Now that warm weather is upon many of us, it’s prime time to orchestrate the delightfully decadent gatherings that make this weather so special. With our entertaining ideas and “must haves,” planning a successful soiree doesn’t have to be a challenge. Whether you’re embracing the current “retro” trends or staying true to the classics, rest assured your next event will be an unforgettable affair. So raise your glass to all things luxury and let’s get started…

FASHIONABLE SPLASH
Frontgate’s Outdoor LCD Television is a great way to experience summer flicks or anticipated sporting events, while relaxing by the pool. When pool time comes to an end, provide your guests the luxury of Missoni towels. The brightly hued, plush cotton velvet towels will have everyone eager to dry off.

STYLISH TABLETOPS
Add stunning elements to bring flair to tabletops and complement the presentation of food and beverages. We love Kim Seybert’s exquisite tabletop collections, offering rich color, exceptional texture and thematic styles, including the Garden Bamboo Leaf, Aqua Marine and Coral Reef. When serving beverages and canapés to your mingling guests, the Christofle Corian white square tray will bring elegance to even the most causal hors d’oeuvres.

LIGHT AFTER DARK
As the bright sun gives way to the cool, evening dusk, Night Orbs supply a soft and delicate glow, giving off just the right amount of illumination around the pool, garden or entertaining area.

A TOAST TO THE HOST
Almost as important as being a good host is being an appreciative guest. If you are invited to a summertime affair and are searching for a unique token of appreciation, look no further than The Body Deli. From intoxicating Almond Joy to refreshing Desert Sage, these lotions combine food grade extracts and amino acids, creating a feast for the senses. With an expanding celebrity following, this ultra-luxe product line will leave the host wanting more.

Although you may not consider yourself the next Perle Mesta, you can certainly design and deliver an elegant and memorable event for your guests using these unique entertaining elements!

Have you ever dreamt of owning a vineyard? Bottling your own wine can be a rewarding hobby that requires a great deal of passion and patience. It is a process that can take anywhere from a few months to over twenty years from the time of harvesting the grapes to uncorking the bottle. Living in wine country has its benefits, specifically a warm, Mediterranean climate and pristine natural beauty. Undulating rows of the vine across a country hillside make for unbeatable scenery, especially when enjoying your favorite glass of vino as the sun goes down. But perhaps most desirable is the gratification of producing your very own wine from start to finish. These lifestyle properties are the perfect place to take up residence whether you’re an avid connoisseur or simply looking for a new passion project. Here are a few of the most stunning vineyards you’ll find around the world.

For those with a taste for Pinot Noir and fine real estate, this first property is for you. Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, this Tuscan style chateau boasts elegant living space and majestic views in Los Gatos, CA. With approximately 2.5 acres of thriving Pinot Noir grapes, the gated estate is a prime place to start making your own bottle. Entertain friends and family in the 4,800 square foot wine tasting room for the owner’s private label. The main home, totaling 18,000 square feet, is reminiscent of an old European villa with the best modern amenities. There’s no shortage of privacy and open space on the 12 acre parcel with rolling hills and endless vistas.

Located in one of Italy’s most famous wine regions, this next property is a historic Tuscan villa in the municipality of Greve in Chianti. The area is also recognized for its olive oil production and you’ll find this picturesque home is ideally equipped with 189 olive trees and a variety of grapes to produce Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet wines. Known as the Terre Di Baccio Farm, the estate is perched on a hill 350 meters above sea level with panoramic views overlooking the town and beautiful Chianti countryside. The main estate dates to the 16th century and is comprised of five apartments, a historic wine cellar, a guesthouse, a barn with two flats, and a large swimming pool to lounge by and take in the scenery.

Our last property is a one-of-a-kind vineyard estate in Franschhoek, South Africa, another region celebrated for its long established wine culture. Since the 1990’s Franschhoek has become increasingly popular due to its desirable climate and close proximity to Cape Town. This unique home includes over 4 acres of vineyards and myriad first-class amenities. The main house enjoys a sparkling pool, club house, and floodlit tennis court all surrounded by the Middagkrans Mountains. A two bedroom guest cottage with its own swimming pool and separate staff quarters complete this turnkey residence.

Whether you’re looking for a vineyard, ski home, or resort getaway, visit LuxuryPortfolio.com to see more of our magnificent lifestyle properties!

Greenhouses are a luxury amenity for those who enjoy planting, potting and preening. Budding botanists, we’ve found a few places where you might want to establish some roots. We are giving two enthusiastic green thumbs-up to these special properties.

A nod to American Craftsman architecture, this sprawling Oregon property is a carefully crafted work of art. Quality details like stained glass, stonework and copper-clad windows are evidence that this 11-bedroom home was thoughtfully planned throughout every inch of its 11,000 square-foot space.

Soaring ceilings, domed skylights and multiple balconies add drama and brightness to this unique property. Naturally, the only thing as striking as the inside of this home is the outside. Get lost in its stunning 200-foot lavender labyrinth or soak-in the lush landscape offering a koi pond and multiple water features.

As if that weren’t enough to tantalize gardening aficionados, the home features a tropical conservatory. Home to mangos, papayas and plumeria, you’ll dig having a prime locale for your planting projects. Additionally, the property features a commercial grade kitchen, geothermal heat and windmill/solar generator power.

Heading further east you will undoubtedly grow fond of this masterpiece in the Mt. Holly Estate area of Katonah, NY.  This five-bedroom, seven-bathroom stunner combines relaxed attitude with top-of-the line luxury amenities and finishes.

The main living areas include a handsome mahogany library, a formal parlor, a screened porch and an extraordinary kitchen with captivating great room.  Beamed ceilings and exquisite woodwork can be found throughout the home. Additionally, there is a lavish master suite on the main level.

Making the most out of its Mt. Holly Preserve surroundings, this home features a showcase pool and spa, an outdoor dining pavilion and a series of decks and terraces. Not to be missed is the spectacular English greenhouse. Flooded with light and finished with crisp white millwork, even a humble fern would look perfectly pristine in this setting.

Crossing the Atlantic we discovered this excellent Portuguese villa with panoramic mountain and sea views. The property spans two plots of land covering 3,000 square meters.  Built in the early 1970’s, the home has been lovingly renewed, maintaining its original charm. Arched doorways, windows and alcoves add warmth and character to every room.

A haven for those who truly treasure privacy, the villa has breathtaking views of Cacais and Guincho.   With five bedrooms and five bathrooms spanning three levels, the home features an expansive living room and dining room, a stately library with beautiful built-ins, a large kitchen with modern amenities and a laundry room.

The outside of the home is equally delightful with meticulously designed landscaping, rustic stonework and an inviting pool. Additionally, the home features a greenhouse, perfect for adding even more flora to this verdant villa.

Is your curiosity growing? Exceptional homes are sprouting up every day on Luxury Portfolio. Take a peek, and bloom where you are planted.

Imagine as you end a perfect day at the beach, the rhythmic lull of crashing waves has washed your stress away, a brilliant sunset stretches across the endless ocean, and you are a mere stone’s throw from home. Living near the water is a truly special experience, but having a sandy beach just steps from your door takes it to the next level of luxury. There’s nothing quite like waking up with a crisp breeze and feeling the sand between your toes as you step outside for a morning dip. For the fortunate few, beachfront property is a timeless pleasure where you can bring your dream home to life. Today, we’ve come up with a few amazing “sandcastles” that bring the beach to your backyard!

Kicking us off is an absolutely stunning waterfront estate on Jupiter Island, FL. With 200 feet of frontage along the Intracoastal Waterway this turnkey home offers plenty of space and privacy. A rolling lawn leads to the home’s sandy beach where palm trees grace the shore and striking sunsets showcase nature’s beauty every evening. Additionally, a private dock makes daytrips on the water as simple as packing a cooler and walking across your backyard. Not to be overshadowed, the rest of the property enjoys every imaginable amenity with 8,831 square feet of total living space. Deeded beach access on the ocean side of the island is another bonus of living here. A large free form pool, summer kitchen, and separate guest house are just a few of the home’s features. Situated on over three acres of the prestigious Jupiter Island, the Bermuda style home epitomizes beachfront living in one of the most coveted locations in the world.

Up next is every beach bum’s dream home sited directly on the world famous Padaro Beach. Comprised of two separate dwellings on two parcels this one-of-a-kind property is the quintessential beach home in Carpinteria, CA. Known for its scenic landscape and laid-back atmosphere, Carpinteria is a sleepy surfer town in Santa Barbara County. The main home includes an open-concept great room, designed to take advantage of its surroundings, and large deck where you can watch flawless Pacific sunsets. Step off your deck and you’ve arrived at one of the west coast’s most picturesque beaches. Perhaps its finest attribute is the simplicity of this oceanfront property.

Our last property is a magnificent Cape Cod compound in Osterville, MA. This home defines seaside living with two private deep water docks, a sandy beach and over 620 feet of water frontage. The protected waters are ideal for swimming, kayaking, and fishing, while easy access to Nantucket Sound creates endless opportunities. Breathtaking sunsets and a salty breeze are part of the daily life at this unique estate. The finest modern luxuries can all be found here, including a guest house, elevator, and immaculate attention to detail throughout. Located in one of Cape Cod’s premier communities, this home is the perfect place to relax on your own private beach.

Visit LuxuryPortfolio.com to see more of the finest properties around the world!

What is it about Europe that gives it such a majestic aura? Perhaps it’s the magnificent landscape and rich history? Or maybe it’s the refined cuisine and chic fashion trends? Regardless of what it is, the continent carries a certain je ne sais quoi that we simply can’t get enough of. So much so that Europe’s architectural aesthetics are frequently emulated around the world. Here are three luxurious European-inspired manors that you can find stateside.

The Chateau d' Espoir in Muttontown, NY is a remarkable French Normandy style residence that will have you convinced you’re on the other side of the pond. Palatial rooms of exceptional quality provide all the accoutrements of luxury living. The four acre lot enjoys rolling lawns, lush vegetation, and an abundance of privacy. Whether you’re a Francophile or simply take pleasure in the finer things, you can bring some European style into your life with this grand estate.

This next home boasts details from all across the continent. Nestled on just over an acre in Danville, CA, the European inspired residence includes a pristine, glass conservatory imported from the United Kingdom. The 16 car luxury showroom is unparalleled with elaborate murals of the 24 Hour Le Mans Race adorning the walls. Award winning English gardens only add to the home’s allure, with over 295 types of roses. A multitude of custom details throughout the home make it the perfect residence for the most meticulous buyer.

Finally, relish in your own Florentine villa in the prestigious Lake Forest, IL. The authentic façade is suggestive of the entire home’s high-end quality and detail. Rich millwork and intricate finishes throughout the property create a warm and inviting feel with an abundance of natural light streaming through the oversized windows. Italy has long been equated with luxury and this home maintains that tradition with every desirable amenity.

Visit LuxuryPortfolio.com to view more of our magnificent listings!

Your home is your place of refuge. It is your insulation from the outside world where you can enjoy the company of friends and family. In recent years, exclusive communities have become increasingly popular for this reason. Today’s communities have expanded from what was once a gated country club or golf community to encompass extensive lifestyle, fitness, and epicurean and social opportunities. In fact, market research has indicated that nearly one-in-four consumers with $2 million or more in assets are extremely likely to purchase a home in a resort or destination community within the next three years. With this in mind, we wanted to share a few of our favorite luxury properties that can be found in lifestyle communities.

This first home is a breathtaking custom estate behind the gates of the prestigious Seminole Landing in North Palm Beach, FL. Tucked between the world renowned Seminole Golf Club and Lost Tree Village, Seminole is one of Florida’s most sought after communities with only 65 homes. Residents here have the means to live anywhere in the world but choose Seminole Landing due to the unsurpassed beauty and extreme exclusivity. Access to a private sandy beach is one of the many pleasures of living in this community. This home in particular, on 33 feet of elevation, enjoys all of the necessary details for the luxury homebuyer. Relax and take in the magnificent views from the courtyard with an infinity-edge pool and summer kitchen. A luxurious master suite, billiard room, and home theatre are just a few of the desirable amenities you will find here.

Aspen, CO is widely regarded as the premier ski destination in the United States. And for those who don’t just want location, but all the bells and whistles too, this gated Starwood estate is second to none. The Starwood community is one of the Rocky Mountain’s most coveted addresses, known for sprawling estates and valued privacy. With easy access to the slopes and endless mountain views, Star Mountain Ranch will redefine luxury in your life. An indoor pool, steam room, hot tub, juice bar, exercise room, and two elevators make it the ideal place to come home to after a long day of skiing.

Finally, this stunning custom home at the Toscana Country Club in Indian Wells, CA boasts jaw-dropping views of the golf course and mountains beyond. A perfect year round climate and an abundance of amenities are what make this picturesque community so appealing. Elegant indoor and outdoor living spaces were thoughtfully designed to take advantage of the majestic scenery. The pool and spa in the backyard provide private oasis in the middle of the desert. Here one can enjoy the convenience and privacy of a lifestyle community with beautiful surroundings and all the expected luxuries.

Visit LuxuryPortfolio.com to see more of our amazing properties!

The weekend is upon us and we’re getting ready to kick back and enjoy some leisure time. Long weekends and holidays are the perfect time to fire up the grill, enjoy tasty beverages, and have some fun with family and friends. For those of you still looking for a few ideas, here are a couple of our favorite weekend activities!

Holiday usually means it’s time to pack into the car and set out on a road trip. Spice up your journey with Gotham Dream Cars – the premier supercar rental service. You’ll be the envy of your family when you show up in style with a Ferrari F430 Spyder. With a diverse fleet and the promise to ship their supercars anywhere, there’s no reason not to make a dramatic entrance with the car of your dreams.

When the temperature rises, there’s nothing better than getting outside and gathering around the grill. For those who don’t mess around, you can show off your skills and make sure everyone knows who the grill master is with the Monogrammed Grill Set from Williams-Sonoma. This masterfully crafted four piece stainless-steel set includes a basting mop, fork, slotted spatula and tongs. Plus, the stainless-steel storage case makes it ideal for travelling.

And of course, don’t forget to unwind with your favorite cocktail this holiday weekend. The Pimms Original is one of our favorites when the weather starts to warm. A classic summertime drink in Britain, you can enjoy this refreshing libation with lemonade and mix in some mint, cucumber, orange, and strawberry. Quick and easy to prepare, Pimms is the perfect way to mix things up and give your guests a pleasant surprise when entertaining.

Have you ever taken an evening stroll around your neighborhood and noticed that homes take on an entirely different dimension at nightfall? We have discovered that some properties shine brightest after dusk. Take a peek at some extraordinary properties that will have you saying, “Bring on the night.”

Located in one of the most vibrant cities in the Pacific Northwest, this Seattle stunner offers panoramic views of the city, mountains and water. The three-level contemporary was thoughtfully designed by George Suyama. The brilliant renovation was completed in 2009 replete with numerous state-of-the-art innovations.

First impressions do not disappoint. With a water feature and two-story foyer to greet you, this home does drama in a dazzling fashion. The living area has a wet bar and access to a terrace with an iconic skyline view. The main floor offers a master suite and a guest suite with its own kitchen.

The backyard acts as an urban oasis with its tranquil pool and perfectly manicured landscaping designed for complete privacy. Additionally, there are two fireplaces, a two-car garage and a high-tech security system.

Over 5,000 miles away is Villa Gradini, a striking contemporary design that emphasizes less is more. Located in Prague, a dynamic city that offers old world charm and incredible architecture, this home features four floors and a bird’s eye view of the historic town below.

Simple elegance flows throughout the entire space; the line between indoors and outdoors is blurred, creating a harmonious balance of modern design and natural surroundings. Built into a slope near Troja Chateau, its up-to-the-minute design feels a million miles away from the famed baroque palace nearby.

Relax in the in-ground pool while watching the city below and then soak in the other highlights of this property including six bedrooms and seven bathrooms throughout the four levels, each one offering a terrace with panoramic view. Underground there is a six-car parking garage; an elevator connects all floors.

The British Virgin Islands offer ample opportunity to bask in the sunshine; we think this property located above Pond Bay and Savannah Bay looks even more enticing when night falls. A perfect blend of sophistication, romance and total privacy, this masterfully designed villa sparkles high atop this tropical paradise.

The property includes five individual guest suites and an exquisite master suite with its own private dipping pool. Each suite has unobstructed views of the ocean and the neighboring islands of the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Encompassing 6,000 square feet, the villa has soaring ceilings. It was built into the natural hillside so each bedroom suite is constructed on a progressively higher level, affording spectacular views throughout.

While it might feel far, far away from the rest of civilization, the property is just a five minute drive to the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor, the main ferry dock and the commercial center of Spanish Town with easy access to shopping and transportation.

Chances are you’ll light-up when you see all of the exceptional properties throughout Luxury Portfolio. Explore for yourself.

The numbers don’t lie. Collectively, LeadingRE members outperformed the closest network competitor by $65-70 billion in dollar volume in 2012. The company has released its 2012 market statistics and is proud to mark another year of significant growth for the network and its affiliates.

LeadingRE members recorded an impressive $272 billion in total sales in 2012 with over one million transaction sides, exceeding the nearest competitor by approximately 20%. The network’s members have strategically built successful, local and regional brands with unparalleled exposure on a global platform. As the real estate market steadily gains momentum LeadingRE affiliates continue to demonstrate a leadership in their respective markets.

According to REAL Trends, 27% of the total sales recorded by the nation’s top 500 brokerages were LeadingRE members. Additionally, of the top 25 brokerages in the U.S. 13 are members of the network. LeadingRE looks forward to continued growth in 2013 as the company expands its reach into new markets around the world. To date the company has expanded its footprint into an additional seven countries this calendar year.

Figures for the top 500 firms are verified and published by REAL Trends. Figures for total sales of all networks are estimated by applying per-agent averages for each network for its top 500 affiliates to its overall agent population.

The 500+ firms affiliated with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® include 4,000 offices and 120,000 associates in more than 40 countries worldwide. Visit LeadingRE.com to learn more.

If spectacular Central Park and City views start your heart racing, we’ve got a place for you. This stunning three bedroom/three and a half bath residence is the home of NASCAR great Jeff Gordon. You might call it luxury overdrive; no expense was spared renovating this architect-designed 3,454 square foot home. It is modern elegance at its absolute finest.

Be in complete control of your surroundings with a fully-integrated Crestron system that regulates all lighting, window shades and audio/visual components. Impressive details are at every turn; the inviting foyer offers 6” Santos Mahogany floors under-foot, with solid brass inlaid edging. Massive windows frame Manhattan’s most extraordinary views, best enjoyed from the open living room dining room area.

While entertaining, surpass the expectations of your guests by offering them a place to park it at the flamed absolute black granite sushi bar. With its blackened steel countertop, wine fridge and mini bar they will see how people who appreciate true contemporary luxury roll.

Chef’s will marvel at the eat-in kitchen that features Miele, Wolf and SubZero appliances. Other distinctive features include a home office and an expansive master suite that encompasses over 740-square feet. It has a separate dressing room and two walk-in-closets. When it’s time to go completely idle, the en-suite limestone bathroom offers a lavish soak in a Boffi tub.

To learn more about this extraordinary property please click here.