While there are faux estate homes, spec homes and development properties, proper estate homes elevate the cultural consciousness. They showcase the genius of an original architect or renovation architect in their perfect proportions; offer a sense of history (once-upon-a-time royalty, aristocrats, industrialists and titans lived there); and provide the finest of lifestyles.
1. Green Gables
Located in Woodside, one of the wealthiest zip codes in Silicon Valley, Green Gables Estate Homes is the perfect retreat for a tech billionaire. The estate’s 74 acres are home to seven structures, three pools and more than a dozen different gardens, including a pond that is said to produce calming natural white noise.
The estate’s historic main mansion was designed by architects Charles and Henry Greene in a style influenced by English countryside manors. Throughout its history, the estate has hosted royalty and politicians and served as the venue for the United Nations 20th anniversary gala. Green Gables has also welcomed artists, visionaries and entrepreneurs, who are drawn to its sense of peace and beauty.
It’s the ideal spot for family reunions, wedding party housing and corporate retreats. The grounds are full of lush greenery, a tennis court and a large swimming pool with a Roman-style reflecting pool the size of a football field. The estate’s pond is home to a variety of fish and birds, while the pool has an extensive water fountain that produces soothing natural white noise and can help lower stress levels.
As for the other buildings on the property, they include a guest house and two barns. There is also a tennis court, vegetable and flower gardens, olive groves and an expansive reservoir that nourishes the garden.
The property has been owned by the Fleishhacker descendants for more than a century, but they have decided to put it on the market for $135 million. Those who purchase the estate can build new residential structures or create vineyards, a winery or an equestrian center. Zach Wright of Christie’s International Real Estate and Brad Miller and Helen Miller of Compass are handling the listing.
2. Mylestone at Meadow Lane
The Hamptons is home to a variety of incredible properties, but few are as expensive as the one on offer here. Located along prestigious Meadow Lane, the rare double waterfront estate sits on eight acres and offers both ocean and bay views. With a private boardwalk to the beach and a deep-water dock for boating, it’s a truly unique place to call home.
The modern Tudor-style mansion has 11 bedrooms, 12 full bathrooms, and four half baths, and features a host of luxury amenities that add to the property’s sky-high price tag. The estate also boasts multiple outdoor entertaining spaces, a gym, a caretaker’s cottage, and a heated gunite pool.
A private boardwalk to the beach and a waterfront dock make it easy to enjoy the Hamptons’ famous water views. The secluded location also offers spectacular sunsets from the home’s western-facing pool deck. The home’s interior is just as impressive, with custom millwork and wood flooring throughout, three fireplaces, grasscloth wall coverings, and sunlit living spaces.
But what really sets this home apart is its amenities. From a high-tech 14-seat movie theater to a nine-hole mini golf course, this estate has something for everyone.
But, is it worth the mind-blowing $175 million asking price? Probably not, but that doesn’t mean it won’t find a buyer. After all, there isn’t much precedent for a property listing at such a staggering amount in the area.
3. The Manor
English manor estates are often a step back in time, giving visitors the opportunity to experience how the other half lived. They are typically open to the public and can include facilities for parking, accessibility and sometimes a restaurant or gift shop.
For those who have a love for history and a passion for travel, visiting England’s manor houses is a must. There were once thousands of these majestic homes but today only around 3000 remain. While the cost of owning and running one is prohibitive for most, there are many that can be visited for a small fee or even free of charge.
One of the best examples is Haddon Hall in Bakewell, Derbyshire. This stunning Tudor manor is one of the best-preserved buildings from the medieval ages and offers a truly unique experience. You can spend hours wandering through the rooms and exploring the intricate details, which have remained untouched for centuries.
Another popular destination for those interested in touring England’s grand country homes is Chartwell House, the former home of Winston Churchill and his wife Clementine. The property is now owned by the National Trust and opened to the public daily. The building has an incredible history and contains some of the finest furniture, tapestries and art from the era.
If you’re searching for the perfect wedding venue on Keuka Lake, look no further than The Manor House Estate. Not only is this luxurious estate located directly on the lake, it also features a beautiful wrap-around porch, flowerbeds and sweeping lawns. The owners allow only ONE WEDDING PER WEEKEND, so you can be sure that you will have plenty of space to enjoy your special day.
4. Seminole Landing
Situated within the ultra-exclusive Seminole Landing enclave and adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, Intracoastal Waterway, renowned Seminole Golf Club and Lost Tree Village, homes in this North Palm Beach community offer private beach access and tropical vegetation including majestic banyan trees. Moreover, these stunning estates are just a few minutes away from a long list of swanky restaurants and one-of-a-kind boutique shopping destinations.
As one might expect, estates in Seminole Landing are not cheap. Most start at over $3 million and can go all the way up to $7 or $8 million for an expansive oceanfront property with direct beach access. For example, billionaire tech entrepreneur Larry Ellison is selling one of his oceanfront North Palm Beach estates in Seminole Landing for a staggering $145 million.
The best Seminole Landing estates feature a range of smart technology and high-end fixtures, spacious bedrooms, home offices and media rooms and gourmet kitchens with marble or wood floors. Moreover, these luxurious residences often include heated pools, private docks and lifts, outdoor dining areas, lush landscaping, circular driveways and a mix of Colonial and Mediterranean-inspired architectural designs.
The town of Seminole Landing is also home to some of the best FSU Panama City students from all over Bay County who want to live in a residential college environment. Other amenities in Seminole Landing include beautiful waterfront views, quaint cafes, fresh produce stores and several local parks that have playgrounds for kids. In addition, Seminole Landing offers easy access to some of the strongest area schools like Robertsdale High School and Elsanor Elementary School. The community is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience Florida living at its finest.
5. The Beach House
This stunning enclave in the private community of Seminole Landing offers sweeping views, a palatial manse and plenty of space for entertaining. The property is a rare find, according to listing agents Dina Goldentayer and Ryan Serhant, with only a few other oceanfront properties on the market in the entire area.
The sprawling estate features a two-story main house and a one-bedroom guest home, plus a pool with panoramic views. Inside, the interiors are designed by a South African architecture firm and feature a media room, library and spa. The property was previously owned by the cofounder of online coupon company Honey, George Ruan, but he recently put it on the market with a $150 million price tag.
If you’re looking for a vacation home that can double as a summer retreat, Galveston is the place to be. The island’s weather is mild enough that you can enjoy a beach day year-round, but it’s also close to attractions like the Moody Gardens and Schlitterbahn Waterpark. The median home sale price in the area is around $340,000.
The only thing better than a beautiful beach is a gorgeous vacation rental that can be used to host friends and family. This home in the Hawaiian paradise of Lahaina is one such property, offering a spacious layout with a large pool, an outdoor kitchen and plenty of lanais to take in the view. The home is just a short walk from the city’s historic downtown district, where you can find restaurants, cafes and shops.