing cornflower-like French blue.

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Karina Paulauskaite – Baltic Sotheby’s International Realty 

Today’s luxury buyers are looking to stand out with homes that are meaningful and expressive of their individuality. Thoughtful clients don’t crave mere ostentation for its own sake, but rather seek out unique properties that are reflective of their priorities, values and style. 

One-of-a-kind homes make a statement by showcasing features like ultra-futuristic tech, sustainability, and cutting-edge design, like these four residences of singular sophistication.

A Refuge Within a Retreat

Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty

The primary suite is often the pièce de résistance of the home. But seldom is one as startlingly original as the one in this contemporary Côte d’Azur villa, complete with its own private pool.

Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty

Just arriving at this property is like entering another world. Residents can park in the home’s six-car subterranean lot, ride the elevator, and emerge into an expansive interior custom-crafted by an acclaimed French architect.

Natural light is ubiquitous here; all four of the bedrooms—each with its own ensuite—boast glorious views of the Rade de Villefranche, and glass ceilings arch over the central living spaces, enabling the Mediterranean sun to stream in.

Life in a Work of Art

Ingrid Hart and Courtenay Batcha – Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty

Located across the Hudson River from Lower Manhattan and Greenwich Village, Jersey City is famed for its former factories-turned-chic lofts—but this one is definitely in a league of its own. The home is defined by creativity, most stunningly with hand-painted murals that grace its walls and ceilings.

Ingrid Hart and Courtenay Batcha – Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty

Perhaps it’s no coincidence that this residence is reminiscent of an avant-garde art gallery, as there is indeed a fabulous gallery located on the building’s ground floor. This property sits high above it, accessed by a freight elevator paneled in clear glass.

Unlike other factory conversions, where the condos may only have one balcony, this home unfolds across a dynamic, three-tier floor plan where every level has its own spacious outdoor patio.

A Realm of Fantasy

Karina Paulauskaite – Baltic Sotheby’s International Realty 

Why is this radiant rural sanctuary near Palanga shaped like a wave? The sweep of the architecture is reflective of its seaside location, but the actual inspiration for the design is derived from the legendary Lithuanian love story of Jūratė, a goddess of the sea, and Kastytis, a humble human fisherman.

Karina Paulauskaite – Baltic Sotheby’s International Realty 

The home’s gorgeous maritime location is picture-perfect, and the rooms make the most of it with an abundance of sliding doors leading directly to scenic waterfront terraces.

In the legend, Jūratė lives in an underwater palace of gold, diamonds, and white amber—and the architect set out to fashion a modern property that pays homage to this dreamworld, with gleaming marble floors and wooden fixtures so lustrous they almost appear gilded.

An Estate of Stone

Carlos Hermansson – Uruguay Sotheby’s International Realty 

This estate opens onto nearly 300 yards of private beach—but that’s not all. Located close to the oceanside resort of José Ignacio, it also encompasses over 118 acres of pristine natural parklands, where four lagoons are nestled amid stands of spectacular forest.

The home is a monument to Mother Nature, with dramatic stone façades that make it seem like an organic extension of the earth it stands on. Its flawless floor-to-ceiling windows present a panorama that extends from the lighthouse at José Ignacio all the way to its counterpart at La Paloma.

Carlos Hermansonn – Uruguay Sotheby’s International Realty 

No expense has been spared when it comes to the residence’s first-rate amenities. Along with a pool, jacuzzi, gym, and sauna built to rival a world-class hotel, it features an in-home cinema and art gallery, for curating cultural experiences from the comfort and convenience of home.

High-end homebuyers and five-star globetrotters, crave environments and experiences that are unlike anywhere else on earth. One-of-a-kind luxury homes like the four featured here are the epitome of spectacularly singular appeal.

Luxury can evolve over time. Check out these 3 unique homes that break tradition.

These Craftsman-style homes capture the warm, welcoming spirit of early-20th-century America with their natural materials, hand-wrought details, artisanal character, and organic palettes.

Historic Hollywood Charm

JoAnna Hennessy | Sotheby’s International Realty – Brentwood Brokerage

Dating to 1912 and painstakingly updated and augmented, this five-bedroom Craftsman-style residence provides a reminder of an enchanting bygone era. Its historic character is readily apparent in an iconic façade with storybook detailing, richly hued walnut floors, vintage windows and French doors, and period cabinetry and shelving; while museum-quality lighting, appliances, and baths are stylishly modern. The home is surrounded by lush landscaping, mature fruit trees, garden beds, and a pool on a private corner lot at the base of the Hollywood Hills.

A Piece of Pasadena History

 Mark Ogden | Sotheby’s International Realty – Pasadena Brokerage

Enveloped by lush, flourishing greenery near Brookside Park and the legendary Rose Bowl, this unique three-bedroom Pasadena home combines portions of an 1898 Craftsman residence and a 1950s addition. Eye-catching late-19th-century elements—including a low-pitched roof with exposed beams, a generous front porch, rugged woodwork and stonework, ornate leaded and stained glass, diamond-paned windows, and stately carved and coffered ceilings—harmonize with a pleasingly minimalist midcentury aesthetic. The property also includes inviting patio areas and a pool. 

Southern California Craftsman Compound

 Taryn Martin | Sotheby’s International Realty – Montecito – Coast Village Road Brokerage

In one of Santa Barbara’s most desirable neighborhoods, this gem was built in 1890 and represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Southern California history. A wide, welcoming front porch; delightfully colorful window trim; warmly hued original hardwood floors; and eye-catching ceiling beams are among the lovely period details. The estate is a legal triplex, consisting of a 1,515-square-foot main residence and two additional one-bedroom apartments or guest quarters with private yards.

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