After highlighting some elegant French chateaus and Italian castellos in the blog recently, a question came in asking to see some examples of more contemporary homes in Europe. While history-rich regal residences dot the European landscape, the continent certainly has no shortage of modern luxury domiciles, either. Here is a sampling of some more up-to-date splendor across Europe…

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Reading the "Live Like Royalty" post regarding castles for sale in France really piqued my interest. Ironically perhaps, I looked at these historic dwellings as a fresh perspective to contrast what is commonly considered luxurious to most Americans today. Brand new construction with wide-plank hardwood flooring, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, et cetera can no doubt be exquisite, however, these castles have a different type of wonderment to offer. In searching for more of these centuries-old treasures, I found a few remarkable offerings in Italy.

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I have a 55-gallon fish tank and really enjoy sitting and watching my fish dart through the water. But that's just it – I have to stop and sit to really look at it. My tank sits at waist level and I often just cruise right by it without noticing the beautifully set-up underwater environment. Traditionally, non-custom fish tanks have always been difficult to display, but that has changed. Now, just as boxy TVs moved out of their bulky entertainment centers in the form of flat panels, aquariums are leaping from their stands to the wall. Aussie Aquariums offers eye-catching wall-mounted aquariums in a variety of sizes and styles that are only 4.5 inches deep and can hold up to 20 gallons of water. Though it may be the only piece of art on the wall that needs to be cleaned and have its inhabitants fed regularly, it will definitely be the most talked about.

When the weather begins to turn colder around this time of year, many people start dreaming of beaches and fruity drinks. Some people, myself included, embrace the crisp air of fall and revel in the beauty of the season. Arguably, autumn's beauty is best displayed in New England, and a fabulous way to experience it is at the elegant and inviting Twin Farms in Vermont. With 300 acres of lush landscaping and lakes, and of course beautiful fall foliage, Twin Farms is a one-of-a-kind retreat that offers every amenity needed for the ultimate English country getaway. Play tennis, go horseback riding, take a romantic carriage ride, fly fish, or just relax and have a picnic, all while being surrounded by the immaculate landscape. Guests can choose from 20 different accommodations, from large private suites to charming cottages that are spread throughout the property, each offering a unique blend of supreme luxury and seclusion. Keep your sand and Pina Coladas; I'll take my colorful leaves and Ginger Smash any day.

Time to clear that 2009 calendar and get ready for an excursion into the final frontier. I still find it difficult to keep my gravity-bound automobile full of fuel, but for some people space travel will soon be possible thanks to Virgin Galactic. They have teamed with Neiman Marcus to advertise their planned 2009 charter to space in the just released 2006 Christmas Book. The six-person charter starts off with a round of training and medical assessments before being blasted via SpaceShipTwo into the cosmos to take in the vastness and beautiful vistas of space. The voyage isn't over when you come back to Earth. Once back in the atmosphere and on solid ground, new astronauts head to Sir Richard Branson's private island in the British Virgin Islands for four nights of luxurious accommodations and all-inclusive festivities. Read more about the incredible journey here. Hang on when you start hurtling through the thermosphere, I hear it can get a little bumpy.