Unique Homes is visiting Barbados to tour new luxury real estate opportunities. This is the final blog from our press trip:

Throughout the week, Unique Homes has taken its readers down the west coast of Barbados to fine restaurants, across inland parishes to gullies, and to the east coast where the rough Atlantic waters make for perfect surfing conditions. Readers may have wondered how these excursions related to real estate. It’s simple. When buyers purchase real estate in Barbados—on the west or east coasts—they’re getting more than just square footage. Owners are purchasing culture, recreation, tradition and pride. All of the places Unique Homes traveled represent the pieces that make Barbados a Caribbean hotspot.

In Paynes Bay, St. James, there are two exceptional real estate options that afford charm, luxury and Caribbean flair. Beach View and Sandy Cove are both distinctive developments with their own character.

Beach View Condo Hotel—Guests and residents of Beach View Condo Hotel are welcomed into a three-acre paradise that blends into the island atmosphere. The property offers four 3-story structures with 36 two- and three-bedroom units that range from $600,000 to $925,000 (fully furnished). Only nine units remain on the market.

Step into any unit and immediately capture views of the calm Caribbean Sea, which is located just beyond the property. An open floor plan allows sunlight to rush in and sounds of the ocean to form the musical accompaniment to a picture-perfect lifestyle.

Balconies and patios of each unit look out onto two pools—one for kids and one for adults. Because Beach View is a family oriented environment, a kids’ pool was a must. And beyond the enchanting floor plans, great location and pristine property is an even more enticing feature. Beach View Condo Hotel offers its buyers the opportunity to take part in a rental pool. The idea behind the pool is that a purchased unit can be used while it is unoccupied by its owner. This setup could potentially help offset the overall price of the condo unit and turn an even bigger investment.

Sandy Cove—Located directly on the beach, Sandy Cove’s property is comprised of 15 units in total, eight of which are currently on the market. Prices range from a $3 million resale to an $8.5 million penthouse.

Unique Homes was welcomed into unit 202, listed for $3.75 million. The 2,895-square-foot abode offered the finest finishes, a grand kitchen with high-end appliances, an abundance of storage space, three bedrooms and three and one-half baths. A large balcony off of the main living area beckoned us to take a glimpse. On the balcony, we found a plunge pool, room to host guests and private access to the property’s lovely pool and spa. Indoors and out, Sandy Cove raises the bar for island living.

Whether it be a fully furnished unit overlooking the Caribbean, or a residence on the sand with private access to the pool and beach, there is always a common denominator: great weather, friendly people, and a rich culture in Barbados.

—Lauren Varga

Unique Homes is visiting Barbados to tour new luxury real estate opportunities. This is the first blog from our press trip:

We touched down on Barbados‘ west coast—known as the Platinum Coast for its powder-soft beaches, crystal clear waters and manicured properties—in the parish of Christ Church at 1:10 p.m. (EST). The Barbadians wasted no time getting us settled in to Barbados, the most-eastern island in the Caribbean. By 3 p.m., we were checked into a room at the Beach View Hotel in St. James and was sitting poolside, overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Mirroring Barbadian style, we arrived at The Tides in an elegant, conservative fashion. The evening began with the serving of a traditional rum punch cocktail. A fresh Caesar salad and grilled jumbo shrimp appetizer, followed by sorbet to cleanse the pallet lead into the evening’s main dish. Pan-seared mahi-mahi over a creamy dish of risotto was presented as the main entree. No knife was necessary; the flaky, soft fish gently glided onto the fork with ease. And for dessert, a sweet Mars Bar and Oreo cheesecake, topped with a sliced strawberry; delicious!

Follow Unique Homes’ travels throughout the remainder of this week. Tomorrow, we journey to the eastern border of Barbados for zip-lining and a tour of St. Nicholas Abbey.

—Lauren Varga

Unique Homes magazine’s evening at Twenty9th Park Madison’s art gallery opening, featuring works by Miguel Trelles, began at the main lobby entrance where we were greeted by inviting hosts decked out in sophisticated attire.

Developer Espais Promocions Immobiliaries teamed with the Gabarron Foundation—a non-profit organization that helps support and expose emerging Spanish-speaking artists and is a center for Spanish and South American art and culture in New York—to provide Twenty9th Park Madison’s residents with an enriching cultural opportunity.

“Twenty9th Park Madison has residents from all over the world, and we wanted to provide them with a unique cultural experience as well as the opportunity to support a neighborhood non-profit organization that encourages cultural diversity and cooperation,” says Andres Hogg, U.S. General Manager of Espais.

Our night continued on as we caught a ride on an elevator to the 22nd floor where 17 artworks by Trelles adorned the walls of three separate apartments. Studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments within the condo building span from 536 square feet to 1,309 square feet and are highlighted by the finest finishes. Prices on these units range from $635,000 to $2 million.

Another elevator ride to a two-bedroom, two-bath model penthouse revealed awe-inspiring views from floor-to-ceiling windows. Twenty9th Park Madison offers 10 penthouse units on the top four floors. Penthouses range from 1,255 square feet to 2,070 square feet in space and start at $2.3 million.

Interior spaces are designed with exceptional taste. Teak hardwoods map out the floor plans; Bosch stacked in-unit washers/dryers are situated for convenience; limestone tiling, soaking tubs and separate showers with rain shower heads are positioned for relaxing in the bath retreats; and top-of-the-line kitchen appliances are in place for the food connoisseur.

But, perhaps the most splendid piece of artwork and the highpoint of Unique Homes’ evening was our arrival at Twenty9th Park Madison’s rooftop. Here, views of the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings immediately caught our eyes. Quaint sitting areas and barbecue stations are set up for small gatherings or larger events.

A silent auction of Trelles’ pieces rounded out our evening. Proceeds from the auction went to support the work of the Gabarron Foundation.

Coldwell Banker Hunt Kennedy’s new development division is the exclusive marketing and sales agent for Twenty9th Park Madison.

—Sarah Binder & Lauren Varga
 

Sarasota, Fla.

In the most significant sale of its type since August 2008, an 18th-floor penthouse above the Ritz-Carlton Hotel—located at 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive—sold on Monday, March 9th for $3.3 million. Listed on January 26th for $3.995 million, the condominium sold for 90 percent of its original list price and was bound to contract in a mere 16 days. Representing the seller was Linda Driggs of the Main Street office of Michael Saunders & Company. The buyer was represented by Prudential Palms Realty.

With more than 5,000 square feet of living space, the penthouse includes four bedroom suites, a dramatic entry foyer, spacious living room and formal dining room, an eat-in kitchen and a den/library. Incomparable sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico, along with stylishly appointed interiors and the finest in amenities and concierge services offered by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, contributed to the property’s exceedingly short stay on the market.

Monday’s sale was the highest for a luxury condominium since August of 2008, when another penthouse in the same building sold for $3.6 million. In that transaction, Lyn Wiley—of the Main Street office of Michael Saunders & Company—represented the seller; Beth Afflebach and Joan Dickinson, with the Ritz-Carlton office of Michael Saunders & Company, represented the buyer.

– Sarah Binder

The Fawcett Ranch House, near Los Banos, Calif., is the state’s only Frank Lloyd Wright residence in the context of a working farm. Listed for $2,700,000, the house is sited on approximately 80 acres of fertile farmland, which support produce and a walnut orchard, in San Joaquin Valley and would make an excellent executive retreat, gentlemen’s farm or single-family home.

A long private drive leads to a flowering parking court in front of the five-bedroom, four-full- and one-half-bath home. The complementary pool, Koi pond and palms create an oasis amongst the valley’s many farms. A separate studio with bath, wine cellar, tractor bay, Japanese garden, aviary, workshop and three-car carport complete the luxurious grounds.

For more information about the event, or to become only the second owner of this sprawling property, contact listing agent Crosby Doe at 310.428.6755 (cell) or 310.275.2222 (office).

– Sarah Binder

If you don’t mind your neighbors throwing loud, out-of-control parties, you can live next door to the Playboy mansion for only 28 million dollars. Hugh Hefner and his wife, Kimberley Conrad Hefner, who have lived in adjacent mansions since their 1999 separation, are listing Ms. Hefner’s Los Angeles home for $28 million. Standing next door to the Playboy mansion in Holmby Hills, the 1929 brick and wood English manor-style house, on 2.3 acres, measures 7,300 square feet and has a pool and a three-car garage, as well as a door in the wall separating the home from the Playboy mansion. Original wood paneling and a hand-carved staircase are just a few fine highlights.

Joyce Rey and Stacy Gottula, of Coldwell Banker Previews International, are representing the listing, according to The Wall Street Journal.

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Patrick Dempsey, also known as Derek Shepherd/Dr. McDreamy on ABC’s staple drama Grey’s Anatomy, is listing his four-bedroom, five-full- and one-half-bath New England Traditional in Bel-Air for $3.595 million. Though, with his character’s long-awaited nuptials soon to air, the actor’s well equipped home might garner an even higher price.

Perfect for entertaining with adults and children, the gated and hedged property features a pool, brick patio, flat lawn and a matching treehouse with a porch, which sits high up on the slope of the property.

Brett Lawyer, of Sotheby’s International Realty, is representing the listing, according to the Los Angeles Times.

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Eli Stone’s Natasha Henstridge has listed her 3,825-square-foot, five-bedroom, five-bath Sherman Oaks Traditional for $1.75 million. Boasting views of the San Fernando Valley, the home includes an entertainment deck, formal dining room, and hardwood floors and high-beamed ceilings in the public areas. The half-acre lot also offers a pool and a pool deck area.

Henstridge, 34, plays lawyer Taylor Wethersby on the ABC comedy-drama.

Matt Epstein, of RE/MAX on the Boulevard, is representing the listing, according to the Los Angeles Times.

– Sarah Binder

Losing oneself in a secluded, peaceful rainforest on the island of Costa Rica never sounded so luxurious.

Tranquilo, a luxury quarter-ownership development in the gated enclave of Punta Leona along the central coast of Costa Rica, spans 15 acres of jungle, beaches and natural surroundings. Punta Leona lives up to any resident’s expectations with three Blue-Flag-rated (or as the natives say Bandera Azul) beaches, jungle hiking, mountain bike trails and a zip-line tour of the jungle canopy and butterfly farm.

After a day of relaxing on the beach, or hiking through the jungle, come home and be pampered within your Tranquilo residence, which can range from a 750-square-foot studio to a 4,500-square-foot penthouse and start at $70,000. Gently settled into the topography of Costa Rica, Tranquilo looks out over the canopy to capture views of the Pacific Ocean.

The seamless exteriors are a complement to Tranquilo’s open and contemporary interiors, which are flanked with floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the tropical oasis indoors. Finishes and details are incorporated from around the globe and will pleasure all of the senses.

With 90 percent of Tranquilo’s property undeveloped, there is a quiet nook waiting. Sink into a lounge chair by the infinity-edge pool, find your inner peace on the meditation deck, or grab a book and head to Playa Blanca or Playa Mantas.

Tranquilo is a 45-minute drive from San Jose, via a highway, which is scheduled for completion in 2010. Whether you arrive via automobile or helicopter, the homecoming is all the same. Each residence is equipped with a stocked refrigerator and owner requests; owners may even opt to have a chef prepare a private, culinary delight.

—Lauren Varga

MIAMI – The World is the first and only private residential community at sea.  This extraordinary 12-deck, 644-foot vessel first set sail in 2002, and officially sold out four years later.  As is the case with any private community, select apartments become available for resale from time to time.  One such apartment that is now available is Apartment 1110 & 1108, whose more than 4,000 square feet make this the largest apartment onboard, with five double en suite bedrooms, one double en suite study bedroom, two living areas, two dining areas, two kitchens, both with laundry facilities, and 150 square feet of verandah space.  The apartment is priced at $17.5 million, and can comfortably fit up to 12 people.  More information on the apartment can be found at www.theworldsuite.com

Apartment 1110 and 1108 is custom-designed, ideal for large families or groups of friends visiting the ship together, as its connected living spaces have internal dividing doors and private entrances for assured space, privacy and flexibility.  The apartment is one of only a few to offer both bow and port views with two heated whirlpool spas on the 150-foot verandah.  The en suite study bedroom offers a quiet place to use the internet or a convenient extra sixth bedroom for children or an Au Pair. 

The ship’s overwhelming success and the increased demand for bigger, more luxurious apartments led to 1110 and 1108 as a multi-suite living option for the well-traveled, discerning guest.  These combined apartments have been cleverly configured with internal doors (some disguised as book cases) allowing for a variety of rental options with either two, three or five en suite bedrooms. 

The World’s continuous worldwide itinerary allows for the only home ownership with views of more than 470 of the world’s finest cities, beaches and ports including Hong Kong, New York, Sydney, London, Antarctica, Venice, St. Petersburg and the Seychelles.  In addition, The World is offering three unique Expeditions in 2009 – a voyage through the Sea of Cortez in May, a journey along the Bering Sea in August, and a trek through Papua New Guinea in late-November.  The World will also make a maiden call in Seoul, South Korea in October 2009.  

Each suite within the apartment is outfitted with a range of amenities including sophisticated home entertainment centers in the living rooms with a comprehensive supply of the latest movies and music; space for private, catered meals; dining areas with wet bar facilities; fully equipped kitchen and laundry areas; stunning views from floor to ceiling windows; Internet, fax and phone services; cable television, and more.  Other onboard offerings such as daily housekeeping, private chef services, dry cleaning, concierge and 24-hour room service allow those onboard to be free to explore and enjoy the ship.  The World offers four high-quality restaurants, an expansive fitness center and The World Spa by Banyan Tree, a golf simulator, onboard theatre and art gallery, marina for water sports, and much more.

The unique ship offers 165 homes aboard, and pricing for residences starts at approximately $1.4 million.  Additionally, many private residences are available for rent, with a minimum six-night stay required.  For further information on Apartment 1110 and 1108 pricing, and for a full listing of the 2009 itinerary, please visit www.aboardtheworld.com

About The World:
The World® is the only residential community at sea, allowing its Residents and Guests to travel the world without leaving the comforts of a private home.  There is an average of 150 adventurous and like-minded explorers onboard at once, traveling to intriguing destinations all over the globe.  The ship offers an elegant and intimate travel lifestyle with impeccable service and amenities that deliver a personalized and bespoke experience.  Discerning travelers can travel in one of the 165 private residences aboard The World or elect to own one of the select homes available for resale. For more information about residential purchase options or vacation experiences, please call ResidenSea Management, Ltd. at 1-800-970-6601 in the U.S. or Canada or + 1-954-538-8400 outside the U.S.; or visit www.aboardtheworld.com

Southern California saw its median housing price fall 40 percent in January to $250,000, spurring a 52.5 percent increase in sales of new and previously owned houses and condominiums, according to MDA DataQuick.

The six-county area includes Los Angeles County, where the median sales price dropped to $300,000, its lowest point since April 2003; however, sales in Los Angeles County soared 33 percent. San Bernardino and Riverside Counties saw more significant jumps in sales—128 percent and 71 percent, respectively.

While discounted prices on foreclosed homes continue to be the driving force behind price declines (foreclosures accounted for 58 percent of all transactions of previously owned homes and condos), resales hit record levels in some areas. Palmdale set a record of 306 resales in January 2005; resales last month reached 351.

Jim Link, chief executive of the Southland Regional Association of Realtors, said bargain hunters are bidding against one another on discounted properties, and some homes are selling at above the list price.

– Sarah Binder

Attention football fans—It’s first and goal for a chance to place a bid on the suburban Atlanta home of Atlanta Falcons quarterback, Michael Vick. The home is expected to hit the auction block on March 10th. Previously listed at $4.5 million, the residence will now start with opening bid of $3.2 million. The auction will be held in either Atlanta or Gwinnett County.

What can one expect to find with the purchase of the Duluth mansion? A two story foyer with double curved staircase, a home theater, a workout room with sauna, an elevator and a full bar for starters. For more on Vick’s home, check out the story by AP writer Larry O’Dell: Auction of Vick’s Georgia Home.

—Robert Burke