As each of you know, we consider historic homes to be eye candy and we appreciate historic homes locally or worldwide. Here are a few properties that we think are the cream of the crop globally...
From centuries-old European castles to architecturally significant designer homes to time-honored national landmarks, historic properties are as diverse and unique as the owners they attract. For those who seek a home with charm and character of past lives lived within their walls, our global network of real estate professionals is unmatched in connecting the most discerning buyers and sellers of exceptional historic properties. Let us help you find a property that speaks to your soul.
Champeaux. A few minutes from the famous castle of Vaux le Vicomte, ideally located 45 kilometers from South-East of Paris, nestled in a peaceful green setting of 70 hectares providing an exceptional privacy, this property embodies a unique French way of life less than 50 minutes from the capital. This prestigious 1800 sqm castle is in perfect condition. It has been entirely renovated with luxurious and sophisticated materials. The property is listed historical monument and several trees are listed as “remarkable trees”. This exquisite property inspired many artists, particularly during the 20th century.
A famous French movie director chose this exceptional place for the shooting of its film gathering for the first time three actors destined for becoming icons of French cinema: Philippe Noiret, Jean Rochefort, and Jean-Pierre Marielle. They won four prices during the Césars. The whole is surrounded by an 18-hectare landscaped park, one of the first created in France, with three lakes forming an island, and a private island of 52 hectares sheltering a magnificent rockery cave. The castle comprises a 300 sqm ground floor and two floors both of 250 sqm. It comprises an entrance gallery, four reception rooms, ten bedrooms, and seven bathrooms. The original wood paneling, entirely preserved, and the spectacular volumes (5-meter ceiling height in the reception rooms, 3,8-meter on the first floor, 2,8-meter on the second floor) give a lot of singularity to this rare property.
The castle is connected to 800 sqm annexes on two levels, including 200 sqm of reception. A caretaker’s accommodation, entirely renovated of 70 sqm is included. Possibility to rent 900 hectares of forest. Paris Marais Sotheby’s International Realty is the leading luxury brokerage.
PRICE - $15,913,978 USD
BEDROOMS - 10
BATHROOMS - 7 Full
INTERIOR - 19,375 Sq Ft.
EXTERIOR - 172 Acre(s)
Along the Piedmont side of Lake Maggiore, there is a splendid Art Nouveau villa surrounded by an enchanting park full of flowers and colors. The villa, dating back to 1900, has been completely renovated maintaining the neo-gothic style and details. The villa spreads over two main floors, plus the attic floor and the basement. On the ground floor a large covered terrace leads to the main entrance and to the finely frescoed and decorated salons, the dining room and the music room. On the first floor there is the sleeping area with four bedrooms with bathrooms and two terraces, one of which with a splendid view of Lake Maggiore and the other one overlooking the flowered garden.
Each room is characterized by frescoes and paintings which represent the beauty of the lake. On the attic floor there is the master bedroom frescoed with roses, an en-suite bathroom, and a large wardrobe room. In the basement there is a relaxation area with Jacuzzi, bathroom, large kitchen, cinema room and technical rooms. The villa is completed by two dependences, of which the largest of 200 sqm, recently renovated and finely furnished, and the second of 60 sqm, also fully furnished, to accommodate guests or a caretaker; large garage for 6 cars and swimming pool in the garden.
PRICE - $12,903,000
BEDROOMS - 6
BATHROOMS - 6 Full
INTERIOR - 12,701 Sq Ft.
EXTERIOR - 1.97 Acre(s)
An exquisite late-Georgian country home magically positioned against a backdrop of the Dublin Mountains within a picture-postcard like scene, all just 13 miles or 21 km from Dublin city centre and 1.5 miles or 2.4 km from Enniskerry village. Dublin airport is about a 30-minute drive away.
Completed circa 1815 in the Georgian Villa style Bushey Park is a wonderful light filled home. An interlinking suite of fine reception rooms are ideal for entertaining, but equally of a scale so as to be comfortable for family living. The principal reception rooms link to a large kitchen and family room and onward to the leisure complex and studio. A main staircase, back staircase and elevator link to the 8-bedroom suites on the first floor, each generous and enjoying fine views.
The gardens are simply delightful and very much a feature of Bushey Park, seamlessly linking to the wider pastoral valley and mountains beyond. Extremely private and secure, a series of internal pathways meander through the grounds, with large garden terraces gloriously linking the house to the wider grounds. Magnificent trees are a feature of the grounds and there are numerous mature broadleaf and specimen trees, including ancient Beech, Oak, Spanish and Horse Chestnuts, Scots Pine and Maple trees. The grounds are resplendent with a significant variety of wildlife. The views magical throughout the year.
In 1996 the house was comprehensively restored and extended by the musician owner, Chris de Burgh, and his wife, Diane. The noted London based interior designer Simon Kingi was commissioned to oversee the design of the interiors, including the design of all ceiling plasterwork, timber joinery work and fabric finishes. Many modern amenities were incorporated, including advanced security provision, integrated sound systems and efficient heating systems. Sympathetically designed and carefully executed, the transition between the original and the new build is seamless. These works also included the conversion of stone out-buildings into the generous pool complex and a guest lodge and created new Georgian style stabling, garaging and workshops. The stone outbuildings forming a lovely contrast and counterpoint to the scale, finish and texture of the mansion house. The effect is extremely aesthetically pleasing and complimentary to the picturesque setting and everything is presented in superb condition and extremely well maintained.
The main house comprises some 10,597 square feet or 985 square metres of accommodation and links to the splendid indoor pool complex. Generous in scale and extremely well equipped, this leisure complex extends to some 12,071 square feet or 1,122 square metres and includes a large pool, a home cinema, music studio and games room. The nearby guest lodge extends to some 1,495 square feet or 139 square metres and the gate lodge some 70 square metres or 753 square feet. The coach house style garaging and workshops easily replicate their Georgian originals, yet are constructed to the highest of modern specifications and, as such, are easier to maintain. The stable block comprises 4 stables.
PRICE - $10,591,000
BEDROOMS - 8
BATHROOMS - 8 Full
INTERIOR - 10,597 Sq Ft.
EXTERIOR - 27 Acre(s)
The Ding Dong House
The ultimate Snedens Landing property. Historic, with great provenance, private, turn key and extraordinary views of the Hudson River both inside and outside the home. The Watson or Ding Dong House, was built in the vernacular of a Hudson River Valley pre-revolutionary war, Dutch Farmhouse. The oldest section of the house was constructed of sandstone blocks, from a local quarry only a few hundred feet away, and features a Flemish roofline, or, overhang, to stay dry in bad weather. It's located only three houses from the Hudson River, with easy access, and two houses from Snedens Landing Tennis Association private court.
Ding Dong is situated on a gentle hill with commanding views of the water and the hills of Westchester in the distance. The home has been sensitively restored 4 to 5 years ago, in a way that's respectful to its past, but also lends itself to 21st Century living. This house and property underwent a $2.5M restoration over the last five years and is being sold fully furnished, with 18th and 19th century antiques, furnishings, and a collection of Hudson River art. It features 3 living rooms/dens, 3 en suite bedrooms, an 'English kitchen', 4 working fireplaces, new slate roof, period moldings and doors, and an extraordinary rear porch overlooking the Hudson! Its rear yard is extremely private and offers a beautiful landscape with a mix of 'wild' meets 'manicured' plantings and trees. It features various entertaining areas, arbors, pool, outdoor shower, massive stone walls and steps. There is also a very sophisticated security system on the property which will remain.
The home was originally built by patriot, John Sneden, whose family ran the ferry from Snedens to Westchester, and they lived there for almost 200 years. Later the house was the first local library in Palisades, when the Watsons gave their collection of 300 books and house to be used by the public. And it was the first home of Francois and Mary Lawrence Tonetti, in the Landing (of their 25-30 homes!)... The Tonettis also introduced Snedens Landing to their circle of creative friends, from Augustus Saint-Gaudens, internationally recognized sculpture, Charles McKim, partner in America's favorite architectural firm at the time, Katherine Cornell, first lady of American theater (before Helen Hayes - who later lived up the road in Nyack) and many more. Many creative people in the arts and industry have occupied the home ever since its humble beginning. From Jerome Robbins to Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke.
Days can be spent relaxing by the pool, or enjoying the grounds, which are quite simply, stunning. Although clearly well considered and landscaped, there is also spontaneity as if mother nature dropped by, leaving behind gifts of fragrance and color here and there. As you explore the grounds you discover private spots, surrounded by the beauty of the sea. Somewhere to take your book and slip away for an hour, hidden from the world for a while.
The Watson or Ding Dong House, is an extraordinary home for extraordinary people. Nothing Compares. Snedens Landing is located in a historic district, neighborhood, in Palisades, NY. It is surrounded by the Hudson River on the east, Palisades Interstate Park (2,200 acres) on the south and Tallman State Park (732 acres) on the north. Numerous hiking trails can be accessed from the community, as well as kayaking on the Hudson. It feels very much today, as it did in the 18th and 19th centuries. Only 13 minutes from the GW bridge. 30 minutes to NYC. Special!
PRICE - $5,950,000
BEDROOMS - 3
BATHROOMS - 3 Full & 1 Partial
INTERIOR - 3,207 Sq Ft.
EXTERIOR - 0.49 Acre(s)
We are always happy to be of service so if you want to find your next dream home or sell a property, our expertise is available. Simply call Gina at 210.744.8265 for anything local. If you have an out-of-town/out-of-state property and you need a referral, we are part of the strongest network of agents throughout the world...
