Luxury Real Estate

Courtesy of Windsor

Vero Beach, FL (May 14, 2012) The Gallery at Windsor is pleased to present Christo & Jeanne-Claude, A Visual Study. On view will be original preparatory works by Christo (Javacheff) and Jeanne-Claude (de Guillebon), husband and wife artists who together created environmental artworks in urban and rural sites around the world. The study derived from the Weston Collection at Windsor, Vero Beach, bridges the gap between the artists and their projects, offering an account of the creative process involving some of the monumental projects undertaken between 1971 and 1998.

Christo, originally from Bulgaria and Jeanne-Claude, originally from Morocco of a French military family, seemed destined to live and create together, as they were born on the same day in 1935. Christo studied art in Sofia and in Prague. Jeanne-Claude studied Latin and philosophy in Tunis. They met in Paris in 1958 and went on to create an impressive body of large scale, deliberately temporary works together.

Throughout their 51-year relationship, they paid all expenses associated with their artworks, including planning, construction, and de-construction, partly from the sale of Christo's preliminary drawings, early works from the 1950's and 1960's, and lithographs. They accepted no contributions, grants or other financial assistance, preferring to make their decisions separate from any potential influence of financial backers. Their works involved years of planning, meetings and hearings held by governments and communities for approval of their projects.

The collection is available for viewing by appointment from May 15 through the end of July, 2012.

Visitor Information:

Christo and Jeanne Claude, A Visual Study
Dates: May 15, 2012 – July 31, 2012
Venue: The Gallery at Windsor, 3125 Windsor Boulevard, Vero Beach Florida, 32963
Visiting Times: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 AM to 3 PM by appointment
Entry: Visitors to contact 772 388 4071 to arrange their visit or gallery@windsorflorida.com
www.windsorflorida.com/gallery

For additional information, please contact: Harriet Weintraub of Harriet Weintraub PR hweintraub@hwpr.com or Jane Smalley of Windsor jane.smalley@windsorflorida.com

About Windsor

Founded in 2002, The Gallery at Windsor is an independent art space. The Gallery, which is home to important works from the George Weston Collection, invites curators to respond to the space with museum quality shows of contemporary paintings, works on paper and photography. The Gallery has exhibited works by leading contemporary artists including Peter Doig, Bruce Weber and Nan Bush, Ed Ruscha, Christo and Jeanne-Claude, Alex Katz, Tony Scherman, and most recently Beatriz Milhazes, the first exhibition in the Gallery’s curatorial partnership with the Whitechapel Gallery in London.

Windsor (www.windsorflorida.com) is a private residential community spanning 416 acres of lush barrier island between the Indian River and the Atlantic Ocean in Vero Beach, Florida. Established in 1989 by Hilary and W. Galen Weston of Toronto, Canada, Windsor was designed by renowned town planners Andrés Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk following the New Urbanism principles of urban design.

Courtesy of Staci Caplan and Michael Humphrey of Sterling Properties

When picturing the life of luxury in idyllic Santa Barbara, many things come to mind - the beautiful beaches, various micro-climates, luxury homes and estates, prestigious neighborhoods such as Montecito and Hope Ranch, luxury resorts like The Biltmore Santa Barbara and The Bacara...and of course visiting the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club! Finally, polo season has arrived, and we're looking forward to an exciting summer at the club!

The Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club holds a special place in our city's rich history and was in fact the third polo club to be opened in the United States. Polo matches were held as early as 1894 in Santa Barbara, even before the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club was established in 1911. Ever since, the world renowned club has drawn luxury lifestylers and celebrities from around the world (even Charlie Chaplin!). The club is held in such high regard that it was the first stop that the newly married Prince William and Princess Catherine made in the United States after the royal wedding. It is without a doubt the premiere polo facility in the western United States, and has had the honor of hosting the most prestigious event in polo, the Federation of International Polo World Championship. In addition to such prestigious events, the Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club hosts intercollegiate and interscholastic tournaments.

Although non-members are invited to watch the many matches and tournaments, members of the club enjoy many additional luxury amenities. The Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club has truly incredible facilities, including three lush, meticulously maintained playing fields - some of the best in the world. Members can enjoy watching the games from the comfort of a luxury field side cabana, with room for up to 10 guests and catering services. The exclusive Clubhouse, also established in 1911, serves gourmet cuisine and refreshments and the Sunday Brunch and wine tastings are not to be missed! In addition, the club also has a world-class fitness center and tennis courts.

If you’re in town searching for your perfect luxury home or simply enjoying a relaxing visit to the coast, a visit to The Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club should definitely be on your list of things to do this summer!

Courtesy of Zephyr Real Estate

San Francisco, CA - May 9, 2012 - One of San Francisco's historic Painted Ladies on Postcard Row has just been listed on the market. The First Lady is now available for the first time in nearly 20 years. The iconic home at 710 Steiner Street last sold in 1993 for $575,000. To mark the occasion, Bonnie Spindler, Zephyr's Victorian Specialist, is hosting a champagne reception on Monday, May 14, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

The Painted Ladies, together one of the City's most recognizable landmarks, are located across from Alamo Square on Steiner near Hayes. Featured in numerous photos, souvenirs, advertisements and films, the ladies are also called Postcard Row and feature some of the finest examples of Victorian architecture around. The seven Ladies were the project of Matthew Kavanagh, who built them between 1892 and 1896, reserving the northernmost dwelling for himself.

The home now on the market boasts four levels and features five bedrooms, two and one-half baths, large closets, laundry facilities, three vintage fireplaces, a brick patio, private yard with redwood trees and Australian ferns, a two-car garage, and three decks with lovely downtown views. The triple parlor is perfect for entertaining and embracing the lifestyle so richly represented. Elegant touches such as the inlaid floors, skylight and dramatic chandeliers distinguish this Lady from her sisters.

A photographic tour and detailed features and amenities can be viewed at http://www.710Steiner.com. This home is listed at $2,295,000.

"I am so excited to be working with another of the Painted Ladies," commented Bonnie Spindler. "They epitomize the Victorian style that's so much a part of what I do, and I love matching up the ideal owner with one of these very special homes."

Bonnie Spindler, Zephyr's all-time top residential sales agent, is known throughout the area as the Victorian Specialist and, in fact, resides in a Victorian herself. She is active in her community and has served as President and on the board of the Alamo Square Neighborhood Association as well as a host of other affiliations. She is a member in good standing with the San Francisco, California and National Associations of REALTORS. She may be reached at (415) 474-4445 or by email at victorianspecialist@bonniespindler.com.

About Zephyr Real Estate

Founded in 1978, Zephyr Real Estate is San Francisco's largest independent real estate firm with $1 billion in annual gross sales in 2011 and a current roster of more than 200 full-time agents. In 2010, Zephyr launched its new website, which has earned three web design awards, including the prestigious WebAward for Outstanding Website from the Web Marketing Association. Zephyr Real Estate is a member of the international relocation network, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World; the luxury real estate network, Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate; and the local luxury marketing association, the Luxury Marketing Council of San Francisco. Zephyr has six strategically located offices in San Francisco, a business center in Marin County, and serves a large customer base throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. For more information, visit www.zephyrsf.com.

Courtesy of Frederick Peters, President of Warburg Realty

Buyers, sellers, and agents struggle to work effectively in stratified real estate markets. We have such a market at the moment in New York. Because one segment of the market is not necessarily behaving like another, it can be challenging for everyone to understand how value fluctuates from price point to price point. Reporters avid for an interesting story can just make the problem worse. So I will try here to deconstruct what my agents and I are seeing on the ground:

At the top of the market, unique co-op properties in good condition are frequently selling quickly with competitive bidding. That said, this surge in the $15,000,000 and up market is by no means comprehensive. There are also many properties, actually MORE than those that rush out the door with competitive bids after two weeks, which are remaining on the market for six, ten, even fourteen months. Many are beautiful apartments in top buildings on Fifth and Park Avenues. Why are they staying on the market for so long? Perhaps they don’t have outdoor space. Perhaps they need renovation. Perhaps they are not on high floors. Perhaps they are just too expensive. Unfortunately, the press is filled with stories of top prices and bidding wars for billionaires. So all ultra luxury sellers believe that this is going to happen for them. More often than not, it doesn’t. Even in this range, most apartments are still boundaried by market considerations. So if it’s too expensive, or needs too much work, or doesn’t have great views, it can as easily sit on the market at $22,000,000 as at $2,000,000.

One more thing: if you are a seller contemplating listing your property, PLEASE do not be taken in by the hype which seems to be circulating in the marketplace and the press about “whisper listings.” It simply does not make sense for ANY seller who hopes to achieve the best price to limit access to just a few brokers to whom the information is “whispered.” No seller ever knows where his buyer will come from. Only by opening the listing to everyone (and making sure that a skilled broker has been hired to pre-screen) can any seller ever be sure of achieving the highest possible price.

Sellers are struggling even more to determine how to price their properties in the $3M to $7M range. Only a year ago, these co-ops were flying out the door. Now this marketplace has slowed dramatically and the buyers are much more cautious. Whether that is attributable to job insecurity, bonus anxiety, or overall second-decade-of-the-new-millennium malaise, many of these desirable six, seven, and eight room apartments are going for 10% less than they would have commanded a year ago. Sellers find this hard to understand, and it IS hard to understand! Sure, many of these units have been heavily used by the current owners and need refurbishing. But still, the economy looks better than it did a year ago. Stocks are higher. Employment is (slightly) better. Nonetheless, in this segment of the market buyers rule. They kick the tires of every available apartment. They bid low. They get cold feet. And finally, the apartments which sell are those with sellers who capitulate to the changed reality.

So here’s my parting advice for buyers and sellers alike; DON’T believe everything you read in the newspapers. Generally the trends which are being reported, based on closed sales on which deals were made 60 or 90 or 120 days before, are already old, outdated news. And reporters are looking for zippy stories. That is their job. And it is much more exciting the write about the $35M “whisper” listing which is creating buzz than the eight or ten other listings which have lingered for months. In the end, unique, special outliers aside, most properties in every price range respond to market forces. Those forces are complex, nuanced, and highly changeable. But they CAN be understood and interpreted by expert agents. Or…just read my blog!

You can read more on www.warburgrealty.com/blog.

Courtesy of Harry Norman, REALTORS®

The “Mitchell House” is an integral part of Atlanta’s history and is one of Buckhead’s grand estates. Originally built in 1929 by the president of Georgia Power Co., the “Mitchell House” was recently featured in a new nationally created program called ”Garden Dialogues”. The program, which debuted in Atlanta on April 15^th, offers exclusive access for small groups to experience some of today’s most beautiful gardens created by some of today’s most accomplished designers. 3015 Andrews Drive was one of four homes featured.

View this video tour for your own exclusive access to see one of Atlanta’s treasured homes and properties.

Courtesy of Rimontgó

From Thursday 19^th until Sunday 22^nd of April, real estate professionals flocked to the Spring SIMA (Salón Inmobilario Internacional de Madrid) convention at the Feria de Madrid, Centro de Convenciones Sur. As always, it offered an excellent opportunity not only to catch up with fellow property professionals but also to learn about the latest industry trends.

Rimontgó was represented by its director, José Ribes Bas, and Sales and Marketing manager of the Valencia office, Cristina Martínez, who reported that the mood was upbeat as the attendees gathered to exchange views and find out about the latest trends and tendencies in the market.

According to a representative from Planner Reed, the organisers of the fair: “visitor numbers exceeded the expectations of both the organisers and exhibitors, with many interested in making a purchase having, according to reports, informed themselves in advance with regard to properties on offer at the fair. International exhibitors also made their presence felt, including Uruguay, SIMA’s special guest country, whose substantial delegation was led by the Vice-President of the Republic of Uruguay, Danilo Astori, promoting the country as a destination for real estate investment, accompanied by the likes of Enrique Iglesias, the Iberian-American Secretary General, Héctor Lescano, the Minister of Tourism and Sport, and Carlos Pita, the Uruguayan Ambassador to Spain.”

There was a great deal of interest in the programme of seminars and on Friday the 20^th in particular, as the focus turned to attracting Russian buyers. DªAlma Anita Tablada of Property Worldwide Moscow delivered a very interesting and informative presentation on the challenges posed by the necessity for Spanish property companies to cast their nets as far as Eastern Europe. Describing Spain as Russia's “ideal partner” in terms of being a location that is desirable to wealthy Russian investors looking for holiday homes in the warmest part of Europe, Dª Alma made some very helpful suggestions as to how businesses might most efficiently tap into the burgeoning Russian market.

Other countries highlighted at SIMA's Spring convention were Uruguay, Brazil and the United States of America, in particular the Miami area.

All businesses these days are obliged to look beyond their national borders in order not only to maintain their economic health, but to advance it, and the Rimontgó team is especially keen to keep up with all the latest information and trends from the constantly moving and expanding world of international property.

Courtesy of Frederick Peters, President of Warburg Realty

In art and movies of the thirties and forties, the quintessential depiction of loneliness is often the same: a man or a woman framed in a pool of light inside an apartment building window in a soulless urban environment. There is no place, the message seems to be, where you are more alone than in the big city. And what city is bigger or more indifferent than New York? It is thus one of the particular pleasures of a career as a residential agent in New York that today, we sell community as much as property.

Over the last twenty years co-ops have become more and more focused on creating internal communities. Buildings have in-house newsletters. There are Board committees which plan internal events. Annual or semi-annual cocktail parties in the lobby bring residents together, as do Halloween parties and chance encounters in the gym or the yoga room or the playroom or the library. Today there is a context for the neighbor you see in the elevator: you have almost certainly seen them around the building SOMEWHERE before.

As a child growing up in a New York co-op I experienced none of this. There were no gyms in the co-ops (of course, there were more or less no gyms, period, except in schools.) There were certainly no playrooms where the kids became friends. Basements were devoted first to coal storage, then simply underutilized by building residents, who would only go downstairs to visit their storage areas or use the laundry machines. Not much community building there!

Over the years the buildings gradually perceived an opportunity to make their residents not only happier, but also more united and cohesive. Co-owners do have shared interest in the value of their investment, and increasingly they also share pride in the quality of their home environment. These buildings have become real vertical villages, with the elevators and lobby the equivalent of sidewalks, the gyms, libraries, and playrooms standing in for shops and clubs where like-minded people encounter one another. And like any village it is all overseen by an elected group of residents, making decisions for the public good.

An interesting sidebar to this community building is that it works much better in co-ops than condominiums. While condos, especially the newer ones, may have spectacular amenities, the presence of part time residents and investors among the ownership ranks more or less guarantees both chronically empty apartments and a substantial transient population of renters rather than owners. Short term renters will, by definition, be less community oriented, less concerned about property values, and more indifferent to the comfort of their fellow tenants.

As agents, we are frequently frustrated by the judgments of co-op Boards, which can sometimes seem (and be) arbitrary. But we are also aware that, in addition to safeguarding the financial stability of their buildings and, by extension, our entire real estate market, these buildings provide an oasis of small town connection amidst the chaos of our urban lives.

You can read more on www.warburgrealty.com/blog.

Courtesy of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON (May 1, 2012) – Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty, Downtown Seattle’s Leading Luxury Real Estate Firm will host Sotheby’s Vice-Chairman of Asian Art, Henry Howard-Sneyd, for a private valuation of Chinese Works of Art at an event open to the public on May 3.

China has emerged as the largest consumer in the world for luxury goods and high-priced artworks. Since Sotheby’s held its first auction of Chinese Art in London in 1922, the department has gone from strength to strength, with sales held twice yearly in four salerooms: London, New York, Hong Kong and Paris. A robust, global category, Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art sales have attracted as many as 1,200 bidders from 47 countries in recent seasons. Collectors have spent more than $1.1 billion on Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art at Sotheby’s during the past five years.

The Vice-Chairman of Asian Art, Henry Howard-Sneyd has targeted Seattle as an important market for consignment of Chinese Fine Works of Art and already boasts an established clientele of art connoisseurs in the local area. This week’s event will broaden the awareness of Sotheby’s growing interest in Asian art with their hosting of an opening to the public; offering an exclusive opportunity to bring in individual art works for a complimentary appraisal and consideration as an auction consignment. The event will be occurring one day only, Thursday, May 3, 10am – 5pm. Private appointments only. Please call 1 212 606 7332 to schedule a confidential appointment.

What: Sotheby’s Art Sweep – An Invitation to Consign Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art

Where: Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty Residential & Resort Showroom, 2715 First Avenue, Seattle

When: Thursday, May 3, 10am – 5pm

Who: Henry Howard-Sneyd, Sotheby’s Vice-Chairman Asian Art

About Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty

Realogics Brokerage, LLC (DBA Realogics Sotheby's International Realty) has emerged as a leading sales and marketing company in the Seattle area. The company’s mission is to provide excellence into the resale marketplace including multi-family, single family and now resort residences throughout the state of Washington. Managed by Realogics, Inc., the collective presents a fully integrated real estate solution comprised of market research, product development, full-service marketing and sales. The Realogics Group of Companies owns a long-term franchise within the Sotheby’s International Realty network. Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty is independently owned and operated by Realogics, Inc. www.RealogicsSothebysRealty.com.

About Sotheby’s, Chinese Ceramics and Fine Works of Art

Chinese Ceramics and Fine Works of Art is a department that offers great masterpieces of Chinese Art for auction. Sales include a wide range of works, such as ceramics, jades, ivory and rhinoceros horn carvings, furniture, bronzes, sculptures, paintings and clocks from the Neolithic period to the Qing dynasties. Sotheby’s international team has cultivated strong relationships with the key collectors in the field, as evidenced by the number of important private collections that have been entrusted to them for sale, amongst them The Meiyintang Collection, Property from J.T. Tai and Co., The Collection of Carl Kempe and The Estate of Emile Guimet. Recent successes include the extraordinary prices of $18 million for a Famille-Rose Floral Medallion Bottle Vase, $15.8 million for a Massive Imperial White Jade "Xintian Zhuren" Seal, the record-breaking 22-million for an Outstanding Blue and White Vase with Fruit Sprays, Meiping Ming Dynasty, Yongle Period and $26.6 million for an Outstanding Ru Guanyao Lobed Brush Washer, which set the world auction record for Song ceramics. Learn more about this department in Records & Results. www.Sothebys.com

Courtesy of Harry Norman, REALTORS^®

ATLANTA, GA – A historic Neel Reid-home was featured during the Druid Hills Home and Garden Tour & Artist Market, April 20-22. The tour celebrated the beauty, tradition and future of the Druid Hills neighborhood.

Reid, a beloved Atlanta architect, was strongly influenced by the American Renaissance. One of the homes on the five-home tour, 857 Oakdale Road NE, was designed by Reid in 1916 and completed in 1918 for real estate magnate Forrest Adair of Adair Realty for $8,000.

Purchased in 1989 by Evan Lindsay and Dr. Nancy Cox, the home underwent nearly 20 years of renovations until its premier at the 2008 Druid Hills Home and Garden Tour. In 2009, Oakdale was struck by lightning and caught fire—completely destroying its interior. During the 25-month rebuilding, homeowners stayed with Harry Norman, REALTORS® agent Travis Reed. And with the addition of two complete floors, the once two-story tutor is now four-stories high—featuring the best of the original designs with many contemporary refinements found in new homes.

In addition to touring the home, guests were able to view paintings by local artists, white jade from China, antiques from around the world, Memluk and Hereke rugs from Istanbul and light fixtures from Turkey, all collected over the years by the homeowners.

Oakdale had all four floors accessible to the public for viewing during and tour and was both sponsored and staffed by Harry Norman. It was the only Neel Reid home on this year’s tour.

Proceeds from the tour and the market benefited the Druid Hills neighborhood, Frederick Law Olmsted’s preserved residential suburb, by supporting all aspects of historic preservation, including contributing to the preservation and development of green spaces in this renowned National Register district.

Interview available upon request.

About Harry Norman, REALTORS^®

Founded in 1930, Harry Norman, REALTORS ^® is Atlanta’s oldest and largest residential real estate firm with 12 sales offices, various franchise and satellite offices, and more than 1,000 real estate professionals. Harry Norman, REALTORS ^® is a wholly-owned subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Harry Norman, REALTORS ^® is the exclusive Atlanta affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate and achieves additional international exposure through membership in such exclusive real estate networks as Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®. More information is available at www.harrynorman.com.

Courtesy of Kentwood City Properties

DENVER – Jamie and Brian Harris of Kentwood City Properties have listed a grand, three-story Queen Anne Victorian home in Denver showcasing a complete renovation throughout, plus a priceless and very colorful history. Located at 214 S. Lincoln Street, the home is highlighted by modern, high quality appointments complimented by original woodwork and hand-carved trim, and a great location near Washington Park.

This impressive home’s first occupant was William Fitz Randolph Mills, a key political figure who brought the 1908 National Democratic Convention to Denver. Mills was also a very influential part of Mayor Speer’s “city beautiful” project that was instrumental in the construction of Civic Center Park, Denver Mountain Parks, expansion of The Denver Zoo, and The Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Mills became Denver’s Mayor in 1918.

This beautifully remodeled Victorian was also owned by William H. Smiley, a national leader in education and influential Denver principal and administrator, and William E. Mills, long-time editor of the Denver Sun newspaper.

Built in 1890, the home offers three bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths, a two-car detached garage, and 2,965 finished square feet. Priced at $575,000, the owners will enjoy hardwood floors on all levels, a gorgeous master suite with elegant five-piece bath, and a cozy fireplace in the main floor parlor. The modern kitchen is appointed with soapstone countertops, a slab granite island with halogen pendant lighting, and high quality Viking and Bosch stainless steel appliances.

The third level can serve perfectly as an exercise room, home office, guest room, or entertainment room. Finishes include Hansgrohe fixtures, Venetian plaster, original and renovated stained glass, and renovated antique light fixtures. The home includes central air-conditioning, complete wiring for internet and sound, and energy-efficient windows.

In addition to the complete interior finish updates, all electrical, plumbing, heating, windows, and insulation have been updated offering a “historic house feel” with all of the modern comforts and conveniences. The charming back yard is perfect for entertaining with a distinctive pergola, lush grape vines, and mature shade trees.

The fortunate buyers will enjoy close proximity to Washington Park, a wide variety of restaurants, and light rail. The historic neighborhood is known for its historical homes, charm, and pleasant lifestyle that is reminiscent of a bygone era when time seemed to pass more slowly.

For more information on this grand Queen Anne Victorian home and to schedule a personal tour, contact Brian Harris at 303-870-2489, email harris@kentwoodcity.com, and Jamie Harris at 303-870-3994, email jamie@kentwoodcity.com. Additional information is available online at www.HarrisTeamDenver.com.

Kentwood City Properties, formed in 1999, is the newest member of Kentwood Real Estate, known nationally as Denver’s premier real estate company. The company’s street-front office at the corner of 17^th and Wynkoop streets, directly across the street from Union Station, is comprised of 50 of metro Denver’s most experienced real estate professionals serving residential buyers, sellers, and developers and commercial real estate services for buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants. For more information phone 303-820-CITY (2489), and visit online at www.kentwoodcity.com.

Kentwood Real Estate is comprised of Kentwood City Properties, The Kentwood Company at Cherry Creek, and The Kentwood Company in the Denver Tech Center. View all Kentwood listings at www.DenverRealEstate.com.