Tips for Purchasing a Mountain Home

If you want to embrace a way of living that’s a little outside of the ordinary, the idea of living in a mountain location might appeal to you. If that’s the case, purchasing a home in the mountains could be on the horizon for you. There are plenty of ways to do this, but there are some things that you will need to know and do if you’re serious about purchasing a mountain home.

There are lots of things that you will need to think about, and it’s not quite as easy as it is when buying an ordinary home. You need to be prepared for the work involved if you want the whole process to go smoothly. So read on to learn more about these tips; they’ll help you find the mountain home of your dreams.

Know the Locations You’re Most Interested In

You should definitely start doing some research and find out what’s the difference is between the various mountain locations and communities where you might be most interested in buying a home. Look at them all and see which is best suited to you and your specific needs. When you know where you’re most interested in living, you can start your search and see what’s on offer on the market. Each local area will be different so it’s definitely good to know which of them you’re most interested in.

Think About Logistics

You definitely need to think about the logistics of living in a mountain location, and this should be a part of your decision-making process. The roads and routes up to the home are not always the best, but that all depends on the specific mountain location you’re looking to buy in. You should be fully aware of these logistical concerns before you decide that you want to buy a home in a particular location. So be sure not to skip past this stuff because it’s definitely important.

Factor in the Elements

The weather and the elements generally are always a little different when it comes to living in a mountain location. You should want to make sure that you fully understand all of these things and how they might affect you when you’re living in a mountain home. You should definitely factor in things like the snow during winter because stuff like this will certainly impact how you live and how disruptive your choice of location is to your lifestyle in general.

Take Your Time on the House Hunt

When hunting for the home, you need to be as careful and as measured as you possibly can be because if you don’t take your time to find a house that’s right for you and toe specific needs, you will regret it later and that’s obviously not what you want at all. There’s nothing to be gained by rushing through the process and not taking it on in the correct kind of way. You should search for all kinds of homes and look at them all to begin with. That way, you can get an idea of which homes are right and wrong for you.

Talk to Specialists

There are people and organizations out there who know all about what it takes to buy a property in particular mountain locations. You should seek help from these specialists if you want the process to go smoothly and productively. Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties is one such example, so you might want to get in touch with them to learn more about what they can do for you. Going it alone when you’re buying a property always makes things harder than they really need to be.

Learn From People Who’ve Already Bought in the Area

If you can get in contact with people who have already been through the process of buying mountain homes, you should be able to learn a tremendous amount from them. They’ll tell you all about their experiences, the difficulties they face, and they might even talk to you about some of the tips that’ll help you make the process less stressful. There’s nothing better than hearing it straight from someone who has first-hand experience to call upon.

Get to Know the Community

If there is one specific mountain community that you want to become a part of, you should start to spend some time there before you move. If you do that, you will find that you start to understand the community better and learn about its quirks and habits. There are lots of things to learn, as well as some things that you might never fully understand. That’s just the way it is for outsiders coming in, but you’ll integrate and become part of the community over time.

Understand the Natural Threats

The danger of natural threats does extend beyond the elements when you live in a rural aha mountainous spot. There are many natural predators out there, and they could be located close to your mountain home, deadening in which part of the world you choose to buy your new mountain hat. By understanding these threats and how to handle them, you’ll be ready for everything mountaIn life can throw at you.

Have a Detailed Survey Carried Out

Before you actually finalize the purchase of your maintain the property, you will want to have a detailed and in-depth home survey carried out by an independent professional. These homes face unique threats, and many of them are already very old so there will be some problems to address, that’s for sure. You should always base your decision on hard facts when buying a home like this or like any home for that matter.

Purchasing a mountain home might be one of your life’s ambitions. If so, you should go for it and don’t let anything stop you from doing what you want to do. It’s certainly a different way of living, so keep all of the tips and issues mentioned here in mind as you move through the processes of buying your mountain home.

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Our Favorite Listing: A Private Peninsula

Residing at the end of the Shippan Point peninsula, the city’s southernmost property is said to have been used as a lookout guarding Stamford and New York Harbors during the two World Wars, hosting a canon on site. The home was built in 1914 by Richard Howland Hunt and Joseph Howland Hunt—the architect brothers behind Beacon Towers in Sands Point, Long Island, once owned by William Randolph Hearst and the inspiration for the Great Gatsby. The listing is currently listed at $11,950,000

Photos courtesy of Sothebys International

Hunt & Hunt built this home, known as “Saddle Rock House,” for the inventor Thomas Robins, best known for creating the rubber conveyor belt while working for his friend Thomas Edison. Based on the invention he launched the Robins Conveying Belt Company, which later became known as the Hewitt-Robins company.

Crafted with ashlar quarried stone and a Belgian slate roof, and designed with definitive circular arches framing doorways and windows, the residence is built in the Richardsonian Romanesque style and has views of the water from every room. Updates include a new kitchen with custom cabinets and granite counters, smart home technology, custom tilt-and-turn windows, and a renovated cellar with a vintage, temperature-controlled wine cellar.

Outside, there’s a heated saltwater pool with large covered stone grotto, pool deck with cabana, boat launch, specimen gardens and fountains, lighted tennis court, stone guest cottage and a Bonsai tree at the peninsula’s tip, all with Sound views extending from the Stamford Harbor Lighthouse to the Manhattan skyline. Locals will recognize the large bear statue that introduces the home at its gated entry; they’ve been referring to the property as the “Bear House” for years.

Robert Blosio & Larry Palma of Sothebys International is the listing agent. For more information click here

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Sold: Antoine Verglas Amagansett Home

Fashion photographer Antoine Verglas, whose nude images of Melania Trump caused quite the stir, has closed on his two neighboring Amagansett beach homes, according to exclusive agent Carol Nobbs of Douglas Elliman.  

The two properties, at 61 and 55 Dunes Lane in Amagansett, were listed together for $12.5 million, and individually for $5.6 million and $6.9 million, respectively. 

61 Dunes, sited on 1.3 acres, features three bedrooms, two baths and an outdoor pool. 55 Dunes occupies 1.5 acres and comes with five bedrooms and three baths. The two are on a road with only six homes, and they share a private path to the beach. The agent is unable to disclose the final price or the buyer at this time. 

The Paris-born Verglas is known for his early 90s photoshoots with then-breakout supermodels, such as Claudia Schiffer, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and Stephanie Seymour, for GQ, Sports Illustrated, Vogue, Elle and Playboy. He's also shot intimate portraits of a  number of celebrities, including Angelina Jolie, Lucy Liu, Gina Gershon and Penelope Cruz. 

This listing courtesy of Douglas Elliman

Hamptons AirBnB Not To Miss This August

When you’re looking for a place to stay you want something that fits your budget while also providing the luxury you deserve. Here are five amazing AirBnBs in the Hamptons you should consider staying at the next time you’re in New York.

This Southampton Village Classic is historic, and conveniently located within the village. The house features four bedrooms, three baths, an inground heated pool, full kitchen, large deck, and a gas grill. You can rent the entire house for $425 a night. For an upcharge, you can also rent the additional cottage on the property which has two additional bedrooms and a bath.

This Southampton Village Charmer was renovated, and is a short bike ride away from the beach. The property features four bedrooms, three and a half baths, inground heated pool, a grill, and a herb/vegetable garden. You can the entire property for $475 a night.

This Southampton Village House is located inside of a private community, and is within walking distance of the village center. The house features five bedrooms, four and a half baths, an inground heated pool, a play set, and a grill. You can rent the entire house for $600 a night.  With your rental you will also be granted access to the community pool and tennis courts.

This Kismet Casa was recently renovated, and is within walking distance of town. The cottage features four bedrooms, two baths, a fenced backyard with swing set, and a firepit. This property is also pet friendly. You can rent the entire cottage for $800 a night. There are also options to rent only the downstairs, which give you two bedrooms, or rent the cottage next door in addition to give you an extra two bedrooms.

This Southampton Village Rental is located within walking distance of mainstreet in Southampton Village. The property features four bedrooms, two and half baths, inground heated saltwater pool, saltwater hot tub, and multi-level deck. The property is also fully equipped with all towels you will need from bath towels to beach towels, beach chairs, and four bikes. You can rent the entire property for $1,200 a night.

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The Ultimate Guide To Property Extensions

If you need a bit more space for your family at home, there are two main options that you might have been considering. The first is to move out and buy a larger place. Obviously, this is impossible for some families due to their budget. The second option is a lot more achievable - you could just extend the property. Most homeowners decide to add an extra room to the ground floor or to make one of their downstairs rooms slightly larger. If you want a bit more of a building challenge, then you might want to add on a two-storey extension.

Think this is the right option for you? Here are a few tips that can help you make it happen.

Are You Sure It’s A Good Idea?

Firstly, make sure that extending the property is the right option for you. After all, it might not always make sense, depending on the property or some other factors. In some cases, an extension can actually spoil a house as it could overdevelop it. This might mean that it loses value. You also need to consider whether there is actually enough space around the property for you to extend into. If there isn’t, you might not get planning permission, and might not be able to go through with your plan after all.

Look For Top-Quality Contractors

Next you need to consider who you are going to hire to do all the hard work for you. Unless you have some extremely good DIY and building experience behind you, there is no way you can add a construction on your own. You will need to find builders, roofing contractors, plasterers, and general laborers. It might also be wise to hire an architect to draw up some building plans for you. If possible, try and get personal recommendations for firms but, if that isn’t possible, it’s worth going online to look at online reviews.

Respect Your Neighbors

Your extension might have an effect on your neighbor’s property. For example, if you are adding a two-storey extension, the extra bit of building on your home might end up blocking some sunlight from their home or garden. This might really annoy them, and could cause some friction in your relationship. So, it’s always important that your building plans are considerate for any neighboring properties and, if at all possible, they don’t needlessly anger any other homeowners.

Get Used To Living On A Building Site

Are you ready to live in a chaotic mess for a few weeks? You need to be if you are planning an extension! Your home will be turned into a building site, and living around it can annoy some folk. If possible, you might want to move out for the duration of the build. This has a few advantages actually, as the builders can get on without any disturbances and can work without any of the property’s utilities switched on.

Hopefully, this quick guide to property extensions has given you a better idea as to whether one is the best option for you!

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Our Favorite Listing: John Philip Sousa “Stars and Stripes Forever” Home Hits The Market At $9,850,000

American Music lovers can now live in the In national historic landmark Wildbank has hit the market for $9,850,000. American composer John Philip Sousa (“Stars and Stripes Forever”) lived in the house from 1915-1932, located in Sands Point on the Gold Coast of Long Island, located at 12 Hicks Lane.

Photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

The home is a 6,000-square-foot, six-bedroom, five-bathroom waterfront Colonial estate on 2.6 acres with a deep-water dock and sandy beach in posh Sands Point, NY (Long Island)

The Dining Room features Zuber's "Scenes from the America's" hand painted wallpaper which is the same wallpaper that Jackie Kennedy hung in the oval reception room of the White House where it remains today.

Photos courtesy of Douglas Elliman

Features include sprawling loggia & upper balcony to enjoy western sunsets and the NYC skyline. 4-car garage w/ a two-bedrooms guest quarters. Two wine cellars. Two generators. Tennis court. Surrounded by perennial gardens that will take your breath away.

Maggie Keats of Douglas Elliman is the listing agent. For more information click here

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A Home To Fall In Love With; Matchmaker's Home Is on the Market

Billionaire Matchmaker Service and New York Times-bestselling author Janis Spindel is hoping someone will fall in love with her newly listed home at 9 Fair Hills Lane, Bridgehampton for $3,595,000.

Sited on just over an acre, the resort-like property features ocean views, a heated Gunite pool, and multiple decks and patios. Inside, the luxe interiors feature several fireplaces, sweeping staircase, elegant library, a master suite with fireplace and a total of five bedrooms and five baths. 

The stately entrance gates set the tone for this impeccably designed and maintained Hamptons estate. The impressive double height foyer with exquisite moldings and elegant hardwood flooring leads to the great room with fireplace flanked by formal living and dining rooms. Attention has been paid to detail in the gourmet chef's kitchen, butler's pantry and elegant breakfast room with vaulted ceiling and an abundance of streaming natural light.

The main floor features a classically paneled library and master suite with French doors leading to the pool deck. Ascend the grand staircase to the upstairs master suite with fireplace, elegant marble bath and expansive balcony offering distant ocean views, two spacious additional en suite guestrooms along with a 5th guest room. A shared bath and laundry complete the second floor. The 3300 +/- sf basement has been set up with a large stadium style steps egress and allows to be finished for a tremendous amount of additional luxury living space.

The backyard oasis boasts a large covered deck, heated gunite pool, and extensive bluestone patio. A professional mature landscape package and three car garage complete this offering!

Brendan Skislock and Vincent Frezzo at Douglas Elliman, are the listing agents. For more information click here

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BuzzFeed's Real Estate Videos: A Review

By Emily Bach

Buzzfeed, a trendy lifestyle e-Magazine, has recently begun to break into the real estate business. What do we mean by that? Their popular “Worth It?” series has started a new subset, Lifestyle. Within it, they review small and grand apartments, all while investigating what makes them different from one another. The videos quickly became a huge hit , and watching them, it’s easy to see why. Their bubbly hosts, crazy locations and interesting structure makes each episode both fun to watch and informative. Each video opens with a seemingly random, but undeniably funny clip, shortly followed by a quick explanation of what homes they’ll be seeing. Their most recent episode, comparing a $568K home to a $10 million one, is entirely narrated by people out of the real estate business. This makes the video feel pretty accessible and relatable.

As they transition through houses, the real estate agents show them around the spaces and explain the features of each home. Personally, I feel they could do a bit more of an effective job, but given the limited time constraints, I think it’s fair to assume they probably said much more than what is reflected in the 11 minute video. Each home seems to be very different, which gives a certain sense of unpredictability that makes the video interesting to watch. However, it does make it a bit hard to compare. The video makes it seem like money is best reflected in space, when in reality, many of the features present in the more expensive homes are far greater than their counterparts.

Overall, the video feels well done, informative, and interesting. I’d love to see more types of content like this appearing on TV, or even by other channels. I think the concept is largely well done, and offers a good space for agents to promote their homes. Details could obviously be polished, but given the series is new, I think it’s a promising and intriguing new rendition of a real estate reality show.

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Our favorite listing this week is 508 West 24th Street, Unit 5th Floor, home to NBA Player Carmelo Anthony. The ten-time NBA All-Star, has listed his New York City condo. The home is the largest unit in the Cary Tamarkin designed building at 508 W 24th that overlooks the High Line and is walking distance from world-class shopping and prominent art galleries.

251 East 51st Street, Unit 2M, listed on the market as a Compass "Coming Soon," is a recently renovated, perfect pied-a-terre (and ideal one bedroom for all the rest of us). What truly sets this pad apart from the rest is the dreamy outdoor terrace with endless possibilities and city views. Accessed by the living room and overlooked by the bedroom, this 24x12 outdoor space is an oasis in the center of the Midtown hustle and bustle.

Our last #openhouse roundup will you be checking out this #parkslope home? #nycrealestate #brooklynrealestate #milliondollarlistings #luxuryhomes #OffTheMRKT

DNA Development announced that closings have commenced at 350 West 71st Street, the successful Upper West Side luxury conversion that seamlessly combines two historic pre-war buildings into one stunning contemporary condominium with a classic façade. As construction nears completion, the seven-story building’s 38 elegant residences and bespoke amenities are coming to life, as DNA welcomes its first residents.

Our favorite listing this week is located at One West End, the sculptural glass residential tower designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli within Riverside Center. At $19.5 million, 29B offers 5,302 square feet of interiors space, with four bedrooms, five and a half baths, a media room, lofted library, and a double height great room leading out to a 3,000 square foot terrace with impeccable views.