The result of work by hundreds of accomplished artisans from around the world, 490 West Paces Ferry is a luxury home unlike any other in the heart of the American South.

     After entering the villa through custom doors into the stunning hall, influences from all over the world – including Spain, France, Ottoman Turkey, and Morocco – are seen and sensed. Features include a theater that recalls grand movie palaces of the 1930’s, six full and two partial kitchens, a grand ballroom, gentleman’s pub and stunning pool terrace surrounded by several outdoor rooms. Says listing agent Travis Reed of Luxury Portfolio member Harry Norman Realtors, “490 West Paces Ferry is the most important home currently available in Georgia in terms of finish level and size. The pool terrace is possibly one of the most spectacular spaces available anywhere in the world." See more on Luxury Portfolio.

This singular luxury home was added to Luxury Portfolio in October – view other top listings and sales from last month.

For a select few, Moët & Chandon is offering a surefire way to impress at holiday get-togethers this season. The Moët Celebration Set features a bottle of fine Imperial Magnum and eight Champagne flutes – each glass with imperial golden bubbles, individually marked with Swarovski crystal colors.

Created in collaboration with Parisian jeweler and engraver La Maison Arthus-Bertrand, the Celebration Set adds elegance to any gathering. The astute host will have to act fast to assure the luxurious set is a part of their event, however, as it is only available in a limited edition of 500 units. Moët.com.

Since the launch of the Luxury Portfolio blog contest, we have received some wonderful comments, including excellent insights, valuable tips and interesting feedback.

Today marks the start of Round Five, so comment today!

We are very excited about our sponsor for this round: Vignette Wine Country Soda! Vignette Wine Country Soda is an all-natural, lightly carbonated soda. This beverage gives you the chance to experience wine country via distinct flavor profiles of top varietal grapes without the alcohol. It is a great way to incorporate purple into an elegant five-course meal or a casual lunch.

The winner of Round Five will receive a 12-pack of each variety (Chardonnay - light with subtle fruit, Pinot Noir - bright with berries, and the new Rosé - pink and delicious.) as the prize.

The contest rules are just as simple as ever: We are rewarding those who write the most insightful and interesting comments to existing blog posts. It is that easy...

1. Read through some of the blog posts.

2. Select a post that you are interested in or have knowledge/experience in.

3. Type in your information, your thoughts, and comment...that's it!


We look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco recently selected Arundel Burrell, an agent with Luxury Portfolio member Frank Howard Allen, to be their exclusive Realtor in Marin County. Congratulations to Arundel and Frank Howard Allen for being chosen by the great organization to assist in bettering their community!  Read more.

Big, bold photography distinguishes the recently revamped homepage of the award-winning LuxuryPortfolio.com. A more intuitive map search and several search options make it easy to find “your” luxury home. Direct links to the LuxeTrends® newsletter, Luxury Portfolio blog, Facebook page, Twitter feed and YouTube channel help you stay current on all things luxury.

And what if you’re on the move? Luxury Portfolio has you covered with the mobile version of our site. From your handheld wireless device you are able to perform a targeted luxury home search, view home details and multiple photos, as well as send inquiries. Check it out at www.LuxuryPortfolio.com/Mobile.

A magnificent soft contemporary home listed by Luxury Portfolio member First Team Estates recently came in at #6 on Top Ten Real Estate Deals’ list of Top 10 Coolest Beach Homes.

Situated above the white sand beaches of Laguna Beach and near the renowned Montage Resort, the amazing luxury home is filled with captivating views of ocean and sky through wall to wall glass windows and a glass ceiling. Private stairs lead down to the peaceful beach.

Reading more details and viewing pictures of this fine home leave no doubt as to why it appears on the list of coolest beach homes – see more on Luxury Portfolio.

Sleek, stylish, and functional beauty fused into elegance personify Daniel Libeskind designs. Yes, Libeskind's architecture is controversial, but so is paying one million euros for the newest Lamborghini, the Reventon.  Regardless of your taste one cannot argue that Libeskind designs employ cutting edge philosophies, boast awesome attention to detail, and push the limits of lines and geometric forms far beyond the norm. Libeskind's design philosophies are fully alive in his first signature series residential home, The Villa, the first of which is for sale in Ticino, Switzerland, represented by WETAG Consulting.

You can read more about Libeskind's design theories and this stunning home on the WETAG International Insights blog.

Casa Del Cielo (“House of the Sky”) crowns the entire 14th floor of Alhambra Place – an exclusive waterfront boutique building in Fort Lauderdale that houses only 23 residences. The custom penthouse was combined from two units and boasts outdoor living spaces with 360-degree views of the Fort Lauderdale skyline, the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway.

Inside and out, the home is completely unique, made up of finishes and design elements imported from all over the world. There are Venetian plaster and hand-painted accents, Honduran mahogany moldings, English fireplace mantles, Moroccan tile work, Tibetan and Indian columns and more. The matchless penthouse also includes deeded yacht dockage and three garage spaces.

The House of the Sky is currently listed at US $4,995,000 by Premier Estate Properties.

See more photos and incredible details on Luxury Portfolio.

Since the launch of the Luxury Portfolio blog contest, we have received some wonderful comments, including excellent insights, valulable tips and interesting feedback. Today marks the start of Round Four, so comment today!

The Prize:
In addition to being a world-renowned chef and restaurateur, David Burke also is the creator of Gourmet Pops — delightful desserts that are a play on the nostalgic lollipop, but so much more!

Satisfying both the savory and the sweet — from goat cheese pops (a mix of creamy mascarpone and sundried tomatoes coated in toasted almonds and pistachios) to cheesecake pops (cheesecake dipped in chocolate and covered with such toppings as toffee and peanut butter pieces)  — these hors d’oeuvres make a wonderful gift and serve as the perfect amuse for entertaining.

Our Round 4 winner will receive a sampling of these heavenly delicacies!

The Details:
We are rewarding those who write the most insightful and interesting comments to existing blog posts. It is that easy...

1. Read through some of the blog posts.

2. Select a post that you are interested in or have knowledge/experience in.

3. Type in your information, your thoughts, and comment...that's it!

From the highly visible (and operational) light topping the home to cabinets and exterior and interior lighting modeled after circa 1890s lighthouses, the owner’s admiration for the coastal structures is readily apparent in this truly unique luxury home. The deep water home on Polowana Island is a replica of the 104-year-old Boca Grande Lighthouse on Gasparilla Island, Florida.

The 360-degree widow walk atop the tower of this South Carolina home dubbed simply “The Lighthouse” provides for expansive views across the water and beyond. Douglass fir post and beam construction and old growth hickory floors are showcased within the home’s distinctive shell, along with a remarkable custom built gourmet kitchen.

This singular luxury property is currently on the market and listed at US $1,100,000 by Lowcountry Real Estate.

See more photos and details on Luxury Portfolio.