Photo Credit: Ahearn Karlovsky

How has the luxury real estate market in your market been performing so far in 2020?

After a fairly tepid 2019, 2020 has actually been robust - a bit surprising frankly. From the start of the year up to March 15th, island-wide on Kauai total sales are up 27%, unit sales are only up 3% which means that median prices are up about 28% over the same time frame in 2019. There have been sixty sales at $1M or more. So, we would say that 2020's off to an excellent start where we have a great tailwind. It does however, remain to be seen how 2020 finishes, especially the normally busy summer months coming up.

What are buyers looking for in their homes in your market in 2020?

Due to the remoteness of Kauai (the most isolated, populated landmass on the planet) and the dearth of local suppliers for building materials, fixtures, furnishings, etc., many second-home buyers tend to want a turnkey residence and therefore eschew fixer-uppers or projects. Most are too busy on the mainland to be managing a fixer-project or new build here. There are some world-class homes here on Kauai and we have excellent builders and craftspeople, that being said, there are only so many of them and in high-demand and because so, they tend to be expensive. Many buyers don't want the hassle and are therefore willing to pay a bit of a premium for new construction whether that's via new development projects, mostly condominiums or they'll acquire a newly remodeled home.

In terms of specific property wants, ocean views, outdoor living spaces, pools, some elbow room and recently air conditioning top the list.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Which has been a highlight sale for you so far in 2020?

We have personally been involved in a couple of the largest trades island-wide year-to-date. These include, on the Seller-side, a $6,300,000 transaction a few weeks ago, the property belonged to an Oscar-winning Director, so the ocean bluff property was incredibly authentic and presented like a movie-set - a pristine tropical setting with great water features and awesome ocean views.

On the Buyer-side, we represented a popular footwear company co-founder this week in a $3.9M trade that was again a bluff-top, oceanview, beach-centric property with a pool and guest cottage on acreage with great construction in the craftsman style.

Are there any new restaurants or other spots in your market you’ve been loving lately?

As Kauai is a small kine place, new restaurants are a fewer and further between phenomenon. Just to give you an idea, in the January 2020 Issue of Food & Wine magazine, they published a list of the Best Classic Restaurants in every state, and on Kauai, Lihue's own Hamura Saimin - a local favorite since 1952. That's right, a 30-counter seat, Formica-topped noodle shop.

However, that being said, there is PV Eats (www.pveatskauai.com) which follows the new trend of "grocerants" or "restamarts" - a gourmet market with a bistro bar & restaurant. Perched above the Prince Golf Course at the North Shore Preserve in Princeville - the sunset views area incredible there's picnic takeaway lunch seating outside and casual dining with spectacular views - especially at sunset. They have a great wine & cocktail list along with fabulous foreplay with ahi, oysters and Kauai shrimp, amazing salads and sandwiches along with pasta and traditional dinner fare with a Kauaian twist. Two enthusiastic thumbs up - we love it.

Na Pali Coast, Kauai

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

It’s time for spring break. What is a fun activity in your market?

The total lifestyle is relaxing, but relaxing out-of-doors in particular everyone manifests their relationship with the ocean whether that's surfing, paddling, snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, walking the beach, boogie boarding, boating, diving - you name it, we have it with warm water and balmy tradewinds all the while. Kauai has the most temperate climate in the western hemisphere where it never below 60 degrees or above 85, it seems like Spring Break year-round. There's also great hiking to Grand Canyonesque Waimea or any number of waterfall trails island-wide and fun excursions like dolphin and whale watching tours, cruising the Na Pali Coast or tubing the plantation irrigation ditches (more fun than it sounds) and plenty of 4-wheel driving, horseback riding and ziplining for the thrill enthusiasts. And when you're done you can kick back on any ne of a number of spectacular golden sand beaches - Kauai has more beaches than all the other Hawaiian Islands combined - you can always find your very own deserted beach. And if all that fails, an umbrella drink never fails to satisfy.

The post Sean Ahearn and Jim Karlovsky Talk Kauai, Hawaii Real Estate And Things To Do appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

OVERVIEW

There is magic abound. After all, this is Montecito, one of the most prestigious communities in the world. It’s Birnam Wood, a gated and guarded sanctuary cherished as the community’s premier private enclave. It’s a spectacular new residence overlooking the enclave’s world-class golf course. The French country-style Montecito home in Birnam Wood, bordering the 12^th fairway and green, is a special abode where quality craftsmanship and the finest materials – both old and new – have been brought together.

The home, completed in 2019, is the result of a significant collaboration. Noted architect Robert Senn AIA, gifted designer Michael Hurst, accomplished landscape architect Kris Kimpel, and visionary builder Becker Studios have created a showcase of relaxed luxury.

A hand-laid cobblestone driveway, antique French fountain, welcoming portico, emerald lawn and massive oak introduce the over 4,000 sq. ft. single-level residence. Within, there are antique French and Italian doors and exposed wood beams, wide-plank French oak floors, and, under the towering vaulted ceiling of the Great Room, a fireplace – one of four in the home -- is embraced by its substantial hand-carved antique French limestone surround.

Throughout the French country-style Montecito home, Old World French country elegance is complemented and tastefully juxtaposed with 21st-century conveniences and décor. Modern features include custom lighting and cabinetry, Perrin and Rowe bathroom fixtures, state-of-the-art kitchen appliances and security alarm, whole-house Sonos, dual-zone heating and air conditioning and a spacious 3-car garage.

In any extraordinary dwelling, location, design, architecture, amenities, workmanship and materials must combine to create one essential intangible: ambiance. Here, in this French country-style Montecito home, casual sophistication is enhanced by an air of spaciousness and light thanks to numerous oversize windows and French doors, lofty vaulted ceilings, an open floorplan and easy flow of indoor and outdoor.

GREAT ROOM | VERANDA

The space is vast yet somehow intimate; defined by its soaring vaulted ceiling punctuated by nearly century-old hand-hewn beams. This is the Great Room: an impressive space for relaxing and dining with friends and family. There are the wide planks of its richly stained French oak floor, and clean white walls beckoning a display of art or simply the soft glow of Montecito sunlight.

Sunlight, twilight, moonlight. All are welcomed through three sets of oversize French doors, and multi-pane and dormer windows. Anchoring the space, a dramatic fireplace, its prominence bestowed by a hand-carved antique French limestone surround flanked by a pair of striking wrought-iron sconces.

Beyond, through those French doors, an expansive veranda awaits and overlooks lush landscaping and the adjacent fairway of the Birnam Wood Golf Club. Intimate seating areas and a stone fireplace make this a perfect place for evening repasts and conviviality.

CULINARY CENTER

The heart of any well-loved home is its culinary center. It’s a place where family and guests can find nourishment of body and soul. That’s true of this exceptional abode’s culinary center as well. Spacious enough for small gatherings, it combines a large gourmet kitchen with an inviting sitting area. A warming fireplace with its roomy curved hearth provides cozy comfort on cool Montecito evenings. French doors open to a small terrace and steps to a large entertaining or play area under a towering oak.

The kitchen is a chef’s or caterer’s dream with its top-of-the-line Wolf and Sub-zero appliances, and a versatile double-wide center island. There’s an abundance of custom cabinetry, Crema limestone countertops, hand-painted tile backsplashes and ROHL fixtures.  

MASTER SUITE | GUEST ROOMS

A touch of elegance and a dash of practicality are expertly united in this serene sanctuary. Under a beautiful chandelier and delicate tray ceiling, the master bedroom basks in the glow of its imported carved limestone fireplace and the radiance bestowed by a large bay window. Underfoot, the wide plank French oak floor provides that dash of practicality. Luxury prevails in the en suite bath.

There is a dramatic glassed-in shower, and a generous soaking tub placed to maximize the lovely view through a triptych of multi-pane windows. Custom cabinetry embraces dual sinks and hosts Calacatta marble countertops. Fixtures are by Perrin and Rowe. Nearby, a room-size walk-in closet awaits.

Two guestrooms have baths en suite, and offer enchanting views and utmost comfort for even the most discerning guests or family. A garden view office or den provides a private entrance and bath. Its convenience to all common areas makes it an excellent option as a fourth bedroom suite if desired.

GROUNDS | COMMUNITY AMENITIES

To own a home in Birnam Wood, set amidst towering oaks, a verdant lawn and impeccable landscaping, is certainly a privilege. Indeed, there are few settings more picturesque than this coveted spot neighboring the acclaimed links at the world-class Birnam Wood Golf Club.

Though seemingly far from the madding crowd, this fabulous residence is comfortably close to nearly endless shopping, services, and recreational and cultural opportunities. Montecito’s charming Upper Village, perhaps two minutes by car beyond the Birnam Wood gates, hosts shops, fine and family dining, and practical services. Hiking, biking, swimming, surfing and sailing await within minutes.

The Santa Barbara Airport accommodates commercial and personal aircraft, while the Los Angeles International Airport is a mere 90-minute commute. World-class resorts and spas such as the San Ysidro Ranch and Four Seasons Santa Barbara Biltmore are nearby as well.

Address: 2049 Boundary Drive

Price: $6,275,000

For more information, please contact Cristal Clarke at (805) 886-9378 or cristal@montecito-estate.com

Cristal Clarke is the exclusive agent representing the Montecito, CA real estate market as member of the Haute Residence Real Estate Network. View all of her listings here.

Photo Credit: Berkshire Hathaway

Photo Credit: Berkshire Hathaway

Photo Credit: Berkshire Hathaway

The post Cristal Clarke Presents A Magical Montecito Home appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

We are almost in November and while the rest of the northern hemisphere is pulling out winter coats and watching leaves fall, Kohanaiki, a 450-acre private club community on the Big Island of Hawaii, is preparing for winter a little differently- by pulling out the surfboards, sunscreen, and welcoming home the Kohola- humpback whales.

Located along the sunny Kona coast, this area is renowned for some of the best sport fishing, surfing, and diving in Hawai‘i.  And every winter, the Hawaiian Islands welcome home the Kohola to frolick in the warm Hawaiian waters- truly a spectacle to watch from Kohanaiki’s impressive 67,000-square-foot clubhouse.

Kohanaiki’s World-Class Amenities Give a One-of-its-kind Experience to Its members, Year-round

With water clarity is at its peak during the winter and an average water temperature of around 75 degrees, it’s no wonder Kohanaiki’s 39’ Yellowfin private boat stays busy whisking members on memorable family diving, fishing, and snorkeling tours every day.  The Club’s Beach restaurant will cook up the day’s catch, anyway you like it.

Photo Credit: Kohanaiki

Photo Credit: Kohanaiki

Ocean recreation not for you?  Play a few rounds on their Rees Jones-designed golf course featuring six ocean-front holes, relax in their expansive spa with private men's and women's lounges and outdoor areas, or get your hands dirty in the biodynamic farm, with fruits, vegetables, and plants grown for their restaurants and members.

When the Sun Goes Down

The Clubhouse, situated at the heart of the development, was designed to take in the panoramic ocean, golf, and mountain views and houses a restaurant, fitness areas, spa and Members’ Shop on the main level and a 21-seat theatre, 4-lane bowling alley, billiards, foosball, shuffleboard, and a variety of video and board games on the lower level.

Photo Credit: Kohanaiki

An authentic gallery of art devoted to the Hawaiian culture enhances a James Bond-style poker room and scotch bar, wine tasting room and private dining areas. The second level is also where the Club’s micro-brewery is located.  Yes, their own micro-brewery.

Photo Credit: Kohanaiki

From sun-up to sun-down, Kohanaiki is certainly a place that knows how to winter.

Photo Credit: Kohanaiki

For more on Kohanaiki, visit the community's website.

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