While a home with exceptional architecture showcases the great creative and innovative strides that humankind can achieve, a home with exceptional views showcases our limits—after all, there is perhaps no greater architect than mother nature.
Of course, truly superlative homes are those that combine the best of human and natural designs or, as famed linguist, Mario Pei, once said, “good architecture lets nature in.”
From the New York City skyline to the Pacific Ocean, these four luxury properties are a welcome sight.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Price: $2.85 Million
As a city perched along the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range, Santa Fe is well-supplied with far-reaching views. Many luxury homes in the area, like this 5,100 square foot Pueblo Revival adobe, can house unimpeded vistas from just about anywhere on the property. In true Santa Fe fashion, the Southwestern estate highlights traditional adobe elements. Coved viga ceilings, nichos and kiva fireplaces add a sense of artistry to the interior while wood columns, rounded parapets and clay-toned exterior achieve a similar natural refinement.
Built in 2005, the two-structure estate consists of a four-bedroom main house and a two-bedroom guest house set on an 8.58-acre hilltop lot. With views that stretch from east to west, light from the famous New Mexico sunrises and sunsets blankets the property and the surrounding scenery.
New York City
Price: $2.15 Million
In Manhattan, the higher up you go, the better the views, and with a 44th-floor address, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom luxury apartment certainly is a sight to behold. Located on West 42nd Street in the Orion Condominium, this Midtown residence sits just blocks away from iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the cityscape and the Hudson River.
An open floor plan creates an airy sense of space. As a full-service condominium, the Orion has a full-time concierge and live-in superintendent. Exclusive amenities include a fully staffed gym, three roof decks and a pool.
Telluride, Colorado
Price: $12.75 Million
Thanks to Telluride’s mountainside location, you don’t have to leave downtown to get dramatic views. Set just a block-and-a-half off the main street, this redeveloped historic townhome, known as ‘The Senate,’ was first built in the late 1800s, although by the current looks of it, you would think the 5,600-square-foot residence was finished yesterday.
Designed with surroundings in mind, the home features removable glass doors for direct sights of Box Canyon and the San Juan Mountains. Interiors were also given equal care, with luxury touches such as whitewashed Larch ceilings, French white oak floors and a two-sided Venatino marble fireplace. A spacious top-floor deck with a firepit and a hot tub showcase views of snowcapped mountains and downtown streets.
Palos Verdes, California
Price: $4.4 Million
High on the hill, the views from this Palos Verdes home rival some of the best in the Greater Los Angeles area. Encompassing the bright blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, the twinkling lights of the city and San Gabriel Mountains, the vista is a triple threat not often found in the South Bay. A wraparound deck allows for easy access to the West Coast panorama.
Covering 3,200 square feet, the Malaga Cove home has recently received numerous renovations, including full remodels of the kitchen and bathrooms. In addition to the five bedrooms, the California residence also fits an office, studio space and wine cellar. Thick wood beams along the cathedral ceilings make for a beach bungalow feel while boutique subway tile, minimalist fireplaces and hardwood floors add a touch of elegance.
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