Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle

People who used to travel the world and stay in beautiful homes to get away from their busy lives are now thinking about second homes because, in unpredictable times like these, travel just isn’t an option. “Absolutely, the incidence of second home buying will go up,” says Dan Conn, CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate.

According to Harris Poll’s April 28, 2020 report, 43 percent of urban dwellers and 26 percent of suburbanites have recently browsed real estate websites for homes/apartments to rent or buy. The coronavirus pandemic has people thinking about how they want to live, according to Conn. With more opportunity to work remotely, properties in rural areas or acreage properties within a short drive from urban centers have become attractive options as they provide a sense of separation or distance.

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle

“Inquiries about vineyards, acreage estates and off-the-grid properties have increased significantly over the last two months,” says Kendra Ratcliff, COO of Washington’s Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle. “Our clients are re-evaluating their lives and realizing that working from home is not only possible but preferable.”

This dramatic shift in interest is being seen on a global level. “Our brokers throughout the world, from Portugal to Antigua to Amsterdam and Monaco, are receiving more and more interest in properties that promote a more self-sustaining lifestyle,” continues Ratcliff. “Washington has an incredible array of locations where one can find luxury properties. The Pacific Northwest is truly appealing to our clients because of the area’s natural beauty and outstanding real estate options that range from secluded island properties in the Puget Sound to ranches in Eastern Washington, vineyards in the Walla Walla, Columbia and Yakima Valleys and mountain-top getaways near Mt. Rainier or the breathtaking Okanogan in Washington and British Columbia, Canada.”

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle

Sacrificing luxury for location is no longer a concern as remote properties in the luxury category are far from the rustic cabin in the woods of yesteryear. “While you may be miles from the nearest grocery store, these rural estates have the same or better amenities as their urban counterparts,” Ratcliff explains. Helipads, pools, hiking trails, equestrian grounds, gardens, and vineyards are but a few of the exterior features you might find. While gourmet kitchens, “smart home” technology, athletic courts, wine cellars, gyms, and saunas are often found inside these highly sought-after homes.

High-end rural properties in the Pacific Northwest are not new, but this shift in the luxury real estate market has created a new demand for them that is sure to stay. “I think [second home buying] will be a secular shift in the market. That won’t change,” concluded Conn.

Photo Credit: Christie’s International Real Estate - Seattle

“Those looking to distance themselves physically, whether it is a primary residence or vacation home, will never have to compromise location for luxury,” Ratcliff assures. “We have incredible properties in all corners of Washington that fit the needs of our high-wealth clients.”

For more information about rural luxury properties throughout Oregon and Washington, please contact Kendra Ratcliff at 503-330-6677 or kendraratcliff@christiesrealestateseattle.com.

The post Washington’s Rural Properties Offer Luxury And Seclusion appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Some people feel most at home when on the water. For them, luxury houseboat living offers all the benefits of a modern residence with a few unique qualities. The floor gently moves beneath your feet. Fresh breezes roll in off the surface of the water, and natural light is everywhere.

Storms can be concerning. Upkeep is essential. And having hot water can be challenging. For luxury houseboat owners, though, the charm of watching the sunset over the water from their front porch is worth any minor inconvenience.

These luxury houseboats rock–and not just from the waves.

Villa Nackros

This floating villa on Sweden's east coast has an expansive floor plan with over 1,900 square feet of living space. An additional 1,000 square feet of rooftop space is the perfect place to cultivate a home herb garden while enjoying 360-degree views.

Designed by renowned architect, Staffan Strindberg, this-6 room floating villa started with a very specific inspiration. "The design is focused on bringing the surroundings inside, to get the feeling of the water into your living,” Strindberg said in an interview for New Atlas.

Water Villa Omval

The Dutch firm +31 Architects created this bright white aluminum houseboat in Amsterdam that will make you think you're in a contemporary split-level condo until you glance out one of the floor-to-ceiling windows and see the Amstel River.

The bottom section sits just below the surface of the water, resembling the hull of a ship. A floating terrace runs alongside the main house–allowing residents to step out of one of the sliding glass doors and walk along the water on the outside.

The Seahorse

In Dubai, luxury living is on another level. Lifestyle is the focus of the houseboats available at the Heart of Europe at The World Islands and marketed by LuxuryProperty.com. The Floating Seahorse is a fully-customizable 4,000 square-foot family home on and under the water.

The signature edition offers three-levels with the lowest floor's massive windows showing immersive under-sea views. It looks like a set from a James Bond movie with state-of-the-art technology throughout and climate controls inside and out.

Andrew Cummings, co-founder and managing director of LuxuryProperty.com says, "The Seahorse offers a unique aquatic experience, with the main bedroom located underwater, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out into the crystal blue ocean. Residents can enjoy the spectacular marine life up close and personal from the end of their bed, or out on their private relaxation deck."

Whether you aim to entertain or enjoy the privacy and peace of life surrounded by sea life–the Floating Seahorse can be tailored to suit your every need.

The Fennell Residence

There is something timeless and poetic about the constant flow of a river. It was this quality that the Fennell Residence hoped to capture when it was designed and built to resemble the shape of flowing water.

Resting on the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon. This undulating home is constructed from curved beams making it feel completely natural in its environment yet out-of-this-world at the same time.

"Luxury floating homes are few and far between in Portland, and the exquisite contemporary design of the Fennell Residence makes this particular floating house even more extraordinary. Portland-based architect Robert Harvey Oshatz is well known for his organic, innovative creations that are born from his unique approach to architecture–integrating the environment and the personalities and dreams of his clients," says Kristen Kohnstamm, principal broker with Cascade Sotheby's International Realty.

The Nut House

For a whimsically colorful take on houseboat living, step aboard "The Nut House." Built from the ground up by Ty Angle, everything on this boat is entirely custom. Each level including the upstairs bar has a custom lighting scheme, which can be controlled by an iPad mounted on the wall. This house makes sure Lake Don Pedro stays lit long after the California sun has set.

These houseboats are not only architectural marvels. They are outfitted with the modern conveniences of a brick and mortar home–from central heating, and chef-quality ranges to cozy fireplaces.

Houseboats let you have a big city at your doorstep, while still feeling the freedom of the open sea.

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