Featured image: ©istockphoto.com / Chinnapong

It’s time to discover these 10 extraordinarily refined places, each with distinctly different waterfront experiences.

Birmingham, Michigan

What’s tucked inside a Great Lakes luxury property? The better question is, what’s not? Aside from fantastic lakefront views, plenty of room for entertaining, and a spot for any water toys you may fancy, the area itself is famously well-known. Janine Grillo, a Keller Williams Domain Associate Broker, tells Unique Homes that the Great Lakes region is the
No. 1 freshwater boating destination in the U.S.

“The sheer size of this territory affords boaters a whole world of fun and a number of diverse places to explore on the water,” she says, noting that every day here feels like a vacation. “This summer, we are finding buyers are looking to enjoy life more, relax (and work) from home. The updated, roomy waterfront properties sell fast,” Grillo says.

Lake Tahoe, Nevada & California

“The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine. Bracing and delicious. And why shouldn’t it be? It is the same the angels breathe,” said Mark Twain in describing Lake Tahoe. Chase International President and CEO Shari Chase characterizes it in the same way, recounting this quote from where she calls home, on the Nevada side of the iconic area.

“Lake Tahoe is a real treasure,” Chase says in painting a picture of the 22-mile-long, 12-mile-wide body of water, which is majestically surrounded by mountains. “Everything has a very spiritual essence to it here. The water is beautifully pure, with blues and crystalized greens,” she continues. The land boasts an outdoor lifestyle, where residents can easily take in treasured hiking trails, ski lodges, boating, beaches, art and more. Within one hour of the space are gems such as Virginia City, Genoa, and Jackson, California, which all are filled with wonderful recreation.

Prices here range from $3.75 million to $48 million, with most buyers prioritizing a spacious pier when considering their search.

Chase International Broker Trinkie Watson says that diversity of year-round outdoor activities, alongside good restaurants, art galleries and unique shopping are a huge draw to the area, as well as convenience to Sacramento and the Bay Area. Residents can easily take in treasured hiking trails, ski lodges, boating and beaches. “Whether it’s at the lake or on a beautiful trail in the mountains, it’s all gorgeous,” Watson says.

Londonderry, New Hampshire

The New England waterfront is known for its variety of seasonal landscapes throughout the year. Residents are able to experience the full extent of floral springs, fluttering snowflakes, peaceful waters, and crisp autumn leaves. And right now, in the summertime, the sights could not be better, says Morgan Smith, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Verani Realty.

“We have hundreds of clean lakes with 360 degrees of spectacular scenery. Owners love to watch the loons, fish off the dock, kayak and waterski, and lazily soak in the clear, fresh water warmed by the sun,” she says. Coastal properties in New England feature properties with rocky ledges, crashing waves, and beaches that can be strolled for miles and miles.

With regard to how the market is faring, lower-than-average inventories are leaving very few properties for sale at a time. Prices of waterfront properties range from $1 million to $25 million, with buyers privy to direct access to the water, spacious frontage, and plenty of room for a watercraft, Smith says. She enjoys her daily life in the area, and wishes to share the elegance with new buyers. “I love spending time in Cape Elizabeth,” she says. “If I can be on a boat (or a hammock), and smell fresh air next to a body of water, I’m happy.”

The California oceanfront is star-studded with luxury at every turn. Coronado, San Diego is absolutely no exception. Broker Associate Scott Aurich of Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty has lived in 17 different houses throughout the town and loved every second of it. To get away from it all, Aurich enjoys his early mornings more than anything else; he spends it surfing in tranquil waters, golfing through immaculate links, or entranced by friendly creatures at the stables. He stressed that Coronado camaraderie cannot be replicated anywhere else he’s seen.

Whether it’s the unique amenities the town has to offer, the community center with a gym, or the iconic $34 million Crown Manor estate he is representing, Coronado is truly special. But his favorite piece of home, he says, is the people. “The best thing is the people; it’s hard to describe,” Aurich mentioned. He finds that the kindness of his neighbors is where he feels the most pride. It’s not just Aurich that has noticed the grandeur; the temperature of real estate in Coronado is booming, to say the least. The demand is so high that at press time, only 54 houses were for sale. “The market is white hot,” Aurich said, explaining that the value of homes has gone up exponentially in the last 20 years.

Egg Harbor, Wisconsin

Door County, Wisconsin, is a gorgeous peninsula with 250 miles of coastline — it’s surrounded by the waters of Lake Michigan on the eastern side, and Green Bay on the western side. For weekenders or vacationers, the area boasts incredible opportunities for sailing, water sports, fishing, boutiques, restaurants and quaint villages that dot the shoreline, explains Jamie Sanger, a managing broker with Coldwell Banker Realty.

The county of Door has fantastic experiences in the arts, theater, and golf courses, but most of all, it is best known for its natural scenic beauty, she tells Unique Homes. With even multimillion-dollar homes and estates selling like hotcakes, any inventory that is available is selling for well over asking price. Sanger feels that her area and the lifestyles awaiting there are in particularly high demand: “I feel the pandemic has fueled our market, in that folks want to be able to ‘get away’ from the urban areas to enjoy a more peaceful, private, and healthy lifestyle,” she continues. This is what she sees in her own hometown as well, Ellison Bay, which she says has stayed tranquil and untouched by development in recent years.

Over in Sarasota, Candy Swick, president and broker at Candy Swick & Company, is dazzled by the diversity of people she meets every single day. “One minute you are having a conversation with an astronaut, a rocket scientist, an author, or an international ballet virtuoso from Russia,” she says.

Swick describes the water in Sarasota as “Carribean blue,” alongside a breeze that drifts in soft and cooling. Residents can enjoy multitudes of water sports, a world-class ice skating rink where Olympic figure skaters have trained, and ballet and opera performances.

As for the price tag, luxury homes are running from $2 million to
$20 million. Houses are frequently selling the day they enter the market, at list price or often in a situation with multiple offers. A typical bayfront home in Sarasota starts at $2.5 million, where buyers can view the magic, nightlife, and restaurants outlining the entire city. “We know that if an individual desired to enjoy a new restaurant for lunch and another for dinner, it would take more than a year to explore them all,” Swick said.

“Think of a place that has beautiful beaches, with crystal-clear water and clean, silky-smooth sand; a place that is known as the yacht capital of the world, with spectacular vessels cruising in daily through the port,” says Shai Mashiach, a Coldwell Banker Realty agent, in painting a picture of his beloved home.

He notes that in the bustling housing market, several waterfront neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale are in high demand; particularly Las Olas and Harbor Beach, where prices start in the millions. Mashiach noted the convenience of the area as well; it’s only a one-hour boat ride to the Bahamas, a 30-minute drive south to Miami or north to Palm Beach, and one hour to the Florida Keys. “It’s a place that has the best restaurants, great nightlife, and magnificent people from around the globe,” he continued.

As far as his personal favorite to-dos, Mashiach and his family enjoy quality time on the water, fishing, or docking at a favorite restaurant on the Intracoastal for a spectacular meal. “From yoga on the beach to amazing deep-water fishing, Fort Lauderdale has a wonderful ambiance and everything you need to enjoy life,” he says.

Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel, Mexico is known as one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world. A hundred-plus feet of visibility in the pristine, cobalt water is perfect for a deep dive, whether you’re a novice or expert. “The clarity of the water is just extraordinary,” says Cindy Case, a Realtor with Douglas Elliman. The island takes pride in differentiating itself from the mainland; as opposed to cities like Cancun, Cozumel boasts a private, more intimate community.

“It’s a unique, small island with a very relaxed vibe,” Case says. Yet, this does not eliminate the availability of ample restaurants, shopping, and hospital care. There are many properties available for sale along the water, and well-priced at that. Case notes the affordability of property on such a prime Caribbean island. When recalling her favorites, Case enjoys beach hopping along the backside of the island; she treasures the chain of beautiful, wide, white-sand beaches with restaurants and bars.

Picture year-round warm weather and sunshine, vast cultural diversity and delicacies, and a fabulous cosmopolitan lifestyle when thinking of residential life in Honolulu, Hawaii, says Tracy Allen of Coldwell Banker Realty.

“Breathtaking hikes along the Ko’olau mountain ranges and scenic coastal trails offer incredible vistas second to none. Visitors and residents love the vast cultural foods found in Hawaii, and come to the island to enjoy many different dining experiences,” Allen describes.

For purchases on the water, prices start at around $6 million, and can range from $8 million to $20 million as well. Allen says that waterfront homes in the area have generally been built within the last 10 years, and include modern touches such as lighter wood tones, smart technology, gyms, home offices, and large, professional kitchens.

Surfing, paddle boarding, kite surfing, jet skiing, and canoe paddling are just a few activities keeping residents entertained. Allen wants buyers to know: if you’re looking for a diverse experience, Hawaii is for you. And when asked her perfect way to spend a day, her answer is simple; “The beach! You can never go wrong with our turquoise crystal-clear waters!”

Kaua’i, Hawaii

In another part of the islands, luxury on Kaua’i translates to “soulful” according to Hawaii Life broker Neal Norman. It is that very soul and heart that keeps residents smiling in the sunshine, just as Norman found himself when he moved in 25 years ago.

“We’re seeing purposeful buyers who want to live the lifestyle: that luxury, soulful living that Kaua’i provides,” Norman says. In the North Shore region where he is located, buyers and sellers are connected on the ocean view at a variety of prices, ranging from $3 million to $50 million. Dream homes are purchased on the daily in this blue-sky paradise, where residents can spend quality time with loved ones and friends.

Offering numerous outdoor endeavors, hiking, surfing, sailing, snorkeling, swimming, beach combing and biking are just a few of the fantastic opportunities in Kaua’i. “Buyers are finding solitude and serenity on this little island in the Pacific Sea,” Norman says. “Kaua’i is a rare and special place.”

THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN THE UH Summer ’21 ISSUE OF UNIQUE HOMES. TO SEE THE DIGITAL VERSION OF THIS STORY, CLICK HERE.

Jeff Leonard — Luxury Realtor^®

Advance Realty Global

3721 S. Westnedge Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49008

269.281.3954 | info@SWMIHomeSales.com | www.RavingFansTestimonials.com

Instagram: @jeffleonardrealestate

Listing by Jeff Leonard

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$2,575,000

Jeff Leonard originally appeared as an Elite agent in the Unique Homes Spring ’21: Elite edition. See his page here.

Offering 100 feet of private beach frontage on Lake Michigan in Norton Shores, this two-bedroom, two-bath cottage showcases three miles of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline.

“The property is contiguous to the P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, so no one can build to the left of the property — and you can enjoy private walks along the beach, miles of hiking and skiing trails and kayaking in the summer,” says Bradley Wisk of Keller Williams Harbortown who is listing the property for $1.5 million.

The home has been recently restored and features include a teak deck leading to the beach, an open floor plan, a chef’s kitchen with luxury appliances, a bath with a large walk-in shower and jetted bathtub, and a lower level with two bedrooms, a full-bath, and laundry room.

Photos courtesy of Bradley Wisk.

Candice Rich, a top-producing Realtor, an accomplished business professional, and a skilled negotiator. Her dedication to helping her clients successfully achieve all their real estate needs is proven in her results.

Organically building her business from 100 percent referrals to multi-million-dollar levels, she has developed long-lasting relationships, becoming a valued go-to real estate advisor. Her outstanding reputation has garnered her to represent many top executives, athletes, and successful families.

Prior to entering real estate, Candice was a former 20-year private practice accountant, bringing further added value to her clients.

Whether you are interested in selling your lakefront property, a luxury downtown brownstone, or a home in an exclusive suburb, she is ready to create a custom marketing plan to get your home sold at top dollar.

For an inside look into an exclusive real estate opportunity from Candice, click here.

Set on 12 acres of privately gated, impeccably landscaped property, this French Manor estate in Oakland Township Michigan offers 13,000-plus square feet of meticulously appointed living space.

The home boasts soaring ceilings, maple-planked flooring, supreme stonework/woodwork and four fireplaces. Additionally, there is a top-of-the-line chef’s kitchen with a separate pizza oven, six bedroom suites, seven full baths, a private loft area, and a finished walkout with a lap pool and gaming area.

Terraced outdoor patios, exquisite formal gardens, 21-flaming urns, a swimming pool, a helipad, a state-of-the-art hanger, a 6-car garage and a horse barn round out the property. “This private estate is for the athlete, the entertainer or a top executive looking for the ultimate in exclusivity and privacy,” says listing agent Candice Rich of KW Domain Luxury Homes International, who is listing the property for $5.199 million. “This home has it all!”

To learn more about this property’s agent, Candice Rich, click here.

With approximately 445 feet of water frontage, this property is set on 4.3 acres in Grosse Point Shores, Michigan and showcases panoramic views of Lake St. Clair.

The mid-century modern main house features four bedrooms and a heated terrace. Most of the main rooms have beautiful views of the lake. The house has been expanded and undergone extensive renovations to create what is now a 5,490 square foot home. The charming mid-century modern ranch style was retained and the great room features a stunning wood-paneled cathedral ceiling, two fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors, which provide fantastic views of the lake. The open floor plan, along with the skylights, allows the home to be filled with even more natural light. The master bedroom suite includes two baths, an office and a walk-in closet.

The current owner purchased the adjacent property, which was then razed to create the gigantic 4.3-acre lot on the water. The property also includes a charming guest cottage with lake views and a quaint 1,065-square-foot farmhouse with two bedrooms, plus an additional carriage house.

The estate, listed for $9.5 million by Kay Agney of Higbie Maxon Agney Realtors, is one of the largest estates in Grosse Pointe — and the scenic home is the ideal place to lead a quiet life, surrounded by trees, with a perfect view of lake St. Clair.

For more information about this property, contact:

Kay Agney-Broker/Owner

Cell: 313 460 3041

83 Kercheval Avenue, GP Farms, MI

www.higbiemaxon.com

This property was featured in the Unique Homes Ultimate 2020 Issue. Click the link to learn more!

Photo courtesy of Kay Agney.

Sitting on 130 feet of frontage on Lake Michigan and 130 feet of frontage on Bay Harbor Lake this custom-built estate is on the gated Peninsula at Bay Harbor. This captivating offering features luxury living indoors and out and can accommodate a guest house and/or boat house on Bay Harbor Lake.

“This property is uniquely situated to capture the most spectacular northern Michigan sunsets and provides the most comfortable, yet sophisticated ambience,” says Chris Etienne of Harbor Sotheby’s International Realty who is listing the property for $9.25 million. “It is elegant and welcoming at the same time.”

Features of the home include five en suite bedrooms overlooking the water, private balconies, a sophisticated den, formal dining, and an exquisite award-winning custom kitchen with a separate chef’s kitchen. It is a rare and exceptional opportunity — and you can even dock your 120-foot mega yacht at your private dock.

For more information about this property contact:

Chris Etienne

231.838.2031

chris@harborsothebysrealty.com

harborsothebysrealty.com

This property was featured in the Unique Homes Ultimate 2020 Issue. Click the link to learn more!

Photos courtesy of Chris Etienne

Denise Bellore, associate broker at Keller Williams Paint Creek, has experienced firsthand the ebbs and flows of the real estate market. She has proven herself alongside the ever-changing trends in the economy, the housing market and even advancements in technology. While these events have caused some real estate agents to leave the business, it is in spite of it, that Denise is at the top of her game.

Denise leads the Denise Bellore Group with the vision of collaboration, mentoring and encouragement for growth and education. “We are heavy on learning and helping each other to reach personal goals,” Denise said. “We respect each other and take real approaches to life and work. We are strong in more ways than the numbers.”

The bottom line for Denise is that it’s never too late to find success in real estate. “It’s never too late to give generously and live generously,” Denise said. “I always say, ‘it’ll all work out,’ and somehow it always does — especially with an open mind and a positive attitude. You’ve got to have faith in the business, faith in the wins and faith in the losses.”

Contact Denise at:

Email: DeniseBellore@kw.com

Phone: 586.242.5752

Website: DeniseBelloreGroup.com

This exquisitely designed and custom-built, 2-story estate in Michigan is on 118 feet of Spring Lake waterfront.

This David Bos smart home estate epitomizes luxury and boasts five bedrooms, four full and two half baths, over 9,000 square feet of living space, four kitchens (including a commercial-grade kitchen), a gym and every amenity imaginable.

“This Hamptons-style luxury home would be perfect for a boater, wine connoisseur, entertainer or waterfront lover,” said Sandi Gentry of Re/Max Lakeshore who is listing the property for $3.4959 million.

Sandi Gentry originally appeared as an Elite agent in the Unique Homes Spring ’20: Elite edition.

Vacation year-round with this one-of-a-kind, peninsular property on beautiful Lake St. Clair in Michigan.

On a unique .71 of an acre lot, the home is positioned to maximize waterfront lifestyle, where you can enjoy dazzling sunrises, fishing off your dock and watching the freighters float by in a tranquil environment.

This home, listed by Jeffery Alasina of Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel for $2 million, features an open ranch-style floor plan with four bedrooms, two-and-one half baths, two stone fireplaces, an attached indoor pool with bar and an attached covered boat house.

Elite Agent: Sherri Murphy

by Unique Homes Staff | May 7, 2024 | Agents, Featured Property | 0 Comments

Sherri Murphy, a dedicated Professional Real Estate Advisor and leader of The Ultimate Real Estate Group at Coldwell Banker Realty, is reshaping the real estate landscape with her white-glove, concierge service tailored to her clients’ needs.

Tidal Waves of Elegance