Luxury Real Estate

By: Weichert Realtors Points East Properties

The city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire is at its best as it hosts a notable celebration of Independence Day with great events spanning the week leading up to the 4^th of July. This annual historical celebration has a parade, fireworks, living history reenactments, music, and great food.

Portsmouth or Strawbery Banke as it is historical known is well known for its great shopping, fine dining, historical landmarks, and seaport. The intimate community offers a full array of luxury real estate options allowing savvy investors, second home owners, retirees, and even primary home owners a chance to take in this beautiful town and experience the great amenities first hand.

Happy 4^th of July! Don’t hesitate to come visit us in Portsmouth this summer.

By John Hodnett of Lila Delman Real Estate

Coastal Life, Volume 5 Issue 9, 2009, by Nicole Bouchard, Exclusive to Coastal Life

With their captivating water views, temperate seasons and proximity to Boston and New York, the areas of Newport, Narragansett, Jamestown and Watch Hill have been coveted vacation spots since the mid-1800's.

The Gilded Age settled comfortably in Rhode Island as the well-traveled elite sought opulent summer homes along the water, away from their demanding high profile city lives. Bringing with them the styles and trappings of Europe, the prominent families sought to create their own petit-Versaillle in the midst of a quiet waterfront oasis. With great emphasis on skilled preservation, these whimsical, palace-like structures remain as the areas grow and change, incorporating modern architecture, imaginative fine cuisine, artistic shops and elite galleries, all with reverence to both the past and the future.

In the playroom of their Narragansett home in 1964, Lila Delman founded what would become a family legacy and a Rhode Island trademark of luxuriant real estate. Lila's affinity for upscale properties, beautiful art and antiques with stories behind them combined with her business zeal to found a firm that educated itself about the e historical architectural treasures that Rhode Island had to offer. When asked how her mother came by these interests and talents, her daughter Melanie, who is now the President of the firm, explained that it all came purely as though by instinct. "She harbored a natural curiosity towards those areas of interest. She was naturally artistic, naturally inclined toward historic homes and she had a very special, unique eye for beauty with a sincere appreciation of it." The firm has grown substantially to include four offices and takes part in helping international clients transition here or local clients move abroad.

In understanding the draw of the Rhode Island coastline and following the trends from the Gilded Age to the current market, there are the classic elements to consider as well as the regional growth and development in more recent years. For the genteel society of the late 1800's and early 1900's America's "royalty," this region had a quiet charm, a sense of being away without truly being away so that husbands could stay on top of business in Boston and New York, varied social character, prestige, and offered more for their money. The Beaux-arts architecture brought to the region in the nineteenth century defined a nation. Italinate, Neo-Renaissance and French Baroque styles lent an artistry to the landscape which had yet to be seen before this period. Lavish details with little expense spared adorned the magnificent structures embodying the feelings of the time. When asked which of the historic properties she has represented was her favorite, Ms. Delman responded, "I have seen some truly magnificent properties over the years. Just as with your own children, you can't really pick a favorite when considering these homes. Each has a unique personality."

It is very true that each historic residence possess an individual charm; they each have a unique quality that features and discerns them like characters in a novel. Though many famous architects worked to design the various masterpieces that immortalize the history surrounding them, Richard Morris Hunt stands out amongst them. The Beaux-arts architecture was brought to the region by Hunt, the first American student of the Ecole des Beaux-arts. While mentoring in France, he was allowed to supervise work on the Louvre Museum which was being renovated for Napoleon III at that time, as well as design the Pavilion de la Bibliotheque located in proximity to the Palais-Royal. Once in Newport his vibrant personality and humor drew him many elite friendships. One myth surrounding his career stated that as he was finishing a Vanderbilt mansion, he found a tall, covered figure in a ballroom. Pulling away the material, he saw that it was a handsome statue of himself, made by the stonecutters working on the property to honor him. Ralph Waldo Emerson delighted in Hunt's unpretentious, engaging manner which was paired with an extremely intelligent, artistic mind. Hunt's work extended not only throughout Newport, (Marble House, Wrentham House, Beechwood, Ochre Court, Belcourt Castle, The Breakers) but also to North Carolina in the form of the Biltmore Estate, the biggest private mansion in the country, and to New York (the base of The Statue of Liberty and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.) In his obituary which appeared in The New York Times, August 1st, 1895, he was hailed for having rendered the most influence on domestic design, having been as excellent mentor to his pupils in America and abroad, having been unselfish as an individual and certainly one of the most prodigious, successful mine of his profession. His style was thought to be "elegant" and "free" which is a fair indication of the creativity he used in his designs.

On the famous Bellevue Avenue, rests an ideal example, Beechwood was originally built for a merchant named Daniel Parrish. The house was later purchased by the Astor's who hired Hunt to revitalize the property which they bought in 1881. The two million spent on the revival of the home culminated in memorable elegance as displayed in the nautical ball room,. It was made to have the glittering affect of light on the water with its eight hundred panes of glass, mirrored walls, crystal chandeliers and the flowing patterned waves of French flooring. Caroline Astor was proclaimed to be the "Queen of American Society." Her summer balls were the social event of the season . She retired from public life in 1906 with a whirling collection o twenty-five summer seasons filled with lively memories behind her,. It was her son, John Jacob Astor IV, who rode aboard the luxurious, yet ill-fated ocean liner Titantic. The property continues to inspire with a rich history, having inspired musicians and Hollywood directors alike.

Another of the historic gems is The Wrentham House. Also an artistic tribute to Hunt with his unique aesthetic sense and craftsmanship, this home was built in 1891 for J. R. Busk who, along with his swift boat, Mischief, defended America's Cup with his skills as world-class sailor. At the highest point on Ocean Avenue, it features water views from every room. With turrets, a prominent cathedral ceiling, arches and exposed woodwork, this property has impressions of Northern France, particularly the lines found in the architecture of Normandy. Here, the impressive modern amenities begin the transition from the past to the present. A multi-level home theater and central air entice another page of time to be filled with new experiences.

The modern landscape intricately intertwines both historical and contemporary architecture. Therein lies a diversity that also plays a factor in attracting buyers to Southern New England. Discussing this unique diversity, Ms. Delman states: "In many of the older homes, the artwork and furniture are not the original pieces. Each owner of the home has different personality, style and decor. The exteriors are preserved, however, so that they have a charming authenticity to them. These homes are timeless. In terms of the emergence of the modern architecture, I think it gives an individual so much to choose from amongst these complimentary designs of new and old along the coastline. There are no cookie cutter layouts and people can mix styles, choosing various stimuli. Historic home might display modern art while modern homes might showcase antiques."

As the area is again drawing the elite, offering fine schools, art communities, culinary pearls, and the beauty of sea-side locale without over-abundant traffic, more and more prominent names are settling into the Rhode Island coastal region, seeing it as an endearing option. Property values still allow buyers to get more for their money as opposed to property values in the Hampton's. Easy access to the major cities and the smooth breezes off the water are causing many to not only view the region as a summering spot, but also a promising opportunity for a year-round residence.

In the instance of Hollywood actress, Anne Archer, (featured in major motion films such as Fatal Attraction, Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger) she and husband Terry Jastrow, an executive producer of six Olympic games, chose a new townhouse located in Carnegie Abbey Club in 2003. The Carnegie Abbey Club is one of the finest golf and sporting clubs in the country. In the Clubhouse is the couple's 1,592 sq. foot townhouse whose design is meant to capture both west facing views of Narragansett Bay and the two east facing views of the extensive golf course. The interior suggests the theme of the a super-luxury yacht. As a result of frequent famous visitor/residents, individuals choosing primary residences, year-round entrepreneurs 'setting up shop,.' cultural and recreational amenities, the atmosphere of the region doesn't change seasonally to the extent that some summer locations do. There remains a sophisticated continuity. Additionally, education plays an important factor. Salve Regina University in Newport, RI not only has impressive collegiate programs, but features speakers such as His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who hold vastly important world roles. Portsmouth Abbey, in near proximity to Narragansett Bay, is a prestigious learning facility which has a day school and serves also as a boarding school. St. George's school in Newport has been five star rated by parents of attending students.

In terms of culinary delights, Newport has many, yet Ocean Cliff Resort, which was designed by the Boston firm Peabody & Sterns who also designed the original Breakers Mansion and Doris Duke's Rough Point has entrancing Safari Restaurant and Lounge. Fine cuisine, breath-taking views and excellent live music on Sundays with dancing make this restaurant an unforgettable experience. For Jamestown, the Victorian Bay Voyage Inn has stained glass windows looking out onto the bay and the gourmet fare features international dishes. One of the things that is most coveted by those who frequent Bay Voyage Inn is the famous Sunday brunch. In Narragansett, the Coast Guard House, which is listed on the national register of historic landmarks, serves up history, exemplary cuisine, oceanfront views and entertainment.

Art galleries and museums are prominent along the Rhode Island coastline and the expansion of the performing arts adds to the eclectic atmosphere. The Opera house, the jazz, folk and classical music festivals join visual beauty in the picturesque waterfront settings with engaging sound and often powerful words sewn into lyrics. Words as an art form have many roots along the Rhode Island coast through inspired musicians and providing backdrops for written works translated to film such as the adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby which was partially filmed at Rosecliff and Marble House. It would be fitting then that the nineteenth century architects who worked to shape the face of the area aspired to not only elements of the Renaissance styles, but also the expression of humanism which was to speak well and write well.

A modern extension of thatt15th century principle made local is perhaps evident in what is referred to on the Lila Delman Real Estate website as Lila's Blog, containing intriguing entries about synchronicity such as "Lost and Found", "Only in RI", the entry with Emily Dickenson's poetry as nearly an ode to one of the estates, and the thought-provoking entries posted by Liz Marchi which evoke the most serendipitous feel concerning Hunt and Wrentham House. With her artistic passions, its very conceivable that Lila would enjoy her aptly named blog. Aside from their associations with Christie's and prestigious brokerage firms internationally, it is interesting to find that the firm features the creative aspects of their agents which is in keeping with many of the inspiring properties they represent. Asked what she loves most about her profession, Ms. Delman replied, "I get tremendous satisfaction from what I do because this is where I live-I'm not promoting something I don't believe in and when we serve in an advisory or consulting role, we are comfortable in our skin, pointing out attributes that we experience on a day-to-day basis."

New England, as a whole, features numerous incredible waterfront communities and short travel distance to nearly everything one could desire. It has inspired many generations past and will continue to inspire the future. Carving out a distinguished spot for itself is the coastline of Rhode Island which highlights a space in time and continues to grow with the Gilded Age mindset framed in the pursuit of excellence.

Perry & Co. Vice President Jon Larrance has been nominated for the Denver Board of Realtors‘ 2009 Director Election. Denver Board of Realtors’ members, primary or secondary, in good standing will elect three Directors for three year terms, which run from October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2012. The DBR Director election will take place July 15, 2009.

The following candidates have been selected by the Nominating Committee and approved by the current Board of Directors.

• Jetta Brouker, ZipRealty
• Tony Cline, Cliffdwellers
• Greg Geller, Vision Real Estate
• Jon Larrance, Perry & Co.
• Charles Roberts, Your Castle
• Ellen Smirnoff, Keller Williams DTC
• Vafa Sohi, Luxe Group

Congratulations to all the candidates! Candidate bios and photos will be included in the July 2009 issue of The Denver REALTOR® newsletter. Ballots will be mailed and emailed at the end of June 2009.

Campaign Statement: "I joined Perry & Co. in 2002 as the Director of Technologies, which was a perfect fit after 14 years as Owner of a video and web production business during which I wrote and produced over 100 real estate training videos and dozens of real estate company websites. I am a second generation Denver native and a second generation Realtor®.

"In my current position at Perry & Co. as Vice President, my responsibilities include staff management, relocation, training, and IT. I am active in Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate as an Executive Director on the Board of Regents, and the Denver Board of Realtors’ Ethics Committee. I routinely teach technology classes to the Who's Who members. I am also an active blogger - my "Information For Realtors" articles can be read at 3033997777.com.

"My goals as a DBR Director are to uphold the highest standard of Realtor® ethics, foster the greater use of technology, and promote Denver in the international markets.

"I hope you take the opportunity to introduce yourself to, or Google, your candidates to learn more about each of us."

By Carl Peralta of 77 Great Estates

Aaron Ciantar steers Team Seagull to overall victory

Aaron Ciantar and Angelo Tedeschi claimed overall victory in the Malta Grand Prix of the Sea for the second year in a row as the current world champions, aboard Team Seagull, were declared winners of yesterday’s endurance race in Sliema.

Ciantar and Tedeschi, who last year topped the charts at the end of the season-opening Malta GP aboard Conam Yachts, had finished second behind Team 26 in yesterday’s race. However, the race jury imposed a four-minute penalty on the British duo for overspeeding, meaning that Ciantar and Tedeschi were awarded victory ahead of Baia Attolini.

Audrienne Ciantar and Shelley Jory completed a podium double for Chaudron and the Ciantar family yesterday as their Iko Casa team were promoted to third place.

In the Evolution class, victory went to Giancarlo Ciangiano and Hannes Bohinc aboard OSG Racing Team. Bullet Racing Team, of Jan Falkowski and Drew Langdon, placed second. Lucas Oil and Cigarette Smash Poker had to retire while Cranefield failed to start the race.

Inevitably, much of the attention of the thousands of local watersports enthusiasts was focused on the Supersport class were a keenly-contested fight ensued along the Sliema seafront with Team 26, Team Seagull and Baia Attolini fighting neck-and-neck for victory.

The Donzi boat of Team 26 sped to victory when taking the lead with three laps to go but were adjudged to have exceeded the speed limit and were subsequently penalised. Thus, victory was assigned to Ciantar and Tedeschi.

“It’s a great feeling to be on top of the podium once more,” Aaron Ciantar told The Times yesterday.

“We knew at the start of the season that we had a very competitive boat and I think that our performances here show that we are among the top teams in the Supersport class. Still, winning the world championship will not be easy but we’re ready to fight to keep the title.”

“Team 26 will be disappointed with the outcome but race rules on speed limit are very clear and all the teams know well that when the rules are broken, penalties are imposed immediately,” Ciantar said of the punishment handed out to Team 26.

“It’s important that everyone competes within the rules so that safety is maintained in all the races of the P1 world championship.”

For his part, Tedeschi said the weather conditions in Malta last weekend did not suit their Chaudron boat.

“When the sea is calm, as it was today, it’s always very difficult for us to race to our full potential. Our rivals have smaller boats and that makes them very strong in mild conditions,” Tedeschi said.

“The race for the world championship is certainly going to be very interesting this year. Baia Attolini and Team 26 are very competitive while another Donzi boat is expected to enter the championship in the next round in Turkey.

“But, this is healthy for the sport as it makes it more interesting. We have always enjoyed competition and in the coming weeks, we intend to work on making our boat even faster as our target is to defend our Supersport title.”

Audrienne Ciantar, making her competitive return to the Powerboat World Championship after a year’s break, was delighted with her podium finish.

“A top-three position was my main objective ahead of the first race,” Audrienne Ciantar said.

“To finish third aboard a boat I had never driven before in a race and with a new partner, is a great achievement. We have made a very encouraging start and I believe we can only get better as the season progresses. Our goal is to challenge the leading teams and I think we have the package to stay in the top positions this season.”

The 2009 Powerboat P1 championship continues on the weekend of June 19- 21 when the Turkish Grand Prix of the Sea is held in Istanbul.

Results

Evolution class: 1. SNAV OSG (Italy) 1:00:25.15; 2. Silverline (Britain) 1:04:47.00; 3. Lucas Oil Budweiser (US) retired after 11 laps; 4. Cigarette Smash Poker (Italy) retired after three laps; 5. Cranefield Wines (Germany) did not start.

Supersport class: 1. Seagull Chaudron (Ukraine) 1:04:40.70; 2. Baia Attolini (Italy) 1:05:44.27; 3. Iko Casa (Italy) 1:05:49.43; 4. Big Sergio (Italy) 1:07:11.14; 5. MasForce (Belgium) 1:08:03.89; 6. Team 26 Racing (Britain) 1:08:14.19; 7. Blue Shaft (Italy) 59:06.10 (retired after 10 laps).

Overall standings

Evolution class: 1. SNAV OSG (Italy) 181; 2. Lucas Oil 171; 3. Silverline 163; 4. Cigarette Smash Poker 100; 5. Cranefields Wines 66.

Supersport class: 1. Seagull Chaudron 190; 2. Baia Attolini 163; 3. Team 26 160; 4. MasForce, Iko Casa 147; 6. Blue Shaft 115; 6. Big Sergio 73.

By Carina de Sousa of IRG International Realty Group

João Manso will be responsible for the overall day-to-day management of IRG International Realty Group and will be overseeing the performance on all levels. He will also be involved in business development.

João Manso has had a long career in Portuguese and international businesses and has been involved in big scale commercial and touristic residential developments. He is a member of Ordem dos Engenheiros and has been managing director of companies related to the resort/touristic industry.

Ole Jespersen, owner and managing director of IRG International Realty Group says: "It is a huge boost for our company that we are able to attract a capacity like João Manso to our company. He will bring a lot of experience with him not just professionally but, João having been involved in Portuguese business on top level, will also add to our already multi national business culture. His previous work in touristic residential developments fits well into one of IRG's core businesses and will strengthen our already leading role in this segment."

About IRG International Realty Group

IRG International Realty Group is the leading international brokerage company in Portugal and specializes in sales and marketing of Portuguese high-end and luxury residential real estate. IRG is the exclusive affiliate in Portugal of Christie’s Great Estates, a worldwide real estate network and subsidiary of the world’s oldest auction house, Christie’s. IRG’s head office is located in the prestigious Avenida da Liberdade in the heart of Lisbon and there are also boutique offices in Quinta do Lago, Algarve, Estoril and Kensington, London.

www.irgportugal.com

By Raphael Harris of World Real Estate Immobiliare

One of the few houses on the seaside in Capri and forever the only home nearby the famous Faraglioni rocks. This unique combination makes the site and property exclusive. The house, built in 1913, includes an authentic Roman cistern, which can be transformed into an appealing extra room.

The home has two floors, each equipped with a kitchen, a bathroom, an extra toilet and a separate entrance. The upper floor, which holds 90 sqm, has a central oil heating system and a very big terrace of 110 sqm with amazing ocean views. The ground floor with 50 sqm, offers a terrace space of 70 sqm. Through a private access, one can go directly through the garden to the beach or to a boat anchored nearby. The Faraglioni Villa is one of the most famous and prestigious houses in Capri. It will offer you a new life shared between the mountains, infinite sea and the security in the property value of Capri, which is one of the most secure in the world. It is an enchanting place for you, your family and friends to rest, a prestigious place for one to meet business partners in a not so formal atmosphere. One can certainly not go wrong with the Faragiloni Villa.

By Jim Walberg of Caribbean Islands Realty

Jim Walberg and a small group of Rotarians in Danville, are promoting information, and support regarding this international tragedy.

It started about two years ago when the International Committee for the Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary Club heard about the needs of a hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo - Panzi Hospital. All our committee heard about was the need for equipment and supplies. We are unaware of main patients of the hospital - women who had been raped and mutilated by the Congolese soldiers in the on-going civil war.

As we learned more about the horrible situation in the Congo we got more involved in how we could better support, not only the Panzi Hospital needs, but also Heal Africa

Heal Africa is a small, grass-roots organization is lead local program directors and is training and equipping new leaders for the long-terms needs of Africa, rather than just solving short term issues. They are leading the way in addressing this ignored holocaust.

Two of the members of our Rotary’s International Committee took on the role of getting the word out regarding this issue that is not easily addressed because it is so horrific. Melanie Prole and Leslie Baxter spear headed the showing of documentary “The Greatest Silence - Rape In The Congo” in the Town of Danville last month. It is a very disturbing documentary. Anyone who watches it will be moved beyond belief to take action. It is easy to ignore issues because of ignorance, but it is impossible to ignore them when you become fully aware of them.

The next step that Melanie and Leslie took was organizing a simple Bowl-A-Thon at the Danville Bowl. The idea was to have teams of four sign up with the entrance fee being at least $500. Well, it was held yesterday and over $6,000 was raised. We are still looking for more community partners to participate in donations. 100% of them will be used to support the Panzi Hospital program. We were so delighted that some of our high school kids from Rotary’s Interact Club formed a team and raised money.

We now have a copy of this documentary and are looking for more venues to share it with; churches, schools, community service organizations, and more. If you have places you would like to have preview this documentary please contact me. Also, please review the links that are a part of this article and see if there is room in your budget for some type of financial support. Any will be appreciated. Contact me for details of how you can get involved.

By Garey De Martini of Hill & Co Real Estate

San Francisco, CA – February 10, 2009 – The property was extraordinary to begin with. Now, after more than a year of seismic upgrades and extensive remodeling, the former church has been transformed entirely into a stunning home, with enormous windows, hand-painted ceilings, warm hardwood floors and top-of-the-line appliances and amenities.

Once a church condemned by the City as no longer inhabitable, the home has been completely redone. Its interior has a modern sensibility about it, in breathtaking contrast to its Gothic Revival architecture. Some rooms, as you would expect, are enormous. Others are surprisingly intimate.

It is a remodel of remarkable scale and vision. Siamak Akhavan, owner of the home and a partner of BMP Construction, is delighted with the results and would be happy to live in the property. But he has engaged the Hill & Co. team of Woodruff & Miller, who represented him on the purchase, and asked them to facilitate a sale should a buyer be interested.

This is a one-of-a-kind property, and it will require a very special buyer. The public rooms give new meaning to the word “spacious”. The home includes a 5+ car interior parking area, spectacular stained glass windows and its own tower, with a custom steel and transparent plexiglass spiral staircase leading to a deck with 360 degree views.

Just a couple of years ago the building was in serious disrepair and abandoned. While occupying a desirable corner in one of San Francisco’s most vibrant neighborhoods, its prospects were bleak. Now, it is a true showcase. It is without question one of San Francisco’s largest, most extraordinary and stunning homes.

For more information and photos visit www.CastleOnThePark.com

Hill & Co.

Founded in 1956, Hill & Co. Real Estate is a San Francisco brokerage long associated with the City’s finest properties. With three offices and nearly 100 full-time agents, the company enables clients to successfully navigate San Francisco’s complex real estate market. Two additional Hill & Co. offices provide property management and rental services. For more information, visit www.hill-co.com.