How our team has helped generations of clients find their place
With a real estate climate that is changing on a daily basis, it is important you choose professionals who have years of proven experience working in the industry. Our team offers a diverse approch to a process that can be exciting and also overwhelming. We assist in making this journey seamless and effortless by guiding next steps such as staging, moving resources, estate sales, light remodeling and much more! With a team of 4, we are always available to show our buyers inventory and be on call!
$15,637,500
OUR HIGHEST CLOSING IN LAST 2 YEARS. REPRESENTED BUYER AND SELLER IN DARIEN
80+
TOTAL SELL OUT OF WATERS EDGE. A LUXURY ROWAYTON CONDO PROJECT. YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE $9,580,00
The
The
The
The
Real
YOU’VE GOT MALE Above: Power broker, Noble Black; left: a model in Rivay, the cult menswear label based in Bedford, NY.
Editor’s Letter
Everyone is obsessed with the ever-evolving, high-priced real estate game— from Instagram influencers sharing sneak peeks into priceless penthouses to gossipy posts on X about who bought what and for how much.
AVENUE has tracked the real estate scene since we started 50 years ago and this year, we debut our first issue completely devoted to the colorful, sometimes complex, and always compelling subject.
To get the inside scoop, we go to the experts. Jonathan Miller, a guru and real estate soothsayer of sorts, gives us his insider report, telling us why and how Manhattan’s high-end housing market moved a lot faster than anyone expected and what to expect in the next year. We also speak to New York’s Real Estate Royalty, the power brokers closing the biggest deals in the city about what neighborhoods are booming and where to invest next. And despite murmurs of the “Mamdani-effect,” Noble Black (who has more than $3 billion in individual sales) tells us that “the city’s core appeal remains intact and isn’t slowing down.”
We also venture outside the city limits and discover the private paradises of towns in Connecticut like Greenwich, New Canaan, Darien, and Southport as well as Bedford and Locust Valley in New York. Ted Hildner investigates just what makes each of these spots so desirable and a red-hot investment.
Get ready to bid on your next dream home!
PETER DAVIS Editor-in-Chief
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Peter Davis
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Natalie D. Kaczinski
ART DIRECTOR
Mickey McCranor
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Janet Mercel
DEPUTY EDITOR
Ted Hildner
EDITOR-AT-LARGE
Alexander Hankin
PHOTOGRAPHER-AT-LARGE
Landon Nordeman
COPY EDITOR
Christina Snyder
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
Maggie Davis
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Mike Albo
Mickey Boardman
Ty Gaskins
Carson Griffith
Nancy Kane
Ray Rogers
Zachary Weiss
Constance C.R. White
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ben Cope
Sophie Elgort
Edd Horder
Richard Kern
Jai Lennard
Nick Mele
Alexander Thompson
NY 10022
EDITORIAL@AVENUEMAGAZINE.COM
PUBLISHER
Julie Dannenberg
COHEN MEDIA PUBLICATIONS LLC
CHAIRMAN
Charles S. Cohen
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AROUND TOWN
It’s Miller Time!
On West Putnam Avenue, amidst the flow of Greenwich’s daily traffic, Miller Motorcars stands on both sides of the street as one of the world’s most exclusive automotive destinations. As much museum as dealership, Miller is celebrating 50 years of selling and showcasing the finest automobiles—both new and historic—while enjoying a reputation as rare and dignified as the cars it offers. Richard Kopelman and Bailey Vanneck share Miller Motorcar’s remarkable history and the values that define it.
Today, Miller is famous around the world for its extraordinary roster—Aston Martin, Ferrari, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Bugatti, Pagani, McLaren, Maserati, Alfa Romeo—and more, but its origin story is far humbler.
In 1976 in West Hartford, founders Richard and Cyndi Kopelman opened a small, family-run used-car and service operation with little capital, minimal inventory, and a simple belief: “Take exceptional care of the customer, and the rest will follow,” says Richard Kopelman. The early focus was on used Mercedes-Benz sales, paired with what quickly became the area’s most respected service department—anchored by top Mercedes experts and a guiding mantra of unparalleled service. A strong commitment to white-glove service became the company’s defining trait, fueling steady growth and laying the groundwork for a business that would eventually exceed anything its founders imagined.
An early relationship with a real estate developer—a client who became a mentor—led to frequent nightly pick-up and delivery runs across state lines, servicing cars and returning them by morning. What began as a necessity evolved into what is now Miller’s hallmark: concierge-level care, decades before it became industry jargon.
By 1980, it was clear the business belonged closer to New York City’s pull, and Miller relocated to Greenwich, setting up along the Post Road with limited recourses, but formidable resolve. Competing directly beside established dealerships, the firm carved out a niche by doing what others didn’t: meticulous service, hard-to-find cars, and trust earned one relationship at a time.
The early 80s marked Miller’s transition from high-end used cars to official luxury franchises. In 1982, the company acquired Aston Martin and Maserati franchises, followed by Ferrari in 1985. Richard Kopelman purchased the Ferrari dealership in Danbury with hopes of bringing the brand closer to the market it deserved. The gamble paid off, establishing Miller as a formidable force in the exotic-car market.
The late 90s and early 2000s ushered in Miller Motorcars’ modern era. In 2001, the company acquired Bentley and Rolls-Royce franchises, followed by Bugatti in 2005, Pagani and McLaren in 2012, and Alfa Romeo in 2015—marques produced in remarkably small numbers, often selling for $3 million and beyond. Miller Motorcars now operates on a global stage, shipping cars to collectors worldwide.
Industry recognition followed, including the Aston Martin Global Wings Award (2017, 2021), Bugatti’s North American Regional Service Partner of the Year (2014, 2015, 2016, 2022, 2024), Pagani Dealer of the Year (2018, 2023), RollsRoyce North American Dealer of the Year (2012, 2016, 2019), and the prestigious Ferrari Cavallino Award (2023, 2024)—honors that speak less to volume than to excellence.
FULL-THROTTLE FANTASY
A line-up of Miller Motorcars luxury vehicles.
DAN WAGNER
Yet for all its international reach, the mood inside Miller Motorcars remains local and deeply personal. “We’re boutique,” the team says. “We’re relationship driven.” Rather than chasing volume, Miller built a reputation for assembling best-inclass sales and service teams, often hiring beyond the traditional car business and training them to serve a clientele defined by discretion and taste. Early customers included key entrepreneurs, influential businessmen, and fashion icons, and along the way Miller subtly shaped expectations, introducing quieter Ferrari palettes—British racing green, silvers, and deep blues—perfectly calibrated to Greenwich’s understated elegance.
With over 50 years in business, Miller Motorcars has become both a cultural destination and a true part of the Greenwich community. Each spring, they host “Legends,” an open-house weekend that brings the public into their rarefied world of cars. This May, the third annual “Legends” weekend will open every inch of the showroom and grounds, filling them with rare and exotic vehicles. A family-friendly atmosphere invites visitors to wander among cars most people only see in magazines. Last year, nearly 5,000 guests attended. That openness has lasting impact. Stories
abound of children who once stood outside the showroom, too intimidated to step inside, only to return years later as clients. For Richard Kopelman, encouraging that sense of aspiration is part of the mission. “Work hard,” he tells young visitors. “One day, this can be yours.”
In a full-circle moment, Miller recently launched a Classics Division, returning to its roots by acquiring and consigning historic and exotic automobiles, supported by technicians skilled not only in modern hypercars but in restoration and legacy marques. Looking ahead, the firm remains intentionally restrained, with no rush toward full electrification or impersonal digital sales. “Our clients crave craftsmanship over screens and relationships over algorithms,” says Bailey Vanneck.
Miller Motorcars is not just a dealership, it is a reflection of Greenwich itself—discreet yet influential, global yet deeply local, built not on spectacle, but on substance.
And as you buzz along West Putnam Avenue and catch a glimpse of a Bugatti, a Bentley or a perfectly restored classic behind the glass, you’re not just driving by a showroom, you’re passing a legacy. —TED HILDNER
BLUE CRUSH A Pagani, with a handmade carbon fiber body, in Miller Motorcars’ showroom in Greenwich, CT.
A Famille Affair
When three friends and longtime colleagues opened jewelry boutique Famille in 2023, they didn’t anticipate just how rewarding the experience would be for themselves and for their clients. Founded by Greenwich jewelry veterans Randy Lapointe, Warren Lagerloef, and Kimberly La Du, Famille (family in French), represents the very best of what three consummate jewelers could create through a shared vision.
The name says it all. Famille reflects the founders’ close bond—“a chosen family” —as well as the deeply personal, familial relationships they have built over decades with a close-knit community of clients.
The foundation was built at Betteridge Jewelers, the iconic Greenwich institution led by Terry Betteridge, a fourth-generation jeweler whose name is synonymous with discretion, craftsmanship, and old-world service. Working side by side with Terry Betteridge, Mr. Lapointe, Mr. Lagerloef, and Ms. La Du helped grow and shape the business, contributing directly to the culture, client relationships, and standards that defined Betteridge for years.
The triple-threat team didn’t just master the art of fine jewelry and exceptional design; they helped establish a philosophy of excellence and relationship-driven service rooted in trust and care. That same level of service continues at Famille, where relationships evolve into multigenerational bonds and where the line between client and family can be hard to define. “That bond is one of the most important and rewarding aspects of our work,” Mr. Lapointe says.
In 2021, following Betteridge’s acquisition by UK-based Watches of Switzerland Group, Mr. Lapointe and Mr. Lagerloef chose to retire. Around the same time, Ms. La Du stepped away to pursue another jewelry venture. But stepping away proved short-lived. Their phones kept buzz-
ing, and not with casual check-ins, but with familiar voices seeking guidance for engagements, anniversaries, and once-in-a-lifetime moments. It quickly became clear that the deeply trusted, almost familial advice that was sought could only come from them. The calls came so often that reuniting and continuing their work together felt not just natural, but inevitable.
As with any great family, each member brings a distinct strength. Mr. Lapointe, a lifelong diamond authority, was trained at Tiffany & Co. and naturally gravitates toward bespoke engagement rings and singular milestone pieces. Mr. Lagerloef, guided by a collector’s eye and decades immersed in estate jewelry, chases rare pieces and creates hand-drawn designs so refined they could hang on gallery walls. And Ms. La Du, renowned for her industry relationships and uncanny ability to source the exceptional, no matter how elusive, completes the trio, making the partnership seamless and formidable.
At Famille, exceptional estate jewelry is thoughtfully paired with contemporary designs, including pieces from storied houses such as Verdura, Seaman Schepps, Norman Silverman, and Cicada, alongside fully bespoke creations and unique pieces.
The atmosphere at the Famille shop at 23 Lewis Street in Greenwich is refined yet warmly inviting, feeling more private salon than traditional showroom. They continue to work with multiple generations of clients while forging new relationships with those fortunate enough to be “in the know.”
Joined by Betsy Welke, Andrew Handschin, and Theresa Sutton, Famille offers appraisals, estate evaluations, restorations, and fully bespoke creations, often reimagining cherished heirlooms for a new generation or searching the globe for the perfect piece. In a world of fast trends and loud luxury, Famille is about trust, craft, and pieces that stay with you long after the moment they were made for. —TED HILDNER
ALL IN THE FAMILLE
Pieces from Famille, Warren Lagerloef and Kimberly La Du of Famille in Greenwich, CT.
oHHo: Bedford’s Social Revolution
James and Nicola Stephenson, the well-connected founders of the luxe wellness brand oHHo (THC-infused drinks, CBD face and body creams, chocolates and more) have changed the social landscape of Bedford. The stylish British couple have transformed the once-neglected Bedford firehouse into a buzzy café (with wood-fired pizza ovens), a design-driven concept store, and the official meeting place for Bedford’s creative class.
The Stephensons’ path to Bedford and their cannabis-adjacent wellness brand was anything but predictable. James discovered CBD accidentally, drawn to a product that helped with anxiety and workout recovery. “He didn’t know anything about cannabis,” Nicola says. “And I was basically Nancy Reagan–cannabis wasn’t my thing, full stop!” They watched as friends in California built thoughtful, beautifully branded cannabis companies. “It didn’t feel shady,” Nicola recalls. “It felt grown up. Suddenly, it was something you could be seen buying.”
During COVID, the Stephensons escaped Manhattan with two young sons to a small house in Bedford they thought of as a weekend retreat. With little more than a label maker and just two products–“Rest & Focus” oils–they started concentrating on full-spectrum, hemp-derived CBD designed for sleep, stress, and everyday wellness.
Nicola quickly realized one product wasn’t enough. “People need to feel comfortable,” she reasons. “The question is always: what does this look like?” A high-bar for style and design runs through everything oHHo creates—from branding and packaging you want to display to a covetable lineup of offerings: chocolates, balms, tinc-
tures, and wildly popular low-dose THC drinks that come in the chicest cans.
oHHo’s first storefront on Court Road in Bedford doubled as a small coffee shop. Loyal regulars sipped espresso and James and Nicola quietly educated everyone on the benefits of full-spectrum hemp-derived CBD. “The conversations mattered as much as the transactions,” Nicola says. Their landlord, initially hesitant to rent to a CBD brand, became an advocate after witnessing oHHo products help her husband.
FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS
Word spread like wildfire and Bedford embraced oHHo. When the long dormant firehouse became available, the Stephensons envisioned more than a retail opportunity. They saw a missing piece of Bedford life. “Retail today has to be experiential,” Nicola explains. “Not precious. Not intimidating. Somewhere people can just be.”
At oHHo, coffee is the gateway, low pressure,
no obligation. Guests linger over pizza and explore curated offerings in just about every category. People settle into oversized sofas to work or catch up with friends. “It’s European in spirit, but perfectly tuned to Bedford,” says Nicola.
James’s ‘superpower,’ Nicola says, is sensory and his mission is for products to taste good, smell good, and feel indulgent. “You can help someone sleep,” she says, “but it can also feel luxurious. Those things aren’t mutually exclusive.”
That philosophy extends to oHHo’s hemp-derived THC drinks, created not just for getting a buzz, but for social ease and as an alternative to alcohol. In just six months of wholesale distribution, they’ve sold over 1.8 million cans.
“It’s our spiritual home,” Nicola says of oHHO at the old firehouse. “Brand marketing, yes—but also where we host people, make friends, and build community.” —TED HILDNER
Inside oHHo at the old firehouse in Bedford, Founders James and Nicola Stephenson.
Eagle Hill School: A Campus That Feels Like Home
Just 45 minutes from Manhattan, nestled on a historic 17-acre campus in Greenwich, Connecticut, Eagle Hill School offers families something increasingly rare: an educational environment where children with language-based learning differences are truly understood, thoughtfully supported, and genuinely celebrated.
For more than 50 years, Eagle Hill has been a leader in independent education for students in grades 1-8, pairing academic excellence with a deeply human approach to learning. The school was founded on a simple but powerful belief: when educators take the time to understand how a child learns best, confidence follows. At Eagle Hill, education is never one-size-fits-all. Faculty design tailored programs for each student, blending research-based instruction with care, patience, and high expectations.
This individualized approach is part of a transformative 360-degree experience that extends well beyond the classroom. Students engage in a rich program that integrates academics with the arts, athletics, and more than 30 clubs and activities—creating opportunities for discovery, leadership, and connection. Whether on the playing fields, in the art studio, or collaborating with peers, students explore their strengths and develop new ones within a close-knit community.
Eagle Hill’s 5-day boarding program reflects the same intentional design. Offering a warm, structured experience during the school week, the program helps students build independence, executive functioning skills, and self-confidence while allowing families to remain closely connected. For many, boarding becomes a natural extension of the school day, reinforcing routines, responsibility, and belonging. The school’s summer program further supports continuity and growth, giving children the opportunity to continue learning, explore new interests, and build friendships in a fun, supportive environment.
Leading Eagle Hill is Head of School Gretchen Larkin, an experienced educator with more than three decades in independent school education. A parent of a child with learning differences herself, Larkin brings both professional expertise
and personal insight to her leadership. Her career includes headship at Charles River School and leadership roles at Milton Academy, Fay School, and Windward School. Larkin grounds Eagle Hill’s vision in experience, empathy, and purpose.
For families seeking not just a school, but a community grounded in expertise, care, and possibility, Eagle Hill offers a compelling vision of what education and life can be.
At Eagle Hill, students are supported to reach their full potential, develop lasting confidence, and embrace learning with curiosity, joy, and resilience.—TED HILDNER
SCHOOL DAYS Hardwick House on Eagle Hill’s campus in Greenwich, CT., Headmistress Gretchen Larkin with Eagle Hill students.
$3,850,000 | Represented Seller
$4,388,888 | Represented Buyer
$5,500,000 | Represented Seller
$3,300,000 | Represented Both Sides
$3,400,000 | Represented Buyer
$5,425,000 | Represented Seller
312 Feeks Lane, Mill Neck, NY 145 Oyster Bay Road, Locust Valley, NY 126 Piping Rock Road, Locust Valley, NY
Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley, NY
Chicken Valley Road, Locust Valley, NY
POWER PLAYER
“I work with celebrities and well-known people, and at times I can't even believe the people I get to work with and the homes I get to sell, so minor breaches can have big consequences.”
Noble Black’s New York
A real estate power broker known for discretion and billions in luxury sales, Noble Black reveals some insider secrets to Ted Hildner
In the crowded jungle of Manhattan, real estate trophy listings are hunted like sport. Brokers flaunt their prize kills across social media as aggressively as buyers chase square footage. But one luxury broker stands apart for doing nearly the opposite. Noble Black has become a symbol of a different kind of real estate culture. With his mantra “Speaking less and delivering more,” he has produced more than $3 billion in sales, carving out a rarefied niche in a market where exposure is often mistaken for expertise. “What I always tell people is what they’re hiring me to do is manage their marketing and tell the best story I can,” Black says. Black isn’t about selfies or bragging rights, he’s about market knowledge, judgment, and client trust.
A Mississippi native, a law degree brought Black to New York, and he was an attorney before an unexpected detour changed everything. In 2004, on a whim, he auditioned for The Apprentice that led to a consulting role. Post-Apprentice, Black kept taking chances, landing in real estate. “As a little kid, I loved going to open houses on Sundays,” he says. “I have always loved real estate, architecture, and design. What I loved most about practicing law was the client relationship, and being able to combine that with my passion for real estate in a city I love was a dream come true.”
Black first cut his teeth at Corcoran where he spent a decade. Then after another decade at Douglas Elliman, he has returned to Corcoran as one of the city’s leading brokers. Last year, Noble Black & Partners generated the second-highest gross commission income among New York City’s megateams, closing more than $250 million in sell-side transactions and
earning Black the No. 4 ranking among the city’s top resale agents, according to The Real Deal. He’s expanded to the Hamptons, where he and husband Marc Rozic have a house.
“I work in an industry that’s increasingly driven by self-promotion,” Black says. “But I’ve always built my business around discretion and long-term relationships.” For Black and his team, privacy is paramount. “I work with celebrities and wellknown people, and at times I can't even believe the people I get to work with and the homes I get to sell, so minor breaches can have big consequences.” Discretion, he explains, is true luxury and marketing a property successfully without ever making its owner feel exposed is always the goal. That whisper philosophy is reinforced by Black’s deep understanding of the lifestyle and nuances of New York’s residential market. From cooperatives and condominiums to new developments and branded residences, Black’s approach begins with listening and understanding not just what a client wants to buy or sell, but why. Every listing is treated as a carefully constructed first impression, supported by sophisticated staging and a tailored marketing strategy designed to captivate buyers the moment they walk through the door.
With more than $3 billion in individual sales, Black is consistently ranked among the top brokers in New York City, if not the country. His award-winning skill is matched by an ability to strategize each transaction with clarity and high-
Noble Black in the Hamptons.
“What I always tell people is what they’re hiring me to do is manage their marketing and tell the best story I can.”
ly personalized counsel. Black is behind the sale of some of the city’s most iconic properties, from penthouses at 15 Central Park West and Jean Nouvel’s 100 11th Avenue to One Beacon Court, The Sherry-Netherland, Hudson Yards, and beyond. And Black knows the Hamptons market well, too. “It made sense. It’s where I spend most of my time outside of the city, and I have lots of connections and the ability to work with some fantastic agents.”
He marked his East End debut with a string of eight-figure sales, including $15.5 million deals in Sag Harbor and Sagaponack.
Speculation around the so-called “Mamdani Effect” is dominating real estate chatter. Yet despite worried murmurs of decline, Black remains deeply bullish on the city. He points out contract signings following Mamdani’s win that exceed the ten-year average. “The city’s core appeal remains intact and isn’t slowing down,” he says. Black’s predictions have been spot-on. He’s busy with new
sales at 1122 Madison and reports that there are 36 contracts out last week. “The market's holding up very, very well.”
As buyers show confidence in New York real estate, Black’s belief in the city has deepened. He and his husband are taking a larger personal stake in the market themselves. After living in Chelsea for thirteen years, they’re moving uptown. The decision felt intuitive. The Upper East Side’s balance of convenience and character fits seamlessly into his daily life. “So many of the social engagements we have are up there. Even when we were downtown, we found ourselves heading uptown frequently. It’s manicured, it’s beautiful, and it just works,” From favorite spots like La Goulue, Bilboquet, Caviar Kaspia, and Maxime’s, the rhythm of the neighborhood energizes Black. “There are just so many great places right around the block,” he says. That livability reinforces Black’s belief not only in the neighborhood, but in the city itself.
A. RUDIN 1201 arudin.com
ANCIENT & MODERN 1522 ancientandmodern.us
ARTE 911 arte-international.com
D&D BuildingDirectory
ARTSYLIGHTS 400 artsylights.com
979 THIRD AVENUE
NEW YORK, NY 10022
212-759-5408
D&D LEASING: 212-590-5225
ddbuilding.com
ASSOULINE BOOKS AND GIFTS 101 assouline.com
ATELIERS DE FRANCE NEW YORK STUDIO 1208 ateliersdefrance.com
BAUMANN DEKOR 518 baumanndekorusa.com
BENJAMIN MOORE 421 benjaminmoore.com
BESPOKE BY LUIGI GENTILE 1205 bespokebylg.com
BRUNSCHWIG & FILS 234 kravet.com/brunschwig-fils
CARINI LANG
1001
carinilang.com
CASTEL 715 castelmaison.com
CHARLES H. BECKLEY, INC. 1521 chbeckley.com
CHESNEYS 1119 chesneys.com
CHRISTOPHER HYLAND TEXTILES + FURNITURE 1710 christopherhyland.com
CHRISTOPHER PEACOCK 6th Floor and Annex 5th Floor peacockhome.com
DANIEL SCUDERI CUSTOM FURNITURE 500 danielscuderi.com
DAUM 903 daum.fr
DAVID MICHAEL INTERIORS 612 davidmichaelinteriors.com
DDB SELECT 506 and 707 ddbuilding.com
DEDAR 1009 dedar.com
DEDON 720 dedon.de
DONGHIA 234 kravet.com/donghia
DUKE WOOD FLOORS 214 dukewoodfloors.com
ÉLITIS 611 elitis.fr
FABRICUT, INC. 915 fabricut.com
FÉAU BOISERIES 508 feauboiseries.com
FORBES & LOMAX 1207 forbesandlomax.com
FORTUNY 1632 fortuny.com
GARRETT LEATHER 1107 garrettleather.com
GLOSTER 1601 gloster.com
GRACIE 1411 graciestudio.com
GRANDE CENTRAL SHOWROOM 2nd Floor/Annex Ground Floor centralplumbingspec.com/ kitchen-bath.html
HOLLAND & SHERRY 1402 interiors.hollandandsherry.com
HOLLY HUNT 503 and 605 hollyhunt.com
HOULÈS 919 houles.com
HUNTER DOUGLAS BY SKYLINE WINDOW COVERINGS 138 hunterdouglas.com
HYLAND MODERN 1710 christopherhyland.com
I.J. PEISER’S SONS FINE WOOD FLOORS Concourse 1 ijpeiser.com
INNOVATIONS 1717 innovationsusa.com
JAB ANSTOETZ GROUP 102 jab.de
JIM THOMPSON / JERRY PAIR LEATHER / KERRY JOYCE TEXTILES 1640 jimthompsonfabrics.com
JOHN ROSSELLI & ASSOCIATES 1800 johnrosselli.com
KETTAL 3rd Floor and Annex 2nd Floor kettal.com
KOROSEAL 842 koroseal.com
KRAVET 1202 kravet.com
LEE JOFA 234 kravet.com/lee-jofa
LORO PIANA 820 loropiana.com/interiors
LUTRON 319 lutron.com
M. ALEXANDER LIGHTING 313 malexanderlighting.com
MARC PHILLIPS DECORATIVE RUGS 211 marcphillipsrugs.com
MARTIN PATRICK EVAN CUSTOM RUGS AND CARPETS 507 martinpatrickevan.com
MAYA ROMANOFF 922 mayaromanoff.com
MCKINNON AND HARRIS Annex 111 mckinnonharris.com
NELLA VETRINA 805 nellavetrina.com
NOBILIS 512 nobilis.fr
O’LAMPIA STUDIO 300 olampia.com OCHRE 1109 ochre.net
OSBORNE & LITTLE/ RALPH LAUREN/ DESIGNERS GUILD 520 osborneandlittle.com
PATTERSON FLYNN 632 pattersonflynn.com
PHILLIP JEFFRIES 1115 phillipjeffries.com
PHOENIX GALLERY 134 phoenixgalleryny.com
PIERRE FREY 1611 pierrefrey.com
QUADRILLE | OOMPH 1415 quadrillefabrics.com
RESSOURCE HOUSE OF PAINTS 1507 ressource-peintures.com
ROGERS & GOFFIGON LTD. 1718 rogersandgoffigon.com
ROMO 808 romo.com
RONIT ANDERSON 1016 ronitanderson.com
ROSE TARLOW MELROSE HOUSE 1616 rosetarlow.com
RUG ART INTERNATIONAL 1518 rugart.nyc
SAINT-LOUIS 816 saint-louis.com
SANDERSON DESIGN GROUP 905 sandersondesign.group
SAVEL 1819 savelinc.com
SCALAMANDRÉ 1002 scalamandre.com
SCHUMACHER 832 schumacher.com
SCOTT GROUP STUDIO 411 scottgroupstudio.com
STARK CARPET 1101 starkcarpet.com
STUDIO VAN DEN AKKER 1510 studiovandenakker.com
STUDIO ZEN WALLCOVERINGS 1818 studiozenwallcoverings.com
THG PARIS 1206 thg-paris.com
TOM’S SONS INTERNATIONAL PLEATING 800 Internationalpleating.com
WALTERS 538 waltersnyc.com
WARP & WEFT 1203 warpandweft.com
WEGNER FINE CABINETRY 1811 wegnercabinetry.com
WIRED CUSTOM LIGHTING 105 wired-designs.com
WOLF-GORDON 413 wolfgordon.com
ZIMMER + ROHDE 813 zimmer-rohde.com/en
ZUBER 1611 zuber.fr/en
CARPETS WITH SOUL
photo from the new book Rose Tarlow : Three Houses
NEW YORK | LOS ANGELES | ATLANTA
Introducing the
BASTILLE COLLECTION
979 3rd Avenue, Suite 500, New York, NY
Daniel Scuderi Inc, since 1910, crafts and restores exquisite custom furniture in New York, blending wood, metal, and upholstery with exceptional expertise.
MBRACE by Sebastian Herkner
The most beautiful fabrics in the world, handmade in Venice since 1921
Real Estate Royalty
MEET THE POWERHOUSES BEHIND NEW YORK AND FLORIDA’S BOOMING LUXURY HOUSING EXPLOSION. DAVID HAY GETS THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM THE WHEELERSAND DEALERS WHO SET THE TRENDS EVERYWHERE FROM THE UPPER EAST SIDE TO MIAMI BEACH.
Michael Liebowitz
“After an eightyear restoration, the Waldorf is once again fabulous, a luxury hotel for this era.”
spaces, all of 55,000 square feet of them. “I see all the details immediately,” he says. “And I just love the furniture.” The Waldorf caters to a smaller guest list. There are the residents who bought the 372 apartments and only 375 hotel rooms (down from 1400 when the hotel closed for renovations).
Michael Liebowitz, the President and CEO of Douglas Elliman, epitomizes how so much of the New York-based real estate industry has migrated to South Florida. So much business is there. After he took over the reins of Douglas Elliman late last year, Liebowitz, a Miami resident, knew that meant much more time at the company headquarters in New York. Liebowitz is experiencing New York like few others. During his weeks in the city, he resides at the new and fabulously restored Waldorf Astoria, just a few blocks to Douglas Elliman on Madison Avenue. After an eight-year restoration, the Waldorf is once again fabulous, a luxury hotel for this era.
Liebowitz has an apartment on an upper floor and loves to stroll through the spectacular public
Liebowitz has stakes in a restaurant downtown and owns the Mondrian in Miami Beach where he lives. In New York, he is hardly a casual admirer on his way to work. Douglas Elliman is behind the winning campaign to sell these new Park Avenue condominiums. As he drops in on the Waldorf’s Library Bar, he is literally enjoying one of his company’s recent successes.
Liebowitz is happy to escape back to his own hotel, the Mondrian South Beach. I discover what the draw is: a private dock, the Baia Beach Club Marina. It’s where he plans to dock his new yacht, a Ferretti 1000. It is on its way from the manufacturer in Cattolica on Italy’s Adriatic Coast.
Why Liebowitz lives in South Beach is the ease and lack of drama involved. He can walk to his luxury yacht and speed off into the distance–no questions asked.
Suzanne De Franca
“Every
leafy street, every pathway to Central Park, becomes so ingrained–like part of your skin–the longer you live here.”
For a high-powered executive like Susan de Franca–President and CEO of Douglas Elliman–who cuts such a processional swathe through Manhattan, it’s both surprising and wholly reassuring that when it comes to her own neighborhood, the Upper East Side, it’s the small things that matter. Like the deli that’s on the first floor of her apartment building on East 79th Street. “I don’t know what I’d do without it,” she says. “You can go there day or night, no matter what you’re wearing! They’ll have whatever it is you’re looking for.”
She is hardly suggesting we all make a trip there. Rather, de Franca is pointing out the idiosyncratic village quality that so many Upper East Siders adore about their neighborhood. Every leafy street, every pathway to Central Park, becomes so ingrained–like part of your skin–the longer you live here. The Upper East Side is where the richer folk amongst us often reside. Even more of them now as
the young marrieds discover they are running out of room for their families where they live downtown and are re-migrating. It’s where locals carve out a particular life with favorite dining and lunch spots, stores they couldn’t do without–and friends teeming down the sidewalks they also couldn’t do without. And the schools, both public and private. Everyone here raves about them, especially ones with fancy names like Chapin and Dalton. And simply the fact there are so many of them. The Upper East Side is proud that education is such a fundamental part of the neighborhood.
Central Park is another fundamental. “It’s our front yard,” de Franca boasts. She goes on to talk about her neighbors, I realize for her many of these friends manifest themselves in brick and mortar. She extols the presence of numerous handsome pre-war buildings, which give the neighborhood a European feeling. “Sometimes when I’m walking along,
I feel like I’m in Paris,” she says.
But as much as de Franca loves the romanticism of this storied area, she is the first to acknowledge the changes. “In the past two years, there has been a paradigm shift from when Soho, the West Village and Tribeca beckoned,” she says. John F. Kennedy Jr. spearheaded that migration downtown when he made his fabled move, cap on backwards, from his mother’s Fifth Avenue apartment down to Tribeca. “Many of these younger folk, my daughter included, have come back,” de Franca says. “There’s a comfort level in the big-bedroomed apartments up here.” But they are not returning necessarily to the pre-war buildings, she points out. “There are so many dazzling new condos.” Among de Franca’s favorites: The Beckford House, Bridge Tower, and new developments like the 74th with only 40 full-floor, big-windowed residences.
De Franca takes in her neighborhood by walking around it. “I love the light here and it’s very clean. It’s a privilege to walk to your grocery shop at Citarella or Eli’s or Butterflied market.” For a simple meal, she says Three Guys on Madison Avenue can’t be beat. And getting a little more elaborate: Mykonian House on Madison and 83rd. Of course, the neighborhood is full of some the world’s great museums, the Met among them. But a key component of the UES establishment De Franca argues is still the 92nd street Y. despite its high-profile troubles of recent years.
De Franca has a singular and wellestablished take on the Upper East Side. She sees her neighborhood like a family member. It’s endearing. Her one piece of advice for anyone venturing to this hallowed, much-loved part of the city: “Don’t take a car or call an Uber. Jump on the subway. I do. You’re here in two minutes.”
Corcoran’s star agent Kelly Mack lives with her family in Midtown Manhattan, a neighborhood that has been reborn as the home of Billionaire’s Row. “As a longtime neighborhood resident and native New Yorker, it’s been incredible to watch the evolution firsthand,” Mack says. “The continued emergence of Billionaire’s Row as a global symbol of aspiration, artistry, and exclusivity.”
“It’s been incredible to watch the evolution firsthand–the emergence of Billionaire’s Row as a global symbol of aspiration, artistry and exclusivity.”
Kelly Mack
Most people don’t think of Midtown as a dining hotspot. But Mack has a long list of great places. “One of my favorites is Marea,” she says. “It’s no longer the buzziest restaurant in the city, but it’s settled into being a reliable neighborhood spot with incredible coastal Italian cuisine and incredibly fresh ingredients. The food is as impressive as ever.” She goes on:“If I’m eating with my kids, we hit up one of the classic diners. Diners are a bit of a dying breed in the city, unfortunately, but the Astro Diner on 6th Avenue and the Cosmic Diner on 8thAvenue are going strong.” Mack’s secret spot is a clubby hotel, the Whitby, a favorite of low-key celebrities. “It has a great restaurant on the ground
floor. Plus, it’s a stylish place to take visitors or to have a casual breakfast or lunch meeting.”
One of the great advantages to Midtown is proximity to Broadway. “It’s so easy to see shows at the spur of the moment and take advantage of last-minute ticket availabilities,” she mentions. And being so close to Central Park is of course, a treat. “My kids love to watch the boats in the pond. If they’re up for a longer stroll, we’ll head out to the Bridle Path and all the way around the Onassis Reservoir. It doesn’t get much more iconic than that.” Mack is up early with her Bernedoodles Quincy and Lincoln, walking them in the park off-leash (legal before 9:00 am).
“It’s good to let them cut loose at the start of the day.”
Mack loves what are called “pocket parks,” quiet spaces tucked between Midtown buildings like Paley Park or the plaza behind 550 Madison. “They are great for a quick recharge and are always a little unexpected,” she says. And the crown jewel: the sculpture garden at MoMA, truly a separate universe.
Pamela Liebman
“Liebman began her career at age 23 and is rightly described as a powerhouse in New York real estate.”
“I walk out my door and there’s the beach,” says Corcoran CEO Pamela Liebman, extolling the wonders of her apartment in the North Beach of Miami. “I love the diversity of the beach.”
Liebman began her career at age 23 and is rightly described as a powerhouse in New York real estate. She first started coming to Miami Beach in 2009 and moved full time in 2020 at the start of the pandemic. Like many New Yorkers looking for an easier life, she soon realized you can’t beat North Miami for a luxe beach lifestyle. She goes to the Shell Bay Club and La Gorce Country Club almost daily for lunch and to socialize. It’s a lifestyle she did not have in
Manhattan. She feels she’s earned it and often takes business calls beachside. At the Shell Bay Club, with tennis courts and golf courses, she lives her best life. The club on Hallandale Beach is “dedicated to life-enthusiasts and defined by incomparable experiences tailored to the aesthetic and athletic alike.”
La Gorce Country Club is tucked in a gated enclave by Indian Creek in the south, the Isle of Normandy to the north, and Biscayne Bay to the east and west. Beyond exclusive, there is only one road into the neighborhood with a strict guardhouse.
Liebman isn’t completely bound to country club life. She keeps upto-the-minute on new restaurants.
Current favorites: Francis Mallman’s Argentinian eatery at the Faena and the legendary Casa Tua. She also mentions Sunny’s, the impossible-to-get-into steak house.
Liebman’s life in Florida is surely sunny and enviable. She is in her fifth decade as a high-powered real estate executive. She’s earned it.
Every city needs a booster and Palm Beach can count itself lucky it has the luminary Corcoran agent, Dana Koch, to play this role. He’s been selling real estate here–increasingly high-priced real estate–for over 22 years. His father did the same before him, although Dana’s the one who outsiders turn to if they want a very discreet tour of the island. He knows who lives in what house. He can tell you as he recently did with a reporter from The New York Times where Bon Jovi lives or where Roger Ailes slipped in the shower and died.
But Koch and his mother Paulette with whom he works prefer to see Palm Beach as home, the town they love. “Palm Beach is one of the great throwbacks to what Florida used to be like,” he tells me. “Although we now play a lot of Padel and the bike trials are huge attractions, there’s still our wonderful beaches.” Their accessibility stands out to residents like Koch. “In my job I do a lot of driving around–a broker here is always in their car–but I can pull over anytime and jump in the water or get out on the court with friends.” It’s an ease of existence here. After a lifetime, it is in Koch’s bloodstream.
Koch is a big foodie. He raves about Japanese restaurant Imoto and the high-style Italian eatery, Trevini: “They treat us like Gods there,” he says. “Good food along with good people.” A short drive over the bridge is the Kitchen in West Palm Beach. A lifetime standby is Green’s Pharmacy; with a sprawling menu any deli would be proud of, and endless local chatter to get you up to speed with all the local gossip. Being Palm Beach, there’s plenty of it.
Contrary to what outsiders might expect, he says that Palm Beach has a vibrant theater scene. For years, Koch has supported the Kravitz Center where you can see touring companies do Broadway shows and many a big-time concert. “They bring everything here. We’re lucky.” What’s really getting him excited is the re-opening of Glazer Hall. Right on the water, it boasts a state-ofthe-art 400-seat theater. “That’s going to be special. Small enough and smart enough, it can afford to experiment.” Nearby, along the waterfront at the Royal Poinciana Plaza, a new Mediterranean style restaurant Tutto Mare is also opening. Both venues signify the arrival of something new: a more sophisticated island.
Dana Koch
Karen Mansour
“It’s my happy place. It’s colorful all year round and full of fabulous foliage.”
Veteran agent Karen Mansour has worked for Douglas Elliman for 35 years in New York. Then this year, the unthinkable happened. After going to Boca Raton to unwind for a decade, she picked up her life in the city and moved there. “It’s my happy place,” she says. “It’s colorful all year round and full of fabulous foliage.” Boca is more suburban than NYC, of course, but Mansour promises: “It’s far from sleepy.”
A lifesaver for Mansour is the Boca Raton Resort, a collection of five hotels with extraordinary amenities, golf courses, and swimming pools. And amazing restaurants like Flamingo Grill, Principessa Ristorante, Japanese Bocce Club, Sadelle’s, and Flybridge. “It’s the center of my universe,” she says. “I can play nine holes of golf, shop for clothes, and get my nails done. Everything’s close.”
Boca is an easy place to meet people. “Most of them I meet at the resort,” Mansour says. “Many
I know from New York. These are people from the city and New Jersey mostly, who live here although some live in West Boca. There’s a very strong push into Boca from the Northeast including Philadelphia and Boston.”
Not all of Mansour’s life is at the resort. There’s the red-hot restaurant scene too. She loves CVI.CHE 105–a branch of the wildly popular Peruvian eatery in Miami. Inside peacocks perch above lush greenery. Turquoise portraits of chef-owner Juan Chipoco posing with an octopus flank a wall. The food is classic Peruvian, like the Tiradito el de Carretilla and Ceviche Pimentel. She also recommends Motek and Gallagher’s Steak House.
What surprised Mansour most about Boca Raton is its easy sense of community. The power broker moved here after she lost her husband, and she has found herself embraced. Particularly by women who either live here or who, like Mansour, moved here recently. “It’s very different from the Northeast,” she says, adding, “there’s that blue sky. It’s always there.”
Bess Freedman
As CEO of Brown Harris Stevens, Bess Freedman oversees 39 offices and over 2300 agents in the Northeast and Florida. With such a demanding job, she always begins her day walking her dog around the Upper East Side. After all, “It’s the new downtown” and Freedman likes to take the neighborhood’s pulse as it rapidly changes. “Over the last two years, it’s really gotten bustling,” she says.
Depending on the hour–not the crack of dawn–and if she has time, she may stop at Café Maud on Second Avenue. This on-trend establishment, typical of the revived neighborhood, describes itself as “inspired by the iconic Union Square Coffee Shop, our menu leans healthconscious by day and effortlessly vibey by night.” Freedman may also run by Carl Schurz Park
“It’s the new downtown.”
(another neighborhood treasure) and if so, darts into Jupioca for a “peak fresh smoothie.” At night Freedman swears by old standard Sandros. This is such a wellloved spot, in part because of traditional Roman cooking, but to be honest it’s mostly because of Sandro, who is everyone’s uncle on the Upper East Side.
A true New Yorker who gives back, Freedman is invested in many facets of her community. She is on the board of the Real Estate Board of New York where she was the named the recipient of the Humanitarian Award for outstanding service to the community in 2021. Freedman is also a board member of The Leading Real Estate Companies of The World and the Fordham Real Estate Institute’s Executive Advisory Council. Outside of professional associations, she serves on the boards of the American Friends of Rabin Medical Center and The Bridge, which focuses on the needs of the homeless and housinginsecure with single adults diagnosed with behavioral health disabilities. Freedman is also an active advocate of Sanctuary for Families which aids women who are victims of domestic violence find homes, education and employment.
Raphael De Niro
“I love the way the streets are laid out here, the low density of the housing, I love that there you have stop signs, not stop lights.”
Raphel De Niro has an office in the West Village and sometimes works from Douglas Elliman’s headquarters on Madison Avenue, but this power broker’s spiritual home is downtown. That’s where he feels comfortable, that’s his heartbeat and his geographic center. And that’s where when he has the opportunity, he roams with his two German shepherds. “I love the way the streets are laid out here, the low density of the housing, I love that there you have stop signs, not stop lights.” He’s the rare New Yorker that walking among the tourists, can still appreciate the village for what it is.
As you might expect from a true New Yorker, like his famous father
digestible like a chicken cutlet on fresh mozzarella, you’re going to be satisfied. Given his penchant for hearty specialties from early immigrant communities, De Niro also surprisingly loves the very upscale Mico. The chef is Estiatorio Milos and his eatery on the 5th floor of 20 Hudson Yards is well known for fresh fish and Greek cuisine.
It would wrong to assume that De Niro is simply a modern day flaneur. He runs a hugely successful real estate business with a dream team of over a dozen agents. He’s also an investor in the uber-chic Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca. Growing up in a famous family has only made him more genuine about what he does, who he meets with, and where he eats. A few years back in a rare interview, De Niro was asked how he’d like to be remembered. “As somebody who didn’t try to cash in on the family name, who tried to make his own way and tried to be honest and forthright in his dealings with everyone,” he said. That’s why downtown suits him. All that history keeps him genuine.
has a cultivated love for eating out. Current favorite: Port Said on King Street with an ultra-hip crowd, creative cocktails, and a Mediterranean menu. De Niro is also a huge fan of Hwa Yuan in Chinatown–a famous restaurant in the 70s run by Shorty Tang and now revived by his son Chen Lieh Tang, who’s getting big buzz for successfully updating his father’s recipes. De Niro then raves about Faicco’s, the Italian specialty shop on Bleeker Street. Whether you’re ordering the Muffuletta Hero–Italian fennel and garlic salami, spicy homemade sopresetta, provolone and homemade olive tapenade all lumped only somewhat delicately on a roll (yikes!)–or something more readily
Marissa Ghesquiere
“We’ve lived on the Upper West Side since 2018, after moving from Clinton Hill in Brooklyn,” says Sotheby’s Marissa Ghesquiere. “We absolutely love it. One of the most satisfying changes has been seeing the scaffolding finally come down around the Ansonia—it feels symbolic of the neighborhood’s continued renewal.” Every morning Ghesquiere walks across Central Park to her office. “Those 20 minutes with nature are when I organize my day,” she says. “I couldn’t live without it. It’s the best commute I’ve ever had.”
Ghesquiere says her young daughters are more in-demand than she is. “We love heading over to Tecumseh Playground with pogo
sticks and inevitably run into our daughters’ friends, which turns into impromptu playdates,” she says. “They’re far more popular in the neighborhood than I am— and that sense of familiarity and ease is exactly what makes it feel like home. Some of the best-kept secrets are the many parks and playgrounds, big and small. They’re a huge part of why we love raising our family on the Upper West Side.”
The UWS is family-friendly but it’s far from sleepy. “People would be surprised by just how strong the food and drink scene is,” Ghesquiere reports. “There’s a misconception that you have to go downtown—or now to the Upper East Side—for a great meal
“There’s a freedom here— you want your kids to be able to scoot down the block without disturbing too many people.”
or cocktail.” Her go-to spots? “Prohibition is a favorite, as is enjoying a bourbon at Caledonia or a piña colada at Tiki Chick.” She also points out that Columbus Avenue is a shopping haven. “A Tempo on Columbus has quickly become a favorite. The pieces are unique and thoughtfully curated,” she says. “It feels like shopping in a friend’s closet. And Magpie is perfect for finding distinctive gifts, especially for housewarmings.”
Ghesquiere and her family have truly found their paradise on the UWS. “The relaxed, livable pace is incredibly appealing,” she concludes. “There’s a freedom here—you want your kids to be able to scoot down the block without disturbing too many people. There’s a constant sense of life and movement. It truly feels like a close-knit community within the larger city.”
William “Big Bill” Zeckendorf: the Man Who Played Monopoly with Manhattan
By Janet Mercel
William Zeckendorf loved drama, the spotlight and making headlines. No one liked a joke, a drink, or a party more than he did. Peers compared the real estate titan’s greatness to the likes of Truman and Churchill or a modern Medici. He’s credited with the growth of the nation from the 1940s to the 1960s, one of the rare birds with the chutzpah to build a country when it was a heck of a lot easier to play it safe. The great Le Corbusier called Zeckendorf “the man who has done more than anybody else for architecture in America.”
A real estate titan whose holdings would be worth a trillion dollars in today’s market, Zeckendorf was the one to call if you had a zillion dollar property to unload in a pinch. He was a natural-born salesman whose best product was himself. Like a young Larry Gagosian—buying and selling anything to anybody, whether it was his to sell or not, and rarely taking no for an answer.
Zeckendorf was a risk-taker and a gambler who lived large and loved an 8:00 a.m. power breakfast as much as a midnight deal. An icon of all the wealth and power Manhattan has to offer; he was always one step ahead of everybody else but also someone who led people over cliffs. His spectacular rise and fall is New York legend: an immense fortune, calamitously imploding in true pirate style, with a short drop and a sudden stop. Defeat was not in his DNA, however, and two generations later, the Zeckendorf dynasty still has a hand in running New York real estate (15 Central Park West is one of their babies).
BILL’S OVAL ROOM William Zeckendorf Sr. in his windowless, igloo-shaped office on Madison Avenue which was designed by I.M. Pei, the architect behind numerous Zeckendorf projects.
“ZECKENDORF HAD A PREDILECTION FOR MAKING FRIENDS OUTSIDE HIS MARRIAGE AND A SITUATION WITH ONE OF HIS MISTRESSES WAS TO BECOME QUITE PUBLIC.”
Dominate. Move fast and break things. Always be closing. Zeckendorf spoke the timeless tongue of entrepreneurs and the insanely ambitious. Famous failures and a culture of overleveraging yourself to the point where millionaires are sneaking out the back door to avoid creditors are reframed as battle scars. A Life magazine article once merrily crowed that Zeckendorf led “a thoroughly undistinguished childhood”—a background that only endears him more to a new generation of entrepreneurs. How, they wonder, did a high school dropout who went on to achieve the latter-day equivalent of a GED (he found school boring) make it? Later accepted at NYU, his col-
lege experience reads like an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel: “football games, raccoon coats, parties, giddy flappers and not much work,” until he dropped out of that, too.
Zeckendorf wrote the (literal) book on robbing Peter to pay Paul. His memoirs are a playbook primer for modern-day real estate bros, moguls, and the aspirational alike; of what to do, and just as often, what not. His brio paved the way for a new generation of Adam Neumann-like unicorns, (person who invested $13.8 million of WeWork’s money in an artificial wave pool company because he was passionate, at the time, about surfing). The only reason the book exists is be-
“MAYOR” OF MANHATTAN Zeckendorf’s acquisitions always made headlines.
THE GREAT LE CORBUSIER CALLED ZECKENDORF “THE MAN WHO HAS DONE MORE THAN ANYBODY ELSE FOR ARCHITECTURE IN AMERICA.”
cause, to get his building back, he had to get all the existing tenants to sign new long-term leases, including a publishing house. The publisher agreed to sign on the condition that they release Zeckendorf’s autobiography. The tycoon hated the idea and rejected the proposed title The Mad, Mad World of William Zeckendorf. More than the book itself, he hated losing a deal and eventually agreed. The more modest title he settled on was Zeckendorf: The Autobiography of the Man Who Played a Real-Life Game of Monopoly and Won the Largest Real Estate Empire in History. The first bundle of money he ever earned in real estate ($8,000) made him so uncomfort-
DOG
Zeckendorf and pet pooch in his chauffeur driven car.
able he immediately spent it all on a honeymoon with his first wife, Irma, networking and blowing cash across Europe. He returned home to the stock market crash of 1929 and toughed his way through the next several years, painfully climbing the ladder of Manhattan real estate.
By Zeckendorf’s mid-thirties, despite years already invested in wheeling and dealing, he considered himself a failure—“affluent, even if often broke.” During the Great Depression, the check for his son’s school bounced. He owed his tailor for his suits. When he joined the management company Webb & Knapp in 1939 after some
successful dealings with them, it was because he needed the job. By 1942, he grew their holdings to $2 million, and by 1951, just over a decade since beginning, W&K’s holdings exceeded $42 million. Webb & Knapp would become the vehicle with which he would take over New York.
He hated considering anyone an enemy, even those in New York who cheerfully willed him to commit suicide when his company finally tanked. When he referred to granite-hearted urban developer Robert Moses as “that extraordinary man,” he meant it as a compliment, and called him a good friend even after Moses, and everyone else,
L’ENFANT TERRIBLE Zeckendorf (center) holding an aerial shot of L’Enfant Plaza in Washington, DC which was redeveloped by Zeckendorf in the late 1950s.
“IT WAS NEW YORK WHERE ZECKENDORF WAS KING OF IT ALL. HE BROKERED THE DEAL FOR THE LAND WHERE THE UNITED NATIONS SITS TODAY, REMADE THE UPPER WEST SIDE, BOUGHT THE CHRYSLER BUILDING, AND REFURBISHED A HORSE ACADEMY INTO WHAT WOULD BECOME ABC’S MAIN NETWORK HUB.”
royally screwed him over in the complex dealings of the buying and selling of the United Nations property in Midtown East.
Irma divorced him for being an incurable party boy, an uncultured swine, and avid ladies’ man. (Afterward, he considered her a good friend for life, too.) He wasn’t a good old boy but seemed to have no animosity about what he was, a charming Good Time Charlie who worked his way up to swilling martinis with the best of them. He got his big break after ending up in a room with Vincent Astor, who, over plenty of scotch and martinis, enlisted W&K to restructure the Astor’s $50 million in real estate holdings.
Across the midcentury, Zeckendorf’s fingerprints were everywhere: Long Island’s Roosevelt Field, the first major shopping center; tens of thousands of acres of land in Florida and Los Angeles; a jail in Boise, Idaho; developments in Dallas, Washington, Los Angeles, and Detroit. He brokered deals that at the time were the largest ever, ranging from commercial, office, and hospitality projects that built a modern landscape culture, urban redevelopment from Denver to Montreal to Washington, DC, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh.
But it was New York where he was king of the kingdom. He remade the Upper West Side and reshaped much of the Manhattan skyline. He owned the Graybar Building, purchased and repositioned the Chrysler Building, and refurbished a horse academy into what would become ABC Television Center, an early template for major media campuses.
Zeckendorf entered the nightclub business when he bought the Monte Carlo (Big Bill was
BUFFALO BILL Zeckendorf with Crown Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands in a parade for the 350th anniversary of the discovery of the Hudson River. Zeckendorf and his son William Zeckendorf, in front of a replica of the original Zeckendorf store, built for the opening of Century City in Los Angeles, which he developed.
not one for subtlety), snatching it from the guy who owned the Colony and the owner of the original club in Monaco. Under their management, profits slipped through their fingers like water, but in Zeckendorf’s hands, it was busier than all the venue spaces at the St. Regis and made half a million dollars before he let it go. At the Monte Carlo, he did as much deal-making from the corner table, outfitted with a telephone, as he did from his Madison Avenue I.M. Pei-designed penthouse office.
It was at the Club Monte Carlo in 1946 that, drunk at 2 AM, he signed the paper turning over a sprawling 17-acre parcel along the East River—a former slaughterhouse district and eyesore he was desperate to unload—to the United Nations. The UN’s site search was equally frantic. Philadelphia was the leading candidate, with a deadline of December 11 to finalize. On December 10, Nelson Rockefeller offered Zeckendorf $8.5 million for the land, and John D. subsequently donated it as the UN headquarters. Nursing a hangover so heavy he thought he’d dreamed it all up, Zeckendorf could hardly believe he’d pulled off one of the most important real estate deals in U.S. history. The glass Wallace Harrison-designed tower would become an enduring symbol of international diplomacy, and New York, not Philadelphia, was chosen as its permanent home.
One day at an event Bill describes as “a gathering” (we can only assume it was a party, since he was at a party as often as he was literally anywhere), the head of Morgan Guaranty, now JPMorgan Chase, told Zeckendorf he looked like a million dollars. “I’d better,” he said. “I owe you three million.” The bankers all laughed. But it was too much, too fast, and too hot for his original partners at Webb & Knapp, who he ended up buying out in 1948.
By the mid-1960s, no one was laughing.
“I’ve never been afraid of debt,” Zeckendorf once said. More likely he was addicted to it, always more comfortable in the red than in the black. Over-leveraged and spread too thin, he was never happy with the money in his pocket unless he was spending it.
In a 1950s radio interview, his second wife Marian recalls his work ethic as far above and beyond his peers, recalling a telephone call that came in after 10 o’clock one night when he was terrifically exhausted and already in bed. Zeckendorf roused himself, put on his clothes and “wearily he went out. It took a lot of willpower to get up when he was tired and exhausted to meet a man and talk to him about a deal. I admired him greatly for that,” she said. (Although, given that he had a predilection for making friends outside his marriage, and that a situation with one of his mistresses was to become quite public and humiliate
FAMILY TIES
Zeckendorf as a young boy.
IT WAS RARE THAT ANYONE WAS ABLE TO GET ONE PAST BIG BILL, BUT SLIPPERY HOWARD HUGHES WAS ONE WHO MANAGED.
them all, one can’t help but wonder about who exactly was on the other end of that call.)
It was rare that anyone was able to get one past Big Bill, but slippery Howard Hughes was one who managed. The eccentric Hollywood mogul lured him out to LA with Laurance Rockefeller on the pretense of a deal, in a Hughes-esque episode that included coded passwords, secret door knocks, switching cars and midnight meetings at an abandoned airport. The deal never went through, but Zeckendorf loved every minute of the chase, the thrill of being outmaneuvered and tested, and the story became yet another legend in the mythos of a man who thrived on chaos, risk, and the sheer love of the game.
KING OF NEW YORK Zeckendorf with his wife, Marion.
JOIN THE CLUB
MENSWEAR BRAND RIVAY’S BEDFORD STORE HAS A GLOBAL FOLLOWING OF WELLDRESSED GENTLEMAN.
BY TED HILDNER
On their first date, Jon Ruti told his now-wife Katie Boiano he was leaving law to start a clothing brand. Katie rolled her eyes. Not because she doubted him, but because she knew that fashion is a tough business. Katie was a fashion vet, with years clocked at Todd Snyder, J. Crew, and Bonobos.
Out of a Land Rover and military trailer im-
ported from England converted into a mobile storefront, Jon launched the menswear label Rivay. Jon would illegally park the rig in Tribeca or SoHo and set up shop on the street. People thought he was insane. But it worked. “The mobile unit built a customer base before Rivay ever had a store or a marketing budget,” he says. Runs were small and fabrics came from Japan, Italy, and Portugal. Jon’s mother packed online orders. It was all hands on deck.
“THE MOST SUSTAINABLE THING IS BUYING SOMETHING THAT LASTS TEN OR FIFTEEN YEARS AND GETS BETTER WITH AGE.”
COVID hit and Jon and Katie fled the city for what they thought would be a weekend at his mother’s house in Bedford. They stayed 14 months. They bought a house–the basement became Rivay’s design studio. The ethos–tailor-cut military and workwear silhouettes in the best fabrics–amassed a cult following.
Against conventional wisdom, Rivay’s first store opened not in Manhattan, but in Bedford. The space is like the most stylishly astute gentleman’s library. Rivay is ground central for welldressed men, who truck every weekend from NYC to see what the Rivay has designed.
From law to fashion. Big switch. Jon: I started as a criminal prosecutor at the
Bronx County DA’s office, then moved to the Office of Special Narcotics in downtown Manhattan. I was wearing suits every day. I’d always been obsessed with menswear. I grew up with Ralph Lauren in the background—my mom shopped it. I grew up in Bedford, so Ralph was this local legend. After years of prosecuting, I was burning out. It’s heavy work. I kept coming back to this idea–to build something of my own in menswear. I remember resigning on Cinco de Mayo–a Friday–which is exactly when you want to quit a job..
You quite literally took Rivay to the streets. Jon: So many new brands were pouring money into digital advertising. I didn’t have the budget for that. I thought: how do I sell product and meet
GENTLEMAN’S
Rivay’s Bedford Boutique.
customers? I’d always loved Land Rovers and had a vintage one. I imported a military trailer from England and built it into a tiny store. I was wildly ambitious. Our first product was a wax cotton jacket—an incredibly complex piece to start with. We still make it ten years later. We’d rather do fewer things better. The most sustainable thing is buying something that lasts ten or fifteen years and gets better with age. Fewer pieces, better pieces. Things you can keep.
Katie: Editing is everything. If it doesn’t belong, we kill it. Authenticity. If you want the best denim, the best chambray, indigo, incredible
weaves then Japan is the benchmark. Japanese fabrics can be less “refined” in the best way; they have character and that balances the Italian side of what we do. We don’t want to look too polished or formal. We want that mix.
You’re moving to a bigger space in Bedford. Jon: Retail matters. Not just transactionally, but as a place you can walk into and live the brand. Bedford felt unexpected to people. But I thought: if the product is right, people will come. They’ll hang out, talk, spend time. They don’t have to buy something every visit. MENSWEAR’S
JENNA JONES
Rivay’s Jon Rutti and Katie Boiano.
“I IMPORTED A MILITARY TRAILER FROM ENGLAND AND BUILT IT INTO A TINY STORE. I WAS WILDLY AMBITIOUS.”
GAME TIME Polo players outside the Brandt Art Foundation in Greenwich, CT.
welcomeparadise to
From storied towns along Long Island Sound to bucolic villages tucked into the rolling countryside, Avenue has the ultimate inside scoop on the most desirable communities just beyond the city limits— Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, Southport, Bedford and Locust Valley.
greenwich
Greenwich is a small international city of around 65,000 residents disguised as a small town that is famously polished and impeccably manicured. Greenwich is home to hedge fund founders, old-money dynasties, prominent philanthropists, and a steady rotation of boldface names. But the true Greenwich vibe is softer and very neighborly. Greenwich is made up of five “towns”—Greenwich, Cos Cob, Riverside, Old Greenwich, and Byram. Each town has a little bit of everything: waterfront estates and long, windy roads leading to open pastures and backcountry woods.
Greenwich Avenue is Connecticut’s answer to Rodeo Drive, a mile long stretch of stores like Tiffany and Co. and Hermes. Jean-Georges Vongerichten opened Happy Monkey, and other
hot eateries include Le Penguin, Elm Street Oyster House, and L’Escale. Tree-lined and gently sloping downhill, “The Avenue” unfolds with glimpses of Long Island Sound before ending at the reimagined Greenwich Train Station, a massive redevelopment project.
At almost 67 square miles, Greenwich’s villages are linked by the Post Road. Cos Cob is quietly charming, with close-knit neighborhoods, wooded lanes, and the Mianus River, which has the town’s largest marina. Across the river, Riverside has stately houses near the world-class Riverside Yacht Club. Old Greenwich is a storybook seaside enclave with clapboard houses, white picket fences, sandy beaches, and a tree-lined center that leads to Todd’s Point. Once the summer residence of the Todd family, the peninsula was acquired by the town in 1944 and is carefully protected, remaining largely undeveloped with expansive beaches and postcard views of the
SAIL ON Greenwich has miles of coastline.
Manhattan skyline. Hugging New York’s border, homey Byram has its own library, neighborhood bakeries, and local parks.
Greenwich Hospital, a Yale-affiliated medical center, offers world-class care, attracting leading physicians from around the globe. The Bruce Museum, founded in 1908 as a gift from Robert Bruce in memory of his son, is Greenwich’s cultural cornerstone. What began as a modest natural history and science collection has majorly evolved. In 2023, a $60 million renovation more than doubled the museum’s footprint and solidified its reputation as a world-class museum. Nearby, Bruce Park and Binney Park are true social centers with tennis courts, ponds, playing fields, dog runs, and playgrounds. Byram Park has beaches and athletic fields with sweeping harbor views. Greenwich even has its own island: Great Island, reached by a short ferry ride from Greenwich Harbor. It has sandy beaches, panoramic views of Long Island Sound, and the rare privilege to reserve spots to camp overnight. The Mianus River Park and Babcock Preserve are the rural side of town with wooded trails and a sense of seclusion that is far removed from the bustling scene on “The Avenue.”
Education plays a huge role in a town as smart and diverse as Greenwich. With nine public elementary schools, three middle schools and a world-class high school, the town offers residents an exceptional range of public options that are consistently ranked as the top public schools in the country. Greenwich also has renowned private schools like Brunswick, Greenwich Academy, Greenwich Country Day, and Sacred Heart, whose campuses, programs, and global reputations draw families from around the world.
Greenwich has a legendary private-club culture, from Belle Haven on the waterfront to the rolling fairways at Round Hill and The Field Club. For those lucky (and connected) enough to secure a spot, these storied institutions serve as social bedrock.
International yet deeply local, wealthy yet understated, social, smart, cultured, and sporty, Greenwich is a place where people live in the orbit of New York City while feeling wonderfully removed from it. For a life that is globally connected yet deeply family-oriented, Greenwich remains the definitive address.
COUNTRY LIFE Greenwich has hiking trails, harborside restaurants and the “Avenue,” Connecticut’s answer to Rodeo Drive.
Greenwich's Power Duo: Danielle Claroni and Christian Perry
When it comes to finding the perfect home in Greenwich, Connecticut, a community synonymous with luxury living, two names stand out: Danielle Claroni and Christian Perry. Together, they represent the pinnacle of expertise, integrity, and local knowledge, making them the ultimate choice for discerning buyers from New York City and beyond.
Danielle Claroni, a Senior Global Real Estate Advisor with Sotheby’s International Realty, brings nearly 30 years of experience and deep roots in Greenwich, where she has lived since 1979. Co-founder of the popular website “I Love Greenwich,” Danielle is a trusted resource for residents and newcomers alike. With a global upbringing and fluency in multiple languages, Danielle has a unique, international perspective, while her accolades—including Greenwich Realtor of the Year and recognition in Forbes and Fortune— underscore her reputation for excellence. Danielle is also a member of the Global Equestrian Advisory and a trained member of Ninja Selling.
Christian Perry, Luxury Home
Certified and co-founder of “I Love Greenwich,” complements Danielle’s experience with a builder’s eye and a developer’s insight. With 20 years in residential construction and development, Christian understands the nuances of space and design that transform a house into a dream home. His specialist designations— CREN, LHC, and CPRES— combined with his global network of elite equestrian property experts position him as the go-to advisor for premier estates and equestrian retreats.
Both advisors share a passion for community and service. Danielle has held leadership roles on local and state realtor boards and serves on Greenwich’s Fair Rent Commission. Christian, a former wealth manager with Merrill Lynch, is deeply involved in organizations like the YMCA, Scouting America, and the Civil Air Patrol where he serves as a 2nd Lieutenant in search and rescue.
From Danielle’s decades of market expertise to Christian’s hands-on building background, this dynamic duo offers unparalleled insight and access to Greenwich’s most exclusive properties. Whether you’re seeking a waterfront estate, a countryside equestrian haven or a sophisticated in-town residence, Danielle and Christian deliver a seamless, informed and elevated real estate experience.
“THEY REPRESENT THE PINNACLE OF EXPERTISE, INTEGRITY, AND LOCAL KNOWLEDGE, MAKING THEM THE ULTIMATE CHOICE FOR DISCERNING BUYERS FROM NEW YORK CITY AND BEYOND.”
locustvalley
Locust Valley is the North Shore’s greatest legacy —an enclave of old-money Gold Coast glamour, equestrian history, quiet wealth, and a tight-knit community. Yet it feels refreshingly down-to-earth and modern despite the heady pedigree.
But here’s the insider secret: Locust Valley is having a major moment, and you don’t need to come from a storied family or belong to a country club to enjoy it. The vibe has shifted. This isn’t your grandparents’ North Shore anymore. The old “Locust Valley lockjaw” has loosened, replaced by something younger, more creative, and genuinely fun.
The next wave has arrived. Adam Sandler nabbed a house on coveted Piping Rock Road and Jimmy Fallon owns Cedar Knolls, a 10,000-squarefoot Georgian Manor in Laurel Hollow built for
railroad magnate Frank Gould in 1929. The house, which has a private beach, ballroom, and underground speakeasy, is straight out of West Egg. Paging Daisy Buchanan.
The new Gatsbys are coming to Locust Valley. Sure, there are tech billionaires and hedge fund sharks in droves, but the Social Register set still rules at private clubs like Piping Rock, the Creek, and Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club on Oyster Bay’s ultra-secluded Centre Island.
Some credit fashion designer Veronica Beard for Locust Valley’s popularity. Her pals Jill Jervis, Beth Blake, and jewelry designer Brent Neale —who bought decorator Jeffrey Bilhuber’s 17th century farmhouse “Hay Fever,” —all live here. Recently, red-hot interior designer Alfred Paredes completely brought TK back to life. Kate Doerge, a motivational speaker and brand strategist who co-founded Penny’s Flight Foundation with her husband, is also a neighbor.
Interior designer Meg Braff, one of North Shore’s go-to decorators, who also owns a design store in Locust Valley, welcomes the boom. “There is a whole new group in town which has been wonderful,” she says. “There has been a noticeable influx of young families. Locust Valley had gotten a touch sleepy, but it feels fresh again.”
Philanthropy is big in Locust Valley. Giving back is part of the culture and charity events make it easy to get involved. There are options from the North Shore Land Alliance auction (supporting the preservation of Long Island’s landscapes) to fundraisers that support historic estates like “Munnysunk,” now the Bailey Arboretum—which is open to the public to stroll acres of gardens and explore trees and plantings from a bygone era.
Lined with antique shops, cafés, and chic boutiques, downtown feels refreshingly uncorporate, with local spots like the Ooh La Shoppe, Valley Attic, and Karmic Grind to grab a cup of coffee. Birch Hill Market & Bistro is an old-world butchery meets restaurant, and The Village Pub is everyone’s go-to for laid-back lunches and dinners.
Families flock to the fourth generation Youngs Farm for seasonal produce, a bakery, a legendary farm kitchen where locals pick vegetables, stock the pantry and let kids roam. Locust Valley life is deeply tied to the outdoors, from sailing to long summer days at Stehli Beach. Miles of country roads, riding trails, and vast open green space are why Locust Valley is having a big moment. Families here value heritage, the sporting life, and a deep connection to the outdoors.
PARADISE FOUND Interior Designer Alfredo Paredes’ house “Cocuyo” in Locust Valley.
Alexis McAndrew's Perfect Day in Locust Valley
“LOCUST VALLEY IS KNOWN FOR ITS UNIQUE BOUTIQUES— NO CHAIN STORES HERE, JUST LOCAL GEMS.”
“I love starting the morning with a walk through Coffin Woods with my chocolate lab, Hazel. The trails are peaceful, shaded and a daily reminder of why I love living in Locust Valley. With so many nature preserves nearby, Coffin Woods stands out—it’s one of the few local spots where dogs can roam off leash, making it beloved by pet owners.
After the woods, my next stop is the Karmic Grind, the most popular coffee spot in town. I’m partial to their tea and legendary ‘CC Muffins’—a local favorite. It’s always buzzing with neighbors and friends easing into their day, and it embodies the cozy, small-town charm that defines Locust Valley.
Locust Valley is known for its unique boutiques—no chain stores here, just local gems. Start in The Plaza, established in 1964 and still the heart of village shopping. I love stopping into Ooh La, owned by my dear friends Ashley and Aileen, who curate the best designer selections from Veronica Beard, Sea, and Ulla Johnson. Just next door is HOSTED, a beautifully curated tabletop boutique offering chic dinnerware, linens, and entertaining essentials available for purchase or rental—perfect for setting an unforgettable table.
If you’re decorating a new home, you won’t need to go far. Locust Valley has become a destination for design lovers with standout shops like Bancroft-Jones and Valley Attic, a home furnishings consignment treasure trove full of character-rich finds.
Break for lunch at Buckram Stables Café, a local institution and home to the best burger in town. When you’re finished, stroll across the street to Forest Avenue, affectionately known as ‘Designer’s Row.’ You’ll find an impressive collection of interior design showrooms including Meg Braff, Elizabeth Pash, and A.A. Baker Design, showcasing the style and creativity that has put Locust Valley on the map as a design destination.
What I love most about Locust Valley is not just the charming village or the beautiful homes—it’s the community. People here are welcoming, deeply connected, and proud of the place we call home. Spend a day exploring, and you’ll quickly see why there’s truly no place like Locust Valley.”
Alexis McAndrew represents premier properties throughout Locust Valley and surrounding North Shore communities. Backed by more than 20 years of industry experience, Alexis began her career working for top-producing agents in New York City, gaining a foundation in luxury marketing and high-level client service. Alexis combines data-driven strategy with a refined understanding of buyer behavior to price and position homes for exceptional results. Her listings consistently achieve high visibility, strong engagement. and premium sale outcomes. As a Locust Valley resident deeply connected to the community, she offers insider insight into schools, lifestyle and market trends with a long record of proven results.
newcanaan
New Canaan is one of the most quietly stylish places in the Northeast. Known for its famous midcentury architecture and top-tier schools, the design-driven enclave is where heritage New England charm blends seamlessly with a bold, daring, and modern sensibility.
Founded in the 18th century as a parish of Norwalk and Stamford, New Canaan became an artistic power-town in the 20th century when the Harvard Five architects—Philip Johnson, Marcel Breuer, Eliot Noyes, Landis Gores, and John Johansen—put down roots. The Harvard Five’s experimental houses still dot the rolling hills and hidden back roads, including Johnson’s legendary Glass House, now a museum that boasts one of the chicest event calendars on the East Coast.
Modernism is only one facet of New Canaan.
Minutes away, Grace Farms, founded by Sharon Prince in 2015, was conceived as a place where architecture, nature, and education could intersect and bring a community together. On 77 acres of pristine, protected landscape, the SANAA-designed “River” building appears to float through the meadows and rolling hills. Grace Farms hosts lectures, performances, art installations, and has a buzzy eatery where you might bump into one of New Canaan's famous locals like “literary outlaw” James Frey or the ever-handsome crooner Harry Connick Jr. The village center—walkable, elegant and always buzzing—feels like a curated version of small-town America. Locals swear by Zumbach’s for coffee, Walter Stewart’s for seriously gourmet groceries, and Elmor Spiga for dinner after a school concert or gallery opening. Side streets are lined with boutiques (Ralph Lauren, Morgenthal-Fredericks, and J. McLaughlin to name a few), French bakeries, and beautifully restored storefronts that
Grace Farm is a hub of art, design and community in New Canaan.
feel more European than suburban.
At the center of cultural and social life is the New Canaan Library, which opened in 2023 and attracts A-list talent like Peggy Noonan, Wally Lamb, Naomi Watts, and Griffin Dunne for talks. The Kend Kitchen hosts cookbook authors such as Lidia Bastianich and Dorie Greenspan for live culinary demonstrations. “There’s no need to head to the 92nd Street Y anymore,” declares writer Holly Parmelee. “The cultural fix is happening right here.”
New Canaan is deeply tied to nature. Nowhere is that more evident than at Waveny Park. It’s anchored by an iconic Tudor mansion that was built in 1912 for the Lewis Lapham family on 400 acres of rolling grounds and wooded trails. Waveny hosts summer concerts and the see and be seen Caffeine & Carburetors. What began as a casual gathering of car enthusiasts over morning coffee has evolved into a New Canaan social swirl with thousands of rare vintage cars and modern exotics a couple of times each year. Kids play soccer, adults walk their dogs and hike, and families picnic beneath copper beech trees.
Insiders speak about sought-after neighborhoods like Oenoke Ridge, Smith Ridge, and Pound Ridge with quiet, reserved reverence—home to sweeping estates, long stone walls, and the kind of privacy that defines country living. Yet, New Canaan is hardly remote. Manhattan commuters pack morning trains and the town’s social life is far livelier than its calm appearance suggests.
New Canaan attracts a discreet, clubby crowd of CEOs, architects, creatives, and families who appreciate good design, intellectual energy and a refined but relaxed pace. It’s polished without being precious, cultured without being pretentious. For those who want space, natural beauty, architectural significance, and a community that values both tradition and forward thinking, New Canaan delivers something rare: modern country living with a timeless soul.
OLD SCHOOL CHIC
New Canaan is quaint, modern and sophisticated.
New Canaan’s Ultimate Luxury Insiders: Christine Saxe and Amanda Bryan
“IT’S AS CLOSE TO BEING THE IDEAL TOWN AS ANYTHING I CAN THINK OF— GREAT SCHOOLS, UNBEATABLE COMMUNITY, NOT HUGE BUT BIG ENOUGH NOT TO BE BORING, WITH ONE OF MOST PICTURESQUE DOWNTOWNS YOU’LL EVER SEE.”
With over 40 years of real estate experience between them, New Canaan natives and longtime colleagues Christine Saxe and Amanda Bryan joined forces in 2020 to form Team Saxe + Bryan of Compass. The power team is consistently ranked among the top performing teams in New Canaan, Darien, and Rowayton, Connecticut.
How did you first end up in New Canaan? What drew you here initially?
Amanda: Christine and I, completely separately, grew up in New Canaan, lived in New York City and eventually moved back, raising children and having successful careers. I know we are biased, but it’s as close to being the ideal town as anything I can think of—great schools, unbeatable community, not huge but big enough not to be boring, with one of most picturesque downtowns you’ll ever see, all within an hour or so from Manhattan. I don’t think people grow up here with the explicit goal of someday moving back—but it happens a lot.
What’s a perfect day in New Canaan?
Christine: Walking the trails at Waveny Park—300-acres with walking trails, a town pool ,and home to 4th of July Fireworks—to start. Then coffee from Zumbach’s, brunch at Rosie’s, maybe a visit to Found for something unique for a client or my house. For years, the perfect day would include a visit to the New Canaan Winter Club, where one of my kids would be playing hockey on the outdoor rink. And no perfect day would be complete without a visit to the brand new, state-of-the-art New Canaan Library. Then a cocktail at Uncorked, followed by dinner at Elm.
What makes New Canaan so unique and desirable?
Christine: I’d characterize New Canaan as understated luxury. Our downtown has some of the best restaurants in the area, plus great shopping, yet none of the buildings on the downtown streets are more than 30 feet high, keeping a small-town feel. Celebrities can live here and keep a low profile— getting their coffee at Starbucks without getting hassled or even noticed. Families living in both $10 million dollar houses and million-dollar condos all send their kids to the same public schools. The common thread throughout New Canaan is a feeling of community.
New Canaan is in high demand.
Amanda: Before COVID, New Canaan’s median price for a house was around $1.2 million. Now it’s closer to $2.5 million, which obviously illustrates an enormous and ongoing pivot in supply/demand. In addition to the dramatic price reset, we are seeing a transition in housing preferences thanks to an influx of residents from New York and the West Coast—more demand for smaller homes with charm and architectural interest over gargantuan, cookie-cutter colonials. Clients tell us ‘We don’t need a ton of space’ all the time. The trick is finding that perfect balance in an environment where we don’t have enough houses to sell in general—if there is any opportunity in this market for buyers, it’s where people have the tolerance and budget to put their own mark on a house through renovating.
darien
People move to Darien for the schools—and then stay for everything else. Beaches, countless parks, a walkable downtown, and unmistakable coastal energy has made it one of the most stylish enclaves just outside of New York City. And Darien is in the midst of a full-scale renaissance; one could half-jokingly compare it to Boston’s Big Dig.
Its roots stretch back to the 1700s, but Darien today is a modern New England mini city on the rise. Along the Boston Post Road, Darien Sport Shop stands front and center, welcoming people to the town’s shopping district. Since 1946, the Zangrillo family has owned Darien Sport Shop, which has evolved into a true institution – a style temple for tailored suits, designer cocktail dresses, and even skis and basketball hoops. Across
the street, the Corbin District, a brand-new retail epicenter, is the most talked-about new chapter the town has ever seen. The ambitious seven-acre redevelopment is the brainchild of native David Genovese, founder of Baywater Properties. Darien’s most significant urban revitalization project in decades, the Corbin District will introduce new stores, destination dining, office space, and luxury apartments steps from the train. “Our goal has always been to create energy and a place that feels alive, walkable, and connected to the community,” says Genevese. He isn’t just reshaping a streetscape; he’s helping set Darien up for the future.
Darien is a shoreline town through and through, and nowhere is that pride more visible than in the towering Darien High School’s “Blue Wave” mascot—a rolling symbol of community spirit you can feel almost everywhere you go. From Pear Tree Point Beach, where kids learn to sail and families
stretch long summer days into evenings, to Weed Beach, with tennis and paddle courts, Darien feels like summer camp, making it easy to forget you’re less than an hour from Manhattan.
Darien’s neighborhoods each have a personality, from the picture-perfect streets and sweeping waterfront estates of the Tokeneke district to the leafy, family-filled enclaves near Great Island and along the Goodwives River. Head north and the seaside vibes give way to quieter neighborhoods where woods and rolling countryside begin to edge toward the New Canaan border.
Community life in Darien is vibrant. From summer beach concerts and holiday markets at the Darien Community Association’s historic mansion to Friday night lights on the high school football field, Darien is a true family town. Regulars on the early morning trains know one another by name. Darien has never been more desirable, attracting families seeking coastal living, exceptional schools, and a community that feels grounded and forward-looking—one that’s only getting better.
WATERWORLD
Many Darien residents have boats, Weed Beach.
Meet Darien's Nancy Dauk Team
At the helm of the Nancy Dauk Team is third generation Darien native Nancy Dauk. A co-owner of popular and very profitable real estate offices in Darien and Rowayton, Nancy was approached by a leading New York firm to buy out the business to gain a footprint in the Connecticut market. Making the switch to join Compass within the last year is a pivotal move for the Nancy Dauk Team to capture further national market awareness and recognition. The Nancy Dauk Team leads in creative marketing, utilizing modern tools like live videos with professional actors on site creating a story—allowing the property to come to life.
Nancy’s team values the record setting luxury transactions (especially waterfront estates) but are equally proud and attentive to their residential sales in all price points. Nancy understands Darien’s rich history and iconic landmarks such as Rings End Bridge and the Ziegler Estate, which has just been acquired by the town of Darien and is now a 52-acre waterfront public park called Great Island— an extraordinary bonus for town residents. The team handles the huge influx of buyers drawn to the many brand-new developments in town like shopping centers Darien Commons and the Corbin District with new restaurants, fitness centers, and shops. There is no shortage of appealing amenities within walking distance.
Recognized as one of the top school systems in the nation with 94% of students going on to higher education, Darien is an easy commute to the city with two train stations anchored in the heart of stylish downtown centers with proximity to everything. The nationally recognized, state-ofthe-art Darien Library is a hub for families and students with author visits, technology access, learning sessions, and free events for both adults and children.
Buyers looking for a slower pace and a vacation vibe lean towards the village of Rowayton. A postcard-pretty waterfront community with docking facilities, Rowayton has everything—its own train station, library, farmer’s market, post office, restaurants, and chic shops. Rowayton and Darien pride themselves on wide community beaches. Life here feels like living on an extended vacation.
“DARIEN IS RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE TOP SCHOOL SYSTEMS IN THE NATION WITH 94% OF STUDENTS GOING ON TO HIGHER EDUCATION.”
southport
Tucked along the Long Island Sound, Southport, Connecticut is where time seems to have slowed down. Tiny— just about 3½ square miles— Southport is more neighborhood than town. Sandwiched between Westport and Fairfield, Southport may be small, but to those who live here, it’s the best-kept secret on the Connecticut coast. A former 19th-century shipping port, the village is a beautifully preserved storybook with waterfront Federal homes with white picket fences and hydrangeas spilling over stone walls, overlooking sailboats bobbing in the harbor near the Pequot Yacht Club.
Founded in 1639 as Mill River and renamed Southport in 1836 as shipping took off, the village hit its stride in the 19th century as a prosperous maritime hub. A small but very wealthy merchant
class built elegant Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian houses. Many remain intact today, thanks to Southport’s historical society and strict zoning— protections that earned Southport a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
One of America’s earliest cultural leaders, Jonathan Sturges, was born in Southport in 1802 and became a key patron of art and literature, supporting figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson, Herman Melville, and Hudson River School painter Frederic Edwin Church. Southport continues to lure world-class sailors and influential figures like GE CEO Jack Welch, along with Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz of the Talking Heads. Preservation is central to Southport’s identity and great interior design is part of the village’s DNA. That reputation was cemented over 30 years ago through Albert Hadley, the legendary half of design team Parish-Hadley. A longtime seasonal resident, Hadley founded the designer
showhouse “Rooms with a View,” supporting the missions of Southport Congregational Church. “Rooms with a View” has raised nearly $3 million for more than 19 local charities and attracts top talent like Bunny Williams and Victoria Hagan. “The show reflects Southport’s respect for tradition and its commitment to giving back,” says interior designer Parker Rogers, who serves as design chair alongside his longtime partner and show director Christopher Phillip.
Another standout is the Pequot Library, built in 1894 by architect Robert H. Robertson, featuring wood-paneled reading rooms, fireplaces, spiral staircases, Victorian ironwork, and a striking Tiffany window. The library also houses a concert hall that hosts chamber music, author talks, and gallery exhibitions.
A short walk from the village is a 10-acre nature preserve created by the Aspetuck Land Trust and the Southport Conservancy, perfect for strolling or a picnic. Prefer sand to shade? Southport Beach is a few blocks away.
For an overnight stay, Delamar Southport has luxurious rooms and fine dining. Southport’s food scene stays refreshingly classic: locals swear by the lobster bisque and craft cocktails at The Grey Goose, while Paci serves Northern Italian specialties beneath the vaulted stone ceilings of the historic train station. And the Driftwood delivers retro charm—it’s a luncheonette happily stuck in the 1960s.
For those seeking a coastal lifestyle that feels relaxed, cultured, and charmingly timeless, Southport is one of Long Island Sound’s bestkept secrets.
DREAMSCAPES Southport’s many charms include landmark buildings, the “Rooms with a view” interior designed by Jared Clark, and a vibrant village and boating life.
Libby McKinneyTritschler's Southport
“SOUTHPORT VILLAGE IS A FEELING, NOT A DESTINATION.”
For Libby McKinney-Tritschler, Southport Village is not simply a place to live, it’s a way of life. A sixth-generation Fairfield County resident, Libby’s connection to the community runs as deep as the village’s historic roots. Long before she became one of Southport’s most trusted real estate professionals, she was a child riding through town with her father, pointing out the homes she dreamed of living in someday— many of which now sit within the very neighborhood she calls home.
With more than 20 years at William Raveis Real Estate, Libby is consistently recognized as a top-producing agent for Team AFA and a leading expert in the Southport, Fairfield, and Westport markets. Known for steady professionalism and exceptional client service, she has been responsible for many of Team AFA’s highest-recorded sales and has remained one of the team’s most productive individual agents for two decades. Her success is rooted in unmatched local knowledge, a powerful network, and a client-first approach that spans first-time buyers, seasoned investors, relocations, and luxury sellers.
What truly distinguishes Libby is her deep commitment to Southport beyond real estate. A lifelong Fairfield County resident, she continues her family’s tradition of community service through leadership roles on the boards of the Pequot Library, the Westport/Weston YMCA (where she serves on the executive committee), the Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund, and the Stewart B. McKinney Foundation. She is also an active mentor with the Shepards Mentor Program, reflecting her belief that strong communities are built through longterm investment and care.
“Southport Village is a feeling, not a destination,” Libby often says, and it’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with those who know the area. This historic coastal village offers a rare blend of vibrancy and tranquility. Southporters walk to coffee, the gym, the harbor, and the train, greeting neighbors along the way. Carefully preserved over generations, Southport thrives on a shared sense of stewardship and pride, creating an intimacy that is increasingly hard to find.
Sunday mornings offer a perfect snapshot of the lifestyle Libby loves most. With no set schedule, she walks her dogs into the village, stops at G Café for coffee and a muffin, then lingers in conversation with neighbors. The air carries the salty scent of the Sound; church bells ring and familiar faces pass on their way to the harbor or services—moments that define the quiet magic of Southport.
Libby is passionate about Southport’s small and beloved destinations like the Lattice House and the Women’s Exchange, known for curated home goods and vintage finds. Longtime favorites include Paci, a family-owned modern Italian restaurant, and the Horseshoe Tavern, a historic gathering place with a casual, welcoming spirit.
What excites Libby most is watching younger families move to Southport and embrace its history and values, understanding their role as the next caretakers of the village. The future of Southport, Libby believes, lies in preservation over reinvention—protecting its soul while allowing it to evolve thoughtfully.
For Libby McKinney-Tritschler, real estate is more than buying and selling homes. It is connecting people to a lifestyle, a community, and a place that—once discovered—feels impossible to leave.
bedford
Just an hour from Manhattan, Bedford is the kind of place people visit for a weekend and start scrolling real estate listings before they drive home. Made up of three hamlets—Bedford Village, Bedford Hills, and Katonah—together they create a town that boasts charm, sophistication, and the ultimate luxury: complete privacy.
Founded in 1680, Bedford Village is one of the country’s most beautiful colonial sites. In fact, rewatch Jacqueline Susanne’s Valley of the Dolls, and you’ll be hard-pressed to spot much difference between the town as it appears in the film’s 1940s dream sequence and how it looks today.
The Currier & Ives-esque village green is framed by the 1787 courthouse, the former Bedford Museum (now the chic boutique Florrie), and the white-steepled Bedford Presbyterian Church.
Preservation matters here, but beneath the historic surface, Bedford is very much modern and alive. Murray and Emily Fisher have been throwing salons with guests like Ansel Elgort, who sang songs he recently wrote, and James Frey, who read from his next novel.
And oHHo is Bedford’s most unexpected— and hottest new arrival. Last year, well-connected British expats Nicola and James Stephenson transformed the long-dormant firehouse into a buzzy café, boutique, and neighborhood hangout. Pizza ovens blaze and OHHo’s THC-infused drinks fly off the shelves. Relaxed, social, and quietly cool, oHHo is perfectly in step with Bedford—current, confident, and stylish. Up the block is the Clive Davis Playhouse, a beautifully restored, stateof-the-art cinema that doubles as a cultural hub. Local Chevy Chase has hosted special Caddyshack screenings.
A few miles away, Katonah feels like a classic
whistle-stop village with indie shops, cafés, galleries, a record store selling rare vinyl, and the impressive Katonah Museum of Art. Bedford Hills handles the practical side of life—train station, big-box stores, a car wash, and the popular Bedford Diner. It’s the workhorse hamlet and it does the job well.
Bedford is nearly synonymous with the Bedford Post Inn—the town’s unofficial meeting spot. Part luxe inn, part café, part dinner party in disguise, Bedford Post dates to the 1700s but was dramatically restored in 2007 by Richard Gere and Carey Lowell. Under current owner Adam Landsman, the genius behind Teruko at the Chelsea Hotel and the super hip Rule of Thirds in Greenpoint, the Bedford Post has undergone another rebirth. “It’s never been better or more fun,” says Cristina Civetta, a NYC nightlife promoter and local transplant.
If country nightlife isn’t enough, pull on your wellies and embrace the mud. For hikers and horse lovers, it’s as good as it gets. More than 100 miles of riding lanes, maintained by the Bedford Riding Lanes Association, weave through meadows, woods, and private storybook estates. It’s the kind of scenery usually only glimpsed in books—and the best part is you don’t need to own a horse to use the trails. The BRLA hosts events throughout the year, keeping these historic paths open to residents of all ages, whether they arrive on two feet or four.
It’s no surprise the town has long attracted a fascinating mix. Ralph Lauren helped shape its Americana mystique and Martha Stewart elevated its farm culture. Actors like Matt Damon, Adrian Brody, designer Georgina Chapman, as well as a bevy of editors and musicians like Natasha Bedingfield, live quietly behind stone walls and long driveways. Celebrity barely registers here. When you see someone familiar at the post office, people keep moving. Refined and deeply private, Bedford is where life feels grounded and where many weekend visitors end up staying for good.
LOCAL FLAVOR Bedford’s postcardpretty village with oHHo at the old firehouse in the center.
Bedford’s Ultimate Insiders: The Ginnel family
“AFTER THREE GENERATIONS, WE KNOW NOT JUST THE PROPERTIES, BUT THEIR STORIES AND THE FAMILIES BEHIND THEM. THAT PERSPECTIVE MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE.”
Long considered the first town beyond Manhattan that genuinely feels like the country, Bedford offers a rare combination of space, privacy, and charm without sacrificing accessibility. Predominantly four-acre zoning and extensive conservation land keep density low and views uninterrupted. Metro-North, Route 684, and the Saw Mill Parkway make commuting into New York fast and efficient, less than an hour away. This balance continues to draw people looking for open land and a more considered pace of life, one that has made Bedford a multi-generational town. Many who grew up in Bedford return as adults, choosing to raise families in the same landscape they once explored themselves.
Bedford’s appeal lies not only in its setting, but in its values. A long-standing commitment to land preservation, a thriving equestrian community with working horse farms and a broad range of architectural styles—from historic colonials to modern estates—ensure that no two properties, or lives, feel the same. It’s a place where individuality is preserved as carefully as the land itself.
In a market as nuanced as Bedford’s, experience matters. For seventy-five years, Ginnel Real Estate has been the premiere presence in Northern Westchester, offering a depth of local knowledge that can only come from time. Independently owned and third-generation, Ginnel has built its reputation on discretion, consistency, and a highly personal approach to real estate. Buying or selling a home is rarely transactional; it requires a thoughtful understanding of land use, zoning, architectural history, and the subtle distinctions between neighborhoods—areas where Ginnel’s expertise is well established and highly sought after.
“This isn’t just our market, it’s our home, says Ben Ginnel. “We grew up here, went to school here. We’ve walked every preserve, ridden the trails, fished these lakes. We know the restaurants and shop at the same stores our neighbors do. After three generations, we know not just
the properties, but their stories and the families behind them. That perspective makes all the difference.”
Intentionally boutique in scale, Ginnel allows its agents to deliver a level of attention and insight that larger firms simply cannot. Ginnel agents are consistently ranked among the top in the market, known for their ability to guide clients with clarity and confidence, whether navigating complex estates, equestrian properties, or discreet off-market opportunities. More than salespeople, agents are trusted advisors, connecting clients not just to homes, but to the version of Bedford that best suits their lives.
That long view also gives Ginnel a unique perspective on Bedford’s evolution, particularly within its hamlets of Bedford Village, Katonah, and Bedford Hills. These charming towns have seen a new and thoughtful influx of locally owned businesses that add energy without altering the town’s character. Once quiet storefronts now house well-curated shops, restaurants and creative spaces that reflect the community’s taste and values.
Bedford Village’s restored firehouse is home to oHHo, a social and cultural hub that serves coffee and pastries in the morning and woodfired pizza throughout the day and evening. Florrie opened in the Bedford Historical Society’s 1838 General Store, now a destination for their refined approach to home design. Dutchess, a clean-beauty boutique founded by a Hollywood makeup artist turned local and Rivay, the cult-favorite men’s shop specializing in bespoke style round out a business district that feels distinctly Bedford.
Many of these business owners first arrived as Ginnel clients, drawn by Bedford’s understated appeal and choosing to invest deeply in its future. Beyond just commerce, they contribute to the social fabric— hosting events, creating gathering points, and strengthening the sense of community that defines Bedford.
“Just when we thought Bedford couldn’t get any better, it did,” says Jaclene Ginnel. “We are so proud to be a small part of that.”
THE BUILDING BOOM
CUE THE STARCHITECTS. FROM TRIBECA TO MIAMI BEACH, LUXURY BUILDINGS ARE CHANGING THE SKYLINE.
EAST 20TH
URBAN EVOLUTION: THE GREENWICH
“Manhattan has signaled not only the evolution of architecture, but of urbanism,” declared Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly, who died in 2023. Viñoly’s final urban masterpiece: The Greenwich, a history-making addition to lower Manhattan’s skyline. The slender, 88-story apartment tower had to be narrow. The site was small and tight, even awkward. Viñoly’s ingenious solution was to give The Greenwich a central spine and then “hang’ the apartments off it.
“The Greenwich is not designed according to the ‘mansions in the sky’ philosophy popularized in the early 20th century,” says Jim Herr, a partner who guided the project’s completion. That traditional strategy dictates that larger apartments are always at the top. The Greenwich does have a suite of penthouses but also apartments, no matter their size, throughout the building. Through seamless, curved, full-height, floor-to-ceiling curtain walls, apartments look out across the city and river and miles beyond–unencumbered. Seeing nothing but sky is an extraordinary asset.
The interiors firm MAWD–March and White Design Studio–are behind the modern look they call “a detail-focused approach from selecting the perfect materials to designing bespoke furniture.” A narrow entrance leads like a secret passage to a dramatic marble and bronze lobby with a massive fireplace and soaring ceilings. “After you’ve been brought through the compression created by the entry, you arrive in this totally expanded and exaggerated lobby,” MAWD’s Elliot March and James White explain. “Warm, residential, unexpectedly homey...a total surprise as you make your way towards the three banks of elevators.”
At the tippy top of the instantly iconic tower, Viñoly has replaced the usual stacks of penthouses with a three-story high-tech playground called “The 88” that is 800 feet in the sky. March and White designed the space to feel like a sleek private club with a screening room, a wellness “haven” and an indoor saltwater pool where swimming laps comes with an IMAX view of the skyline.
“MANHATTAN HAS SIGNALED NOT ONLY THE EVOLUTION OF ARCHITECTURE, BUT OF URBANISM.” –RAPHAEL VIÑOLY
GILDED GRAMMERCY PARK: 200 EAST 20TH
200 East 20th–the glimmering, bronzeaccented 19-story tower in Grammercy Park–is the neighborhood’s hottest new address. Designed by John Cetra and Nancy J. Ruddy of CetraRuddy in the style of the grand buildings that define the neighborhood, the façade hugs the corner in curves of airy windows. A modern take on the Beaux Arts buildings that surround it, 200 East 20th is beautifully detailed, grand yet subdued, light yet substantial.
Known for historic landmarks, pre-war edifices, and Edith Wharton-aged brownstones, Gramercy Park is where the Roosevelts first called home and remains one of Manhattan’s most desirable locations. Blocks from the bustling Flatiron District and Union Square, it somehow retains small-town ambiance while being home to the iconic Pete’s Tavern, The Gramercy Arts Club, and The Players Club.
The sophisticated, well-attended lobby has wood ceilings, and the floors and walls are lined with honed stone and tile. A lounge is anchored by an elegant linear fireplace–the perfect space for coworking, relaxing, and entertaining. A secret garden nearby is the perfect escape for meditating and relaxing. The fully landscaped rooftop terrace has a fire pit and outdoor kitchen surrounded by breathtaking skyline views. There is also a fully equipped fitness center, children’s playroom, and bike storage.
This limited collection of 1-to 3-bedroom apartments, like the neighborhood, resonate with grace and effortless beauty–elegantly crafted with hand honed materials as timeless as the neighborhood they reside in. Marketed by Douglas Elliman, this is another exquisite offering by The Naftali Group.
“KNOWN FOR HISTORIC LANDMARKS, PRE-WAR EDIFICES, AND EDITH WHARTON-AGED BROWNSTONES, GRAMERCY PARK IS WHERE THE ROOSEVELTS FIRST CALLED HOME AND REMAINS ONE OF MANHATTAN’S MOST DESIRABLE LOCATIONS.”
“INSPIRED BY THE MOVEMENT OF THE ADJACENT WATER, THE PERIGON STANDS ON THE BEACH LIKE A SCULPTURAL WAVE, GAZING OUT OVER THE ATLANTIC OCEAN AND BISCAYNE BAY.”
THE RIGHT ANGLE: THE PERIGON
The big buzz in Miami Beach is The Perigon–designed by an international team of architectural icons: Rem Koolhaas’ OMA, Tara Bernerd & Partners, and Gustafson Porter + Bowman. The Perigon takes its name from the geometric term for an angle of 360 degrees, and its series of diamond shaped towers rise over the ocean like a glass accordion. Inspired by the movement of the adjacent water, The Perigon stands on the beach like a sculptural wave, gazing out over the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. The address is a uniquely private enclave offering world-class amenities and white-glove service with the most precious of commodities: privacy.
Seeming to float on two-story columns in the sky, The Perigon offers the seclusion of a private island in the center of Miami Beach. The landscaping is by Gustafson Porter + Bowman with interiors by Tara Bernerd & Partners. The expansive ground floor includes a screening room, children’s lounge, and business facilities. A concierge provides curated services 24-hours a day and the restaurant provides in-home dining and catering.
The Perigon’s organic curves and clean lines, with floor-to-ceiling-windows, have open layouts and oversized terraces that allow space to flow from indoors to outdoors. With just 77 generously-sized residences, The Perigon is like an exclusive luxury hotel, an oasis in the middle of Miami Beach.
BEACH HOUSE IN THE SKY: THE RITZ CARLTON RESIDENCES
SOUTH BEACH
The Ritz Carlton residences sit where Collins Avenue meets Lincon Road, the pulsing social heart of South Beach. Designed in the style of ‘Miami Modern’ or as it is referred to today, ‘MiMo,’ there was no architect more responsible for this movement than Morris Lapidus. In the 50s and 60s, Lapidus was the celebrated architect behind The Fontainebleau and Eden Roc and credited with Collins Avenue’s architectural style, bravely working with neon signage–a distinct energy. Lapidus fled Russia as an infant with his family and went on to design over 1,200 buildings, including 250 hotels. Critically-maligned throughout most of his career, in 2000 The Cooper Hewitt honored him with an exhibition. He died a year later at the age of ninety-eight, just in time to hear the many accolades that came his way for creating the Miami skyline.
Lapidus’ 15-story white tower originally called The DiLido Hotel opened in 1953 and has been reimagined as The Ritz Carlton Residences South Beach by a world-class team, led by architect Kobi Karp and interior designer Alessandro Munge of Studio Munge, along with landscaping by Naturalficial and menu design by Michelinstarred chef José Andrés. On offer is a limited collection of 30 one to seven-bedroom oceanfront apartments boasting up to 8,000+ square feet of seamless indoor/outdoor living space, including two private rooftop terraces with outdoor pools. Karp was inspired by “the stunning location where the Atlantic Ocean meets Lincoln Road and the work of Morris Lapidus, whose legendary architecture came to define mid-century Miami Beach.”
“Billionaire’s Beach is at the forefront of Miami’s real estate renaissance,” declares Fred Eklund, co-founder of Eklund/Gomes. “The way the ocean and light and shadow move during the day, it’s like nature’s artwork outside your window. It’s a kaleidoscope of color.” Naturally, The Ritz Carlton Residences fit right in.
“DESIGNED IN THE STYLE OF ‘MIAMI MODERN’ OR AS IT IS REFERRED TO TODAY, ‘MIMO,’ THERE WAS NO ARCHITECT MORE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS MOVEMENT THAN MORRIS LAPIDUS.”
“THE EARTH’S ELLIPTICAL PATH INSPIRED THE CURVED, SAIL-LIKE SHAPE OF THE TWO TOWERS. AND IN A CITY WITH A VAULTED PRESENCE IN THE ART WORLD, SUNNY ISLES INSTANTLY REIGNS AS AN ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE.”
HERE COMES THE SUN: THE ST. REGIS RESIDENCES, SUNNY ISLES BEACH MIAMI
On almost five acres with 435-feet of beachfront, The St. Regis Residences, Sunny Isles Beach Miami boasts the most space of any high-end development currently underway in the area. The two towers frame the Miami skyline and the infinite beach. “The sun defines Miami. The Sunny Isles name is not accidental,” says architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia. “The monumental ever-changing curvature creates a form identifiable from afar against the open skies. It defines the project’s skyline and the city with a form that has meaning.” The earth’s elliptical path inspired the curved, sail-like shape of the two towers. And in a city with a vaulted presence in the art world, Sunny Isles instantly reigns as an architectural masterpiece.
A double-height porte-cochère opens to an art-filled 10,000 square foot lobby, which leads to the ocean. Inspired by the detail of yacht craftsmanship, interior designer Patricia Anastassiadis uses luxe materials in expansive layouts to make each residence the ultimate experience in luxury living.
Sunny Isles has over 70,000 square feet of amenities like the longest infinity edge pool in South Florida. There are 24-hour butler and concierge services, personal chefs, spa treatments, housekeeping, errand runners, film screenings, travel arrangements, party planning, and classic St. Regis rituals like afternoon tea and a private spa and salon. There is even a cognac room.
MANHATTAN’S HIGH-END HOUSING MARKET MOVED A LOT FASTER THAN
EXPECTED, REPORTS REAL ESTATE
GURU AND AUTHOR, JONATHAN MILLER
The Miller Report
Manhattan’s 2025 co-op and condo markets moved faster than they felt. Despite the continued consumer obsession with high mortgage rates, weary buyers, economic uncertainty, and a new mayor, the year brought rising sales, tightening inventory, and a clear resurgence led by the upper end of the market. What emerged wasn’t another boom, but a steady, quiet, and more durable housing market than expected by observers outside the city.
POWERING THROUGH
BY: JONATHAN MILLER, President of Miller Samuel Real Estate Appraisers and author of HousingNotes.com and the Douglas Elliman Market Report Series
By the end of the year, the message was unmistakable: the market had powered through the uncertainty, as few gave credit to record-setting compensation and profits emanating from Wall Street. Sales strengthened quarter after quarter in 2025, and prices edged higher, too. Listing inventory began to shrink as supply was steadily sold off. In fact, the pace of the Manhattan market on the ground quickened by the end of the year as sales levels overpowered the number of listings entering the market. What began as a cautious climb early in the year evolved into a clear pattern as the market finally
“THE ROBUST FINANCIAL MARKETS FAVORED THE HIGHER END OF THE HOUSING MARKET ALL YEAR, ENABLING MANY TO PAY CASH OR AVOID RETAIL MORTGAGE RATE LEVELS.”
JONATHAN MILLER
adjusted to postpandemic conditions.
Bidding wars made a noticeable return, but their market share remained with long-term norms. The competition was less frenzied than in the pandemic-era boom years and more reflective of a market guided by fundamentals rather than speculation.
Instead of volatility in pricing, the market story became more balanced. Buyers and sellers found common ground as evidenced by rising sales, even as borrowing costs stayed far above their pandemic lows. Wealthier purchasers, less constrained by financing, enjoyed rising compensation and booming financial markets. They continued to push the market forward, shifting its
weight towards the higher end.
CO-OPS REGAIN GROUND
One of the year’s most unexpected shifts came from the co-op market at the end of the year, which regained strength after trailing the condo sector. Co-ops drew renewed attention from financingsensitive buyers as mortgage rates eased since the summer, improving their affordability relative to higherpriced condos. Ownership costs also reinforced the divide between the two property types—the median price of condos were more than double the median price of co-ops. This helped co-ops see a larger gain in sales than condos for the first time in more than a year.
Source: Elliman Report: Q4-2025 Manhattan Sales
SCARCITY AT THE TOP
Even so, the market’s strength remained firmly anchored in the luxury tier throughout the year, which began at roughly the $4 million threshold, representing the top 10% of all sales. Manhattan’s higher priced apartments continued to lead both pricing trends and sales trends as the submarket remained less dependent on mortgage rates than the rest of the market. Cash deals have been elevated for the past several years as more affluent buyers were able to more easily sidestep the retail cost of borrowing, partially insulating the top of the market from rate pressure. The robust financial markets favored the higher end of the housing market all year, enabling many to pay cash or avoid retail mortgage rate levels. While the average sale size of a luxury sale edged lower, the number of high end transactions increased, showing that demand at the top had expanded rather than faded, and any easing in overall prices reflected shifts in the mix of apartments
trading rather than weakness in the sector itself.
Supply limitations deepened across the luxury and new development condo markets as the number of listings for high end and new-development properties continued to decline, feeding a scarcity that supported higher prices. While Manhattan’s longterm overall price trend has been relatively stable for nearly a decade, the luxury sector has maintained its larger market importance, partly driven by global wealth.
THINKING ABOUT 2026
By year’s end, the defining features of Manhattan’s market were unmistakable: it was faster and more top heavy than has been observed since exiting the pandemic era. Sales had grown, inventory had tightened, and competition had returned without a frenzy. The luxury market, rather than acting as a decorative fringe, served as the engine behind the housing recovery.
“THE LUXURY SECTOR HAS MAINTAINED ITS LARGER MARKET IMPORTANCE, PARTLY DRIVEN BY GLOBAL WEALTH.”
