The first snow of the season fell around my Chicago home on Monday and along with the icy temperatures accompanying it, ushered in the unofficial start of winter.  While Windy City winters can be biting, the crisp air helps conjure images of enjoyment on the ski slopes or warming by the fire in the company of loved ones.

The signs of the season also encouraged me to research luxury winter homes.  From Lake Tahoe to Vermont in the United States, British Columbia in Canada, and other locales around the globe, there are a wide variety of mountain homes catering to every lifestyle.  One residence that caught my eye combines the amenities desired in a luxury mountain home with a great history.  The former home of American President Gerald Ford in Beaver Creek, Colorado retains its historical significance, though it has been completely renovated.

More details on the home, currently listed at $14,900,000, can be found here.

While several luxury homes listed on LuxuryPortfolio.com could be considered works of art in their own right, there is a singularly special property that was home to an icon of American painting.  This home located in the historic village of Galisteo, New Mexico served as the studio and retreat of famed artist Agnes Martin. 

Ms. Martin studied art at Columbia University in New York and later at University of New Mexico.  Her work emphasizes subtle color, lines and grids that often show the touch of the artist's hand with intended imperfections.  She created the adobe studio and rammed-earth home in the 1980s and lived and worked there for a decade.  The home has been updated and renovated, yet it still retains the original aesthetic and remains a representation of Agnes Martin's unique artistic style.

The property is listed by Santa Fe Realty Partners; more details and photos can be found here.

A historically majestic Dutch gable sits atop the former Rowena Memorial School, which educated students in and around Palenville, New York for 70 years beginning at the dawn of the 20th century.  Built in 1899, fascinating history is also seen in the solid stones and clock located above the entrance.

Over 100 years after its construction the Rowena Memorial School no longer hosts knowledge-seeking students, however it is still a place for amazing discovery. The school has been restored and transformed into a landmark combination of two bedroom residence, studio, and office space unlike any other.  School rooms that occupied the first floor are now ideal office spaces.  Retractable chalkboard walls remain part of the original woodwork. 

See additional photos and learn more about this momentous building here.  It is currently listed at $1,470,000 by Westwood Metes & Bounds Realty.

Not so long ago, being environmentally conscious seemed to be synonymous with minimalism.   With technological advances, a concentration on sustainable materials, and a greater desire of consumers to become eco-friendly, "going green" no longer has to mean huge sacrifice.  In fact, those used to the finer things in life are now demanding the finest things in green living to incorporate into their luxury lifestyle, pointing towards society's growing environmental awareness.

Modern luxury homes are at the forefront of the green movement.  One such example is a spectacular home in Boulder, Colorado dubbed "The Next West Home." The groundbreaking Boulder luxury home is the first LEED platinum, Net Zero Carbon residence in America.  Utilizing the latest green technologies, the home features hybrid solar, geo-exchange heating and cooling, a direct plumbing system, closed cell foam super insulation and LED lighting.  Sustainable materials used in construction include FSC harvested wood, low and no VOC paints and 100-year-old recycled brick.

The home beautifully combines its sustainability with a commitment to quality and luxury.  The top-of-the-line kitchen appliances are Energy Star rated, custom wood doors and floors are crafted from FSC certified American walnut, and the heated garage is pre-wired for an electric/rechargeable car.

This landmark property shows what can be accomplished when luxury comes together with an emphasis on green building and renewable energy sources.  It is currently listed at $3,400,000 by Colorado Landmark, Realtors.

In 1825 Paul Coalson purchased 750 acres of land in Georgia for one dollar an acre.  This began a long and interesting history for the property, which is now the historic Coalson Plantation & Inn located in Thomasville, Georgia. 

It is believed that Coalson built the original main house- which remains the core of the inn today.  After serving as a cotton plantation during the Civil War, the property was transformed into a hunting resort by new owner Howard Melville Hanna, a shipping-oil-steel magnate.  The property stayed in the Hanna family for years which saw the additions of the Pool House and The Showboat Theater, where the first private screening of the classic film Gone with the Wind was held.

Today, the Coalson Plantation & Inn offers luxury that recalls the elegance of a past era.  Among the 33 rooms are truly unique accommodations including the Melrose Suite - the former bedroom of Howard Melville Hanna, the regal Winnstead Suite, and the romantic Hibernia Cottage.  Blended with the charms of the past are the amenities of today, with an indoor pool, tennis courts and fitness center.  Mr. Coalson's $750 has certainly been stretched into a priceless luxury experience.

Now, that expereince offered by the luxury property is on the market. Currenly listed at $9,875,000 by Harry Norman Realtors, the Coalson Plantation & Inn is a truly unique and special piece of luxury real estate.

Ireland is famous for having many centuries-old castles and ancient monuments, and is a popular destination for tourists who wish to experience significant relics of the past.   Offering more than a vacation are two amazing luxury castles currently on the market in the Emerald Isle - each providing a different brand of elegance.

Among several positive traits, Ireland is known for its intriguing past as well as spectacular scenery.  The gorgeous landscape and rich history of the country are both beautifully on display in the momentous Kinnitty Castle.  The structure dates back to the 1200s, and has been passed between many notable families throughout the centuries.  In the 1990s it was transformed into a luxury hotel with range of leisure activities offered on the grounds.  Among many other features, the renovated Neo-Gothic castle includes 37 en-suite bedrooms, two bars and a banquet hall.  The history can be felt throughout and can now be purchased for €9,000,000.

Though the moat out front may not suggest it, An Culu is a more contemporary luxury castle.  It was recently built on 5 acres (2.02 hectares) on the shores of Kenmare Bay, with wonderful views over the water to the Caha Mountains on the horizon.  In keeping with the castle theme, there are quality hardwood fixtures and detailed plaster work to go along with the stone turrets and drawbridge providing passage over the moat.  Decidedly more modern features include a state-of-the-art music system, an elevator and contemporary kitchen design.  Stunning An Culu is currently priced at €11,000,000.

Both premier pieces of Ireland luxury real estate are listed by Knight Frank Ganly Walters.

Lifestyles of the residents of "The O.C." have been presented often in recent years.  From TV melodrama to the obsessive documentation of "real" privileged young socialites, Orange County, California - particularly Newport Beach - has become a known hotspot for fascinating theater. 

A different type of Orange County drama is created by this landmark Newport Beach luxury home.  Its location on 300 feet of Newport waterfront sets the stage for a unique showing of elegance.  The French Neoclassic estate takes full advantage of its prime positioning with stunning main channel views, impeccable grounds and dockage for several vessels. 

Inside, the attention to detail and the finest quality is evident throughout the 10 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, two living rooms, formal dining room and staff quarters.  There is also a wine room, eight-car garage, and an elevator that whisks you between the three floors of supreme luxury. 

Currently listed at $38,500,000 by Willis Allen Real Estate, this extraordinary property enjoys every aspect of the desirable Southern California lifestyle while creating a level of splendor that is singular.

 The St. Petersburg area is somewhat of an untapped, hidden gem — where great values and immaculate properties are available at implausible prices. In the face of economic uncertainty, Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg and Clearwater continue to blossom with glittering waterfront luxury estates, condominiums and homes.

Smith & Associates cover the area and specialize in luxury, beach and bay properties. Several properties currently on the market that illustrate the appeal of the area include this magnificent Mediterranean estate located in Tierra Verde and a St. Petersburg old world-style estate with stunning ocean views. This positive, upward movement in the market coincides with the endless number of amenities the area has to offer, including a relaxed southern charm feel, beautiful parks and architecture, unsurpassed restaurants, fabulous shopping, world recognized beaches, exciting nightlife and year round outdoor activities.

 

The St. Petersburg area is even more attractive to new and potential residents because the local government and community are open to this growth and balance it by striving to plan and preserve the historic and resort style character of St. Petersburg in particular. In addition, St. Petersburg is considered one of the hottest labor markets in the country and one of the most cost effective regions to conduct business.

 

Discover more about properties in this region.

There are private luxury homes, and then there are private luxury homes.  An exclusive sanctuary in Golfo Marinella, Itay is definitely at the pinnacle of the privacy spectrum.  The private island near Porto Rotondo off the Emerald Coast of Sardinia is the ultimate hideaway, surrounded by the sky blue waters of the Mediterranean with rugged mountain peaks forming one side of the picturesque horizon.  The four hectare (approximately 9.9 acre) island is comprised of white sand beaches, natural granite sculptures and expansive juniper garden.

On the island are multiple accommodations, including a grand main home, villa set among natural gardens and two separate guest dwellings.  The price of this singular property is given upon request from the listing's broker, Immobilsarda SRL.

Seafarers would call out with glee when land appearing on the horizon marked the end of an arduous voyage, and possibly signified the beginning of a new life.  A look at the positioning of this luxury real estate in Manalapan Beach, Florida could inspire anyone to dream of their ideal waterfront lifestyle. 

The amazing plot in Florida's Gold Coast encompasses over five-and-a-half acres with approximately 500 feet of frontage on both the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway.  Private beach and dockage possibilities add to the appeal of the perfect spot for the ultimate Florida luxury home or homes.  This slice of South Florida waterfront paradise is listed by Premier Estate Properties, Inc. for $42,900,000.