As the sport’s largest ever tournament kicks off, host nations Mexico, Canada and the U.S. can lay claim to some of the finest prime property in the world, writes Nancy Groves Manhattan, New York | Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage It’s finally here. The 2026 global soccer tournament begins today, eight years after the U.S., Mexico and Canada were named as co-hosts. An unprecedented 48 teams will compete, with 104 games coming to 16 host cities across North America—each hoping for the tournament’s glow to last long after the iconic golden trophy has been lifted. The real estate potential conferred on cities spotlighted on this global sporting stage was explored in the Sotheby’s International Realty 2026 Luxury Outlook report, published January 2026. “The big value in soccer is that it has international popularity,” said Russ Anderson of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty in Dallas, Texas, in the report. “The exposure will hopefully attract the wealthy from all over the world.” For those looking for luxury homes in these locations, here’s what US$10M-US$12M will buy you in five cities hosting some of the biggest matches of the tournament. Mexico City Mexico City, Mexico | Mexico Sotheby’s International Realty The historic Mexico City Stadium has already witnessed two men’s soccer cup finals (in 1970 and 1986) and now has the honor of hosting the opening fixture of the 2026 tournament—between home nation Mexico and South Africa on June 11. First opened in 1966, the stadium is considered a masterpiece of Mexican modernism, an architectural style that has an ongoing footprint across the city. Take the sleek lines of this recently built villa in the upmarket Lomas de Chapultepec neighborhood. Stone, metal, wood and water combine in an organic aesthetic of understated luxury. Los Angeles Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles | Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage Team USA’s opening match of the 2026 tournament at Los Angeles Stadium is one of eight games scheduled at the Inglewood-located arena: a local stage for global skill and talent. Thirteen miles north, a box-fresh home in the Hollywood Hills aims to showcase similar levels of craftsmanship, albeit more restrained. On a mostly flat lot of 5,000 square feet, the design watchword is “longevity,” prioritizing subtle, durable finishes and the sort of quiet luxury that Los Angelenos increasingly favor. Note: in two years’ time, the same city and stadium will be hosting the opening ceremony of the 2028 Summer Games. Toronto Toronto, Ontario | Sotheby’s International Realty Canada Canada hosted the women’s soccer cup in 2015, but this is the first year the men’s tournament has played out on Canadian soil. Both Toronto and Vancouver are in on the action. The former in particular is no stranger to international energy, as one of the world’s most multicultural metropolises, with the food and film scenes to match. Its suburbs offer privacy and laid-back living, such as in the exclusive Bridle Path area, nicknamed “Millionaire’s Row” and location of this elegant estate. The classic house at its heart is set apart—in every sense—by a landscape of mature trees and impeccable planting. Miami Miami, Florida | ONE Sotheby’s International Realty Miami’s current soccer pedigree is in no small part down to David Beckham, whose club Inter Miami CF has attracted a constellation of global footballing talent since 2018, elevating the U.S. men’s game stateside. Miami Stadium will host seven matches, including the tournament’s penultimate fixture to decide third place. But Miami real estate is no runner-up, as its luxury housing boom continues apace. Waterside living is the game here, exemplified by this expansive condo, set within a 20-acre private island development. On-site fine dining, a spa, fitness center and sporting facilities to satisfy even an off-duty soccer star complete the package. New York City Manhattan, New York | Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage And so to the tournament’s grand final on July 19. While we can only guess which teams will play, we do know where the match will happen: in East Rutherford, New Jersey. That’s just seven miles west of central Manhattan and this glamorous penthouse duplex, the very definition of urban luxury. By day, the condo is flooded with natural light; by night, it offers shimmering skyline views. Like a world-class footballer mid-flow, the building itself appears to defy gravity, tapering backwards over the celebrated High Line, and featuring some of the largest single-pane windows ever used in a residential high-rise development. As in truly world-class soccer meets, superlatives don’t quite cover it. Playing the global game? Where in the world does US$1M-US$2M buy you the most space?
This enchanting home tucked amid three acres of towering trees could easily be mistaken for an enduring Tudor manor in the countryside of England or France. It is, in fact, a unique haven of sophistication, comfort, and seclusion in the peaceful community of Tomball, Texas. With its handsome masonry and stonework, pitched rooflines, timeless shingles, leaded-glass windows and sidelights, and quintessential asymmetry, this enchanting home tucked amid three acres of towering trees and other flourishing greenery could easily be mistaken for an enduring Tudor manor in the pastoral countryside of England or France. It is, in fact, ensconced in the village of Tomball, Texas, one of the most desirable, peaceful communities on the outskirts of the bustling urban mecca of Houston. This idyllic location and carefully considered and executed aesthetics combine to create a unique haven of sophistication, comfort, and seclusion. Tomball, Texas| Rachel Solar, Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty – Central Houston Brokerage A stone and iron arched gateway opens to a paver path that winds toward the 8,120-square-foot home, introducing the classic storybook ambience. The public spaces are designed for festive entertaining on any scale. The living room has a stately air thanks to a coffered ceiling, intricately detailed millwork, wide-plank hardwood floors, built-in shelving, a regal fireplace, and oversized windows admitting lovely light. Nearby is a dining area with a soaring pitched ceiling and a dramatic stone fireplace framed by outsize windows with leafy outlooks. This space flows effortlessly into a bright and inviting cook’s kitchen with an oversized island, plentiful counter and cabinet space, superior-caliber stainless-steel appliances from Sub-Zero and Wolf, marble countertops, brass fixtures and fittings, and a walk-through pantry that leads to a thoughtful mudroom and gardening space. A hidden door leads to a theater that allows for private screenings of cinematic classics or the latest blockbuster. For more subdued moments, the residence provides five restful bedrooms, chief among them a peaceful main-floor owner’s suite with striking parquetry, French doors giving way to a patio, two well-appointed walk-in closets, and an en suite bath that combines classic and contemporary elements and features striking tile, a spacious walk-in shower, and a soaking tub. In the guest bedrooms, herringbone-patterened parquetry, hardwood floors, deep-set windows, and leaded-glass bays contribute to the classical feel. Each of the stylish baths has a distinctive design motif. The game room offers built-in bunk beds and study alcoves tucked into window dormers, while a captivating wood-paneled study with walls of windows, abundant built-ins, and inspiring natural light is ideal for quiet contemplation and concentration. Atop the garage is a one-bedroom apartment with hardwood floors, a charming kitchen, a dining area, thoughtful storage, and a restful bedroom with a ceiling fan and an attendant bath. With their meticulously manicured landscaping and swaths of lush lawn, the grounds are alluring in their own right. A multilevel backyard deck with well-considered lighting is enveloped by greenery. Steps away is a refreshing pool and spa with a sun shelf, burbling fountains, and serene waterfalls, all surrounded by sun-washed stone terrace with a fire pit. A secluded outdoor shower, a whimsical built-in trampoline, a sturdy stone storage shed, a whole-house generator, a Control4 smart home system, and exceptional privacy are enviable amenities that complete this picture-perfect Texas retreat. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
Heritage skills and craftsmanship turn the humble clay block into a true mark of luxury, writes Riya Patel Melbourne, Australia | Melbourne Sotheby’s International Realty As Lanza Atelier debuts its playfully sinuous Serpentine Pavilion this summer in London’s Hyde Park, the Mexican studio continues a longstanding architectural love affair with brick. Blocks of fired clay are among architects’ most versatile materials. They can be used humbly as part of a local vernacular, familiar and grounding, or they can be made monumental, as in the famously heroic forms of Louis Kahn’s Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad. These dual qualities mean brick is an oft-returned-to choice for luxury homes. Its modular nature lends itself to a variety of form-making, while endless options in shape, size, material and pattern make it ripe for architectural reinvention. “Textured bricks have an amazing play of light across them throughout the day and over the seasons,” says architect Matthew Sanders, co-founder of House of EM. They are also long-lasting and sustainable, he adds. “A brick building is going to look the same over a long time, whereas a rendered exterior will need painting and maintenance every eight years.” Dorset, England | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty A recently renovated net-zero home in Dorset, England, is a case in point. Its distinctive masonry dates back to its origins in the 18th century, when brick production was starting to move from local and handmade towards industrial, with fashionable detailing and skilled new ways of laying. On the main facade, a rich red clay brick is used in combination with lighter-colored stone that speaks to the landscape of the nearby Jurassic Coast. In the 20th century, the architects of Battersea Power Station in London—now a landmark leisure and residential development that includes this luxurious penthouse apartment, complete with 360-degree views—turned to brick as a way of making a huge industrial building more palatable. Sir Giles Gilbert Scott disguised the vast plant’s steel skeleton, appeasing the public with his “brick cathedral” and birthing a new architectural language for the typology. Bankside Power Station, now the Tate Modern gallery, would follow in 1947. Battersea, London | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty Brick is also finding favor in contemporary luxury homes, appearing as a vernacular material with a twist. Architecture practice Inarc has used the material to create a calming new-build house outside Melbourne. “The handmade, slimline brick exterior adds remarkable depth and texture to the residence,” says Max Ruttner, real estate professional at Melbourne Sotheby’s International Realty. “I’ve had a number of families comment on how much they love the design and overall feel of the home.” Melbourne, Australia | Melbourne Sotheby’s International Realty The main feature is a pair of generous semi-circular arches. It’s a form that references classical architecture and the traditional use of brick to make perfect curved openings with inherent stability and strength. Meanwhile, another modern high-end home, set in 120 acres in rural Byron Bay, has a more rugged expression. Llewela Griffiths Architects has used brick in combination with concrete, marble, granite paving and stacked stonework to help fuse the contemporary homestead to the ancient basalt rock beneath. default " src="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ByronBay-1024x731.jpg" alt="contemporary Byron Bay home with brick, stone, and glass exteriors" class="wp-image-347083" srcset="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ByronBay-1024x731.jpg 1024w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ByronBay-300x214.jpg 300w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ByronBay-768x549.jpg 768w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ByronBay-1536x1097.jpg 1536w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ByronBay-2048x1463.jpg 2048w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ByronBay-1200x857.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" Byron Bay, Australia | Byron Bay Sotheby’s International Realty As incredible as these homes are, none would exist without the expert skill of the bricklayer. The true craftsmanship involved in outstanding brickwork is the ultimate mark of luxury and one that gives these homes their human touch. Timeless pieces are finding their place in the home as the trend for unfitted kitchens gathers pace
Our monthly series asks: How do you bring color into luxury design? Turquoise is surprisingly versatile, writes Jill Krasny Islamorada, Florida | Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty Some homes have a way of staying with you while others quickly fade from the mind. Almost always, the design scheme is the influencing factor. Shades of purple and lilac work best in homes with a period feel, as does the color green. However, turquoise—which our series on color in luxury design turns to next—works in contemporary and traditional spaces alike. “Turquoise, in many forms, has been used since ancient Egypt, when the mineral was greatly revered for symbolizing joy, fertility and divine protection,” says Patrick O’Donnell, an interior designer and brand ambassador for British paintmaker Farrow & Ball. “It was further used in ceramics, from the outstanding Imam Mosque in Isfahan, Iran, to the Ottoman Empire’s exquisite Iznik pottery.” Meganisi, Greece | Greece Sotheby’s International Realty While turquoise was used as early as 1724 following a recipe for the color Prussian Blue, it was widely deployed in European decorating from around the mid-19th century, says O’Donnell, and its old-world influence can still be felt in Leighton House, the London home and studio of Victorian artist Frederic Leighton. There, the Narcissus Hall is adorned with an elaborate mosaic of turquoise-glazed tiles. Nowadays turquoise is used in all sorts of ways and tones, says William Cullum, an interior designer based in New York, from upholstery and millwork to objects and tiles. A recent project in Greenwich Village has kitchen and bath walls covered with “fantastic turquoise Moroccan tiles,” he says. And in his own home, garden seats and Victorian majolica add pops of color. Islamorada, Florida | Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty A renovated luxury home in Islamorada, near Miami, Florida, features a pale turquoise exterior that nods to its coastal environment. “It’s a great way of adding personality to the architecture without detracting from the beautiful ocean view,” notes Cullum. The aquamarine glass pendants and tiles in the kitchen also infuse the space with light. In Eve, a stunning contemporary home on the Greek island of Meganisi, the turquoise-painted en suite bathrooms subtly contrast with the earth tones of the rocky landscape. “The warmth of turquoise plays so nicely with those colors,” says Cullum. Dorset, England | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty Earthy cocoa and terracotta colors always look chic with turquoise, says O’Donnell, as evidenced by Egyptian faience, Iznik pottery and Sèvres porcelain. (India yellows and saffron are also safe bets.) And you can dial up and down the shades of aqua. In England’s picturesque coastal county of Dorset, an impressive country house dating back to the 18th century features a sleek indoor pool set against darker teal walls. In this period property, “a more vibrant version might have felt out of place,” says Cullum. He imagines the room looks as lovely when it’s dreary outside as it does on a sunny day. Turks & Caicos Islands | Turks and Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty Meanwhile, a spacious pool deck at a villa in Turks and Caicos proves turquoise works just as well for soft furnishings as it does for the poolside wall. “When you see the sky and ocean, what other color do you want to see?” says Cullum. “It feels tropical, has a strong personality and fits into the landscape. With a view like that, you don’t want to detract from it.” Explore our Color Chart design series, from zingy orange, bold red, joyful pink and natural lilac to classic green, calming white, crowd-pleasing blue and uplifting yellow
This dramatic new 5,000-square-foot home is a bastion of contemporary sophistication and quiet luxury. It combines chic style, superior materials, cinematic views, and calming natural hues that lend it a grounding organic quality and a highly sought-after sense of serenity. While the history of the Southern California community known as Outpost Estates stretches back millennia—to the days when the Tongva people, who established a village here—it is, more recently, the site where ground was first broken for the area known as Hollywood. In the 19th century, Don Tomás Urquidez constructed a three-room adobe home here, and this humble abode was, under successive ownership by Harrison Grey Otis, transformed into a clubhouse for the land, which Otis named the Outpost. Real estate magnate Charles Edward Toberman acquired the acreage in the 1920s, furthering its notoriety as an enclave of luxurious living. Los Angeles, California| Nicolas Moore, Luke Abbott, Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage The legacy of this milieu aside, this dramatic new 5,000-square-foot home is a bastion of contemporary sophistication. The façade’s composition of concrete, blackened steel, and blackened wood conjure a commanding presence, while the interior ambience is one of today’s coveted quiet luxury, combining chic style, a subdued self-assurance, uncompromising standards, and natural materials in calming neutral hues that lend the home a grounding organic quality and a sought-after sense of serenity. Impressive expanses of glass create a virtually invisible—and easily erasable—boundary between indoors and out. This holds true in the handsome living and media rooms, which share a dual-sided modern gas fireplace, and in nearly every other space, admitting glorious floods of sunlight during the day. Chefs and entertainers will appreciate the kitchen, with its discreet streamlined appliances and island topped with an eye-catchingly substantial and sturdy slab of stone. Southern California’s de rigueur indoor-outdoor lifestyle unfolds effortlessly beside the refreshing infinity-edge swimming pool and spa, which is accompanied by a sun-washed terrace and a breezy dining pergola. A striking floating staircase of steel and walnut links the two levels. “Disappearing” barriers hold sway in the three private bedrooms—chief among them a peaceful owner’s oasis where an entire wall is fashioned from double-glazed glass, affording halcyon vistas of treetops, rolling hills, and the sparkling city skyline. In its en suite bath, a wraparound window wall transforms views of the setting into dynamic art. In addition to a rigorous design-forward approach, the residence boasts thoughtful modern comforts and conveniences, including radiant in-floor heating and fully integrated home automation. Strength and longevity are assured: the residence is anchored into bedrock with deep steel and concrete caissons and constructed using fire-resistant materials. Such dedication to integrity ensures the property will endure—much like its historic, storied locale—well into the future. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
Hungary | Hungary Sotheby’s International Realty This month’s properties are united by a strong sense of setting and architectural presence, from waterfront homes to historic sprawling estates. Each home is defined by generous scale, thoughtful design, and a focus on privacy, with interiors and outdoor spaces working in close connection. Despite their varied locations and styles, they share a consistent emphasis on craftsmanship, atmosphere, and a refined sense of living within their surroundings. A Contemporary Estate in Auckland’s Eastern Bays Auckland, New Zealand | New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty Tucked into one of Melbourne’s most coveted enclaves, this landmark estate pairs architectural grandeur with the tranquility of a secluded garden retreat. Expansive living spaces spill onto lush grounds, where every detail has been considered for a lifestyle of elegance, recreation, and connection, capturing the rare luxury of complete seclusion while remaining moments from the best of Melbourne. Historic Castle in Enchanting Countryside Setting Hungary | Hungary Sotheby’s International Realty Centuries of history and timeless grandeur quietly endure in this Hungarian castle. Stone walls, soaring halls, and panoramic views create an atmosphere that feels both regal and deeply intimate, inviting residents to become part of a story that has been unfolding for generations. In every corner, the estate balances old-world romance with the rare privilege of complete privacy and natural beauty. Resort-Style Living in Vero Beach Vero Beach, Florida| ONE Sotheby’s International Realty Set directly on the ocean in Vero Beach’s most exclusive stretch of coastline, this contemporary estate is designed to dissolve the boundary between home and sea. An 80-foot infinity pool draws the eye straight to the Atlantic horizon, while expansive walls of glass frame uninterrupted water views throughout the residence. Custom Home in a Private Toronto Enclave Toronto, Canada | Sotheby’s International Realty Canada Anchored by a striking sense of scale and precision craftsmanship, this custom estate is defined by soaring ceilings and a layout that moves effortlessly between formal entertaining and relaxed family living. Rich millwork, refined finishes, and oversized windows bring warmth and light into every space, softening the home’s architectural presence with comfort and ease. Set within a quiet west-end Toronto enclave and framed by mature greenery, it offers a rare combination of privacy, sophistication, and everyday livability. A Modern Lake Washington Estate Hunts Point, Washington | Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty This estate is shaped around light and water, where floor-to-ceiling glass, soaring volumes, and open-plan living dissolve the boundary between indoors and the lake beyond. The main living spaces unfold toward uninterrupted water and mountain views, creating a constant sense of movement as sky and shoreline shift throughout the day. A rare sandy beach, private dock, and layered, mature landscaping complete a retreat that feels both cinematic in scale and deeply serene in experience. Sophisticated Seaside Living in Arcachon Arcachon, France | Cap Ferret Pyla Sotheby’s International Realty Framed by the ever-changing light of the Bassin d’Arcachon, this waterfront residence feels less like a home and more like a living composition of elegance and tranquility. Interiors unfold in generous, flowing volumes where historic character and contemporary refinement meet with quiet confidence, while expansive glazing keeps the horizon ever-present. Every space is oriented toward the shoreline, creating a rare sense of stillness where architecture and landscape move in constant conversation. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
The larger-than-life gallery founder combined razor-sharp instinct and a passion for the new, writes Florence Hallett Vasily Kandinsky’s painting “Dominant Curve (Courbe dominante)” (1936) in “Peggy Guggenheim in London: The Making of a Collector.” Photograph: © Peggy Guggenheim Collection / Matteo De Fina “Little did I dream of the thousands of dollars I was about to sink into art,” wrote Peggy Guggenheim in 1946, reflecting on her first forays into collecting. Today, the American-born heiress and socialite (1898-1979) is celebrated as an art-world powerhouse whose pursuit of contemporary talent took her from New York, via Paris and London, to Venice, where her landmark collection is installed in the palazzo on the Grand Canal that was her home for the last 30 years of her life. But Guggenheim’s collecting journey began on a more modest scale. Her earliest acquisitions were bought for Yew Tree Cottage, the historic timber-framed home deep in the English countryside on the Hampshire-Sussex borders where she lived between 1934 and 1939. These formative years culminated in the opening of her first gallery, Guggenheim Jeune, in London’s Mayfair in 1938, a spark plug for the rather staid British art scene of the time. The bold but short-lived venture is now the focus of a new exhibition at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice, which will travel to London’s Royal Academy of Arts this fall and on to the Guggenheim New York in 2027. Peggy Guggenheim at Hayford Hall, Devon, England in 1934. Photograph: Private collection For today’s art collector, new or established, Guggenheim offers not only joyous inspiration, but clear-sighted wisdom as valid now as it was almost a century ago. But the self-proclaimed “art addict” might never have been: heartbroken after a series of personal traumas, Guggenheim first turned to collecting as a distraction. It was a friend, the French artist Marcel Duchamp, who introduced her to the art world. The pair met n the 1920s in Paris, where a young Guggenheim had moved to embrace a more bohemian existence than her life in New York. “At that time, I couldn’t distinguish one thing in art from another,” she wrote. “Marcel tried to educate me. I don’t know what I would have done without him.” Guggenheim’s willingness to take advice was among her key strengths as a collector, but it was matched by a supreme confidence in her own judgment, says Gražina Subelytė, co-curator of the current Venice show, “Peggy Guggenheim in London: The Making of a Collector.” “She valued originality and experimentation above fashion or convention,” says Subelytė. “She also surrounded herself with a remarkable circle of advisors, including Duchamp, Mary Reynolds, Herbert Read, Nelly van Doesburg, Samuel Beckett and others, reflecting her wisdom and openness to different perspectives and her willingness to trust informed judgment while still following her own instinct.” “Peggy Guggenheim in London: The Making of a Collector.”. Photograph: © Peggy Guggenheim Collection / Matteo De Fina The force of this personal response to art is recorded in her autobiography, where she describes her encounter with the Jean Arp sculpture “Head and Shell” (circa 1933) that would be her first personal acquisition. “I fell so in love with it that I asked to have it in my hands. The instant I felt it I wanted to own it,” she recalls. Guggenheim—her name synonymous with the boundless wealth of a family who originally made their money in mining—once pledged to “buy a picture a day.” But her resources were not unlimited. “She was not among the wealthiest members of the Guggenheim family, and her collecting was often shaped by careful choices, instinct and timing rather than unlimited means,” explains Subelytė. “During the London and Hampshire years, as World War II approached, uncertainty and limited space inevitably impacted her choices,” Subelytė says. “Guggenheim’s interest in smaller, portable works—such as the [Arp sculpture] or Henry Moore’s ‘Reclining Figure’ (1938)—reflected not only practical realities, but also her instinct for recognizing artists of lasting significance before they were widely celebrated.” “Peggy Guggenheim in London: The Making of a Collector.” Photograph: © Peggy Guggenheim Collection / Matteo De Fina In fact, Guggenheim claimed a degree of credit for encouraging Moore’s small-scale productions, having written to explain that she admired his work and “how sorry I was that I had no room in my house for any of it.” True or not, it reflects both the value she placed on her relationships with artists, whose studios she regularly visited, and her growing influence, which was extended with the opening of Guggenheim Jeune. “While it lasted less than two years—and lost money—the gallery shook up fuddy-duddy London art institutions,” says Georgina Adam, art market editor-at-large at The Art Newspaper. It also introduced surrealist and abstract works—particularly those of Russian artist Vasily Kandinsky—to the British public, Adam notes. Guggenheim gave Kandinsky his first London exhibition, from which her sister Hazel bought his “Cossacks” (1910-11), presenting it to the Tate Gallery in 1938. “As well as taking the time to get to know artists and their work, [Peggy] was often very supportive of their careers,” says Simon Grant, the Venice exhibition’s co-curator. A notable example: the financial help she gave to the German artist Otto Freundlich when he was being persecuted by the Nazis. Vasily Kandinsky’s “Cossacks (Cosaques)” (1910–11). Photograph: Tate, London, Presented by Mrs Hazel McKinley, 1938 In addition, Grant says, “she played an important and little-known role as an art patron by donating numerous artworks by both British and international artists to several regional galleries at a time when such action was rare.” Her knack for spotting talent extended to a 15-year-old Lucian Freud whose work was shown at Guggenheim Jeune and to plans—never realized—for Frida Kahlo’s debut UK show at a time when the Mexican artist was known principally as Diego Rivera’s wife. Trusting your own tastes, immersing yourself in contemporary culture, and seeking out talented, emerging artists whose work is still relatively affordable all remain astute tactics for collecting today—best approached the Peggy Guggenheim way, through a genuine love of art and the individuals who make it. Visiting Venice? Explore the city’s historic palazzi, reimagined for modern living “Peggy Guggenheim in London: The Making of a Collector” is at Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice, until October 19, 2026; then Royal Academy of Arts, London, November 21, 2026–March 14, 2027; and Guggenheim New York, April 16–September 12, 2027
This 2.91-acre estate on the coast of Connecticut traces its legacy to the days of America’s industrial boom, and the 13,163-square-foot Mediterranean-style villa at its heart continues the esteemed pedigree thanks to meticulous maintenance and expansion by Frank and Kathie Lee Gifford. The coast of Connecticut and New York’s Long Island are a storied stretch of land whose early-20th-century Golden Age has long been the nexus of a unique glamour—the sort captured in lore and literature, including F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Great Gatsby and similar tales. This estate in Riverside, Connecticut, traces its legacy to the days of America’s industrial boom, when businessman and financier Henry Francis Shoemaker established a grand getaway here, on an enviable waterfront peninsula. The name Shoemaker gave his villa, Cedar Cliff, became so locally revered and renowned that the road on which it was located was named for it. And so pedigreed was the property that in the 1920s it became the home of the exclusive Cedar Cliff Beach Club. Decades later, in the 1990s, the link with legend continued, as sports and media luminaries Frank and Kathie Lee Gifford purchased the 2.91-acre property to create a new retreat both refined and relaxed, elegant and inviting. Riverside, Connecticut| Leslie McElwreath, Sotheby’s International Realty – Greenwich Brokerage Today the majestic 13,163-square-foot Mediterranean-style villa that anchors the gated peninsula has a footprint somewhat larger than its original—the Giffords added a wing during their years of ownership—but the singular ambience persists. Classical elements—a quintessential terra-cotta-tile roof, intricate interior millwork, richly hued antique hardwood floors, and ceiling tracery—exist alongside a wide variety of contemporary comforts and conveniences, among them an elevator, an estate-wide generator, new custom windows, an office, a recording studio, a wine cellar, and a 20-seat theater. Spaces for day-to-day living and festive entertaining are plentiful and include a billiards room and a serene sunroom. The eight restful bedrooms all enjoy water vistas, and in the primary suite—located in the new wing—an abundance of windows blur the boundary between indoors and out, making scenes of blue sky and placid sea practically everpresent. Daniel Milstein Photography " src="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/9-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="sunroom with seating looking over the Cedar Cliff estate from floor-to-ceiling windows" class="wp-image-346960" srcset="https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/9-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/9-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/9-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/9-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/9-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://www.sothebysrealty.com/extraordinary-living-blog/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/9-1.jpg 1800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" While the prestigious Indian Head Association affords the luxury of a nearby private beach, Cedar Cliff’s impressive manicured grounds are, in effect, a personal private resort. Inimitable in both scale and amenities, they encourage all manner of alfresco activities: open-air dining beneath an enchanting pergola; cocktailing at a bluestone bar; lounging on any of the numerous sun-washed and shady terraces; relaxing in the refreshing swimming pool and spa; benefiting from the cabana’s fitness center, kitchenette, full bath, and changing rooms; frolicking on an emerald expanse of impossibly lush lawn; engaging in a rousting match of tennis; basking in the warmth of an outdoor fireplace; or boating on the brisk waters of Greenwich Cove thanks to some 1,250 feet of direct water frontage, a stone pier, and a deepwater dock. The view from nearly every vantage point on the estate is, naturally, priceless, stretching across the water to the sparkling, inspiring skyline of Manhattan. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
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