With the world of art keeping itself at home, Christie’s has replied with a series of online-only auctions, offering live, worldwide internet bidding, 24 hours a day. The offerings on remote view include a wide selection of paintings, sculpture, books, furniture, and objects from antiquity to the present day. Bidders can browse the “viewing room” or take a high-definition virtual tour. With a nod to this moment of obligatory telecommuting, Luxury Defined presents a collection of elegant properties with work spaces, libraries, dens, and studies to inspire productivity and creativity while working, studying, or distance learning from home. Remember: On the internet, no one can see those pajamas.
Blackberry Castle in Portland, Oregon
Blackberry Castle, a one-of-a-kind vineyard estate in Northwest Portland, has every amenity for the luxury lifestyle. The two-story study is a private retreat hidden away in the castle turret.
Blackberry Castle is a unique 6.4-acre estate in Portland, Oregon. Built of stone and timber, the palatial 13,000-square-foot main residence is reminiscent of a medieval castle. The castle crest—a fleur-de-lis, a crown and three heraldic crosses—is inset in marble on the foyer floor. The two-story study/library, housed inside the castle turret, features a stone fireplace, reclaimed wood bookshelves and a spectacular handmade clock, the largest of its kind in the Northwest. The elegant media room is modeled after a 1940s Buenos Aires movie theater with marquee, surround-sound, and luxuriant plush seating. The property also offers a fully-equipped home gym with a climbing wall, a spa with sauna and hot tub, a gorgeous atrium and bar, wine cellar and tasting room. The grounds are planted with chardonnay and pinot noir vines.
Pacific Spirit Estate in Vancouver, Canada
This Pacific sanctuary was holistically designed to integrate architecture, landscape, and design. The home is ideal for telecommuting, thanks to a luxurious study, which opens to the gardens on one side and a relaxing sitting room on the other.
Pacific Spirit Estate is a 0.7-acre property overlooking English Bay and the North Shore mountains. Garret Cord Werner Architects fulfilled the owners’ vision for a holistic approach to the built environment, integrating architecture, landscape, and design. The living spaces are ideal for entertaining, yet are also family-oriented to cater for children. The home is two pavilion-like components connected by a central dining area, creating visual junctures designed for contemplation. At the entrance, a waterfall cascades into a koi pond, and a floating staircase rises to the second level. The study is flooded with light from the double-height glass doors opening to the garden, a sanctuary of native plants and trees, native stone sculptural arrangements, and artworks. Upstairs, the master suite features a wall of glass overlooking the mountains and the bay. The upper deck is another tranquil space to take in the views. The lower level is dedicated to the gym, media lounge, and wine cellar. A chef’s kitchen, alfresco dining areas, and a sea-view pool terrace are further highlights.
Villa Paradiso on the Navesink, Middletown, New Jersey
The centerpiece of the dramatic 16,000-square-foot riverfront home is a luxurious entertainment center with a 20,000-gallon aquarium. The home’s private office has its own custom-designed aquarium stocked with native species.
Villa Paradiso on the Navesink is a stunning Mediterranean-style escape in the heart of the exclusive Rumson section of Middletown, New Jersey. The dramatic 16,000-square-foot manor house is positioned on 2.9 acres of formal gardens, with fountains, koi ponds, and a pool terrace on the banks of the Navesink River. Inspired by Italian culture, the living spaces are evocative of the coastal Mediterranean lifestyle. The heart of the home is an office and entertainment level with a 1,500-bottle wine cellar and tasting room, movie theater, bar, sauna, and an incredible 20,000-gallon aquarium stocked with native species. The inviting office, also on this level, is appointed with mahogany crown molding, wainscoting, and its own aquarium. The entertainment level opens to the pool, 15-person Jacuzzi, outdoor kitchen, and cabana. A staff/guest apartment and a private dock with boat lift are further highlights of this extraordinary home.
The Circle House in La Baule-Escoublac, France
The Circle House has two offices, one of which has a bright white palette, a custom-designed glass desk, and a wall of windows facing the gardens.
The Circle House is a unique contemporary villa on nearly 2.5 acres of private parkland in La Baule-Escoublac, a scenic coastal resort town in France’s Loire-Atlantique region. This beautiful glass dwelling is composed of three circular wings that enclose 12,917 square feet of light-filled living spaces accoutered with chic interior decor. A double-height entrance hall leads into a reception room bathed in sunlight. There are six bedrooms, two offices, a cinema lounge, and—the highlight of the home—a sensational glass atrium housing a swimming pool, bar, relaxation area, sauna, and steam room. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a skylight frame picture-perfect views of the lush gardens.
Contemporary Adobe Retreat in Santa Fe, New Mexico
This architectural marvel is carved into the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains with views of the Santa Fe city lights and glorious sunsets over the Jemez Mountains. The exterior, crafted from adobe, encloses 11,500 square feet of organically textured living spaces, with flagstone floors, 11 distinct fireplace designs, stone and glass walls. The Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired foyer opens to three distinct wings, each with a lovely patio and view. The owner’s wing is a private retreat with two offices, each with a view of the mountains; dual bathrooms and dressing rooms; a coffee bar; and full exercise studio with indoor SwimEx pool. Beyond is an intimate patio with a hot tub and fireplace. The guest/family wing consists of two en suite bedrooms and a cozy sitting area. A private, self-contained guest wing has an open-plan living space with kitchen and dining area. The home is in a private community en route to the Santa Fe Ski Basin and miles of hiking/biking trails, yet a mere 10 minutes to the historic Santa Fe Plaza.
Galleria Costa in Ashigarashimo-Gun, Japan
This contemporary estate in Ashigarashimo-Gun, Japan, has a contemporary office with recessed lighting, bookshelves, and surround-sound speakers. Sliding glass doors open to a deck facing Sagami Bay.
Galleria Costa is an 8.5-acre oceanfront estate framed against the breathtaking backdrop of Sagami Bay on Japan’s Manazuru Peninsula. The multi-level contemporary residence was designed in harmony with the sea. All rooms are ocean facing with unique interior décor. Magnificent vistas of Sagami Bay are the focal point of the wood-panelled office and the living and dining rooms, while the outdoor pool and Rotenburo open-air hot spring baths have an infinity view of sea and sky. A deck is ideal for alfresco entertaining. The home is equipped with the latest resort-inspired amenities, including a gym and wellness center, home theater with karaoke system, state-of-the-art golf simulator; and a pro tennis court.
The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Heritage Penthouse in Bangkok, Thailand
The Heritage Penthouse at The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, offers 7,610 square feet of internal space across two levels. This palatial home has a drawing room to receive guests, a living room, formal dining room with a skyline view, and a beautifully appointed office/library with built-in bookshelves. There are four large en suite bedrooms and separate staff quarters. The freehold residence is finished to the highest specifications of any luxury property in Bangkok, with modern kitchen and bathroom fixtures from deluxe European brands. The Residences at Mandarin Oriental offers residents world-class amenities and services in a relaxed riverside setting on Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River.
La Villa Gialla in Henderson, Nevada
A beautiful wood-panelled library with office space is among the lavish appointments at this grand, Mediterranean-inspired villa in the gated Marseilles South Shore neighborhood of Lake Las Vegas.
La Villa Gialla is a lavish Mediterranean-inspired estate in the gated Marseilles South Shore neighborhood of Lake Las Vegas. The three-level home, built on a cascading lot to optimize the golf course views, is distinguished by its aged-stone columns and arches. A beautiful library and office, theater, and chef’s kitchen are among the elegant living spaces. The interiors are the work of celebrated designer Tony Grant of Las Vegas’s award-winning Grant Design Group and include exquisite finishes and furnishings hand-made by artisans in Italy. The grounds include direct golf course access, an infinity pool, outdoor kitchen, car-collector’s garage, putting green, two lakeside docks, a casita, and deluxe boathouse with humidor.
Pinnacle Peak Estate in Scottsdale, Arizona
Renaissance-inspired details abound at this villa in Scottsdale, Arizona. Among the highlights is an executive office with a coffered wood ceiling with wrought-iron chandelier, built-in bookcases, antique furniture and objets d’art.
This luxurious Mediterranean-style estate encompasses 3.5 private acres in the foothills of Pinnacle Peak in Scottsdale, Arizona. The home is entered through iron gates and wooden bridges leading into an enclosed atrium foyer. Inside are ornate Renaissance-inspired details, including groin vaulted and beamed ceilings, stone and wood floors. French doors open to verandas, a pool terrace, and views of the mountains and city lights. The living spaces include an executive office, theater, 1,300-bottle wine cellar, and gourmet kitchen. There are six bedrooms, including a master suite and guest house. The resort-like amenities include exercise and steam rooms, a putting green, 12-car garage, and a huge recreation center with media and game rooms.
Transitional Contemporary in River Oaks, Houston, Texas
Meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout this impeccable residence in Houston’s River Oaks. The light-filled living spaces include an office with a wall of windows and striking black-and-white marble floors.
This one-of-a-kind home, situated in the prestigious River Oaks subdivision of Houston, blends European architecture with a transitional contemporary design. European white oak floors, high ceilings, and an abundance of windows grace the living spaces. The entrance hall opens to a beautiful light-filled office/study with an alluring floor of black and white marble, built-in bookshelves, and comfortable seating area. Farther along is a wine room adorned with reclaimed Amish wood and antique zellige tiles from Morocco. The dream kitchen, equipped with Thermador appliances, overlooks a formal dining area and custom wine room. Beyond is a mosaic-tiled dining terrace and spectacular waterfall pool.
Credit: christiesrealestate