In the global marketplace for luxury real estate, just what does US$10 million buy?
Does the big city call? Consider the City of Light, Paris, where that grand sum, or thereabouts, buys a very grand whereabouts: an Eiffel Tower-view penthouse near the Arc de Triomphe; or ponder the Paris on the Prairie, Chicago, and a stately 19th-century mansion.
Does the dream call for an island escape? Then it waits in an oceanfront cottage on Martha’s Vineyard, or a yachting pied-à-terre on Mallorca, or a playful seaside villa in the Virgin Islands.
Perhaps paradise whispers from Casablanca, where a timeless, 21st-century villa beckons its own Rick and Ilsa. Or is it up there, where the air is rarefied, in a palatial log cabin high in the Rocky Mountains? Read on to discover where, most importantly, and what US$10 million can buy.
1. Casablanca, Morocco
Villa Harmony is nestled in a tree-filled garden with a beautiful swimming pool. The villa itself has six bedrooms, each with bath and dressing room. There are also two living rooms, an office, and a gym.
The cool, white contemporary wings of Villa Harmony embrace a sundeck, shaded terraces, and swimming pool deck, enclosed in a palm tree-lined garden. Walls of windows (with translucent curtains) create light-filled interiors, shade, and privacy.
The open-plan ground level includes a contemporary take on the majlis, or traditional drawing room for visitors. The double-height family/living room flows to a media lounge, dining space, a sleek contemporary kitchen with a breakfast nook, an office, and a fitness center.
A dramatic, spiral staircase rises from the common spaces to a curved galley (with glass balustrade) and six vast en suite bedrooms, each with a dressing room. All this is just minutes from the Atlantic promenade of La Corniche and its Morocco Mall—the largest shopping mall on the continent.
2. Martha’s Vineyard, U.S.A
This classic 11-bedroom home was built in 1893 atop a bluff with sunset views over the beach and Vineyard Sound. Many original features are intact, offering the perfect combination of character and modern-day amenities.
This oceanfront refuge on the north shore of Martha’s Vineyard is one of the “Grand Dames of the Chop.” The classic Shingle Style cottage offers four stories of living space with high, beamed ceilings; original fireplaces; and picture windows to take in the spectacular sunset views over the North Shore.
The upstairs balcony and the wraparound porch are ideal for relaxing or entertaining alfresco. The wooded grounds are another delight: a third of an acre of rolling lawns, stone walls, and an enchanting path leading through the dunes to a secluded sandy beach. Minutes away are West Chop Club, Mink Meadows Golf Club, and downtown Vineyard Haven.
3. Paris, France
Located on the top floor of a turn-of-the-century building in the heart of the 16th district, this refined apartment has three bedrooms with en suite baths, and a double living/reception room.
This stately penthouse in Paris’s prestigious 16th arrondissement has a view of the Eiffel Tower. Extending to nearly 4,000 square feet, the palatial living spaces are adorned with stuccoed walls, high ceilings with decorative plaster moldings and crystal chandeliers, and hand-carved marble fireplaces.
The heart of the home is a regal rotunda hall, ideal for grand gatherings great or small. The formal reception rooms continue with a drawing room and banquet room, which opens to a balcony with a view of the Parisian rooftops. Adjacent is a contemporary kitchen.
All three bedrooms have en suite bathrooms, and some have Eiffel Tower views. The property includes a storage room and a cellar. Two parking spaces are sold separately.
The residence is in the heart of Paris, steps from the Arc de Triomphe and the world’s most beautiful avenue, the Champs-Élysées.
4. Whitefish, Montana, U.S.A.
Situated on 40 private acres, this turnkey estate encompasses a custom-built home with seven bedrooms and 10 baths, and a brand new guest house. Built in 2004, the property also has four garage stalls.
This majestic log home abides on 40 acres, just south of Whitefish Mountain Resort in the heart of Montana’s Big Sky country.
The mountain lodge-style main residence and a separate guest house offer nearly 9,000 square feet of fully furnished living space appointed with beautiful stonework, wood floors, and cathedral ceilings throughout.
There are seven bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, a monumental great room, formal dining room, and an expansive kitchen. Adding to the allure are an array of lifestyle amenities, including a club-style bar and lounge, media lounge, office and conference room, elevator, outdoor kitchen, and sunken hot tub.
The property is offered in immaculate turnkey condition, including brand new custom-designed furniture, fixtures, and high-end appliances.
5. St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Boasting seven bedrooms, Mare Blu—a secluded gated oasis—has pocket doors throughout, making it the ultimate in seamless indoor–outdoor living.
Blue walls, the color of the deep sea; blue, solar-paneled roofs; and a tall, bronze palm-tree sculpture proclaim the playful soul of the rambling villa Mare Blu. Its 6,000 square feet perch on a 0.96-acre gated lot above the cerulean waters of Cruz Bay on St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Window walls and pocket doors throughout the house flow to balconies, galleries, and terraces, blurring the line between indoors and out. Inside, seven immaculate bedroom suites complement the exterior with a soothing palette of burnt orange, rust-brown wood finishes and postcard views, with seven full bathrooms executed in sea-sparkling blue mosaic tile.
The outdoor amenities center on a 48-foot infinity pool, a pool lanai, spa showers, and a fully kitted open-air kitchen serving the covered dining and lounging spaces. To quote the great Antônio Carlos Jobim song, there’ll be “No More Blues”!
6. Mallorca, Spain
This new-built villa situated above Port Adriano marina comes complete with four bedrooms and an open-plan living and dining space leading out to a covered terrace.
This spectacular contemporary villa in Santa Ponsa overlooks a yachting paradise: the Philippe Starck-designed marina Port Adriano on the southwest coast of Mallorca.
The marina is on dazzling display from the entrance hall. Just beyond is a sleek, open-plan living area with a lounge, kitchen, and double-height dining area with a striking art-glass chandelier. Sliding glass doors flood the space with sunlight and open to a covered terrace with an infinity-edge pool and another panoramic coastal view.
The upper floors are dedicated to two sea-view suites and a rooftop sun terrace. The lower level houses a luxurious cinema, wellness suite with gym and sauna, and two guest suites.
7. Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
This immaculately restored 10-bedroom, eight-bathroom home on Chicago’s North Side occupies three leafy lots on Kenmore Avenue, just two miles south of the iconic ballpark Wrigley Field.
A crown jewel of the upscale Chicago neighborhood of Lincoln Park, this manorial residence sits on three prime lots, encompassing the main house, coach house, and landscaped, south-facing side yard.
Built in 1885 and masterfully redesigned for the 21st century, the four-level main residence is distinguished by its striking Belgian stone façade, bay windows, and columned portico.
Among the home’s original 19th-century details is a stone root cellar, reimagined as a lavish entertaining space with a wine-tasting room. A three-story wooden staircase, with lacquered banister and balusters, rises to the upper-level private quarters, including a luxurious owner’s suite with a private terrace.
A custom-built glass atrium connects to the coach house, converted into a separate living space with three bedrooms, a lofted family room, a contemporary kitchen, and a five-car garage.
