DESERT
DREAMERS / PATRICIA GUCCI PARADISE IN PORTUGAL / HOME LIBRARY CHIC
Welcome CURATORS OF THE UNIQUE
Welcome to the sun-kissed shores and vibrant life of the Florida Keys as we celebrate the Spring 2025 edition of RESIDE!
This issue is more than just a collection of stunning properties; it’s a love letter to the unique rhythm of life that pulses through our island communities. From the artistic spirit of Key West to the shing heritage of Islamorada, and the vibrant coral reefs of Key Largo, to the tranquil beauty of Marathon, the Keys o er a sanctuary for every soul. Living in the Florida Keys is more than just owning a property; it’s embracing a lifestyle that blends relaxation with adventure. The Keys o er a variety of outdoor activities that cater to every interest. Imagine starting your day with a sunrise kayak trip through mangroves, spending afternoons shing in crystal-clear waters, or unwinding on beautiful beaches. The diverse ecosystems and stunning landscapes create an idyllic setting for those who cherish the great outdoors.
RUSSELL POST Founding Principal & Managing Broker
Ocean
Sotheby’s International Realty
The Florida Keys real estate market presents exciting investment opportunities. The region has seen consistent appreciation in property values, making it a smart choice for homebuyers looking to build equity. Owning a property in the Keys also opens doors for generating rental income. With the area’s popularity as a vacation destination, many homeowners rent their properties when not in use, providing a lucrative opportunity for those looking to o set costs or make a wise investment.
Within these pages, you’ll discover more than just houses, but homes imbued with character and stories waiting to be written. Whether you dream of waking up to the ocean’s whisper or nding solace in a charming cottage tucked amidst lush greenery, let us guide you.
This edition of RESIDE celebrates what makes the Florida Keys truly special. Join us as we delve into the stories, the people, and the properties that embody the soul of this captivating archipelago.
SEBASTIAN DEL NEGRO Co-Managing Broker
Ocean
Sotheby’s International Realty
LAUREN VARNEY Chief Marketing O cer Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty
Spanning over 6,900 sq ft, 7 bedrooms, 9 bathrooms, located on nearly 4 acres.
Welcome to Serenity Cay, an exquisite Balineseinspired estate where tranquility and luxury meet the endless beauty on the Florida Bay.
14 Portuguese Paradise
Just an hour from Lisbon, it’s no wonder Sintra—with its mild climate, grand estates and UNESCO heritage— attracts the rich and famous, says Ellie Howard
22 Artistic Habitats
Laura May Todd on new book “Inside the Homes of Artists: For Art’s Sake,” which o ers a sneak peek into the private living spaces of creatives around the globe
28 City of Contrasts
Already a major art capital, Hong Kong is now gaining recognition for design, thanks to its unique space constraints and dazzling innovation, says Angela Hui
36 Crafting Joy
Architect Suchi Reddy talks to Elizabeth Fazzare about using neuroaesthetics to tailor each project to her client, creating calm as well as the wow factor
44 Branded Living
Emma Reynolds looks into the rise of luxury goods designers, such as Dolce & Gabbana and Fendi, o ering resort-style living at home
50 Reading Time
Large or small, personal libraries are becoming an invaluable refuge in a screen-saturated era, reports Riya Patel
Photos: Steven Ko; © Molly Mandell and James Burke.
Living
56 Gallery
Discover the most unique properties throughout the Florida Keys.
Two issues of Reside magazine are published every year by Sotheby’s International Realty, with two runs per issue
Sotheby’s International Realty
Publisher Kristin Rowe
Cultureshock
Editor Nancy Groves
Acting editor Francesca Perry
Editorial team Rachel Potts, Alex McFadyen, Deniz Nazim-Englund
Head of creative Tess Savina
Art editor Gabriela Matuszyk
Designer Ieva Misiukonytė
Subeditors Hannah Jones, Michelle Corps, Ro Elfberg, Susie Wong © Sotheby’s International Realty. 2025. Information here within is correct at the time of printing.
From left: Rust-coloured curves line M.R. Studio’s design for the 1111 Ones Restaurant and Lounge in Central, Hong Kong (page 28). Left: The salon d’été in a desert home in Marrakech, Morocco. From “Desert By Design” by Molly Mandell and James Burke (page 6). Above: A unique 9.69-acre private island oasis o of Summerland Key with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Legendary Productions
DESIGN
Desert Dreamers
A new book highlights the beauty of life in dry and rugged lands
Living in Marfa, Texas, writers and photographers Molly Mandell and James Burke are intimately familiar with the harshness of the arid landscape in all its remoteness and scarcity. With every passing day, however, the couple also grow more attuned to the nuances of their desert environment, particularly the profound and spectacular beauty of its endless sky. “We’re in love,” they write in the introduction to their new book, “Desert by Design.”
Via the book’s expansive photography and intimate storytelling, Mandell and Burke take us around the world to break bread with others like them, the “dreamers and doers,” foregoing the conveniences of modern life in favor of living in more rugged terrain. Their journey spans the alien Joshua trees of California’s Mojave to the cleft red rock formations framing Jordan’s Wadi Rum, with visits to various creatives along the way.
According to the authors, “deserts are laboratories for all kinds of experimentation,” where artists, designers and visionaries forge new paths within the context of the land. The book begins in Makrana, the marble capital of India, where we meet designers Dushyant Bansal and Priyanka Sharma of Studio Raw Material. We get to know their eclectic design practice by taking a glimpse into their home, which, like many of their works, is made from the scraps of nearby quarries: the walls feature the rough textures of exposed stone, a contrast to the colorful polished slabs that form irregular mosaics on the oor. Their enormous black-framed windows add a modernist touch, merging the interior with exterior.
Mandell and Burke’s travels continue on to the storied Marrakech oasis of the late Yves Saint Laurent, and one couple’s roving camper in the Santa Cruz province
of Argentina, with many other places in between. Throughout, each home in the book is an expression of a personal philosophy, and the diverse ways one can carve out a life according to the landscape’s particular demands. Between the vastly different spaces, recurring design features—such as natural materials, minimal appliances and a conspicuous lack of curtains—reflect a set of common values: a heightened attentiveness to their ecological impact, the slow savoring of every moment, and the deepest reverence for their surroundings. As Mandell and Burke point out, dispelling the misconceptions of the desert: “In the midst of so-called nothing, anything appears possible.”
Janelle Zara is a Los Angeles-based journalist and critic
Lines in Luxury
The arresting geometry of this twostory home is designed to harmonize with the surrounding Nevada landscape. The bespoke new build by design firm Blue Heron Elite is part of its Luminary Collection, architecturally distinct houses created for select neighborhoods across Clark County. Egress, which will be completed in November 2025, is one of several homes under construction in the gated community of Ascaya, Henderson, known for its “Desert Contemporary” style of architecture. Expansive glass pocket doors connect the interior of the 7,050 sq ft property—comprising five bedrooms, five bathrooms, generous entertaining space and a media room—with the outdoors, where the private pool, spa and wet bar look out to expansive views of the surrounding mountains and across to the Las Vegas strip (located only a short drive away). There is also ample on-site parking for five cars.
$10,800,000
Property ID: 8FNJQW
sothebysrealty.com
Las Vegas Sotheby’s International Realty Kaori Nagao-Chiti +1 702 360 1414
Above: New book “Desert by Design”.
Below: Eco lodge Adrère Amellal at the foot of Siwa’s sandstone mountains in Egypt.
Left: Yves Saint Laurent’s former desert residence, Dar el-Hanch, in Marrakech, Morocco
WINE
Grape Expectations
Wine collectors may be buying up Bordeaux and Burgundy, but they’re also seeking out suitable spaces to store their liquid investments
There aren’t many collectibles that are as delightful to consume as they are satisfying to amass, but wine is special, in the glass and in the cellar. And this is a great time to be a wine collector, as commercial interest in the area continues to grow.
Wine collecting is also evolving. Whereas Bordeaux used to be the collectors’ darling (and is still the backbone of most good cellars), there is now a thirst for Burgundy from oenophiles that, given the small quantities available, is almost impossible to assuage. And not just any Burgundy. “Collectors used to place more emphasis on the Grands Crus or the famous appellations, but now so much collecting is producerdriven. People will follow, say, Christophe Roumier or Jean-Marc Roulot,” says Lukas Dempsey, AVP in wine at Sotheby’s. This approach is true of Barolo, too. “Collectors are becoming more particular, wanting Vigna Francia by Giacomo Conterno, for example, or certain wines by Bruno Giacosa,” says Richard Young, Sotheby’s head of auction sales in ne and rare wines for the Americas. “Maybe these clients are more and more educated—or else they have that geeky side we associate with Burgundy, where collectors enjoy understanding speci c plots.”
Dempsey concurs. “There is a focus now on the hyperlocal, the traceable, the sitespeci c,” he says. It is even the case with Champagne: people who used to simply love Krug are now more excited about their single-plot cuvées, Clos du Mesnil, or Clos D’Ambonnay. Another advantage of concentrating on individual vineyards is that it is possible to collect them all.
And not just to lay down or to sell. Collectors, particularly younger ones, also want to drink the wines. “They will buy at village or Premier Cru level because they want to really experience these wines and the prices of the Grands Crus make that di cult,” says Young. The wines needn’t be mature, either. Where, once, Burgundy under 20 years old was rarely seen at auction, now the vintages from 2020 and 2021 come onto the market.
While many collectors store their wine in professional cellars, to protect provenance, every wine-lover’s home needs storage that is kind to bottles. Ideally, that space will be below ground, for temperature control, including humidity. “People forget how important it is to maintain 70% relative humidity, particularly on the West Coast, given the dry climate,” says Young. Bottles should also be stored on their side, as having the wine up against the cork helps prevent it drying out; dried corks can shrink, allowing in air, which can oxidize the wine and spoil it. Also, if possible, the temptation to have a showcase should be resisted. However much people want to display their prize nds, direct light is terrible for wine. “Even [window] glass with ultraviolet protection isn’t ideal,” he says. Wooden cases might hide their contents from admiring eyes, but they safeguard the bottles.
Young’s key advice to homebuyers is: think big. “Architects or designers often ask their clients: ‘How big a cellar do you really need?’ And they may say 1,000 bottles and think that’s more than enough, but within a year every collector wishes they had asked for more space. I always advise them to opt for the largest area that is realistic, because it is much harder to extend.”
Nina Caplan is a wine, arts and travel journalist and the drinks columnist for Times Luxx
Left: The wine tastes of collectors have progressed from the grapes of Bordeaux to Burgundy, where small lots are prized
Below: Traditionally, collectors used to buy wine to lay down or sell, but younger buyers are more inclined to enjoy the wines, too
INTERVIEW
Flight of Fancy
Patricia Gucci has channeled the wisdom she learned from her storied fashion family into a line of elegant luggage to elevate the airport experience
“Honestly, I was never interested in fashion,” says Patricia Gucci. The granddaughter of Guccio Gucci, who founded the famous Italian brand in 1921, continues: “When I was 18, I wanted to go to acting school, but my father [Aldo Gucci] pulled me into the business and that was that.” Four decades later—after roles as fashion coordinator, brand ambassador and on Gucci’s board of directors—Patricia is nally making her own mark on the luxury goods industry.
In 2019, she launched Aviteur—a line of chic travel accessories that builds upon her forefathers’ founding vision. “At its core, Gucci was a luggage and leather goods brand; fashion came much later, rst with Luciano Soprani, then Tom Ford, which was the highlight, then the pop-culture frenzy of Alessandro Michele,” says Patricia. “It was fun to watch, but I can’t say I’m a fashionista per se. I don’t follow trends and Aviteur is not a fashion brand.”
Inspiration for her new venture struck at the British Airways lounge in London Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5. Noticing how all the carry-on suitcases were invariably black and nondescript, “I decided there and then to make one of my own,” she says.
“Above all, I wanted something that stood out from the crowd, something that was recognizable by distinct style codes without a screaming logo.”
The result was the Aviteur Carry-on: a luxe take on the ubiquitous pull-along bag, crafted in calfskin leather and with woven panels reminiscent of vintage rattan suitcases from “Capri and Saint-Tropez in the 1960s,” she says. “So much time went into it, from the buttonless handle in Lucite to the ‘silent’ wheels.” Indeed, the wheels are
engineered with a sound-absorbing air chamber, while the handle, carved out of a solid block of Lucite, has a design patent. She has since added some 100 products to the Aviteur range. There are passport wallets, luggage tags, phone cases and petite handbags, all featuring the same intreccio leather. The signature woven pattern reappears as a detail on other pieces, too: on the straps of the boxy canvas and leather Cristallo backpack and edging the curvy cross-body Gigi Bag. Classic “Weekender” bags, various-sized pouches
and a garment bag round out what Patricia calls “an entire set for the jet.”
Across all designs of the Milan-based brand, craftsmanship is key. “Aviteur is 100% made in Italy, right down to the zips,” she explains. “We work with many suppliers who built their businesses around Gucci in the 1980s. I feel like I’m in good hands, like I’m keeping it in the family.”
The Gucci name has, of course, brought other advantages. “It was helpful in moving the needle for brand awareness,” she recalls. “Marketplace platforms such as Moda
Operandi and Net-A-Porter became customers overnight.” But does Patricia ever get tired of answering questions about her surname? “People can’t seem to get enough of Gucci, and I understand—it’s an iconic brand,” she says. Ultimately, she adds: “It was the wisdom imparted by my father that shaped what I’m doing today with my own brand. My sense of style and obsessive perfection in everything I do all come from my time working at his side.” Victoria Woodcock is a writer covering design, craft and art
Aviteur Tote bag in natural canvas and elephant gray leather
Far left: Aviteur founder Patricia Gucci with the brand’s signature Carry-on in black calfskin leather
LUXURY
Millennial Tastes
A new generation has surpassed Baby Boomers as the biggest group of homebuyers—and their property preferences are distinct
The Millennial generation is breaking into the luxury property market in a major way. They number some 72.7 million in the U.S. and, according to the National Association of Realtors, surpassed Baby Boomers in 2024 to become the largest group of homebuyers at 38%, an increase from 28% in 2023.
With some $84 trillion expected to pass from the Silent Generation and Baby Boomers to younger generations, according to a January 2022 report from consulting rm Cerulli Associates, Millennials could inherit as much as $27 trillion by 2045.
One distinct aspect of Millennial buyers is, not surprisingly, their extensive use of social media in their property research.
“Social media is everything,” says Daniel Heider, global real estate advisor, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in Washington, D.C. “Almost everyone uses social media. The smartphone is to our generation what the TV was to our parents and radio was to our grandparents. There’s nothing more important than attention—and most of the attention today is on social media.”
“I work with quite a few Millennials,” says Kelly Ladwig, global real estate advisor, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty in Nashville, “and they have de nitely been in uenced by social media. Instagram has brought so many ideas and home features to so many people’s attention. Now, my clients
saunas” are popular. Millennials are not unique in prioritizing health-related assets: the Global Wellness Institute notes that the “wellness real estate” market—homes designed to support holistic health—may reach a value of $887 billion by 2027.
might want a walk-in scullery or a breakfast nook.” This generation is “savvy, smart and much more knowledgeable about what luxury is,” she says. “They expect wine storage, bars and outdoor entertainment, and for their home to be wired for sound and media. Many also want golf simulators and music rooms.”
Millennial buyers are looking for “turnkey properties,” says Heider. “They don’t want to deal with improvements. They want it ready, down to the landscaping, and they’re willing to pay for it.” That could include amenities, of which “wellness facilities, cold plunges, steam rooms, pickleball courts and infrared
Diletta Giorgolo Spinola, head of residential, Italy Sotheby’s International Realty, has seen a surge in Millennial buyers. The quality of life relative to the expense in Italy is more a ordable when compared to places such as Paris and London, she says. While families are more inclined to buy homes in cities such as Milan and Rome, wealthy younger buyers, including “digital nomads” and those in venture capital or tech, are more likely to buy in places such as Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. These buyers also want a mixture of the old and the contemporary in their new homes. “The dream is a 21st-century home in a historic building,” says Giorgolo Spinola. “They want to buy properties with features
like an olive grove, a vineyard, or orange or lemon trees.” Equally concerned about the health of the planet, they are also looking for homes that are sustainable.
While the media has always shaped perceptions of luxury, the increasing presence of streaming has changed the game. Hit shows and lms such as “Bridgerton” and “Saltburn” are feeding a taste for Old World glamour, and Giorgolo Spinola saw “‘The White Lotus’ e ect” rst-hand after the HBO comedy-drama set its 2022 season in Sicily, Italy. “Two months later, we had twice as many American and British buyers looking there,” she says. “It could be that, thanks to these shows, younger people understand that owning a piece of history is a status symbol. TV shows are de nitely shaping their perceptions of what luxury is.”
Brian Boucher is a New York-based writer. His work has appeared in The New York Times, CNN, New York Magazine and Art in America
Above: An elegant waterfront residence in Freeland, Washington, o ers the Old World glamour younger buyers are seeking
Left: Millennials are moving to Italy, where a villa like this o ers a historic home set in a beautiful park with views of Lake Maggiore
PORTUGUESE Paradise
Find a slice of heaven in the charms of Sintra, a long-established hideaway for the rich and famous, says Ellie Howard
Although he only stayed for three days, Lord Byron was so taken by the “glorious Eden” of Sintra, Portugal, that he wrote his poem “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage” while lodging at the town’s Lawrence Hotel. Since Byron’s 1809 visit, much of the surrounding landscape appears unchanged, including the bouldered rump of the Serra de Sintra mountain range, sprawling walls and parapets of the Moorish Castle, quaint villages shaded by eucalyptus, and pine forests at its foothills, leading towards coastal cliffs that drop sharply into the Atlantic. Except, of course, for the steady influx of tourists, for whom the Lawrence Hotel has loyally remained open for 260 years.
Sintra’s fantastical setting enchants those who stumble upon it. A longterm summer retreat for royalty, aristocrats, and foreign magnates, its stock of stately residences sees Madonna’s 18th-century Moorish Revival mansion neighboring Princess Elisabeth von Schmieder’s Quinta da Alegria royal estate. Both of which are also within spitting distance of Brazilian entrepreneur Renato de Albuquerque’s former summer residence, which has been newly transformed into the Albuquerque Foundation.
“Sintra is like a child’s dream, a madman’s dream, a poem, a painting,” French designer Philippe Starck, another local homeowner, told Spanish newspaper El País. “It’s where the most beautiful houses in the world are,” and where Starck says he goes to “get away from it all.”
Ancient empires, from the Celts to the Moors, have left their mark across several millennia, but it was Ferdinand II of Portugal who transformed Sintra into the center of 19th-century European Romantic architecture. The so-called ‘artist king’ erected Pena National Palace, an eclectic castle with operatic towers of Manueline and Moorish influence, on the ruins of an old Hieronymite monastery in 1839. The winding Rua Barbosa du Bocage links it with Sintra’s other iconic landmarks, the Palácio de Monserrate and the Quinta da Regaleira. These, along with the region’s many other monuments couched in mossy greenery, offer visitors a sensory journey through history—well deserving of the area’s UNESCO World Heritage status.
In the summer months, these centuries-old palaces and estates open up their ornamental gardens, transforming Sintra into an outdoor stage. A ballet festival occupies the grounds of the Palácio de Seteais; Sintra Festival, an international showcase of classical music, can be heard on the June winds; while Jazz em Monserrate takes over the town’s parks in September. Though MU.SA Sintra Museum of the Arts has long been home to local arts, the region has been lacking a museum
Previous page: A bridge leading to the Quinta da Regaleira, a former royal estate built in the early 20th century
Right: The Palácio de Monserrate is an example of Sintra’s Romantic architecture
Opposite: The Albuquerque Foundation, which opened in February, houses Brazilian designer Renato de Albuquerque’s collection of Chinese ceramics
“ IN SUMMER, CENTURIES-OLD PALACES OPEN THEIR GARDENS, TRANSFORMING SINTRA INTO AN OUTDOOR STAGE
“ THE SO-CALLED ‘ARTIST KING’ ERECTED PENA NATIONAL PALACE ON THE RUINS OF A MONASTERY IN 1839”
space—until now. In February 2025, the Albuquerque Foundation, designed by the Brazilian firm Bernades Arquitetura, opened in the village of Linhó. Housing Albuquerque’s collection of more than 2,500 pieces of Ming and Qing dynasty export porcelain, it will highlight Portugal’s role in East-West trade, alongside rotating exhibitions of contemporary ceramic art.
Quinta da Beloura, a luxury residential community designed by Albuquerque in the 1990s, sits next door to the foundation, while, with clipped precision, more modular villas by RCA (Regino Cruz Arquitectos) and Hyde + Hyde snake around the 18-hole Pestana Beloura golf course, designed by American golfing architect Rocky Roquemore. The nearby equestrian center hosts polo and dressage, and the community’s notable residents include footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, American businessman Shahal M. Khan, and several former Portuguese prime ministers.
In Sintra’s northern foothills, Colares is another property hot spot. The village’s cobbled-lined streets lead to characteristic Pombaline-style residences and late 19th-century alpine chalets. Its sandy loam marks it out as one of Portugal’s oldest wine terroirs, where rare Avesso and Ramisco varietals ripen under the sun at the Quinta do Casas Novas and Adega Viúva Gomes vineyards. A flea market opens on Saturdays opposite the fabled Ribeirinha de Colares restaurant, while several grand estates mean Colares has some of the highest property prices in the Sintra region, where the median house price is $5,728/m².
Quinta da Bella Vista, the former home of English crime writer Arthur Conan Doyle, sits a few miles outside the village. Leveled on the hillside, the 10-acre estate is built of multiple properties in Palladian architecture with neo-Gothic and neo-Moorish hints. Following Doyle’s death in 1930, his playboy son Adrian inherited the run of the grounds and expanded it into the luxury rental—with garden theatre—it is today.
In the 1940s, Sintra became a palatial playground. Quinta da Bella Vista hosted everyone from South African poet Roy Campbell to American actor Gloria Swanson, while Franco-American energy tycoon Pierre Schlumberger’s 100-acre estate became a veritable party pad. Princess Margaret caused quite a stir when nearby chalets were instructed to shutter
Left: The view from Hotel Marqí of Praia Grande, the largest beach in Sintra and a popular destination for surfers
Above: Princess Margaret during her trip to Portugal in 1959
Right: The Palácio da Pena,
Sintra mountains
The Hotel Marqí, a boutique hotel designed by architect and artist Mikas Emil
Above center: The outdoor dining spot at farm restaurant Campo Escondido
their windows as she bathed in the pool of the Casa Holstein hotel. The casino in Sintra’s coastal village, Azenhas do Mar, heaved.
While the casino is long gone, in many ways Sintra is still a resort town. The residential property market attracts international buyers, traditionally from Brazil, the United Kingdom and France, with a recent surge from North America. In 2023, Sintra registered 63,220 foreign residents, 32.8% more than the previous year. Portuguese real estate has garnered attention ever since the Non-Habitual Resident regime and Golden Visa scheme were announced in 2009 and 2012 respectively, although the government has excluded real-estate investments as a pathway to residency as of 2023. The revised program now requires a minimum investment of $520,000 in eligible funds, venture capital or business ventures, or a charitable contribution of at least $260,000—still attractive terms. In 2024, house sales prices in Portugal rose by 10% according to real-estate intelligence company Confidencial Imobiliário.
These incentives, along with the mild climate and scenic views, have attracted northern European transplants by the planeload. Brussels power couple Bernard Roché and Christina Cunningham Roché recently exchanged gray Belgian skies for a 19th-century manor in Sintra, while French interior designer Arnaud Cabri-Wiltzer has restored Casa das Rosas, a chalet that was originally designed by the family of Portuguese architect Raul Lino.
Creative projects are flowering in unexpected corners, like the farmrestaurant Campo Escondido and the artistic residency La Nave. This has also sparked a new wave of hospitality with a sexier edge. Hotel Marqí offers a Hollywood-inspired atmosphere with meticulous cinematic detail, and the slick Argentinian duo, Nicolás Lehmann and Franco Bordoni, have acquired Quinta Santa Maria Sintra and the 300-year-old Palácio da Fonte Nova in Queluz, where they have installed Michelin-starred chef Joachim Koerper. While Sintra’s sense of quiet luxury persists, this fresh influx of residents in search of their own private “Eden” certainly seems to be ushering in a new era. 0 Ellie Howard is a culture writer and researcher, based in Lisbon, Portugal
House of heritage
Dutch businessman and consul Daniel Gildemeester paid homage to Pombaline architecture when he built the Quinta da Alegria country estate in late 18th-century Sintra, Portugal. Named after the rst Marquês de Pombal who rebuilt Lisbon after its 1755 earthquake, this style is known for its elegant, symmetrical and anti-seismic design. In 2007, Quinta da Alegria was carefully restored by a family with Austrian royal heritage. Many original features have survived—including the exquisite painted ceiling in the grand library—but are now enhanced by contemporary additions, including an elevator and heated swimming pool. The main manor, along with two guesthouses and a caretaker’s house, sits in a 10-acre landscape of terraces, pools and trees, with a citrus grove, lake and grotto. It a ords stunning views over the historic sites of Sintra, including the adjacent Seteais Palace, a neoclassical masterpiece, which is now a ve-star hotel.
Price upon request
Property ID: D9MKWR sothebysrealty.com
Portugal Sotheby’s International Realty Susana Carreira +1 351 919 192 919
HABITATS ARTISTIC
Going inside the private abodes of celebrated creatives, a new book explores whether home is where the art is, writes Laura May Todd
House museums have long been a source of fascination—and even infatuation—for visitors. Like a frozen-in-time shrine, they offer an intimate snapshot of the daily workings of people whose lives are often shrouded in intrigue, from writers and actors to artists and designers. But they also answer the somewhat nosy question of how celebrated figures really lived: what kind of tchotchkes did they keep on their mantel? What does their kitchen look like? Were they the type to cook lavish dinners for dynamic groups of friends and acquaintances? Or were they the sort who only used the oven to store books? These things can tell you a lot about a person.
In the foreword to the new book “Inside the Homes of Artists: For Art’s Sake,” published by Rizzoli, curator Hans Ulrich Obrist confesses a similar passion for house museums. He writes of visiting 19th-century painter Gustave Moreau’s former home in Paris: “[It] was a ‘Gesamtkunstwerk’ [total work of art], full of Moreau’s drawings and collections. It was like looking into the mind of the artist, enabling me to start to understand his way of thinking.” While house museums allow us a glimpse into the minds and habits of artists long gone, to have the opportunity to peek behind the curtain into the inner workings of artists currently at the top of their creative game is so much more riveting. This book—written by art collector Tiqui Atencio Demirdjian— does exactly that, inviting the reader into the private domains and studios of 24 of the most prolific artists working today.
For all of these artists, the home plays a pivotal role in their practice: as a staging ground for in-process works; a compendium of inspirations and objects to be referenced; and often as an archive of rough drafts or discarded ideas. Some have filled their home with their own art, such as the Los Angeles-based French artist Claire Tabouret, known for her evocative, figurative paintings, often highlighted with fluorescent shades. Between the antique wooden ceiling beams of her 1920s cottage in the neighborhood
of Los Feliz, she has painted vibrantly colored, fresco-like portraits inspired by the kind depicted on Tarot cards—yet based on real figures from her family.
Others have banished their own work almost entirely, preferring to keep a strict separation between studio and sanctum. This is the case with Indian artists Subodh Gupta and Bharti Kher, internationally acclaimed for their sculptures and installations—Gupta’s often incorporating everyday objects and Kher’s exploring themes of identity and mythology. The couple tell Atencio Demirdjian that while they often bring art home from the studio, they choose not to fill their house with it completely. Naturally, a few pieces live in their new-build apartment in the outskirts of New Delhi, but for the most part they have chosen to populate their house with antiques and work by other artists. According to the couple, they see the primary purpose of their private domain as a place to welcome friends and family, especially in the form of intimate dinner parties.
The home of prolific South African artist William Kentridge—renowned for his evocative charcoal drawings, stop-motion animations, and multimedia installations—similarly centers family. But unlike Gupta and Kher’s blank-slate apartment, Kentridge’s Arts & Crafts-style Johannesburg house comes steeped in history. The artist’s parents bought it in 1964 when he was just 9 years old. After moving away and starting his own family, he returned to the house in the late 1990s with his wife and children, where they have been living ever since. Of all the homes in the book, Kentridge’s feels the most inextricable from his practice—likely because of this history. He tells Atencio Demirdjian of his teenage years when he attempted—and failed— to build a makeshift studio in the garden. Later on, he turned the living room into his personal workspace, becoming the fulcrum around which his family revolved. Today, the living room is an inviting retreat, with several shelves of bronze sculptures from his 2017 “Lexicon” series presiding over heaving bookcases, a handsome hearth and several comfortable sofas.
Then there is the Rio de Janeiro home of Brazilian artist Ernesto Neto, known for his large-scale experimental installations, which, as Atencio Demirdjian writes, “make or remake connections between the body and the mind, between ourselves and our surroundings, between di erent individuals, between humankind and
Previous page: Artist Raqib Shaw’s London home is decorated with his collection of bonsai and his own work, including a sculptural piece on the co ee table
Right: Subodh Gupta’s unnamed oil painting, circa 2019–20, hangs in a corner of his living room
Far right: Claire Tabouret hand-painted the tarot ceiling above her mezzanine library, also decorated with a 2020 self-portrait of the artist with the family dog, George
Small bronzes from William Kentridge’s “Lexicon” series sit on shelves above the couch in his family living room
Right: Colorful tiles and ceramic ware designed by Regina Kemp decorate a bathroom in artist Ernesto Neto’s home in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Photos:
© Jean-François Jaussaud. All artworks by Raqib Shaw, Courtesy of the Artist. Sculpture by Raqib Shaw;
© Jean-François
Jaussaud. All artworks by Subodh Gupta © Subodh Gupta, Courtesy of the Artist and Hauser & Wirth, and Bharti Kher
©Bharti Kher, Courtesy of the Artist and Hauser & Wirth; © Jean-François Jaussaud. All artworks by Claire Tabouret, courtesy of the artist;
© Jean-François Jaussaud. All artworks by Not Vital, courtesy of the artist.
“ IT WAS
LIKE LOOKING INTO THE MIND OF THE ARTIST ”
nature, between the past, present, and future.” Indeed, Neto tells her he chose the apartment, sandwiched between the city’s vibrant Copacabana beach and the soaring Sugarloaf mountain, for its proximity to nature.
In fact, throughout Neto’s home one can sense a yearning for a closer relationship with the natural world. In addition to art, plants and a few pieces of mid-century Brazilian furniture is Neto’s vast collection of objects made by the Indigenous communities of Brazil, which includes hanging textiles by the Shipibo and Huni Kuin tribes, who he praises for the sophisticated knowledge they have developed for working in sync with the earth. “There is a word from the language of the Krenak people: ‘Taruandê’,” he explains to Atencio Demirdjian. “It describes a dance between the sky and the earth, and how in that dance these two organisms interact and exchange. Such precious thinking is all around us. We need only to open our hearts to it.” It would be convenient to declare there is a thread that winds its way throughout the homes in this book, but inevitably each one is deeply personal. Yes, the homes are filled with art, and are largely eccentric and luxurious, teeming with covetable antique furniture and beautiful souvenirs from extensive travels. But once you get into the minute details of why each artist has chosen to furnish their life just so, it’s clear that each of their spaces is as unique to them as their practice. 0
Laura May Todd is a Milan-based design writer
CITY of CONTRASTS
M.R. Studio’s 1111 Ones Restaurant & Lounge
In Hong Kong, designers get creative with craft and culture—leading to blended styles and solutions, says Angela Hui
Every March, the global art fair Art Basel takes over Hong Kong, bringing together collectors, travelers, designers and artists from around the world—and highlighting the city’s unique creative identity. Hong Kong is one of the world’s best examples of the confluence between East and West: where old meets new, temples stand alongside skyscrapers, and tong lau walk-up tenement buildings live next to shiny penthouses. For decades, it has held the reputation of being the gateway to Asia, also known as “Asia’s World City,” becoming a center for major banks, hospitality, retail and home-grown talent.
“Hong Kong’s creativity is deeply tied to its role as a global commerce hub, making its design scene highly commercial,” say Dilara Kan Hon and Bodin Hon, the husband-and-wife founders of Yellowdot, a multidisciplinary studio based between Hong Kong and Istanbul that makes colorful lighting and furniture. “But there’s also a growing appreciation for more experimental, artistic and sustainable approaches, fueled by a younger generation of designers and makers looking to push boundaries.”
While Dilara was raised in Istanbul and Bodin grew up in Hong Kong, the couple met when they were studying product design at Milan’s Istituto Europeo di Design. Together, they challenge and complement each other, combining Dilara’s artistic flair with Bodin’s technical precision, resulting in useful yet playful designs. One project that embodies this is Hatch, a collection of light pendants, cabinets and room dividers that utilizes real eggshells within its products. Collected from local homes and bakeries, the recycled eggshells are cleaned before each shell is delicately split and hand-arranged to form a patterned texture, which creates a warm, unique, light-scattering effect.
“We have always been fascinated by eggs— their shape, the biology behind them, and the science involved in their creation. They exemplify natural design and connect to the rich tradition of Asian egg-related art, such as egg carving and eggshell lacquer,” they explain. “Hatch has allowed us to merge this cultural heritage with modern design techniques, creating pieces that are both functional and artistic.”
Hong Kong’s design scene is still emerging, however the city is quickly gaining recognition as one of the art world’s major capitals. With the spotlight on Hong Kong through Art Basel, there is hope that design will soon follow in art’s successful footsteps. Across architecture and product and interior design, the city’s
“ THERE’S A GROWING APPRECIATION FOR MORE EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHES ”
Photos: Steven Ko; Ozan Gür; HDP Photography; Yellowdot; Keith Chan.
Design studio Hintegro’s redesign for an apartment in Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, incorporates mid-century wooden touches
Left: Dilara Kan Hon and Bodin Hon, the designers behind Yellowdot
M.R. Studio designed the interior for Kitin, a restaurant located on the 101st oor of Hong Kong’s tallest skyscraper
Right: A detail of a table from Yellowdot’s Hatch collection, which incorporates broken eggshells suspended in resin
“ THE SCARCITY OF SPACE CAN BE A CHANCE TO PUSH BOUNDARIES AND THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX ”
aesthetic has evolved organically, shaped by practical needs rather than a particular creative movement, but designers continue to innovate, while reflecting Hong Kong’s identity.
Keith Chan, founder of Hong Kong’s Hintegro interior design studio, is behind some of the most stylish residential homes, bars and coffee shops in the city. Born and bred in Hong Kong, Chan is grateful to have lived through the 1980s and witnessed the 1997 handover of Hong Kong from the U.K. back to China. This history has shaped the city’s creative landscape, he says, but it’s also fueled a shift toward speed—fast fashion and fast production—which has, at times, impacted the quality of design. “That’s why I incorporate local craftsmanship into my projects, particularly in residential designs,” says Chan. “Featuring local carpenters allows me to showcase their skills and remind people that artisans and handmade work are still valued in Hong Kong.”
He approaches each project like a doctor, diagnosing clients’ needs to weave their stories into personalized designs. To create effective solutions, Chan imagines himself in his client’s shoes and uses every inch of space to its full potential. “I reflect on how they will spend their time, from the moment they wake up, and how their habits influence their routines,” he says.
Within the city’s unique ecosystem, creatives must often navigate an unconventional path. Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated places in the world, but the scarcity of space can, in fact, be a chance to push boundaries and think outside the box. For Myron Kwan, founder of architecture and design rm M.R. Studio—specializing in hospitality, commercial, residential and o ce premises— limited space is an opportunity. “Functionality is our foremost priority [and] the backbone of our designs,” he says. “To navigate this constraint, we focus on thoughtful, thematic concepts and
A wagasa-inspired ceiling light hangs above the bar in the Japanese speakeasy designed by M.R. Studio in 2021
Right, from top: A view of the Hong Kong skyline over the dining table in a Kowloon penthouse designed by Hintegro; Keith Chan, founder of Hintegro interior design studio
meticulous attention to detail, ensuring we maximize the potential of each project.”
At the studio’s 2021 project Bar de Luxe— a Japanese speakeasy cocktail bar in Central, an area packed with skyscrapers, malls and restaurants—Kwan designed a luxurious atmosphere by combining traditional Japanese craft with contemporary elements, such as raw timber, handmade turquoise tiles and velvet drapery. A light above the bar is even inspired by wagasa , the traditional oil-paper umbrella used in tea ceremonies and kabuki theatre.
Tradition meets modernity at the Kitin also, a fine dining experience on the 101st floor of the ICC—the tallest building in Hong Kong— where Kwan reinterpreted the Chinese “wuxing” elements of gold, wood, water, fire, and earth in his choice of materials. Meanwhile, the sweepingly organic, rust-colored interiors of the restaurant 1111 ONES, take their visual cues from Antelope Canyon in Arizona, more than 7,000 miles away.
Hong Kong is a city of two halves. On one hand, it’s a whirlwind of energy, with a constant buzz of activity and an undeniable drive. On the other, with lush forests, tranquil beaches and peaceful islands, serenity is just a stone’s throw away. It’s no surprise that designers draw inspiration from this duality as a way to thrive in the city’s vibrant pulse, while reconnecting with nature to escape the chaos. “Observing patterns, textures and moments of beauty in ordinary life often sparks ideas,” say the Yellowdot co-founders. “We’re inspired by contrasts— the old and new, the traditional and innovative—and by experimenting with materials and techniques to discover something unexpected.” 0
Angela Hui is a London-based author, journalist and editor
CRAFTING Joy
Architect Suchi Reddy creates happiness—and her designs for homes are based on feelings and science, writes Elizabeth Fazzare
Calling Suchi Reddy a multi-hyphenate creative really doesn’t do her justice. In the past year, the architect, designer, artist, and founder of New York-based studio Reddymade launched her first furniture collection, in collaboration with luxury Indian textile atelier Ekaya Banaras; curated an exhibition celebrating Indian craft at New York gallery Salon Design; created an installation for the world’s largest color library; taught architecture students at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation—and still found the time to design a variety of residences, boutiques and public projects. One could say that a dedication to constant experimentation drives Reddy’s prolific practice, but she often describes it with a softer term: feelings.
“Conceptually, that’s the through line” in every project, says Reddy, who established her studio two decades ago. “What are the feelings that I want to be able to explore? What are the feelings that my clients want to feel? And how can we use the environment to amplify that?” Though this approach may seem difficult to apply to furnishings or finishes, surprisingly, scientific thought has long provided Reddy with a helpful framework. Using the guiding principles of neuroaesthetics, a field of study that explores how art and beauty can positively affect people’s wellbeing, Reddy designs projects that not only look good, but make their inhabitants feel good, too. She calls this mantra “form follows feeling.”
As diverse as Reddy’s work is, half of it is rooted in luxury residential projects: designs for ground-up construction, renovations, and interior transformations that help homeowners capture such desired moods in their most personal spaces. Often, this process involves parsing the references they “love and respond to” in order to create what they are really looking for: comfort.
“The opportunity to design something really tailored that conjures this beautiful sense of being enveloped is a joy to me,” explains Reddy. “I always say we work together [with clients] on our residential projects because we always end up with something that neither one of us had any preconceived notion of.” While the creative admits her own “modernist sensibility,” balancing it with a client’s taste, contextual considerations and their lifestyle often leads to bespoke solutions. Aesthetically, this means that Reddymade’s portfolio of homes is just as varied as their owners.
For contemporary artist Ai Weiwei, Reddy created a 2,000-square-foot linear extension to his upstate New York weekend house. Hexagonal in section and minimalist in material palette, it provides a new two-bedroom guest wing, each end capped by glazed porches. Strategically placed picture windows along one side offer views over the farm property while protecting artworks in the central living area, where they are displayed among his well-curated selection of antique and vintage furnishings.
In Beverly Hills, California, Reddy transformed the interior of an angular house into a soft, serene family abode, focusing on the opportunities of its natural lighting to illuminate di erent rooms and objects over the course of the day. Integrating plush modern furniture with carpeting and rugs crafted an
“
YOUR HOME IS THE ONLY PLACE YOU GET TO REALLY TAILOR TO YOUR EXPRESSION ”
Previous page: A sculptural chaise lounge from Suchi Reddy’s furniture collaboration with New Dehli-based textile atelier Ekaya Banaras
This page, from left: Architect, designer and artist, Suchi Reddy; the hexagonal extension to artist Ai Weiwei’s weekend home in Salt Point, New York
Textured furnishings balance out clean, modern lines in this Greenwich Village home in New York
environment that feels cozy and intimate, even when surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glazing.
Meanwhile, a pair of actor clients listed the most important requests of their residence in New York as “a giant table to read scripts, a projection screen, and a big sculpture of a paper horse,” Reddy recalls. She created a custom space that incorporated all these elements, functionally and aesthetically, while also providing ample light and air in a setting to help inspire their work.
Similarly for Reddy, separation between work and life doesn’t exist—nor would she want it to. She spent this past winter in India, visiting family, friends and collaborators. There, she is currently working on a house for her sister, who requested a covered courtyard and an image of a mandala—a geometric design with spiritual symbolism. Reddy commissioned a wroughtiron version of a mandala to become a shade structure for the courtyard, positioning it so that its intricate shadow reflects perfectly onto the home’s entry once a day. “It’s that kind of magic that happens when one has a conversation with somebody about something that you’re equally passionate about,” she explains. “A lot of architects will say they don’t like the handholding that it takes to do residential work, but I find that there is something in the personal connection that is so appealing. A lot of times in our world we’re left with this kind of generic experience. Your home is the only place you get to really tailor to your expression.”
Like all of her creative practice, Reddy sees these projects as ripe for experimentation. “Our bodies are always the centerpiece of our homes, so when I’m doing residential work, I’m constantly thinking about neuroaesthetics,” she explains. “I’m thinking about the quality of light in a space; I’m thinking about the color of light; I’m thinking about transition in and out. Even if you create very different looks in different rooms, I’m making sure that the transition between is seamless and that it offers wonder and discovery. That’s why I say I conceptualize a home in terms of the feelings that it can help support; and when I look at it from that perspective, there’s a lot of aesthetic information that can be harnessed to create each space.”
It’s also one of the few design typologies that is truly multidisciplinary. Reddy is currently preparing exhibits for the inaugural art and culture-focused Bukhara Biennial in Uzbekistan, the Venice Architecture Biennale in Italy, and the Clifford Gallery at Colgate University in upstate New York, where she is this academic year’s Christian A. Johnson artist-in-residence. She is also designing international showrooms for furniture brand Humanscale and starting a hotel project. Each satisfies a different part of her creativity, but the residential designs she crafts uniquely bring together all aspects. From architecture to art and even small details like glassware, these home projects are “incredible opportunities to develop a holistic environment,” Reddy says. “It’s like creating a cocoon for someone; a really beautiful one.” 0 Elizabeth Fazzare is a New York-based editor and journalist covering architecture, design, culture and travel
Left: Reddy used the natural lighting provided through the large windows of this Beverly Hills home to her advantage when designing its interior
Above: Japanese design features combine with mid-century modern furniture in this West Village, New York, apartment
LIVING Branded
From Bulgari to Fendi, the biggest names in luxury are expanding into residential developments. What’s on offer is a curated, wraparound lifestyle, writes Emma Reynolds
Today’s branded residences are havens that entice both brand loyalists and clients who desire a like-minded community.
These properties have subtle details that impart authenticity to every facet of living there. It might be in the stitching on a leather couch that echoes the craftsmanship found in a prized sports car, or bathroom fixtures that resemble a favorite handbag from an Italian boutique. Simply put: today’s buyers want to live in style.
“The landscape of branded residences is expanding rapidly,” says Alexandra Hare, vice president of development marketing, Sotheby’s International Realty Development Advisors. “Renowned names in luxury goods are now redefining residential experiences, offering distinctive lifestyle amenities and cutting-edge designs to cater to the discerning tastes of today’s luxury consumer.”
Branded residences have existed for several decades, but the trend notably picked up during 2020, according to global architecture firm WATG. Since then, the firm has tracked 84 new projects that have opened around the world. As of 2024, the global branded residential market is valued at $66 billion, according to a study published in August 2024 by Luxonomy, an online platform that provides insights into the luxury industry. It also found that in the past decade alone, the number of branded residences has increased by 150%.
Miami, Florida and Dubai, in particular, have emerged as key testing markets for branded residences. The cosmopolitan hub of Dubai connects Asia, Africa and Europe, while also attracting a global network of high-net-worth individuals. Similarly, Miami connects Latin America, Europe and North America, while offering a vibrant international culture that attracts well-traveled, affluent buyers.
“
Both cities have experienced many firsts. For example, in 2017, Bulgari Residences debuted in Dubai, marking the first residential project from the Italian jewelry brand. And 888 Brickell Dolce & Gabbana, a 90-story tower in Miami, is the Italian fashion brand’s first residential project in the U.S. Both Dubai and Miami are synonymous with the lavish lifestyles favored by buyers of these prestigious brands. “Latin American buyers, who make up a large part of Miami’s demographic, love brands and branded residences,” says Miami-based Ignacio Gonzalez-Arias, global real estate advisor and business development, ONE Sotheby’s International Realty. “In my experience, the Miami buyer wants to buy into a project that is also an experience.”
While brands once only collaborated on residential projects with hotels, standalone branded developments are becoming increasingly common. The desire for privacy and intimate experiences has heightened this demand. Brandname condominiums offer resort-style living without the transient nature of
RENOWNED NAMES IN LUXURY ARE REDEFINING RESIDENTIAL EXPERIENCES
Previous page: The Four Seasons Tropicalia private residence in the Dominican Republic comes with direct access to Playa
Left: The swimming pool in Fendi’s Private Residences compound looks out onto the snowy alps of CransMontana, Switzerland
Below: Exceptional nishes abound in this stunning downtown Dubai penthouse, which re ects the heritage of the Baccarat brand
Esmeralda beach
a hotel. Standalone projects can also be more lucrative for developers, as they fetch higher prices. Buyers pay more up front for a name that is linked to highquality service and craftsmanship, top-notch design and bespoke amenities.
In most cases, moving into a branded residence requires only one thing besides the ability to pay for it—a suitcase. More often than not, those buying a second, third, fourth or even fifth home want an efficient, no-fuss experience. What a hotelier brings to the table when they create a branded residence is obvious, but for luxury brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi or Baccarat, the lifestyle expertise they bring to the project is more nuanced.
“Dolce & Gabbana is a great example of a seamless lifestyle transition,” Gonzalez-Arias says. “It already has a furniture and accessories line, Dolce & Gabbana Casa, and has been a part of beach clubs in Spain and Italy, so it has experience in the hospitality world. If you see Dolce & Gabbana’s latest shows in Italy, it is not just about fashion but about lifestyle. It is important to remember that it excels in custom-made, handcrafted clothes and has a deep connection to Italian history and a very loyal clientele. With this residential project, we’re selling the lifestyle above all.”
This comes in the form of travertine flooring sourced from Italy, while the entrance is punctuated by decorative golden beads, similar to the brand’s necklaces and handbag hardware. It’s these subtle and defining details that draw in customers and ultimately command a premium. “Buying into a brand often guarantees quality,” Gonzalez-Arias says.
In Switzerland, where branded residences are quite new, Steiger & Cie Sotheby’s International Realty recently launched Fendi Private Residences CransMontana. e residences are out tted by Fendi Casa, the brand’s home and decor line. When you work with Fendi, explains Florian Steiger, co-founder, Steiger & Cie Sotheby’s International Realty, the brand uses its go-to architect, Marco Costanzi, to design, renovate or recreate spaces. He is responsible for designing Fendi boutiques, which adds a through line to every project he works on.
In some residential projects, the brand tie is much more evident. Baccarat, the French crystal glassware company founded in 1764, now also sells high-end home decor, lighting and jewelry. The first Baccarat Hotel and Residences opened in 2015 in New York City. From the restaurants to the bedrooms and the palatial apartments, the property feels like a Baccarat boutique. The company has plans to open similar projects in Miami and Dubai. In Dubai, the Baccarat Hotel and Residences, set for completion in 2026, will include 144 hotel rooms and suites and 49 branded residences, offering two- to fourbedroom apartments and four- and five-bedroom penthouses.
In terms of amenities, gone are the days of windowless gyms or uninspiring terraces. Luxury condominiums are akin to checking into your most anticipated vacation destination, chock-full of amenities and round-the-clock services that cater to your every whim. The 115,000 square feet of amenity space at 888 Brickell Dolce & Gabbana includes a 4,000-square-foot pool deck, a swimming pool, three signature restaurants, a Dolce & Gabbana-branded spa and a fitness center. The brand’s singular amenities also include services such as custom tailoring—a resource that might entice the most discerning fashion devotees.
Branded residences are considered trophy properties thanks to their premium price tags, premier amenities, turnkey lifestyle and access to a global brand network. Today’s luxury homebuyer is more invested in holistic lifestyle experiences, which offer the ability to fully immerse into a brand’s aesthetic or service philosophy. Beyond the prestige of these designer addresses, branded properties serve curated living experiences on a silver platter. 0
Emma Reynolds is a New York City-based writer and editor covering luxury lifestyle and travel
“ BUYING INTO A BRAND OFTEN GUARANTEES QUALITY ”
Dolce & Gabbana’s rst residential project in the U.S. o ers 259 residences, each curated and fully furnished by Dolce & Gabbana
Reading TIME
In a screen-saturated era, the romantic and expressive appeal of a home library is on the up, says Riya Patel
No matter how many full bookshelves a home may have, there’s something special about owning a dedicated library.
Who hasn’t dreamed of curating their own shelves, dusting off old favorites and getting lost for countless hours between the pages? The popularity of the personal library as a luxury home feature seems to have increased over the past few years, perhaps as a reaction to the pervasive presence of digital consumption. In the online era, a room full of books is a regular reminder to reconnect with the pleasure of reading, to surround yourself with words that have personal meaning, and to define a space that’s screen-free.
While studies and home offices imply the drudgery of work, a library can be something much more whimsical—and this is reflected in design approaches. “They provide endless opportunities to add a personal touch,” say designers Clémence Pirajean and James Lees of London-based firm Pirajean Lees. Indeed, the recent “bookshelf wealth” trend points to the power of expressing oneself through the books and items on home shelving. For a 2023 townhouse project in London’s Marylebone neighborhood, Pirajean Lees included a library as an “inviting, quiet retreat—a relaxing space perfect for a morning coffee or a Sunday read.” Layered with the owner’s collected novels and titles on art, fashion and design are pieces of framed art, sculptural vases, and decorative objects that reflect his life story.
Compared to the neutral color scheme for the rest of the townhouse, the library sets a different tone with bookcases painted in the rich and nostalgic “Hague Blue” by British paint and wallpaper company Farrow & Ball. The compact space has several touches that work together successfully: a deepseated armchair, a variety of lamps, a handcrafted rug and a wood-paneled ceiling that adds warmth, while absorbing sound.
A glamorous Toronto home designed in 2023 by leading American interior designer Kelly Wearstler in 2023 also offers a small library as a place of escape. Like a castle turret, this dramatic wood-paneled room has a circular plan where shallow bookshelves sit between slot windows. The family’s largeformat books are the crowning glory here; the front covers face outward, displayed as they might be on the shelves of a shop, allowing their designs to be fully admired. Instead of a chair to sit in, a glass table in the center of the room is the place to leaf through anything that takes the reader’s fancy.
Families are particularly keen on imaginative library spaces as they draw members together, away from the allure of personal devices. In a 2022 remodel
“ THEY PROVIDE AN INVITING, QUIET RETREAT PERFECT FOR A MORNING COFFEE ”
Previous page: The multifunctional library space in Frederick Tang Architecture’s Quarry Loft project in New York
A relaxing library retreat in a London home designed by Pirajean Lees
Left: A hallway library in a Parisian project by Pierre Yovanovitch
“ WHENEVER I GO TO SOMEONE’S HOME, I ALWAYS SPY ON THEIR SHELVES ”
of a California residence for actor Samira Wiley, writer Lauren Morelli and their growing family, a generous three-seater sofa is the central feature of the classically styled library. LA-based designer Stefani Stein set the statement piece of furniture in a nook, surrounded by bespoke joinery painted in a deep green with a gloss finish, and filled with books and decorative objects. A large artwork behind and wall-mounted lamps with pleated fabric lampshades make a clear invitation to linger and enjoy the space. A low coffee table set up for playing chess or board games also marks this room out as a place for the family to entertain guests or enjoy time together.
New York-based architect Frederick Tang has another theory about why we love to make books such a feature of our homes: to impress other people. “Whenever I go to someone’s home, whether it’s for the first time or the twentieth, I always spy on their shelves,” he says. “Book collections are the clearest window into someone’s preoccupations and always an opportunity to establish the point of view of a space.”
Quarry Loft, a New York apartment designed by Frederick Tang Architecture in 2022, features an adaptable library that can also function as a sitting room, guest room, office or entrance hall, thanks to a timber and fluted glass sliding partition. It’s a light and contemporary rendition of a classic library that makes the most of the small footprint. The white oak shelves are minimally arranged rather than stacked full, and the room’s barrel-vault ceiling does the job of lending the space its distinct character.
In French designer Pierre Yovanovitch’s conversion of a quintessentially Parisian apartment in 2024, the main hallway also functions as a library. It’s a nod both to the book collector who formerly owned the home and the aspirations of the couple now living there, who wanted to combine period charm with a modern expression. Curved walls are fitted with slim bookshelves that surround doorways, maximizing the capacity of the small space to store and display books. Much more than just a room to pass through, the library features a playful ceiling fresco by artist Matthieu Cossé, a table by collectible mid-century designer Jean Royère, and thick textured wood surfaces that give it the feel of solidity.
In homes both contemporary and classical, the library is showing serious staying power, helping us feel both grounded and connected to bigger ideas. “Books always elevate a room,” says Tang. “On a purely visual level, a surface of perfectly aligned spines becomes a living wallpaper. On an intellectual level, a giant coffee table with big art catalogues and monographs projects one’s curiosities and inspirations.” 0
Riya Patel is a London-based editor, writer and curator
Well-aged legacy
When Tuscan stonemason Samuele Sebastiani moved to California in 1895, he mined the Sonoma Hills for the cobblestones used to build the streets of San Francisco. This venture earned him enough to buy the land on which he built the Sebastiani Vineyards, creating a winery that survives today. Overlooking this piece of history is the ve-acre Fleur de Lys estate, surrounded by century-old oaks and previously owned by the winemaker’s descendants. This 2,000 square foot home boasts both a chef’s kitchen with Italian Breccia Medicea stone countertops and, in the cavernous basement, a tasting room (with space for additional wine cellars). However, it’s the library with its doubleheight walls and bookshelves that is a standout feature of the house—the perfect spot to enjoy reading with a glass of wine.
$12,995,000
Property ID: 5FC3JT sothebysrealty.com
Sotheby’s International Realty—Wine Country—Sonoma Brokerage Caroline Sebastiani +1 415 290 3123
Left: Barrel-vault ceiling and sliding panels in deep blue, slate gray and marbled patterning add character to the Quarry Loft library
Below left: Rich colors and textures create a warm presence in the library
Stefani Stein designed for actor Samira Wiley’s home
Curators of the Unique.
This architectural gem, designed by the renowned Siskind architects Bruce Carlson and Steve Siskind, o ers an extraordinary lifestyle in an over ve-acre waterfront oasis. Raymond Jungles’ landscape mastery frames the canvas, while Sam Robin’s interior magic awaits within. Experience approximately 11,000 sq ft of air-conditioned, carefully curated living space that is meticulously crafted with attention to detail. The gross square footage exceeds 17,895 sq ft, including covered outdoor verandas that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living. Step into a world of tranquility with a private saltwater pond teeming with native sea life. Wander along the stone-through path for an intimate encounter with nature and carefully curated specimens. Situated on a peninsula, this estate o ers complete privacy and security. A secluded beach area invites you to dip your toes into the ocean without prying eyes. Hosting soirées on the peninsula grassy area could serve as a helipad with a tiki lounge. Resort-style amenities include a gas-heated oasis pool, hot tub, and waterfall grotto to create a tropical paradise. Built-in swim-jet therapy and a beach entrance enhance your relaxation. Gas-powered tiki torches illuminate the evenings. Thoughtful details throughout, with an air-conditioned equipment room and cabana bathroom, add convenience. The elevated, fully equipped summer kitchen features a push-button elevated TV and a pizza oven, all with unobstructed views. A 450-ft dock with two boat lifts and a private protected boat basin awaits your vessels. This is more than a home; it’s an unparalleled legacy of luxury and privacy waiting to be claimed.
Cocoloba Estate
Plantation Key, Florida Keys, Florida 88041-old-highway.oceansir.com
Eric Rizzo & Russell Post erizzo@oceansir.com, 305.394.3062 russell@oceansir.com, 305.451.8199
$42,000,000
On The Cover
SERENITY CAY
82768 OVERSEAS HIGHWAY
ISLAMORADA, FLORIDA KEYS
Welcome to an exquisite Balinese-inspired estate where tranquility and luxury meet the endless beauty on the Florida Bay. A true masterpiece of engineering and design, this sprawling waterfront residence on nearly 4 acres o ers an unparalleled blend of tropical elegance, sophisticated craftsmanship, and modern luxury. An expansive in nity-edge pool blends seamlessly into the sparkling waters of the bay while lush gardens create a serene oasis. The home’s architecture showcases graceful, custom nishes and rich hardwoods, all hallmark designs that evoke the spirit of the islands. Spanning over 6,900 sq ft, the interior is a seamless fusion of open-concept living spaces and private retreats. Soaring vaulted ceilings and vast windows invite abundant natural light and spectacular views of the bay, creating an indoor-outdoor ow. The primary suite serves as your personal sanctuary, complete with private terrace, spa-inspired bathroom, and walk-in closets t for a connoisseur of ne living. Each guest has direct access to outdoor spaces and views. A bonus, versatile bunk room/media center sits just o the west wing of the home. The charming guest house is the perfect complement to the main home, nestled in its own secluded on site location this delightful addition exudes a warm, welcoming ambiance ideal for hosting guests, or as a private o ce or creative studio. This downtown Islamorada estate is in an incomparable location; walking distance to shopping, dining, and local culture, also has appeal that extends to those with a passion for the great outdoors. Two protected docking basins and boat lift, sandy lounging beach, expansive outdoor lanai and outdoor kitchen o ers the ideal space for entertaining or enjoying a quiet evening watching the sunset. Fly the seaplane in or land the helicopter. Premier boating access just moments away from the Intracoastal waterway and Ocean channels. Serenity Cay is not just a home, it’s an experience.
82768-overseas-highway.oceansir.com
Sabrina Wampler & Sarah Ewald
305.393.2766, sabrina.sarah@oceansir.com
305.393.0585, sabrina.sarah@oceansir.com
$25,000,000
57223 Morton Street | Grassy Key, Florida
$35,000,000
Sabrina Wampler | 305.393.2766 | sabrina.sarah@oceansir.com
Sarah Ewald | 305.393.0585 | sabrina.sarah@oceansir.com
57 Garden Cove | Key Largo, Florida
$14,500,000
Sabrina Wampler | 305.393.2766 | sabrina.sarah@oceansir.com
Sarah Ewald | 305.393.0585 | sabrina.sarah@oceansir.com
198 Lowe Street | Key Largo, Florida
$9,750,000
Leslie Leopold | 305.942.0215 | lleopold@oceansir.com
Cheri Tindall | 305.664.7661 | ctindall@oceansir.com
141 Cortez Drive | Islamorada, Florida
$22,500,000
Sabrina Wampler | 305.393.2766 | sabrina.sarah@oceansir.com
Sarah Ewald | 305.393.0585 | sabrina.sarah@oceansir.com
82238 Overseas Highway | Islamorada, Florida
$10,250,000
Cheri Tindall | 305.664.7661 | ctindall@oceansir.com
Leslie Leopold | 305.942.0215 | lleopold@oceansir.com
168 Galleon Road | Plantation Key, Florida
$6,950,000
Cynthia Hughes | 305.522.1320 | chughes@oceansir.com
Kim Thaler | 305.393.2787 | kthaler@oceansir.com
260 Plantation Avenue | Plantation Key, Florida
$6,900,000
Sabrina Wampler | 305.393.2766 | sabrina.sarah@oceansir.com
Sarah Ewald | 305.393.0585 | sabrina.sarah@oceansir.com
101780 Overseas Highway | Key Largo, Florida
$6,390,000
Pierre-Marc Bellion | 305.731.3356 | pbellion@oceansir.com
36 Sunset Road | Key Largo, Florida
$5,895,000
Karan Moeller | 305.522.2857 | kmoeller@oceansir.com
83407 Old Highway | Islamorada, Florida
$6,750,000
Leslie Leopold | 305.942.0215 | lleopold@oceansir.com
Cheri Tindall | 305.664.7661 | ctindall@oceansir.com
87445 Old Highway | Plantation Key, Florida
$5,995,000
Cheri Tindall | 305.664.7661 | ctindall@oceansir.com
Leslie Leopold | 305.942.0215 | lleopold@oceansir.com
21 Mutiny Place | Key Largo, Florida
$5,499,000
Gloria Walters | 305.942.6834 | gwalters@oceansir.com
Michaela Walters | 305.923.1337 | mwalters@oceansir.com
Rachel Walters | 305.942.8767 | rwalters@oceansir.com
108 N Bounty Lane | Key Largo, Florida
$4,999,999
Gloria Walters | 305.942.6834 | gwalters@oceansir.com
Michaela Walters | 305.923.1337 | mwalters@oceansir.com
Rachel Walters | 305.942.8767 | rwalters@oceansir.com
75730 Overseas Highway | Islamorada, Florida
$4,975,000
Kim Thaler | 305.393.2787 | kthaler@oceansir.com
133 Sunset Drive | Islamorada, Florida
$3,900,000
Sabrina Wampler | 305.393.2766 | sabrina.sarah@oceansir.com
Sarah Ewald | 305.393.0585 | sabrina.sarah@oceansir.com
51 Mutiny Place | Key Largo, Florida
$4,999,000
Gloria Walters | 305.942.6834 | gwalters@oceansir.com
Michaela Walters | 305.923.1337 | mwalters@oceansir.com
Rachel Walters | 305.942.8767 | rwalters@oceansir.com
182 Bayview Drive | Islamorada, Florida
$4,400,000
Eric Rizzo | 305.394.3062 | erizzo@oceansir.com
Taylor Globus | 305.401.7675 | tglobus@oceansir.com
81 Mutiny Place | Key Largo, Florida
$3,750,000
Gloria Walters | 305.942.6834 | gwalters@oceansir.com
Michaela Walters | 305.923.1337 | mwalters@oceansir.com
Rachel Walters | 305.942.8767 | rwalters@oceansir.com
39 N Bounty Lane | Key Largo, Florida
$3,599,000
Gloria Walters | 305.942.6834 | gwalters@oceansir.com
Michaela Walters | 305.923.1337 | mwalters@oceansir.com
Rachel Walters | 305.942.8767 | rwalters@oceansir.com
75055 Overseas Highway | Islamorada, Florida
$3,250,000
Leslie Leopold | 305.942.0215 | lleopold@oceansir.com
Cheri Tindall | 305.664.7661 | ctindall@oceansir.com
76412 Overseas Highway | Islamorada, Florida
$2,400,000
Sabrina Wampler | 305.393.2766 | sabrina.sarah@oceansir.com
Sarah Ewald | 305.393.0585 | sabrina.sarah@oceansir.com
188 Indian Mound Trail | Plantation Key, Florida
$3,450,000
Sebastian Del Negro | 305.842.0559 | sdelnegro@oceansir.com
33 Pen Key Drive | Islamorada, Florida
$2,800,000
Eric Rizzo | 305.394.3062 | erizzo@oceansir.com
Taylor Globus | 305.401.7675 | tglobus@oceansir.com
75621 Overseas Highway | Islamorada, Florida
$2,100,000
Kim Thaler | 305.393.2787 | kthaler@oceansir.com
264 S Coconut Palm Boulevard | Plantation Key, Florida
$1,975,000
Leslie Leopold | 305.942.0215 | lleopold@oceansir.com
192 E Ridge Road | Plantation Key, Florida
$1,195,000
Pierre-Marc Bellion | 305.731.3356 | pbellion@oceansir.com
221 Tarpon Street | Key Largo, Florida
$995,000
Bonnie Ekblom Oliver | 305.394.1569 | bekblom.oliver@oceansir.com
96000 Overseas Highway, EE23 | Key Largo, Florida
$1,400,000
Eric Rizzo | 305.394.3062 | erizzo@oceansir.com
Taylor Globus | 305.401.7675 | tglobus@oceansir.com
5 Palm Drive | Key Largo, Florida
$1,099,999
Gloria Walters | 305.942.6834 | gwalters@oceansir.com
Michaela Walters | 305.923.1337 | mwalters@oceansir.com
Rachel Walters | 305.942.8767 | rwalters@oceansir.com
94825 Overseas Highway, 175 | Key Largo, Florida
$950,000
Jim Signor | 305.394.4449 | jsignor@oceansir.com
129 Navajo Street | Plantation Key, Florida
$850,000
Sabrina Wampler | 305.393.2766 | sabrina.sarah@oceansir.com
Sarah Ewald | 305.393.0585 | sabrina.sarah@oceansir.com
111 Hibiscus Drive | Key Largo, Florida
$839,000
Bonnie Ekblom Oliver | 305.394.1569 | bekblom.oliver@oceansir.com
104500 Overseas Highway, C404 | Key Largo, Florida
$750,000
Jim Signor | 305.394.4449 | jsignor@oceansir.com
273 Hibiscus Street | Plantation Key, Florida
$845,000
Karan Moeller | 305.522.2857 | kmoeller@oceansir.com
1010 Snapper Lane | Key Largo, Florida
$770,000
Bonnie Ekblom Oliver | 305.394.1569 | bekblom.oliver@oceansir.com
88181 Old Highway, 41G | Plantation Key, Florida
$720,000
Karan Moeller | 305.522.2857 | kmoeller@oceansir.com
314 E Seaview Drive | Duck Key, Florida
$3,950,000
Frank Gri ths | 305.563.1838 | fgri ths@oceansir.com
1199 30th Street | Marathon, Florida
$2,595,000
Ally Kelley | 727.459.0493 | akelley@oceansir.com
Sabrina Wampler | 305.393.2766 | sabrina.sarah@oceansir.com
Sarah Ewald | 305.393.0585 | sabrina.sarah@oceansir.com
303 Sombrero Beach Road | Marathon, Florida
$1,895,000
Ally Kelley | 727.459.0493 | akelley@oceansir.com
Jo Ann Cook | 305.360.7968 | jcook@oceansir.com
733-743 Trinidad Lane | Little Torch Key, Florida
$3,200,000
Jo Ann Cook | 305.360.7968 | jcook@oceansir.com
568 Sombrero Beach Road | Marathon, Florida
$2,195,000
Jo Ann Cook | 305.360.7968 | jcook@oceansir.com
Ally Kelley | 727.459.0493 | akelley@oceansir.com
550 9th Street | Marathon, Florida
$1,750,000
Steve Smith | 305.849.1196 | ssmith@oceansir.com
845 E Copa D Oro | Marathon, Florida
$1,650,000
Jo Ann Cook | 305.360.7968 | jcook@oceansir.com
Ally Kelley | 727.459.0493 | akelley@oceansir.com
261 / 271 2nd Street | Key Colony, Florida
$1,400,000
Steve Smith | 305.849.1196 | ssmith@oceansir.com
531 10th Street | Key Colony, Florida
$1,395,000
Karen Raspe | 305.393.9010 | kraspe@oceansir.com
104 Buttonwood Lane | Long Key, Florida
$1,375,000
Jo Ann Cook | 305.360.7968 | jcook@oceansir.com
Riley Woodstock | 401.644.8323 | rwoodstock@oceansir.com
96 Avenue C, 5 & A-17 | Marathon, Florida
$1,339,000
Jo Ann Cook | 305.360.7968 | jcook@oceansir.com
11600 1st Avenue Gulf, 51 | Marathon, Florida
$1,200,000
Karen Raspe | 305.393.9010 | kraspe@oceansir.com
110 Santa Barbara | Marathon, Florida
$895,000
Ally Kelley | 727.459.0493 | akelley@oceansir.com
120 9th Street | Key Colony, Florida
$770,000
Paulette Thompson | 305.923.4106 | pthompson@oceansir.com
Jass Tremblay | 305.304.7508 | jtremblay@oceansir.com
6405 Ocean View Drive | Marathon, Florida
$760,000
Frank Gri ths | 305.563.1838 | fgri ths@oceansir.com
22 Sadowski | Key Colony, Florida
$699,000
Shannon Butler | 305.395.1700 | sbutler@oceansir.com
2600 Overseas Highway, 57 | Marathon, Florida
$629,000
Cynthia Hughes | 305.522.1320 | chughes@oceansir.com
Taylor Walters | 407.625.4167 | twalters@oceansir.com
1217 Sombrero Boulevard, 13 | Marathon, Florida
$564,900
Paulette Thompson | 305.923.4106 | pthompson@oceansir.com
Jass Tremblay | 305.304.7508 | jtremblay@oceansir.com
0 Howell Key | Summerland Key, Florida
$21,900,000
Rebecca Lacey | 910.233.2952 | rlacey@oceansir.com
400 South Street | Key West, Florida
$18,500,000
Ellen Gvili | 305.304.2933 | egvili@oceansir.com
1 Seppala Way | Key Haven, Florida
$15,000,000
Jenna Stau er | 260.433.2319 | jstau er@oceansir.com
7000 5th Street | Stock Island, Florida
$11,995,000
Ellen Gvili | 305.304.2933 | egvili@oceansir.com
Marc Ulanowski | 815.861.3559 | mulanowski@oceansir.com
69 Cannon Royal Drive | Shark Key, Florida
$5,700,000
Jenna Stau er | 260.433.2319 | jstau er@oceansir.com
39 Cannon Royal Drive | Shark Key, Florida
$3,400,000
Jenna Stau er | 260.433.2319 | jstau er@oceansir.com
3720 Flagler Avenue | Key West, Florida
$3,398,000
Ellen Gvili | 305.304.2933 | egvili@oceansir.com
Marc Ulanowski | 815.861.3559 | mulanowski@oceansir.com
63 Sunset Key Drive | Key West, Florida
$2,400,000
Marc Ulanowski | 815.861.3559 | mulanowski@oceansir.com
Ellen Gvili | 305.304.2933 | egvili@oceansir.com
1619 Rose Street | Key West, Florida
$2,300,000
Jenna Stau er | 260.433.2319 | jstau er@oceansir.com
51 Sunset Key Drive | Key West, Florida
$3,299,000
Bob Cardenas | 305.304.8292 | bcardenas@oceansir.com
Bobby Krug | 516.784.9083 | bkrug@oceansir.com
17270 Old State Road 4A | Sugarloaf Key, Florida
$2,349,000
Bobby Krug | 516.784.9083 | bkrug@oceansir.com
Bob Cardenas | 305.304.8292 | bcardenas@oceansir.com
1022 Fleming Street | Key West, Florida
$2,285,000
Ellen Gvili | 305.304.2933 | egvili@oceansir.com
Marc Ulanowski | 815.861.3559 | mulanowski@oceansir.com
1011 Simonton Street, R1 | Key West, Florida
$1,985,000
Marc Ulanowski | 815.861.3559 | mulanowski@oceansir.com
Ellen Gvili | 305.304.2933 | egvili@oceansir.com
101 Front Street, 15 | Key West, Florida
$1,395,000
Bobby Krug | 516.784.9083 | bkrug@oceansir.com
Bob Cardenas | 305.304.8292 | bcardenas@oceansir.com
529 W Shore Drive | Summerland Key, Florida
$1,195,000
Everett Smith | 305.304.2651 | esmith@oceansir.com
Bob Cardenas | 305.304.8292 | bcardenas@oceansir.com
1409 4th Street | Key West, Florida
$1,649,000
Bobby Krug | 516.784.9083 | bkrug@oceansir.com
Bob Cardenas | 305.304.8292 | bcardenas@oceansir.com
2614 Seidenberg Avenue | Key West, Florida
$1,289,000
Mike Petro | 305.896.7300 | mpetro@oceansir.com
28130 Dorothy Avenue | Little Torch Key, Florida
$625,000
Bobby Krug | 516.784.9083 | bkrug@oceansir.com
Bob Cardenas | 305.304.8292 | bcardenas@oceansir.com
When making real estate decisions, you want a partner who delivers results
At Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty, we don’t just perform. We outperform the market.
