New research shows that people who live near green spaces are an average of 2.5 years younger biologically than those living around less greenery. Created by award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group and L&Q in joint venture, Kew Bridge Rise delivers a spectacular living experience in a premium location, surrounded by South West London’s most beautiful parks. Residents here can enjoy the elegance and amenities of a five-star hotel within their home, while surrounded by an abundance of green space, including the floral displays at Chiswick House and Gardens, 40 acres of woodland at Richmond Park, Osterley Park’s country estate and world-famous Kew Gardens. 

Situated in one of London’s most scenic neighbourhoods, less than a five-minute walk from a charming stretch of the River Thames, the impressive one, two and three-bedroom homes place residents at the centre of the exceptional regeneration underway in Brentford.  Whilst Kew’s village feel, historic cricket green, and enchanting high street are a stone’s throw away, locals are also treated to a generous serving of greenery right on their doorsteps.  A third of the development is dedicated to two beautiful, podium-level gardens and an attractive public plaza. These resident- only amenities promote community and deliver premium facilities.  The leafy streets and breath-taking vast green spaces of Chiswick and Richmond are also within easy reach, meaning Kew Bridge Rise residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying the great outdoors and some of London’s finest independent shops and eateries.

Each of the five main buildings has its own distinct personality, with impressive amenities spread across them. There’s a state-of-the-art gym, a co-working space, a nursery for Kew Bridge Rise’s smallest residents and an on-site concierge for practical, attentive assistance. A rooftop terrace with breath-taking views across London provides a peaceful retreat. The views can also be enjoyed from each home’s private outdoor space, with buyers able to choose between a balcony or winter garden.

Combining timeless elegance with meaningful design, the quality of the apartment interiors and on-site amenities perfectly suit Kew Bridge Rise’s prestigious location. Within the apartments, the sophisticated, nature-inspired interiors embrace an elevated living experience. Full height windows and opulent living rooms styled with white ash Amtico flooring create the perfect ambience for relaxation or refined entertaining.  This quality continues throughout the homes with details including soft close hinges and subtle underside feature lighting in the kitchens and bathrooms. The bedrooms provide a luxury haven, that are a joy to come home to, with fitted wardrobes and ensuites to principal bedrooms as standard.

Such a top-notch location means homebuyers will have everything they could wish for close to home when it comes to enjoying their leisure time. Chiswick High Road, with its wealth of shops and restaurants, is just a six-minute walk away, while the nearby Kew Retail Park has all the big-name brands. For a spot of culture, there are Chiswick House Gardens, Osterley Park and Hogarth’s House.

Sports enthusiasts will delight at the options to help them keep fit.  Kew Bridge Rise is next door to a leisure centre with a pool and is also close by to several golf courses, including Wyke Green Golf Club, Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club and Richmond Park Golf Course.  With the Thames less than a five-minute walk away, there are also plenty of opportunities for staying active out on the water. The local area is packed with independent boutiques and delis, particularly around Chiswick High Road, which is just a six-minute cycle ride from the development.

For residents with children, there are three Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ nursery and primary schools within a 20-minute stroll and a ‘Good’ secondary just 100 metres away. There are also two ‘Outstanding’ secondary schools within a five-kilometre radius, along with James Hopkins College, the College of Nursing, Midwifery and Healthcare, the University of West London and Imperial College London.

Rebecca Littler, Group Sales and Marketing Director at The Hill Group, comments: “Kew Bridge Rise delivers a dream London lifestyle with five-star apartments and amenities. Homebuyers looking for an exceptional lifestyle in the capital will find the premium quality, specification and services they desire in these impressive new residences.”

Kew Bridge Rise is ideal for accessing other parts of London. The prime location is just two minutes’ walk from Kew Bridge Station and a 10-minute walk from Gunnersbury Overground and District Line stations that delivers onward travel to Clapham Junction in 14-minutes, South Kensington in 20, Waterloo in 29 and Piccadilly Circus in 33. There are also an astounding 33 bus stops within a kilometre of Kew Bridge Rise. And, for international travel, Heathrow Airport is less than a 30 minute drive away.

Apartments at Kew Bridge Rise will be available for purchase from January 2024 through Hill. L&Q will be launching Shared Ownership and Affordable Rent homes in 2025, with 50% of the homes available through these schemes.

Prices at Kew Bridge Rise start from £485,000. For more information, please visit www.hill.co.uk/all-developments/london/kew-bridge-rise, call 020 3906 1952 or email hello@kewbridgerise.co.uk  

In an era where bunkers are becoming increasingly popular in the real estate market, here’s a unique opportunity for those who can’t afford their own underground dwelling: a holiday in a converted bomb shelter.

The Beckham Creek Cave, tucked away in a cave in the Ozark Mountains, Parthenon, Arkansas, about 12 miles from the Buffalo National River, offers a distinctive holiday experience. This four-bedroom property was initially a safety zone during the nuclear war scares of the early 1980s with the Soviet Union.

Over the years, the shelter has undergone several renovations, including a recent three-year, $1m (£787,278.99) makeover, transforming it into an extraordinary vacation spot.

Externally, the cave features a porch, a sitting area, and a front door, much like a typical house. Inside, guests are greeted with the cave’s impressive exposed walls. The interior includes a kitchen with modern amenities like an island and double oven, a long dining table, and a wooden bar.

The living room, cozily furnished with sofas and a TV mounted on the cave wall, offers comfort and relaxation. A hallway leads to a bathroom and two smaller bedrooms.

The upper level houses two more bedrooms, with the master bedroom being a standout feature. It boasts a large, circular bed and enchanting fairy lights, creating a magical ambiance.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s plenty to explore, including the surrounding woods, rivers, and gardens. The location is also conveniently close to tourist hotspots such as Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and Branson, Missouri, known as the ‘Live Entertainment Capital of the World.’

A stay in this unique bomb shelter will cost $2,200 (£1,735) per night.

San Francisco’s exclusive private island has recently entered the market, priced at a substantial £20.6 million – a significant investment requiring readiness for its basic conditions.

Boasting breathtaking panoramic views and exquisite natural beauty, this expensive parcel of land is, however, devoid of essential utilities like running water and electricity.

Spanning an area of approximately six acres, Red Rock Island is devoid of any built structures and is only reachable via boat or helicopter.

Located adjacent to the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge to the north of San Francisco, the island features a sandy beach on its eastern side, a more rugged coastline to the south and west, and paths leading to its grass-covered, domed summit.

The estate agent in charge mentioned that the potential new owner might choose to either maintain the island’s untouched state or undertake construction – but would need to establish water and electricity supplies.

Initially settled by Russian fur traders in the early 19th century, the island’s only known inhabitant was Selim Woodworth, a former California Senator and son of esteemed 19th-century poet Samuel Woodworth. Woodworth erected a cabin and managed a hunting ground on the island.

The present seller, Brock Durning, a retired resident of Alaska, inherited the island from his late father, who received it from his business associate. This associate had acquired the uninhabited island for less than £41,000 in the 1960s.

During the 19th century, the island served as a site for manganese mining, a mineral responsible for its distinctive reddish hue, thus its name.

Remnants of abandoned mining tunnels still exist on the island, and it once had a fog bell positioned on a rocky protrusion.

The seller’s father was informed by the Coast Guard that they would no longer maintain the bell, leading to its eventual transfer of ownership to him.

Family stories hint at the bell’s mysterious disappearance following an incident where a Chevron barge broke free. After a salvage team was sent to recover the barge, the bell was nowhere to be found.

Red Rock Island falls within the jurisdictions of three different Bay Area counties. According to the owner, San Francisco has zoned it residential, Contra Costa for industrial purposes, and Marin for General Use.

Past proposals for the island included conservation efforts, development into a hotel, marina, or residence, and the removal of rock from its peak for use in highway construction.

In the 1970s, there was talk of buying the island to build a Playboy Club.

Another concept involved developing the island with facilities like a wedding chapel, geodesic domes, a marina, and a helicopter pad, but these plans never materialized.

Estate agent Chris Lim from Christie’s International Real Estate shared, “Red Rock Island has always intrigued me as a mysterious and coveted treasure in the San Francisco Bay.

“Having the opportunity to aid the seller in finding a new steward for the island, I spent a day in this private retreat.

“The experience reaffirmed my bond with Northern California – its rugged terrain, pristine beaches, and the captivating deep blue of the waters.”

As a child, the seller’s family, residing in nearby San Leandro in the East Bay, used Red Rock Island as a retreat, setting up tents on the beach and enjoying hiking and fishing.

Having lived in Alaska for the past 22 years, the seller has not visited the island in a long time and is now selling it to secure financial resources to support his aging mother.

The island is currently on the market for £20.6 million.

Acquire the pinnacle of luxury in the Hamptons, the iconic La Dune estate, prominently featured in Woody Allen’s 1978 film, Interiors, starring Diane Keaton, Kristin Griffith, and Richard Jordan.

This opulent seaside retreat, making a prominent appearance in the acclaimed American drama, is once again available for purchase, as per Top Ten Real Estate’s recent report.

Comprising two magnificent residences, La Dune had previously been listed at a staggering $150 million (£117 million), claiming the title of the Hamptons’ priciest mansion.

Erected in 1892, the primary structure spans 11,000 sq ft over four floors.

This 10-bedroom marvel is renowned for its grand reception area, multiple terraces, and expansive windows that bathe the interior in natural sunlight.

It includes a gym and fitness area, alongside a tranquil sauna, for wellness and relaxation.

The secondary residence, erected in 2001, encompasses 10,000 sq ft of oceanfront elegance.

Echoing the grandeur of the main house, it features rich, dark wooden flooring, pristine white walls, elegant French doors, and intricate coffered ceilings.

Beyond the gym and sauna, this house also houses a bespoke Altos movie theatre and a sophisticated billiards room.

Set on four acres, the estate includes two luxurious gunite pools, a professional-grade sunken tennis court, expansive courtyards, and secluded gardens, ideal for relaxation or hosting grand events.

Positioned just minutes from Southampton Beach, La Dune boasts breathtaking views of the Rosa Rugosa dunes and offers unparalleled access to the ocean and pristine beaches.

La Dune is now poised for auction by Concierge Auctions, with bidding commencing on January 10.

With fantastic views over the Quinta do Lago lake, this desirably elegant 2 bedroom and 3 bathroom apartment is located within a 5-minute walk to the renowned Quinta do Lago lake, amazing restaurants and The Campus sports centre, as well as a children’s fun play area. Its ample terrace allows for unbeatable views of the lake, with all-day sun great for sun lovers to simply relax or dining alfresco under the high covered vaulted terrace.

An attractive first floor apartment featuring a guest cloakroom and a fully equipped kitchen leading to a roomy living area. The open plan lounge/dining room area is fitted with a perfectly cosy fireplace. Integrated with air conditioning throughout for all year round comfort, this beautiful apartment is designed with high ceilings giving it a very spacious and free flowing feeling.

Available at a guide price of 795,000.00 EUR through Quinta do Lago Real Estate: www.quintadolago.com // +351 289 392 754.

https://www.quintadolago.com/en/properties/sale/well-located-elegant-2-bedroom-apartment-greatview/

Experience unparalleled luxury living in this exquisite, newly-built, fully-furnished modern villa through Quinta do Lago Real Estate. With meticulous attention to detail and superior design, Villatura offers an extraordinary living experience. Set on a vast 2,430sqm plot, the villa boasts an additional 1,430sqm of adopted land, and over 1,345sqm of living space and covered terraces. Its four levels of seamless indoor-outdoor living, blending naturally with the surrounding nature gardens and immaculate landscape, creating a harmonious environment.

Stepping into the majestic entrance hall, complete with a distinctive curved spiral staircase that leads to the rooftop terrace, all will be mesmerised by the beauty of Villatura. Boasting 7 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms, sleeping up to 14 people, this property is not shy of space. It is the perfect home for families, seeking ample room for themselves and their guests, or live-in staff. This southwest-oriented villa is a masterpiece of luxury living, offering spectacular facilities including an indoor pool, private spa, and fully-equipped gym. Homeowners can entertain in the glassed wine cellar, cinema room, and bar with indoor and outdoor lounge areas, all designed for maximum comfort and enjoyment.

Located just a few steps away from the iconic lake and all the finest amenities Quinta do Lago has to offer, Villatura is the ultimate private retreat.

Guide price starts above 20,000,000 EUR / £17,597,700 through Quinta do Lago Real Estate: www.quintadolago.com // +351 289 392 754. https://www.quintadolago.com/en/properties/sale/villatura/

Situated on the fringes of St Ives, above Carbis Bay, Una St Ives holiday resort artfully blends wellness and indulgence, offering the ultimate in Cornish laid-back luxury. Now, with the launch of the next generation of luxury villas, guests are invited to enjoy spacious, modern living in a stunning setting.

As part of the exciting next phase of Una St Ives’ development, 27 high-end two-, three- and four-bedroom villas with private hot tubs will join the collection of 29 lodges in Spring 2024. Built with Cornish stone, giving the sense of rising from the land, these will be some of the best-appointed holiday villas in Cornwall. 

Imagined by the multi-award-winning Dyer Architects and fashioned with locally sourced materials, the textured palette of stone, timber and glass feels classically Cornish, with a contemporary twist. The spacious, Scandi-influenced interiors utilise traditional materials in an ultra-modern way. Each villa’s design and positioning has been planned to embrace the area’s world-famous artists’ light. The open plan living on the first floor, encompassing a high-spec kitchen, dining and living area, plus a private terrace with outside dining, is made for socialising. With access to the outdoors on both levels of the villas, spacious bedrooms are found on the ground floor, opening to the distinctly Cornish landscaped grounds, hot tub, and plentiful views. 

Every detail in each villa has been thoughtfully designed. From the sympathetic landscaping to the careful placement of the properties themselves, which nestle into the natural fall of the land to maximise privacy and views. The Una St Ives ‘art of hospitality’ ethos comes to the fore with the original paintings on the walls, including the work of Falmouth University alumna Jordan Amy Lee. The London-based Illustrator has been collaborating with Una St Ives to create an original body of work since 2019 and features across the resort’s marketing materials as well as adorning the walls of the new villas. 

Sustainability has driven decision-making throughout: From the retaining walls and paths constructed from rocks excavated during construction to the energy-efficient air source heat pumps that significantly reduce power consumption.

The experience at Una St Ives isn’t just about the luxury villas. Guests can relax with a few laps in the indoor infinity pool or new outdoor lido (open April through October) and enjoy the soothing heat of the cedar-lined sauna or indulge in a pampering Elemis spa treatment at the spa. Then savour cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired meals created using the finest produce from across the Southwest at Una Kitchen and the new Lido Bar & Grill. 

A self-catering stay at Una St Ives in a 2-bedroom villa costs from £200 per night. (Prices are based on low season and include full leisure club access.) Visit www.unastives.co.uk for more information and to book. 

The villas are also available to purchase under a holiday home ownership scheme, from £480,000 for a 2-bedroom property. Visit https://www.unastives.co.uk/own/ for more details.

You now have the opportunity to own the former residence of the celebrity couple, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck.

This prestigious property, located in Beverly Hills, was once leased by the famous singer and actor before they moved to their current mansion in the same area.

Originally constructed in the 1930s, this stately home had been the cherished abode of Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman for over two decades.

Following their separation, the house changed hands in 2015, when the couple sold it to a local developer for £23 million ($28 million). It was subsequently acquired by Australian billionaire James Packer in 2018.

This magnificent estate, which is now on the market again, features 12 bedrooms and offers over 24,300 square feet of living space. Additionally, it boasts 17 bathrooms, expansive kitchens, and a luxurious swimming pool.

Upon entering the main house, visitors are welcomed by a formal living room, a dining room, and an office, all with stunning views of the impeccably manicured grounds.

The kitchen is a chef’s dream, equipped with a large island, top-of-the-line appliances, and private ensuite quarters for the cook.

On the upper floor, the main bedroom, one of five in the house, features a dual bathroom, his and hers closets, a private balcony, and separate ensuite staff rooms with an exterior entrance.

Movie enthusiasts will appreciate the dedicated 5,000-square-foot theatre within the residence, eliminating the need to travel to the cinema.

The entertainment suite is a perfect retreat, complete with a bar, games room, Dolby sound system, cigar room, and a wine cellar.

For car collectors, there are two garages with space for eight vehicles, all facilitated by one of the three car lifts.

A separate three-story well-being building offers a spare bedroom and bathroom, along with a sauna, gym, and bar for ultimate relaxation.

Outside, the swimming pool is complemented by an outdoor alfresco kitchen and dining area, all within view of a separate pool house.

Situated on 1.2 acres of prime Beverly Hills real estate, this property is conveniently located near all the amenities one could desire.

Santiago Arana of The Agency, the listing agent, highlighted the property’s appeal, stating, “What makes the property very special is that it’s in one of the best locations of Beverly Hills sitting at the end of a cul-de-sac. It truly is one of the most private estates you could imagine. Additionally, you also have everything you need on the property with endless amenities that will satisfy the most discerning buyer.”

The property is currently listed at $85 million (£69 million).

Upon stepping into this remarkable abode, an opulent experience unfolds within the grand foyer, where a sprawling koi pond, reminiscent in size to that of a swimming pool, captures attention with its glass walls. This aquatic masterpiece seamlessly merges with an infinity pool, forming an enchanting union that synchronizes with the rhythms of the house’s music system, allowing swimmers to immerse themselves in both sound and water.

Elevating the essence of entertainment, this residence emerges as an ideal setting for gatherings, as guests are invited to explore a multitude of indulgent spaces. The allure of the tequila bar beckons, resonating with the promise of spirited celebrations. The glass-walled wine room, a sanctuary of vintages, stands ready to cater to oenophiles and enthusiasts alike. For those who seek cinematic marvels, the vast theatre space awaits, offering a realm of cinematic immersion and enchantment.

Within the realm of privacy and relaxation, the seven elegantly appointed bedrooms present a symphony of luxury and comfort. Each exudes an aura of unrivalled sophistication, boasting features that include expansive walk-in wardrobes, havens of relaxation, and capacious bathtubs. These lavish sanctuaries beckon residents to immerse themselves in a world of indulgence and tranquility.

Adorned with awe-inspiring vistas that stretch across the landscape of Los Angeles, the property’s location in the prestigious enclave of Bel Air amplifies its allure. The seamless collaboration between Compass and The Agency served as the listing platform for this extraordinary residence, showcasing its distinctive blend of refinement and grandeur.

In this magnificent narrative of opulence and grandeur, the residence at Bel Air beckons with its captivating amenities and lavish spaces, inviting residents to embark on a journey of unrivalled luxury.

An extraordinary off-grid residence, resembling an elegant dome, has been unveiled in the real estate market with a price tag of $449,000 (£355,477). This remarkable abode is accompanied by a generous expanse of 1.6 acres of land, offering a harmonious blend of sustainability and space.

The architectural marvel before us stands as a “monolithic property,” a testament to its construction solely from stone, embodying a commitment to eco-conscious living. A fully-operational photovoltaic electrical system harnesses the potent energy of the sun, epitomizing the ethos of natural resource utilization.

Renowned for their energy efficiency and formidable resilience against challenging weather conditions, monolithic homes find their true essence in this exquisite domicile. To further fortify its self-sustaining nature, a contingency backup generator has been seamlessly integrated to avert any power disruptions.

Upon crossing the threshold into the dome, situated in the heart of Florida, USA, one is greeted by a seamless fusion of the kitchen, dining space, and living room. The interior is an embodiment of understated elegance, with stone accents, wooden elements, and sleek black worktops forming a symphony of minimalistic design.

The focal point of this common area comprises a single table and accompanying chairs, coupled with a vibrant potted plant, deliberately evoking a canvas awaiting the personal touch of its future inhabitant.

Moving through the dwelling, the interior narrative continues to unfold, painting a portrait of white walls, tasteful tile flooring, and a judicious infusion of wooden finishes. Within this abode, two bathrooms beckon—one featuring a dual shower setup, while the other offers a harmonious blend of a bath, sink, and toilet. This spatial narrative is punctuated by two bedrooms, each a realm unto itself.

The master bedroom, a haven of tranquility, boasts a spacious double bed, complemented by the gentle whir of ceiling fans. Glass doors gracefully open to reveal a connection with the verdant outdoors, seamlessly blending the internal and external realms.

The secondary bedroom, a testament to ingenuity, features a petite, square window that frames the surrounding landscape. The space is characterized by thoughtful shelving and an abundance of open space that lends itself to multifunctional use.

Embracing the ethos of adaptability, a generously proportioned garage graces the property, harboring the potential for conversion into an additional two bedrooms, underscoring the home’s capacity to evolve in tandem with its owner’s aspirations.

Exterior realms beckon with equal allure, as the property is enveloped by vast expanses of private land, ideal for hosting gatherings and fostering connections with nature.

Nestled within proximity to grocery stores, scenic walking trails, and inviting cycling paths, this dome haven is further complemented by nearby natural springs—a playground for kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming.

Crafted in the year 2007, the 2,222 sq ft dome domicile has been recently adorned with a transformative renovation of its exterior facets, including newly designed entrances and a resilient liquid rubber roof.

This unique residence, an ode to sustainable living and architectural innovation, awaits its new custodian, inviting them to embark on a journey harmonizing nature and comfort. Presented by Special Finds, this embodiment of eco-conscious luxury holds court in the real estate market with a price point of $449,000.