Mansion Hunting: What $10 Million Buys In Hawaii, Hong Kong And Santa Barbara

Prized properties generally command a premium, but not all luxury real estate is the same. In this week’s look at the global housing market, I took a look at homes selling for about $10 million in Hawai’i, Hong Kong and Santa Barbara. From a blufftop compound on the Big Island of Hawai’i to a three-story showplace in Hong Kong, here’s a closer look:

Ninole, Big Island, Hawai’i

This blufftop compound overlooking the sea is called the Water Falling Estate for its two natural waterfalls that reside on the property. Encompassing more than nine acres of grounds in Ninole, the property includes a lighted tennis/basketball court with stadium-style seating, a 9-hole golf course and a hybrid swimming pool complex designed for children, exercising and diving.

Features: A modern super-structure, the four-story features an open-concept floor plan and walls of windows that take in sweeping ocean views. A central Daytona pneumatic vacuum elevator runs through the heart of the five-bedroom, four-bedroom home, connecting each of the four levels. Dual islands and commercial-grade appliances highlight the chef’s kitchen.

Other perks: In addition to the swimming pool complex, outdoor amenities include a covered pavilion with a grilling and dining area. Also near the pool area is a changing room equipped with a shower and sauna. On the top floor is a rooftop deck.

Price: $9.995 million

Represented by: Carrie Nicholson, Hawai’i Life

Sheung Shui, Hong Kong

This three-story residence lies in Sheung Shui, a small yet affluent suburb located in the northern district of Hong Kong. Designed for a sophisticated palette,  the contemporary-style house features high ceilings, polished stone floors and gilded details that keep the eyes moving from room to room.

Features: The three-bedroom, four-bathroom floor plan has been enhanced and features a top-story master suite complete with an open study and a walk-in closet. On the lower level is a floor-to-ceiling wine storage facility and a contemporary kitchen with high-end appliances. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room take in the leafy backyard and private swimming pool.

Other perks: Upper balconies overlook the backyard while creating additional living space outdoors. In the backyard, the swimming pool is paired with a dining patio, lawn and landscaping.

Price: HKD 75,000,000 (US 9.68 million)

Represented by: Joshua Miller, OKAY.com

Santa Barbara, CA, United States

Designed by Cliff May, the architect who popularized the California ranch home, this romantic residence in Santa Barbara’s gated Birnham Wood community displays all the trappings of the style: clean horizontal lines, wood-beamed vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that open to garden settings. A recent refurbishing by interior designer Micholyn Brown has further enhanced the three-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom house.

Features: A light-filled living room sits at the heart of the home and is naturally lit by a band of skylights that extends across the ceilings. Beautiful terracotta floors, painted stonework and thoughtful built-ins are among details of note. In the kitchen, modern appliances, updated cabinetry and an island with a waterfall edge blend seamlessly with the Old World aesthetic.  

Other perks: A breezeway connects the main house two and office and separate guest quarters with two bedrooms and a bathroom. Outside, gardens and mature trees create a vibrant backdrop for multiple patios, stone walls and amble pathways. Also on the grounds is an outdoor fireplace and a bocce ball court.

Price: $9.5 million

Represented by: Patricia Griffin, Village Properties

Hawai’i Life, OKAY.com and Village Properties are exclusive members of Forbes Global Properties, a consumer marketplace and membership network of elite brokerages selling the world’s most luxurious homes.