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.

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.

Situated near luxury high-rises and recognizable Dallas, Texas icon Mansion on Turtle Creek hotel, this Dallas luxury home is unlike any other in “Big D.” With Spanish and Algerian architectural influences and spread over three-quarters of an acre backing to Turtle Creek, the gated property is a true sanctuary. This is the largest private gated estate near the downtown area.

Stepping into the home, it is as if you are being transported from the heart of Texas to a fashionable boutique luxury hotel where relaxing indulgences await. The focal point of the stunning luxury residence is a natatorium with a sparkling and serene pool. Upstairs, a full service spa (yes… a FULL SERVICE SPA) offers a steam room, soaking tub, grotto, pool, waterfall and additional commercially-inspired comforts.

Home automation perpetuates the feeling of being waited on, as the push of a button activates spas, fountains, music, fireplaces, custom lighting and more.

This one-of-kind luxury home is currently listed at $7,900,000 by Luxury Portfolio member Dave Perry-Miller & Associates.

See more details of the home on Luxury Portfolio.  For more information and pictures, visit the Web site at casabellamini.com.

Spreading over 25 acres in Hickory Creek, Texas, the estate known as Champ d’Or is the result of five years of detailed planning. Comprised of a 36,000 square foot mansion inspired by chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte near Paris, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis court, pool/tennis house, 15-car garage, two matching guardhouses and a 1.5 acre lake, the luxury estate is filled with an air of old world opulence while at the same time containing the most modern of amenities.

The breathtaking masterpiece is currently listed at $27,500,000 by Luxury Portfolio member Briggs Freeman Real Estate, who has created a new and gorgeous website that provides an in-depth trip into Champ d’Or. You can see numerous photos and find more details on the chateau (a ballroom with mirrors patterned after Versailles, veranda that seats 450 guests, bowling alley, theater, etc.), learn about the exquisite details (ornamental moldings, bronze sconces from Paris), and view opportunities allowed by the exceptional setting.

Discover more by taking the tour, which, of course, is also available in French.

We would like to congratulate Phyllis Harb of Dickson-Podley Realtors, who is the first winner in the Luxury Portfolio blog giveaway. Thank you Phyllis for your insightful comments on Luxury Portfolio blog posts!

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 with.

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

The contest is ongoing, with a new giveaway monthly.

The next round of the contest starts today and runs through August 15!  

De'Longhi, whose Italian luxury designs are helping to make it the fastest growing espresso brand in America, recently introduced the innovative Artista Series. Showcasing the art of Nicole Miller, Damien Correll and eight other designers, the Artista Series is a limited edition of Perfecta espresso machines with the designers' work laser etched on the front panels.

In addition to providing a unique look and a perfect espresso, the machines are also providing for charity. This summer, the rare appliances are being auctioned off with proceeds going to Oxfam America, a relief organization committed to battling poverty worldwide. Read more on the machines and the auction.

One of the most affluent areas in the Midwest, the North Shore area of Illinois is comprised of several prosperous communities situated north of Chicago, on and just inland from Lake Michigan's western shore.  The area began to flourish decades ago as affluent citizens escaped the trappings of city life.

Several remarkable mansions were built in the area; including this architecturally significant estate in Lake Forest recently listed on LuxuryPortfolio.com.  The English Country estate was built in 1929 by architect Edwin Hill Clark.  Warm and inviting, the estate retains its classic design and feel, but has also been updated with modern features including professional appliances.  I really like the handmade plaster ceiling in the living room.  See more photos and details here.

Kangen Water is not your typical glass of tap water or even comparable to a bottle of Evian. The unique water provides rich hydrating benefits to skin, increases absorption of vitamins and minerals, works to boost the body's immune system and slows the aging process of the skin!

Kangen is produced by a revolutionary Japanese water technology that turns everyday tap water into a healthier and more beneficial alkaline water that guarantees to do wonders for the mind and body. Luxury Portfolio Design Collection designer Linda Young of Miller Young Design has also incorporated the system into many of her projects and attests to its benefits and appeal.

Even if you don't see Kangen Water in your near future, their website offers interesting articles and videos.

Kitchens have always been the central part of the home, and new products are being created to serve the aesthetic desires of the discerning consumer, and also to simplify and conserve.

The cooktop is one kitchen staple that has evolved into a feature that can completely change the ambiance of the room with fine finishes, in addition to sustainable design and convenience and safety features. The Induction Hybrid Cooktop created by Electrolux is one example. The cutting edge appliance automatically detects the presence of magnetic cookware and, as a result, activates the heat and adjusts the surface area to the exact size of the pan. The revolutionary energy efficiency feature conserves 70% more energy than gas and 20% more than electric.

This product and write-up were featured in a recent issue of the LuxeTrends® newsletter, which covers luxury real estate trends, home design, luxury gifts and more.  View the current issue here.