Brand-new Bay Park construction designed for buyers seeking space, style, and modern functionality. The main home features a sleek chef’s kitchen with white oak cabinetry, quartz countertops, a 6-burner Dacor range, and a hidden butler’s pantry complete with its own sink, refrigerator, and dishwasher—perfect for entertaining. Warm finishes, designer lighting, and a custom wood-slat accent wall add refined coastal character throughout. The layout includes three en-suite bedrooms, highlighted by a stunning primary suite with a spa-inspired bath, soaking tub, oversized rain shower, and walk-in closet. A large private front yard creates a welcoming yet discreet entry, while the upstairs deck captures Bay Park breezes and sunset views. An expanded two-bedroom ADU with a private entrance off the paved alley offers excellent flexibility for multigenerational living, guests, or rental income. Energyefficient upgrades include solar with battery backup, all just moments from Bay Park’s popular restaurants, coffee shops, and neighborhood hotspots.
ARCHITECT ELLEN MARTIN SHARES WHAT HER HIGH-NETWORTH CLIENTS GET RIGHT— AND WRONG—WHEN TECH ENTERS THE HOME.
By Simon Murray
If you’ve ever stood in front of a touchscreen wall panel wondering whether pressing the wrong button might accidentally lower the blinds in the wrong wing, you’re not alone. Even among the ultra-wealthy, “smart home” is often a misnomer—because without the right approach, the tech may quickly become more trouble than it’s worth.
Enter Ellen Martin, a New York Citybased residential architect who has been navigating the intersection of luxury living and home technology for more than three decades. She’s designed brownstones for people who want every bell and whistle, second homes for clients who happily retreat to a world before screens and everything in between.
“These tips aren’t what everyone is doing,” she says. “These tips are what I see most typically across my own clients.”
And if there’s one thing Martin has learned after so many years inside the homes—and minds—of Fortune 500 executives, founders and legacy families, it’s this: Smart tech only works when it supports the way you live.
Full Automation Or DIY?
Crestron Electronics has worked with ultra-high-net-worth homeowners on the tech for many of the world’s most exclusive residences, penthouses, compounds and superyachts. “For our clients, luxury is no longer defined by how many devices they own, but how little they have to think about them,” says Michael Short, vice president of marketing operations and residential at Crestron. “When a home can naturally support your rhythms, protect your family and feel familiar whether you’re in the city apartment, the beach house or on the water, that’s when technology stops being a feature and becomes part of the lifestyle.”
Martin agrees. “Back in the 1990s, clients were far more enamored with the technology and needed racks of hardware just to make it work,” she says. “Now you can create a semi-smart home without relying on a professional just to turn it on and off.”
Today, brands such as Nest, SimpliSafe, Ring and Control4 let homeowners tailor systems to their comfort level. Some clients still want the full Lutron, Crestron or Savant command center—“maybe a third,” Martin estimates—but many prefer something lightweight, customizable and easily accessible from their phone.
TV REMOTE When it comes to designing the perfect home, there’s definitely less of that ‘gathering around the TV’ moment and more personal media use,” Ellen Martin (BELOW) says. “People don’t want to wire a whole house for music as much anymore.”
Build For How You Use Media
Two decades ago, clients wanted full-fledged theater rooms with built-in projectors, stepped seating and acoustical paneling. Today, the technology has outpaced the need. Ultra-thin OLEDs, stunning micro-LED displays and smart TVs with cinema-grade sound processing have made the dedicated theater room—once the pinnacle of luxury—largely superfluous.
“There’s definitely less of that ‘gathering around the TV’ moment and more personal media use,” Martin says. “People don’t want to wire a whole house for music as much anymore.”
Instead of centralized media temples, her clients are building beautiful moments of flexibility: a 100-inch OLED in the living room, a Sonos speaker or a pair of noise-canceling headphones in the bedroom, an iPad that also sometimes doubles as a travel companion, etc.
Entertainment hasn’t disappeared; it’s simply become individualized. And thanks to the leap in quality across screens and speakers, you no longer need an acoustically sealed room to enjoy a cinematic night in.
Connectivity Is The Cornerstone
If there’s one hill Martin is willing to die on, it’s WI-FI.
Across all setups, one requirement is non-negotiable: flawless connectivity. Dead zones are a dealbreaker in sprawling estates or brownstones. “Like everyone, my clients freak out about WI-FI the most,” she says. “It’s the first thing we test—no dropped calls, no streaming interruptions.”
High-end routers (Ubiquiti, Netgear Orbi, Eero Pro) plus strategically placed extenders are now fundamental infrastructure, right up there with HVAC and plumbing. In one recent 3,000-square-foot apartment remodel, the main router feeds the network, but five additional repeaters ensure every corner is covered. The client’s tech team even walked the space to confirm full coverage. As Martin says, “There’s no dropping any calls in that apartment.”
Longevity, Not Annual Upgrades
Her clients don’t want to update their homes along with their phones every two years. “In my 30 years,” she says, “I’ve never been asked to come back and update something. People learn to use what they have, and they live there.”
That means avoiding overly proprietary systems and choosing tech that ages gracefully—lighting controls that won’t be obsolete in three years, modular audio and security devices you can replace without ripping open walls.
Less Can Always Be More
Minimalism can be luxe—no dashboards, no logins, no software updates at inconvenient times. Just acoustically quiet home offices, good lighting and yes, reliable WI-FI, because even the tech-averse still need to be reachable.
Source: Coldwell Magazine, Winter 2026
Source: Coldwell Magazine, Winter 2026
LA JOLLA
5435 PARKVIEW DRIVE
5 BR + 1 OPTIONAL | 6.5 BA | 4,588
$5,500,000
MLS# 250041315
LA JOLLA
7784 LOOKOUT DRIVE
5 BR | 5.5 BA | 3,597 ESF
$4,985,000
MLS# 250043848
LA JOLLA
5912 LA JOLLA BOULEVARD
3 BR + 1 OPTIONAL | 4 BA | 2,855 ESF
$3,600,000 MLS# 260004250
LA MESA
10945 PUEBLA DRIVE
3 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,044 ESF
$1,199,900 - $1,249,900
MLS# PTP2601398
LAKESIDE
11825 TAIA LANE
4 BR | 2 BA | 2,584 ESF
$999,900 - $1,023,000
MLS# PTP2600877
LAKESIDE
12135 LOS AMIGOS WAY
4 BR | 2 BA | 2,528 ESF
$992,000
MLS# PTP2601573
MOUNTAIN CENTER
61390 STATE HIGHWAY 74
6 BR | 7 FULL & 5 HALF BA | 1,600 ESF
$1,299,900
MLS# PTP2600319
NATIONAL CITY
1003 MANCHESTER STREET
3 BR | 2 BA | 1,802 ESF
$850,000
MLS# PTP2600866
NORMAL HEIGHTS
5036 LITCHFIELD ROAD
3 BR | 2 BA | 1,908 ESF
$1,750,000
MLS# PTP2508148
NORTH PARK
3736 LOUISIANA STREET
2 UNITS
$2,150,000
MLS# PTP2601417
OCEAN BEACH
4527 NARRAGANSETT AVENUE
5 BR | 4.5 BA | 3,650 ESF
$4,500,000
MLS# 250043069
OLD TOWN
2113-2115 FRANKFORT STREET
6 BR | 5 BA | 3,737 ESF
$3,350,000
MLS# 260003866
OTAY MESA
5204 TOPSAIL DRIVE
6 BR | 3 BA | 2,859 ESF
$1,150,000
MLS# PTP2601014
OTAY MESA
1614 AREQUIPA STREET
5 BR | 3.5 BA | 2,299 ESF
$925,000
MLS# PTP2600502
PACIFIC BEACH
3901 HAINES STREET
5 BR | 5 BA | 2,207 ESF
$3,350,000
MLS# NDP2601603
PACIFIC BEACH
3905 HAINES STREET
5 BR | 5 BA | 1,967 ESF
$2,975,000
MLS# NDP2601580
PACIFIC BEACH
3903 HAINES STREET
5 BR | 5 BA | 1,967 ESF
$2,850,000
MLS# NDP2601613
PINE VALLEY
28743 LEBANON ROAD
3 BR | 2.5 BA | 2,891 ESF
$1,100,000
MLS# PTP2506014
Montevideo URUGUAY
Wedged between Brazil and Argentina, there is a country of unexpected beauty that is progressive, stable, safe and culturally sophisticated. Uruguay may be South America’s smallest country, but it offers “not made for tourist” experiences that cannot be compared to those of the more-recognized neighboring countries.
Whether caught in a cow-and-gaucho (cowboy) traffic jam on a dirt road to nowhere or strolling with locals along Montevideo’s beachfront, Uruguayans are well known as good hosts and will welcome you with great pleasure.
Many people find their refuge in Uruguay. It’s hard not to fall in love with the gorgeous beaches, expansive nature, indulgent culinary delicacies, good-
vibe culture, and endless activities. There is plenty to do whether visiting cosmopolitan Montevideo, picturesque Colonia or party-till-you-drop Punta del Este. Wildlife-watching, horseback riding, shopping, clubbing, or hot-spring hopping, Uruguay truly has something for everyone. Among the welcoming community of this special and eclectic little country is our team at Coldwell Banker Infinity Real Estate in Montevideo.
Welcome to Uruguay. Located between Brazil, the Uruguayan latitude, its coastline, and the absence of natural Uruguay´s having a subtropical extreme temperatures and a direct cities of the region, by land, river and more than 600km of coastline. A beauty, situated way down south, location, with never-ending rivers, boundless horizon. A country of strong traditions and solid commitments. We have the same passion for football for the environment. Uruguay celebrates and creates with every moment. for today and tomorrow and innovates happen. Colonia, Montevideo, Canelones, y Rocha form an extensive strip of seaside resorts, fishing ports and
Territory Summary:
between Argentina and its extensive maritime natural barriers, favor subtropical climate, without direct route to the main and flight. Uruguay has A land of unexpected in strategic regional clear blue skies and friendly people, with commitments. football that we have celebrates passionately moment. Uruguay produces innovates to make it Canelones, Maldonado of beautiful beaches, huge spaces where
nature is shown in all its splendor, with a varied hotel and gastronomic offer. In a planet where water is an increasingly scarce resource, Uruguay is a freshwater paradise. Likewise, this paradise has managed to create the necessary conditions to be a stable and reliable country for investment. Important industries are tourism and, as evidenced by our abundant bovine population, agriculture.
Uruguay is the largest per capita exporter of software in Latin America. The government focuses on growing our technology sector, while improving technological infrastructure. Internet connectivity is superlative, and WiFi is even offered for free in public plazas and parks.
The tech industry also has some key benefits, such as tax exempt for technology exports. We can talk for hours about Uruguay, but our incredible landscapes and the warmth of our people is something you must see with your own eyes.
KEY FACTS
POPULATION: 1,302,954 (2023 CENSUS)
LANGUAGE(S) SPOKEN: Spanish
CLIMATE: Humid Subtropical
CURRENCY: Peso Uruguayo
INDUSTRY FACTS
TYPES OF ARCHITECTURE: Montevideo, a cosmopolitan city with an architecture that shows a colonial and neoclassical style that mixes with modern architecture and Art Decó that emerged during the golden age of the country in the 20th century.
PRICE PER SQ. FT/METER: Values vary if it is an apartment US$2.636/sqm or a house US$1.727/sqm.
AVERAGE SALE PRICE: US $2.182/sqm
AVERAGE YEARS IN HOUSE/APT: 10/15 years
TYPES OF FINANCING: While the property is under construction, it can be financed directly with the developer. Other option is a mortgage with official banks or private banks.
