Showcasing the finest work of leading architects, interior designers, and home builders.
A really big neighborhood
June 6th, 2007
As the planning for Gatsby’s List progressed, I couldn’t help but notice a certain parochialism which crept into the design. I suppose this is a natural result – people tend to pick up the tools which are close at hand. So of course, most of the initial contacts we made from our home in Atlanta were located in the USA and the homes they represent have a decidedly American feel.
While real estate is inherently a local product, the concept of “home” can be much more transient. For some people, it truly is wherever they hang their hat. Many of our readers, I suspect, are equally at home on opposite sides of the globe.
To ensure that we maintain our global connectedness, I made an executive decision to add this International page as sort of a catch-all category — the distinguishing feature being that the subjects be located outside the USA. I will start with Canadian, Caribbean and Western European locations, but would like to see it expand to South and Central America, the Mediterranean region and the Pacific Rim as we develop contacts in those locales.
Categorizing homes will create some interesting issues, I suspect. Does a beach house in Costa Rica belong “At the Beach” or in “International,” or both? What do I do with a hotel suite in Paris? A penthouse in Singapore?
I recognize the risk of categorizing the world into two categories – “here” and “everywhere else” – but I’ve got to start somewhere, and “here” seemed like a logical choice. Give me some time, and we’ll be “there,” too.
Getting there is half the fun
June 6th, 2007
Luxurious homes come in all shapes and sizes. One of my favorite styles is the sort which rocks you to sleep at night and can magically transport you to exotic locales.
Of course, I’m speaking of yachts and cruise ships. These two categories have much in common, and much to set them apart.
First things first — the yachts. Jill Bobrow, editor of ShowBoats International magazine, recently wrote about how “viewers (and voyeurs) [of 100-plus-foot yachts] are captivated on the one hand and repelled on the other.” She used the words of Heart of Darkness author Joseph Conrad to describe the phenomenon: “fascination of the abomination.”
Whether viewer or a voyeur, the fascination is undeniable. My theory is that yacht design, by necessity, demands the use of graceful curves which strike a chord within all of us. Apply that curve to a fantabulous 150-foot floating palace, and we can’t help but stare (which makes us all voyeurs, I’m afraid).
If mega-yachts are palaces, cruise ships are the Magic Kingdom. Plenty of other commentators attempt the near-impossible task of attempting to capture the essence of these colossal cities on the seas – so I’ll leave that task to them. My focus is much narrower.
Without a doubt, cruise ships are incredible. And every year, they get bigger, more luxurious and more feature-laden. With so much to focus upon, how to choose? In keeping with this website’s devotion to luxury homes, and luxurious homes-away-from-home, naturally my focus is upon the staterooms. Not the lower level interior rooms. Not the mid-level outside rooms with a porthole. But the best of the best, the crème de la crème, ultra-first-class accommodations.
So if this is the sort of thing which “floats your boat,” you’ve come to the right place.
Will you take a look at that!
June 6th, 2007
Everyone knows the real estate adage about “location, location, location,” but what does it really mean? Convenient access to the turnpike? Walking distance to a parking garage? YAWN.
The Perfect View
Now try these descriptions on for size: Floor-to-ceiling window wall overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. Mountain-top retreat with 360-degree wrap-around porch offering panoramic view of the Cascades. Stunning ocean views from every room. NYC skyline view. Roof-top pool overlooking Charleston Harbor. Without even seeing these places, you know you’re going to love ‘em.
Regardless of your ideal vista, there are some homes which just seem to reach out, grab the view, and let the view grab you.
Rooms with a View is dedicated to those special homes which are perfectly situated in the perfect spot, perfectly designed to capture the perfect view.
When you can’t keep your eyes off the window, you know you’re in a Room with a View.
If you have to ask . . .
June 6th, 2007
In a way, our “For Sale” page is what sets Gatsby’s List apart from so many other luxury home sites on the web. Many other sites are unlikely to mention a particular property unless it is currently for sale; Gatsby’s List is interested in the homes that don’t have a “For Sale” sign in the yard, too.
As a convenience to our readers, those homes which are currently for sale will appear in two places on the site: in whichever category they most naturally belong (At the Beach, On the Slopes, etc.) and in the For Sale group. If you are specifically looking only for properties on the market right now, this is a great place to start. Similarly, if you own a magnificent home which you are ready to sell, or are representing the sellers of such a place, let us know about it and we just might feature it here. What better way to promote your property (and possibly yourself, in the process).
If you’re just looking to be looking, start in whichever category strikes your fancy, but be forewarned. You might just happen to fall in love with a home which can be yours if you’re willing to pull out your checkbook.
Life in the Big City
June 6th, 2007
Every big city has its own residential finish line, the place you move to when you’ve got it made. Luxurious urban penthouses high in the sky, midtown lofts, brownstones, white-columned mansions and Tudor castles surrounded by acres of manicured gardens are but a few examples of the signature homes which define a metropolis.
Whether your tastes tend toward Miami Vice or Victorian, Versache or Versailles, you’ll find it in Urban Living.
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