Walt Whitman, arguably America's most beloved poet, once said, Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you. And luxury living follows this sentiment. In fact, there are three real estate essentials that make for the ultimate home experience (you know, that sunshine experience that allows you to bask in luxury): (1) the most splendid interior design extravaganza; (2) close proximity to the ocean or nature; and (3) access to the most luxe city conveniences.

In his day, Whitman was a poet who offered hope to America—the hope that Americans could prosper and a thriving happiness could be experienced daily. Whitman wholeheartedly embraced the idea that the United States could be a buoyant nation not only for some, but for all of its people. The writer, Mark Edmundson, so eloquently describes Whitman's era as a time when "America had a mind shaped by the Founders, but the country needed [Whitman] to discover its spirit."

Discover more of that spirit by delving below into the most extraordinary and luxurious home experiences available today.

Interior Design Extravaganzas

A palatial living room to loafe around in luxury.

Your home becomes a sanctuary when surrounded by nature's greenery.

Luxury lunch anyone?

A table fit for feasting with friends.

Nearby Nature and By the Ocean

An ocean view with luxury's Midas touch.

To sleep here is to sleep, perchance to dream.

Imagine yourself here. Living the Whitman-American dream.

A walk-in couture closet that makes room for iconic designers to hang out in.

Luxe City Conveniences

Sotheby's International Realty

Everything you need and will ever want is at your fingertips.

Sotheby's International Realty

Sprawl in city opulence with martini in hand.

After Ralph Waldo Emerson, another American poet who led the transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century, infused Whitman with inspiration, Whitman wrote the incomparable Leaves of Grass. And Emerson then scribed the most complimentary letter to Whitman - praise from one great poet to another. To think, at the time, Whitman was a man of no celebrity and Emerson could have easily ignored Whitman's talent, been jealous of his talent. Instead, Emerson celebrated the young poet's ingenuity and recognized Whitman's budding genius.

You see, Emerson recognized that greatness is to be shared, and we all have something great to contribute; each and every one of us. And the sharing of our greatness (hopefully, while living in a manner similar to the homes mentioned above), will surely result in our enjoying the American dream, and honoring the dreams of those who have come before, and the dreams of those yet to come.

Except as otherwise noted, all images courtesy of Christie's International Real Estate

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