Pricey pads in the world's priciest cities

Knight Frank Sydney Residential

Offering job opportunities, cultural and culinary diversity and the chance to experience life in a bustling metropolis, major cities around the world are struggling to cope with the influx of residents. The more desirable a place becomes, the more expensive it is to live there and the higher house prices rise!

Grab your wallet as we take a look at remarkable residences within the world's most expensive cities*...

*All data correct at time of publishing

Engel Ching / Shutterstock

As one of the most exciting cities in the world, London is home to iconic architecture, world-class museums and enviable green spaces. Such draws attract thousands of people every year, which doesn't do much to aid the housing crisis or the cost of living.According to property website, Zoopla, the average sales price for a property inJune 2024 was711,745($901k), while the average detached home goes for a cool1.3 million ($1.6m).

A single person can expect to pay around 1,111($1.4k) for food and bills each month, before thinking about rent or mortgage payments. So, it's no wonder the city was named the eighth-most expensive in the world in Mercer's 2024 study.

United Kingdom Sothebys International Realty

While half a million could get you a one- to two-bedroom flat or a small house in a less desirable area of the city, those with bigger budgets can bag themselves a seriously awe-inspiring residence.

On the market with United Kingdom Sothebys International Realty in June 2024, this exquisite private home was priced at 32 million ($41m). It sits on a generous plot in the highly sought-after Highgate area of north London, close toiconic Hampstead Heath.

United Kingdom Sothebys International Realty

Standing proud at 18,239 square feet (1,694sqm), the modern masterpiece sits on two acres (0.8h) of land, which is very rare in London!

The home's exterior is defined by its all-white, roundedshape and endless windows, while the interior dazzles with high ceilings, gilded accents and plenty of luxurious extras, including a glass elevator and designer light fixtures.

United Kingdom Sothebys International Realty

Room-wise, there's a grand entrance hall, a formal sitting room, a dining room, a breakfast room and a gourmet kitchen. The home's six bedrooms all feature an ensuite bathroom, while the master suite, located on the first floor, is particularly impressive.

There are several terraces, too, including a balcony and a rooftop deck.

United Kingdom Sothebys International Realty

As well as lovely grounds, the property also has a 4,400-square-foot (409sqm)self-contained staff lodge andleisure facilities, which include a swimming pool,spa amenities and a home gym.

There's also abilliards room, a four-car garage and an outdoor tennis court.

Canadastock / Shutterstock

Enchantingly beautiful, the Swiss city of Zrich is a global centre for banking and financebutoffers plenty of attractions for fans of nature and architecture too. It's also known for being incredibly expensiveand not just for tourists. Here, a single person's estimated monthly costs, without rent, are around 1,296 ($1.6k), making Zrich 26.8% more expensive than London.

In fact,Mercer named the city the third-most expensive in the world in 2024. Shockingly, four Swiss cities were named in its 10 top rundown, making the country one of the priciest in the world.

Engel & Vlkers Zrich Oerlikon

A property in the city centre of Zrichcosts, on average,1,763 ($2.2k)per square foot.To put that into perspective, a stunning three-bedroom apartment inside this building was on the marketin June 2024 for CHF 3.4 million. That's 3 million ($3.8m).

Thebrutalist-style buildingwas constructed in the 1980sand is nestled in the leafy quarter ofHngg, momentsfrom the Limmat River.

Engel & Vlkers Zrich Oerlikon

The recently renovated apartment blends space, design and luxury, kitted out with the finest materials and impressive Italian design elements throughout.

Engel & Vlkers Zrich Oerlikon

The property spans 2,131 square feet (198sqm) and benefits from an open-plan living space, with a lounge, dining area and kitchen.

From hardwood parquet floors to high ceilings and extensive windows, the apartment is chic and light-filled.

Engel & Vlkers Zrich Oerlikon

There are three bedrooms and two bathrooms. This suite is huge, with direct access to a balcony.

The luxury living experience is rounded off by a double parking space, located in an underground car park. It has an electric charging station for an electric car, too.

Engel & Vlkers Zrich Oerlikon

The property also boasts a spacious terrace, from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. Its big enough for a dining set and a few chairs, too, making it an oasis in the heart of the city.

Damiano Mariotti / Shutterstock

Known for its glistening coastline, designer boutiques and countless casinos, Monaco is a sovereign city-state that was designed for the wealthy. A well-known tax haven, this billionaires' playground doesn't charge residents income or capital gains taxes, so those lucky enough to live here can see their money stretchfurther but that doesn't mean living here comes cheap!

According to Numbeo, a single person's estimated monthly costs are around 1,510 ($1.9k),before rent.The price per square footto buy an apartment in the city is 5,207 ($6.6k), which means a 1,000-square-foot (93sqm) apartment could set you back a cool 5.2 million ($6.6m).

Taking a look at an example of the type of home you can buy in and around the city, this gorgeous residence is nestled inRoquebrune-Cap-Martin, on the outskirts of Monaco.

Almost too good to be true, the property was on the market with Savills Beaulieu Sur Merin June 2024, for 5.2 million ($5.6m/4.4m). The villa measures 2,476 square feet (230 sqm) and extends over two stunning floors.

The property was completely renovated in 2023 and it's certainly clear. Every single room is finished to the highest standard, with designer fixtures and high-end finishes.

There's a huge, open-plan living area with a lounge, dining area and kitchen, kitted out with marble. Modern features include electricwindows for hands-free operation, a TV lift system and a cellar with space for over 300 bottles of your favourite vintage.

There are four bedrooms and four bathrooms, too. This is the luxurious master suite and it benefits from a stunning ensuite. A faux frame allows anyone in the bedroom to see through to the bathtub.

Plus, the room opens to a huge outdoor terrace, with dreamy coastal views across Monaco.

There's also a fully-equipped fitness room, an outdoor dining deck, a sitting area that faces the view and, of course, an amazing swimming pool. Take a dip while taking in the enchanting scenery of the French Riviera.

Taras Vyshnya / Shutterstock

With world-renowned food, an iconic Opera House and endless days of sunshine, there are countless reasons why Sydney is so popular. But it's also one of the most expensive cities on the planet when it comes to the cost of living.

According to Numbeo,a single person can expect to pay 908($1.2k) a month for bills and groceries alone and in 2022,DemographiasInternational Housing AffordabilitystudydeclaredSydneys median house price15 times higher than the average household income.

Knight Frank Sydney Residential

Even more worryingly for locals, Sydney home prices are expected to grow by as much as 23% over the next three years, according to2024 data.

To highlight just how quickly the property market is growing in the city, this Barangaroo apartment was on the market in June 2024 for AUD$12.9 million, which is 6.8 million ($8.6m) and it measures just 1,813 square feet (168.5sqm).

Knight Frank Sydney Residential

No doubt worth every penny, the harbour view apartment is situated on the upper levels of the iconic Crown Sydney tower and provides utterly mesmerising city scenery from almost every room.

The building was designed by the architects at Wilkinson-Eyre and no expense was spared. With sumptuous interior design by Meyer Davis, exquisite custom joinery and luxury stonework, the apartment could certainly be described as plush.

Knight Frank Sydney Residential

The pad benefits from a stunning open-plan living space, with a lounge, kitchen, dining room and pantry.

There are three bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well. This incredible ensuite provides dreamy skyline views thanks to a floor-to-ceiling windowpositioned close to the tub.

Knight Frank Sydney Residential

No ordinary apartment, this one comes with a primary walk-through wardrobe, twin steam showers, Wolf & Sub-Zero appliances and an open-air balcony that's accessible from the living room and primary suite.

Plus, residents of the luxury tower benefitfrom a 24-hour concierge and security service, valet parking, an outdoor residents-only swimming pool, an outdoor tennis court, a gym and a day spa. There's even housekeeping, so the residents don't need to lift a finger.

For many years, New York City has been struggling to cope with the amount of people who have flocked there in search of fame and fortune. The last census, in July 2023, found there to be around 8.3million people livingin the city and, according to Zillow, the typical value of homes in the county is 869,800 ($1.1m).

Plus, in 2024 New York City was named the seventh most expensive city to live by Mercer, and in 2023, it shared the third spot with Geneva, Switzerland.

For the city's average property price, you could probably pick up a two-bedroom place in the Bronx, but you need a slightly bigger budget to buy anything luxurious in Manhattan.

111 West 57th Street is a luxurious new developmentin the heart of the city, seconds from Central Park. Apartments inside this building range from 5.5 million ($6.9m) to 38.7 million ($49m)and once you see inside, you'll understand why.

There are 60 homes inside the building and while they differ in size and number of bedrooms, most offer jaw-dropping views across the city, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows.

They all come with direct elevator entry and ceilings that extend up to 14 feet (4.3m).

The building blends one of New York City's most cherished landmarks, Steinway Hall, with a soaring 1,428-foot (435m) contemporary tower. The world-renowned SHoP Architects are responsible for the exterior design, while Studio Sofield took on the task of designing the interiors.

With accents of limestone, marble, blackened steel and velvet throughout, every single apartment is entirely swoon-worthy, kitted out with the finest finishes and fixtures money can buy.

Of course, the property comes complete with plenty of state-of-the-art amenities, including a two-lane, 82-foot (25m) lap pool and a fully enclosed, regulation-size paddle court. There's also a dedicated concierge service, a private porte-cochere entrance and valet parking.

Ronnie Chua / Shutterstock

For many years, Hong Kong has been one of the most expensive citieson the planetand in 2024, Mercer put it in the top spot. The housing market in this Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China hasreached unrealistic heights. The bustling metropolis, loved for its dazzling skyline and fantastic culinary and cultural opportunities, is short on space and homes, which has consistently driven up prices.

Interestingly though, home prices in Hong Kong dropped by a shocking 13.2% in the first quarter of 2024. Numbeo states that the price per square foot to buy an apartment in the city centre is 2,167 ($2.7k), so it still isn't exactly affordable!

Those lucky enough to have a big budget need not opt for a so-called 'coffin apartment' and could instead snap up something like this.

Detached villas and penthouse apartments are exceptionally scarce in Hong Kong and those that do come on the market sell for ridiculous sums of money. Cue this palatial property in Mui Wo.

This luxurious villa, known as Edem Garden, not only has more than one floor, but also comes with a highly sought-after (and hard to find) garden!

Ideal for nine people, the home benefits from four bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as a living room, a spacious kitchen and a dining area.

The two-storey detached villa was architecturally designed and benefits from magnificent, uninterrupted sea and mountain views. Every room is modern and filled with natural light, with high ceilings, oversized windows and contemporary fixtures.

The garden is of a good size and ideal for alfresco dining. There are also a few exterior balconies, where lucky guests of this Airbnb can while away the hours in style.

While we don't know how much this home cost, we do know that it would be worth a pretty penny!

Benny Marty / Shutterstock

Sophisticated, romantic and pricey are all words that might spring to mind when you picture the Alpine city of Geneva, Switzerland. Nestled on the shores of Lac Lman, the waterside city is surrounded by the Jura mountains and boasts dramatic views ofMont Blanc.

Mercer declared the city the fourth most expensive in the world in 2024, whileNumbeo currently ranks the city the most expensivewhen it comes to the cost of living.RealAdvisor suggests the median price for houses here is CHF4.4 million, which is3.9 million ($4.9m).

Savills / Gaia Prost Luxury Places

If you're wealthy in Geneva, then the real estate possibilities are endless. This beautiful home is just one example of the type of residence a millionaire could buy in the Alpine city. Priced at CHF12.9 million or 11.4 million ($14.4m) in June 2024 via Savills, it is both stylish and sophisticated.

The villa lies in the quiet residential neighbourhood of Anires, around a 20-minute car ride from the city centre.

Savills / Gaia Prost Luxury Places

While Geneva is home to plenty of stunning historic homes, this one is relatively new. It was designed by renowned architectCharles Pictetin 2012 and built using a combination of concrete, brick, wood, glass and bronze.

In 2014, the villa was awarded the Distinction Romande d'Architecture prize and it isn't hard to see why.

Savills / Gaia Prost Luxury Places

Spanning 6,243 square feet (580 sqm), the luxurious property benefits from three floors and a traditional layout.

The reception rooms and living spaces sit on the ground floor, while a generous spiral staircase leads upstairs where five bedrooms and seven bathrooms can be found.Some of the rooms enjoy splendid views ofLake Geneva and the Jura mountains, too.

Savills / Gaia Prost Luxury Places

Despite being a modern home, the property has plenty of character, with timber accents, exposed ceiling beams and large windows throughout. Designed with wellbeing and sustainability in mind, the villa is also equipped with a geothermal heat pump and solar panels.

There's also a spacious and pretty garden, complete with a heated swimming pool, a pool house and an orchard of fruit trees.

Travelpixs / Shutterstock

In 2024, Swiss private bank Julius Baer published its annual Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report, naming Singapore the most expensive city in the world. Similarly, Mercer named the city the second-most expensive, after Hong Kong.

For the last 11 years, the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has named its top 10 most expensive cities in the world and, amazingly, Singapore has topped the list not once, but nine times!Thisbuzzing metropolis, with itsmodern skyline, has an estimated 5.7 million residents.

The average apartment in the heart of the city will set you back 1,500 ($1.9k) per square foot, but those with bulging bank accounts can snap up pretty amazing homes, like this modern penthouse in the Tanglin area of the city-state.

The 6,867-square-foot (638sqm) duplex was for sale with OrangeTee & Tie Pte in June 2024 and priced at 22.2 million ($28m).

Link:
Incredible luxury homes in the world's most expensive cities - Yahoo Lifestyle UK

This Custom home is on 20.5 acres in Burleson County in the middle of the rolling hills with lots of trees and amazing views. The open concept welcomes you the minute you walk in the door, with designer touches throughout, The great room has cedar beams with tongue and grove-rich stained wood ceilings, Bamboo plank flooring, Floor to ceiling stone gas fireplace, Venetian plaster walls, Custom trim, French doors that lead out to the property. Alder wood barn doors throughout, The Kitchen with Knotty Alder Cabinets, Gas cooktop, Brand New oven, and microwave never been used, Walk-in Pantry, Stainless steel appliances, Deep stainless farmhouse sink, chiseled edge Granite counter tops, Under cabinet & floor lighting, Herringbone brick floors in the kitchen and laundry room, Large Laundry room with 1/2 bath lots of storage. Both secondary bedrooms have full on-suite Bathrooms, The Master suite offers French doors with lots of natural light, an Elite Steam Shower unit with tile, a cobblestone floor, a walk-in closet, An Amazing barn 68x40 x20 high w/3 large pull doors, 12x40 lean-to for vehicles/trailers, w/14 ft breezeway, lots Storage, RV Parking secluded & private, RV hookups and cleanouts in 2 locations, A small pond, New Septic Tank, Amazing views with just a peaceful setting. In the country but only 10 minutes from Caldwell. 40 minutes to College Station. 2 entrances to property, Wildlife Exemption, Additional Storage shed, Dog runs, Chicken coop. Open to offers.

View More

More here:
Luxury homes on the market in Bryan-College Station - Bryan-College Station Eagle

With major changes coming to one of San Diegos most iconic outdoor malls, your front yard could be steps away from Rolex, Dior and Dolce and Gabana.

SAN DIEGO Fashion Valleywill soon provide more than shopping. For the first time ever, youll be able to live at the mall.

Simon, the property owner of Fashion Valley, announced JCPenney is set to transform into hundreds of high-end residences.

The development would be on the far west end of the mall, nestled next to Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. The plan is to build 850 luxury homes, the first to ever be located inside the mall.

"We are always going to have people drawn to the Coast of California, San Diego as well," said Laurie MacDonald, President of the Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors. "If you want luxury, you go to Fashion Valley."

With major changes coming to one of San Diegos most iconic outdoor malls, your front yard could soon be steps away from Rolex, Dior and Dolce and Gabana.

"It's kinda fun to see the luxury, reminds me of Rodeo Drive, but not everyone can afford that," Hannah Lawrence said, who lives nearby.

Over the years, more and more storefronts became designer brands and soon theyll have the housing to match.

"This is the trend for any age group, people want walkability. I love what they're doing - creating more housing, in general is great. I wish there was more home ownership opportunities there because that's really what San Diego needs," she said.

With this growth, comes the end of an era for this JCPenney location.

"I've been going to JCPenney since I was a kid," Lawrence said.

"Retail is hard right now, with all of the online shopping," MacDonald added.

Simon, the property owner of Fashion Valley says the multi-million dollar investment will intertwine high-end housing with luxury boutiques - adding the redevelopment marks a new era of sophistication and convenient living.

The units are set to have "incomparable amenities and high end finishes." There are also plans for new restaurants and open green spaces.

"I was a little surprised, because they're building some apartments, right down the road. It's going to be a lot of traffic, so yep we'll see," Lawrence said.

Given San Diegos housing situation, I asked if a city ordinance will require any of the units to fall under the affordable housing category. In a nutshell, a certain percentage will have to be - otherwise the property owner, has to pay a fee. The City of San Diego added, they havent yet received an application for the project.

JCPenney is set to close next year, and then construction should be complete by the end of 2026.

WATCH RELATED: Westfield Mission Valley sold for $290 million, developer plans to add housing

View original post here:
Live inside a mall? | Fashion Valley to add 850 luxury homes - CBS News 8

In Birmingham, Alabama the residential enclave of Mountain Brook unfolds in a procession of monumental homes, most of them hailing from the 1920s and 30s in a pastiche of English styles. But one house literally stops people in their tracks.

Built a little over a decade ago, its a sublimely proportioned brick Georgian, strict as a sonnet and hemmed with enchanting gardens. People knock on its door to ask for paint colors. And while not quite as popular as Ariana Grande, the house has proved to be somewhat of an Instagram heavyweight.

This was all a major surprise to Caroline Gidiere, its owner and decorator who, early in the project, surmised to her architect that the whole town would probably whisper, Why is she building this grandma house?

Building it at all was serendipitous. She and her husband, Stephen, who she met in law school, had been house hunting avidly. One day, she looked at a house so dilapidated the eccentric owner led her in through its only functional opening: a side window. Thinking theyd found an intriguing fixer-upper, the Gidieres snapped it up. Then her architect and friend, James F. Carter, informed her that the half-collapsed pile was a teardown, well beyond saving.

Gidiere, who was still a lawyer at the time (one with unexpressed aesthetic yearnings), didnt bother getting upset. Instead, she told Carter what she wanted him to design in its place.

I wanted to do a riff on the George Wythe house, says Gidiere, who was raised in tiny Florence, Alabama, by parents whod taken her to Colonial Williamsburg every summer for 20 years. For at least the first 10, she spent those vacations beating flax into linen, dipping candles over a hot cauldron of beeswax, and envying friends whod gone to Disney World. But as it turns out, she was also busy storing up house plans, particularly of the majestically simple 1750s house built for Wythe, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

The symmetry and balance of it massages something deep in my brain, says Gidiere, a lifetime decorating devotee whose tastes run from Daniel Romualdez, Frances Elkins, and Renzo Mongiardino to Miles Redd and David Netto. So clear was her vision for the project that she scrapped plans to work with an interior designer and simply forged ahead with Carter on her own.

Gidiere favors timeless, traditional rooms but also exuberant pattern and color. In the foyer, Chinese blue-and-white exportware vases crowd the console. The living rooms sofas wear buoyant ruffled slipcovers in Colefax and Fowlers Bowood, a floral document fabric found in Englands Bowood Castle. The ruffles fraternize effortlessly with filigreed Kentian consoles and a quieter games table and chairs from the Paris Flea Market. Dining room walls are clad in frothy, hand-painted chinoiserie wallpaper, its background a saturated midtone green hovering between grass and olive. It cleverly covers the jib doors of four big closets where Gidiere stores tableware.

Her color palette veers close to the edge but never over it and always to joyous effect. The kitchen and family rooms lavender sofa with pale pink and aqua pillows next to a bright orange banquette sounds insane but isntand an equally vivid orange silk sari made into a pleated lampshade only amps up the charm. Next to hot-orange millwork, the bars ultratraditional built-in cabinetry stained chocolate brown surrenders up every iota of stuffiness.

So much color supports a truth about this house: that its a garden indoors and out, each part flowing easily into the other and both well used for entertaining and family life. Stephen worked closely with landscape architect Randy McDaniel to choose plants and has always taken care of everything. He hand-clips the dahlia garden, trains the espaliered hornbeams and fruit trees against the house, and barbers the myrtle topiaries scattered everywhere. Its his playground and stress reliever, she says.

Gidiere learned in the decorating that she could spend long hours on mundane tasks like choosing hardware and never consider it work. One December, Stephen secretly filed her incorporation, got her a decorating license, and put them in a box under the tree. She opened them up, and he said, Its time. She took the following year to wrap up her legal practice.

Unsurprisingly, Gidiere has more colorful and engaging work than she can handle these days. Beyond my wildest dreams! she says. Im blown away and grateful every day.

The front door and its Philip T. Shutzeinspired surround brings the entrance down to a more human scale, says architect James F. Carter.

Miniature English cream dachshund Buttercup offers a friendly welcome in the marble foyer. Regency lantern, Vaughan. A subtle Greek key motif nods to late Georgian/Regency influences with understated simplicity.

A bay window in the den makes way for a cozy breakfast banquette framed by the childrens artwork. Armchairs, Lee Industries.

Carter used horizontal wood paneling to draw a contrast between the den and the rest of the house. Its a graphic way to add lovely warmth, he notes.

A bluestone patio serves the back entry. Table and chairs, Fermob Luxembourg

Dark cabinetry makes the expansive combined kitchen and den at the back of the house feel cozier. A stainless steel countertop ensures a kinship between the island and the appliances, hood, and satin nickel hardware. Cabinetry paint, Off-Black by Farrow & Ball

Tucking tableware storage behind jib doors in the dining room ensures continuity for the showstopping silk de Gournay wallpaper. The table skirt fabric is by Elizabeth Eakins. Trim, Samuel & Sons. Chair upholstery, Les Indiennes and Schumacher

Antique glass and Chippendale fretwork give the built-in bar cabinetry beautiful historic character. Stained mahogany is framed in fiery orange trim (Lava by Porters Paints) and gold leaf ceiling paper (Phillip Jeffries). Pendant lighting, Visual Comfort & Co. Backsplash, Adelphi Paper Hangings

In the living room, a Regency game table and chairs (Paris Flea Market) are flanked by Chippendale mirrors. Abaca rug, Hiltz-Lauber. Lamps, Bungalow 5

The best thing you can have in a house is good natural light, says architect James F. Carter, who designed the living room with four pairs of French doors.

A rectangular shape brings a sense of intimacy to the formal seating area and its trio of slipcovered sofas. A pair of Louis XVI armchairs flank the central sofa; the lacquered coffee table is by Miles Redd for Ballard Designs. Sofas, Bungalow Classic. Slipcovers, custom

Faux book fronts epoxied to a jib closet door give the appearance of an intriguing secret passage.

The stair rail was inspired by the famed Chinese Chippendale design at Battersea, an 18th-century estate in Virginia.

Romantic English florals (Colefax and Fowler) envelop the first-floor guest room. The quilts are Provence market finds. Trim, Samuel & Sons. Four-poster beds, Ikea

A custom upholstered bed in the master bedroom is covered in a deep rose linen by Carolina Irving Textiles. Wall and drapery fabric, Dcors Barbares. Linens, D. Porthault

A petite greenhouse (Eden Brothers) is tucked behind a pleached American hornbeam arch.

Garden table linens, Paloma & Co. Rattan vases, Amanda Lindroth

Painted brickwork gives the classically inspired home a look more in line with its 1920s neighbors, says architect James F. Carter. I expected typical black shutters, but Caroline wanted to match the shade to the house, and I think that went a long way to making it look really fresh. The custom shade is similar to Gray Mist by Benjamin Moore.

Interior Design by Caroline Gidiere; Architecture by James F. Carter; Landscape Design by Randy McDaniel; Photography by Brian Woodcock Produced by Rachael Burrow

Go here to see the original:
Tour the Georgian-Style Alabama Home of Designer Caroline Gidiere - Veranda

Beautifully renovated ranch home in sought after Cannon Crossing. This 4 bdrm, 2.5 bath home boast hardwoods throughout the main, all new paint, lighting, blinds & door hardware. The massive kitchen has brand new SS appliances, hardware, granite, tile backsplash, eat-at bar overlooking the huge family room w/gas fireplace. Sunroom off kitchen. Lg. primary bdrm w/new carpet & huge renovated bath w/new tile, soaking tub, marble counters, under mount sinks, designer mirrors & lighting & lg. walk-in closet. 2 lg. secondary bdrms w/new carpet, hall bath w/new tile, quartz countertops, undermount sinks, designer mirrors & lighting. 4th bdrm/office has hardwood floors. Updated Laundry Rm. Updated powder room w/heavy molding, new vanity, mirror, lighting & hardware. The foyer & dining room boast new, heavy molding. The home sits on a corner lot across the street from the pool, clubhouse & playground & has extensive, mature landscaping & irrigation system. Walking distance to shopping center.

View More

View original post here:
Luxury homes on the market in Cabarrus County - Independent Tribune

Attention to detail is everywhere with this meticulously maintained home in the private Brompton Condo Community. Just move in enjoy this worry free 2 bd (possibly 3) 2.5 bath home. This home welcomes you with cathedral ceilings, an immaculate wide plank natural maple hardwood onto a beautiful bright great room with a gas fireplace. The front sitting room can be a possible den or bdrm. Gorgeous designer kitchen cabinets that overlook a beautiful serene park-like backyard. First floor owners suite includes tray ceiling, walk in California closet, soaking tub & huge jet shower. Also on the 1st floor is a lovely laundry room. Upstairs feature a large loft with a pristine full bath & bedroom. The original owner thought of everything; central AC (2022), sprinkler system, full house generator, water filtration, radon mitigation, security system ,central vacuum system. The HOA includes grass cutting all around, landscaping in front, water/sewer fee, garbage collection & snow removal up to front step, common area maintenance, common area taxes & insurance. This luxury home is situated on a quiet cul-de-sac & includes condo tax status, A must see! Also listed as a condo: B1489932.

View More

Read the original post:
Luxury homes on the market in Buffalo - Buffalo News

Beautifully renovated ranch home in sought after Cannon Crossing. This 4 bdrm, 2.5 bath home boast hardwoods throughout the main, all new paint, lighting, blinds & door hardware. The massive kitchen has brand new SS appliances, hardware, granite, tile backsplash, eat-at bar overlooking the huge family room w/gas fireplace. Sunroom off kitchen. Lg. primary bdrm w/new carpet & huge renovated bath w/new tile, soaking tub, marble counters, under mount sinks, designer mirrors & lighting & lg. walk-in closet. 2 lg. secondary bdrms w/new carpet, hall bath w/new tile, quartz countertops, undermount sinks, designer mirrors & lighting. 4th bdrm/office has hardwood floors. Updated Laundry Rm. Updated powder room w/heavy molding, new vanity, mirror, lighting & hardware. The foyer & dining room boast new, heavy molding. The home sits on a corner lot across the street from the pool, clubhouse & playground & has extensive, mature landscaping & irrigation system. Walking distance to shopping center.

View More

Read more from the original source:
Luxury homes on the market in Mooresville - Mooresville Tribune

 

Miami is an excellent place to call home, notes Simply Showing. However, if your home doesn't meet your needs, it may not feel like a glorious place to live. But you can take steps to make your home accommodate your needs, including those presented below by Home Builder Developer.

Convert That Spare Space

If you have a guest bedroom or an unfinished room downstairs, convert that area into the space you need, such as a playroom, an office, an entertainment area, or a yoga or reading space.

Consider designating half of the room to your home office, and use the rest of the room as a den for reading, complete with an adult-sized bean bag chair. On the other hand, you may want to convert the other part of the room into a playroom for your kids.

Here’s a nice bonus: If you make extensive renovations to your home during this process, be sure to keep accurate notes and save those receipts. Some of these changes may actually help increase how much your home is worth on the housing market.

Try Decluttering

You may find extra space in your home if you declutter. Then you can use that newfound room for any purpose. What’s more, decluttering is a great way to rid your home of stress and distraction, and goes a long way toward making your living space a more comfortable and inviting place to be.

Apartment Therapy suggests decluttering area by area. As you donate or throw away items, you can see the impact it has on that space. It may trigger you to continue to declutter the rest of your home, making even more space to do with as you please.

Give the Exterior of Your Home Some Love

The facade is the first impression your home makes. Maybe it's not fair, but it's just how humans are wired. Whether you're trying to sell your home or just want to maintain its curb appeal, it's important to keep the facade clean. Facade cleaning can be a big job, but there are several benefits that make it worth your while. First, a clean facade makes your home look well-maintained and cared for. This can help increase its value if you ever decide to sell. Second, it can help you avoid costly repairs by removing dirt, grime, and other debris that can cause damage over time. Finally, it's a great way to improve your home's curb appeal and make it more inviting for guests.

Use Shelving to Your Advantage

Whether you want to create your dream office, an entertainment space, a playroom, or a combination of all of these, use shelving to your benefit. When you have shelves in an office, entertainment space, or children's playroom, random items can be out of sight and out of mind. Plus, all the items in the room have designated locations, so you have an easier time keeping them organized, and you can use that space as a multipurpose room effortlessly.

Consider Refinishing Current Pieces

Do you have a crib that your child outgrew or a table you no longer use? Maybe you have a china cabinet that's sitting in your basement serving no purpose. You can repurpose any of these items to make them more practical for your needs.

For instance, you can convert a crib into a desk for your child. With a bit of work, that table can become a desk for your home office. The china cabinet can become a storage space for your children's toys or a showpiece for when you entertain.

Special Considerations for Your Home Office

If you're optimizing your space for a home office, keep the minimalist design concept in mind. With this style, you create a beautiful room with as few items as possible. Essentially, you limit items to avoid potential distractions to better manage your time. Other ways to maximize your time include getting organized and avoiding big time-wasters like getting on Facebook, surfing the web, and taking unnecessary calls.

Think About Buying or Renting a New Home

If nothing you do gets you closer to the office, playroom, or calming or entertainment space you desire, consider searching for a new home to purchase or rent. You can use the tips above to optimize that space.

Turn Your Space Into What You Need

You can turn a home that's inadequate for your needs into your dream home by keeping in mind a few simple tips — just don’t forget to make note of those changes in case you want to sell at some point down the road! On the other hand, it may be time to look for a new home that better suits your needs.

While most house hunters start with how many bedrooms they want, and what the kitchen and living room are like, the owner of this 18th-century home in an Oxfordshire village, in the UK, took an unconventional approach. Ailsa Richards is a garden designer and was far more concerned about the type of trees in the garden and whether there was scope to encourage everything from pollinators to hedgehogs into the outside space. She sees things from the outside in and so it was a 300-year-old yew tree and some gnarled old apple trees that sealed the deal on this house. No matter that the tiny two-bedroom cottage didn't have space for the growing family and that the main rooms had no view of the garden all those things could be put right over time.

Fourteen years later the house has more than doubled its footprint, with additions to the side and back. The interiors of the house, now one of the world's best homes, were inspired by its part-walled garden and the green space beyond it. The result is a harmonious and relaxing home, totally at one with its setting as the indoor and outdoor worlds merge in a soft palette of natural shades. Here's how it all came together.

(Image credit: Polly Eltes)

One of the key things in redesigning the interiors was to open up the house to the views of the garden. All the main living areas are now at the back. The new kitchen includes a beautiful bay window dining space with a custom-built banquette, perfect for admiring the garden and observing the changing seasons. From the new window seat you can see apple blossom in springtime, then swathes of hostas, hydrangeas, sedums and then seedheads and bronzed hornbeam in winter.

Kitchen ideas include a large island workspace, painted in Farrow & Ball's Stone Blue. Simple Shaker-style cabinets are topped with marble and customised with antique-style handles.

(Image credit: Polly Eltes)

A stainless steel range cooker has been fitted under a false chimney hood that conceals an extractor. Lustrous gray-blue tiles are arranged in an eye-catching herringbone pattern that echoes the herringbone flooring.

(Image credit: Polly Eltes)

This high-ceilinged family dining and living room space was part of the most recent phase of alterations to the house. Big picture windows were never part of the plan here, instead, steel framed doors frame the garden views, and add to the charm rather than revealing everything all at once. Dining room ideas for this busy family space include simple bench seats with a heavier, statement dark wood table.

At the far end of the room, living room ideas are focused on the new stone fireplace with a pair of striking orange sofas positioned to enjoy the fire, and bring out the natural tones of the wooden furniture and the flooring. A gallery display of botanical prints behind one of the sofas leaves no doubt as to the plant passion of this home's owner.

(Image credit: Polly Eltes)

If you're looking for home library ideas, there's plenty to inspire in this bright reading nook. The daybed window seat is set into a deep alcove, the perfect place to read a book, and enjoy the sounds and sights of the garden.

(Image credit: Polly Eltes)

Incorporated into the new kitchen extension, this handy space for muddy boots and outdoor gear was a must-have for its garden designer owner. Boot room ideas include smart bespoke cabinetry with pegs for coats and a bench seat and cupboard below for shoes and other outdoor clothing.

(Image credit: Polly Eltes)

Hallway ideas were about creating another room in this transitional space. Treasured family antiques the lampbase and settle seat give a homey look and have been updated with a new cushion and lampshade.

(Image credit: Polly Eltes)

At the other side of the hall, making the most of every inch, a small partners desk is the perfect fit under the stairs, and is paired with a characterful antique chair.

Staircase ideas worth borrowing from this calm space include the botanical-inspired wallpaper, Beech, from Lewis & Wood, and the neutral runner which complements the natural choices elsewhere in the home.

(Image credit: Polly Eltes)

Even the bedroom ideas in this house are inspired by nature. The calm scheme for this room under the eaves has a countryside flavor. The bedside chests and lamps were vintage finds, the dark wood furniture providing a deeper tone of brown that picks up on the earthy highlights of other accessories in the room.

(Image credit: Polly Eltes)

A garden designer's own garden is always going to be something special, and Ailsa's certainly is that. The wide plot is divided into separate 'rooms', so that you don't take in the whole vista in one glance. Tucked into one corner is a delightful shepherd's hut, built by Ailsa's husband Ben from scrap wood. The boundaries of the garden merge with the woodland beyond.

(Image credit: Polly Eltes)

For homeowner Ailsa, the interiors of the home relate to the garden, rather than the other way round. The garden always comes first.

All the changes to the house have been designed to make the garden the main focus. Originally a small cottage, built in the 1700s with just two bedrooms, the house is now more workable as a family home. Two phases of building work added three extra bedrooms and a lounge diner, and opened up the main living spaces to the garden at the back of the house.

Such was the importance of the old apple trees and that 300-year-old yew, that Ailsa surrounded them with protective frames to shield them from the worst of the building work. The trees live on, watching over the latest additions to this special home's story.

Feature: Karen DarlowPhotographs: Polly EltesGarden design: Ailsa Richards (opens in new tab)

Read more from the original source:
This garden designer's home focuses on the outdoor space | Country | - Homes & Gardens

Fashion designer Giorgio Armani and dozens of others were forced to flee from their vacation villas overnight as firefighters worked to extinguish the remnants of two wildfires on the Sicilian island of Pantelleria on Thursday.

A photo shows flames that appear to encroach on Armanis villa, but his press office said they stopped short of the property. Armani and guests evacuated to a boat in the harbor overnight.

The head of the regions civil protection agency, Salvatore Cocina, said arson is suspected in two wildfires that forced around 30 people to seek refuge in boats or on safer parts of the island. Firefighters used Canadair planes to douse the flames, along with ground teams to protect homes. Authorities said no structures appeared to have been lost.

The islands mayor, Vincenzo Campo, told the ANSA news agency two Canadairs were working on putting out the last flames on difficult terrain and that the wind had dropped off.

After the great fear of last evening and the night spent at work, Pantelleria is returning to normal, Campo said. It seems the worst is over.

Local officials appealed for any information that would help identify the cause of the blaze, which started in two points a quarter-mile apart.

Pantelleria, located between Sicily and the Tunisia, is a popular beach and trekking destination that includes ancient archaeological sites and natural geographic formations.

Read more here:
Armani, others flee wildfire on Sicilian island retreat - New York Post