Whaling Captain William T. Swain arrived in Nantucket in 1883, becoming a prominent lumber merchant and builder. He selected the large elevated lot at 76 Main Street – just steps from the center of town and the site of the original Hicksite Quaker meeting house – as the location for his family home.

At the desirable site, he built a Victorian mansion showcasing superior craftsmanship and boasting two porches overlooking Main Street – a definitive symbol of status seen from the passing carriages below.

Through the generations this special luxury property has undergone several changes – it once was even a prestigious inn for local guests. The current owner has improved and refurbished many details, including an extensive stonework update and garden plantings. With its outside appearance renewed, finishes repaired and systems replaced and restored, this historic home is a truly unique opportunity. It is currently listed at $4.995 million by Luxury Portfolio member J Pepper Frazier Company.

The eclectic contemporary style is born largely from building styles of the current time that help evoke spaciousness and a connection to nature. At times unconventional, contemporary homes often mix cutting edge materials with natural traditions.

The style rose to prominence in the 1950s on the heels of the post-modernist movement and coincided with rapid technological advancement. Luxury contemporary homes mix new technology and recycled composite components with (often locally sourced) classic building materials. Innovation is a common theme with a commitment to energy efficiency and conserving the surrounding environment. The connection to nature is often also seen in towering walls of glass, open spaces and undefined rooms that create a sense of flow and spaciousness. Terraces, patios and al fresco dining areas are readily accessible and part of an overall integrated design. Additional features of contemporary homes also include:

• Clean lines
• Flat roofs
• Abundance of natural light
• Open entertaining spaces
• Sustainable materials

The style’s popularity has endured and evolved with the times and current building practices, and several contemporary luxury homes currently on the market around the world showcase the chic style. A stunning villa just east of Marbella, Spain takes advantage of its location in the coveted residential area of Los Monteros Estate. The 6 bedroom, 6 bath home has an open floor plan where the kitchen opens onto a front patio and into the living room, which has its own access to the large pool patio overlooking the beautiful surroundings.

Set on a private knoll with some of the most stunning views in Los Angeles, a celebrity owned contemporary home is a truly unique private sanctuary. Completely remodeled, the home features 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths and over 5,200 square feet of space that flows together seamlessly for luxurious indoor/outdoor living. These open spaces, high ceilings and dazzling pool area complete the perfect contemporary picture.