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    This Wooded Private Island in Canada Can Be Yours for $1.5 Million

    While the thought of an island may bring about visions of a tropical destination, that’s not always the case. For those who seek complete seclusion in a less sultry climate, this picturesque private island in Canada is the ultimate wilderness escape.

    The two-and-a-quarter-acre wooded oasis, dubbed Island 7, is located in the middle of Cowichan Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes on southern Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Nestled amidst thick pine forests and reachable only by boat, the island boasts a ten-person dwelling and a large dock ideal for swimming, sunning, kayaking, or fishing. The cabin is powered by an off-grid system that includes an array of solar panels but don’t worry, there’s also full cell service to keep in touch with the outside world, plus a genny shed as a backup.

    The island’s cabin features cathedral ceilings and a wood stove.

    Silas Poon/Unique Properties

    “One of only a handful of private islands on Cowichan Lake, Island 7 is an exceedingly private and accessible recreational retreat,” notes the listing. On the market for a cool $1.5 million CAD (or roughly $1.2 million) with Alan L. Johnson at Colliers International Unique Properties, the centerpiece of the serene, lushly forested spread is a 1,500-square-foot West Coast-style estate that keeps things simple and rustic. Think soaring cathedral ceilings, tons of exposed timber beams, a large deck, and oversized windows that frame the surrounding mountains and water.

    In addition to the wood-clad residence, there are also lots of fun amenities that let you enjoy lake life, like a wood-fired hot tub, a studio workshop for artsy types, and plenty of pristine low-bank shoreline, which means you’re able to walk directly to the water and back. This being an island, there won’t be any other humans except for the guests you bring along, but do do expect to find wildlife aplenty.

    There are views of Cowichan Lake from every room.

    Silas Poon/Unique Properties

    Cowichan Lake is about a 90-minute drive from Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, and is considered the second-largest body of fresh water on Vancouver Island. Come summertime, the lake is the perfect venue for canoeing, water skiing, paddle boarding, or bird watching. Of course, if you’re ever interested in leaving your own private island paradise and want to check out the mainland, there are plenty of scenic hiking trails, bike trails, and campgrounds to explore.

    Click here to see more photos of Island 7.

    Silas Poon/Unique Properties

    Authors

    Abby Montanez

    Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, dining, travel and topics…

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    Island 7 in Photos

    Published on December 28, 2023

    Silas Poon/Unique Properties

    Authors

    Abby Montanez

    Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, dining, travel and topics…

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    These New Beachfront Condos in Tulum Will Each Have a Private Plunge Pool

    Tulum has long been a popular getaway for travelers, but there’s a new residential development raising the bar for luxury real estate in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.

    INKU Tulum, a high-end boutique condominium defined by its asymmetrical, curvilinear balconies draped with plantings, is part of the 130-acre master-planned Selvazama community by D&G Tulum Developers. The 12-unit property merges cutting-edge architecture with sustainable design and takes its inspiration from its tropical surroundings. The homes range in size from two- and three-bedroom condos to two-story penthouses, priced up to $1.3 million. Construction on the project is expected to be completed at the end of 2024. 

    “INKU Tulum, born out of our profound love for Tulum, encapsulates the essence of this captivating destination by seamlessly blending Caribbean allure, Mexican culture, and the lush jungle landscape,” developers Michael Dee and James Gold said in an email to Robb Report. “As a testament to our vision, INKU, meaning ‘my nest’ in Mayan, stands as a harmonious retreat, honoring local history and natural beauty.”

    Each of the 12 condos at Selvazama’s INKU Tulum will have a pool.

    Courtesy of Selvazama Tulum

    Highlights of the homes include buyers’ choice of a private plunge pool on the biomorphic balcony of the upper units or, if you’re located on the ground floor, a meandering, full-sized swimming pool. The condos will also sport additional water features, high-quality finishes, open-plan living and dining areas, and 24/7 security. Residents will also have access to concierge services, which can handle everything from airport transfers to dinner reservations and spa bookings.

    “We understand what makes the biggest difference to those looking to invest and live in this beautiful space,” the developers told Robb Report. “Socially and environmentally responsible, INKU fosters local employment, utilizes sustainable materials, and sponsors community initiatives, embodying a commitment to both luxury and community well-being in the heart of Tulum.”

    The residences will feature sustainable materials and pay homage to its jungle environment.

    Courtesy of Selvazama Tulum

    In addition to INKU Tulum, the Selvazama community is also planning for two luxury villas to join its residential portfolio. Dubbed Casa Cinq and Casa Siet, the properties are part of 11 custom-built home sites inside the ultra-exclusive, guard-gated Mondo neighborhood. Casa Cinq measures more than 2,800 square feet with four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms. Meanwhile, Casa Siet spans over 5,225 square feet with five bedrooms and five-and-a-half bathrooms. Both will comprise fully-equipped kitchens and living areas that spill out to tons of outdoor space to enjoy the scenery. Elsewhere, the Selvazama development, when complete, will comprise a hotel component, Mexico’s first sustainable school, retail shops and fine-dining restaurants, a natural park, and exhibitions by local artists.

    Click here to see all the photos of INKU Tulum. 

    Courtesy of Selvazama Tulum

    Authors

    Abby Montanez

    Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, dining, travel and topics…

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    INKU Tulum in Photos

    Modified on December 28, 2023 ,

    Published on December 27, 2023

    D & G Tulum Developers

    Authors

    Abby Montanez

    Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, dining, travel and topics…

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    Millionaires Are Flocking to These Five Countries, According to a New Study

    Where have all the millionaires gone? Down Under, it would seem.

    Australia had the highest inflow of high-net-worth individuals in 2023, according to new findings from London-based investment migration consultancy Henley & Partners. The report, which defines HNWIs as people with at least $1 million in assets, noted that roughly 120,000 millionaires migrated to a new country this year, with that number set to increase to 128,000. Over the last two decades, Australia has logged 82,000 newcomers, and this year, approximately 5,200 millionaires are expected to make the country their new home.

    “Australia consistently attracts sizable numbers of millionaires every year, mainly from Asia and Africa, but more recently also from high-income countries such as the U.K.,” explained Andrew Amoils, head of research at New World Wealth, which collaborated with Henley & Partners on the report. The study attributed Australia’s appeal to its safety, low tax rates, healthcare system, and advanced economy. Of course, the country’s high quality of life, wide open spaces, and natural beauty are also draws. 

    The UAE, Singapore, Switzerland, and the U.S. were also among the top five destinations with the highest net inflows of millionaires in 2023. The Emirates clocked approximately 4,500 high-net-worth individuals this year, most of whom are drawn to the area’s prime real estate and safe haven status.

    Roughly 82,000 millionaires have relocated to Australia between 2002 and 2022.

    Pexels

    “Pre-pandemic, the UAE traditionally saw net inflows of around 1,000 high-net-worths per year,” the report said, with most incoming millionaires in 2023 expected to come from India, with large numbers also coming from the U.K., Russia, Lebanon, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, Hong Kong, and China.

    The United States attracted around 2,100 high-earning newcomers. Per the report, those people mainly hail from Asia and work in the entertainment, finance, or tech industries. Singapore and Switzerland also maintained their status as wealthy hubs. The former is forecast to welcome 3,200 HNWIs, while the so-called “playground of Europe” is projected to attract a net inflow of approximately 1,800 high-net-worth individuals in 2023.

    Conversely, countries including the U.K., China, India, Russia, and Brazil saw the world’s largest exodus of millionaire residents. This year, the U.K. had about a 3,500 drop in HNWIs, while China has been negligible since 2017. “General wealth growth in the country has been slowing over the past few years, which means that the recent outflows could be more damaging than usual,” the report said.

    Authors

    Abby Montanez

    Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, dining, travel and topics…

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    Wealthy Homebuyers Are Driving Up Prices in This Under-the-Radar Ski Town in New Hampshire

    When it comes to premium ski destinations in the United States, wealthy locales like Aspen and Vail are likely to come to mind. However, the charming, quiet town of Waterville Valley, New Hampshire, has seen some of the largest gains over the last few years when it comes to alpine property prices.

    According to a new report from Realtor.com, the New England enclave has seen a shocking spike in home prices since the pandemic. In that time, listing prices jumped a whopping 121 percent, which raised the median home price roughly 25 percent higher than the national average. For context, the U.S. median home price was $408,732 as of November 2023. “It’s those children who grew up skiing here,” Mike Aronson, an agent with Waterville Valley Realty, told the real estate portal. “Now, with remote work, they’ve come back to live here.”

    Waterville Valley, nestled inside New Hampshire’s White Mountains National Forest, has long been a big draw for slope-schussing homebuyers. A two-hour drive from Boston, the town’s picturesque ski resort was founded in the 1960s by the late Olympic skier Tom Corcoran. Today, it features an epic 52 trails and 265 acres of alpine terrain. “Like a lot of ski towns, we’ve become more of a four-seasons destination,” Aronson added.

    Outside of Waterville Valley, 80 Mooney Point Road in Holderness is one of the area’s priciest listings.

    Keegan Rice/Badger Peabody and Smith Realty

    Per the New Hampshire Housing Market Report, average home prices across the state have risen 36 percent between 2020 and 2022. And as of 2023, the median home price clocked in at $449,799. Not far from Waterville Valley is the town of Holderness, where properties on scenic Squam Lake run in the $4 million to $7 million range. Currently, the area’s most expensive residence is 158 Cromwell Point Road, a 4,134-square-foot pad with four bedrooms and four bathrooms. The $7 million spread is positioned on roughly four wooded acres and features a wine cellar, a U-shaped boat dock, and a stone patio.

    Nearby, 80 Mooney Point is listed for just shy of $4.5 million. The 2,409-square-foot waterfront cottage comprises four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a renovated kitchen, and a screened porch. There are tons of exposed beams and wooden paneling, which makes it look as if it’s straight out of the 1981 drama On Golden Pond, starring Henry Fonda and Katherine Hepburn. Well, that could also have to do with the fact that the movie was actually shot on the same lake!

    Authors

    Abby Montanez

    Abigail Montanez is a staff writer at Robb Report. She has worked in both print and digital publishing for over half a decade, covering everything from real estate, dining, travel and topics…

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    A High Desert Compound Near Joshua Tree Offers Relaxation, Recreation, and Rental Revenue

    An artfully updated four-bedroom ranch house, plus a couple of guest casitas, arresting views of the Sawtooth Mountain Range from the infinity-edge pool, and a party barn inspired by a cult-favorite bar in Hollywood, not to mention the potential to rake in hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual rental revenue, are just a few of the appealing features of the Know Where Ranch that sprawls over 2.5 acres in the historic High Desert community of Pioneertown, California. The compound, newly on the market at a sliver under $1.4 million, is listed with Shaun Alan-Lee of Carolwood Estates and Keith Markovitz and Clayton Baldwin at Compass.

    About 125 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, a 45-minute drive from Palm Springs, and a short hop to Joshua Tree, Pioneertown was established in the 1940s as an 1880s-themed town for use as a set for Western films and TV shows. It remains a working set. Gene Autry filmed his weekly show in Pioneertown in the 1950s, and in 2016, Cyndi Lauper shot her western-themed music video for Funnel of Love at the Pappy & Harriet’s, Pioneertown’s legendary roadhouse, barbeque restaurant, and music venue that has played host to a laundry list of performers, including Lucinda Williams, Paul McCartney, Lizzo, Neko Case, and Rufus Wainwright. 

    The 2,800-square-foot home features custom murals and artwork throughout.

    Will Edwards

    Record producer and DJ Aric Christopher acquired the property almost four years ago and has since transformed what was a perfectly ordinary four-bedroom ranch-style home and several unassuming outbuildings into an eclectic retreat for relaxation and recreation, a fashionably funky fusion of artistic élan, western allure, Hollywood glamour, and modern, low-key luxury.

    Beyond the cherry-red front door, animal skulls, cowboy hats, and reclaimed wood framing around the windows add rustic pizazz, while bespoke accents such as the dreamcatcher-like light fixture over the massive kitchen island, as well as custom murals and artworks by artists Penelope Misa and Ron The Killer, inject the house with a playful, one-of-a-kind High Desert bohemian vibe.

    The kitchen is configured around a huge island that will seat a dozen people.

    Will Edwards

    Other highlights include the kitchen, with its massive island that seats a dozen people on an array of vintage bar stools. Several more can gather around the built-in dining banquette in the adjoining breakfast nook. The spacious primary bedroom, dubbed The Roy Rogers Suite and clad in reclaimed wooden planks, includes a morning/evening bar, a claw-foot soaking tub that’s open to the bedroom, and a separate, marble-floored bathroom.

    Covered patios along the back of the house include one equipped with a large wall-mounted TV. Cool off in the infinity-edge pool, meditate or practice yoga on one of the poolside terraces, and watch the sunset while swaying gently in the hammocks hung around a gas fire pit. Elsewhere are a cowboy tub, a flat, raked area for bocce ball and cornhole, and a detached pool bath and outdoor shower. Considering the climate and location, the property includes a 4,500-gallon water storage tank and solar-powered exterior lighting.

    The party barn bar was inspired by the low-key Know Nothing Bar in Hollywood.

    Will Edwards

    In-the-know Angelenos may have already guessed that The Know Where Ranch takes its name from, and the bar inside the party barn takes its design cues from, The Know Where Bar, a beloved, under-the-radar but now shuttered Hollywood boîte that was long on laid-back charm and short on attitude, with sophisticated cocktails and yummy snacks. 

    And finally, the most enticing part of The Know Where Ranch, which has a dedicated Instagram with nearly 15,000 followers, just may be the potential to haul in hundreds of thousands of dollars in rental income. According to marketing materials, between private rental events and vacation rental income, The Know Where Ranch raked in more than $430,000 in total revenue in 2022, with a net income of almost $275,000.

    Click here for more photos of The Know Where Ranch.

    Will Edwards More

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    First Look Inside Vie L’Ven, St. Maarten’s New Luxury Resort and Residences

    Vie L’Ven, a forthcoming resort and residential property from Altree Developments, is bringing a new level of luxury to the Dutch side of the Caribbean island of St. Maarten.

    The project is slated to make its debut in 2028, and Robb Report got an exclusive first look at the renderings. The development—the name translates to “life to live”—will feature a hotel component alongside a collection of fully furnished homes ranging from $800,000 to over $2 million. Altogether, the Cay Bay project will comprise a total of 280 units with 190 hotel rooms, 60 of which will be suites, and 90 private residences.

    The open-air lobby entrance at Vie L’Ven, a forthcoming luxury residence in St. Maarten.

    Binyan

    “Vie L’Ven stands as a unique and unparalleled project in St. Maarten, distinguished by its singular luxury experience,” Zev Mandelbaum, CEO of Altree Developments, tells Robb Report. “With only one other five-star hotel catering to a similar clientele, Vie L’Ven’s presence fills a crucial gap, providing an exclusive destination that will undoubtedly be in high demand. The extensive amenities that will be offered at Vie L’Ven set it apart, establishing a standard of luxury unmatched anywhere else on the island.” 

    The property will feature a five-star hotel and a selection of private homes for purchase.

    Binyan

    Drawing upon both French and Dutch cultures for inspiration, the oceanfront building will be designed by award-winning architectural firm HKS with interiors by Toronto’s Studio Munge. In addition, the developer tapped Sotheby’s International Realty to handle all the sales and marketing. The homes on offer will be available in several different layouts, ranging from one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences that measure from 600 to 6,000 square feet. Owners will also have the option of entering their home into the resort’s rental program for short- or long-term stays.

    Naturally, residents will have access to all the hotel’s facilities, including its three swimming pools, signature restaurants, and 24/7 concierge services. The grounds will also sport a world-class fitness center and spa and can be reached via boat.

    An aerial view of the resort’s massive beachside swimming pool.

    BInyan

    “St. Maarten is a captivating island that seamlessly melds the cultural influences of both the French and Dutch, cultivating a distinctive European ambiance in the heart of the Caribbean,” adds Mandelbaum. “Embraced by natural beauty and tranquility, the island beckons with a plethora of attractions, from exhilarating nightlife to the allure of mega yachts. For those seeking a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation, St. Maarten promises a tapestry of unique experiences.”   More