Founded in San Francisco in 2016, Raise launched a fully digital real estate management platform. Raise’s co-founder and CEO, Justin Bedecarre, will take on the role of head of Americas leasing innovation at JLL, overseeing Raise’s integration into JLL’s US leasing operations. Read next: Fed rate cut brings fresh optimism to commercial real estate sector … [Read more…]
Northwestern Mutual to Award Record $8.2 Billion Dividend to Policyowners in 2025 Payout is expected to be the industry’s largest and more than triple the size of Northwestern Mutual’s nearest competitor Company’s legacy of returning value to policyowners stretches back more than 150 years and totals more than $160 billion MILWAUKEE, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — … [Read more…]
In the scenic mountains near Tannersville, New York, a 31-acre property with a storied history, breathtaking natural surroundings, and oodles of rustic charm is now up for grabs.
The historic Catskills house dates back to 1903 and was once home to a beloved stage actress who turned it into a gathering ground for art lovers and creative minds, taking advantage of the home’s proximity to the famed artist and writers’ retreat, Onteora Club.
Known as Caddam Hill, the 31-acre Catskills property is a luxury retreat with a distinctly rustic feel, unlike anything we’ve seen recently — and it’s now up for grabs for $3,450,000.
Like Fancy Pants Homes’ content? Be sure to follow us on Google News
The Catskills house is now being brought to market for $3,450,000 by the Coldwell Banker Village Realty office in Windham, N.Y., with Sharon Knudsen and Nadine Bechle in charge of the listing.
Public records show that the home last sold for $1,400,000 almost two decades ago, in 2005.
Located at 863 County Road 25 in Tannersville, New York, the 31-acre property is anchored by an 8,500-square-foot home with 6 bedrooms and 5 baths.
But its merits cannot be reduced to a list of specs, as the property’s generous acreage also comes with majestic mountain views, a trail system, a spring-fed pond, and sparkling streams.
“This estate transcends time,” says agent Sharon Knudsen. “The majestic mountain views and sparkling streams surrounding this Catskills home have made it a peaceful retreat for more than a century. You can just sit on the deck, watch the sunset, take in the quiet and breathe. That’s a comfort that never gets old.”
The home traces its history all the way back to 1903, and its standout architecture hints at its storied past.
According to Nadine Bechle, “Caddam Hill was constructed by renowned architect George Reid with a beautiful mix of Arts & Crafts and Country French styles. His client was stage actress Maude Adams, whose fame in her time rivaled stars like Scarlett Johansson today.“
Locally, the house is well-known as the former home of Maude Adams, recognized as one of America’s greatest stage legends (and one of the highest-paid actresses of her time).
A lauded producer and theatrical designer, Adams also worked with General Electric to invent new lighting technologies that were used both on-stage and off. She was most celebrated during her life for her stage portrayal of Peter Pan in the 1905 Broadway production.
The house was once part of the storied Onteora Club, the original Catskills artists’ retreat which, according to one of its founders, Frank Thurber, “grew by an accident of friendship, the human instinct for congenial companionship, the desire to draw people whom we loved into an almost unknown realm of beauty… Where we could build a camp or cabin and live the wild life for a little space.”
Maude Adams was a member of their club, pioneering the spirit of nature-inspired creativity that still characterizes the Catskills region today alongside other famous artists and writers, including Mark Twain.
While the house has seen its share of upgrades over the years, it retains its historic and rustic charm.
“The history is very much present in this home, but it has been seamlessly updated for modern comfort and practicality in every way imaginable, without losing any of its prodigious original character,” listing agent Nadine Bechle tells us. “You can live there like a star in any era.”
Stepping inside the 8,500-square-foot home, wood-clad spaces and towering beamed ceilings greet residents and their guests with a timeless approach to luxury.
Caddam Hills’ stunning great room wows with its original woodwork, wooden beams, gleaming oak floors, and antique windows that take in the spectacular mountain views. Adding to the charm is a stone fireplace that completes the timeless design.
A tasteful kitchen brings a note of modernity without disrupting the home’s overall rustic design and features luxe appliances, vaulted ceilings, and a large kitchen island, with balcony doors opening to the home’s wrap-around deck.
Other standout spaces and amenities include a billiards room, media room, gym, and a cozy bar.
See also: 13 of our all-time favorite Midcentury Modern houses (and some of their famous past owners)
Our favorite part of the house is the oversized primary suite, an elegant space that emanates warmth despite its size.
Here, we find two extra seating areas, a stone fireplace, and generously sized windows to take in the beautiful surroundings.
Throughout the 8,500-square-foot home, we find places that invite rest and introspection, with many of them hinting at a time long gone when technology and devices didn’t command our attention at every corner.
But there are also countless spaces meant to entertain guests and friends, from the charming bar to the sizeable dining room or billiards room.
Caddam Hills is conveniently located close to some of the biggest attractions in the vibrant four-season Catskills community, including Kaaterskill Falls, Twilight Park, Hunter Mountain Ski Resort, the trails of Catskill Park, Colonial Country Club, Colgate Lake, and more.
It’s also within proximity to performing arts venues and celebrated restaurants, including the highly rated Deer Mountain Inn, located a few minutes away from the house.
The property’s acreage connects to the Mountain Top Arboretum (156 acres of protected land), the Hunter Foundation (136 acres), and the Onteora Club where Maude Adams once mounted theatricals with friends.
More stories
This Floating Farmhouse in the Catskills dates back to the 1820s, but you could never tell
$9M Modern farmhouse has a breathtaking two-story library & an entire wellness wing
$10 million will buy you the ultimate Berkshires country escape
Source: fancypantshomes.com
The cost to renovate a house can range from $60 to $150 per square foot, depending on scope, size, location and labor. Many popular renovation projects cost under $20,000 for low-end, minor renovations to more than $100,000 for high-end, major renovation project.
High-end renovations make use of the most upscale materials and popular trends. National average prices for major projects in this category can easily fall into the high five-figure or even six-figure range. Here are national average prices for popular high-end major renovations.
Average renovation cost: $78,840.
Project overview: Expansion of existing bathroom within the house’s original footprint and relocation of all fixtures.
Highlights: New shower with body-spray features and a frameless glass enclosure, freestanding tub, high end faucets/fixtures, ceramic tiles, one-piece toilet, spot lighting, heated floors, cabinetry and extended HVAC.
Average renovation cost: $339,513.
Project overview: Building a 32 x 20-foot bedroom suite with a full bathroom and sitting area. This addition is built over the home’s crawlspace.
Highlights: Custom bookcases, built-in storage, walk-in closet/dressing area, fireplace with custom mantle and stone hearth, walk-in shower with dual shower heads and frameless glass enclosure, separate soaker tub, one-piece toilet in partitioned area, two sinks in separate custom vanities and large mirrors, hospitality center with undercounter fridge, bar sink, microwave and custom cabinetry.
Average renovation cost: $158,530.
Project overview: Replacing all appliances, countertops, cabinetry, fixtures, flooring and features in an existing 200-square-foot kitchen.
Highlights: Custom cabinets with built-in sliding shelves, built-in refrigerator, commercial-grade cooktop and vent hood, wall oven, undermount sink with designer faucets and water filtration system, built-in microwave, stone countertops, ceramic or glass tile backsplash, new lighting and new flooring.
Mid-range projects may sometimes be as extensive as high-end renovations, but they use standard materials and fixtures rather than luxury ones. Here are national average costs for some popular mid-range renovations.
Average renovation cost: $25,251.
Project overview: Updating existing 5 x 7 bathroom by replacing existing fixtures, cabinetry, flooring and wall covering.
Highlights: Porcelain-on-steel tub with ceramic tile surround and single-lever shower control, standard white toilet, vanity with integral sink, recessed medicine cabinet with lighting vinyl wallpaper and ceramic tile floor.
Average renovation cost: $157,855.
Project overview: Building a 24 x 16 suite that includes a bedroom, bathroom and walk-in closet/dressing area. Suite is built over crawlspace.
Highlights: Ceramic tile shower and separate freestanding tub, solid-surface countertop with double-bowl sink vanity, carpeted bedroom floor, painting of all nontiled walls, ceiling and trim. Also includes overall and spot lighting and an exhaust fan.
Average renovation cost: $79,982.
Project overview: Replace most appliances, cabinetry, countertops, fixtures, flooring and features in an existing 200-square-foot kitchen.
Highlights: Energy-efficient range with vented hood, dishwasher, built-in microwave, dishwasher, custom lighting, garbage disposal, semicustom wood cabinets, 3 x 5-foot island, laminate countertops, stainless steel double sink with single-lever faucet, new flooring, painted walls, ceiling and trim.
Average renovation cost: $27,492.
Project overview: Update 200-square-foot kitchen without tearing out cabinet boxes.
Highlights: Reface cabinets with Shaker-style drawer fronts, panels and hardware; install new laminate countertops, mid-priced sink and faucet. Replace existing appliances with energy-efficient stove, cooktop, and refrigerator. Install new flooring and paint walls, ceiling and trim.
If you’re considering a less extensive renovation, here’s a rough idea of what you might expect to spend on a few popular projects:
Bedroom renovation (paint, furniture, closet organization system, etc.): $1,500 to $5,500.
Living room renovation (paint, flooring, windows, lighting, etc.): $5,000 to $10,000.
Mold remediation: About $2,230.
Asbestos remediation: About $1,200 to $3,100.
Replacing appliances: $200 to $10,000 per appliance.
Remodeling an entire house costs about $60 to $150 per square foot, and costs are likely higher if you’re working on a historic home. Gutting a house all the way down to the studs typically costs about $100,000 to $650,000.
Accordingly, your total costs for a gut renovation might be:
A 1,400-square-foot house at $100 per square foot: $140,000.
A 2,700-square foot house at $100 per square foot: $270,000.
A 3,500-square-foot house at $150 per square foot: $525,000.
A 4,000-square-foot house at $150 per square foot: $600,000.
Your contractor may offer some financing options (either through a partner or a payment plan), but there are other — any maybe better — financing options available.
Home equity loan or HELOC
Home equity loans or home equity lines of credit (HELOC) may have lower interest rates than financing with an installer, as well as future opportunities for refinancing and possible tax benefits.
With a home equity loan, you receive a lump-sum payment and then pay it back at a fixed interest rate over an agreed period of time, typically five to 30 years. HELOCs are more akin to a credit card, something you use as needed. You’ll usually have 10 years to draw from the line of credit, during which time you only have to pay interest, and after that you pay both the principal and interest. HELOC interest rates typically are variable, meaning your monthly payment could rise or fall over time. And with each of these options, you’re using your home as collateral.
Personal loan
Many banks, credit unions and online lenders offer personal loans, with amounts typically from $1,000 to $100,000 and with fixed annual percentage rates. You receive a lump sum and repay it in equal monthly installments over a set period, typically two to seven years. Unlike with home equity financing, there is no collateral. This means your home isn’t at risk if you miss payments, but you’ll still have to pay late fees and the late payments can negatively impact your credit.
Credit card
Credit cards are an option for lower cost repairs or renovations. That’s because credit cards typically charge higher interest rates than home equity loans, HELOCs and personal loans. When used responsibly, credit cards can come with great benefits, such as 0% introductory APR periods that allow you to avoid interest for a set number of months; rewards so you can earn cash back, travel or points; and sign-up bonuses that can give you some extra cash back or rewards for a larger purchase. If you go this route, you’ll want to make sure you pick one of the best credit cards for home improvements.
The best financing option for you will depend on how much money you need, when you need the money, what project you’re doing and how long you need to pay the money back. If it’s something that’ll add value to your home, a HELOC or home equity loan may be your best option because the value of your house could increase by more than the amount of the loan.
On the flip side, if it’s a less expensive repair, a credit card is probably your best option if you want to pay no interest or earn rewards. Personal loans can apply to both small and large repairs or renovations, and they may make sense if you don’t have much equity in your home.
Regardless of what you choose, make sure you compare interest rates, terms and fees with any financing options you’re considering. This will ensure you get the best deal.
Source: nerdwallet.com
Florida’s ritzy Venetian Islands — a chain of 6 man-made islands located between Miami Beach and the Miami mainland — are known for their luxury waterfront mansions and gated estates.
Among them is a 2018-built contemporary home with downtown views and over 90 feet of water frontage that’s made headlines quite a few times over the years.
Built by former Formula One driver-turned-developer Eddie Irvine, the waterfront mansion is owned by real estate mogul Alex Sapir (who heads up the Sapir Organization and Sapir Corp.) and has recently been relisted for a whopping $39 million.
And if you think that’s a hefty price, know that it had an even more ambitious asking price during its previous stint on the market; in 2023, the Miami Beach property was listed for as much as $54 million (a neighboring lot with a teardown was also baked into the price).
Like Fancy Pants Homes’ content? Be sure to follow us on MSN
The house is ideally located on San Marino Island, one of the most coveted addresses in South Florida’s prestigious Venetian Islands, where homes typically trade for $10 million or more.
Currently, there are just a handful of homes publicly listed for sale on the man-made island, and pricing reflects the exclusivity of the location: the most affordable one is priced at $7.5 million, with the rest of them sporting price tags over $14 million.
Freshly relisted with a $39,000,000 asking price is an ultra-luxurious, five-bedroom waterfront mansion that’s currently the most expensive home for sale on San Marino Island.
The property — now listed with Douglas Elliman top producer Miltiadis Kastanis — spans a lot and a half with 90 feet of water frontage, and is anchored by a five-bedroom, seven-bath mansion that’s the pinnacle of luxury living.
Built in 2018 by Formula One driver-turned-developer Eddie Irvine (who lives nearby, on Miami Beach’s Sunset Islands), the Venetian Islands house is owned by well-known real estate developer Alex Sapir, son of late billionaire Tamir Sapir. His company was behind the luxury oceanfront condo building Arte by Antonio Citterio in Surfside, Miami Beach.
Sapir first listed the home in May 2023 for $41,100,888 according to public records — or $54 million with the inclusion of a neighboring lot with a teardown property, the New York Post reported at the time.
Now boasting a revamped price of $39,000,000 and fresh representation, the San Marco Island house is looking to attract deep-pocketed buyers who can appreciate its fine construction, stellar location, and extra-generous views — that overlook Biscayne Bay and downtown Miami’s skyline.
Inside the 7,890-square-foot residence, we find three separate social areas that benefit from skyline exposure, with 10’ telescopic windows enhancing the views.
An elegant, wood-paneled kitchen expertly conceals appliances so as not to obstruct the clean design, and comes with an oversized pantry.
Boasting floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides, the primary bedroom comes with two closets and a perfectly appointed bathroom.
See also: 26 Jaw-dropping Miami-area mansions
The spa-quality primary bathroom features a drench shower, deep soaking tub, expensive book-matched marble, and the same awe-inspiring views as the rest of the house.
Why settle for just one primary? The luxury Miami Beach home also comes with a junior primary bedroom outfitted with an equally elegant en-suite bathroom.
The trophy home comes with a series of indoor amenities including a home theater, media room, a wine cellar, and a bar, but it’s the outdoor areas that caught our eye.
Outside, we find a whole range of amenities that make the most of the home’s stellar waterfront location. These include a pool, spa and pool cabana, a summer kitchen, and dockage for several boats and jet skis.
More stories
This record-breaking $40M house is the most expensive home ever sold on Miami Beach’s Palm Island
You can buy Tom Brady’s former Florida apartment – But it won’t come cheap
One of the priciest homes in Paradise — aka Miami’s prestigious Fisher Island — just listed for $28 Million
Source: fancypantshomes.com
There is apparently a “home cost crisis,” and a new fintech company called Mesa is looking to solve that.
It’s no secret that home prices are through the roof, and when coupled with much higher mortgage rates and things like skyrocketing homeowners insurance, it can put homeownership out of reach.
Or at the very least, make it a struggle for the average American to keep up. To ease this burden, the company has rolled out a suite of products to make homeownership a little more affordable.
Perhaps ironically, this new company operates out of Austin, Texas, one of the hardest hit housing markets nationwide.
The popular metro has suffered from a glut of housing supply as many remote tech workers packed their bags and moved back to wherever they came from.
Referred to as the “first homeowner membership platform,” Mesa is actually a group of offerings aimed at making homeownership cheaper and more valuable.
This means putting better mortgage deals in front of prospective home buyers and giving them rewards when they make housing-related purchases.
Their first two products are the Mesa Mortgage Marketplace and the Mesa Homeowners Card.
The marketplace appears to operate similar to the Zillow Mortgage Marketplace. Prospective home buyers and existing homeowners looking to refinance can compare lenders in one place.
And aside from maybe scoring a lower rate and/or reduced closing costs, they can earn a portion of the loan amount back in rewards points.
Those who take out a loan via the Marketplace get 1% back in the form of rewards.
For example, a $500,000 loan amount would result in 500,000 rewards points, which would be worth $5,000.
Those points could then be redeemed for things like closing costs on the loan, or for travel, or even reinvested back into the home via an extra mortgage payment.
It’s important to note that Mesa is not a mortgage lender or a mortgage broker, but rather provides advertising for lenders and brokers via the marketplace and earns a fee.
Their other main product at launch is the “Mesa Homeowners Card,” which they refer to as the first premium credit card designed specifically for homeowners.
We’ve seen other homeowner-centric credit cards in the past, but this one is apparently premium for one reason or another.
Like other cards before it, cardmembers can get rewarded when they use the card to make monthly mortgage payments.
But it goes a step further by offering bonus points on things like HOA fees, utilities, home repairs, and other home-related services like insurance.
Per TechCrunch, you’ll earn 1X when using the card to make mortgage payments, 2X on gas and groceries, and 3X in the home services category.
These points will be eligible for gift card redemptions, mortgage payment redemptions, or transfers to airline & hotel partners.
My understanding is you’ll be able to use the Mesa Homeowners Card to make your mortgage payments, despite credit card issuers commonly not allowing this.
Mesa has partnered with Visa on the deal and has a team that formerly worked at companies like American Express, Capital One, and Bilt, the latter of which wanted to reward customers for paying the mortgage with a credit card.
Bilt currently lets cardholders pay their rent and earn cash back without being subject to a transaction fee.
They had planned to do the same for mortgage payments, but it never came to fruition. Will Mesa succeed where others failed? It remains to be seen, but it has always been a challenge.
Ultimately, mortgage lenders don’t love the idea of homeowners paying the mortgage with a credit card, and for good reason.
So it’s possible Mesa will cut a check or send an ACH if you use their credit card to pay your loan servicer, to ensure payment is accepted.
Lastly, Mesa has partnered with “brands you love” to provide exclusive discounts and offers.
This might include discounts for memberships at Costco and at other businesses that offer homeowner-centric services.
In addition, the company plans to expand their membership rewards to HELOC originations, home warranty plans, insurance, and other financial products for homeowners. And an app is coming soon as well.
The goal is to make homeownership both more affordable and rewarding by offering discounts and cash back on all related expenses.
Knowing today’s cost pressures go beyond the principal and interest on the mortgage, this could provide some relief to households who are stretched.
For me, the question mark remains whether they’ll be able to let users pay the mortgage with the credit card.
If they’re able to pull that off, it might be worthwhile. If not, you could argue that credit card points earned with other issuers could hypothetically be cashed out and applied toward the mortgage the same way.
For example, I can currently cash out by Chase Ultimate Rewards at a penny apiece and apply extra payments toward my mortgage. But I can’t use my Chase card to pay the mortgage.
So they’ll need something to truly differentiate and add value versus existing options. I’d probably consider it if they let me pay the mortgage each month.
Aside from earning 1% back each month, I’d get a grace period to float the mortgage payment before the payment was due.
The product is currently waitlisted and you can sign up via their website if interested.
Source: thetruthaboutmortgage.com
In the heart of Silicon Valley, a newly built Menlo Park house recently came to market with a price tag that places it miles ahead of the competition.
The $14,200,000 house — located smack dab in central Menlo Park — is currently the most expensive house for sale (by far) in the tech-heavy city, which serves as home to social media giant Meta and is also where Google was born.
Fitting for a place that attracts tech’s brightest (and richest), Menlo Park’s real estate market is among the priciest in the country, with the median home sale price sitting at a hefty $2.6 million, according to Redfin’s data.
Priced at $14.2 million, the centrally located Menlo Park house is the most expensive home for sale in the San Francisco Bay Area city, with the runner-up asking almost a full $3 million less.
But a quick look at the 8-bedroom home makes it clear that the property is also the city’s finest option, pairing a stellar location with a gorgeous contemporary design that takes California’s iconic indoor-outdoor living trend to new heights.
Like Fancy Pants Homes’ content? Be sure to follow us on Google News
Newly completed in 2024, the May Brown Avenue house sits on a 0.64-acre lot on a quiet cul-de-sac just moments from Menlo Park’s vibrant downtown.
With a stylishly appointed, contemporary main house, and an equally modern guest house, the Menlo Park property offers a total of 8 bedrooms and 8 full bathrooms, plus a half bath, and a large backyard between the two with a plethora of outdoor amenities.
Representing the property is Billy McNair with the McNair Group, affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty in Northern California.
The builder is the present owner, Nitin Handa, of Handa Developers Group — a Silicon Valley-based, tech-driven real estate development company that has developed a unique approach to acquisitions and construction, which allows them to complete every project within a set timeframe and budget.
Within 9 years, Handa Developers Group has completed more than 87 real estate deals, raising more than $77 million in capital to complete projects in three U.S. states.
Given their track record, Handa Developers Group knew how to adapt their Menlo Park project to suit the needs of wellness-minded Silicon Valley buyers, and created a contemporary home that perfects the sought-after, indoor-outdoor living trend — which blurs the lines between the two spaces.
“The culture in Silicon Valley often emphasizes innovation and modern living,” Nitin Handa, Founder and CEO of Handa Developers Group, shares exclusively with Fancy Pants Homes. “When we began designing this estate, we immediately knew the property lent itself to an indoor-outdoor situation”.
“We wanted to create a seamless and flexible living environment that would reflect the value aesthetics and functionality of this part of the Bay Area,” Handa tells us.
As a result, the Menlo Park house embodies the indoor-outdoor living trend to perfection, with its well-proportioned rooms being fitted with folding doors that open up to the outside areas.
“1170 May Brown is more than just a home. It’s a lifestyle,” says listing agent Billy McNair, founder of McNair Group with Coldwell Banker Realty in Northern California.
“Many people in Silicon Valley prioritize wellness, and there is a strong culture of socializing and entertaining. Indoor-outdoor spaces promote a healthy lifestyle and are perfect for gatherings, whether for casual barbecues or more formal events.”
The house welcomes residents and guests with a circular motor court and an elegant facade that — despite its clean lines and polished look — doesn’t give away the luxury we find inside.
Past the pivot entry door, bright, light-flooded rooms come into view from the grand foyer.
Here, formal spaces are ready to welcome guests, including a formal living room with a fireplace.
A formal dining room with a temperature-controlled wine display wall is on the other side of the foyer.
The heart of the home is the expansive kitchen-family great room, a stylish and decisively contemporary living area that opens up to the party-ready backyard.
The fully appointed gourmet kitchen features a large center island, Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, a wet bar, and folding doors that seamlessly blend the interior and exterior spaces.
As not to infringe on the contemporary design, many of the appliances have been cleverly masked (as were the electric outlets) to maintain a clean, modern look.
Completing this space is a lounging area with a large fireplace and comfortable seating.
Heading upstairs, we find the generously sized primary suite that has a fireplace, dual walk-in closets, a spa-like bathroom, and access to an expansive terrace that spans the entire upper level of the home.
The upper level also includes a family lounge space and four other bedrooms, all en suite.
See also: This historic home off Lombard St. has some of the best views in all of San Francisco
Additional amenities include a large recreation/media room with a wet bar, a main-level guest suite with private access, and a refined executive office.
Each space in the house has been carefully appointed with elegant, stylish finishes. So much so, that even the powder room (the only half-bath in the entire house) is ultra-luxurious.
While we rarely pay much attention to utility rooms, in this particular case we have to give a nod to the beautifully designed mudroom, which expertly conceals a washer and dryer behind sleek, screened doors.
Another room of the house that nails the indoor-outdoor transition is the media (or recreation) room, a flexible space appointed with a wet bar that can have several uses.
The large backyard area invites guests to step outdoors with its vibrant greenery and several seating areas.
Outside we find a pool and spa, multiple entertaining terraces, an outdoor kitchen, a BBQ pavilion with bar seating, and privacy landscaping.
Facing the pool is a one-bedroom guest house with a full kitchen, bathroom, and laundry facilities.
Benefitting from the same indoor-outdoor living design, the stylish guest house mimics the clean, contemporary design present throughout the main house.
The house is located just a stone’s throw from Menlo Park’s downtown district on Santa Cruz Avenue, a lively street with plenty of options for shopping and dining, making it a great option for buyers looking to settle down in a vibrant, walkable area.
The newly built house is listed for $14,200,000 with Billy McNair of the McNair Group. And while the price point currently makes it the city’s priciest listing, its design and location — and proximity to top public and private schools, Stanford University, and major tech campuses — will likely turn it into Menlo Park’s most expensive home, as soon as a wealthy buyer lays eyes on it.
More stories
Step inside an exquisite Birge Clark-designed mansion in Palo Alto
The ‘Full House’ house in San Francisco lists for $6.5M — and we finally get to see inside
Yerba Buena Island debuts high-end, sustainable townhomes just minutes from downtown San Francisco
Source: fancypantshomes.com
If Alanna Gold, Selling Sunset‘s newcomer agent, and her ultra-modern desert house left you yearning to see more of Pioneertown — the 1880s-themed town in San Bernardino County originally developed as a shooting location for Westerns — we have a spectacular find for you.
A nearly 13-acre desert oasis with a private compound (and its own boulder-topped mountain) recently came to market, and it’s quite the showstopper.
Previously featured in Travel + Leisure Magazine, the home is the birthplace of Mojave Desert Skin Shield, an organic, Ayurveda-inspired skincare line and wellness practice founded by Patricia Vernhes, who owns the property along with her husband, Nicolas.
It has also served as a healing place, where Patricia’s practice offered soothing sound therapy, facials, and tea meditation, and where integrated wellness retreats were held.
Consisting of a 5-bedroom main house, a fully air-conditioned ADU, and nearly 13 acres of desert land including a private boulder-topped mountain and breathtaking 360-degree views of surrounding mountain ranges, the compound is now listed for $2,890,000 with Angela Gollan at Compass.
Like Fancy Pants Homes’ content? Be sure to follow us on Google News
The generously sized property spans 13 acres and is surrounded by mountain ranges and three flat-top mesas. Per the listing, it benefits from a unique microclimate 4,000 feet above sea level, which means it experiences cooler summers than nearby Joshua Tree and sunny, mild winters with occasional snowfall.
Adding to the calming desert views is the boulder-topped mountain included on the property, which acts like a fairly unique “amenity” in itself.
Heading into the Pioneertown house, bright, light-filled interiors are accented by vibrant pops of color and natural materials like wood and stone.
“Nicolas and Patricia have such great style and a really artful, beautiful aesthetic, and they have transformed this once dusty desert ranch house into an artist’s sanctuary and place of healing, with impeccable design and European sensibilities,” listing agent Angela Gollan tells us.
The living area is anchored by a fireplace, with vaulted beam ceilings towering over the space.
Right behind the living room, we find the recently upgraded kitchen, with a sunny dining area to the side.
According to the agent, “The living room of the main home is wired as a Live room for recording, and the guest house is a recording studio!”
Spanning approximately 3,000 square feet, the ranch-style house packs 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, with large floor-to-ceiling windows offering calming desert views.
The primary bathroom has a soaking tub and a unique stone-wall shower designed by the legendary “Pappy” of Pappy & Harriet’s fame (a famous local cantina used in countless old Western films like The Cisco Kid, The Range Rider, The Gene Autry Show, and Annie Oakley).
Right outside the living area, we find an expansive screened-in patio with a custom BBQ and seating for eight.
A 450-square-foot, fully air-conditioned ADU with a full bath adds some great flex space that can be easily turned into a yoga or music studio, artist retreat, or guest suite.
According to an older Travel + Leisure Magazine article featuring the property, owner Patricia Vernhes studied ayurvedic yoga therapy and apprenticed at Integratron — Joshua Tree’s fabled sound-bath temple — before settling down in the area and opening her own wellness practice on the serene desert property.
Here, she offered wellness services like sound therapy in the outdoor bath surrounded by 20 quartz singing bowls. She later developed her skincare brand, Mojave Desert Skin Shield, while living here.
For sustainability and self-sufficiency, the home was outfitted with solar panels and a 600-foot well.
While the local real estate market isn’t immune to the challenges the entire state of California has faced recently, Gollan is confident that the area will continue to thrive:
“We’ve seen property values dip and homes sitting on the market much longer than in years prior. But the promise of the California Desert is still strong,” she says. “There is a lot of infrastructure out here now that was built during the last several years that isn’t going anywhere. The geological beauty and cotton candy sunsets aren’t going anywhere, and the community is still growing. So although we are seeing fewer people try to start Airbnbs in the Joshua Tree area, the wanderers will never stop heading this way to explore the mystic promise of the desert.
And the Pioneertown compound has that desert appeal in spades. Plus, it’s adjacent to the 154,000-acre Sand to Snow National Monument — an ecological and cultural treasure and one of the most biodiverse areas in southern California — promising uninterrupted views that will remain forever unspoiled.
More stories
Cool Listings: Striking modern desert home blends in with its surroundings
Merv Griffin’s legendary desert estate, once listed for $36M
The best of Palm Springs: 7 Homes on the market from $799K to $9M
Source: fancypantshomes.com
A former Housewives’ beautiful Bridgehampton home is on the market — and it comes with bright and elegant interiors, a cute little guest cottage, and a prime location in the Hamptons.
Owned by TV personality, RHONY alum, and self-made millionaire Bethenny Frankel, the property landed on the market last week with a $5,995,000 asking price. Douglas Elliman’s Noble Black and Erica Grossman hold the listing.
Lovingly renovated by Bethenny’s expert hands — who’s no stranger to flipping homes for a nifty profit and even had her own real estate show on Bravo, Bethenny and Fredrik, alongside former Million Dollar Listing agent Fredrik Eklund — the Bridgehampton house has about 2,500 square feet of high-end interiors.
It also comes with an equally stylish little guest house and a bunch of outdoor amenities. Let’s take a closer look, shall we?
Like Fancy Pants Homes’ content? Be sure to follow us on Google News
The Real Housewives of New York City alum bought the property over a decade ago and has considerably updated the home over the years. RHONY fans might remember it well, as the Hamptons house was shown quite a bit on Frankel’s second stint on the reality show.
Earlier this year, local real estate outlet Behind The Hedges revealed that the Skinnygirl Cocktails mogul bought herself another home in the Hamptons. Frankel reportedly paid $5.45 million back in October 2023 for a three-level Southampton home with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths.
“I’m at my new house. I am shocked. This is a dream house. It was a find and it was a renovation,” Frankel told her followers at the time, showing off her serene backyard which includes a pool and a spa surrounded by wood decking, all overlooking Shinnecock Bay.
Promoted as a compound property, the listing consists of a roughly 2,500 sq. ft. main house, a one-bedroom guest cottage, and a backyard oasis (with pool, spa, pool house, and outdoor kitchen), all set amidst meticulously landscaped gardens and next to 40 acres of open field.
The shingle-style main house offers approximately 2,500 square feet of elegantly appointed living space on two levels, with a total of 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths.
Expertly renovated by Frankel herself, who owned the property for well over a decade, the house’s interiors are bright and elegant, with large windows and doors blurring the lines between the indoor and outdoor areas.
The newly renovated chef’s kitchen features custom millwork, high-end finishes, and appliances, and is as bright and airy as the rest of the Hamptons house.
See also: Newly completed, $25M East Hampton house comes fully (and beautifully) furnished — antiques included
Upstairs, the primary bedroom with an en suite bath features high ceilings and a private sun porch offering sweeping views of the gardens and fields. The other three bedrooms are also located on the house’s second floor.
The approximately 600-square-foot guest cottage adds one more bedroom and bathroom to the tally, along with Bethenny’s signature stylish design touches.
The guest cottage has also been fully renovated, now featuring high-end finishes throughout its spaces — which include a kitchen, a living room, a washer/dryer, one bedroom, and one bathroom.
Stepping outside we find a range of upscale amenities, including a heated gunite pool, spa and sauna, outdoor shower, and a built-in outdoor chef’s kitchen to take entertaining up a notch.
Outdoor amenities also include a small pool house with a half-bathroom. And since it’s so stylish, we couldn’t help but give you a peek inside.
While the New York native hangs her hat in Greenwich, Connecticut, she famously maintains pied-à-terres in both New York City and South Florida.
The Real Housewives of New York alum recently gave fans (and Instagram followers) a tour of her new Manhattan digs, a two-bed, two-bath prewar apartment on the Upper West Side.
Frankel has a great eye for real estate and has flipped several properties over the years for a nifty profit. This includes a historic Bridgehampton home known as Morning Glory that she sold for $2.3 million, a Soho loft in New York City that banked her $3.995 million, and a glam Greenwich, Connecticut home priced well over $3 million.
She even chronicled some of her real estate ventures on the short-lived Bravo series Bethenny and Fredrik, alongside former Million Dollar Listing New York star Fredrik Eklund. The 2018 series was canceled after one season.
More stories
La Dune, a trophy Hamptons estate fetches $88.48M at auction
17 Celebrities with Swanky Summer Homes in the Hamptons
In the Hamptons, a newly built, modern waterfront home eyes $10.995M sale
Source: fancypantshomes.com
While famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed more than 1,000 buildings throughout his life, his prolific 70-year career produced one single Florida residence: the Lewis Spring House in Tallahassee.
But Florida had its own famed proponent of organic architecture.
Mentored by Wright, Alfred Browning Parker was one of Florida’s most prolific and influential mid-twentieth-century architects.
He designed more than 500 projects in his 60-year career, and was a principal leader of the “Coconut Grove School” of tropical organic architecture, alongside other renowned architects like Rufus Nims and Kenneth Treister.
After another Alfred Browning Parker was recently sold to new owners who planned to tear it down (despite paying a hefty $36 million for the Parker-designed waterfront property in Gables Estates), the city of Coral Gables moved swiftly to save another of the architect’s projects from a similar fate. Now, it’s up for grabs.
After the Alfred Browning Parker-designed Gables Estates waterfront property at 140 Arvida Parkway was recently sold as a $36 million teardown — despite its architectural pedigree and consideration for historic designation — the city of Coral Gables quickly stepped in to avoid a similar fate for one of Parker’s other notable designs.
The property at 5005 N. Hammock Park swiftly received historic designation, and right on time! Turns out, the listing agent for the property already had a buyer lined up who planned to tear it down.
The architecturally significant home is now listed for $4,600,000, with Coldwell Banker Realty’s Lisa Fox holding the listing. It’s now looking for a buyer who can appreciate its timeless architecture, connection to its surroundings, and historic pedigree.
A principal leader of the “Coconut Grove School” of tropical organic architecture, Alfred Browning Parker is arguably the most renowned and honored architect in the history of Florida, with some considering him “the Frank Lloyd Wright of Florida.”
Alongside a group of idealistic architects, Parker adapted Frank Lloyd Wright’s tenets to the unique conditions of South Florida. Subtropical modernists devised a whole array of sun-protection devices to shield glass-enclosed interiors from the scorching South Florida sun.
His body of work and architectural legacy contrasts beautifully with Miami’s more modern, glass-enclosed homes.
Parker was publicly praised by Frank Lloyd Wright, something Wright rarely did. He even recommended Parker as an American Institute of Architecture (AIA) fellow, the only architect Wright ever recommended/nominated for this honor.
The home sits on a roughly one-acre lot in the Miami-adjacent city of Coral Gables, known for its tree-lined boulevards, ivy-covered mansions, and historical landmarks (including the world-famous Biltmore Hotel and the Venetian Pool, both built in the 1920s). It’s part of the guard-gated neighborhood of Hammock Lakes.
Alfred Browning Parker was known for incorporating natural materials into his designs, and the property at 5005 N. Hammock Park is no exception.
Enveloped by nature and perfectly in tune with its surroundings, the home also incorporates natural materials throughout, including hardwood Florida cedar and coral rock (out of which the two-story fireplace area of the living room was constructed).
Walking through a foyer entry, the architectural home welcomes residents and their guests with a grand living area, where an imposing beamed cathedral ceiling made out of angelique wood towers above the space.
The grand living area is complemented by two additional family rooms, one designed by Parker, and another one added later on, as part of an expansion project.
In 2003, additions were made to the house, with a new stand-alone primary suite being built upstairs, and an additional family room — open to an industrial kitchen — added as well.
See also: 22 Frank Lloyd Wright homes you’ve probably never heard of
With large balcony doors opening to the lush greenery outside, the large bedroom also has a stone fireplace to add an extra note of warmth to its wood-clad, beamed ceiling design.
Also part of the primary suite is an inviting home office, fully clad in warm wood, and a spacious walk-in closet.
While a tad less midcentury modern, the bathrooms complement the design rather than infringing on it, with each of the 6 baths sporting either a playful design, or an era-appropriate one. The primary bathroom, with vaulted beamed ceilings, adds a pop of color with its vibrant blue hues.
Beyond the impressive primary suite, there are 4 additional bedrooms to accommodate friends and family. All bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms.
Despite its size — the home has well over 5,300 square feet of living space — the Coral Gables house’s interiors are decidedly warm and inviting, making it a great option for a family.
A private tropical oasis in itself, the one-acre property is surrounded by mature trees, winding paths, and lush greenery.
More modern conveniences aren’t lacking, with the outdoor area also featuring a pool and lounging area, hidden behind extra tall palm trees and mature shrubs.
More stories
Miami Vice-featured mansion in Coconut Grove eyes $29.9M sale
26 Jaw-dropping Miami-area mansions that will make you want to move to Florida
Where do the Beckhams live in Miami?
Source: fancypantshomes.com