Standout luxury properties have what it takes to be star of the show, writes Nancy Groves Santa Fe, New Mexico | Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe – 326 Grant Avenue Brokerage The real estate mantra “location, location, location” acquires higher meaning for some luxury homes on the market. While any property that isn’t brand new has a history—sometimes across generations of ownership—it’s a rare private home that can lay claim to being a filming location for the large or smaller screen. Location is “the biggest background player of them all, hiding in plain sight,” writes journalist Rebecca Liu in a deep dive on the art of location scouting. But especially in this golden era of television, key locations are immortalized not just on an hour or two of movie celluloid but often across multiple seasons of long-running shows. “Any actual home is far more evocative than a stage,” says veteran location manager Harriet Lawrence. “It has the patina, the texture of a real building, lived in by real people over time.” Some homes become star attractions themselves, while owning a piece of cultural heritage can be a strong draw for buyers. Here are five properties with filming backstories. Rancho Alegre, New Mexico Santa Fe, New Mexico | Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe – 326 Grant Avenue Brokerage When a 178-acre adobe compound in New Mexico came to market this summer, coverage oscillated between its standout aesthetics and its brief but significant cameo in HBO’s “Succession.” It starred as the remote ranch of Logan Roy’s eldest son Connor, where the family gathers for their infamous group therapy session. Of course, the two are connected. “The setting is expansive and the main house exudes the uber-desirable feel of the west or southwest U.S.,” says Neil Lyon of Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe Brokerage. Lyon says the home possesses “incredible scale with no possible way to miss it” and “a level of quality that could only be associated with great wealth and taste,” assuring its popularity with scouts. The 20,000 sq ft property has also featured in Adam Sandler’s “The Ridiculous 6,” sci-fi teen drama series “Roswell” and the murdery mystery series “Dark Winds.” Twilight Moon Ranch, Utah Oakley, Utah | Summit Sotheby’s International Realty – Park City Another ranch property, another state, but no less an illustrious television credit: for Paramount’s neo-Western drama “Yellowstone,” starring Kevin Costner. Utah’s Twilight Moon Ranch, built in 2014 on eight acres just a short drive from Park City, takes inspiration from the surrounding mountains for its architecture and interiors. While the “Yellowstone” filming focused mainly on its huge, light-filled kitchen, with seven bedrooms and nine bathrooms it makes a generous family home or rental. The home is being sold with all its contents—give or take a stuffed animal or two. Belain Farm, Ontario Caledon, Ontario | Sotheby’s International Realty Canada L.M. Montgomery’s beloved book “Anne of Green Gables” is set in the fictional town of Avonlea on the very real Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province. But when scouts for the recent Netflix adaption “Anne with an E” were hunting for suitable locations, they landed some 1,000 miles west in Ontario. Belain Farm is a picturesque property that stands in for the family home of Anne’s best friend, Diana Barry. The central farmhouse exudes all the necessary charm, while its pond makes the perfect “Lake of Shining Waters,” as Anne herself calls it. 453 West 24th Street, New York New York, New York | Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Brokerage As any “Sex in the City” fan will tell you, no tour of Carrie Bradshaw’s fictional life is complete without a photo op on a classic Manhattan stoop. While the listing for this 1849 red brick townhouse in West Chelsea keeps schtum on its exact screen credits, it epitomizes New York’s history and romance and frequently features on television. Maybe it’s the tree-lined street, elegant railings and floor-to-ceiling parlor windows. Or the private garden and balcony out back. Four main floors of living space are contained within, while hiding at basement level is a 5,000-bottle wine cellar. Spencer Hills House, California Mendocino, California | Mendo Sotheby’s International Realty The Californian coastal town of Mendocino has a rich cinematic history, thanks to its elegant architecture, cliffside setting and abundant greenery. But arguably it is best known as the West Coast stand-in for the East Coast town of Cabot Cove in the long-running TV series “Murder She Wrote,” now with a cult following. Spencer Hills House, home to the show’s Dr. Seth Hazlitt, is among the town’s finest properties. Built in 1855, it has all the design hallmarks of a Mendocino Victorian, from its custom trim to the wraparound veranda—star of many a dramatic scene. A luxury property’s filming history “solidifies its place and associations with intriguing events and people,” says Lyon. Practically, the exposure can lead to an audience of many millions. Emotionally, a sizable chunk of those viewers will be “blown away by its beauty and what it represents.” You’ve watched “The Odyssey.” Now visit the islands where Homer’s story is set
Serene and sophisticated, this 8,000-square-foot Hamptons residence—along with its heated pool, sun-washed terraces, and glorious grounds and gardens—is one of a very few homes in the prestigious Fordune Estate, founded by a scion of American icon Henry Ford. For more than a century, the Hamptons have drawn prominent members of society and distinguished dynasties. One of the most notable of these was the family of Henry Ford II, grandson of the automotive industry pioneer, who established his family’s 250-acre oceanfront compound in 1960, encompassing Channel Pond and other inlets near Mecox Bay as well as the dunes and sandy shoreline of Flying Point Beach. That property has since been transformed into a highly coveted gated community known as the Fordune Estate. Water Mill, New York| Michaela Keszler, Paulina Keszler, Sotheby’s International Realty – Southampton Brokerage Serene and sophisticated, this meticulously maintained and updated 8,000-square-foot home is one of a very few residences ensconced within that prestigious compound. Generous in scale and suffused by a bright, airy, open quality, it is a true oasis in a setting that is inextricably linked with its enviable prestigious surroundings. Designed in 1999 by architect Michael Goldman and reimagined in 2023 by esteemed Scottsdale-based designer Mathew Boland, the residence blends timeless style with distinctive contemporary flair, creating an ambience that is both urbane and inviting. The ideally proportioned living and entertaining spaces include formal living and dining rooms with soaring beamed ceilings and a library or den with a fireplace and built-in bookshelves. The cook’s kitchen boasts an island, custom cabinetry, a walk-in pantry, top-caliber appliances, and an office alcove; a light-filled family room with an outsize bay window adjoins. Opportunities for relaxing and gathering continue on the lower level, which offers a media room, a massage room, and generous storage, including a cedar-lined closet. The luxurious primary suite enjoys a convenient location on the main level; a truly restful retreat, it includes two walk-in closets and dressing rooms as well as an elegant marble-clad bath. Accompanied by a thoughtful coffee bar, three chic guest suites benefit from the privacy and treetop views of the uppermost level, while additional accommodations—for visitors or staff—are secluded on the lowest level. On the upper floor, a versatile unfinished wing of roughly 2,600 square feet could be adapted to serve as a studio, fitness or meditation space, or additional bedrooms. The landscapes of southern France serve as inspiration for the glorious 2.5-acre grounds and gardens. Beyond the vast, breezy screened porch are a heated gunite swimming pool with deck jets, sun-washed stone terraces, a walled garden with a classical fountain, a gazebo, a potting shed, swaths of impossibly lush lawn affording space for a tennis court, mature trees, and an array of vibrant flourishing flora. The adjoining protected reserve helps maintain an uninterrupted pastoral view and the sense of serene privacy. Fordune’s exclusive sandy ocean beach is minutes away, allowing a discerning new owner the opportunity to continue the Ford family’s tradition of a life of consummate seclusion and convenience in one of the most desirable seaside locales. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
Bridging the gap between indoor and outdoor living, the veranda’s versatility is part of its enduring allure, writes Elizabeth Fazzare Los Feliz, California | Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage Outdoor living is one of summer’s greatest pleasures, but at the season’s height, strong daytime sun makes shade an absolute necessity. As early as the 1700s, homes in the American South counteracted the weather with a custom-built veranda: an open-air porch covered by an extension of the roof to provide quick relief from the heat and protection from rain and wind when required. This architectural element finds its roots across oceans in ancient dwellings from the Indian subcontinent. Its popularity later spread to British and subsequently American building design via colonial development. Today, in luxury residences across the United States, a veranda is still revered as the original manifestation of indoor-outdoor living, providing the flexibility to enjoy al fresco downtime and company, whatever the forecast. Purchase, New York | Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty “I think porches today have the same appeal as they did hundreds of years ago,” says architect Jeffrey Dungan, whose eponymous architecture and design studio is based in Mountain Brook, Alabama. “Verandas lend you the connection to the outdoors without the inconveniences that come with being truly outside.” Traditionally, a veranda wraps the front and sides of a house as “the de facto front door,” explains Dungan. It’s not only an inviting spot to cool off, but also “where you would entertain guests, like the Southern equivalent to a parlor in British homes.” To allow ample space under those eaves for entertaining, relaxing and even dining, the best examples are 14- to 15-feet deep, he advises. Hendersonville, North Carolina | Premier Sotheby’s International Realty The sweeping veranda of this nine-bedroom home in Hendersonville, North Carolina, has plenty of weatherproof square footage from which to admire the surrounding landscape. Originally built in 1855, the house was redesigned half a century later by Richard Sharp Smith, a supervisor on North Carolina’s landmark Biltmore Estate, while the gardens had input from Frederick Law Olmsted, the influential designer behind New York’s Central and Prospect Parks. Acknowledging both their contributions, the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Equally storied is a 1912-built estate in Purchase, New York, which was a key location for the 1969 film “Goodbye, Columbus,” based on the Philip Roth novella of the same name. It offers views of its more than 11 acres of park-like grounds from a veranda adjacent to its main living room. Although both these homes were constructed more than a century ago, their indoor-outdoor design schemes are still in high demand today. Johns Creek, Georgia | Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty “Buyers aren’t looking for another room as much as they’re looking for another way to enjoy the home,” says Paul Wegener, global real estate advisor at Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty. “A great veranda becomes part of everyday life. First cup of coffee, first glass of wine in the evening, the place to watch the kids play in the yard, or to sit and enjoy the beautiful view.” One of Wegener’s listings, a 1998-built six-bedroom home in Johns Creek, Georgia, has second-story verandas framing the entire rear facade that, in his words, “become another living room, just with fresh air.” The space is comfortably furnished with an abundance of cozy seating and carpets, oversized lanterns, and even a firepit. Los Feliz, California | Sotheby’s International Realty – Beverly Hills Brokerage In regions where rain is infrequent, an effective veranda might not need full coverage. Once owned by filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille, this 1913-built Hollywood estate fashions its rear-facing veranda like a pergola, allowing sunlight to pass through its slatted roof toward the six-bedroom house’s large windows. In our climate-conscious era, minimizing direct sun exposure avoids raising the interior temperature. “The veranda is the synaptic gap, or the connective tissue, between the interiors, the conditioned space of the house, and the outdoors,” says Dungan. For homebuyers, its enduring allure is both romantic and functional. “Spaces that allow you to connect to nature and your surroundings are so special,” he adds. Dream of waterside living? Enjoy the view from the world’s most beautiful boathouses
Wealth creation doesn’t stand still. As new fortunes are made, where that wealth resides also changes. Two recent reports offer a snapshot of the globe’s most affluent locations today—and where they could be in the future. North America currently hosts the greatest store of global wealth, with high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) accumulating a total of US$32.9TN by the end of 2025, according to the World Wealth Report 2026, published by Capgemini, June 4, 2026. That’s up 9.9% on 2024. However, Asia Pacific saw the fastest wealth acceleration between 2024 and 2025, according to the research, with 10.5% growth resulting in the region’s HNWIs holding US$29.7TN in 2025. Meanwhile, 2026 Global Wealth Report: The Great Reordering, published by Boston Consulting Group, May 27, 2026, focused solely on emerging market wealth. It predicts that financial wealth will increase by US$6.89TN across emerging markets between 2025 and 2030. India is set to lead this charge, according to the report, generating US$2.37TN in new financial wealth by 2030. It is followed by Brazil (US$1.08TN), and Mexico (US$0.55TN). “The affluent remain engaged and confident in the luxury housing market,” says Philip A. White Jr., president and CEO, Sotheby’s International Realty, in the company’s 2026 Mid-Year Luxury Outlook report. Cover Property: Greece Sotheby’s International Realty
Our monthly series asks: How do you bring color into luxury design? Navy blue is a classic for a reason, writes Jill Krasny Notting Hill, London | United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty Some homes leave a strong impression while others quickly fade from the mind. Almost always, the design and color scheme is a factor. Terracotta, an ancient hue that’s been used for centuries, works in contemporary and traditional spaces alike, while yellow and lilac, which are both enjoying a design moment, suit homes with more of a period feel. Navy—which our series on color in luxury design turns to next—is “ elegant, versatile and timeless” and has long been a staple in upscale homes, says Sarah Brown, a London-based interior designer. “It also has strong associations with traditional British decorating, from painted cabinetry and libraries to Victorian homes.” Hudson Valley, New York | Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty The color’s name derives from the fabric the British Royal Navy used for its officer uniforms once they began to source indigo pigment from India, says Joa Studholme, color curator for British paint maker Farrow & Ball. She points to the walls of The Wallace Collection, a historic museum house in London, which offer a stunning example of navy bringing out the rich details of the ornately framed artworks. Today, navy remains as popular as ever, thanks both to its versatility and the fact it presents a more lively alternative to other darker colors. “It pairs beautifully with warm neutrals, pinks and quite unexpectedly with greens,” says Brown, and “works best when balanced with contrast, texture and plenty of light.” Cape Elizabeth, Maine | Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty A sprawling estate in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, proves Brown’s theory right with a grayish navy exterior that blends in with its verdant surroundings. “This is a hugely brave use of color,” says Studholme, “but it has certainly paid off. The house feels like it has always been there: the use of blue makes it feel at one with the greens of the landscape.” By contrast, a tastefully restored Victorian home in Notting Hill, London, uses navy to bring out the building’s historic character while creating a sense of cohesion from room to room. The high-gloss blue “creates a ribbon of color throughout the house,” says Studholme, and looks equally stunning on the joinery, door trims and built-ins. Hudson Valley, New York | Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty In Ulster Landing, an early 1800s estate in Hudson Valley, New York, a home office covered in navy patterned wallpaper feels suitably warm and inviting. That’s down to the dark blue used on the trim and the ceiling, says Studholme. Had white been used on either element, she says, “the look would have been compromised.” Elsewhere, in a living room, navy carpentry and doorframes contrast with the paler blue walls. Meanwhile, a striking mountain estate set on Sweden’s historic County Road 322, with buildings that date back to the 18th century, uses navy at several points in its updated design scheme. The color features most strikingly in the large, mostly open-storage kitchen, to accent the cabinetry. It also strikes a sophisticated note in some of the living spaces, via a bold patterned wallpaper, soft furnishings, bedding and bathroom tiles. Jämtland, Sweden | Sweden Sotheby’s International Realty In the kitchen, “it creates a strong visual element while allowing other parts of the room to stand out,” says Brown—and Studholme wholeheartedly agrees. “I love how this blue has been used on the cabinetry,” she says. “It is mostly below your eyeline so it doesn’t overwhelm in any way. The tone is harmonious with the raw wood floor, which complements the warmth of the wall color and brick perfectly.” Explore our Color Chart design series, from bold red, joyful pink, zingy orange and uplifting yellow to natural lilac, historic terracotta, classic green, calming white and versatile turquoise
With a careful touch, this 1923 color- and light-filled Spanish Revival residence has been rejuvenated to revere its architectural history while suiting the rhythms of a stylish contemporary Southern California life. With its unmistakable white stucco walls, red clay roof tiles, arched doorways and windows, and balconies with decorative iron railings, Spanish Revival style is a fixture of Southern California architecture. An ode to the area’s colonial roots, which trace back to the 1600s, it has evolved into an aesthetic practically synonymous with sunny, breezy, coastal L.A. With a careful touch, this 1923 residence—enjoying a lush private setting in the scenic hillside neighborhood of Los Feliz—has been painstakingly rejuvenated to pay homage to its origins while suiting the rhythms of contemporary life. Los Angeles, California| Sonya Coke, Sotheby’s International Realty – Los Feliz Brokerage Retaining its period character and layers of historical meaning, the 5,618-square-foot home is both striking and inviting, with modern living and entertaining spaces rich in color, texture, and glorious light. In the living room, a streamlined wood-burning fireplace, built-in bookshelves, walls ideal for displaying art, and a distinctive starburst chandelier are accompanied by windows that frame views of the front garden’s lavish greenery. Inspired by the mountains of Southern California, a dramatic hand-painted wall treatment from the specialists at Britain’s Fromental adds artful flair to the dining room. The delightful cook’s kitchen features lilac-hued cabinets, a spacious marble-topped island, and full complement of stainless-steel appliances; adjoining are a charming breakfast area and a relaxed den wrapped in windows. On the lowest level, a screening and family room—with a bath nearby—is swathed in rich jewel tones. Private quarters are secluded on the uppermost level. Vaulted ceilings with natural wood beams lend the primary suite an airy, lofty feel. Banks of windows offer views of treetops, blue sky, and the iconic downtown skyline in the distance. Attending the bedroom are an elegant bath with a glass-enclosed steamshower, a soaking tub, and a dual-sink vanity as well as a boutique-worthy walk-in closet. Each of the four guest bedrooms is equally calming, colorful, and filled with light. Throughout, iron railings, hardwood floors, ceiling beams, and vintage-inspired fixtures and fittings hint at the home’s provenance. The gated property has been tastefully landscaped using flourishing native flora along with vibrant bursts of bougainvillea. Towering trees create an oasis of greenery for the very private backyard, timeless flagstone terrace, and refreshing swimming pool. The charming guesthouse is a versatile space that could easily serve as an art studio, meditation room, office, or gym. Auto enthusiasts will appreciate the freestanding three-car garage tucked at the end of the gated drive. All in all, this estate proves to be a singular oasis, one that reveres architectural history while being anchored in modern living, with a lively spirit, colorful creative character, and peaceful spaces to satisfy virtually every age and interest. Discover luxury homes for sale and rent around the world on sothebysrealty.com
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