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On some 1.5 acres north of Beverly Hills, this enchanting estate lush with oak trees and colorful gardens has, since the early decades of the 20th century, enjoyed a notable ownership history, passing from one luminary to another. While the origins of the Pillsbury company—for more than a century a symbol of comfort and convenience—are firmly rooted in the American midwest, in the early 20th century, the dynasty did expand westward, with scions settling in the Los Angeles area in the early decades. One branch of the family tree purchased some 1.5 acres north of Beverly Hills and constructed a residence there—a fittingly charming place for a family whose name is nearly synonymous with nostalgia and welcoming home life—enveloped by live oak trees and flourishing gardens. The estate’s notable ownership history has continued over the decades since, passing from one Hollywood personage to another. Beverly Hills, California| Drew Mandile, Dean Mandile, Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage The current owners are Nicolas and Roxy Bijan, local luminaries in their own right. Nicolas is an entrepreneur, founder of the exclusive quiet-luxury menswear brand NB44, and co-owner of the legendary House of Bijan. Roxy—a Beverly Hills native and former television star—has established herself as an astute businessperson and highly regarded interior designer. The two brought their singular tastes and points of view to bear, which they began renovating during the pandemic, and Roxy conjured interiors that are uniquely warm, whimsical, and elegant. French doors throughout admit floods of natural light and connect the interiors with the colorful surroundings. Highlights include a living room with a fireplace and a wet bar, a glamorous formal dining room with Gracie chinoiserie wallpaper, a relaxed family room, an enchanting cook’s kitchen with top-tier appliances and Waterstone fixtures, a sunroom-like breakfast area, and an office with a striking deep green wall and a view of vibrant roses. The chic primary suite includes dual baths and closets—one a meticulously designed space with boutique-caliber lighted shoe shelving. Two additional bedrooms and a shared full bath are tucked upstairs. Contemporary comforts and conveniences abound, among them state-of-the-art security and audiovisual systems. The setting is a picturesque pastoral paradise, where—despite a location just minutes from Rodeo Drive and the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel—quietude prevails and deer meander peacefully by. The gated drive leads to a motor court that accommodates up to eight cars—a nod to the home’s prestigious provenance and history of entertaining. Idyllic spaces for outdoor living, dining, and gathering—including a grilling area—are enveloped by lush lawn and other flourishing flora. A freestanding one-bedroom guesthouse with its own well-outfitted kitchen affords thoughtful privacy for short- and long-term visitors. Further afield is a sports court, an enviable amenity for the pickleball enthusiast, one of many modern elements that, in union with the estate’s classic character and charm, represent this home’s undeniably enduring appeal. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
The wealthy are increasingly seeking homes in multiple jurisdictions. Choosing the right location means understanding the cost of luxury living across leading global destinations. Two new datasets can help with that. First up, the Julius Baer Lifestyle Index, featured in the Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2026 published by Julius Baer in July 2026, measures the cost of a luxury lifestyle across the world’s major cities by tracking the prices of a basket of luxury goods and services. According to the index, Singapore remains the world’s most expensive city for luxury living in 2026, followed by Zurich (up from fifth place in 2025) and Monaco, which replaces Hong Kong as the third most expensive global city this year. Sydney, Milan and Bangkok are good picks for lower-cost luxury living, according to the index. The second dataset is a September 2026 Sotheby’s International Realty® brand analysis of US$5M+ property prices in these prime locations. This reveals that Monaco, at US$6,581 per square foot, is the most expensive global city for luxury real estate, followed by Hong Kong (US$6,500 per square foot) and Zurich (US$4,330 per square foot). Of course, absolute cost is just one element in determining luxury value. “Increasingly, we see active adaptation: choosing where to live, where to spend, and even where to purchase luxury goods based on relative value across jurisdictions,” says Christian Gattiker, head of research, Julius Baer. “This mobility—both physical and financial—is becoming a defining feature of wealth in 2026.” Cover Property: Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty
“The Art of Refined Living” celebrates 50 years of Sotheby’s International Realty and the homes and people behind its success, writes Caroline Thorpe The Kaufmann Desert House in Palm Springs, designed by Richard Neutra in 1946. Photograph: © Dan Solomon What is the art of living? Since its inception five decades ago, Sotheby’s International Realty has been defining the concept as a partnership between fine art and property. This essence is now distilled in a new book, “The Art of Refined Living,” published by Assouline to mark the Sotheby’s International Realty brand’s 50th-anniversary year. It elegantly documents the evolution of the brand from its early success, breaking new ground to bring distinctive properties to global attention—no small feat in the pre-internet era. Author Gay Gassmann catalogs some of the world’s finest homes in these pages, each entrusted to Sotheby’s International Realty at one moment or another during the past half-century. Together, her choices seek to illuminate what makes a home distinctive: some alchemy of “architecture, provenance and place”—the textures of lives lived. Chef Julia Child’s French country cottage. Photograph: Beth Kirby Roaming across the U.S., Europe and as far afield as Australia, the architecture is strikingly varied. We encounter the modernist masterstrokes of Marcel Breuer, Frank Lloyd Wright’s only oceanfront property, and the dazzling facades of the late Zaha Hadid. Lush gardens by Beatrix Farrand and Miranda Brooks complement interiors as varied as their owners. And then there’s the sprinkling of stardust: discreet, but discernable. Jackie Kennedy Onassis on horseback at Merrywood; the sumptuous interiors of Tommy Hilfiger’s Connecticut retreat; and a roster of famous houseguests from Mick Jagger to Truman Capote. Each page is a reminder of the multifaceted nature of refined living, an accumulation of details as varied as the individuals who shape them. The rustic charm of chef Julia Child’s French bolthole contrasts with the quiet luxury displayed in the stone floors and timber accents of Stonebrook, a modern farmhouse in Brisbane designed by celebrated New Zealand architects Sumich Chaplin. Throughout the book, the interplay with art is ubiquitous. From the French chateau with walls etched by Picasso’s own hand to simple, considered design moments: a chalet-style box bed, nicknamed “the Heidi Nook,” in a child’s guest room in Napa. Collectively, these spaces have been crafted across centuries and adapted through many cycles of life. “Art is elevated by the quality of the walls that hold it,” writes Charles F. Stewart, CEO of Sotheby’s, in the foreword. What’s more, he adds, “a life well lived is shaped by the spaces that surround it.” Here are three of the exceptional properties—and a taste of the stories behind them—showcased in its pages. Château Lérins, Mougins, France Château Lérins. Photograph: © Courtesy of Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty Located on the feted French Riviera, Château Lérins epitomizes the historical richness and deep heritage of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand. What began as a dwelling for 17th-century monks was overhauled 300 years later by distinguished British architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, with customary flourish. A double-height arched entrance hall, paneled library and terraced gardens were added, along with loggias and balconies. Illustrious owners have included French banking scion Guillaume Mallet, while the chateau, with its views of the Mediterranean Sea and Esterel Mountains, has counted Scottish actor Sean Connery and the Kennedy family among its visitors. Kaufmann Desert House, Palm Springs, California “Poolside Gossip,” 1970, by Slim Aarons, taken at the Kaufmann Desert House in Palm Springs. Photograph: © Slim Aarons/Getty Images Who knew an impromptu party would make a visual icon of Nelda Linsk? The onetime owner of the Kaufmann Desert House was immortalized in 1970 by photographer Slim Aarons in “Poolside Gossip,” his famous shot capturing a glamorous Linsk and friends socializing beside the pool of the Palm Springs residence. Built in 1946 of stone, steel and glass, this midcentury modernist classic by Richard Neutra aims to clash with its arid surroundings. Inside, a “pinwheel” layout revolves around a central living and dining room. Later owners included Barry Manilow, while the most recent completed a five-year renovation of the property. The pool’s swagger remains undimmed. Andy Warhol’s home, Montauk, New York Guesthouse interior at Andy Warhol’s former Long Island getaway. Photograph: © Evan Joseph A huddle of colonial revival cottages and a former fishing village occupying the furthest reaches of Long Island are an unlikely setting for the glittering cast who would descend there each summer. John Lennon, Elizabeth Taylor and Liza Minnelli were among the stars invited to stay in this modest oceanside enclave by artist Andy Warhol, who bought the then 30-acre property in 1971 as a summer escape. Today, the uniquely creative interiors still bear the mark of their famous former owner, with bold use of color and pattern accenting the whitewashed walls—and a framed print of Warhol, face hidden behind his beloved Polaroid camera, hanging on a kitchen wall. “The Art of Refined Living” is published by Assouline Why salons are making a comeback as a cornerstone of cultured living
Rather than the English countryside—where similar inspiring Tudor-style manors abound—this 17,121-square-foot residence enjoys a lush stateside setting on a prestigious thoroughfare in the coveted community of Greenwich. With its pitched gabled rooflines, enduring wood shingles, decorative half timbering, rugged stonework, boxwood-bordered gardens, and handsome masonry fireplaces, this majestic manor could easily be mistaken for a quintessential Tudor-style estate in the English countryside. Rather, the 17,121-square-foot residence enjoys a stateside setting on a prestigious thoroughfare in the coveted community of Greenwich, where it is enveloped by expanses of lawn, vibrant flowering plants, and groves of stalwart trees. Greenwich, Connecticut| Cate Keeney, Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage The home’s Old World façade also belies the aesthetics of the interiors, which maintain hints of classical styling—such as paneling, coffered ceilings, ornate vaulting, French doors, and surfaces of regal marble—but are otherwise uniquely chic and current. The skillful guidance of acclaimed designer Mar Silver imbued every room with an understated elegance, a modern minimalism, and a soothing subdued palette. The residence offers ample space for all ages and all manner of activities—from quiet contemplation to festive fêtes for a crowd—and no detail has been overlooked. Along with formal living and dining spaces, the floor plan features a sunroom, a den, multiple family rooms, a garden room, and two offices. The cook and entertainer will appreciate the bright atrium-like kitchen, which is accompanied by a dedicated breakfast room and walk-in and butler’s pantries. The vast level above is a virtual oasis in its own right with four bedroom suites, a playroom, an additional family room, and an impressive collection of walk-in closets. An entire wing is dedicated to the owner’s suite, which boasts sitting and dressing rooms, walk-in closets, and a generous, luxurious bath. In addition to multiple versatile storage spaces, the home’s lowest level includes a recreation room with an adjoining wine cellar, a media room, a massage room, and a gym. A stately white pebble drive lined with manicured boxwoods and shady magnolias leads to the vast motor court, which affords parking space for numerous vehicles. Linked with the main residence by a breezeway and the property’s three-car garage—with auxiliary storage above—the guesthouse provides welcome comfort and privacy for visitors with its sunny kitchen, living and dining rooms, three bedrooms—one of which currently serves as a recording studio—and a family room of its own. Award-winning landscape architect James Doyle lent his signature European inspiration to the lush emerald grounds, which brim with thriving flora and offer a dazzling oversized swimming pool and sun-swept terrace. In its original creation, the estate was reportedly inspired by the vast Gilded Age mansions of Newport, a quintessential vacation destination for America’s elite for more than a century. While similarly spacious and substantial, this retreat enjoys a more convenient location, 10 minutes from the town center of Greenwich—superlative and sought after in its own right—and less than an hour from the metropolitan epicenter of Manhattan. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
Munich has the cultural cachet and convenience of a major city, but with a relaxed charm all of its own, writes Florian Siebeck Munich, Germany | Munich Sotheby’s International Realty Munich consistently ranks as Germany’s most livable city. Key to its appeal is how easily it slips between urban life and the outdoors. The Alps hover on the horizon, lakes and ski slopes are close enough for a day trip, and summer in the Bavarian capital is spent along the banks of the Isar river or under the chestnut trees of its beer gardens. The result is a city that feels noticeably more relaxed than its prosperous, polished image. “There’s a reason locals call it Italy’s northernmost city,” says Munich-based interior architect Justin Howlett, named in Architectural Digest’s AD100 list for 2025. “Munich has always been deeply attached to its traditions, but without turning its back on the world.” That balance is most visible come fall, when the city swaps cashmere for lederhosen and descends on the Theresienwiese for Oktoberfest—or the “Wiesn” as locals call it. For all its global renown, this beer and folk festival remains remarkably local at heart: a centuries-old tradition that Munich has somehow turned into a party for the world. Testament, perhaps, to the city’s enduring talent for enjoying the good life. Munich, Germany | Munich Sotheby’s International Realty One of Munich’s most coveted residential spots is Lehel, between Altstadt (the old town) and the river. “Despite being in the centre, Lehel retains the intimate feel of a neighborhood, with excellent cafes and restaurants tucked between ornate art nouveau buildings,” says Michael Reiss, managing director of Sotheby’s International Realty Bavaria. Howlett calls it Munich’s “sophisticated heart.” The district is home to some of the city’s most important cultural institutions, from the Haus der Kunst (House of Art) to the Bavarian National Museum. Hidden behind the latter is a 6,450 square foot whole-floor penthouse—“the largest currently available in Munich,” according to Reiss. Its wraparound terrace looks out across the treetops of the English Garden. “There’s almost a Park Avenue quality to it,” says Reiss. Munich, Germany | Munich Sotheby’s International Realty Equally verdant, though more rooted in Munich’s past, is Villa Riemerschmid. The art nouveau architect Richard Riemerschmid (1868-1957), who was responsible for the interiors of the Munich Kammerspiele theater in Altstadt-Lehel, created this home in Pasing, a leafy neighborhood to the west of the city. “The villa retains many of his original details,” says Reiss of the property, which has been carefully restored. “It’s surrounded by park-like grounds and entered through its own courtyard, so it feels remarkably removed from the city around it.” Munich, Germany | Munich Sotheby’s International Realty Nymphenburg, along the Schlosskanal, is an address where the name and architecture does the talking: quietly affluent, but never particularly interested in showing off. Weekends are spent over brunch at the Palmenhaus, a beer at the sprawling Königlicher Hirschgarten, or dinner at Acetaia, often talked of as the city’s best Italian restaurant. In winter, when the canal freezes over, locals even take to the ice for curling. Much of Nymphenburg’s cachet comes down to its eponymous palace, which gives this corner of the city an almost stately air. Few homes are more closely tied to it than an 1820s villa on the historic Schlossrondell circle of baroque mansions, looking directly towards the royal residence. Behind its period facade, the house remains largely empty, leaving its next owner free to restore it faithfully—or model something more experimental. Munich, Germany | Munich Sotheby’s International Realty A three-story maisonette in the same neighborhood has a contemporary feel, with floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto a south-facing garden. And Villa Élysée in Obermenzing, Nymphenburg’s smaller and more affordable neighbor, is a similarly turnkey option. “Architecturally, the villa is classical, but everything is absolutely state of the art,” says Reiss of this 6,000 square foot home. The property combines grand proportions—high ceilings, double doors and a light-filled living room—with luxurious amenities, including a wine cellar, cinema, sauna and pool. Munich, Germany | Munich Sotheby’s International Realty “Obermenzing has this unusual position between city and countryside,” says Howlett. “You still feel part of Munich, but there’s a completely different pace of life, almost like in a village.” As Reiss observes of the area: “It has a more organic, lived-in feel.” For Munichers, getting away from it all rarely requires a long journey. Nor does the city dictate or chase trends, Howlett adds, but is happy to be itself. “Munich offers everything one expects from a major city without ever quite feeling like one. That is perhaps its greatest quality, and what makes it so exceptionally livable.” From southern Germany to northern Italy—explore the design mecca of Milan
Our monthly series asks: How do you use color in luxury design? Monochrome is a classic pairing for a reason, writes Jill Krasny Lenox Hill, New York | Sotheby’s International Realty – Upper East Side Brokerage Some homes make a lasting impression while others quickly fade from the mind. Almost always, the design and color scheme is a factor. While burgundy adds a sense of warmth and glamour, navy feels versatile and timeless. Yet black and white—which our series on color in luxury design looks at next—may be the most classic pairing of all, evoking antiquity itself, says U.S. based designer-architect Nicholas Potts. “Though there’s debate about whether ancient buildings and statues were actually painted,” he says, “the image of the black-and-white classical interior is so embedded in our cultural memory” that it’s a constant in historical revivals or movements they inspire. Think Andrée Putman’s famous black-and-white bathroom for the founders of Studio 54 in New York’s Morgans Hotel or Dorothy Draper’s punchy pairing of checkerboard floors and Rhododendron fabric in West Virginia’s Greenbrier resort. Atlanta, Georgia | Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty The black-and-white look dominated the early 20th century art deco period and reigned supreme again in the 1990s. But demand for the pairing has never really gone away. “As the pendulum swings back from maximalism toward calmer spaces,” says Potts, “perhaps as a response to digital overload, we’re seeing more requests for monochrome spaces than we did a few years ago.” His go-to move: black-and-white tile in surprising configurations such as oversized tiles or on a diagonal, the better “to create some drama underfoot.” Lenox Hill, New York | Sotheby’s International Realty – Upper East Side Brokerage A sprawling penthouse, tastefully designed by Chilean-born American interior designer Juan Pablo Molyneux and steps away from Central Park, proves that occasionally committing to color may be overrated. “This is a very classic look,” particularly for a floor, says Potts of the creamy off-white walls and upscale living room furnishings. However, “it’s also highly adaptable and can be dressed up or down with different patterns or accents.” Bonus: Those who can’t commit to color often find black and white a safer bet. Century City, California | Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage On the opposite coast, in Los Angeles’ fast-growing Century City district, a sleek condominium in the gated Le Parc community shows the power of contrast. “This is crucial to pulling off a black-and-white interior,” says Potts, “since there’s no anchor color to fall back on.” He warns against softening it with anything grey, which he feels looks overdone. An eight-bedroom mansion in North London’s Highgate features traditional Art Deco flourishes, from the marble checkerboard floor to the wrought iron railings and stepped chandeliers. It even extends to the kitchen. Highgate, London | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty “The most classic pairing with a monochrome color scheme takes advantage of the white space it creates and goes really bold with accents,” notes Potts. In the Highgate house, the glass wall sconces—with their cascading fringe evoking a flapper’s dress—do just that. An original 1930s art deco villa in Provence, France, features panoramic views of the Mediterranean—and a trip back in time via its stunning and well-preserved black-and-white bathroom. Crisp boundaries like those of the black-trimmed arched window and boldly framed celestial-inspired tilework make it clear why this look still feels fresh. Provence, France | Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty Meanwhile, the exterior of a large home in Atlanta similarly turns heads with its brick facade, limestone detail and patinated copper awnings. In the foyer, the art deco theme continues with black-and-white marble floors and eye-catching millwork. The walls’ rhombus motif, typically seen in industrial buildings of the era, looks right at home here. Explore our Color Chart series: bold red, joyful pink, zingy orange, versatile turquoise, uplifting yellow, natural lilac, historic terracotta, classic green, calming white, sophisticated navy and rich burgundy
Photo: Kaori Hirakata Sotheby’s International Realty has announced that Punta Pacifica Realty, located in Panama City, Panama, is joining the network, and its offices will now operate as Panama Sotheby’s International Realty. This addition marks the brand’s 65th office in the Caribbean and Latin American region. Panama has emerged as one of Latin America’s most compelling luxury real estate markets, attracting international buyers seeking a combination of lifestyle, investment opportunity, and global connectivity. The market benefits from several global trends, including wealth migration, corporate relocation, retirement, second-home ownership, and international investment. The country offers a unique blend of cosmopolitan city living, beachfront communities, and mountain retreats, supported by a U.S. dollar-based economy, sophisticated healthcare infrastructure, and one of the region’s leading international airports. A new generation of branded residences, waterfront developments, and architecturally significant projects is elevating Panama’s luxury market, attracting buyers who view the country as both a lifestyle destination and a long-term investment opportunity. Panama Sotheby’s International Realty draws on nearly two decades of experience in Panama’s luxury residential real estate market. The firm has built a reputation through its representation of premier developments, longstanding client relationships, and deep understanding of the evolving needs of luxury buyers. Today, it serves clients across Panama’s premier residential and resort destinations. As part of its next phase of growth, Panama Sotheby’s International Realty plans to expand its presence across the country while growing its team of affiliated real estate professionals. The firm is led by Duncan McGowan, chief executive officer; Jeff Barton, managing partner; and Brian Kelly, vice president. McGowan first arrived in Panama in 1998 and later co-founded Punta Pacifica Realty, helping grow it into one of the country’s leading luxury real estate firms. Barton relocated to Panama in 2007 and led sales at The Ocean Club during a transformative period for the market. Kelly has called Panama home for more than 15 years and has played an integral role in the company’s growth. Ana Patricia Hassan de McGowan, principal broker, brings extensive market knowledge and has become a trusted voice in Panama real estate through Spotlight to Panama, an informative platform for those considering relocation. The leadership team’s track record includes overseeing the sale of the developer’s remaining residences at The Ocean Club and serving as lead brokerage for Ocean Reef Islands, Latin America’s first man-made residential islands. “Panama has become one of the most desirable destinations in the Americas for luxury real estate, appealing to buyers who are attracted by its global connectivity, investment potential, and exceptional lifestyle offerings,” said Philip White, president and CEO, Sotheby’s International Realty. “We are proud to welcome Panama Sotheby’s International Realty to our network and look forward to supporting the firm as it continues to serve buyers and sellers throughout the country.” “The Sotheby’s International Realty brand is the leader in luxury real estate, and with its unparalleled global reach, we believe this network is most beneficial to our clients and affiliated agents,” said Duncan McGowan, CEO, Panama Sotheby’s International Realty. “For nearly two decades, our team has been committed to serving clients through trusted relationships, local expertise, and exceptional service. Joining the Sotheby’s International Realty network allows us to pair our deep knowledge of Panama’s luxury market with one of the world’s most respected real estate brands, creating new opportunities for our clients both locally and internationally.”
This storied residence built in 1900 represents a singular opportunity to own a piece of San Francisco’s architectural history or to reimagine it for comfortable contemporary living and for generations to come. San Francisco may well be the 21st-century’s nexus of technology and progress, but this lovely grande dame enveloped by verdant trees in prestigious Presidio Heights recalls the stylistic heights of the city’s golden age, displaying the elegant flair of a bygone era at every turn. It represents a singular opportunity to own a piece of the Bay Area’s architectural history or, for the most discerning, to reimagine it for comfortable contemporary living and for generations to come. San Francisco, California| Neill Bassi, Sotheby’s International Realty – San Francisco Brokerage Built in 1900, the residence has a storied pedigree, designed as it was by noted architect Edward R. Swain, creator of the landmark Whittier Mansion—one of the few homes in the city to survive the 1906 earthquake—and the stalwart McLaren Lodge in Golden Gate Park. On a rare, exceptionally wide lot, it offers 7,350 square feet on four levels and is replete with dramatic period detail: bold wood beams, molding, and paneling; original oak floors; intricate millwork; stained-glass, bay, and arched windows; a grand staircase; seven fireplaces; plentiful built-ins; and vintage fixtures and fittings. Perhaps more enviable are the vistas that include the Golden Gate Bridge and the waters of the bay. Beyond a grand wood-paneled foyer are a formal living room, a light-filled sunroom, and a dining room with a coffered ceiling, wainscoting, alluring original built-ins, and a view of the bridge and the bay. Airy and bright, the kitchen and breakfast room open to a balustraded terrace that gazes out toward the water. Living and entertaining spaces continue on the ground level, with its generous family room, game room, laundry facilities, powder room, and versatile bonus room. Three peaceful bedrooms are secluded on the level above the main living spaces. Chief among them is a sunny, serene owner’s suite with herringbone-patterned oak floors, a wood-burning fireplace, south-facing windows, a spacious dressing room, and an en suite bath. Each of the two guest bedrooms here benefits from the charm of a Victorian fireplace. The highlight, however, is the majestic library, nearly circular in shape and distinguished by an ornate ceiling, vintage built-ins, a wet bar, stained-glass detailing, and a wide bay of windows offering a cinematic view of treetops and the Golden Gate Bridge. Tucked among the eaves on the uppermost level are two charming additional bedrooms and a shared full bath. Visitors will appreciate the privacy of the guest suite tucked away on the garden level. The vibrant multilevel garden includes peaceful terraces and—between the boughs of mature flowering trees and stately pines—enjoys glimpses of the bay. Steps from the Presidio and numerous shops and restaurants, this is an oasis of enduring natural beauty in the midst of the thriving activity of one of the most desirable, architecturally distinctive cities in the world. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
From rich autumnal color and tactile textiles to atmospheric lighting and spaces designed for retreat, Mandi Keighran explores simple tips for embracing the changing seasons Cotswolds, U.K. | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty As temperatures drop and the days begin to shorten, how we want our homes to feel also changes. In the same way that we might swap out linen shirts for cozy woolens in our wardrobe, this time of year offers an opportunity to introduce richer color palettes, softer textures and a sense of warmth to interiors. And creating more cocooning spaces doesn’t require a complete redecoration. Small touches, such as a rug underfoot, a velvet cushion, warmer lighting or even a new tablecloth, can all alter the mood of a room. The key to somewhere that both celebrates and offers refuge from fall’s more changeful elements is artfully layering these features, thereby crafting a space that makes staying home feel like a joy. Hudson Valley, New York | Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty “Creating a fall interior can be as simple as introducing clean flower and branch arrangements—think all white and green or dark burgundy,” says Barbara Sumner, an interior designer based in Portland, Oregon. “I also like to add a bit of dark brown, with some pillows and wood accessories and some heavy pewter or cast bronze pieces. Using color and tactile materials makes spaces more inviting and balances the experience as one moves from room to room.” Sumner’s advice on successful seasonal decor is to match any additions to the style of your property, rather than track too closely to trends. “A very modern home can take large mohair throws in a neutral shade and big plush pillows, whereas a cottage style deserves matelassé quilts or plaid wool pillows,” she says. “Changing just a few small details—throws, linens or scents—helps mentally transition through the seasons and creates a welcoming environment for our senses.” Layer up with textiles Cotswolds, U.K. | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty One of the easiest ways to introduce warmth is with textiles, from rugs layered over timber floors to sumptuous throws draped across sofas and piles of cushions. In the heart of the Cotswolds in the U.K., a beautifully reimagined barn by mother-daughter design duo Berkeley Hawkes combines rustic oak floorboards and chunky sisal carpets with soft wools, textured linens and velvets to create inviting, unpretentious interiors. Living rooms and bedrooms aren’t the only areas to benefit from these fabric shifts—a patterned curtain can conceal cluttered open shelving in the kitchen with a splash of seasonal color. Tablecloths and table runners are another simple add. Embrace autumnal color Hudson Valley, New York | Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty The colors of fall offer a natural starting point for seasonal decorating. As leaves change hue, the landscape offers a dramatic palette of ochre, burgundy, rust, tobacco and deep green. At Ulster Landing, a historic estate in New York’s Hudson Valley, a berry-red kitchen, ochre laundry and flower room, and indigo Antoinette Poisson wallpaper bring richness to the otherwise restrained design scheme. These deeper tones work particularly well as accents, meaning even new cushions or bedding can be transformational. Create a bedroom for hibernation Cotswolds, U.K. | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty Summer bedrooms are all about lightness and fresh air, while fall calls for a cozier take. Layered bedding, weightier curtains, and rugs underfoot can instantly change the mood, and darker colors work particularly well in naturally dimmer rooms. In this Cotswolds barn, for example, an attic bedroom deliberately embraces its limited natural light with a deeper palette, tactile fabrics and substantial drapes beneath exposed beams, creating a space that feels intimate rather than gloomy. Scent can also shift the seasonal atmosphere of a bedroom. “I always have a signature candle for spring, and another for fall that is musky and smoky,” says Sumner. “My favorite for fall is Ernesto by Cire Trudon.” Style a comfy snug Venice, California | Sotheby’s International Realty – Pacific Palisades Brokerage The snug has traditionally been associated with English country houses, but these smaller rooms designed for retreat translate effortlessly to contemporary living. In Venice Beach, a striking residence designed by AML Studio offers a West Coast interpretation of the snug. The bespoke media room is wrapped in walnut paneling, with comfortable seating and a fully appointed bar for movie nights or relaxed gatherings. Meanwhile, the home’s main living area features a wraparound sofa facing a statement fireplace—even balmy Californian fall calls for coziness. Don’t forget to layer your lighting Portland, Oregon | Cascade Hasson Sotheby’s International Realty As the day darkens earlier, lighting takes on a key role in shaping the atmosphere of a room. Rather than relying on a single source, combining lamps and wall lights at different levels creates overlapping pools of illumination and allows the mood to shift throughout the evening. Firelight adds another dimension, making fireplaces and woodburners natural focal points. A remodeled Portland, Oregon, home—originally designed by Wade Hampton Pipes, who brought English arts and crafts architecture to the area—has several, including a dramatic Nero Marquina marble fireplace in the family room. “Lighting is everything,” says Sumner, who reimagined the home’s interiors. “I try to be consistent in shapes—this house has ball shapes everywhere, for example. It helps connect the spaces and looks awesome from the outside looking in. Floor, art, task and highlighting lights are all necessary to create that warm fall glow.” On the scent: read about the rise of fragrance in luxury interiors
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