Perched on a prized San Diego beach and boasting some of the best ocean views you’ll find, this masterpiece in La Jolla was recently sold. One of the area’s great estates, the home takes full advantage of its bluff-top location with breathtaking vistas over the Pacific.

The entry courtyard with custom marble accents and mosaic gold leafed fountain welcome you to this amazing estate. To take in the amazing surroundings, there are multiple balconies, decks and courtyards that feature lounging areas, fire pits, al fresco dining and more.

This property was last listed at $26,500,000 by Luxury Portfolio member Willis Allen Real Estate.

A look at the photos of this beautiful traditional luxury home in Dallas makes it easy to see the stunning quality of the home’s design. From the Pennsylvania blue stone porch, to the striking entry doors and all throughout the interior, professional design is evident in every detail. A pecky cypress ceiling treatment in the entry, museum finished walls and art lighting, and custom doors, hardware and more are a few of the amazing features.

The current owner of the home is an accomplished designer with experience that includes serving as Creative Director of interior design for Neiman Marcus for ten years. That skillful touch is readily apparent throughout this exquisite residence.

Luxury Portfolio member Ebby Halliday Realtors is currently listing the home at $2,999,000. See more details and incredible photos.

Luxury Portfolio member Chase International is spreading holiday spirit from their Reno-Tahoe area location.  The company has given food, sweets and gifts to U.S. soldiers and families in need. Offices have sent a substantial and much appreciated shipment of chocolate to troops in Iraq, adopted local families, participated in Toys for Tots, donated turkeys for holiday meals and more.  Read all about their efforts.

Still looking for some inspiration for your holiday gift purchases? Check out the most recent edition of the LuxeTrends newsletter, which may help spark some ideas. Suggestions in the guide range from one-of-a-kind events, including an unmatched experience at the upcoming 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games, to luxurious items at various price points ranging from electronics to fine delicacies.

You have a little time yet to get motivated for those final purchases…see the guide here.

Luxury Portfolio member First Team Estates has expanded their “Live Beautifully” program, giving select agents the opportunity to become luxury specialists for exceptional multi-million dollar properties throughout Southern California. Certification in the program includes specialized training and access to various marketing resources and strategies that help associates provide added value and innovative services for today’s savvy luxury homeowners and buyers. Read more.

Wine Spectator recently released its list of top wines for the past year - what they call the most “exciting” wines of 2009. Value was a major factor as they compiled their annual list this year, and the average price per bottle of the Top 100 is $40, which seems pretty reasonable. #1 on their list is the Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley Reserve 2005 from Columbia Crest (only $27 a bottle).

Serving a top-rated wine to your guests, or giving one as a gift to a party host this holiday season would be a sure way to impress. Read more on the Top 100.

In yesterday’s Dallas Morning News and Fort Worth Star Telegram, Luxury Portfolio member Ebby Halliday Realtors had full page ads featuring luxury homes shown beautifully decorated for the holidays. The two homes were adorned by Dr. Delphinium Designs & Events – a high-end Dallas florist and event company. Decorations were put up through a full day of hard work at each home in order to get the fabulous holiday photos…and were taken down as soon as the perfect shot was captured. There are, however, interesting behind the scenes videos that remain to document part of the process.

The first home is a gorgeous traditional located on prestigious Deloache Avenue in Preston Hollow. See the property details on Luxury Portfolio and watch the video.

Sited on Lake Arlington, the second home is an exquisite Mediterranean with a formal living room that looks stunning decked in holiday ornamentation. See the property details on Luxury Portfolio and watch the video.

The team that worked on these homes did a fantastic job. The photos are amazing!

Looking to visit to a popular global destination in the upcoming new year? Luxury luggage and accessory brand Tumi and Hg2, creator of the “A Hedonist’s Guide to…” series, can help plan your international adventure with a stylish set of guidebooks. Tumi's collection of exclusive editions includes guides to eight cities – Paris, London, New York, Milan, Dubai, Buenos Aires, Berlin and Tokyo. Each custom guide contains unique insider perspectives and comprehensive directories. 

Packaged in an attractive case complete with carry handle and ID tag, the box set would also make a great gift for the traveler on your holiday shopping list. See more and order at Tumi.com.

Some great new listings were added to LuxuryPortfolio.com in the month of November, from a gated estate and vineyard in California to a property in Switzerland with breathtaking views of the Alps. There were also significant sales reported during the month, including a Southern California property last listed at over $26 million. Check out the lists below for the top ten new listings and sales of the past month. Click on the listing information for more details and photos of these extraordinary luxury homes.