Archive for Luxury market


The “Great Lakes” of the Hudson Valley

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Tags: , , , , , , ,      Categories: Dutchess, Luxury Country Properties, Luxury market, Putnam, Westchester

There’s nothing quite as restful as looking out over a serene lake, particularly at this time of year. While we can’t compete with the scale of the celebrated “Great Lakes”, there’s no need to head toward Canada to experience secluded lakefront living given the many spectacular lake properties found throughout our region.

Capturing the spirit of the Adirondacks, The Lodge at Loch Lyall is a breathtaking 116-acre estate in Garrison featuring its own private lake with a unique stone lodge, guest house, lakefront pool, tennis court and stone dock - all within an hour of NYC.

Deer Run enjoys a private and beautifully-planted 10+ acre setting  in Waccabuc, a tranquil community surrounding  Lake Waccabuc, a mile-long glacier lake widely considered to be one of Westchester’s most beautiful lakes.

Swimming, boating and fishing on your own 7-acre lake are just a few of the outdoor activities to be enjoyed at Clove Hill Farm in Beekman, a unique  205-acre country retreat offering the scope and amenities of a world-class resort.

Christie’s Auction Breaks World Record

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Last week at Christie’s auction of Works from the Collection of Michael Crichton at New York’s Rockefeller Center, a new world record was achieved for artist Jasper Johns.  

 The work “Flag”, one of 31 pieces auctioned at Christie’s, came  from the late author Michael Crichton’s personal collection and garnered $28,642,500, a world record for the artist.

In total, Christie’s Sale of Post-War and Contemporary Art realized over $231 million.

Earlier in the month, another record was set when a Picasso work from the Brody Collection sold at Christie’s  for $106.5 Million – the highest price paid at auction for a single work of  art ever! 

This is exciting news  from our auction house partner, Christie’s. Edward Dolman, CEO of Christie’s International, commented, “Great works continue to inspire and serve as a great store of value.” The return of confidence in the art market often forecasts a strong market for estate properties as well.  Buyers of great masterworks are typically interested in luxury real estate , and we look forward to helping these clients find new homes for their collections in the coming months.

Westchester’s High-end Home Market

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Tags: , , ,      Categories: Buying, Houlihan Lawrence News, Luxury market, Selling, Westchester

Houlihan Lawrence COO, Chris Meyers, discusses the current buying trends in the high-end home market in this video from Forbes.com. See what Chris has to say about where bargains exist in the local housing market here in Westchester County.

Tally Ho!

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Ready to saddle up? Newcomers to our area are often surprised to find that there are still a number of major equestrian properties within easy commuting distance to Manhattan.

Home to both small and large horse farms with miles of beautiful riding trails to enjoy, our region also hosts major equestrian events such as top-level competitions at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, the Goldens Bridge Hunt, the Millbrook Hunt and one of our favorite summer events, the Fitch’s Corner Horse Trials, held annually in Millbrook.

Whether you are a professional or simply like to ride, here are a few of the picturesque equestrian properties that make our area so special.

Barn 2Three Ponds Farm – North Salem

A horseman’s paradise with an extensive barn complex, staff quarters and a charming house, this irresistible 57-acre setting offers a unique mix of meadows, forest, springs and three stocked ponds.

Horse FieldBeaver Dam Farm – Bedford

One of the few small equestrian estates in Bedford, this glorious 10-acre setting borders the Beaver Dam River and features a two-story barn, dressage ring designed by Lawton Adams and multiple paddocks.

                                                      1Shannon Stables – Bedford

There’s room for over 35 horses at this professional-caliber facility set on 33 acres in Bedford’s historic Guard Hill area. Large stables, indoor and outdoor rings, a Grand Prix jumping course and 22 paddocks are among the many special features of this tranquil setting, only minutes from Bedford Village.

WMF-9Winchell Mountain Farm – Ancramdale

On over 142 acres with views that stretch to the Catskill Mountains, this breathtaking setting hosts a Colonial-style Farmhouse, 16-stall barn, 10-stall summer barn, outdoor ring, jumping field, 13 paddocks and multiple guest and staff houses.

  

  

  

 

Perfect Porches

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Now that the sun has finally come out, it’s time to step outside and appreciate the surrounding natural beauty that makes our area so desirable.

Many of our luxury properties offer expansive outdoor porches and terraces with wonderful views - the perfect spots to enjoy the first days of Spring.  Here are a few of our favorite outdoor venues from our inventory of luxury homes for sale.

Sutton Corners Farm One of the most illustrious homes in Bedford, Sutton Corners Farm was built in 1879 by prominent New York businessman James Sutton – of Sutton Place fame – for his bride, Florence Macy – daughter of retailing magnate, R. H. Macy. Creator of  New York’s Central Park, Frederick Law Olmsted designed the landscape that they enjoyed from their ivy-covered porch, which still remains today.

West Wind Farm Rear Exterior The spirit of the Old South inspired the grand veranda at West Wind Farm, which looks over scenic Turkey Hill in North Salem, NY.  Anyone for Mint Juleps ?

 

 

Long Point Terrace

 Long Point in Rumson, NJ occupies a blissful spot on the Navesink River. When the weather warms up, the heated private pool, dock and sandy beach offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy this unique locale.

Discover Your Inner Julia Child

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If you are like many of us, finding the time and inspiration to cook after a day of work can sometimes be difficult.  Yet there’s nothing quite as pleasurable as a home-cooked meal, especially on these cold winter nights.

Here are a few of  our favorite kitchens designed to take your next culinary creation to new heights.

Kitchen

The spectacular kitchen at Grande Folly in South Salem is both highly functional and beautiful. Ideal for family meals, the kitchen has also been used  for classes taught by a celebrity chef. The unique LaCanche stove is just one of many special attractions.

 

Kitchen

Scaled for a feast, the kitchen at Purchase Manor in Purchase was designed by renowned designer Christopher Peacock who created the quintessential showcase kitchen equipped with every high-end amenity.

 

 

Stainless Kitchen

There’s something for every chef at Ashokan House in Woodstock , which features this commercial-caliber kitchen servicing a grand dining room as well as a more intimate family kitchen for informal occasions.

 

  

KitchenThe perfect backdrop for a home-cooked meal, this sparkling  kitchen at West Wind Farm in North Salem blends antique architectural elements with  a host of state-of-the-art appliances.

 

 

 What’s your recipe for a great kitchen?  We’d love to hear from you on what special features you like best.

“Less” is the new “More” in Luxury Real Estate

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Less conspicuous that is. From jewelry to luxury cars to luxury homes, reports are widespread that in response to our slowed economy and public opinion, the new luxury buyer is more restrained in their purchases than ever before.

But for those of us in the luxury real estate business, the good news is that high-end homebuyers are back in the market and buying.

Luxury home sales experienced a resurgence at the end of 2009 and based on our recent sales, first quarter 2010 promises to be even stronger.  Read more about the new habits of the affluent buyer in this recent New York Times article, “Ready to Spend, But Not To Boast”.

Tell us how the economy has changed the way you spend. Are you still holding back on major purchases, or are you experiencing the “frugal fatigue” cited in the article and finally treating yourself to some indulgences?

The Bonus Factor

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The New York Times reported that Wall Street bonuses will be record-breaking.

Will bonus money trickle down to the real estate market in 2010?

2918779---flaglerIf past luxury sales are predictive of future activity, Westchester’s luxury market looks like it is on an upswing. In the typically slow month of December, Houlihan Lawrence closed two $5 million plus sales: an $8,000,000 waterfront property in Mamaroneck was sold by Cathy Devore from the Larchmont office. Mamaroneck is located on the Long Island Sound with miles of beaches and several waterfront neighborhoods.

2904222---castleFurther north, Armonk’s Brian Milton sold a 1907 seven acre estate for $5,100,000. Armonk, a bucolic hamlet, offers country living at its best with a 38-minute commute to Grand Central Station.

Both Cathy and Brian’s buyers recognized the value of these special properties, and favorable market conditions that make now a good time to buy. Pending sales of $5 million+ properties point to the same conclusion.

Do you think it is a good time to buy?