Highland Partners Luxury Real Estate agent and partner, Debbi DiMaggio, shares her curated list of local destinations under 3.5 hours from the East Bay.

Longtime Realtor, Debbi DiMaggio has been practicing real estate in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 30 years with her partner and husband Adam Betta who will celebrate their 29th wedding anniversary in July. This duo has spent years working in and, supporting their small-town community of Piedmont from the schools to local government, where their office is located, Debbi grew up, and the two raised their children. Aside from an excellent school system, and its convenient location to shops, restaurants, cafes, San Francisco, and three international airports, what the DiMaggio & Betta’s enjoy most has always been the close proximity to such world-renowned resort destinations such as Carmel and Monterey, the Sonoma and Napa Valley, Lake Tahoe, Stinson Beach, and Yosemite, all beautiful places just a stone's throw away frequented over the years as a family and continue to do so as Empty Nesters.

What is your favorite nearby destination within an hour’s drive?

We live in the East Bay so the Napa Valley is just under an hour away. When we lived in San Francisco we spent more time in Sonoma.

What does a typical afternoon look like in Napa Valley?

Whether it’s just the two of us, or my kids and their grandparents, or house guests who’ve never visited The Valley, it’s always the same, or some variation depending on the time at our disposal. The first stop is always the beautiful Silverado Vineyards. The views from this Italianate winery provide a birds-eye view of the Valley floor. And the wine of course, superb. From there it’s up to Auberge du Soleil for a light lunch and more wine, another perfect spot with magnificent vineyard vistas as well as the sparkling Auberge swimming pool featured in my book, Contained Beauty, photographs, reflections, and swimming pools. If the group still has energy, our next stop is the Napa Valley Olive Oil Co where we purchase our olive oil and porcini mushrooms for Adam’s Spicy Bolognese Sauce— it’s just betta! Then we circle back through St Helena to Hall Wines which is marked with a 35 foot tall polished stainless steel sculpture called Bunny Foo Foo, and finally to dinner at Bistro Don Giovanni. It’s a long day, but highly worth it.

Which of these destinations do you enjoy most as a family?

We’ve been going to the Carneros Resort and Spa since its inception. That first summer it opened we found ourselves sitting around the pool with investors of the resort. It was very small at the time yet situated high on the hill over an expansive property overlooking the rolling hills. We’ve watched and enjoyed the expansion over the years. We’ve stayed overnight and on weekends as a couple, and with the kids, and one year celebrated my parents anniversary and Thanksgiving renting one of their single-family homes.

Which is the best destination for a day trip?

As empty nesters, Adam and I go skiing in Lake Tahoe, either to Northstar or Heavenly as we are Epic Pass members. When the kids were younger a day trip would be spent in Carmel, shopping, eating, and playing on the beach or a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Which is your ideal overnight trip?

That’s a tough one, but I’d say Napa. Carmel is a close second. Both are lovely during any season. I actually love fall and winter in both locations.

What is your favorite activity as a family?

Skiing, most definitely, skiing. I’m not much of a beach person or much for sitting still.

What is your favorite solo activity?

The SPA. Warm towels, heated floors, a relaxing massage, a cleansing facial, a soothing body wrap, a detoxifying steam, and a cool shower. There’s truly nothing better. The Carneros Resort is my perfect destination spa day, but of course, there are many throughout the Valley. A close second is Meadowood.

Where will your next trip take you?

As a family, we are headed to one of our favorite places, The Four Seasons Troon North in Scottsdale, Arizona where we built a home when the kids were younger. And I always have a few trips in the queue to LA where I am expanding our real estate business. Over the past three years, I’ve cultivated many new friendships and business relationships and really enjoy the casual, yet stylish lifestyle.

Any exciting listings or business news to report?

It may seem crazy to say after all these years, but I truly never tire of selling real estate. Each day is a new day to guide a client, meet a new client, design a home for market, create marketing pieces and help clients achieve their goals. I do look forward to helping our upcoming clients with their next chapters, assisting them with the process, readying their homes for market, and selling their homes filled with memories all the while being emotionally supportive, present, and available to each during the transition.

Connect with Debbi and the DiMaggio & Betta Group

The post Debbi DiMaggio Shares 5 World Renowned Destinations That Make Living In The Bay Area So Desirable appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Jochen Lucke presents

Curated and remodeled by Darren Whatley, this post-and-beam home is a stunning combination of warm mountain charm and contemporary luxury which was originally built by Koenig Home Builders. Watch the splendid sunrise over the mountain ranges while cuddling by either of two outdoor fireplaces. The great room ceilings soar, framing the carefully crafted floor-to-ceiling fireplace. The gourmet kitchen is outfitted with Viking appliances, custom cabinetry, and all the extras such as a wine cooler and a warming drawer. Two primary bedroom suites are on the main level with two bedrooms, while two more bedroom suites and a den are on the lower level. Upstairs, a home office and another bedroom suite round out the living space. This home is turnkey and is being offered with its fine furnishings so you can begin living the mountain lifestyle immediately. Situated between the historic mountain villages of Cashiers and Highlands, Old Edwards at Highlands Cove houses 440 acres of some of Western North Carolina's most stunning terrain. Central to Old Edwards' amenities are the superbly manicured par 71 championship golf courses. PGA professional instructors are available for private lessons to help residents up their game. The full-service, 15,000 square foot clubhouse at Old Edwards Club complements the spa and fitness center beautifully. To round out the experience, a swim complex has also been completed. Old Edwards Club at Highlands Cove offers their homeowners a trifecta of nature, leisure and luxury living. Membership is by invitation only.

The post A Charming Home In Highlands By Jochen Lucke appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Jochen Lucke presents

Perched above 4,550 feet in elevation in the quiet and picturesque enclave of Falcon Ridge, Ghostwood Bear Manor offers panoramic long-range views of South Carolina lakes, Whiteside Mountain, and multiple mountain ranges that must be seen to be believed.

A gated entrance and impeccable landscaping with two dramatic water features, one of which starts in the center island and cascades to the lower level, provide a stunning first impression of this architectural masterpiece. Ghostwood siding, copper and cedar shake roofing, and custom mahogany garage doors add to the abundant curb appeal.

Reclaimed timbers and a stunning two-story fireplace grace the living area, which is open to the formal dining room and kitchen. The loft above leads to a private office where you can be inspired by the views which transform constantly with the weather from sunrise to sunset.

The many decks are perfect for relaxing amid cool breezes while enjoying a sunset cocktail next to one of the multiple outdoor fireplaces. The first of two master suites has its own porch for greeting the morning sun, which includes a fireplace and NanaWall doors. Encompassing over 8,600 square feet, the luxurious floor plan gives plenty of room for each guest to have a space of their own. Each of the five bedroom suites feels like a master suite, with spacious sitting areas and en suite baths. One of the guest suites even boasts its own morning kitchen and dining area. Three additional half baths provide added convenience.

On the lower level, a second expansive living area adjoins a wet bar, home theater, and climatized wine cellar, accessing the lower deck.

Nothing was overlooked in creating this spectacular showpiece, including natural stone, hand-hewn beams and mantles, iron balustrades, floating staircases, and windows everywhere for abundant natural light. Steeped in incomparable detail, the wooden floors and wainscoting, bark accents, and copper fixtures are just a few of the fine finishes that will ensure happy memory-making for years to come.

Address: 28 Longwing Drive, Sapphire, NC 28774

Price: $3,400,000

For more information contact Jochen Lucke at 828-226-1126 or jlucke@ncliving.com

Jochen Lucke is the real estate agent who exclusively represents the Highlands, NC market as a part of the Haute Residence real estate network. View all of his listings here.

The post A Whiteside Mountain View Estate In Sapphire By Jochen Lucke appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.