Gardens Like These Are Cause For Celebration
A grand entryway or elegant dining room can wow your guests, but nothing leaves a lasting impression like a spectacular garden.
The good news is that homeowners can grow thriving gardens anywhere. Every region in the U.S. belongs to a specific plant hardiness zone, and because of that, it’s easy to choose perennials that will survive the winter and create show-stealing green spaces. Endemic species are easy to care for and help nourish local biodiversity, while exotic species can generally acclimatize to a range of situations.
To envision what’s possible for a variety of gardens in a variety of settings, leaf through these luxurious properties and see how they’ve cultivated their vegetation to create gorgeous venues.
A Flowering Oasis in the Tucson Desert
An arid region such as Tucson, set amid the Sonoran Desert and surrounded by five low-rising mountain ranges, may at first glance seem daunting for gardeners. But the subtropical climate and warm year-round weather makes places like this great for drought-tolerant landscaping, or “xeriscaping”.
The fact that plants can proliferate in the dry Arizona heat is on full display at Eleven Arches, a rare trophy property designed in 1937 for a glamorous heiress, and officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With a lot that can accommodate 70 cars and a south yard with space for 250 guests, picture a private retreat—like a company summit or a wellness getaway—at this illustrious gated residence in the Catalina Foothills, with shrubs and cacti in full flower.
The Trees are All Abloom in Los Angeles
In mild regions, vegetation is adapted to seasonal variations in temperature and rainfall. That’s typically the case with Mediterranean-style climates, such as Los Angeles, where most of the year is hot and dry—but cool, clement winters and the proximity of the coast creates fluctuations that support a range of flora.
That’s why this Beverly Hills residence, with its front drive through a lush copse, and a back patio densely swathed in wisteria vines, would be an incredible place to host a glittering soirée. With custom sliding doors connecting the state-of-the-art kitchen to the al fresco dining area, guests can savor hors-d’œuvres while taking in the city of angels’ magical vistas.
Ripe Vines in Napa Valley Wine Country
The temperate conditions that sustain the nation’s farmlands and orchards also nurture the growth of wonderful gardens. This is particularly true in wine country, such as Napa Valley, where ample sunshine and fertile soil allows for the burgeoning of vineyards and backyards alike.
Complemented by fountains and pools, tennis and bocce courts, and a world-class wine cellar, you’d be hard-pressed to find a place more suitable for a celebratory luncheon or post-event reception than the garden of this luxury compound. Set out a table on the grounds of this sprawling, lushly landscaped property, and get ready for a leisurely afternoon of wine pairing, food sharing, and basking in the bright blue glow of Lake Hennesey.
New York City’s Quiet, Natural Sanctums
Those living in coastal regions will be accustomed to maritime settings, with substantial precipitation, moist air, and moderate or humid weather all year long. When sown with the proper species and cultivars, gardens are energized by these conditions—even in busy metropolises such as New York City.
Enclosed by mature pear trees, and boasting an enviable limestone terrace and landscaped garden, this townhouse shows just how green an urban neighborhood like the Upper East Side can be. It’s easy to imagine an elegant tea time or posh brunch taking place in this prestigious 1870 construction, with its expansive roof deck looking out towards Midtown Manhattan.
Evergreen Yet Ever-Changing in Chicago
Inland regions make up most of the continental U.S., with major cities, vibrant communities, and distinct, dynamic seasons that enable gardeners to display a diverse mix of vegetation. Chicago is a perfect example of this—hot summers, cold winters, and spring and fall weather that’s as variegated as the local trees and flowers.
This estate in the affluent Lincoln Park neighborhood demonstrates the area’s natural splendor, as does the eponymous lakeside woodland. Built on a parcel of land larger than eight city lots, the mansion is a genuine masterpiece. There would be no better place to hold a formal banquet or gala than in its ornately-wrought garden pavilion, positioned between bountiful greenery, antique fountains, and meditative reflecting pools.
To anyone who believes that they lack the space, light, or location to cultivate a garden—take heart. There are trees, shrubs, and blooms suited to every possible environment, and suited to every personal style.
Need to add more natural elements to your lifestyle? Take a step into this beautiful New Zealand home with a bonus mountain skyline.
Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
Originally posted by Sotheby’s International Realty.
Feasting Alfresco: 4 Homes With Delectable Outdoor Kitchens
Author Claudia Roden’s assertion that “everything tastes better outdoors” is certainly true at these four homes, where meals come with a side of fresh air and vistas of sparkling city lights or starry nighttime skies.
Relaxing Retreat
This four-bedroom home in peaceful Friendswood, Texas—just on the outskirts of Houston—deftly combines charm and elegance. It features a gourmet kitchen, a spacious game room, an office or fifth bedroom, tumbled travertine floors, and a whole-house generator. The one-acre grounds are colorfully landscaped and offer a swimming pool and a covered outdoor entertaining pavilion with a warming fireplace and a summer kitchen that boasts a cast-iron grill, a refrigerator, an ice maker, a microwave, and two sinks.
Chic Condominium Aerie
Perched atop one of Manhattan’s landmark Beaux Arts buildings, this three-bedroom penthouse is the ideal setting for sophisticated living and entertaining. Among the highlights are a generous living and dining area, an impeccably designed chef’s kitchen, three bedroom suites, and home automation and Sonos sound systems. The enviable roof terrace offers space for lounging, built-in speakers, and a streamlined alfresco kitchen with a refrigerator, a sink, and a stainless-steel grill. Two storage units and furnishings are included in the sale.
Texas Treasure
This Palladian-style Houston home is distinguished by its exceptional architecture and finishes. The interiors boast a grand staircase, formal living and dining rooms, a butler’s pantry with a wine vault, a study, a light-filled great room, a chef’s kitchen with top-tier appliances and a breakfast area, a media room, and five bedroom suites. The grounds offer an alluring resort-caliber pool and a living and dining terrace with built-in speakers, television wiring, a stone fireplace, and summer kitchen with eye-catching tile and a built-in grill.
California Contemporary
A collection of artisans, contractors, engineers, and designers joined esteemed architect Robert Swatt in the creation of this spectacular contemporary Silicon Valley estate. The heart of the striking home is a living room where window walls on each side open to the outdoors. Surrounding the residence are sculptures, emerald lawn, a refreshing pool, terraces and decks for lounging and basking in city light views, and a Carrara marble–wrapped outdoor kitchen with a grill, smoker, and other amenities sure to please any chef or entertainer.
Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
Originally posted by Sotheby's International Realty.
Creating Curb Appeal
PAINTING YOUR HOME’S EXTERIOR IS A WAY TO WOW THE NEIGHBORS, WITHOUT EVER HAVING TO INVITE THEM IN
When it comes to first impressions, the paint you choose for your home’s facade matters. “Refreshing, changing, or brightening up the exterior can make a huge difference,” says Cara Woodhouse of Cara Woodhouse Interiors in Roslyn Harbor, N.Y.
Photo Credit: Benjamin Moore
It’s not just about the color; the type of paint you choose is vital. “With exterior paints, durability is key,” says Rick Watson, director of product information and technical services at Sherwin-Williams. “The best exterior paints hold color longer and resist peeling and blistering. Look for paints formulated to resist chalking, mildew, and dirt, which will save you money and time in maintenance,” he says. The company’s new Emerald Rain Refresh, has a self-cleaning technology that washes dirt away upon contact with rain or water, requiring minimal maintenance, Watson says.
But painting your home isn’t a one-and-done kind of thing. It requires upkeep, which can depend on where you live. “It’s all about the weather,” says New York City architect Kevin Lichten. “If you live on the coast of Maine or North Carolina where your house is pelted with salt spray, sand, and wind in the winter, you may need to touch up every spring and repaint every three or four years. In more mild climates, you may only need to repaint every 10 years,” he says. “And remember that the sun can be brutal.”
CUE THE COLOR
When considering the hue, your selection should be driven by the home’s character and architectural style, says Vancouver-based designer Stephanie Brown. “Generally speaking, a simple color palette of one to two colors helps modernize most homes and more complex color combinations of three or more lend themselves to more traditional homes, especially if you are trying to highlight various details and moldings,” she says.
The secret to painting your home’s exterior is more than just finding the right color; it’s finding the right color combination, says Mike Mundwiller, end user product experience manager at Benjamin Moore. “To narrow down your color choices, build an exterior palette around the elements of the house that won’t change, such as roofing materials and stone or brick components,” he says.
Color choice can also be a product of your surroundings. Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams, recommends first looking at the colors your neighbors have chosen for their homes and avoid using those exact same shades. “Choose a color that complements—a curb appeal trick that will benefit you and your neighbors,” she says.
Photo Credit: Sherwin-Williams
ALL THE TRIMMINGS
Trims are an important finishing touch—much like an accessory is to an outfit. “They add a layered look to your home,” Woodhouse says.
Wadden advises making sure your accent, trim, and siding colors are varied enough to discern them from each other, unless you’re purposely going for a monochromatic look.
The shades you choose can also impact how big a house feels.
To make a small house seem more substantial, Lichten suggests keeping the walls and trim the same color. “Likewise, a massive hulking house can be made lighter and more delicate with a contrasting trim,” he says.
Homes with the most curb appeal tend to have opposite hues of paint and trim, Mundwiller says. “If your home’s exterior is painted in a lighter hue, consider a trim in a darker color, and vice versa,” he suggests.
PREP TO PERFECTION
The outcome of any painting project is only as good as the preparation you put into it. Everything needs to be washed, cleaned, and sanded and any loose paint or damaged or rotten wood should be replaced before starting.
“A good primer will render the surface more uniform and, because of this, the topcoat has a better chance to adhere to the surface, which ultimately results in longer coating life expectancy,” Watson says.
Timing of the work is important, too. “Check the weather forecast. Paint dries faster in warmer temperatures, lower humidity, and when it’s sunny,” Watson says. For best performance, avoid painting in direct sun, and try for a material temperature above 35 degrees Fahrenheit, Watson says.
Originally posted by Sotheby's International Realty.
And look at the location. “A dark brown house with green trim would not look great near the beach, but would be very happy in the mountains or a forest,” Lichten says. “Likewise, a gray-shingled house with white trim would not fit into a wooded area but it’s happier by the ocean,” he says.
Grays, whites, and beiges are classics that help the siding of a house look prim and freshen up the curb appeal, Wadden says. But there are other choices too, of course. “Charcoal gray, navy, and hunter green are more popular in areas with pine trees, mountains, and sea access, while terra cotta, burlap, and rust colors dominate areas of the country in the desert,” she says.
Dark, saturated hues, such as Tricorn Black, Iron Ore, and Urbane Bronze, have been trending for exteriors in recent months, Wadden says. “Not only do these colors pair beautifully with a home’s surrounding greenery, they also help create a focal point when used on a front door or shutters.”
And you don’t even need to paint a whole house to make an impact. “Painting your front door is one of the easiest and quickest ways to boost curb appeal.” For a classic and elegant look, Wadden suggests a bold navy blue, or, for a door that really stands out, a jewel-toned blue/green or even a deep pink.
Photo Credit: Sherwin-Williams
ALL THE TRIMMINGS
Trims are an important finishing touch—much like an accessory is to an outfit. “They add a layered look to your home,” Woodhouse says.
Wadden advises making sure your accent, trim, and siding colors are varied enough to discern them from each other, unless you’re purposely going for a monochromatic look.
The shades you choose can also impact how big a house feels.
To make a small house seem more substantial, Lichten suggests keeping the walls and trim the same color. “Likewise, a massive hulking house can be made lighter and more delicate with a contrasting trim,” he says.
Homes with the most curb appeal tend to have opposite hues of paint and trim, Mundwiller says. “If your home’s exterior is painted in a lighter hue, consider a trim in a darker color, and vice versa,” he suggests.
PREP TO PERFECTION
The outcome of any painting project is only as good as the preparation you put into it. Everything needs to be washed, cleaned, and sanded and any loose paint or damaged or rotten wood should be replaced before starting.
“A good primer will render the surface more uniform and, because of this, the topcoat has a better chance to adhere to the surface, which ultimately results in longer coating life expectancy,” Watson says.
Timing of the work is important, too. “Check the weather forecast. Paint dries faster in warmer temperatures, lower humidity, and when it’s sunny,” Watson says. For best performance, avoid painting in direct sun, and try for a material temperature above 35 degrees Fahrenheit, Watson says.
Originally posted by Sotheby's International Realty.