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Why Frank Howard Allen Loves Where They Live

As part of their centennial celebration, Luxury Portfolio member Frank Howard Allen Realtors recently launched a social media campaign called “100 Reasons Why We Love Where We Live.” Each day this summer (June 21 to September 22), they will publish at least one reason Marin and Sonoma, California are special places to live on their blog sites.

The blog posts will also be shared on Facebook, Twitter and the Frank Howard Allen website homepage. This is a great way to share information about their community and give an opportunity for others to provide their personal thoughts and experiences. See the posts on GuideMeHome2Marin.com and GuideMeHome2Sonoma.com.

STELLAR Mirror: A Reflective Work of Art

Created by British designer Jake Phipps, the sculptural STELLAR Mirror was inspired by precision cut diamonds and certainly lives up to its grand name. A ring of 750 individually sized and angled mirror sections surround the circular center and allow for a varied color and luster, reflecting changes in the surrounding environment. With hundreds of surfaces dispersing light and shadows around the room, the mirror is a constantly changing and stunning focal point. It is available to buy direct from the studio in a limited edition of 25. See more and inquire at JakePhipps.com.

LuxeChatter: Recently Sold Luxury Swiss Villa

A modern home located in Montagnola, Switzerland and featured on the Luxury Portfolio blog last year recently sold. The slick Swiss villa was designed by noted architect Attilio Panzeri and boasts a refined interior enclosed by an exterior of concrete and glass. While stunning, the property’s beauty is not limited to the villa itself. Situated in a sought after and prestigious location, the Swiss luxury home enjoys wide views of Lake Lugano up to Italy.

Luxury Portfolio member WETAG Consulting last listed this modern masterpiece at 15,000,000 CHF. See more photos.

Jean Larette Design Featured in House Beautiful

Jean Larette Interior Design – part of the Luxury Portfolio Design Collection – is featured in the June issue of House Beautiful. The article showcases their recent renovation of a 1970’s ranch style home in Napa Valley, California. Photos of the design are stunning – the dining room is especially gorgeous.

See the entire House Beautiful article with more photos at LaretteDesign.com.

LuxeChatter: A Beachfront Masterpiece in Del Mar

The premier luxury beachfront residence in Del Mar, California was recently added to LuxuryPortfolio.com.

The half acre gated compound, with several outdoor entertaining areas to enjoy the adjacent beach and stunning ocean views, was designed by noted architect Bob Ray Offenhauser for the founder of Architectural Digest. Skillful design abounds, from the five bedroom suites to the dramatic kitchen, two-story salon and detached guest apartment. Incredible features include stone arches and 500-year-old windows imported from a French chateau.

Luxury Portfolio member Willis Allen Real Estate is currently listing this singular estate at US $39,000,000. See more photos and detail.

Patricia Choi ranked Honolulu's #1 Realtor for 2009

Congratulations to Patricia Choi, President and Principal Broker of Luxury Portfolio member Choi International, who was ranked Oahu's #1 Realtor for 2009 by Hawaii Business Magazine. This marks the 4th consecutive year that Pat has earned the distinction of top Realtor on the island of Oahu. Read More.

Pat was also recognized earlier this year at the Luxury Portfolio Top Sales Associate SUMMIT for having the highest volume of Luxury Portfolio listings.

LuxeChatter: Significant Luxury Portfolio Listings for May

Top new luxury home additions to LuxuryPortfolio.com in May range from a gated compound in California to an Italianate villa in London and a Miami Beach penthouse. Significant closings reported for the month include a stunning modern villa in Switzerland, a riverside estate in South Africa, several British Columbia luxury homes and more. Check out the lists below for the top ten new listings and reported sales for May. Click on the listing information for more details and photos of these extraordinary luxury homes. 

Significant New Listings 

$39M – Del Mar, CA
Willis Allen Real Estate


$35M – Sonoma, CA
Alain Pinel Realtors


$25.5M – Manhattan, NY
Halstead Property, LLC


£15.75M – London, UK
Carter Jonas


$17.8M – Honolulu, HI
Choi International


$17M – Bedford, NY
Houlihan Lawrence


$16M – Miami Beach, FL
Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell Realtors


$15.995M – Los Altos Hills, CA
Intero Real Estate Services


$15M – Paradise Island, BS
Bahamas Realty Limited

$14.95M – Greenwich, CT
Greenwich Fine Properties

Significant Closings (Reported) 

15M CHF– Montagnola, CH
WETAG Consulting


C$12.88M – Vancouver, BC
Macdonald Realty Group


$11.85M – Vail, CO
Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate

$7.95M – Sarasota, FL
Michael Saunders & Company


C$7.395M – Whistler, BC
The Whistler Real Estate Co.

R 50M – Plettenberg Bay, ZA
Harcourts International – South Africa


C$5.98M – Vancouver, BC
Macdonald Realty Group


$5.295M – San Diego, CA
Willis Allen Real Estate

$4.9M – Nokomis, FL
Michael Saunders & Company


$4.895M – Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Willis Allen Real Estate