Property Insights: What Does US$5 Million Buy Around the World?

Originally posted by luxury defined by Christie's International Real Estate

Location, lifestyle, and provenance are the hallmarks of luxury real estate value.

Indeed, those hallmarks can be just as important as price, even when a property’s market value approaches $5 million.

To be sure, price points vary across different markets around the world: Five million dollars will go much further in smaller markets, while buyers in prime markets and apex resort destinations must expect to spend more for comparable levels of luxury.

In this edition of Luxury Defined, we investigate homes priced in the neighborhood of $5 million.

And what a lovely neighborhood it is: Choose from a 17th-century vineyard estate in Italy’s sparkling wine region, Franciacorta, Lombardy; a stately residence in Silicon Valley, California; a tropical villa in the British Virgin Islands; luxury penthouses on the skylines of Prague and Miami; and a four-bedroom apartment in one of Dubai’s newest skyscrapers.

1. Red Rock Villa in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Red Rock Villa , set among the boulders of Coppermine Ridge, sits in harmony with the unique landscape of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, with sunrise and sunset views of the Caribbean Sea.

The ultra-contemporary villa is designed around an atrium with a beautifully landscaped courtyard, a tranquil koi pond, and a rambling, wraparound veranda. Its unique pyramidal roof structure allows for high ceilings within, and natural ventilation by gentle trade winds.

The main house features a professional-grade kitchen, an indoor dining space, and living room. Upstairs, the “pyramid energy” flows down the exposed rafters into the cozy media lounge. Three sumptuous bedroom suites occupy an adjacent, semi-detached structure, each with a sea view and its own private veranda.

The resort-grade spa has its own, separate building, with a massage room and supersized Jacuzzi. The pool terrace beckons with its sun lounge and a pergola set into the tiled horizon-edge pool, with ionization filter technology providing clean, clear water year-round, and night lighting for romantic illumination.

2. Roof Garden Penthouse in Prague, Czech Republic

Enclosed in glass, this duplex penthouse opens to wraparound decks, landscaped walkways, and a rooftop garden with views of Prague Castle, Vítkov hill, the Žižkov Tower, and the iconic spires of the Gothic Church of Our Lady Before Týn.

The first level encloses 5,672 square feet of mid-20th-century-inspired living space appointed with Art Deco furniture, light fixtures and beautiful burlwood finishes. There’s a contemporary kitchen and breakfast space, a sunlit lounge, an office, billiards room, and gym. Four spacious bedrooms include the main suite and its striking walk-in closet.

The upper floor is a 7,900-square-foot rooftop garden, continuously irrigated, with a counterflow swimming pool, flower gardens, yoga and meditation zones, and a cozy wooden gazebo with a fireplace and yet another spectacular view of the city.

The residence is accessed through automated, armored security doors, controlled by fingerprint reader, via the elevator from the underground garage (with four private parking spaces). The blinds, curtains, heating, central audio system, and pool temperature are also remotely controlled.

3. Vineyard Estate in Franciacorta, Lombardy, Italy

This 17th-century estate is in Lombardy’s Franciacorta DOCG, a small terroir-driven region famous for producing high-quality metodo classico sparkling wines.

The property extends to more than 18 acres: about 7 acres (3 hectares) are certified-organic vineyards planted with Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc varieties. The remaining acreage is composed of formal gardens, vegetable gardens, and uncultivated land.

The ochre-hued farmhouse has a classic L-shaped design around a central courtyard. The living spaces have been fully restored and reconfigured as three separate units.

The largest is flanked by two smaller, guest units, each with 3,767 square feet of living space.

Its magnificent period details include a loggia opening to a lawned courtyard with a pool. The principal reception rooms and the country kitchen are on the ground level. The three upstairs bedrooms are all suites with breathtaking views of Franciacorta. The basement houses the original wine cellar.

4. Reynolds Drive Estate in Morgan Hill, Santa Clara County, California

This baronial retreat offers 6,282 square feet of elegant yet casual living space on the southern tip of Silicon Valley in the affluent city of Morgan Hill.

The elegance begins with the graceful fountain at the entry steps, then the palatial double-height foyer, with its splendid grand staircase, principal reception rooms, and gourmet kitchen. That grandeur extends ever to the adjacent billiards and games room with a bar and a 450-bottle wine cellar. Rich wood built-in shelves grace the owner’s home office/study.

Throughout the home, its neutral paint scheme of eggshell and tan, imparts an air of sophisticated tranquility.

Upstairs, the lavish primary suite (one of four en suite bedrooms) provides a spa-like bathroom and double-sided fireplace hearth.

The landscaped rear gardens are an oasis of tranquility with a patio, sun lounge, shady pergola, and fire pit. The 70-foot Pebble Tec pool offers a custom beach entry with a waterfall grotto. A fully kitted outdoor kitchen serves up the California-style alfresco dining and entertaining.

5. Biscayne Bay Penthouse in Miami, Florida

Perched high above Biscayne Bay, this ultra-luxurious penthouse is a home in the sky, offering 2,700 square feet of grand, interior space and sweeping, 270-degree views of the Miami Beach shore and the downtown skyline.

The great room is spectacular as well, blending lounge space, dining space and play space backed by a gloriously sleek all-stainless-steel kitchen with built-in appliances and a hooded range island with a breakfast bar.

The 2,500-square-foot terrace, directly off the great room’s glass slider doors, provides a Jacuzzi and an outdoor kitchen.

The penthouse’s cool gray paint scheme invites rest and contemplation. There are three big bedrooms, all with walk-in closets, four full bathrooms, and a powder room.

Built in 2010, the Paramount Bay building’s common-space amenities include East and West heated swimming pools, a spa, sauna, massage rooms, fitness center, movie theater, and 24/7 security and concierge services.

6. Residence at Al Sufouh , Dubai, United Arab Emirates

This opulent, glass-walled four-bedroom apartment offers contemporary style and design, with top-tier amenities and services in Al Sufouh’s S Tower, a rising new residential skyscraper in the heart of Dubai Media City.

Once completed, this 5,062-square-foot residence (with staff quarters) will offer an unparalleled skyscraper lifestyle. The apartment has a contemporary European design with marble floors and floor-to-ceiling windows, and a state-of-the-art kitchen equipped with premium, built-in appliances.

The bedrooms are spacious with built-in wardrobes and views of the iconic Burj Al Arab. This unique blend of privacy and outdoor tranquility extends to the stylish terrace with a fireplace, wood-grain tile flooring, and enchanting views.

The S Tower’s amenities include two swimming pools, landscaped gardens, children’s playground, and dedicated parking spaces, with white-glove private catering and 24/7 security.

Seeking a perfect, $5 million home? Start here.