While it takes a great builder to craft a home that exceeds the finest of expectations, it takes an imaginative eye to build a home that embodies the heart and soul of nature’s graceful beauty while providing the ease and flow of luxury living. Few homes are designed with such careful attention to evoking long-term delight as “The Pointe” on Lake Burton’s luxurious shore in north Georgia’s Appalachian Mountains. Visionary builder Jim Suddes, together with long-time friend, Nick Saban, along with their wives Denise and Terry, respectively, have taken a piece of property—raw with nature’s wild beauty—and created a home that carries on the legacy of the land while marrying it to their vision of tasteful living. 

“The Pointe” on Lake Burton offers a 270-degree view of the lake, mountains and sky highly coveted by buyers seeking property on Lake Burton. Designed to complement the distinguishing buyer’s taste for comfort, amenities, and living artfully with nature, Suddes built “The Pointe” using natural local stone, reclaimed timber beams and heart-of-pine flooring, Pennsylvania bluestone, and custom built fireplaces with hand-crafted brick. The home features more than 10,000 square feet of living space, six bedrooms, nine baths, a massive grand room with a twenty-four-foot vaulted ceiling, a wine cellar with antique gate from Barcelona, European-style custom built pub, billiards room, home office, custom formal and professional kitchens, staff quarters, and four-car garage. A custom boat house with viewing deck—prized by Lake Burton residents as architectural features of their property—sits along the water’s edge along with a swimming dock.

One of the home’s most commanding features is the authentic stone lighthouse designed to provide amazing views from all three levels of the home, along with a terrace-level entertainment deck, firepit and gourmet outdoor kitchen/grilling area. 

“This is truly a pinnacle home on Lake Burton,” says Julie Barnett, Realtor® at Harry Norman, Realtors® - Luxury Lake and Mountain, specializing in the Lake Burton area. “The thought that went into 

the placement and features of this home make it a fabulous place 

to live and enjoy the beauty of the lake.”

“Our family finds so much peace and tranquility in the beauty of Lake Burton,” says Terry Saban.

“People choose to live on Lake Burton because they are buying a lifestyle for generations to come. It is truly one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen and the people of Lake Burton are extraor-dinary. It is not a lake of ‘who’s who’—it is a lake for people that want the best for their families,” says Suddes.

Sweeping views of azure Pacific Ocean, ruby red sunsets, light breezes that caress the summer with refreshing coolness—your ideal Carmel escape awaits in this luxurious home located on one of the most coveted shorelines in California. Within walking distance of Carmel Beach and the city of Carmel-by-the-Sea, you’ll enjoy owning one of the few properties along the shore that offers all the amenities of a primary residence.

“Most homes along the Carmel coast are beach houses, fairly small and used primarily as second homes,” says Peter Butler, listing agent of the property and owner of Carmel Realty Company. “This casually elegant home offers 3,850 square feet of living space, four bedroom suites a formal living room, large family room, separate dining room and large eat-in kitchen with butler’s pantry. All of this on a street-to-street lot on the western tip of Carmel Point—making it a very rare offering to come on the market.”

The property has been meticulously remodeled with thoughtful details throughout including gourmet appliances, natural stone surfaces, hardwood floors, two marble fireplaces, and custom cabinetry. Carefully placed windows allow magnificent views of the ocean from Point Lobos to Pebble Beach from the living room, dining room and master bedroom.  A brick fire pit is located on the oceanside patio and an expansive second story deck overlooks the ocean waves crashing on the rocky shoreline just below. Mature Cypress trees add extra privacy and character to the site while offering a perfect frame to the picturesque views. 

“This is a perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine, unwind and watch the sunset. A very tranquil way to end your day,” Butler says. A courtyard with mature landscaping offers a private getaway for solitude or entertaining, sited to take advantage of the morning sun and be shielded from any chilling ocean breezes. 

“Many people who own property here come here to enjoy the refreshing ocean air and cool temperatures during the summer,” Butler says. “It’s a wonderful place to enjoy all that Carmel has to offer.”

About Carmel and Pebble Beach

Rated as a top-ten destination by Conde Nast Traveler, Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for its European charm, gorgeous sand beach, eclectic collection of shops, galleries, unique restaurants and its legendary history of being home to artists, performers, academics and those looking for a unique getaway in one of the world’s most naturally beautiful landscapes. Located just south of San Francisco and San Jose, Carmel is the neighboring city of Pebble Beach to the North, home of world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Links, site of the upcoming 2010 U.S. Open golf championship June 17-19. 

View the Listing

Hawaii's Most Expensive Luxury Homes, Properties, and Estates on duPontREGISTRY.com

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Approximately 4,000 feet of incredible ocean frontage with protected and accessible beach cove. Subject to compliance with private agreements, private water & utilities are available along the Akoni Pule Hwy. Just minutes from Kawaihae Harbor, the best beaches, Kohala Coast Resorts & Golf Courses. You can build the house of your dreams or create a family or corporate complex/retreat on this, one of the few remaining large private holdings along Hawaii's Gold Coast.

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KAHALA BEACHFRONT ESTATE OF 1.44 Acres (125 linear ft ocean frontage) on Kahala Avenue, Honolulu's most prestigious street. Spacious 9 bdrm residence + 2 guest houses of 4 bdrm/3.5 baths each. Excellent condition. Sandy beach for sunning, swimming or surfing. Stroll to the Kahala Hotel & Resort for dining. Near famed WAIALAE COUNTRY CLUB GOLF COURSE, home of the SONY OPEN.

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Unlock the doors to one of Maui's most spectacular and sought after oceanfront estates in Makena, encompassing 1.65 acres with 440ft of shoreline. This private and secluded property has 3 separate custom residences totaling over 5,000 SF of living area. Few properties can match the natural beauty of this gated estate, picturesque setting or the Hawaiian style architecture of this timeless oceanfront retreat. Positioned next to Wailea Resorts' and all the 5-Star experience, golf, spas, restaurants etc. Throughout all the homes the superb craftsmanship of the Hawaiian ohia wood cabinets, granite counters and natural stonework is most evident. From the saline heated pool and Jacuzzi, terrace you take in an endless sweep of Pacific vistas, Kaho'olawe, Molokini, and Lana'i as the sounds of the waterfall and ocean waves echo in the background. Breathtaking oceanfront living; exquisitely designed and unsurpassed by all is located in the most desirable enclave, Makena Maui.

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Maui - Wailea, Hawaii

The Art of Living Well!! Stunning and meticulous, this home welcomes you from the moment you enter. A masterpiece designed for a world renowned celebrity and features only the finest materials and architectural design elements. This elegantly casual estate, private and secure, overlooks the white sands and crystal waters of magnificent sought after Keawakapu Beach, with glorious sunsets every evening over the distant islands of the Pacific. Perfect swimming, kayaking and long walks. Minutes away from Wailea's Resort and 5-star hotels, restaurants and designer shops. Turn key.

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Kamuela, Hawaii

The synthesis of extraordinary vision, highly evolved architecture, natural and green materials, superior craftsmanship and a passionate commitment to excellence has culminated in this architectural masterpiece. This property represents a world class architectural feat and is unrivaled as the most luxurious and highly functioning equestrian estate in the State of Hawaii. The amenities and refined features of this distinctive property are for those with the most discerning of portfolios. Constructed in Canada of massive Cedar logs, every log was individually hand selected from the forests of Canada. British Columbia produces Cedar that is especially dense and uniform yielding this extraordinary building material. The harvest of the strong, mature trees follows the principles of responsible, renewable forestry practices, especially strict in British Columbia. This log home and the surrounding structures brings together nature, an international design and construction team with decades of experience in working with the requirements of log structures, superior craftsmanship and technology resulting in this exceptionally unique property. Of special note is the fact that not a single nail was used in the joining of the logs. Constructed initially in Canada then deconstructed and recreated in Hawaii log by log with immaculate joinery, chiseled by hand for a perfect fit. The 53 acre working ranch has 360 degree views of the ocean all the way down the Gold Coast north and south including majestic views of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Hualalai and the mountains of North Kohala. Structures on property: the 7,004 sf, 4 bdrm/4.5 bath main residence, a 912 sf 1/1 guest cottage, a 9,087 sf European-inspired 7 stall stable with 282 sf exterior decking, a high performance riding arena of 14,140 sf and a 3,480 sf tractor barn. An irreplaceable and non-replicable estate, unique properties such as this one occupy a different place in the world.

Colorado's Most Expensive Homes, Properties, and Estates on duPontREGISTRY.com

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Evergreen, Colorado

Serenity Falls

$18,750,000

This world class mountain contemporary estate is located within the gated Timbers Estates nestled on 32 acres of breathtaking mountain views and magnificent waterfalls that cascade down the natural rock outcroppings into 3 streams and ponds. The gated compound includes an over 12,000 square foot main home that has been completely renovated and built with every state of the art and top of the line design in mind. A home that is comfortable and welcoming as well as elegant. There is also a full stable with 6 stalls, large corral and a 1700 square foot, 2 bedroom carriage house above. The 3rd outbuilding is a 6000 square foot recreational facility, gym and a half court basketball court which would also make a great recording studio or garage for the car enthusiast! This secure and private retreat is a masterpiece of architectural integrity and impeccable taste that provides an environment that meets the spiritual and spatial needs of the owners.

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Spectacular, one-of-a-kind ranch property located directly on the river! This one has it all! Located in Old Snowmass, this finely crafted timber and stone home is graciously designed with grand spaces. Every room enjoys sights and sounds of the river. The true beauty begins along the home's spacious and prvate verandas with outdoor fireplaces overlooking Snowmass Creek with sweeping mountain vistas. Complete with barn, caretaker's quarters, artist studio and irrigated pasture for your horses Addendum: New approvals such as these no longer exist in Pitkin County. This is a very rare commodity! Call listors for all the details and amenities.

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Private wilderness in Wildcat Ranch. Minutes from Aspen airport minutes from skiing in Snowmass. Acreage like this is rare when you consider proximity to our world-class resort. Property borders the length of 50-acre Wildcat Lake. Boating, swimming, fishing for trophy-sized trout, lake-side picnics. Hike to the mountain top for unsurpassed views. Main house is mountain contemporary; guest house is rustic cabin a perfect combination. Learn more at www.aspenwildcatranch.com.

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483 Beaver Dam Road, Vail, Co - a most prestigious address! Be one of only a few to ski home from the slopes of Vail. A true ski-in/ski-out home just off the Born Free ski slope. The large great room is meticulously crafted with panels of hawaiian koa wood - designed by the finest craftsmen for a rich, yet comfortable feeling. Enjoy the large stone fireplace as you look out the picturesque windows to watch skiers as they come down the slope or ride the gondola. Recently updated with gorgeous granite and marble in all the bathrooms - no detail has been overlooked. An outdoor swim-spa with heated towel cabinet & music system provides the perfect apres-ski relaxation - or swim against the 4 swim jets for an invigorating work-out. The heated driveway, stone walkways & large wrap-around stone decks create the perfect spot to entertain - all year long. Don't miss your opportunity to own this luxurious home that's rarely on the market!

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Aspen, Colorado

18 W Reds Road

81611

$23,900,000

Starting with the original brick Victorian Farmhouse on Red Mountain, and including, a new main residence, this property is the premier family compound on Red Mountain. The views encompass from Independence Pass to Mount Sopris. The total square footage including decks, patios, hot tub and outside entertaining areas add up to approximately 12,600 square feet.

Browsing the Homes site on duPontREGISTRY.com it is hard not to wonder what are the most expensive Homes, Properties and Estates listed.  Today will start a series in which I will list the most exuberant of the exuberant. The richest of the richest. The biggest of the biggest. Luxury Real Estate at its' finest. I hope you enjoy, and here is Florida's Most Expensive Homes, Properties, and Estates.

$18,500,000

Coupon Keys - 4 offshore islands + 1 mainland lot for parking & launching. 14.5 acre island with 3 structures 8bd/6ba resort home, 2bd/2ba caretakers home & a recreation house. Public utilities, gourmet kitchen, rooftop deck with bar/entertainment room. Plenty of dock space for all of your yachts.

If you've ever wanted to our thought about owning your own island, here is the chance. This Island is for sale in the Florida Keys, complete with Luxury Home. The description says it all.

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$35,000,000

Padua farm consists of 769 +/- acres. It is currently being utilized as a Thoroughbred horse farm and breeding center. Amenities of the farm include: ¾ mile dirt track, a 1 mile turf track,eleven barns with a Total of 202 stalls, covered hot walkers, round pens, three, four, and five board fencing, Manager’s residence, 13 residences for staff, dormitory, Owner’s residence, pool, spa and boat dock with lift, guest residence, executive offices, 3 metal maintenance buildings,3 greenhouses, and four decorative gated entries, and extensive site improvements as well as underground utilities.

Located in Ocala, Florida, this Luxury farm is ideal for the Luxury Home owner wanting a piece of the countryside. This luxury property is also the most expensive estate in the Florida listed with the duPont REGISTRY.

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$28,000,000

The Crown Jewel of Naples.

Perhaps you've seen this house on the cover of the duPont REGISTRY, or seen it talked about further with this blog.

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$22,500,000

Designed for entertaining. Open ocean views; ideal for a large yacht. Finished in 2009, it features one acre with 13,879 square feet living area. 8 bedrooms, 9 full bathrooms, 4 half baths. Also offers formal living room, dining room, breakfast area, elevator and gym.

This Jorge Uribe, Coral Gables listing is a beautiful offering with access to the Atlantic ocean. A short drive across the Gulf Stream can have you fishing, diving, or spending the night in the Bahamas. It is one of the many beautiful Florida listings on duPontREGISTRY.com

In my time at duPont REGISTRY I have seen some of the coolest advertisements possible. Watches, cars, submarines, planes, dating services, you name it we've seen it. But recently, this amazing company Green Eye Technology came on board, and I must say, they offer a phenomenal product.  Imagine the ability to live underground, sheltered and away from the world in the event of a natural disaster, with all of the luxuries and creature comforts we have come to enjoy. Green Eye touts "The most advanced, dependable, secure, and comfortable Shelter System available in the world", and it is hard to disagree with them. To help you grasp the concept, imagine when you were a kid and you discovered hamsters/rats and had to build them a home. You saw the tubes that would connect different areas of their home to others, where they could run, play, eat, sleep.

Now imagine your the hamster, and you can design your own living area underground, with full shelter and luxury, and you've got the idea. What Green Eye Technology has done is taken the connectivity and safety idea to a new level.

A more "simple" underground bunker

In the left side of the picture you can see the entrance to the shelter going into the Earth, and how it connects from there. Completely underground, you are tucked away in a security net unlike any other.

Live up to 5 years underground.

The design and expandability is infinite. A community can operate on it's own for up to 5 years, and has room to store 32 vehicles!

Support for many families in case of emergency.

I must say, there a definite "cool factor" to what Green Eye Technology has accomplished.

Comment below: What would be your ideal underground shelter?

For contact information and pricing, check out Green Eye Technology. They also have a Fanpage on Facebook which you can become a fan of here.

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About Jon Chapman:

I am a “Social Marketing Guru” at the duPont REGISTRY. I study the trends and growth of what is popular now, and what will be popular in the future. I also handle the duPont REGISTRY Facebook(Fan!) and Twitter(Follow!) accounts. I love fishing and the outdoors. I have played sports my entire life, so love a good sports talk. If I could live anywhere, it would be on the water, with a boat ready to go fishing at any time. You’ll find me blogging about the trending topics in Social Media and Luxury Real Estate. You can find me on Facebook or My Website. Feel free to email me jnchapman@dupontregisty.com

Did you know the version of the duPont REGISTRY A Buyers Gallery of Fine Homes you are holding may not be the same version a football player from the Denver Broncos is holding, or a Baseball player from the Florida Marlins is looking through? When looking through the inside, everything appears the same - the difference lies on the cover. If a Luxury Realtor asks, the duPont REGISTRY can produce a magazine with their own four custom covers, the front, inside front cover, back cover, and back inside cover.

What started in 2005 has blossomed into a way for Luxury Realtors to hit 1,000, 2,000, or 3,000 of the wealthiest homes and people in their market. "In Denver, Gary Lohrman sends his magazines to the Broncos, Avalanche, Rockies, and Nuggets," says duPont REGISTRY Homes President Sheri Norris. "We are able to take 1,000 magazines, put his cover on it, then deliver them straight to the source, in this case all four professional sports franchises."

Gary Lohrman's custom cover on it's way to the press

"Their is success when people recognize the featured Luxury Realtor as the top of their market," says Marty Binder, Vice President of duPont REGISTRY Homes. "All custom covers have to be approved by the publisher, Tom duPont, before they are printed. Very few homes receive the distinction of being 'duPont REGISTRY Cover Worthy'. We've probably sold 20 of these custom covers over the past 5 years, and now it is becoming more in demand."

Gary Lohrman can be seen each month on the duPont REGISTRY in the Denver area. See his listings and his website.

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About Jon Chapman:

I am a “Social Marketing Guru” at the duPont REGISTRY. I study the trends and growth of what is popular now, and what will be popular in the future. I also handle the duPont REGISTRY Facebook(Fan!) and Twitter(Follow!) accounts. I love fishing and the outdoors. I have played sports my entire life, so love a good sports talk. If I could live anywhere, it would be on the water, with a boat ready to go fishing at any time. You’ll find me blogging about the trending topics in Social Media and Luxury Real Estate. You can find me on Facebook or My Website. Feel free to email me jnchapman@dupontregisty.com

Everybody loves a hero. Everybody loves watching the best perform with perfection. After watching Shaun White soar to gold once again at the Vancouver Winter Olympics, it sparked a memory I had of seeing his home on an episode of MTV’s Cribs (a great show, which usually stops my channel surfing). After much Google searching, I found the video I was looking for, and thought I would share it with everyone. It is a much younger Shaun White, not quite to his age of 23 now. I’ve taken a few screenshots and included them below to give a preview. This episode is of “Top 10 Teen Celeb Cribs” with Shaun White’s House coming in at Number 10, so you’ll have to fast forward a little bit to see just him. He lives a pretty normal house, with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean and I’m sure more Trophies now to go along with his ESPY. This house in located in California, is two stories, has a normal kitchen, bedrooms, and spectacular backyard.

Check out the video. MTV Teen Cribs Top 10

Thank you Shaun White, for giving me the belief I can do a 1080 and flip twice going down a half pipe (on your video game, that is.)

Palm Island low-key ambiance, pristine nature... By Elyse Umlauf-Garneau

Imagine escaping to your own island getaway where privacy is ensured, amenities abound and life becomes yours again….

Welcome to a world all your own.

Nestled in the seclusion of Florida’s Palm Island lies “Lazy Heron”—one of the region’s most pristine estates. Situated on the highest elevation on the island, with spectacular ocean sunset and sunrise views, this estate boosts two and one-half acres of exclusive bayfront privacy. A deep-water boat basin, that can accommodate vessels up to forty feet, provides easy access to ocean sailing and private entertaining. Access to the island is restricted by private boat or car ferry assuring added privacy for residents.

No detail has been overlooked to create this tropical oasis. The estate residence is located in Hidden Cove Estates and features 8,200 square feet of living space. Exquisite interior details include: custom Jerusalem Limestone and natural granite, Murano glass lighting, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, custom woodwork and cabinetry, Phillippine shell detailing, coral fireplace and columns, and panoramic island views from all three levels of the home. Extensive landscaping by Hazeltine has carefully preserved the property’s natural flora and old growth trees lending to the estate’s sense of blending into its natural environment.

“I wanted to make sure that nature was respected and preserved when I designed the layout of the property,” says owner Ray Bates. Mangroves, a Ficus tree, exotic flowers, and nearly 200 Cabbage palms remain on the property. Bates wanted to create a tropical paradise that offered a welcome respite from today’s frantic pace as well as a perfect location for private entertaining. Her fine eye for detail spared nothing in the home and property’s design.

“This is a perfect place to escape and feel that that world is a million miles away—even though the mainland is only four minutes away,” says Bates. A custom lagoon-style saltwater pool and hot tub spa are graced with lava rock and waterfalls. A Tiki hut built by local Indians and permanently placed gas Tiki torches create a sense of Pacific island getaway. Mist systems and mosquito-nix systems allow you to enjoy the outdoors in ease. Strategically placed balconies offer outstanding views of the island, ocean and sky.

The residence was placed to allow room for expansion—there is land to build another house, two guest homes and a helipad on the property.

“Palm Island living is about enjoying the privacy and escape that you deserve and treasure in your lifestyle,” says Bates. “The island’s resort will cater your parties and there are boats to ferry late-night guests to the mainland. A private golf course and airport are within five minutes and the whole island is designed to provide you the maximum freedom with ultimate privacy.”

“This is one of the most unique private residences in this region,” says Tom Wagner, listing broker at REMAX Alliance Group. “You just don’t find a complete package like this. This property is heaven for someone looking for a private place to relax and really enjoy life.”

View the Listing of Lazy Heron

View Other Tom Wagner Listings