Nestled behind the private gates of the tree-lined streets of The Estates at Southern Highlands, lies an Italian villa resting on nearly an acre of land, rich in texture and color. “It’s a one-of-a-kind property not only for each individual detail, but also the combination of the exceptional overall design that makes this home so spectacular,” says Tanya Murray, a broker at Realty Executives in Las Vegas. “The quality of construction you can’t see is as exceptional as the finishes you do see.”

Stephanie Hodges, the owner of this 11,641-square-foot estate, started out with a blank piece of paper and her architect, Doug Purvis, then proceeded to use her attention for detail to make this house into what it is today—a masterpiece. “The layout of this house is well thought-out—it was important that it would work for entertaining and everyday living,” Hodges says. “A love of art, family and entertaining incorporated into the design make this a home for any lifestyle.” 

The home’s feeling of comfort and elegance, not only makes the house ideal for everyday living, Murray says it also “is very well suited for entertaining—all types of entertaining, from formal to casual and everything in between.” Outdoor entertaining, a hallmark of the Las Vegas lifestyle, is effortless with the well-designed outdoor living areas including an outdoor kitchen, pool, spa, waterfall and firepit. 

“Even for myself, as the person who built it, I still appreciate it as a work of art being seen for the first time,” Hodges says.  Walking in the grand foyer, Fine Art Swarovski crystal chandeliers from the Midsummers Night Dream Collection hang overhead complementing the custom-made staircase, Giallo Antico four-by-four marble slab flooring and Crème Marfil pillars.  Hand-crafted Italian furnishings in the formal living and dining areas exude old-world artistry. 

A spectacular, custom master suite in the owner’s wing includes an office, his and her closets, outside oasis, and private sitting area.  The master bath features all of the amenities of a luxurious spa including steam shower, private sauna and Bain Ultra Amma chromatherapy hot air jetted tub.  Details include custom granite countertops, magnificent Schoenbek crystal chandeliers and custom glasswork also seen throughout the home that was designed by the owner and brought to life by renowned artist Leslie Rankin.  

The kitchen features hand-hewn wood floors, granite countertops, 17-foot center island, detailed-custom cabinets, and a separate wine room with a custom-created wrought iron door.  The residence also features a family room with a full bar including sink, icemaker and refrigerator, spacious game room with additional full bar, a ten-seat home theater, and 1,100-square-foot private gym.  “The kitchen is so impressive, as well as functional, it was featured on a local television show,” Hodges says. 

Beyond the home’s extensive terraces lie the valley of Las Vegas and beautiful desert mountains, which can be seen from many 

of the home’s balconies. The estate’s location offers peace and 

privacy while still being near the Las Vegas excitement. “You have very immediate access to anything you could want,” Murray says. 

“It is enjoyed by many people—friends and family—because it is 

a very comfortable home,” Hodges says. “For whoever does live 

in this house next, there is just no way that they won’t feel the passion and love that went into building this home.” 

Offered at $8,900,000

Visit TanyaMurray.com to see more.

-Reynolds Fuller

Here is another entry from duPont Registry's very own Dani LiPira. She dreams of riches and exuberance. :)

Remember when you were a kid and dreamed how your future would be? You envisioned a huge house with all the amenities a king or queen deserved. Or you’ve watched “Richie Rich (1994)” and you added a rollercoaster, helicopter landing platform, and even your own McDonald to your dream house.

For those who dreamed to live a royal life, this is where you will find your dream house, I mean palace. They might not have your own McDonald, but they sure feature a lot of rooms and conveniences. To fulfill your life dream you will need at least $92,000,000.00.

At number 5 spot is the $92 million Toprak Mansion. Constructed by the infamous Turkish entrepreneur, Halis Toprak, this house has seven bedroom and four kitchens. The mansion is located in North London and includes a glass elevator, a glass bridge, a swimming pool, sauna, a Turkish bath, and double staircase.

The number 4 position is located in Turkey. Initially designed to become a resort, when this property was bought, the developer kept facilities such as the swimming pool, tennis courts, and restaurant. Sable Hills Waterfront Estate is valued at $ 100 million and it is a water sport lovers dream. The house provides structure to practice activities from jet skiing to canoeing.

The infamous Maison de L’Amitie is the number three in the countdown. Located in Palm Beach, Fl, this mansion has its own conservatory and ballroom. It also features fifteen bedrooms, fifteen full bathrooms, eight half-baths, and eight skylights. Maison de L’ Amitie provide an incredible waterfront view, unique carved bronze cellar door, and Venetian-style moldings. In 2006, the mogul Donald Trump listed the house for $ 125 million (he originally paid $41.25 million), but the economy downturn forced him to dropped $ 25million of the price. Last year, the Russian businessman Dmitry Rybolovley bought the property for $ 100million.

In number two is the Starwood Estate, in Aspen Colorado, valued for $ 135million. Surrounded by an incredible mountain view, this 11,051 square feet property lies in 56,000-square-foot land and has a distinctive decoration style that mixes sophistication and comfort. It also features fifteen bedrooms, an indoor swimming pool, horse stables, and tennis court.

The most expensive house in the world is Updown Court. Located in Windlesham of Surrey, England, this dream palace is valued at $ 139 million and shares the neighborhood with properties of the Queen of England. The “house” features twenty-four bedrooms, heated marble driveway, wine cellar, and underground garage. It also includes two-lane bowling alley, floodlit tennis court, squash court, and five swimming pools. For those who dreamed of their private McDonalds, this is certainly your dream house.

This magnificent property with approximately 235+/- feet of ocean frontage, is located directly on the Atlantic Ocean in Gulf Stream, Florida. Enter the property through an electronically controlled gate and proceed up the winding drive with lush tropical landscaping to the pea rocked formal entrance. 

This traditional style estate is approximately 14,000+/- total square feet with five bedrooms each with a full bath and quarters for the staff. Enjoy the spacious living and dining rooms. 

The large master suite overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and features his and hers separate baths, changing rooms and plus a large master den and two separate balconies overlooking the ocean. State of the art kitchen with two giant cooking islands, an adjacent sitting/family room, with views of the pool and patio area. Other features include: a resort size pool, patio area and cabana, an Oceanside golf putting green and three car garage via separate entrance. 

Regency Realty

561-715-7102

Quick note from the author: I was born and raised in the South of Brazil. Obviously, I wanted to share a little more of my home country than Carnaval and soccer such as our amazing real estates.

Brazil’s huge potential for business, irresistible culture, and geographical diversity has attracted many foreign investors in recent years; as a consequence, the luxury real estate market has developed.  Brazil offers conditions to please the most luxurious taste beginning on the South, where the cold weather and mountains landscape give an irresistible European feel, to the North where the year around summer weather and extraordinary beaches provide an endless vacation experience.

If you are looking for a property in the Central East area , you might like this 6458 square ft residence  in a 10,750 square ft land in Cidade Jardim, Sao Paulo. Priced $1,018,676, this estate has 3 master suites, 3 maids’ rooms and 5-car garage. It also has a banquet hall, inner courtyard, and pool.

Have you thought about buying a hotel? For $1,075,269 you could purchase you very own Inn. This amazing estate is located on the North of Brazil on Beach of Pipa, RN.  This property is surrounded by exuberant beaches, native forests of the Mata Atlântica, cliffs, and bays.  It has 9 cabanas (8 four -people and one family double with 2 bedroom cabanas). Built in a 38,750 sq ft land, it offers a swimming pool with bar, a tennis court, private parking, restaurant, and a pleasant deck for reading. 

For $1,369,553 you could purchase an authentic master piece created by the Italian artist Gaetano Pesce. Located in Itacimirim, Bahia, the house was built in 13,000.00m²  land  between the ocean and the lagoon. The main house is about 2500 square feet and the guest house is about 750 square feet.  The house exterior was coated with multi- colored glass and tiles that resemble fish scales, whereas the interior has the artistic “footprints” of its creator. The house is located about 40 miles north of Salvador, a beautiful city with international airport and all the facilities you need. 

This is the best time to invest on properties in Brazil since the market is relatively affordable for luxury homes. Brazil is also getting ready to host international events such as 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics. Keep in mind what this country has to offer and you will not regret!

Nevada's tax friendliness has always been a lure for corporations and second home buyers.  Given the beleaguered financial situation in so many states, people, again, are eyeing the benefits, including no state income tax and no estate tax,  of making Nevada home base.  As Tanya Murray observes, "More people want to make sure to protect what they have. Nevada offers that." 

It also offers prices far more attractive than they were just a couple years ago, though Murray, a practitioner with Realty Executives of Nevada in Las Vegas, points out that in the luxury tier, price drops haven't been in freefall.  “The market is very competitive in response to buyers seeking the best value in the luxury market,” she says. 

She notes, for example, that during 2009, there have been five sales of properties that were priced over $5 million. Not one was a distressed sale.  And among properties priced over $1 million, forty-seven listings were under contract during mid-August. Twenty were short sales and only three were REOs. 

She sees positive signs in such data, saying, "Distressed luxury homeowners now are more proactive. They're figuring out ways to mitigate the loss," she observes.  Some buyers, to land the best deals, are willing to endure the delays of the short sales process.  But for those wishing for a more traditional timeline without the negative aspects of a distress sale, there are plenty of properties available. 

Murray, for instance, just listed a house in the Estates of Southern Highlands.  She describes the $8.9-million listing, constructed as a custom home in 2006, as one that has every bell and whistle, including a theater and a luxurious pool with an adjacent outdoor kitchen. 

In addition, the 11,641 square-foot space features state-of-the-art exercise equipment, a massage area and a steam shower. Residents also may also enjoy full country club amenities through separate membership at the ultra-exclusive Southern Highlands Country Club   offering championship golf, tennis, dining and a full spa. 

Marble, woodwork and other materials imported from Italy, along with mountain and city and full Strip views distinguish the 11,641-square-foot property. Murray points to the master suite as a stand-out feature. It includes custom built-in cabinetry in his and her closets, a fireplace and a sitting area that opens to an outdoor patio. A separate room above the suite, accessible via a spiral staircase, makes a serene meditation area or private retreat. 

Murray says that the property exudes a resort vacation sensibility at first sight. "You feel like you're in a different, serene place," she comments.  "What also resonates with me is how warm and livable the house is without the pretentiousness commonly associated with ultra-luxury properties.  From the most luxurious, grand entertaining or a casual barbeque with friends, this exquisite property is the perfect setting for Las Vegas living throughout the year.” 

As many markets are suffering with distressed properties and declining values, so is Central Florida; however, Central Florida’s setback is only temporary. Its real estate market is on the rebound and will continue to be so. 

“Wonderful things are happening in the Greater Orlando area,” says Carol Ann Hewitt, broker and owner of Oxford Realty, an international real estate company specializing exclusively in luxury homes and estates. “We are experiencing unprecedented growth.” 

Southwest Orange County continues to be a drawing card with its easy access to all the best hotels, attractions, entertainment and the beautiful lakes. The town of Windermere is a favorite and boasts the famed Butler Chain of Lakes, where one can enjoy a variety of water sports and where you will find some of the most prestigious, gated communities and waterfront estates.

It is in this area where Hewitt and her highly skilled estate agents at Oxford Realty have been selling some of the highest priced properties in Orange Country for more than 30 years. As a Certified International Property Specialist and a Certified Luxury Marketing Specialist, Hewitt works through her many networks to attract international clients to her local market. Her acquired knowledge of foreign cultures and customs enables her to work at ease with the many foreign clients who are attracted to this area.

“What makes us different is that we are a small boutique luxury real estate company with highly experienced agents who provide  very special services for those who need them, and we all love doing it,” Hewitt says. “The Central Florida market is an exciting market, and we are glad to be a big part of it.”

Yes, Central Florida is like the rest of the country—a bit depressed—but be on the lookout for the rebound.  It is emerging rapidly! - Reynolds Fuller