Like many major metropolitan areas across the country, Seattle is seeing a resurgence in downtown life, and recent near-record sales of luxury properties show that buyers remain confident in the value of living in Seattle.

"As we continue to press through the Covid-19 pandemic, the resurgence of Seattle and its real estate market in the downtown core is becoming more and more apparent,” says Scott Wasner, co-founder and executive vice president of Christie’s International Real Estate Seattle. “In the last four months, I have orchestrated two of the most significant sales the city has seen since 2020. These sales, along with others, showcase the growing demand for in-city residences as astute buyers see the current and long-term value of a downtown property.”

Since July, Wasner has closed on two spectacular penthouses in Escala, one of Seattle’s most exclusive condominium towers, located at 1920 4th Avenue. The first, in July, was penthouse #3102, a 4,522 sq. foot residence that sold for an astounding $7 million - the highest residential sale price in Seattle since October 2020. “This penthouse has arguably the best views in the city - water, city, and mountain,” Wasner says. The three-bedroom penthouse takes advantage of its superior location with floor-to-ceiling windows throughout and three incredible terraces to enjoy the breathtaking vistas. “The level of stonework, woodwork, and cabinetry found throughout is also second to none.”

On the heels of penthouse #3102 came the sale of Escala’s penthouse #3002 in early October for an impressive $6,625,000. This 4,500-sq.-ft. residence is a brand new residence that offers a posh, downtown living experience. It was designed with a flowing floor plan that takes advantage of its incredible city and water views and features a distinctive style that uses a masterful blend of wood, marble, and porcelain from around the world along with state-of-the-art lighting, appliances, and technology.

“The robust and diverse economics of the region, including the significant involvement of many iconic global brands, continues to attract buyers from out of state as well as overseas,” Wasner continues. “The revitalization of many of the city’s cultural attractions is certainly helping the real estate market too. Restaurants, bars, and in-person sporting events have taken the main stage in bringing foot traffic back to the sidewalks of Seattle.”

“As an in-city resident, I have personally invested in Seattle and continue to bet on its future.”

For more information about luxury properties throughout Washington, please contact Scott Wasner at scottwasner@christiesrealestateseattle.com or 206-910-1410.

The post Scott Wasner Of Christie’s International Real Estate Seattle Talks The Resurgence Of Downtown Seattle appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Carolann Clynes presents

When an immaculate interior, lovely setting and prime location top your list, look no further than this stunning Colonial. Built in 1936, this fine home is positioned to take full advantage of all this thriving community has to offer. Resting on over 1/3 acre of totally at and private land in Deafy Lee's Pond neighborhood, curb appeal is only the beginning. Inside, you are greeted by an easy flowing main living area where hardwood floors, fireplaces, and a versatile decor welcome a wide array of furnishings and artwork. As the living room spills into the sunroom, you have plenty of abundant light throughout. The beautiful kitchen opens into the lovely formal dining room which is perfect for entertaining. Four bedrooms, including the master suite, are comfortably nestled on the second level. The luxurious master suite features a wood-burning fireplace and a full bathroom. Also located on the second level is a private home office for all your work needs. Outside, the patio overlooks a large backyard offering the ideal venue for dining, entertaining, active play, and gardening.

Address: 305 Summit Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901

Price: $1,395,000

For more information, please contact Carolann Clynes at 908-516-4790 or carolann@njfinehome.com

Carolann Clynes is the exclusive agent representing the Summit, NJ real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

Photo Credit: Visual Marketing & Design

Photo Credit: Visual Marketing & Design

Photo Credit: Visual Marketing & Design

Photo Credit: Visual Marketing & Design

The post A Colonial-Style Home In Summit By Carolann Clynes appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The panelists were hosted by Haute Living's Erik Haase in the engaging dialogue. They were:

• Robert Greenwood, Partner, Regency International Estates, Turks and Caicos
• John Christie, Partner, HG Christie, Bahamas
• Justin White, Director of Sales, Anchor Antigua Realty, Antigua
• Craig Ryan, Principal, Anchor Antigua Realty, Antigua

Watch the webinar below.

Highlight quotes:

Robert Greenwood: "In Turks and Caicos, we just had a look at the second quarter numbers and we've held well over the preceding couple of years. In some sectors, especially our villa sector, we actually increased sales last year, so I think that's a real indicator that people are looking for COVID safe haven properties throughout the entire region... We see the growth because people are looking for a safe haven. And if you're going to quarantine, you might just as well quarantine in paradise... [Buyers] feel comfortable because they know the Christie's brand, the trust and the integrity that comes with it, and they're happy to say, 'Okay, let's do the deal.'"

John Christie: "There are different kinds of buyers and visitors in the Bahamas. If you're someone from New York and you're used to action being around, Nassau is the place for you, with large hotels, casinos, nightclubs, and all the main luxury communities. With COVID, we have seen a spike in interest in private islands, because there's no better place to have than your own private island if you want to control your destiny and a place to lock down. That's been one of our strengths. If you're a beginner buyer or someone that has a couple of extra dollars, you can get lots as low as $20,000."

Justin White: "Antigua is a unique place. We have zero capital gains tax, zero inheritance tax, and zero income tax. That's the benefit there and itself. We have opportunities in almost every single angle, especially with regards to real estate... We have boutique hotels, luxury resorts, luxury villas, and tons of empty primetime land right on the ocean with a citizenship aspect, whereby you can gain citizenship to this country if you meet certain prerequisites... Being Antiguan isn't just for Antiguans. If you're willing to come here and adopt the culture and invest with us, we are happy to put our arm around your shoulder and say you're one of us."

Craig Ryan: "We have seen a big uptick in our luxury rental market. There's nothing easier than for your family to come down and get a five-bedroom villa on the beach, and you have your week to be by yourself... We opened up our borders June 1st, and from there, we've had full planes from America because there's a huge demand. People are ready to finally get out and enjoy life... If I have a client that doesn't find a product that works in Antigua, I'm calling up John and Robert. That's the level of family we have between the affiliates where it's not a cold introduction email. We have support between the islands and the Christie's network overall."

Top: Robert Greenwood, John Christie. Bottom: Justin White, Craig Ryan

The post Christie’s International Real Estate Panel Talks Benefits Of Investing In The Caribbean Market appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Edgardo Defortuna, President and CEO of Fortune International Group, Marcelo Kingston, Managing Partner of Multiplan Real Estate Asset Management (REAM), Leo Medeiros, Director of Sales at 181 Fremont, and Erin Boisson Aries, Founder of Erin Boisson Aries Team at Christie's International Real Estate, were hosted by Haute Living's April Donelson. The dialogue with and between the experts went into the penthouses their companies represent, as well as the state of their respective real estate markets during the quarantine and now as the industry is reopening to pre-pandemic operations.

Watch the webinar below.

Defortuna and Kingston showcased 57 Ocean, the 71-home boutique building set along Millionaire’s Row between Atlantic Heights and Mid-Beach in Miami Beach, and its $35-million penthouse. "The concept is to really connect with nature and to provide a healthy lifestyle in all aspects to the consumer that is the user of this property," said Defortuna, whose team at Fortune Development Sales is the exclusive broker of 57 Ocean.

"We are very proud about this rooftop penthouse where you can enjoy 360 views of Miami, the ocean and Intercoastal Waterway, and in pretty much 15,000 square feet (8,000 indoor, 7,000 outdoor), which is really unique, wrapping up the whole unit in one single floor," said Kingston. "We set the ocean as the front stage of any moment within the building. When the thought about the project and inspiration for the penthouse, we were trying to create special touchpoints and special moments within that space."

Boisson Aries gave a Big Apple-worthy presentation of the $34 million penthouse at One Beacon Court, including the never-ending views of New York City. "If you're going to be in New York, you want to have the most spectacular views," she said. "Vertically, we go north as far as the eye can see. Horizontally, (the views from the penthouse) goes from the East River all the way to New Jersey and beyond. There are great views in New York, and then there are spectacular us in New York. This one qualifies as having absolutely spectacular views. The apartment is 9,000 square feet in total and it's five bedrooms and six and a half baths. It is a duplex so it's spread over two floors. What this double-height space does is bring the entire city into your apartment."

Medeiros highlighted a stunning $46 million penthouse at 181 Fremont in San Francisco, pointing out that the photos did not do it justice since he participated in the webinar from inside the unit. "Our Grand Penthouse is nearly 7,000 square feet. It's the tallest residence west of Chicago," he said. "It includes all the furnishings and accessories. It happens to be the most expensive home in San Francisco, but it's also probably the most spectacular residence in San Francisco and, I think, the West Coast."

Sign-up for upcoming Haute Residence webinars:

Wednesday, June 24th at 3PM EST / 12PM PST

Haute Residence and Luxury Living Group Design

Join Haute Residence and Luxury living Group as we talk with top designers about fine furniture and new design trends after the quarantine. REGISTER.

Wednesday, June 24th at 4PM EST / 1PM PST

NYC Real Estate Reopening with Top Compass Agents

Join us as we talk with four of the top Compass names in the Big Apple about reopening after the quarantine. REGISTER.

Thursday, June 25th at 4PM EST / 1PM PST

Designing for Wellness in the Post-COVID Era

Join us for a talk about Blue Wellness-oriented architecture, natural amenities and skin-care, and the healthful benefits of living by the ocean. REGISTER.

To watch more webinars by Haute Residence, visit https://dev.hauteresidence.com/

Top: Edgardo Defortuna, Erin Boisson Aries. Bottom: Leo Medeiros, Marcelo Kingston

The post Penthouses: High-Rise Palaces In Miami, New York And San Francisco Highlighted appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The dialogue touched on the latest in their markets and surrounding areas. They were hosted by Haute Living's Erik Haase. Watch the webinar below.

As Haute Residence continues to host industry-leading webinars featuring top real estate agents, developers, brokers and industry insiders, we invite you to sign up for our upcoming webinar:

Monday, June 8th at 2PM EST /11AM PST

"Communication in Post Pandemic America Real Estate Edition". Join experts in real estate PR Jessica Levy, Tadd Schwartz, Elliott Stares, and Amy Zakarin as they reveal their insight on communication post-COVID-19. REGISTER HERE.

Carolann Clynes, Elena Bluntzer

Highlight quotes from today's webinar:

Elena Bluntzer: "There are more opportunities now than before the pandemic. We are seeing an interest in single-family homes. We are seeing more and faster activity, almost to a bidding war. This will drive their values higher than what was previously expected. With condos, prices have not dropped as much as buyers expected... This year, we are already experiencing a lot of northeasterners coming down here... Sellers are much more interested in cash buyers now... I believe staying informed and ahead of the game is going to give us the advantage to help our buyers and sellers... We have to be aware to recalibrate more often than we are used to; there's no way to say there's a new normal. We are shifting every day, every week... It (recent time) has been a lot of self-reflection, organizing, and tweaking. All of that has come into play. I have taken advantage of that as best possible and I know my colleagues have as well."

Carolann Clynes: "It (the pandemic) has given us all a chance to reflect and think about going forward... A lot of buyers and sellers are happy doing things virtually... The typical buyers coming out of the cities want fresh air, more space inside and outside. For a long time in the Summit area, pools have not been popular. We now find that we have more buyers asking for pools... Interest rates are very low, maybe as low as they have ever been, particularly for adjustable-rate mortgages... Even through pandemics and recessions, our values hold quite well. Taxes are stable... We have most of our buyers anxious to buy and moving quickly. We are going from a buyer's market to a seller's market in the high-end, which we haven't seen in quite a while... If all goes well and the pandemic hopefully slows down, the summer will be very busy into September and October... The real estate market is not for the faint of heart. It's a wonderful profession."

To watch more webinars by Haute Residence, visit dev.hauteresidence.com.

The post Watch: Atlantic Coast Real Estate Webinar appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

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.

Join our upcoming webinars:

Friday, April 24th at 4PM EST

Three of the top agents that cover some of the highest-regarded real estate markets in the country: Susan Breitenbach (The Hamptons), Chris Cortazzo (Malibu), and Jill Eber (South Florida). REGISTER: https://hauteliving.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nlBLUB7cSiyEqFmXmDOgnA

Monday, April 27th at 4PM EST

We host our second “Coast to Coast” real estate webinar, featuring top agents in their respective markets: Cristal Clarke (Santa Barbara, CA), Darlene Streit (New Mexico), Chris Karas (Paradise Valley, AZ), and Sylvia Fragos (Aventura, FL). REGISTER: https://hauteliving.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TgokTM4pTaiV-e7G7FsEgA

Highlight quotes from the webinar:

Brian Guiltinan: "The good thing about real estate is that, with technology, we have moved this way for a few years... I think we will see a lot of product (homes) hit the market this summer... You have to know your marketplace. It takes time to build relationships."

Moira E. Holley: "Zoom has now become part of my daily routine. I feel comfortable with my iPhone, iPad and Facetime walking through a property with clients on the other end, or just sending them a video so they can take a look."

Frank D. Isoldi: "Manhattan is an awesome place; Brooklyn is off the charts. But we are seeing a shift towards the suburbs. Now more than ever, people are going to be looking for outdoors, home gyms, home offices... It's crucial to have the right people working on the transaction on both sides." 

Devin Kay: "Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook play a pivotal role to keep in touch with people. I have 10-12 buyers from outside of Florida looking to get into the market. Having a huge presence in social media and marketing is going to make a difference... With rates where they are now, banks are going to be more careful on who they lend to and how they qualify people." 

Watch previous Haute Residence webinars with agents, brokers, developers and other industry leaders here.

The post Coast To Coast: Real Estate Webinar With Top Agents In San Diego, Seattle, New Jersey And South Florida appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

The webinar was hosted by Haute Living's Seth Semilof. Hundreds of live viewers joined from different corners of the world to listen as Conn gave his remarks, which touched on many aspects of the luxury real estate market. Semilof asked Conn questions submitted by the live audience. Conn also spoke about some of the high-end events that the company has held through the last 12 months around the world. Watch the video below.

Conn joined Christie's International Real Estate, an invitation-only network of luxury real estate specialists in 49 countries and territories around the world, after managing Brookfield Asset Management's Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (HRHC) investment, overseeing all property level departments, including finance, strategy, legal, marketing, and human resources as well as developing the HRHC franchise business.

Sign up for upcoming Haute Residence webinars:

Thursday, April 23rd at 7PM EST

A "Coast to Coast" webinar with top brokers Brian Guiltinan (San Diego, CA), Moira E. Holley (Seattle, WA), Frank D. Isoldi (Westfield, NJ), and Devin Kay (South Florida), who will weigh in on the latest in their markets. REGISTER: https://hauteliving.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_plrhinyTQum9iON6_60mww

Friday, April 24th at 4PM EST

Three of the top agents that cover some of the highest-regarded real estate markets in the country: Susan Breitenbach (The Hamptons), Chris Cortazzo (Malibu), and Jill Eber (South Florida). REGISTER: https://hauteliving.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nlBLUB7cSiyEqFmXmDOgnA

Monday, April 27th at 4PM EST

We host our second “Coast to Coast” real estate webinar, featuring top agents in their respective markets: Cristal Clarke (Santa Barbara, CA), Darlene Streit (New Mexico), Chris Karas (Paradise Valley, AZ), and Sylvia Fragos (Aventura, FL). REGISTER: https://hauteliving.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TgokTM4pTaiV-e7G7FsEgA

Highlight quotes from today's webinar with Dan Conn:

"Our business has survived in the luxury world because of the way we think about servicing clients... You should think about your clients and your relationship with them. When you ask 'How can I help?', it makes a difference... For the agents, try to be careful. Stay out of harm's way and keep your clients out of harm's way. Do things virtually... If they can afford it, people want to get away from the density they were feeling as this (the pandemic) started to hit... The change in tax policy was helping and will continue to help Florida, but now there is another variable, that people will shy away from urban centers to go to less dense areas (like Florida)... In 2020, the most important thing is to focus on the team, try to keep everyone together, engaged... I don't see a scenario where the future of real estate is negative. People will always want a home."

Watch previous Haute Residence webinars with agents, brokers, developers and other industry leaders here.

The post Watch: Dan Conn, CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate Joins Haute Residence To Talk Latest In The Industry appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Built by a life-long rancher and renowned breeder of cutting horses, this luxury equestrian estate sits on 8.4 acres in Molalla, Oregon, conveniently located between Portland and Salem in the foothills of the Cascade Range just 15 miles from the Mt. Hood National Forest.

The estate’s custom home is a blend of the best from Mid-Century, contemporary and ranch styles with simple, clean lines and interesting design elements that make it special. The welcoming, open-concept great room looks like it leapt from the pages of Architectural Digest, with 10-foot ceilings, an oversized kitchen island with breakfast bar and a floor-to-ceiling transparent wine wall between the office and great room. The covered outdoor kitchen and living room provides immense space for entertaining and enjoying Oregon’s year-round mild weather as well as fabulous unobstructed views for miles around. The innovative design extends into the master suite as well. The whole suite was the property’s original homestead, and the 10x10 meditation room was once the front porch. The master bath has a wet room concept with a free-standing tub and exquisite tile work.

The luxurious nature of this property continues to the stables which were built to be a showcase structure. By design, the stables don’t look like a barn but rather like a reflection of the house. The building has an office space, tack room, overhead doors on each end, and seven total stalls that include three extra-large stalls that are large enough for horses to foal and grow and four standard stalls. Obsessed with details, the owners created an infrastructure that supports an active lifestyle with minimal fuss, including an effortless drainage system, a raised double-wide driveway, easy pass-through garage door access in the barn, and noble pipe fencing.

Don’t let the quiet, private, rural location fool you, Molalla’s small but mighty commercial center with groceries, shopping, and dining is just a four-minute drive from the house and three of Oregon’s best golf courses are within five miles.

This property is not available for sale on the open market at this time, but private showings may be arranged and offers to purchase may be submitted through the property’s representatives Friederike Svensson and Juli Martin at LUXE Christie’s International Real Estate.

Address: 11471 South Highway 211, Molalla, OR

Price: $1,200,000

For more information, please contact Friederike Svensson and Juli Martin at 503-388-5570 or info@svenssonmartin.com.

LUXE Christie’s International is the exclusive real estate company representing the Oregon & Washington (SW, Central & Eastern) real estate market as a member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of their listings here.

Photo Credit: Christie's International Real Estate Seattle

Photo Credit: Christie's International Real Estate Seattle

Photo Credit: Christie's International Real Estate Seattle

The post LUXE Christie’s Presents A Luxury Equestrian Molalla Property appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Famous faces are making regular appearances at Art Basel, museum benefits, and auctions. While personal tastes vary–these art collecting celebs have walls in their homes that would rival any gallery show.

Leonardo DiCaprio's Art Collection

Call DiCaprio "The Wolf of Wall Art." This guy is a fixture on the art auction circuit. He may try to keep a low profile with a cap pulled low over his eyes, but it's hard for him to hide once the bidding starts.

One of DiCaprio's first big art purchases was a Jean-Michel Basquiat drawing. He told the Wall Street Journal, "I’ve continued to be a huge admirer of Basquiat.”

He has also purchased work by Andy Warhol, Picasso, Takashi Murakami, Oscar Murillo, Walton Ford, Ed Ruscha, and Mark Ryden.

DiCaprio has even found ways to combine his philanthropic work with art appreciation. In 2013, he held "The 11th Hour Sale" a Christie's charity auction to benefit some of his environmental causes. During the event, DiCaprio purchased a painting by his friend Walton Ford for $250,000. At Sean Penn’s Haiti Rising Gala charity auction in Beverly Hills, DiCaprio purchased a work by Ed Ruscha for $125,000.

Last year, DiCaprio made headlines for having to surrender a $3.2 million Picasso and a $9 million Basquiat to the US government. The works were connected to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad embezzlement scandal. Because the art in question were gifts, DiCaprio was not charged with any crimes or implicated in any wrongdoing. A statement from the actor about the pieces read, "Mr. DiCaprio is grateful for the support of the government in this effort and continues to hope that justice is done in this matter."

Because of the immense value of the artwork DiCaprio deals in, he often consults advisors, like his art dealer friend David Nahmad, before making large purchases.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z's Love of Art

Beyoncé and Jay-Z have several ties to the art world. Jay performed his song “Picasso Baby” at Pace Gallery in 2013. Beyoncé hired the Ethiopian artist Awol Erizku to take her pregnancy-announcement photos, and the resulting images "broke the internet." Erizku's work is known for colorful compositions that repurpose found objects. He said in a 2015 interview, "I make things that I want to see in the world." He wasn't the only artist to be inspired by Queen B and Jay. Damien Hirst has also made two artworks inspired by the couple.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z have collected art from Andy Warhol, Richard Prince, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Tim Noble and Sue Webster, George Condo, Laurie Simmons, David Hammons, Richard Prince, and Ed Ruscha.

"Dustheads" by Jean Michel Basquiat sold in 2015 for 49 million

The couple regularly attends Art Basel in Miami. Beyoncé also shared some insight into her love of the artist Basquiat on her blog, "What I find in the artwork of Jean-Michel Basquiat I search for every day in music. His art is musical, his broad strokes, he is lyrical and raw."

In 2014, Jay-Z dressed up like Basquiat and Beyoncé went out as artist Frida Kahlo for Halloween. Art is a way of life for these two.

Brad Pitt's Art and Furniture

In addition to his collaboration with Frank Pollaro making art deco furniture, Pitt made a splash at Art Basel Switzerland in 2009 when he dropped $1 million on Neo Rauch’s colorful 9-foot long racetrack painting "Etappe."

Pitt has also been a long-term donor to the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art–even applying at one point to serve on their board.

Appraisers estimate Pitt's art collection to be worth $25 million. His holdings include works by Banksy, Dom Pattinson, Ed Ruscha and Richard Serra.

Since his split from Angelina Jolie, Pitt has turned his attention to art making. He spent a month at the studio of artist Thomas Houseago learning how to make sculpture.

Other Notable Celebrity Art Collectors

This painting by Fernand Legér hangs in Madonna's living room.

Madonna was a young club kid when the pop art movement and Andy Warhol's warehouse took over New York City. She dated Basquiat for a hot minute in the 1980s and now has an art collection worth $100 million. She has been friends with many successful artists during her long career.

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka have a Harlem townhouse filled with art. They especially like the oil painting in their living room by artist Kehinde Wiley.

David and Victoria Beckham are well-known patrons on the art circuit too.

Victoria teamed up with Sotheby's earlier this year for a curated exhibition of 16 paintings by "Old Masters." She handpicked all of the pieces displayed.

David and Victoria have filled their home with "love-themed" art from some of the hottest artists on the market. For his daughter Harper's birthday, David commissioned a piece entitled "Daddy's Girl" from Damien Hirst. Victoria purchased a neon heart by Tracy Emin that says, "I Felt You And I Knew You Loved Me." The couple has gifted each other artwork by Emin for years.

Their enviable collection also includes works by Jeff Koons, Banksy, Eddie Peake, Yayoi Kusama and Andy Warhol.

The post Beyonce And Jay-Z, Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Among Celebs Amassing Art Fortunes appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Freeports are offshore storage facilities that exist outside of the territorial jurisdiction of any country and offer tax advantages. Freeports exist all over the world but only one is in New York (below). So what are other, closer and more accessible options?

With Frieze Art Fair and TEFAF in New York this week - and tons of other fairs throughout the year - we have highlighted some of the best local storage facilities and their services for New York City art collectors' new acquisitions. From climate controlled moving trucks to retinal scan security services, these storage facilities are far from your mother’s attic.

ARCIS

Kevin Lay, former executive of Crozier Fine Art, and Tom Sapienza, former CFO of Crozier Fine Arts, were recruited by art collector and real estate mogul Ken Cayre to open ARCIS. ARCIS is actually a freeport but Tom Sapienza is quoted as saying, “While the FTZ designation is receiving a lot of deserved attention, the foundation of Arcis is providing real, museum-level sustainable storage to the private sector.”

After consulting with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam for advice on creating a state-of-the-art secure facility with cutting-edge air-filtration systems, retinal scanning, biometric key control and 60 video feeds. The team also pursued LEED and BREEAM certificates for the building. Located on West 146th Street in Harlem, the 110,000-square-foot, five-story facility has been designated for as much as $2.5 billion of art.

Artex

Located in Long Island City and founded in 1990, Artex offers fine art transportation, storage, crating, packing, and collection management to museum, gallery, private and commercial clients.  Not only are their facilities climate controlled but their trucks are too. Over the last 25 years Artex expanded to five major art markets with a staff of over 200 employees, state-of-the-art and high security storage warehouses, a conservation lab, and five crate production facilities. The company also provides a comprehensive range of technical support services that include inventory management, exhibition coordination, relocation services,  installation, rigging, conservation and project management.

Christie’s Fine Art Storage Services

Christie's Fine Art Storage Services (CFASS) is a storage provider for fine art, antiques and collectibles, with facilities in New York (just minutes from downtown), as well as their Singapore Freeport. Their state-of-the-art, newly opened New York facility offers three different types of storage options: Self-Managed Units, CFASS-Managed Units, and the CFASS-Managed Vault (where property is kept with multiple clients), They also offer a range of related white-glove services. “By leveraging 25 years of storage experience as well as Christie's renowned expertise with art and art handling, CFASS New York serves as the smart storage partner for collectors, galleries, institutions and advisors.”

Crozier

Crozier’s website sums up their services as saying the have a “comprehensive approach driven by industry knowledge.” Crozier helps both art industry professionals and collectors all over the world. “We apply the same methodical precision and expertise to our comprehensive range of art logistics services. Thoughtful, deliberate planning of every detail goes into each action we undertake.”

In addition to storage, installation and placement, handling and custom packing, registration and inventory, state-of-the-art condition reporting, rigging and engineering, international transport, crating and viewing galleries, Crozier also offers two distinct delivery services: chelsea Express, which is special flat-rate, same day pick-up and drop-off service within the Chelsea neighborhood from 3-6pm Tuesday – Friday and their California shuttle which offers door-to-door, climate-controlled shuttle service between the Los Angeles region and the San Francisco Bay Area.) They also offer project management, care consultation, collection management, emergency planning and response.

Uovo

Unsatisfied with the storage options available in the city, real estate magnate Steven Guttman spent $70 million to build a state-of-the-art storage facility in Long Island City. The 280,000 square foot facility has climate-controlled storage, private viewing rooms, and a range of services, from transportation, packing, crating, and installation. UOVO provides an array of storage options and innovative service and management solutions tailored to meet the specialized needs of any collection.

Guttman told ArtSpace, “There’s a lot of people in this business, but the way most of those companies started was that they were movers who would move art, and then people would say, ‘I can’t use this painting right now, can you just put it someplace for me?’ So, over time, they ended up with all this storage space it became their business. But it all started with moving and logistics, and no one has ever stepped back and said, How can we approach this a different way to be the best facility we can be. No one has ever approached this starting with the real estate.”

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Two very different record-breaking paintings topped the art market and news.

Photo credit: Sotheby’s

Untitled by Jean-Michel Basquiat sold to the Japanese collector Yusaku Maezawa for $110.5 million (Sotheby’s), setting  a new record for an American artist.

Photo credit Christie’s

Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi sold at Christie’s auction for $450 million. Despite the fact that some experts criticized its condition and others doubted its authenticity, it crushed the previous world record set by Picasso’s Women of Algiers in 2015 at $179 million.

Although those are extreme examples, the entire art market proved very strong, driven by post-war and contemporary art.

Wine, the 2016’s top-performing asset class, rose 11% in 2017, compared with  24% in 2016. It is now the second place asset class after art. Much of the demand for wine comes from Asia. Burgundy markets increased the most, at 16.5% though many wine regions were hit hard due to frost damage (some production down as much 70% in volume).

Photo credit: RM Sotheby's

Classic cars, a consistently strong asset class, saw record-breaking sales. The top seller was a 1956 Aston Martin DBR1, raced by legendary Stirling Moss, at a RM Sotheby’s auction for $22.5 million. It was the most expensive British car ever sold. Some other notable sales were a 1995 McLaren F1 sold through Bonhams for $15.6 million and a 1959 Ferrari 250GT California Spider LWB that sold for $18 million.

Photo credit: Sotheby's

In other asset classes, Hong Kong jeweler Chow Tai Fook paid $71.2 million for “the Pink Star,” a 59.6-carat vivid pink diamond. A a 1,000-year-old Ru guanyo ceramic brush-washing bowl sold for $40 million. And a rare set of four 16th- or 17th-century Chinese huanghuali folding chairs, sold for almost $7.5 million.

To read the full report, click here.

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