SERVICE SUMMARIES
Petra Island, New York
Looking down at the Massaro House cantilevering over Lake Mahopac
from its Petra Island perch is like observing an elegant water bird that’s
comfortably earthbound but prepared to soar in an instant. It’s the kind
of organic design that could only have sprung from one mind. Nearly 60
years after legendary American architect Frank Lloyd Wright created the
home’s...
South African couple, Wayne Rumble and Laureth Craggs bought
Pumpkin Island in Australia’s Keppel Islands in 2003. Drawn to the
area by the surrounding waters’ fantastic fishing and the desire to
have a tropical hideaway for family get-togethers, they fell head over
heels when they first saw this pristine private island in Great Barrier
Reef Marine Park...
Alaska–America’s massive final frontier. At 660,000 square miles, the northernmost state accounts for almost one sixth of the total U.S. landmass, not to mention the lion’s share of its largest islands. But not everything’s huge in Alaska; here too are an abundance of islands that are sized just right for ownership, offering a unique chance to buy a perfectly peaceful piece of the American dream...
The West Coast of BC offers a landscape like no other; vast sun- and sea-bleached trunks of Douglas fir lie tumbled on sandy beaches, orcas surface on the Sound, eagles soar over centuries-old fir, Pacific dogwood, towering arbutus, lodgepole pine and yellow cedar. In the midst of all this majesty sits the peninsula island that separates Five Coves from Zorro Bay — off the grid, yet five minutes from the nearest liquor store.
Lake Glenville, one of the treasures of North Carolina’s Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, is a pristine mountain lake that sits on the Highlands/Cashiers Plateau at an elevation of 3542 feet. The lake is the highest manmade lake east of the Mississippi, created in 1941 when a dam was constructed on the Tuckasegee River, flooding the entire valley north of the town of Cashiers.
Basking in the afterglow of its 2010 Winter Olympic success, Vancouver is Canada’s third largest city, a multicultural metropolis on the edge of some of the world’s most pristine wilderness. Across the Strait of Georgia lies the rugged splendor of Vancouver Island (or just “The Island” to locals), its 12,407 square miles making it the largest isle off the western coastline of North America.
The Cinderella of the Grenadines, Baliceaux is often overlooked in favor of its celebrity siblings, Mustique and Bequia. All three islands sit just south of Kingstown, population 25,000, the capital of the nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Now perfectly poised to follow in international tourism destinations Mustique and Bequia’s footsteps, it is time for 320-acre Baliceaux to step into the spotlight.
From the air above, it looks like a magnificent seashell, or even a graceful, big-eyed tropical fish. It’s the spectacular coral reefs surrounding Diamond Cay that give it its gorgeous shape and contour, and as luck would have it, they also help protect its acre-and-a-half from any inconveniently large waves or storm surges.
There are few places in the world that can only be described as pure luxury – welcome to Buck Island, one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful private island estates. As part of the gorgeous British Virgin Islands, this 43-acre isle encircled by sparkling beaches rests in the calm waters of the Sir Frances Drake Channel, which has long been a renowned area for lovers of boating and fishing.
Few places on earth are as raw and epic as the Marlborough Sounds, the complex network of sea-covered valleys at the tip of the South Island of New Zealand, gradually dispersing into the Cook Strait, the scenic division between the country’s main islands.
There’s nothing like it in the whole Caribbean – maybe even in the world. A spectacular villa complex connecting to the mainland by a remote-controlled bridge, like an elaborate castle distanced from the world by a clear turquoise moat, Emerald Cay is truly one of the most luxurious private islands ever constructed.
The advent of civilization usually disturbs the allure and simplicity of paradise; acquiring this ultimate luxury comes at a sacrifice. Rare is the occasion when an untouched island sanctuary becomes available as an idyllic getaway and unique investment opportunity. Such are the pleasures of Desroches… paradise found.
Set amid the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, Hayman is Australia’s premier private island destination. Rising from turquoise tropical waters, with a sweeping view out to the Coral Sea, the forested hills of this epic island rest atop a bed of ancient coral – part of one of the natural wonders of the world.
Since the day that the first tourist set foot on the Virgin Islands in 1493, these beautiful Caribbean isles have extended a warm welcome to passing sailors. While Christopher Columbus may not have been a “tourist”, strictly speaking, it’s difficult to imagine that his appreciation for the beauty of these islands was any less than that of the millions of vacationers who make their own landfalls at the Virgin Isles each year. But things have certainly changed.
Relaxed, laid-back charm defines the 6 acre Melody Key, with its island-style home, unique rooftop deck and a clothing-optional policy made possible by a thick encircling privacy forest. A perfect place to host a truly memorable party, the 3 bedroom home has a large barbeque deck with thatched cabanas, and a wet bar atop a 300 gallon salt water aquarium.
Aristotle Onassis was once famously quoted that “If women didn’t exist, all the money in the world would have no meaning.” And were it not for one particular woman- his second wife- it would be surprising if the private island would come close to the allure it possesses today. Thoughtful, stylish Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis was the widow of assassinated US President John F. Kennedy and a compelling figure whose fame was magnified by her tragedy.
A red tablecloth tied around the neck was a regal cape – and a wilting crown of cardboard and broom handle sceptre were impressive in their glory. Many of us, as children – at least before the days when childhood was dominated by video games and television – played out our royal dreams on the stages of our living rooms and backyards.
Pom Pom Island, Borneo
Epic stretches of rich, untouched jungle surrounded by pure South Asian waters– few places on earth can compare to the natural paradise of Borneo, the massive far-flung island that remained shrouded in mystery until mere decades ago.
Live Oaks Island, South Carolina
Be it an individual or family seeking a personal getaway, a secluded yet accessible setting for a corporate retreat, or private waterfront resort, Live Oaks is ideal. Eight, uniquely positioned, world-class home sites (varying in size from 0.75-1.2 acres) encircle the island, with all utilities already in place.
Islas Majugual y Maje, Panama
Tucked just a mile off Panama’s southern coast in the mighty Pacific and with the great Atlantic just a little due north, sister islands Majagual and Maje not only feel the breezes of two great oceans, they also straddle two continents.