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Eight Out-of-the-Ordinary Homes

Ahead of Christie’s Out of the Ordinary sale on September 14, we present eight unusual and exceptional homes

Commemorating 250 years of auction house history, Christie’s Out of the Ordinary sale is a celebration of the unusual, the unique, the extraordinary, and the exceptional. The sale will feature more than 90 lots of rare collectibles, selected for the intriguing stories that surround them, and belonging to some of the most famous people in history. To mark this auction highlight, Luxury Defined presents eight homes that are each within themselves a work of art, but above all, are most certainly de facto “out of the ordinary.”

Contemporary Villa
Vira, Ticino, Switzerland

Avant-garde architecture and show-stopping views are the hallmarks of this one-of-a-kind villa in the beautiful Swiss town of Vira. Set into a hillside overlooking Lake Maggiore, this contemporary residence was designed to showcase the breathtaking natural landscape from vast walls of glass that create a series of viewing stations onto the lake and snowcapped Alpine peaks. Luxury and comfort, too, are ensured with a wellness center complete with sauna and gym, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and a lift to all levels. Furthering the stellar line-up of amenities are four bedrooms, three bathrooms, separate guest quarters, a three-car garage, a landscaped garden, and outdoor swimming pool facing the lake.

The Copper House
Sentosa, Singapore

Dubbed the Copper House, this spectacular 9,500-square-foot residence is the creation of award-winning Singapore architect Sonny Chan. Nestled on Sentosa, an exclusive paradise island just over half a mile off the main island of Singapore, this trophy property sits on 18,000 square feet of land with 130 feet of prime water frontage. In addition to the innovative use of materials and technology, the home has a unique layout. All six suite bedrooms are on the ground level facing the pool, while the living hall, dining room, and entertainment area are situated on the second and third floor to take advantage of the incredible sunset views.

The Bounty House
Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii

A local landmark for nearly 50 years, the Bounty house is a unique private dwelling in the historic Hanalei district of Kauai’s north shore. Set amid lush, secluded grounds with a separate cottage, the charming two-bedroom, two-bathroom main house is crafted from wood with a striking boat-like design. A complete renovation in keeping with the original architecture has resulted in a home for 21st-century living. The special features include a gourmet kitchen, updated bathrooms, and a large screened-in lanai that serves as additional living or entertaining space. Situated on the highly-sought after Weke Road, the property is within walking distance of Hanalei’s world-class beaches and village amenities.

Casa Redonda
Nosara, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

A one-of-a-kind private hideaway in the rainforest of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, Casa Redondo offers a lifestyle experience like no other. Nestled amid two acres of tropical gardens, this 7,000-square-foot circular structure is at once beautiful and surreal. A white-stucco façade frames a series of archways and walls of windows designed to showcase the outlying topography. The open-plan sandstone interior is accessed by a central stone spiral staircase leading to all three floors. There are three en suite bedrooms, a cinema, indoor bar, wraparound terrace, and fabulous semi-circular infinity pool and bar. For an out-of-the-ordinary experience, residents can retreat to the roof deck to take in the incredible 360-degree panorama of the Pacific Ocean, mountains, and rainforest.

Ski the Future
Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada form the backdrop for “Ski the Future,” a modernist masterpiece in Nevada’s Incline Village. Soaring above the shores of the lake, this deftly designed residence is one of the most spectacular waterfront properties in North America. The 9,000-square-foot multi-faceted, cantilevered structure is wrapped by walls of glass and steel. Inside, a stunning glass staircase and futuristic glass elevator provide a dramatic introduction to six floors of living space, each a work of art in itself. Outside, the undulating grounds slope to 98 feet of lake frontage complete with a steel pier, boat hoist, and two buoys to provide the ultimate in luxury lakefront living.

Shining Hand Ranch
Ashland, Rogue Valley, Oregon

In the foothills of the Siskiyou and Cascade mountain ranges in southern Oregon, this 700-acre ranch was inspired by its enchanting woodland setting. Completed in 2016, the 8,880-square-foot sanctuary was handcrafted with accents of exotic wood and river rock to echo the organic flow of nature. Flanked by beautiful copper tree sculptures, the dramatic arched front doors are made of Brazilian mahogany, sculpted by local artist Russell Beebe. The dazzling foyer is adorned with a hardwood floor that seems to ebb and flow like a river. Overlooking the valley from a wall of windows, the upstairs master suite is a treehouse-like retreat with a beautiful domed cedar ceiling. The home’s architecture and amenities not only honor nature but function in concert with it: the floors are heated geothermally and the endless pool, housed in an adjacent glass building, is solar heated.

Bartra Martello Tower
Dalkey, Co. Dublin, Ireland

The most significant of Ireland’s 16 remaining Martello towers, this Irish National Monument on the Dublin coast has been reimagined as an exquisite private residence.
The most significant of Ireland’s 16 remaining Martello towers, this Irish National Monument on the Dublin coast has been reimagined as an exquisite private residence.
Standing on the highest point of the Dalkey coast, with views that stretch from Dublin Bay to the Dublin Mountains, Bartra Martello Tower provides an unparalleled living experience on the Emerald Isle. Designated an Irish National Monument, this circa-1804 landmark is the most significant of the 28 original defense towers that were built along the Dublin coastline during the Napoleonic Wars. Protected by high stone walls and sheltered gardens, the cut-granite circular structure has today been artfully reimagined as an exquisite private residence. The original garrison room, recreated as a living area, sits on the ground level. Upstairs is the old gunpowder room, which houses the lavish master suite. Atop is the original lookout—now a timber-decked roof garden with sensational 360-degree views. Planning permission has been granted to create a contemporary extension to further the legacy of this extraordinary property.

Contemporary Hamptons Oceanfront
East Quogue, Southampton, New York

Sited on 1.4 private acres between the Atlantic Ocean and Shinnecock Bay, “65 DUNE” redefines luxury oceanfront living. Built into the dunes with private beach access, the brand-new contemporary residence spans 9,300 square feet with two levels of sleek, modern living spaces. The centerpiece is a dramatic 80- by 30-foot great room with a 30-foot-wide glass wall facing the ocean. A glass elevator, Molteni-designed kitchen, custom wine cellar, and eight bedrooms, including a master suite with a glass wall overlooking the Atlantic, are among the interior highlights. Rising 28 feet above the dunes, a sundeck is complete with a heated salt-water infinity pool, spa, sun shelf, and outdoor kitchen. Other alfresco spaces include two bay-facing decks or the 90-foot roof deck with unfettered ocean and bay views.