#1: Classic Colonial-Style Home
This colonial-style, chic Southampton country home, which sits on 2.7 acres, is just minutes from the ocean. A winding drive leads through a grand gate down rolling horse farm hills, passing by a garage house and a guest house to the main house. When renovating the three structures, which boast a total of nine bedrooms and eight and a half baths, no detail was left out in order to elevate this 1920s home to the 21st century and to transform it in into one of the most spectacular estates in Southampton. Ample first and second floor terraces, overgrown by wisteria and overlooking the fabulous landscaped grounds, as well as a spectacular pool add to the numerous places to entertain. An ideal getaway that's fantastic for year-round living, this home is on the market for $7,990,000.
#2: Gracious Estate Overlooking a Lake
This gracious estate overlooks crystal clear Pleasant Lake in New London, New Hampshire, and the hills beyond. Lush lawns and gardens transition to a path that leads to the sandy beach and lakefront cabana. Entertain in the spectacular, two-story, paneled great room and music room or enjoy a cozy fire in the family room off the chef-quality kitchen. A sweeping stairway leads to four upstairs bedrooms, all with baths, and a gym. A glass solarium embraces morning sunshine, and in the afternoon, watch the sunset from the sandy beach. Privacy is assured on 15 half acres. The stunning guest house features vaulted ceilings, a kitchen, and living space. There is a three-car garage attached to the main house as well as two to three more garage bays in the guest house. This very unique offering in the heart of the Lake Sunapee region is on the market for $3,975,000.
#3: Custom Colonial Estate
In the heart of Hunt Country, a winding drive leads to this impressive custom colonial estate, majestically set on more than 24 farm assessed acres. Completed in 2007, this estate presents stunning architectural details and interior appointments, which includes wainscoting; extensive millwork and moldings; vaulted, coffered, and tray ceilings; and oak and granite flooring. A finished walk-out lower level with 10-foot ceilings features a home theater and recreation and exercise rooms. The impeccably maintained equestrian facility features an Amish-built, two-story barn; 11 stalls; wash, tack, and hay storage; 11 paddocks; four run-in sheds; numerous pastures; and a show ring. There's also a carriage house and a three-car garage on this property which has been priced at $4,095,000.
#4: First-Class New Jersey Estate
Black River Farm is an income-producing, first-class horse facility positioned on 134 acres that features more than 50 stalls, outdoor and indoor arenas, a jump field, fenced fields, and paddocks. There's a manager’s cottage and three additional housing units. Informal elegance describes the beautifully-restored and expanded farm house with hardwood floors, antique fixtures, large open entertaining spaces, great room with vaulted ceiling, three fireplaces, his and hers libraries, offices, exercise room, a wrap-around covered porch, formal garden, and in-ground pool. The third floor bonus room is currently used as an additional bedroom. The home built in 1910 was expanded in both 1993 and 2002 transforming the original modest home into the elegant colonial farm house it is today. This property is now available for $4,400,000.
#5: Long Island's 'Villa Maria'
"Villa Maria," one of Long Island’s most beautiful estates, is a more than 15-acre retreat of solitude and beauty with breathtaking views of Mecox Bay. The approximately 22,000-square-foot residence is offered with 1,200-foot bulkhead waterfront with dock. In 1919, shipping magnate Edward P. Morse commissioned Brooklyn architect Frank Freeman to transform the existing cottage into this beautiful villa by the sea. In 2005, the present owners, world-renowned designers, purchased this spectacular property and began a six-year project to recapture its 1920s grandeur, while completely modernizing it into a splendid 21st century home
Consisting of approximately 22,000 square feet and four levels, the mansion's highlights include a handmade three-story wrought iron staircase accessing a large reception hall, a 60-foot living room and formal dining room, both with original fresco details, 11 bedrooms, including a six-room, beautifully-appointed master suite, a serene and light-filled atrium with the original tile floor and a brilliant state of the art kitchen. The internationally-renowned architectural firm of Andre Tchelistcheff hired only the most talented craftsman to complete the thorough restoration and renovation of this landmarked home. Care was taken to insure all principal rooms take advantage of the panoramic views and abundant light that filters through the waterside French doors and windows. The outdoor spaces feature a grand double-height portico with enormous stone columns and a large limestone terrace with magnificent views of the bay. The stately grounds and gardens have been restored and further enhanced by Edmund D. Hollander, offering year-round beauty and privacy. There is a pool with panoramic water views, a pool cabana, a tennis court, and a comfortable and chic, two-bedroom guest house. Villa Maria is on the market for $85,000,000.