Visitors to the International Film Festival will discover liveable neighborhoods as varied as their inhabitants, says Julia Viele Hoggs Hollow, Toronto | Sotheby’s International Realty Canada If you’re seeking a city that blends culture, culinary excellence and luxury, Toronto easily comes to mind. The Canadian metropolis is among the most multicultural in the world, with more than 140 languages spoken—and the means to satisfy just about any food craving. That same diversity is reflected in its vibrant cultural life and contrasting neighborhoods. Situated on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto produces global talent across music, cinema and sports—and hosts it too. September sees the return of both the Toronto Biennial of Art and the Toronto International Film Festival, now in its 51st year. The streets will buzz with premieres, screenings and celebrity stays at the Four Seasons and Hazelton Hotel in the glitzy Yorkville neighborhood. A meeting point between downtown and midtown, Yorkville offers high-end boutiques, Victorian homes, European flair and walkability—whether to an ice-cream parlor, cafe or fashionable restaurant, such as the “see and be seen” Italian eatery Sotto Sotto. Yorkville, Toronto | Sotheby’s International Realty Canada Tucked away on Gloucester Lane, a side street close to the action, is a historic building that was once home to the creative space of Canadian filmmaker Norman Jewison. Today, its fifth-floor penthouse spans almost 10,000 square feet, with exposed brick, large windows and natural light. “If you ask 1,000 people in Toronto where Gloucester is, maybe five people could tell you,” says Sotheby’s International Realtor Paul Maranger of the location. “It’s the perfect amount of seclusion.” With more than two decades of experience in the city’s luxury real estate market, Maranger knows the city well. “Toronto is a place of distinctive neighborhoods, each with their own personality and amenities which attract people to that specific neighborhood,” he says. Rosedale, Toronto | Sotheby’s International Realty Canada A short walk from Yorkville is Somerville. Pretty and polished, the area thrums with small grocers, cafes, bars and independent shops, including Coco Market for wellness essentials and Le Tigre for drinks. The next neighborhood along is Rosedale. “People who are buying here do so for the area; it’s a very comfortable and beautiful environment,” says Gianpiero Pugliese, founder of Audax, an architecture, design and building firm based in Toronto. Rosedale has two Heritage Conservation Districts to ensure homes are renovated sympathetically. One Edwardian villa is a prime example: a multiyear transformation left it with a modern, sleek and contemporary feel—and its rich architectural history intact. Lawrence Park, Toronto | Sotheby’s International Realty Canada In contrast are the grand modern mansions of the Bridle Path, otherwise known as “Millionaire’s Row”, perhaps Toronto’s most exclusive neighborhood. “These are estates,” says Pugliese, “with all the amenities you want in a house.” One such is the Ravine Mansion, with 25-foot ceilings, a library and staff quarters. Another affluent neighborhood is Lawrence Park, where vast lots are the norm. Sitting on a particularly wide one is the architecturally striking Bézier Curve House, so named after the mathematical curve of its zinc-shingled roof, which tops an L-shaped structure wrapping around a lush landscaped courtyard and pool. “Lawrence Park is extremely pretty and very leafy,” says Maranger, who adds that the area’s access to good schools is a key draw. Passing traffic is mostly local, so you’ll always see kids out riding their bikes or playing on the grass. Hoggs Hollow, Toronto, Canada | Sotheby’s International Realty Canada To the north lies Hoggs Hollow, where the walnut, teak and glass of the minimalist, midcentury-inspired Valley House, designed by Superkül, strike yet another architectural note. “I think that’s the essence of Toronto,” remarks Maranger. “There is so much personality and [so many] different vibes. Ultimately, I think that’s what makes it approachable for a buyer because, depending on your needs and desires, you have options.” Explore Helsinki: a design-savvy city between land and sea
A team of experts—from architect to landscaper—considered every detail of this remarkable Southern California estate, creating a true turnkey home meticulously curated to align with the rhythm of life. The Covenant—the original prestigious heart of Rancho Santa Fe—was so named for the protections its founders established to ensure that the natural landscape and architectural aesthetics of the area were maintained. Given its dedication to classic style, abundant natural light, refreshing openness, cool breezes, and a life lived outdoors, this magnificent estate—built in 2024 on 3.66 hillside acres—certainly upholds those aims. Rancho Santa Fe, California| Ernie Carswell & Associates, Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage With its august limestone façade, hand-troweled finishes, and reclaimed French terra-cotta roof tiles, the home could easily be mistaken for an enduring manor in the European countryside. But looks can be deceiving, as the adage goes, and the interiors resolutely exemplify relaxed, luxurious modernity. From the start, the team of designer Barbara Lee Grigsby, architect Josh Kordasiewicz of Axon, and the experts at Neri Landscape Architecture considered every detail of the estate, from structure and building materials—including some irreplaceable antique and reclaimed elements—to furnishings, fixtures, artwork, accessories, and plantings. The result is a singularly rare offering—a true turnkey home meticulously curated to align with the rhythm of life. The vast main residence is an inspiring collection of generously scaled rooms that combine dramatic volume and a warm, welcoming ambience. The heart of the home is the light-filled great room, which features a soaring ceiling buttressed by antique wood beams, wide-plank French oak floors, a fireplace crafted from reclaimed brick, and steel-framed windows and doors that create an effortless connection with the outdoors. The Christopher Peacock kitchen and family room are ideal for quiet, casual moments. Surfaces of marble, quartzite, and limestone meet alluring wood cabinets hand-brushed with European oil paint, creating an eye-catching range of hues and textures. Cooks of all skill levels will appreciate superior-caliber appliances from La Cornue, Sub-Zero, and Miele; a bar; and a convenient, discreet butler’s pantry. Secluded in its own wing, the owner’s suite is oriented to capture views of rolling hills and wide-open sky. A custom fireplace, an array of built-ins, automated amenities—including a hidden television—and a lavish bath with heated floors, polished-nickel fixtures, towel warmers, and both a shower and a soaking tub create a sense of luxury and indulgence. The dual boutique-caliber dressing rooms boast exceptional cabinetry, custom hanging systems, and other thoughtfully integrated storage. The three guest bedrooms are equally stylish and well appointed, each enjoying an en suite bath, a walk-in closet, and access to a terrace or garden. Accommodating long-term visitors or multigenerational living, the freestanding guesthouse benefits from its own kitchen, living room, fireplace, bedroom, bath, and wraparound porch with swings. In such a remarkable, lovingly maintained place, outdoor living is de rigueur. The centerpiece of that open-air lifestyle is a swimming pool and spa whose infinity edge creates a serene waterfall. Enveloping it are a patio with a custom fire pit; an alfresco living area and kitchen with a fireplace, a grill, a rotisserie, and stainless-steel cabinetry; and thoughtful landscaping that includes meadows threaded with stone paths, olive trees, and handsome split-rail fencing. This is turnkey living in its truest form. Even everyday essentials—glassware, dishware, cookware, and linens—have been painstakingly chosen in keeping with the aesthetic. Whole-house water filtration, a central vacuum system, fire suppression, multizone heating and air conditioning, solar infrastructure, integrated audio, motorized shades, and Lutron automated lighting ensure that the details of everyday life unfold quietly, reliably, and with enviable ease. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
Our monthly series asks: How do you bring color into luxury design? Burgundy adds warmth and glamour, writes Jill Krasny Knightsbridge, London | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty Some homes make a lasting impression while others quickly fade from the mind. Almost always, the design and color scheme is a factor. Navy is elegant, versatile and timeless, while terracotta, a hue that’s been used domestically for centuries, suits traditional and contemporary spaces alike. Burgundy—which our series on color in luxury design turns to next—brings comforting warmth to any interior while injecting a little old-fashioned “decadence and glamour,” says Patrick O’Donnell, an interior designer and brand ambassador for British paint maker Farrow & Ball. The color reigned supreme in the Victorian era, says O’Donnell, when “dark, sumptuous and textural interiors” were in vogue, along with layered damasks, busy prints and plush velvets. Lenox Hill, New York | Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage Burgundy was also used in ancient times, he notes, as evidenced by the Roman city of Pompeii in Italy, where many frescoes feature the color. Meanwhile, the interior walls of the Pantheon in the grounds of Stourhead, a grand estate in Wiltshire, England, show traces of purple-red porphyry stone. It was inspired by the original Pantheon in Rome. In recent years, shades of both burgundy and maroon (with its brown rather than purple undertone) have surged in popularity, says O’Donnell, as homeowners grow tired of muted palettes and opt for bolder, more expressive colors. Burgundy enlivens any neutral room, he says, and especially pops in “small or poorly lit spaces,” where “its red overtones add a cozy, inviting vibe.” Knightsbridge, London | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty A newly refurbished apartment in London’s Knightsbridge proves O’Donnell right. “It creates something rather masculine and cocooning,” he says of the deep burgundy bedroom walls paired with floor-skimming charcoal curtains. The L-shaped galley kitchen, with European-style cabinetry in a vampy red, feels similarly off-kilter—in the best way possible—thanks to its wavy glass window set over the sink. In the traditional living room of a Lenox Hill townhouse in New York, the richly patterned carpet highlights the wood-paneled walls and chintz-covered seats without detracting from the historic art. The grand foyer’s light burgundy wallpaper, O’Donnell notes, “serves as a clever foil for the extensive collection of black-and-white photography.” Additionally, it draws out the sweeping spiral staircase and checkerboard tile floor. Bridgehampton, New York | Sotheby’s International Realty – Bridgehampton Brokerage In a striking home in Bridgehampton, New York, burgundy walls provide a bold backdrop for art and collectables in a vestibule space connecting the main reception area and a paved terrace. The color pairs well with both the adjacent white and greenery outside, while an unusual blue and gold starred ceiling provides a pleasing contrast. This makes sense, says O’Donnell. Strong colors such as burgundy aren’t suited to light-filled spaces; they tend to work best in smaller areas as accents. And this applies to furniture and soft furnishings as much as a wall, which explains the popularity of burgundy velvet sofas and rugs. Germantown, New York | Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty Meanwhile, a modern farmhouse in New York’s Hudson Valley offers a subtler take on decorating with burgundy. “The dresser gently draws the eye to the objects on display,” says O’Donnell, noting the tonal backing. “Even the color has been ‘washed’ to create a sense of softness,” he adds. Also helpful: the eclectic-patterned rug spread across the wide plank floors. Further burgundy rugs line the living room and an impeccably decorated bedroom that complements the owner’s eclectic mix of art, curios and wooden four-poster bed. Explore our Color Chart series, from bold red, joyful pink, zingy orange, versatile turquoise and uplifting yellow to natural lilac, historic terracotta, classic green, calming white and sophisticated navy
Spanning some 4,000 square feet on two levels, this regal four-bedroom penthouse towers above Los Angeles at one of the most coveted addresses along Wilshire Boulevard. It exudes an elegant classicism that belies a locale perhaps better known for sun, sand, and surf. One of the most renowned thoroughfares in the United States—if not the world—Wilshire Boulevard traces its history to the days before the conquistadores, when it served as one of the central pathways traveled by the region’s indigenous Tongva people. Today the boulevard is strewn with important denizens, from telecommunications companies, museums, and movie studios to historic hotels and luxurious condominium residences, which abound particularly along the stretch known familiarly as Millionaire’s Mile. Los Angeles, California| Lori Berris, Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage Spanning some 4,000 square feet over two levels, this regal penthouse towers above the city at one of the most coveted addresses along that storied promenade. It exudes a classicism that belies a locale perhaps better known for sun, sand, and surf. Touches of Old World panache can be found in finely honed custom millwork, crown moldings, wide-plank walnut floors, panelled walls, sculpted marble, light fixtures accented with crystal and glass, stately stone tile, and rich, deep hues and superior craftsmanship that exemplify enduring luxury. Introduced by a foyer with august limestone flooring and a cinematic staircase, this “villa in the sky” boasts a living room with a fireplace, a sweeping iconic vista, and two enviable balconies; an open dining area where the views continue; and a chef’s kitchen with marble countertops, custom cabinetry, an oversized island, a breakfast bar, a six-burner dual-oven Wolf range, two Sub-Zero refrigerators, temperature-controlled wine storage, and a dedicated breakfast area. Chief among the home’s four bedrooms is a primary suite whose lavish marble bath offers a spa-caliber steam shower and a custom soaking tub. The boutique-worthy walk-in closet and dressing room features a built-in safe. Each bedroom and bath—including a versatile upper-level studio with a kitchenette—has been finished with a distinctive design motif and palette. Traditional aesthetics notwithstanding, the residence is undeniably well suited for modern living, with contemporary comforts and conveniences that include a Crestron home automation system, custom window treatments, and the building’s abundant amenities, which range from round-the-clock security, a refreshing swimming pool and spa, a fitness center, communal gathering spaces indoors and out, a caterer’s kitchen, and valet parking via the grand welcoming porte cochère. The attractions for which the region is renowned are mere moments away, from the campus of UCLA and Century City to the boutiques and designer flagships of Rodeo Drive. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
From a £30M sale in London, England, to a US$24M in Seagrove Beach, Florida, here are significant sales represented by the Sotheby’s International Realty global network in July. London, England Sarah Peck | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, £30M View properties in London, England Seagrove Beach, Florida Lauren Boger|Scenic Sotheby’s International Realty, US$24M View properties in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida North Hampton, New Hampshire Tony Jalbert, Dana Mitchell| Tate & Foss Sotheby’s International Realty, US$24M View properties in North Hampton, New Hampshire Newport Beach, California K. Ann Brizolis | Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty, US$13.75M View properties in Newport Beach, California Mellons Bay, New Zealand Greg Dennerly | New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty, NZD7.38M View properties in Auckland, New Zealand
A dedicated drinking den is a luxury must-have. From a ‘vampire speakeasy’ to an incognito cabinet, the best designs maintain an element of surprise, finds Elizabeth Fazzare A cocktail bar by Chad Dorsey Design with custom branding, menu and drinks, all in the comfort of a private Dallas residence. Photo: Stephen Karlisch Sometimes staying in really is just as fun as going out. For proof, look no further than the rising popularity of the home bar, now one of the most sought-after elements of a high-end residence. Homeowners are dedicating entire rooms, feature niches and hidden-in-plain-sight cabinets to this hosting staple. However, rather than taking cues from the sleek luxury of their counterparts in hospitality projects, home-bar designs are going full-out, putting personality on display alongside an owner’s libations of choice. Today, a home bar is just as much “about having people come over to experience it as to look at it,” says interior designer Devin Hines, the founder of Los Angeles and New York City studio Hines Collective. Homeowners “want it to be a conversation starter and very much a visual surprise,” he says. In a recent loft project in New York City’s upmarket Tribeca neighborhood, Hines carved a gilded apse into the red lacquered media room and set a wet bar within it. Its sink is outfitted with a swan-shaped faucet, while a custom metallic plaster finish looks like aged, hammered metal, dramatically juxtaposing the deep oxblood walls and ceiling. Financial District NYC Interior Design: Devin Hines " src="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Hines-Collective_Tribeca_Photographer-Joshua-McHugh-683x1024.jpg" alt="gold wet bar in Tribeca by Hines Collective with statement coffee table and grey couch in the foreground" class="wp-image-347942" srcset="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Hines-Collective_Tribeca_Photographer-Joshua-McHugh-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Hines-Collective_Tribeca_Photographer-Joshua-McHugh-200x300.jpg 200w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Hines-Collective_Tribeca_Photographer-Joshua-McHugh-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Hines-Collective_Tribeca_Photographer-Joshua-McHugh-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Hines-Collective_Tribeca_Photographer-Joshua-McHugh-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Hines-Collective_Tribeca_Photographer-Joshua-McHugh-1200x1800.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" Hines Collective added a gilded wet-bar to this atmospheric Tribeca space. Photo: Joshua McHugh Recessing the bar—kitted out with a beverage station, glassware storage and stocked snack drawers for the movie-loving homeowner—leaves floor space free and clear for a sinuous statement sofa. The client’s brief for the room was “a vampire speakeasy,” says Hines, who is currently designing bars in all his high-end New York home projects. “It was up to us to execute that elegantly.” Texan interior designer Chad Dorsey is fielding an increasing number of requests for another kind of specialized space, the listening bar. In Dallas, the owner-founder of Chad Dorsey Design reinterpreted one home’s narrow and underutilized screened-in porch around how its owners actually spend an evening. At one end, a fireplace is flanked by a turntable and media cabinet full of classic rock records; on the other, a cocktail bar with custom branding, menu and drinks. A Dallas porch becomes a wall-to-wall listening bar by Chad Dorsey Design. Photo: Stephen Karlisch With a great sound system, a variety of seating, and forgiving materials such as lacquer, velvet and brick—“nothing so perfectly coordinated that a little wear or a spilled cocktail is going to throw it off”—this full-room bar is a “destination inside the house, not an afterthought,” according to the designer. Keeping the scheme relaxed and lived-in is crucial to its appeal, he maintains. “Nobody wants a bar that feels off-limits.” Nor do clients want a “generic bar cart in the corner,” says Dorsey. “They want a place with a point of view.” In current projects, Dorsey is “incorporating things like granita machines and a favorite beer, or even sparkling water, on tap. Those details make the bar feel original and personal.” Where possible, dedicating an entire room to a bar allows space to get specific. Adam Kamens, CEO of custom furniture company Amuneal, which supplies many bespoke bar and speakeasy projects, notes there is “definitely an increase, not just in the number of bars we’re designing, but in the footprint dedicated to them.” Just how much square footage depends at which phase the home bar is incorporated into the overall vision. “When a bar is being added to an existing home, we’re often designing units that fit into what’s already there: on counters, floating off walls, hanging from ceilings, sometimes claiming previously underutilized or awkward spaces,” Kamens says. “But when a bar is considered early in the design process, it tends to be more personal, larger in footprint, and much more driven by the experience our client wants to create for themselves or their guests.” Amuneal fabricated bar, built-in, outdoor railing and light fixture. " src="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Jagr-Projects_Philadelphia-Penthouse_Amuneal_Photographer-Ty-Cole-851x1024.jpg" alt="curved mesh bar by Amuneal in a Philadelphia penthouse" class="wp-image-347945" srcset="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Jagr-Projects_Philadelphia-Penthouse_Amuneal_Photographer-Ty-Cole-851x1024.jpg 851w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Jagr-Projects_Philadelphia-Penthouse_Amuneal_Photographer-Ty-Cole-249x300.jpg 249w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Jagr-Projects_Philadelphia-Penthouse_Amuneal_Photographer-Ty-Cole-768x924.jpg 768w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Jagr-Projects_Philadelphia-Penthouse_Amuneal_Photographer-Ty-Cole-1277x1536.jpg 1277w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Jagr-Projects_Philadelphia-Penthouse_Amuneal_Photographer-Ty-Cole-1702x2048.jpg 1702w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Home-Bar_Jagr-Projects_Philadelphia-Penthouse_Amuneal_Photographer-Ty-Cole-1200x1444.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 851px) 100vw, 851px" A curved mesh bar by Amuneal in a Jagr Projects designed Philadelphia penthouse. Photo: Ty Cole However, even a small space offers an opportunity for a design surprise. In the living room of an Aspen, Colorado home, local designer Karen White has concealed a built-in oak-and-leather bar behind floor-to-ceiling blue lacquered doors with a patinated bronze inlay. It’s a pop of color that takes the space from day to night, and a growing trend. “Concealment has become one of the more interesting design problems we get to solve,” says Kamens. “It lets the bar exist on the client’s terms, revealed only when they choose.” While a home bar behind paneled pocket doors might seem a bit quiet in this revived era of entertaining, it can create a “wow” moment for guests, and taps into the prevailing demand for flexible interior spaces. Plus, says Hines, “a bar is one of the few design elements that can be vertically focused. It’s a nice opportunity to balance a room.” Behind closed doors: the bespoke Amuneal bar in Karen White’s Aspen scheme. Photo: Dallas & Harris Whether hidden, showstopping or specialized, home bars allow designers a bit of space to play. “Because of the social nature of the home bar, clients seem to be willing to have a little more fun and be riskier in their design choices,” says Hines, who notes that metallic, glass and luster finishes are currently top preferences. “We’re presenting bolder things and they’re going with it.” The ultimate goal, according to Dorsey, is “a spot in the house that feels like [you’re] going out, without leaving home.” Here’s how to design a party-perfect interior, whatever the season
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