Situated on over three private acres offering full views of the San Francisco Bay, this Woodside, California home combines its positioning with fascinating contemporary architecture.

Showcasing an abstract contemporary feel, the home’s style draws inspiration from renowned architect Richard Meier. An advocate of a pure form of modernism, Meier’s impressive credits include the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art and The Getty Center in Los Angeles among many others.

That influence is reflected in the home’s striking white color and towering walls of glass oriented toward the stunning views. Also designed to withstand a magnitude 8.3 earthquake under the supervision of the original owner, a well-known structural engineer, 140,000 pounds of steel were used in construction.

Lush grounds are just as impressive with a striking terraced design with a “living rooftop” over the lower level, infinity edge pool and spa and green expanses. Inside are a two-story living room, customized library and office, and three bedroom suites on the upper level. Two multi-room apartments on the lower level are connected by a glass-enclosed courtyard positioned perfectly for poolside entertaining.

This amazing home is currently listed at $14.8 million by Luxury Portfolio member Alain Pinel Realtors.

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.

Colorado resorts are opening and the ski equipment is coming out of storage as locals and tourists start to hit the slopes. Though certainly ideal places to live year-round, Vail and Aspen have each had recent notable luxury home sales just in time for new owners to enjoy the gorgeous winter season.

Last listed at $10.9 million by Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate, this stunning mountain contemporary home is situated at Vail Golf Course and boasts commanding views of Gore Range. The architectural masterpiece is a rare private sanctuary with easy access to the village restaurants and entertainment. Expertly designed and built, there is flawless detailing throughout, including in the huge great room and dining area, gourmet kitchen, large master suite, private study and two-tiered media room.

Southwest of Vail in Aspen, another recently sold home exudes a different kind of impressive contemporary style. Situated on the main road to town, the award-winning luxury residence features environmentally conscious rammed-earth walls as well as walls of glass to connect the home to its majestic surroundings. Additional features of the five bedroom, six bath custom created work of art are pitched high ceilings, modern lighting, wine room, full gym and gorgeous Japanese-inspired Zen gardens. The home was last listed at $10.75 million by Joshua & Co.

The holidays are upon us and this week and continuing throughout the season, family and friends will be getting together for good company and celebratory feasts. The thought of these gatherings inspired us to showcase some of the most extraordinary dining rooms featured on LuxuryPortfolio.com.

From a city retreat in Manhattan to an exotic Hawaiian feel, you may draw some inspiration from these luxury dining rooms while prepping your holiday meal and décor. Check out the below slideshow for a few of our favorites – for more information on the featured properties, search the Web ID from the Luxury Portfolio homepage.

A deep-rooted style originating in New Mexico and Arizona, Pueblo Revival architecture borrows heavily from the dwellings of Pueblo Indians, with additional influences from Spanish settlers. History of the American Southwest can be traced in earthen materials and hues used in the structure and design of the homes.

The distinct pueblo style came to prominence in the region as not only a nod to Native American heritage, but as a means of coping with the hot climate – and doing it with subdued flair. Sheltered courtyards incorporate outdoor living and casual lifestyle, while thick walls serve as great insulation from the elements. Exteriors seek to imitate the appearance of traditional adobe construction, though in some new construction modern materials including brick and stucco are substituted – with rounded corners and thick walls used to simulate the traditional style. Additional features of Pueblo Revival homes also include:

• Exposed timbers
• Massive wood features
• Rounded walls with square windows
• Flat roof with no overhang
• “Canales” to redirect water
• Natural shapes

Though origins of the style date back to the turn of the 20th century, new luxury homes showcasing Pueblo architecture remain popular throughout the region. The foothills of Tucson provide a perfect backdrop for homes of this style, and a custom home in the exclusive Cobblestone community offers stunning proof. The property is accessed through a private courtyard with water feature leading to the interior with natural tones and textures, along with wall niches to display artwork. In the resort-like pool area, wooden supports or “vigas” – another signature of the style – jut out beyond the flat roof. Blending seamlessly with its environment, the home has 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and is currently listed at $1.149 million.

Just outside of Taos, New Mexico, this luxury Pueblo Revival style home rests on expansive desert acreage and is filled with the finest finishes. Multiple indoor and outdoor living spaces flow seamlessly, with a relaxing pool and spa on the exterior and interior with muted tones and striking exposed timber ceilings. The 6 bedroom, 6 bath home is listed at $3.275 million.

A winding brick drive beyond commanding entrance gates leads to an extraordinary recently sold luxury home in the ultra-exclusive Estate Section of idyllic Manalapan Beach, Florida.

The new owner of this Venetian-inspired estate joins a select club in an enclave comprised of only 25 homes stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway.  A grand estate befitting of its elite location, it offers swimming in the ocean or heated pool, a relaxing beach, space to launch a yacht, tennis, outdoor entertaining spaces and amenities that rival the finest resorts.

Inside the 23,500 square foot oceanfront luxury mansion is a grand salon with ornate detailed ceiling, columned banquet-size formal dining room, professional kitchen with breathtaking ocean views, paneled library and oceanfront office each with a wet bar, custom home theater, an expansive master wing and countless examples of supreme luxury.

One of the world’s great estates, this property was last listed at $29,950,000 by Luxury Portfolio member Premier Estate Properties, Inc.

Just a 30 minute drive from the center of bustling Philadelphia is an amazing 70 acre estate regarded as one of the area’s most prominent properties. Luxury Portfolio member Long & Foster® Real Estate recently listed this spectacular property, the Arbor Hill estate, at $30 million.

Located in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, the striking stone estate was designed by renowned architect Rafael Vinoly, known for creating Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate.

With 40,000 square feet, the main residence of Arbor Hill is designed to display an extensive art collection and host luxurious gatherings – lavish entertaining in the estate’s history includes a performance by Elton John. Also of note are a living room with 30-foot ceiling and French doors to an expansive terrace, two dining rooms – one to accommodate up to 40 guests, and a temperature-controlled wine cellar. The property includes two stone guest houses and a converted bank barn with tennis court, sports court and two-bedroom apartment.

Although the term “loft” originally referred to an upper-level space for storage or other specific needs, the loft is now a highly sought after style of architecture in the urban environment. Beginning in the 1950s and 60s in New York, former industrial buildings and abandoned warehouses were converted into affordable homes for artists who wanted to live in the city at a low cost but still have room to work. Although the space was optimal for its residents, many were forced out due to safety concerns posed by city officials and the fire department. Over time, however, artists fought back and were eventually allowed to stay, and the popularity spread.

Although the loft is unique and has some distinctive traits, one of the most identifiable characteristics is that a loft has very little to it. Lofts are made of open space with few to no walls or dividers. Additionally, loft style homes also had:

• Very high ceilings
• Factory-size, expansive windows
• Cast iron columns
• Brick or plaster walls
• Hardwood or cement floors
• Exposed, unfinished look
• Customizable floor plan

Since its origination, loft style homes have become increasingly popular in suburban areas as well. This type of home is referred to as a soft loft, while the traditional industrial homes are identified as hard lofts. These newly built homes share some of the same characteristics as the original buildings, however they are made with softer features and room divisions and are much more expensive than the old conversions.

Several loft style luxury homes are currently on the market in some of the most prestigious areas in major cities across the U.S. Manhattan is rich with this style of residence, including a quintessential Tribeca loft. The residence is in an 1868 building that was once home to a butter and egg company, and features exposed brick, duct work and ceiling beams showcasing the “unfinished” appearance. The stunning three bedroom, two bath loft is currently on the market for $4.65 million. Across the county in Seattle is a one of a kind penthouse loft with stained concrete floors, 19-foot steel beams, acoustic Walnut ceilings and walls of glass for amazing views of Puget Sound and the iconic Space Needle. The result of a meticulous three-year design, the stunning penthouse is listed at $1.99 million.

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