5 Historic Homes That Tell A Story | The homes we live in tell a story, and the older the house, the more it has to say. Today we look at five extraordinary properties that outlasted wars, economic booms and downfalls, seen owners of fame on the world stage, and proprietors of local notoriety. These homes have been lovingly cared for, with their storied elements protected and restored. From the relatively new history of the United States and a fortress in Europe, to a playwright’s estate in between, these historic homes still have a lot more life to live

Luxury Properties for Sale Over $24 Million | From an elegant, French chateau-inspired estate in Ontario to the Elysian House, an architectural masterpiece in London, England, these are this month’s four featured notable properties for sale over $24 million.

2019 Top-Tier Fall Market Forcast | Emboldened consumer confidence and solid economic fundamentals in Canada’s largest housing market position the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to lead Canadian top-tier real estate performance this fall. New data compiled by Sotheby’s International Realty Canada reveal that GTA residential real estate sales over $1 million saw bold gains over the summer months, increasing 29% year-over-year in July and August. Significant increases were experienced across every housing type as condominium, attached and single family home sales over $1 million rose 13%, 45% and 29% from 2018 levels respectively. Preliminary sales figures for the first fifteen days of September also suggest robust fall activity ahead, as overall $1 million-plus sales surged 53% year-over-year, while sales over $4 million rose 75%.

The evolution of luxury is personal, and for many, it is defined by experience, not price | In this issue of Insight: The Art of Living, we introduce you to people and places that reflect the future of luxury, as defined by creativity, craftsmanship and elevated experience, rather than simply by the price tag. You will meet notable Canadian designers Liz Eeuwes and Calla Haynes whose experimental styles are invigorating the world of high-end carpet-making. We’ll take you on a global journey to meet gourmet chocolatiers, such as CXBO, which makes edible art in Toronto, and To’ak in Ecuador, whose aged tree-to-bar chocolate pairs with vintage wines and fine whisky. Then join us as we explore the culturally rich, dynamic cities of Montreal, London and Cape Town, where luxury and design are being taken to new levels.

Less is More: 8 Minimalist Interior Design Trends | True minimal design is all about letting the design elements in a space speak for themselves. Whether you’re looking to completely renovate your home or simply update one room, these minimal interior design ideas will help you maximize the impact of your next project.

A Rarity on the River | When a home designed by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright is used as a guest house and not the main residence of an estate, you know you’ve entered rarified territory.

Welcome to The Falls. In the Washington, D.C., power suburb of McLean, Virginia, the 3.2-acre estate stands above, overlooking the Potomac River. The setting is equal to the main residence itself—a palatial home of sprawling entertainment spaces, private wings, vistas from every angle, and surprises at every turn.

5 Things to Consider When Buying a Waterfront Property | Whether appreciating the view from indoors or enjoying the breeze along the shore, owners of waterfront homes benefit from a different perspective and pace. Little in life can match the tranquility and inspiration of life along the water—but when it comes to making the move to a waterfront property permanent, there is a unique set of considerations to keep in mind. Whether a coastal home is your retirement dream, vacation getaway, or your primary residence, here are things to note before settling on the shoreline.

Incredible Coastal Contemporary Home in Carlsbad, California | Enjoy your morning coffee to the sound of the ocean while watching surfers at one of the most iconic Southern California surf breaks. Welcome your guests in grand style through La Cantina back doors that open up to an entertainers paradise or retreat to the top deck for white-water ocean views from La Jolla to Dana Point and enjoy a panoramic sunset.

Summer Design Essentials Your Should Know | When it comes to design for summer 2019, it’s all about remixing, bringing the outdoors in, and embracing the unexpected. From patios to gardens to breakfast nooks, both indoor and outdoor spaces deserve a summer refresh, with sustainability and lasting quality in mind. Take full advantage of the warm weather with outdoor spaces that speak to design-forward luxury, and ensure your interiors keep pace with the striking haven you’ve created outdoors.

6 Outdoor Kitchens to Inspire Your Next Al Fresco Dinner | As summer heats up, it’s the perfect time to move dinner outdoors. Whether in the shade of ivy-covered pergolas or on warm, sun-dappled terraces, spending more time outside is a premium perk of warm weather—even better when accompanied by a great meal, a glass of wine, and good company.

Restoration Hardware’s Evolution to Design Studio | Restoration Hardware is in the business of selling furniture, but these days, the retail experience is more than just buying products. It’s becoming an entire lifestyle.

In 2016, the brand launched RH Interior Design as well as the interactive RH Design Ateliers across all their retail stores. So not only can consumers come to Restoration Hardware to fill their homes, but they can also rely on internal interior designers—and even bring their own architects and designers to RH workspaces—to give their spaces a point of view and sense of style.

How to Downsize in Toronto’s Luxury Real Estate Market | When you’re used to space, the thought of downsizing can be a challenging one. Isn’t bigger better? Is your family going to be constantly underfoot? Where will you host your guests? But taking a step towards a smaller footprint can offer benefits: smaller homes are often easier to maintain, more environmentally friendly, and can suit a lifestyle of travel and multiple pursuits. If you’re thinking about taking the downsizing leap, here are a few points to consider.

The 1960s. In the golden age of Hollywood where glamour reigned supreme, decorating ones' home to feel as luxurious as a high-end hotel was de rigueur. And that aesthetic continues to inspire the interiors of homes today. After all, who doesn't love a velvet couch in the palest pink?

The Marco Chiappetta Group at Sotheby’s International Realty Canada continues to represent the most extraordinary homes in Canada, and our network represents some of the most significant homes and clientele in the world. Over the next week, we will once again be featuring properties from our Sotheby’s International Realty network to showcase our global offering.

Have you ever heard a buyer complain about the wall color in your listing or wonder if the living room could accommodate their furniture? How many times have you had a listing that desperately needed staging, but lacked the time or budget to get the job done?

It would be fantastic if every buyer had the vision to overlook a property’s shortcomings, and every listing agent could physically stage each home in their catalogue. But where this combination is unlikely, tools like augmented reality (AR) and 3D virtual tours can help navigate challenges and clear the way for sales.

According to a report released today by Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, Eastern Canada’s major metropolitan areas led the nation in top-tier real estate performance in 2018, as Western Canadian markets buckled under pressure from local stressors ranging from taxation and regulatory interventions in Vancouver, to strained economic conditions in Calgary. Buoyed by population gains and steady economies, sales over $1 million in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) strengthened over the course of 2018, while Montreal’s luxury real estate market posted new records. Vancouver and Calgary’s top-tier real estate markets retreated further into buyers’ market territory, as excess supply overtook consumer demand. Across the country, markets continued to face headwinds of rising interest rates and tightened mortgage guidelines.

Toronto's Safest Neighbourhoods | Frequently called one of the world’s most livable cities, Toronto ranks high on lists of the most desirable cities for many reasons. Not only is it one of the most walkable cities in Canada, it’s also one of the safest, despite having a population of 2.7 million people (with 5.9 million residing in the Greater Toronto Area, or GTA). If you’re looking for a new neighbourhood to discover, for a visit or for a forever home, your personal safety and the safety of your loved ones is a high priority. These areas have been ranked as some of the most secure neighbourhoods in Toronto, making them a great place to start looking when deciding where to reside.

New & Notable Luxury Properties for Sale | January 2019 : From a sprawling rural estate in Australia to a historic castle in Belgium, these are this month’s four featured notable properties for sale.

Filling your home with art is both a way of expressing yourself and curating the mood and atmosphere of your space. Think of your home as your own gallery, a blank slate with endless possibilities to surround yourself with artwork that inspires. Perhaps you consider your art collection in a methodical way, procuring only a few pieces to fill white walls in need of a focal point; or maybe you’re an art lover, eager to diversify your collection with oil paintings and sculptures alike. No matter your goals or methods, collecting and displaying art in your home is a personal endeavor, but there are a few things to keep in mind once you have an established collection.

Traveling is about more than finding relaxation and getting away from it all—it’s also about connecting with a new place and striking a balance between adventure and serenity. With the advent of eco-luxury travel, which prioritizes environmental sustainability while maintaining a standard of high-quality experiences, there’s never been a better time to engage with the world’s history and culture. Belize has become a top spot for eco-conscious travel, in large part due to the country’s efforts to protect the Caribbean coastline
and the Belize Barrier Reef.