From a Bel-Air estate to a Spanish Hacienda to an iconic New York residence, these properties offer five-star pedigrees for global buyers. When marketing premier properties, those with a back story are distinctively interesting.
Bel-Air, California: Il Sogno (The Dream)
Available for the first time in half a century at $45 million, Il Sogno (The Dream) on Perugia Way is a grand 12,000-square-foot gated Tuscan villa-style home. Built by Mark Daniels with interiors by Kalef Alaton, named one of the 20 greatest designers of all time by Architectural Digest.
Artisans from Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast helped create an authentic Italian villa. A team of Italian artists from the internationally-known Renzo Mongiardino studio in Rome hand-painted the frescos which adorn the domed ceiling, walls, and wood floors.
The villa’s extensive gardens were designed by David Jones, the personal florist of Nancy Reagan, Jackie Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor. A hand-tiled swimming pool, sunken grotto spa, fountains, enormous lawns, formal gardens and specimen trees make up the grounds. Views of the Bel-Air Country Club Golf Course and UCLA complete the picture.
Placerville, Colorado: Berman Buckskin Ranch
The backstory to this recreational Colorado ranch is the main ranch house was originally designed for Academy Award-winning director Oliver Stone. Nowadays, it’s home to three-time Word of Poker champion and noted entrepreneur Lyle Berman who reimagined the ranch when he purchased it. Berman’s corporate resume included six years as chairman and CEO of the restaurant and retail chain Rainforest Café.
With a total of 17 bedrooms and 15 bathrooms on 1,418 acres, the ranch is listed at $24.5 million. The new owner can embrace the Colorado lifestyle via 10 miles of mountain biking and horseback riding trails.
A 32,000 square foot equestrian center with vet hospital space makes this a special property for equine enthusiasts. Anglers will appreciate the 3-acre trout pond. This is Colorado ranch living at its best.
Malaga, Ronda, Spain: Contemporary Hacienda and Winery
Imagine owning a modern hacienda located in the exclusive Spanish winery La Melonera. With an asking price of about US $5.88 million, this furnished modern Spanish estate blends into the surrounding vineyard landscape. Being part of the winery means the owner receives 430 bottles a year and a personalized label.
The 3,845-square-foot hacienda with four en-suite bedrooms was designed by internationally known architect Marcos Sainz. An expansive master suite includes a sauna.
There is a swimming pool on the property to take advantage of Malaga’s sunny days and surrounding vineyard views. Owning a producing vineyard and winery certainly has cachet.
New York Central Park West: San Remo
Residences in New York’s legendary San Remo rarely become available. This 5,500 plus square-foot, 14-room corner residence has outstanding “reach-out-and-touch” views over Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.
Designed by the legendary architect Emery Roth in 1930, the San Remo, a landmark building on Central Park West between 74th and 75th, is listed at $19.95 million. The apartment, which has a library, a media room and three bedrooms, could be redesigned to accommodate expansive family living.
One of New York’s most prestigious addresses, the San Remo’s distinctive Beaux-Arts architecture is recognized worldwide. Twin limestone towers boast 136 private residences. The San Remo has a long history of well-known residents, including Barry Manilow, Dustin Hoffman, Stephen Spielberg, Steve Martin, Diane Keaton and Mary Tyler Moore.
Bel-Air, California: Modern Georgian Estate
Residing on one of Bel-Air’s most prestigious East Gate streets, this modern recently-built Georgian compound is deemed for legend status. The boldface names behind this 8-bedroom, 16 bathroom estate include the international design firm Harrison Design with interiors by Kathy Hilton in collaboration with Nicole Gordon Studio.
Listed at $55 million, this property is crafted in pristine white brick and features dramatic double doors that open to a grand foyer creating a true sense of arrival. Entertaining begins with cocktails on the main terrace.
The epitome of an elegant California lifestyle is found on limestone walkways connecting the upper terraces to a lower entertaining terrace and pool level creating over 3,300 square feet of elegant outdoor terrace space. An oversized swimming pool and custom-designed pool house with kitchen and bath make this property perfect for multi-generational living. Unmatched canyon and city views are found throughout. Cutting-edge smart home technology creates an estate for 21st-century living.